Specific Law Firm Phoenix, AZ

Compassionate Elder Law and Life Care Planning

Specific Law Firm, led by the highly respected attorney Marsha Goodman, is a dedicated legal practice in Phoenix, Arizona, focusing on the unique and sensitive needs of the elderly and disabled. Marsha Goodman is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), a distinction held by very few lawyers, which underscores her deep expertise in this complex field. She is also a Partner at the larger firm of Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg and Arnold, LLP, allowing her to combine the personal attention of a boutique practice with the resources of a major law firm.

The firm’s approach is holistic, often going beyond traditional legal tasks to address the broader challenges of aging and disability. Marsha Goodman and her team provide ”Life Care Planning,” a comprehensive service that bundles asset protection, public benefits qualification, and healthcare advocacy into a single, coordinated plan. This approach is designed to reduce the stress on families who are caring for aging loved ones, ensuring that they get the best possible care while preserving their financial assets. If you are looking to find a lawyer who understands the emotional and financial toll of long-term care, Specific Law Firm offers the empathy and expertise you need. Marsha Goodman’s background, which includes serving as President of the Board of Directors of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association, positions her as a national leader in this space.

Specialized Practice Areas

The firm concentrates exclusively on Elder Law and Special Needs Planning, ensuring that every piece of advice is grounded in the latest regulations and standards.

• Long-Term Care Planning: They help families navigate the maze of paying for nursing home or assisted living care, including strategies to protect savings from being depleted by medical costs.
• Medicaid (ALTCS) Planning: Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) rules are incredibly strict. The firm assists clients in restructuring their assets to qualify for these essential benefits without violating look-back periods.
• Veterans Benefits: As an accredited attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Marsha Goodman helps veterans and their spouses obtain Aid and Attendance benefits to cover care costs.
• Guardianship and Conservatorship: When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, the firm guides families through the court process to obtain legal authority to act on their behalf.
• Special Needs Trusts: They draft specialized trusts that allow disabled individuals to inherit or hold assets without losing their eligibility for government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Estate Planning: Beyond elder law, they provide foundational estate planning services, including wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney.

A Leader in the Field

Marsha Goodman’s reputation is built on decades of service and advocacy. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and has been recognized in ”The Best Lawyers in America.” Her commitment extends to the community, where she frequently volunteers at legal clinics for veterans.

The firm’s office is located in the Midtown Phoenix financial district, providing a professional setting for consultations. However, they understand that mobility can be an issue for their clients and strive to make legal services as accessible as possible. Whether you are in a crisis mode with a hospitalized parent or planning ahead for your own future, Specific Law Firm provides the steady guidance and specialized knowledge required to navigate the complexities of elder law with confidence.