Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum, LLC

The "Lawyers Near Me" platform is dedicated to connecting individuals with legal professionals who not only possess deep legal knowledge but also exhibit genuine care for their clients. The Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum, LLC, located in Stamford, Connecticut, stands out as a firm that exemplifies this commitment, particularly in the specialized and often sensitive fields of elder law and estate planning.

The Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum, LLC is situated at 1100 Summer St 2nd floor, Stamford, CT 06905, USA. This address places the firm within a prominent office building in the vibrant downtown area of Stamford. The building at 1100 Summer Street is a four-story structure, built in 1980, and is a well-known commercial address in the city. Located at the corner of Hoyt and Summer Streets, the firm benefits from a central and easily accessible position. While specific details about the interior design or ambiance of their particular 2nd-floor suite are not publicly disclosed, law offices in such a professional setting typically offer a comfortable, confidential, and well-organized environment for client consultations. The building itself is equipped with amenities common to modern office spaces, potentially including secure entry, elevators, and a professional reception area. The accessibility of the location, with ample parking (110 spaces for the building) and potential proximity to public transportation, contributes to a convenient experience for clients, many of whom may be elderly or have mobility challenges. The downtown Stamford neighborhood blends commercial activity with residential areas, providing a professional yet approachable setting for legal services related to elder care and estate matters.

The Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum, LLC specializes in providing comprehensive legal services primarily focused on elder law and estate planning. Their core services are designed to address the unique needs and concerns of older adults and their families, ensuring their well-being, financial security, and dignity. Their main practice areas include:

• Elder Law: This is a cornerstone of their practice, encompassing Medicaid planning (including administrative fair hearings), long-term care planning, nursing home admissions and advocacy, and protecting the rights of nursing home residents. They also assist with planning for spouses before and after one spouse enters a nursing home.
• Estate Planning & Administration: The firm guides clients through the complexities of creating and revising estate plans, including wills and trusts, to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to minimize tax implications. They also handle the administration of estates, navigating the probate process efficiently.
• Medicaid Planning: A crucial aspect of their elder law services, they help clients understand and navigate the intricate Medicaid application process to secure benefits for long-term care, aiming to protect assets while ensuring access to necessary care.
• Special Needs Planning: The firm provides specialized planning for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their needs are met without jeopardizing government benefits.
• Incapacity Planning: They assist clients in preparing for potential incapacity through various legal instruments, such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their future care.
• Probate and Conservatorships: They represent clients in probate matters, including contested and uncontested conservatorships, which are legal proceedings to appoint a guardian for an incapacitated individual.

The firm’s approach is centered on providing "Elder Care With Care," emphasizing respect, compassion, and personal attention to older adults and their families across Connecticut and New York. They offer guidance long before clients reach incapacity, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future.

The features of the Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum, LLC are deeply rooted in the expertise and dedication of its principal attorneys, Joel D. Muhlbaum and Sharon H. Rosen. Joel D. Muhlbaum is a highly accomplished elder law attorney, admitted to the Connecticut Bar since 1989 and the New York Bar. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), a prestigious certification received from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) in October 2000, signifying specialized knowledge and experience in this field. He is an active member of the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA), having served on its Executive Committee and as its Treasurer, and is also a member of the New York State Bar Association's Elder Law and Special Needs Section. His extensive involvement extends to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), where he has been a featured speaker. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association and ARI, Inc., a non-profit serving disabled individuals, and currently serves on the Board of Health of the Town of Greenwich. Joel Muhlbaum has been selected to Super Lawyers for 2016-2025, a testament to his high peer recognition and professional achievement. Sharon H. Rosen, his partner, brings additional strength to the firm with a Ph.D. in health psychology prior to attending law school, providing a unique perspective and deep understanding of the psychological aspects often intertwined with elder care legal issues. She is also active in numerous professional and civic organizations, including a local hospital's Medical Ethics Committee. Together, Joel and Sharon bring a blend of commitment and competence, offering personalized, thoughtful plans for their clients. They emphasize detailed explanations of complex processes, such as Medicaid applications, and work directly with loved ones and caregivers to provide experience-based advice consistent with the client's wishes. Their practice is designed to help clients plan for the future with comfort and dignity, addressing not only legal but also quality of life concerns.

The promotional information available, particularly through the provided client review, strongly emphasizes the firm's client-centric approach and expertise. The review states: "Joel and his partner Sharon are well versed in elder law. Most importantly, they actually care about their clients. We always felt that our parents were being well represented and they made sure that the i's were all dotted and the t's were all crossed. Every step of the Medicaid application process was explained in detail and we always felt they were acting in our parents best interest. Highly recommended!" This testimonial underscores several key strengths:

• Expertise: The clients recognize Joel and Sharon as being "well versed in elder law," indicating their specialized knowledge and skill in this complex area.
• Client Care and Empathy: A standout feature is the assertion that "they actually care about their clients." This emotional connection and genuine concern are invaluable in elder law, where clients and their families are often navigating challenging and sensitive situations.
• Thoroughness and Diligence: The phrase "made sure that the i's were all dotted and the t's were all crossed" highlights their meticulous attention to detail, ensuring all legal requirements are met and no stone is left unturned. This thoroughness provides peace of mind to clients.
• Transparency and Clear Communication: The review mentions that "Every step of the Medicaid application process was explained in detail," showcasing their commitment to transparent communication and educating clients, which empowers families to understand the legal journey.
• Acting in Best Interest: The consistent feeling that "they were acting in our parents best interest" is a powerful indicator of trust and ethical practice, which is paramount when dealing with vulnerable populations.
• Strong Recommendation: The "Highly recommended!" conclusion is a direct endorsement of their services.

These positive reviews, combined with their extensive experience, certifications, and community involvement, present the Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum, LLC as a highly reputable and compassionate choice for elder law and estate planning needs in Stamford and beyond. Their contact information, including the phone number (203) 323-1818 and mobile phone +1 203-323-1818, provides direct access for those seeking their specialized and caring legal assistance.