Douglas R. Peterson, Elder Law Attorney in Albert Lea, Minnesota
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatPeterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.
Albert Lea, MN
Practicing elder law in Albert Lea since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Douglas R. Peterson is a shareholder based in Albert Lea, MN. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Douglas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Albert Lea, MN
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Albert Lea, MN.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Douglas R. Peterson: Douglas R. Peterson is a shareholder based in Albert Lea, MN. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Douglas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Douglas takes on
Douglas concentrates on elder law, estate planning, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Douglas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Trusts
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Elder Law cases in Albert Lea, Minnesota
Douglas takes elder law matters in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Albert Lea, Minnesota
Douglas takes estate planning matters in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Albert Lea, Minnesota
Douglas takes probate matters in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Albert Lea, Minnesota
Douglas takes trusts matters in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Douglas R. Peterson — elder law lawyer in Albert Lea
Douglas R. Peterson is a shareholder based in Albert Lea, MN. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Douglas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Douglas R. Peterson is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law. Douglas R. received a B.A. degree from St. Olaf College in 1981, and has been licensed for 44 years. Douglas R. practices at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. in Albert Lea, MN.
Working with Douglas on a elder law matter
Douglas R. Peterson is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law. Douglas R. received a B.A. degree from St. Olaf College in 1981, and has been licensed for 44 years. Douglas R. practices at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. in Albert Lea, MN.
Clients Douglas works with
Douglas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and probate matters in Albert Lea and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. · 1984
St. Olaf College
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Douglas's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
1987 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1982 · ACTIVE
Douglas studied at J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in St. Olaf College.
Law school and academic background
Douglas completed J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in St. Olaf College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Douglas runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Douglas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Douglas's professional memberships and bar associations
Minnesota State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Douglas R. Peterson's office in Albert Lea
Douglas's primary office is at 211 South Newton, Albert Lea, MN, 56007. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.
211 South Newton
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Douglas R. Peterson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Douglas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Albert Lea.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Douglas R. Peterson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Douglas R. Peterson — 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 Douglas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Douglas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas'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; Douglas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Albert Lea, Minnesota
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 Douglas
Douglas 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. Douglas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Douglas'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 Douglas R. Peterson
How much does it cost to hire Douglas for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Douglas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Douglas offer a free consultation?
Douglas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Douglas's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Minnesota 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. Douglas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Douglas take my case if I'm outside Albert Lea?
Douglas is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Douglas 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 Douglas?
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. Douglas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Douglas accepting new elder law clients right now?
Douglas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Albert Lea, Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota
Douglas handles elder law matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Minnesota
If Douglas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Albert Lea handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.