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

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

Does Moira offer a free consultation?

Moira charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Moira's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Moira'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. Moira gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Moira take my case if I'm outside New York?

Moira 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 — Moira 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 Moira?

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

Is Moira accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Moira S. Laidlaw, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Moira S. Laidlaw is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, General, and POA. Moira has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.

Based in: New York, NY
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Elder Law · General · POA

Handles Elder Law, General, and POA matters from New York, NY.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Moira S. Laidlaw

Moira concentrates on elder law, general, poa, trusts, and estate litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Moira handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in New York

Moira takes elder law matters in 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 Moira agrees to represent you.

General cases in New York

Moira takes general matters in 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 Moira agrees to represent you.

POA cases in New York

Moira takes poa matters in 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 Moira agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in New York

Moira takes trusts matters in 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 Moira agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in New York

Moira takes estate litigation matters in 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 Moira agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Moira S. Laidlaw — Over 32 years of New York elder law experience

Moira S. Laidlaw is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, General, and POA. Moira has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.

Moira Laidlaw's practice encompasses a broad range of trust and estate planning services, including wills, trusts, guardianship, probate, and estate administration. Her depth of experience also includes elder law, special needs planning, Medicaid, long-term care asset protection, small business planning, and high net worth estate tax planning. Additionally, she handles fiduciary litigation concerning trusts, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and related accountings.

Ms. Laidlaw is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), one of approximately 400 attorneys in the U.S. who hold this designation, as accredited by the National Elder Law Foundation and the American Bar Association. As an executive committee member of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section, Ms. Laidlaw is one of an elite group of attorneys who help advocate and set policy on matters that impact the elderly and special needs community. She frequently lectures and educates on topics such as Medicaid as it relates to long-term care financing; special needs planning; and probate, estates, and gift tax issues.

Ms. Laidlaw takes great pride in her client relationships and is known for her compassion, principled approach, and ability to guide her clients through complex matters in a comprehensible way. Her clients include individuals and families, as well as trust companies, throughout Westchester, New York City, and surrounding counties.

How Moira handles elder law matters

Moira Laidlaw's practice encompasses a broad range of trust and estate planning services, including wills, trusts, guardianship, probate, and estate administration. Her depth of experience also includes elder law, special needs planning, Medicaid, long-term care asset protection, small business planning, and high net worth estate tax planning. Additionally, she handles fiduciary litigation…

Who Moira represents

Moira reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, general, and poa matters across New York.

Credentials

Moira S. Laidlaw's legal education and bar admissions

Rutgers University J.D.
—
University of California at Berkeley B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

Moira's state bar admissions

Connecticut
1996 · ACTIVE
New York
1995 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1994 · ACTIVE

Moira studied at — in Rutgers University J.D. and — in University of California at Berkeley B.A..

Law school and academic background

Moira completed — in Rutgers University J.D. and — in University of California at Berkeley B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Moira runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Moira S. Laidlaw's office in New York

Moira's primary office is at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1415, New York, NY, 10036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP

1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1415

New York, NY 10036

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Moira S. Laidlaw — 4.7/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews

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

4.7

18 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Moira S. Laidlaw claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Moira S. Laidlaw — 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 Moira usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in 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 Moira

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Moira'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 Moira S. Laidlaw

How much does it cost to hire Moira for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Moira walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Moira offer a free consultation?
Moira charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Moira's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Moira'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. Moira gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Moira take my case if I'm outside New York?
Moira 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 — Moira 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 Moira?
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. Moira will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Moira accepting new elder law clients right now?
Moira'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 Moira S. Laidlaw. 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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Moira 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.

Moira S. Laidlaw, Elder Law Attorney in New York

Quick answer