Business Details
37 Years
experience
Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorneys in Salem, OR
Founded in 1989, McGinty & Belcher has established itself as a trusted legal practice serving Salem, Oregon. Our firm specializes in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Social Security Disability, with over 30 years of dedicated service to the community. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, client-centered representation that addresses complex legal challenges with expertise and integrity. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in navigating Medicaid planning, veterans' benefits, and disability claims, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions that protect their assets and future.We maintain active memberships in prestigious legal organizations, including the National Organization of Social Security Representatives and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the courtroom through educational seminars and community outreach programs that empower individuals to make informed legal decisions. With a proven track record of successful case outcomes and personalized attention to each client's unique circumstances, we continue to build lasting relationships based on trust and professional excellence.
Services
Elder Law
Estate Planning
Social Security Disability
Medicaid Planning
Veterans Benefits
Probate Administration
Guardianship
Trust Creation
Wills
Advance Directives
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized experience in Elder Law and Social Security Disability
- Our attorneys are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- We provide personalized Medicaid planning strategies to protect family assets
- Our team includes members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- We combine compassionate service with proven courtroom success in disability cases
What people say
Compassionate service
Successful case outcomes
Knowledgeable attorneys
Personalized attention
Excellent communication
Services
Elder Law
Our Elder Law practice addresses Medicaid planning, long-term care strategies, and protection of assets for seniors. We help families navigate nursing home costs, guardianship proceedings, and veterans' benefits while maintaining compliance with complex regulations. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance for clients facing dementia-related legal challenges and end-of-life planning.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to individual needs. Our services protect assets from probate, preserve family wealth across generations, and establish clear directives for healthcare and financial decisions. We specialize in special needs trusts and tax-efficient inheritance strategies for families.
Social Security Disability
We represent clients in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims nationwide. Our experienced advocates handle all stages of the process from initial applications through federal court appeals, with particular expertise in complex cases involving widows benefits and disabled adult children.
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning services help families qualify for benefits while protecting assets through legal strategies like irrevocable trusts and income cap trusts. We navigate complex eligibility rules to preserve resources for spouses and children while securing necessary long-term care coverage for loved ones.
Veterans Benefits
We assist veterans and surviving spouses in obtaining Aid & Attendance benefits and other VA pensions. Our accredited attorneys develop comprehensive strategies that coordinate veterans' benefits with Medicaid planning and estate preservation goals to maximize financial support for long-term care needs.
People
Richard McGinty
Partner
With over 30 years of legal experience, Richard McGinty specializes in Social Security Disability and Veterans benefits. He teaches Social Security Law at Willamette University School of Law and serves on national veterans' advocacy boards.
Kathryn Belcher
Partner
Kathryn Belcher focuses on Elder Law and Estate Planning, with particular expertise in Medicaid planning and special needs trusts. She serves on the Oregon State Bar Elder Law section and founded the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon.
Ryan Belcher
Certified Claimant Representative
Ryan Belcher represents clients in Social Security Disability claims with certification from the Social Security Administration. He specializes in complex disability cases and serves as a member of national disability advocacy organizations.
Sonya Apodaca
Legal Assistant
Sonya Apodaca provides essential support in estate planning and elder law cases, known for her compassionate client interactions and organizational expertise developed over 15 years with the firm.
Brooke Moeller
Case Manager
Brooke Moeller coordinates Social Security Disability cases with personalized attention, ensuring smooth processing through all stages of claims and appeals while maintaining direct client communication.
Questions
What areas of law does McGinty Belcher Merkel Conner specialize in?
We specialize in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Social Security Disability, Medicaid planning, and Veterans benefits.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Our firm has served Salem since 1989, with attorneys having decades of combined legal experience.
Can you help with Medicaid eligibility planning?
Yes, we provide strategic Medicaid planning to help families protect assets while qualifying for necessary benefits.
Do you handle Social Security Disability appeals?
Yes, we represent clients at all stages of Social Security Disability claims and appeals processes.
Are your attorneys accredited for veterans' benefits?
Yes, our attorneys are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to handle benefits claims.
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