Best Retirement Lawyers in United States

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Littler
Birmingham, United States

Founded in 1942
5,000 people in their team
English
Helping Your Business ThriveAt Littler, our unparalleled commitment to labor and employment law helps our clients navigate a complex business world with nuanced legal issues - building better solutions for their toughest challenges.How do we do it? By harnessing our deep experience and expansive...

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,...
Quijano & Associates
Panama City, United States

Founded in 1959
200 people in their team
Spanish
English
Our experts also provide the registration and representation of vessels under the Panamanian flag, and a wide range of advisory services for the establishment and maintenance of legal entities formed in a plurality of jurisdictions, including the Republic of Panama, the British Virgin Islands,...
Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP
Little Rock, United States

Founded in 1871
500 people in their team
English
FRIDAY, ELDREDGE & CLARK, LLP  is a full-service law firm representing businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, government entities and individual clients in Arkansas and across the United States. The firm is the largest in Arkansas with 90 attorneys and 100 support...
Hite Fanning & Honeyman LLP
Wichita, United States

Founded in 2000
34 people in their team
English
Spanish
Litigation and Business Law Hite, Fanning & Honeyman is a leading litigation and business law firm renowned for delivering exceptional client service and legal expertise. Our team of experienced professionals provide comprehensive legal solutions across a broad spectrum of practice areas....
Bull Attorneys
Wichita, United States

Founded in 1983
English
Bull Attorneys is a Wichita-based personal injury law firm founded in 1983 that concentrates on high-value motor vehicle and trucking litigation across Kansas and the Midwest. The firm emphasizes complex commercial motor vehicle matters and catastrophic-injury claims, building cases that address...
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Anchorage, United States

Founded in 2000
5,000 people in their team
English
In an era of rapid innovation, the legal landscape is shifting just as fast. You're advising on complex challenges, anticipating risks, and driving business forward. Staying ahead means having a partner who understands not just the law, but the industries redefining it.At Davis Wright Tremaine, we...
Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann L.L.C.
New Orleans, United States

Founded in 1940
100 people in their team
English
At Stone Pigman, we believe that outstanding lawyers deliver superior client service.  Stone Pigman attorneys are experienced, creative and focused on finding the best solutions for our clients.  Our goal is to help our clients advance their interests and grow their businesses, whether...
RP Law Group
San Bernardino, United States

Founded in 2003
English
RP Law Group, based in Riverside, California, specializes in workers' compensation and personal injury cases. Founded in 2003 by attorney Raj Patel, the firm has successfully handled over 1,000 cases, recovering millions in compensation for clients. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of...
Ice Miller LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 1910
350 people in their team
English
Built on a foundation of legal service more than a century long, Ice Miller LLP is committed to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world.Our diverse client base ranges from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and from governmental entities to educational organizations and pension funds. We...
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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.