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

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

Does Theodore offer a free consultation?

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

Can Theodore take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?

Theodore 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 — Theodore 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 Theodore?

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

Is Theodore accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Theodore Derk Poppinga, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Theodore Derk Poppinga is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Health Care, and Medical Malpractice. Theodore has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Sacramento, CA
Experience: over 38 years
Known for: Elder Law · Health Care · Medical Malpractice

Handles Elder Law, Health Care, and Medical Malpractice matters from Sacramento, CA.
Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Theodore Derk Poppinga

Theodore concentrates on elder law, health care, medical malpractice, and nursing home. Each area below outlines the kind of case Theodore handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Sacramento, California

Theodore takes elder law matters in Sacramento, 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Sacramento, California

Theodore takes health care matters in Sacramento, 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Sacramento, California

Theodore takes medical malpractice matters in Sacramento, 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.

Nursing Home cases in Sacramento, California

Theodore takes nursing home matters in Sacramento, 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 Theodore agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Theodore Derk Poppinga — Over 38 years of California elder law experience

Theodore Derk Poppinga is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Health Care, and Medical Malpractice. Theodore has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Theodore Derk Poppinga is a lawyer practicing medical malpractice defense, medical professional advocacy, elder abuse. Theodore received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983, and has been licensed for 38 years. Theodore practices at Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP in Sacramento, CA.

How Theodore handles elder law matters

Theodore Derk Poppinga is a lawyer practicing medical malpractice defense, medical professional advocacy, elder abuse. Theodore received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983, and has been licensed for 38 years. Theodore practices at Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP in Sacramento, CA.

Who Theodore represents

Theodore reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, health care, and medical malpractice matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Theodore Derk Poppinga's legal education and bar admissions

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1986
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. Political · 1983

Jurisdictions

Theodore's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
California
1988 · ACTIVE

Theodore studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. Political in University of California at Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

Theodore completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. Political in University of California at Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Theodore runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Theodore Derk Poppinga

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Theodore Derk Poppinga's office in Sacramento

Theodore's primary office is at 400 University Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95825. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP

400 University Avenue

Sacramento, CA 95825

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Theodore Derk Poppinga — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

5.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Theodore Derk Poppinga claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Theodore Derk Poppinga — 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 Theodore usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Sacramento, 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 Theodore

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Theodore'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 Theodore Derk Poppinga

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

Theodore 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.