Robert C. Gerhard III

This review is long overdue. In September 2012 my mother suffered a severe stroke and entered a nursing home in Montgomery County. At the same time my father entered the same facility in assisted living. The monthly cost for both was $15,000. Their assets, including their unsold home would have supp...orted that level of expense for just 2 years. In early 2013 my father's family lawyer referred us to Bob Gerhard to assist in compiling and filing my mother's application for PA State LTC assistance. Bob and his assistant helped to obtain all the necessary financial account documents for my parents' accounts over the previous 5 years which needed to be submitted with the application, a task that would have been impossible for me to undertake alone. Bob also helped to put together a financial plan that preserved as much of my parents' assets as possible for my father's use, who would continue living in the assisted living facility with considerable monthly expense. Through an innovative idea to create a dedicated Trust for my father's medical needs, all his assisted living expenses would be taken care of for the next 5+ years. Bob had the State review the language of the Trust Agreement to ensure their written acknowledgement it would not negatively effect my mother's eligibility for State LTC benefits. Bob also ensured that 2 loans I had made to my parents a decade prior were acknowledged by the State in writing and fully paid back with some of the proceeds from the sale of my parents' home. Unfortunately my father passed away a year later. I engaged Bob once again to handle settling my father's Estate and take care of all the implications his Estate had with respect to my mother's eligibility for State LTC benefits. I honestly can't say enough good things about Bob as an Elder Care and Estate Planning lawyer. He took a very stressful, complicated situation and with his knowledge, extensive contacts, diligence and compassion, presented my parents and I with the most positive outcome we could have imagined. While my father was still alive, his financial and care needs were met, my mother's financial and care needs continue to be met and I received repayment of all loans I had made to my parents prior to the LTC benefit filing with the State. And that's all because of Bob. Bob's fees were very reasonable and transparent from the first day I met with him. He always responded promptly to any question or information need that I had. I highly recommend him.

When I went to see Bob Gerhard III, he and his staff were very friendly, put me at ease immediately. Bob explained what he could try to do for me in words I could understand. At every step he kept me informed. We had many e-mail and phone conversations when I had questions or he wanted to explain ...or ask me to send something to him. He always answered my call or e-mail very quickly. Even though the case is now very satisfactorily closed, I can call or e-mail him and he will answer. I couldn't ask for someone who was kinder, more helpful or more knowledgeable about the legal situation.

My parents had a very complicated situation. My father was admitted to a long term care facility. Medicaid application was required. Due to the complication of parents situation, I could not complete this application on my own. My mom still required financial support from my Dad. As my Dad's POA, I... wanted to be assured the application and all documents were efficient and complete. Mr Robert Gerhard and his wonderful team truly helped me through this overwhelming process with a positive outcome for my Mom and Dad. We are truly grateful.

A few years ago, I searched the Web to find a lawyer with expertise covering Pennsylvania Medicaid Regulations and Elder Law. When I Googled "Books on Pennsylvania Medicaid Law", up popped the 2009 Edition of "Pennsylvania Medicaid, Long Term Care", authored by Certified Elder Law Attorney, Robert C.... Gerhard III. "THIS WAS MY LUCKY DAY". Both criteria were met, namely Attorney expertise in Pennsylvania Medicaid and Elder Law.. Checked the home page of the Gerhard & Gerhard Web Site and learned Mr. Robert Gerhard III was honored by his peers in both 'Philadelphia Magazine' and 'Pennsylvania Lawyer" as a "Super Lawyer" in 2006 and 2007 (more recently in 2008 thru 2011) in the field of Elder Law. An overview of the Testimonials Web Page cited many satisfied clients serviced by Mr. Gerhard who achieved positive outcomes in a variety of challenging situations. These events solidified my decision to engage his legal talents. The first visit to Mr. Gerhard's office was a pleasant experience. Estate Planning was the Central Theme as we touched on Medicaid/Medicare, Long Term Care, Wills, P/A's, Advanced Directives and Trusts. The objective was to construct a Flexible Estate Package incorporating into each document the appropriate legal structure to protect assets during my lifetime and assure a smooth and orderly transition to heirs. At this juncture, I felt right at home and comfortable exchanging ideas with Bob. He answered questions in a friendly, clear and concise manner while offering a wealth of creative suggestions to strengthen and enhance the language of all documents. Bob is a good listener and always patient. On my next visit each document was reviewed in its' entirety. Bob gave the opportunity to ask for clarification of any words, sentences or paragraphs that were not clear to me. Believe Me! I had many questions and all were answered with patience and thoroughness to my satisfaction. There were so many items resolved of which I was not aware. Never once, was Bob impatient but always cooperative. The same was true of his office staff that also mirrored these fine qualities. Words cannot express my sincere appreciation to Bob Gerhard III for the impeccable quality of my Estate Plan, thanks to his Professionalism and Knowledge of Elder Law. I would not hesitate to recommend his talents as a "Super Attorney in Elder Law" to my circle of friends and colleagues.