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

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

Does Martha offer a free consultation?

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

How long do elder law cases in California 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. Martha gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Martha take my case if I'm outside Woodland Hills?

Martha is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Martha 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 Martha?

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. Martha will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Martha accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Martha Geisler Patterson, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Martha Geisler Patterson is a member based in Woodland Hills, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Martha has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices Of Martha Jo Patterson.

Based in: Woodland Hills, CA
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Planning · Family Law

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Woodland Hills, CA.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Martha takes on

Martha concentrates on elder law, estate planning, family law, general, and military. Each area below outlines the kind of case Martha handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Woodland Hills, California

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

Estate Planning cases in Woodland Hills, California

Martha takes estate planning matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Martha agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Woodland Hills, California

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

General cases in Woodland Hills, California

Martha takes general matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Martha agrees to represent you.

Military cases in Woodland Hills, California

Martha takes military matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Martha agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Martha Geisler Patterson — elder law lawyer in Woodland Hills

Martha Geisler Patterson is a member based in Woodland Hills, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Martha has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices Of Martha Jo Patterson.

Martha Geisler Patterson is a lawyer practicing family law, elder law/medi-cal planning, estate planning and 7 other areas of law. Martha received a B.S. degree from California State University at Fullerton in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Martha practices at Law Offices of Martha Jo Patterson in Woodland Hills, CA.

Martha's approach to elder law cases

Martha Geisler Patterson is a lawyer practicing family law, elder law/medi-cal planning, estate planning and 7 other areas of law. Martha received a B.S. degree from California State University at Fullerton in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Martha practices at Law Offices of Martha Jo Patterson in Woodland Hills, CA.

Clients Martha works with

Martha reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and family law matters in Woodland Hills and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Western State University
J.D. · 1982
California State University at Fullerton
B.S. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Martha's state bar admissions

California
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE

Martha studied at J.D. in Western State University and B.S. in California State University at Fullerton.

Law school and academic background

Martha completed J.D. in Western State University and B.S. in California State University at Fullerton. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Martha runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Martha Geisler Patterson's office in Woodland Hills

Martha's primary office is at 21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd Fl., Woodland Hills, CA, 91367. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices Of Martha Jo Patterson

21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd Fl.

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Martha Geisler Patterson

Martha has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Martha Geisler Patterson can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Martha Geisler Patterson — 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 Martha usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Martha charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Martha'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; Martha will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Woodland Hills, California

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 Martha

Martha 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. Martha confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Martha'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 Martha Geisler Patterson

How much does it cost to hire Martha for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Martha walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Martha offer a free consultation?
Martha charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Martha's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Martha's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in California 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. Martha gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Martha take my case if I'm outside Woodland Hills?
Martha is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Martha 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 Martha?
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. Martha will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Martha accepting new elder law clients right now?
Martha'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 California residents in the last few months, answered by elder law attorneys like Martha Geisler Patterson. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Medicare Eligibility Requirements In California?
I’m 65 and live in San Diego, California, and I'm trying to understand if I’m eligible for Medicare. I’ve heard mixed information about the enrollment periods and qualifications. W
1 verified answer · Elder Law · California
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 Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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