Best Retirement Lawyers in United States

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Stinson LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 2002
985 people in their team
English
Complex legal challenges are best approached with sharp insight and creative solutions. At Stinson, our attorneys combine industry knowledge and business acumen to deliver practical legal guidance to clients ranging from individuals to privately-held enterprises to international corporations. We...
Tindall Law Firm, LLC
Waterbury, United States

Founded in 2006
English
Tindall Law Firm, LLC concentrates its practice on personal injury and workers compensation matters in Connecticut. Led by Tavis O. Tindall, the firm concentrates on injury victims and their families, handling car and vehicle accidents, premises injuries, and complex workers compensation issues....
Young Wooldridge, LLP
Bakersfield, United States

Founded in 1939
23 people in their team
English
Young Wooldridge, LLP is a Bakersfield-based full-service law firm that has served Bakersfield, Kern County, and the San Joaquin Valley since 1939, representing clients ranging from large corporations to individuals with a focus on achieving practical, results-driven outcomes. The firm maintains...
John D Wheeler & Associates
Alamogordo, United States

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
Spanish
English
John D. Wheeler & Associates is a full-service, boutique law firm located in the historic desert community of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Established in 2002, our firm of six attorneys is the largest in our area, and together with our skilled support staff, our attorneys offer a broad range of...
The Medi-Law Firm
Miami, United States

Founded in 1995
120 people in their team
English
The Medi-Law Firm is a Miami-based practice that concentrates on the unique legal needs of healthcare professionals. The firm provides targeted legal and financial protection for physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, medical residents, and other medical professionals, covering contract review...
Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.
Phoenix, United States

Founded in 1970
200 people in their team
English
About Burch & CracchioloNow with 50+ law professionals in its Phoenix office, Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. is one of the Southwest's premier law firms. Our firm was founded 54 years ago by Haze Burch and Dan Cracchiolo, both now deceased. Today, our lawyers are among the most highly...

Founded in 1997
50 people in their team
English
McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, & Riordan, LLP is a New York law firm focused on representing injured and disabled workers across Long Island and New York City. The firm concentrates its practice on workers' compensation, Social Security disability benefits, municipal disability pensions,...
Makridis Law Firm, LLC
Warren, United States

Founded in 2007
English
Makridis Law Firm, LLC is a family owned law practice based in Warren, Ohio, delivering comprehensive representation in criminal defense, personal injury, bankruptcy and employment matters. The firm emphasizes a client focused and results driven approach, drawing on over 40 years of combined legal...
Ramsay Law Firm, WC & PI Attorneys
Charlotte, United States

9 people in their team
English
Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. is a Charlotte, North Carolina law firm specializing in workers' compensation and personal injury representation. The team, led by Trial Attorney Martha L. Ramsay, brings more than 60 years of combined experience representing injured workers and accident victims in North...
Banker's Hill Law Firm, A.P.C.
San Diego, United States

Founded in 1991
English
Banker’s Hill Law Firm, A.P.C. is a distinguished legal practice based in California, committed to delivering effective representation across multiple practice areas. With a strong focus on labor relations and personal injury law, the firm’s attorneys possess a wealth of experience in fighting...
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About Retirement Law in United States

Retirement law in the United States is designed to ensure that individuals have the resources and legal protections necessary to enjoy a secure and financially stable retirement. This involves various legal frameworks that govern pension plans, social security benefits, and retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Federal laws, notably the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), regulate private pension plans, while social security benefits are administered at the federal level. Additionally, each state may have its specific laws and protections concerning retirement, social support, and elder care considerations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Several scenarios can drive the necessity for legal assistance in retirement matters:

  • Pension Disputes: Issues such as disputes over pension benefits or incorrect calculations can require legal expertise to resolve.
  • Social Security Claims: Legal help may be necessary for navigating Social Security benefit applications or appealing denied claims.
  • Estate and Retirement Planning: Crafting a thorough retirement plan, including wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools, often benefits from a legal perspective.
  • Divorce: Splitting retirement assets during a divorce can be complex and requires legal clarification and protection of rights.
  • Elder Law Issues: Instances of elder abuse, financial exploitation, or long-term care planning require specialized legal knowledge.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of local laws relevant to retirement in the United States include:

  • ERISA Compliance: Federal law protecting private pension plans, ensuring fiduciary responsibility and providing rights to information.
  • Social Security: Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), benefits are calculated based on lifetime earnings, and there are specific rules for qualification and amount determination.
  • State Pensions: Different rules may apply for state employee retirement systems which vary from state to state.
  • Medicare and Medicaid: Federal and state guidelines provide health insurance for retirees, with specific eligibility and coverage rules.
  • Taxation of Retirement Benefits: Tax laws at both the federal and state levels affect retirement benefits and income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA?

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan with tax-deferred benefits, while an IRA is an individual retirement account that can be set up apart from employer involvement.

How are Social Security benefits calculated?

Social Security benefits are calculated based on your average indexed monthly earnings during a maximum of 35 years of work, considering adjustments for cost-of-living increases.

What age can I start receiving Social Security benefits?

While full retirement benefits are available from age 66 to 67 depending on your birth year, you can start reduced benefits as early as age 62.

How is my pension taxed upon retirement?

Generally, pension income is subject to federal income tax. State taxes may also apply depending on where you live.

Can I work and receive Social Security benefits?

Yes, but your benefits may be reduced if you have earnings above the annual limit before reaching full retirement age.

What legal steps should I take to protect my retirement savings?

Ensure proper beneficiary designations, consider establishing a trust, and possibly consult an attorney for estate and financial planning.

How does Medicare interact with retirement plans?

Medicare becomes your primary health coverage typically after age 65, and you may need gap or supplemental insurance, affecting how you set up health coverage in retirement.

What happens to my retirement plan in a divorce?

Retirement plans are typically considered marital property; therefore, they may be divided via a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).

How should I approach long-term care planning?

Consider legal advice for planning regarding long-term care insurance, Medicaid qualifications, and structuring finances to accommodate future care needs.

What legal protections exist against elder financial abuse?

Federal and state laws protect against such abuse, and legal professionals can assist in taking action against perpetrators while safeguarding your assets.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

  • The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) for pension-related inquiries.
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) for Social Security benefits and applications.
  • State-specific pension offices for local public employee retirement system information.
  • AARP for resources on retirement planning and legal rights for seniors.
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) for help finding specialized elder law attorneys.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with retirement-related issues, consider these steps:

  • Identify the specific area of concern, whether it's an issue with benefits, retirement account disputes, or estate planning.
  • Consult with a specialized attorney who has experience in retirement law, estate planning, or elder law matters.
  • Prepare all relevant documents and information, such as policy statements, correspondence with benefits providers, and any previously drafted estate documents.
  • Contact local legal aid societies or bar associations for referrals to qualified attorneys.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in United States through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Retirement, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.