How much does it cost to hire David for a elder law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does David offer a free consultation?

David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do elder law cases in New York typically take?

Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Dunkirk?

David is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is David accepting new elder law clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

David Matthew Civilette, Elder Law Attorney in Dunkirk

Quick answer

David Matthew Civilette is a member based in Dunkirk, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Family Law, and Medical Malpractice. David has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David M. Civilette Attorney at Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Dunkirk, NY
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Elder Law · Family Law · Medical Malpractice

Handles Elder Law, Family Law, and Medical Malpractice matters from Dunkirk, NY.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Dunkirk

David concentrates on elder law, family law, medical malpractice, personal injury, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Dunkirk, New York

David takes elder law matters in Dunkirk, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Dunkirk, New York

David takes family law matters in Dunkirk, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Dunkirk, New York

David takes medical malpractice matters in Dunkirk, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Dunkirk, New York

David takes personal injury matters in Dunkirk, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Dunkirk, New York

David takes probate matters in Dunkirk, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David Matthew Civilette, elder law attorney serving Dunkirk

David Matthew Civilette is a member based in Dunkirk, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Family Law, and Medical Malpractice. David has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David M. Civilette Attorney at Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. David works from Dunkirk, New York and takes on elder law matters across the region.

David Matthew Civilette is a lawyer practicing elder law, family law, personal injury and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1969, and has been licensed for 53 years. David practices at David M. Civilette Attorney at Law in Dunkirk, NY.

How David handles elder law matters

David Matthew Civilette is a lawyer practicing elder law, family law, personal injury and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1969, and has been licensed for 53 years. David practices at David M. Civilette Attorney at Law in Dunkirk, NY.

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, family law, and medical malpractice matters in Dunkirk and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

State University of New York at Buffalo Law School
J.D. · 1972
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. Psychology · 1969

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court a
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1974 · ACTIVE
New York
1973 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo Law School and B.A. Psychology in State University of New York at Buffalo.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo Law School and B.A. Psychology in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

David Matthew Civilette's office in Dunkirk

David's primary office is at 643 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY, 14048-2516. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

David M. Civilette Attorney at Law

643 Central Ave.

Dunkirk, NY 14048-2516

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Matthew Civilette — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Dunkirk.

4.5

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Matthew Civilette claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Matthew Civilette — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Dunkirk, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Matthew Civilette

How much does it cost to hire David for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in New York typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Dunkirk?
David is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new elder law clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by elder law attorneys like David Matthew Civilette. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Contest My Grandfather’s Will In New York?
My grandfather passed away last month in New York City, and I've discovered that he left a will that excludes me from his estate. I believe he was under undue influence when he mad
1 verified answer · Elder Law · New York
How Can I Protect My Mother’s Assets In Florida Nursing Home?
My mother just moved into a nursing home in Tampa, Florida, and we're worried about her savings being depleted for the care. She has around $100,000 in savings and owns a home. I r
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Florida
What Do I Need To Know About Advance Directives In Colorado?
I’m discussing healthcare decisions with my elderly aunt in Denver, Colorado, and I want her wishes documented through an advance directive. What do I need to know about creating o
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Colorado
How Can I Avoid Probate In Tennessee For My Parents’ Estate?
My parents passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, and I want to avoid the lengthy probate process for their estate. They had some assets but no will. What legal options do I have to
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Tennessee
What Are My Responsibilities As A Guardian In Texas?
I was recently appointed guardian for my elderly father who lives in Austin, Texas, after he developed dementia. I'm not sure about my legal obligations, especially concerning his
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Texas
What Legal Documents Do I Need For My Aging Parents In Virginia?
My parents live in Richmond, Virginia, and I want to get their legal affairs in order as they age. I know they need a will and other documents, but I’m unclear about what exactly i
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Virginia

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Dunkirk and Albany in New York

David handles elder law matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.

David Matthew Civilette, Elder Law Attorney in Dunkirk, New York

Quick answer