Reid M.E. McCarthy, Attorney & Counselor, PLLC

Within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, Reid M.E. McCarthy, Attorney & Counselor, PLLC, distinguishes himself as a highly specialized legal professional in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Located at 100 Huronview Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA, Mr. McCarthy can be reached at (734) 945-9693 or via mobile at +1 734-945-9693. With a reported licensure since 2004, Mr. McCarthy brings over two decades of dedicated experience to his practice, primarily focusing on Elder Law and related fields.

Reid M.E. McCarthy's office on Huronview Boulevard places his practice in Ann Arbor, offering accessibility to clients within the city and surrounding areas. While specific details about the office environment are not extensively publicized, the location suggests a professional and established setting typical of legal practices. More importantly, Mr. McCarthy himself states that he answers his own phone and is available to make house calls, emphasizing a highly personalized and client-convenient approach. This dedication to meeting clients where they are, rather than exclusively expecting them to come to the office, highlights a strong commitment to accessibility, especially for elderly clients or those with mobility challenges. He also clarifies that he is not a "high-volume attorney who will pass your case off to a paralegal," reinforcing the idea of direct, hands-on attorney involvement in each case.

Reid M.E. McCarthy has carved out a niche as a prominent Elder Law attorney. His practice areas are specifically tailored to address the unique legal and financial challenges faced by seniors and their families. His services include, but are not limited to:

• Elder Law: This comprehensive area involves assisting seniors with a wide range of legal issues, including long-term care planning, asset protection, and navigating government benefits like Medicaid.
• Estate Planning: While traditional estate planning often focuses on post-death asset distribution, Mr. McCarthy emphasizes planning for incapacity, nursing care, and pre-death family issues. This includes drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other documents to ensure clients' wishes are honored and their families are prepared for potential future challenges.
• Medicaid Planning: A critical service for many seniors, this involves strategies to help clients qualify for Medicaid benefits to cover long-term care costs while preserving as many assets as legally possible.
• Long-Term Care Planning: Advising families on options for long-term care, such as assisted living, nursing homes, and in-home care, and the financial implications of each.
• Probate Avoidance: Structuring estate plans to minimize or avoid the probate process, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Assisted Living Guidance: Providing counsel on the transition to assisted living facilities, including financial considerations and application assistance, as evidenced by client testimonials.
• Incapacity Planning: Helping clients prepare for situations where they may no longer be able to make decisions for themselves, through durable powers of attorney and patient advocate designations.

Mr. McCarthy's expertise in these areas is crucial for families seeking to protect their loved ones' assets, ensure proper care, and alleviate the stress associated with aging and end-of-life planning.

Reid M.E. McCarthy's practice is defined by several distinctive features and a highly client-centric approach:

• Deep Expertise in Elder Law: Mr. McCarthy explicitly states that he founded "Ann Arbor Elder Law" to help seniors and their families cope with today's complex Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Medicaid issues. This specialization demonstrates a deep understanding of the intricacies of this field, which is vital given the ever-changing landscape of elder care regulations and financial planning.
• Compassionate and Practical Guidance: Client testimonials consistently highlight his ability to provide guidance with "clarity and compassion" during "very difficult situations." He is praised for his "gentle reassuring" advice, which extends beyond mere legal counsel to include practical life experience, helping families navigate emotional and logistical challenges.
• Personalized Attention: Mr. McCarthy's commitment to answering his own phone and making house calls underscores a dedication to personalized service. He distinguishes himself from high-volume attorneys by ensuring direct attorney involvement, which is particularly comforting for clients dealing with sensitive family matters.
• Proactive Planning: His emphasis on planning for incapacity, nursing care, and pre-death family issues, rather than just post-death arrangements, reflects a forward-thinking approach that helps families prepare for future challenges.
• Community Roots: Having grown up in Ann Arbor and being a graduate of Ann Arbor Community High, Mr. McCarthy has strong ties to the local community. This local connection can provide a deeper understanding of the specific needs and resources available to area residents.
• "Counselor" Role: Beyond being an attorney, clients perceive him as a "counselor who has been there before and knows what to expect," indicating his empathetic guidance and ability to anticipate client needs during crises, such as a "Medicaid Crisis."

While formal promotional materials may not be extensively detailed, Mr. McCarthy's professional reputation is significantly bolstered by glowing client testimonials. These reviews serve as powerful endorsements for anyone searching for "Lawyers Near Me" with expertise in elder law. Key insights from the provided reviews include:

• Tremendous Help in Complex Situations: Clients attest that Reid McCarthy "helped us tremendously" even in "very complicated situation that was very very time sensitive." This highlights his ability to handle challenging cases efficiently and effectively.
• Professionalism and Accommodation: His professional handling of matters and willingness to "go out of his way to make our schedule work" underscore a commitment to client convenience and service excellence.
• Long-Term Client Relationships: The review detailing his 17-year relationship with a family, from setting up an estate plan in 2006 to advising on assisted living in 2023, showcases his dedication to long-term client support. This continuity of service provides immense value and peace of mind to families as their needs evolve.
• Compassionate and Practical Advice: The second review profoundly emphasizes his "professional expertise to manage elder law for families" combined with "life experience to help guide families through very difficult situations with clarity and compassion." His advice regarding assisted living for an aging parent, described as "gentle reassuring" and ultimately leading to a "happier" outcome for the mother, exemplifies this unique blend of legal and empathetic guidance.
• Value Beyond Billing: The note that "Reid never charged me for this recent advice concerning my mother and assisted living" is a significant testament to his character and client-first philosophy. This act of pro bono guidance when a client was in desperation speaks volumes about his commitment to helping families beyond strict transactional billing.

These testimonials collectively present Reid M.E. McCarthy as not just a highly competent Elder Law attorney, but also a compassionate and reliable advisor who genuinely cares for his clients and their families. His ability to provide both legal expertise and practical, empathetic support makes him a highly recommended professional in the Ann Arbor legal community for those navigating the complexities of aging, estate planning, and long-term care.