Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A.

For seniors, their families, and caregivers in Lewiston, Maine, and throughout the surrounding communities, navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding aging, long-term care, and estate planning is a critical concern. Within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. stands as a specialized firm dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate legal services in elder law. Located at 443 Main St, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA, and readily reachable by phone at (207) 783-8500, this firm offers tailored solutions for the unique needs of an aging population.

The Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. boasts an expert legal team with significant collective experience in the field of elder law, helping Maine's seniors since 1996. The firm was previously the Elder Law Offices of Kathleen Kienitz, P.A., and was acquired by Mia Poliquin Pross in January 2022, becoming the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. This transition maintained the high-quality service and care that clients had come to expect. The firm's key attorneys include:

• Mia Poliquin Pross, Esq.: Mia focuses on helping families plan for long-term care needs and transitions, navigating Medicaid (MaineCare) eligibility and applications, estate planning, and probate estate administration. Her background includes varied experience in finance, health insurance, and social policy, and she spent many years in the non-profit sector advocating for vulnerable populations. This experience has instilled in her an empathetic nature, strong listening skills, and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving. She is a member of the Maine State Bar Association's Elder Law Section and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
• James F. Pross, Esq.: James has been in private practice in Maine since 2004, with experience in Social Security Disability, real estate law, and general litigation. At the Elder Law Office of Kienitz & Pross, he represents clients in probate court and assists with estate planning and long-term care planning. Clients frequently compliment him on his attentiveness and caring nature.
• Kathleen E. Kienitz, Esq., Of Counsel: Kathleen has practiced elder law and estate planning in Lewiston for over 30 years since 1991. She was one of the first Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) through the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) in Maine and has served on the NELF board of Directors. She has also been the past chairperson of the Elder Law Section of the Maine State Bar Association and a past board member and vice chair of Maine Legal Services for the Elderly. Her extensive experience and pioneering role in elder law are invaluable to the firm.

The services provided by the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. are specialized to address the unique legal and financial challenges faced by seniors and their families. These services primarily include:

• Estate Planning and Probate Administration: Assisting clients with the preparation of wills, trusts, and other essential documents to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, and guiding families through the probate process after a loved one's passing.
• Long-Term Care Planning: Developing strategies to help clients plan for potential long-term care needs, including nursing home care, and protecting assets from being depleted by care costs.
• Medicaid (MaineCare) Planning and Applications: Navigating the complex eligibility rules and application processes for Medicaid to help clients qualify for essential long-term care benefits while preserving assets to the extent permitted by law.
• Planning for Incapacity: Establishing powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianships to ensure that clients' wishes are honored and their affairs are managed if they become incapacitated.
• Special Needs Planning: Creating specialized trusts and plans to protect the eligibility of individuals with disabilities for government benefits.

The firm prides itself on being a "small firm that takes pride in getting to know you and providing the utmost professional service that meets your individual needs." Their knowledgeable and friendly attorneys and staff are committed to guiding clients through each step of the process, from the initial consultation to the long-term implementation of their estate plan. They emphasize creating an individualized experience for each client, understanding that every family's situation is unique.

Client feedback for the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. offers a dual perspective. One positive review highlights the firm's compassionate and effective approach: "Very friendly, kind and understanding. Really helped me put my wishes in writing. Would highly recommend this office for your needs. This office was very kind and genuinely cared about the situation I was in and went above and beyond to help. I can't thank them enough!" This speaks to the firm's dedication to client care and their willingness to go "above and beyond." Positive testimonials on their website also commend Mia Poliquin Pross for her "expertise and advice" and acknowledge the firm's effectiveness in helping families.

However, another review points to challenges related to scheduling and availability: "I was referred to this lawyer by a lawyer from my hometown in NC. He went thru NOELA and found Pross. Sent me the contact info and said she would be the best to help me in Maine. I called on Presidents’ Day, got no answer and left a voicemail. No return call. I called again today, 4 days later, looking to get an appointment. We need a POA and help with securing my mother’s assets as my dad passed away 30 days ago. I was informed that I would need to do a consultation first and then schedule a second appointment to complete the requests. The first available date would not be until sometime in April. Who knows when the second appointment will be. Very inefficient. I’m sure Ms Pross is a great attorney as I value my attorneys opinions. My advice to anyone with aging parents, call about 5 years before you remotely think you might need this attorney as they are just swamped with clients and can’t get to you for at least 30-45 days. Even when I explained this to the receptionist, she did not seem the least bit concerned. That is indicative of poor customer service. If it starts out this way, I can only imagine how it will end. This is just a simple man’s opinion, hopefully it helps someone." This review underscores a potential challenge with high demand and client intake efficiency, particularly for urgent matters. It suggests that while the attorneys are highly regarded, the firm's capacity might be stretched, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially affecting initial customer service perceptions for new clients.

The environment of the office, located at 443 Main St in Lewiston, is described as being "conveniently located on Main Street with ample off-street parking and wheelchair accessibility." This indicates a commitment to making their services physically accessible to their senior clients. The internal environment, while not explicitly detailed, is implied to be one of empathy and professionalism, as evidenced by the positive client feedback on the team's kindness and understanding once engagement begins. The firm's long-standing presence in Lewiston and its focus on a specialized area of law suggest a stable and knowledgeable operation.

In terms of promotional information, the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. highlights its specialized focus on elder law, estate planning, and probate. Their website and general presence in the community likely emphasize the deep experience of Kathleen Kienitz as a Certified Elder Law Attorney and the compassionate approach of Mia Poliquin Pross and James F. Pross. Their memberships in professional organizations like NAELA and their active roles in the Maine State Bar Association's Elder Law Section lend credibility and signal their expertise. They encourage potential clients to contact them to inquire about elder law services or set up an appointment, implying an initial consultation process. For families and seniors in Lewiston, Maine, seeking specialized and caring legal guidance in elder law, the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. offers extensive expertise, provided they are able to accommodate the client's timeline and urgency.