Attorneys for Legal Guardianship/Custodianship - Normal Costs, Best Way to Locate?

Kopera

My LO is in their 80s and has been diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. I need to pursue emergency legal guardianship and custodianship for several reasons - mainly, because they have been hospitalized for over six weeks and we have mounting issues that I need to address. Our state (Massachusetts) separates the petitions for care of the person and where they are (guardianship) and responsibilities over their finances (custodianship).

I'm in the Boston area and I'm having a really hard time finding an attorney. I have spoken to the local bar association and also searched for attorneys on NAELA. 50 percent do not return contact attempts - even persistent ones. Another 25 percent have told me that they are not accepting new clients. 10 percent that handle only estate planning, trusts, etc.

I had one attorney tell me that he doesn't do consults and requires an upfront $2500 as a retainer before he would even speak with me.

I had another attorney tell me that he wants a $7000 retainer for regular guardianship/custodianship and a $10,000 retainer for emergency guardianship/custodianship.

Can I ask about the latter attorney's pricing? Is this standard? For high cost of living locales?

If anyone happens to have specific attorney recommendations in Massachusetts and/or New York, or advice on how to choose an elder care law attorney, please, please share because I'm at a loss at this point.

harshedbuzz

@Kopera

Hi and welcome. I am sorry for your reason to be here but pleased you found this place.

I haven't personally done guardianship as we were able to convince dad to sign a POA. But I had an aunt who obtained emergency guardianship for her sister, first in Maine and then permanent when she moved her to MA. In both cases, fees were paid by the assets of the person who needed a guardian.

I have reached out to someone who is familiar with legal fees in the Boston area and will post when and if I hear from her.

HB

harshedbuzz

I'm going to send you a private message.

HB

Kopera

Thank you so much! I deeply appreciate this!!!