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Benjamin Baird deForest II

Elder law Attorney at Massillon, OH

5.0   36 reviews

also known as Ben deForest, Benjamin B deForest, LLC


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About Benjamin

Learn Benjamin’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Elder law
    90%
    Medicaid planning involves the structuring of a person or married couples assets in such a way that they qualify for Medicaid sooner, protect more of their hard earned monies, avoid Probate and also avoid Medicaid Estate Recovery, (the State's ability to attempt to recover monies from a deceased person's estate for Medicaid benefits paid). It is never too late to plan and protect despite what people hear about the "five-year" look back rule.

    30 years

  2. Estate planning
    5%

    39 years

  3. Probate
    5%

    39 years

I AM AVAILABLE TO MEET WITH FAMILY AT NURSING HOME OR RESIDENCE. SERVING STARK, SUMMIT, PORTAGE, and MEDINA COUNTIES.

I have been in practice over 37 years with the last 27 years focused in the area of Elder Law, seeking to assist families with the sometimes daunting questions about Nursing Home Admissions and how to pay for care while also protecting as much of the family nest egg as possible.

Proper planning can require execution of the right legal documents, structuring assets, making gifts to ultimately benefit the children or other heirs, assisting in finding a proper Nursing Home, maximizing the assets and lifestyle of the "well" spouse at home, protecting assets from Medicaid Estate Recovery after Medicaid is achieved and planning for other end of life issues.

It is almost always better to plan early but it is also NEVER too late to plan even if the individual is about to enter the Facility or has ALREADY entered the facility. Generally speaking at least somewhere around 60% to 70% or more of the "Over-Resourced" amount can be protected, if not more, through the right techniques.

It is a rewarding area to guide families through the maze of Medicaid and to protect as much of their hard earned wealth as possible.

I am able to meet family at the Nursing Facility, Assisted Living Facility or the family residence. Or if the Children wish to meet with me privately first to discuss things that can be done as well.

I maintain the names and phone numbers of all Clients who have posted reviews of my services on this website should questions arise as to their being genuine. All of them are.

Benjamin B. deForest

Attorney at Law

Photos and videos

Licensed for 38 years
State OH
Status Active
Acquired 1984
Updated 02/04/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Benjamin

Benjamin B deForest LLC
8161 Athens Ave. N.W.
Massillon, OH, 44646

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  36 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Reanna | March 16, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney for Asset Protection
I initially met with Ben to ensure I was handling assets correctly for my grandparents, so that when it was time to apply for Medicaid, I wouldn't run into any surprises. Not only was he able to guide me with what to do in that respect, he talked to me about protecting their assets through an irrevocable trust. We were able to protect a good portion of their assets and get approved for Medicaid as well. He handled much of the application process and the back-and-forth with Job and Family Services; I just needed to provide the documents needed. Ben is very knowledgeable and kind, and I highly recommend his services.
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Posted by Maryann | March 7, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Elderly law firm
Ben was very kind, considerate and helpful in dealing with Medicare and Medicaid. I highly recommend his services.
Posted by Karen | November 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Medicaid
Attorney deForest was wonderful to work with. He went to work the day I hired him and he certainly knows the Medicaid system. He protected a large part of my assets and always kept me informed. It’s a very intense process and Attorney deForest made it run smooth. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by Gloria | October 17, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review
Ben helped us to save monies that otherwise would have been spent on facilities. Very helpful and responsive to my many questions
Posted by anonymous | October 12, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Anonymous
I hired Ben DeForest to advise on managing assets for my 100 yr old mother. Ben was professional and communicated in a manner that was easy to understand. He gave me all the time I needed to ask (repeated) questions. He outlined the process and kept on task to expedite medicare approval.
Posted by Jeff | March 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great trust, asset protection and Medicaid guide
Ben was able to provide strong concise direction to protect family assets, setting up trusts, and helping with details like POAs and Annuities. He was key in navigating the Medicaid system and provided compassionate Support throughout the arduous journey. We were lucky to have him on our team!
Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jpm
Ben was so helpful to get Medicare for my wife we had been denied and he was able to get the information that I need to get it approved in a very short period of time.
Posted by Marge | August 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Benjamin B. de Forest
Ben is an excellent, well-experienced Attorney. He’s very knowledgable in his field of many years. He is guiding us thru the hard times that are so important. Mom wanted to save a portion of monies for me that she worked so hard to save. Ben was able to do this - legally. He also guided us through the process of Medicaid. Mom is now able to be in the facility that she is - comfortable and close to home. Ben, you deserve a “5” - you’re considerate, caring, likable and easy to work with. Calls to you are always returned shortly which means a lot. QUICK RESPONSE - that’s a plus!
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Posted by Art | July 11, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Saved assets and got my mother on Medicaid
Ben was very helpful and answered all my questions (and I ask alot). Ben was able to expedite my Mother's Medicaid application and preserve a good amount of her assets. Putting a loved one into long term care is not a pleasant task. But, Mr. Deforest has been a godsend during an unpleasant time.
Posted by Kathy | January 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Asset Protection
Consulted with several firms regarding eldercare law and asset protection. Found Ben to be the most down to earth, extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Hired Ben and he went above and beyond in taking care of all of the details in establishing a trust and protecting assets of our family member. Truly caring and professional !
Posted by Steve | September 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ethical, Knowledgeable, and Responsive in the Art that is Elder Care and Asset Protection
Dad was admitted to the hospital early in the year and it was apparent he needed nursing home care I could not offer. After conversing with fellow co-workers of their similar experiences, I felt a lawyer specializing in elder-care and asset protection was a priority. Dad had assets, including part of our home that needed to be "spent down" or was Dad's total wipe of assets the only solution to Medicaid benefits, well, no. During my consultation with Mr. Benjamin deForest, armed with Dad's assets, Benjamin offered solutions for protecting those monies and other assets, offered intimate knowledge of those processes, and offered comfort where comfort was needed. When I saw there was hope for payment of Dad's care while protecting a percentage of his assets, I hired Ben and we pushed through the challenges of the process. The crippling effect of the COVID-19 pandemic did affect the outcome, however, Dad is now covered by restricted Medicaid and should be covered by full Medicaid benefits by the end of next year. An estimated protection value of near 50% was achieved plus the added value of Medicaid benefits! If COVID-19 had not hit, the estimated protected value would have been near 57%! Suffice it to say, Mr. Benjamin deForest's expertise in elder law and asset protection was indispensable during this period of confusion and instability!
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Posted by Rae | July 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Asset Protection
Benjamin DeForest is an excellent attorney. He was able to obtain Medicaid for my loved one much sooner than expected. He was able to protect assets without spending significant monies on the nursing home first.
Posted by Catherine | April 28, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client Testimonials
After my brother could no longer safely live alone and needed extra assistance with daily living, we contacted Attorney Ben deForest. Ben had been recommended to us to help us with the process of applying for Medicaid. We had no idea where to begin. Ben graciously took us through the whole process, step by step, answering all our questions, and filing the necessary paperwork. Attorney deForest is very caring and understands how difficult it is for the family during this time. I would not hesitate to recommend Ben to anyone faced with these decisions.
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Posted by Doris | November 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review of Ben deForest
Ben walked us through the steps for medicaid and my dad was approved on the first round
Posted by Nellie | October 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable, patient, and available long distance!
My Mom, in a nursing home in Ohio, already on Medicaid, received an inheritance that was going to make her ineligible! The check was coming to me in one state, in Mom’s name and I didn’t have a POA and I didn’t know what to do. A reputable Elder lawyer that I knew, went on line & recommended Benjamin deForest! Ben, through phone calls and emails, was able to walk me through the process! A couple of unexpected problems occurred but nothing he couldn’t handle or explain to calm & educate me! Everything has gone as planned & he was able to save a portion of the inheritance in case Mom needs anything in the future. Ben handled Mom’s need to go back on Medicaid and I would highly recommend Benjamin deForest if you have elderly relatives in Ohio!
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Posted by Judy | October 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Medicaid
Ben got my husband approved for Medicaid in a very timely manner. He answered all of our questions so we could understand the process. His knowledge of the laws enables me to keep some of our hard earned money so that I might live comfortably.
Posted by Kris | August 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Benjamin de Forest got the job done!
About three years ago my Aunt gifted my husband and her other nephew money. She was elderly but in good heath and managed all of her affairs. Now forward to last fall and she becomes ill and now is in a nursing home. With no other family we took over handling her finances and it was at that time we knew we would need help in handling the transition to Medicaid. With an internet search found Attorney Ben de Forest. He was able to meet us and our Aunt at the nursing home and answered questions of what we could do and expect during the process. Ben was very competent and was able to get her approved for Medicaid without us having to pay back the gift. He was always available to answer questions and we were very happy with his service.
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Posted by Mary | April 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Complicated Legal and Healthcare needs. Long Distance.
After my sister was admitted to long term care with multiple medical issues, it became evident that we needed help navigating the complexities of payment and subsequent application for Medicaid. I was relieved to learn that it was possible to preserve a portion of my sisters assets for her children. BenDeForest was able to advise us on the law and created an irrevocable trust document. I live in another state. Ben did the necessary legal paperwork and footwork while communicating with me as needed. We are very grateful and highly recommend Attorney DeForest to others in similar situations. .
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Posted by Joyce | May 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Medicaid assistance
I obtained Benjamin B. De Forest to represent me and my mom for Medicaid assistance. It was a hard journey with many bumps in the road and I really believe had I not hired Ben with this issue things would have went much differently. He did an amazing job, and I am so thankful for the positive outcome. Mom is in a place where she will get skilled nursing for her dementia. Ben treated us like people, not numbers. He kept me informed during the entire process. I live 3 hours away and he always kept me up to date on the situation. I am so glad I hired him for this difficult endeavor.
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Posted by Michael | April 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Son, brother and legal POA.
Dear M-, Thanks for all the help in guiding us with converting our mother and wife through the Medicaid application process. The entire family appreciated your patience and understanding. We would like to also share what a pleasure it was working with Mr. deForest. He was patient, understand and proficient in guiding us through the entire process. We also felt his rates were very reasonable and it was a pleasure to work with him. Again, Thank you for introducing us to him The King Family
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-250 per hour

Resume

AVVO RATING 7.6 (Very Good)

Work Experience

  • Attorney and Owner
  • Benjamin B. deForest, LLC
  • 2010 - Present
  • Partner Attorney
  • Krugliak Wilkins Griffiths & Dougherty Co. L.P.A.
  • 2002 - 2010
  • Attorney
  • Benjamin B deForest
  • 1999 - 2002
  • Attorney
  • Stark & Knoll Co., L.P.A.
  • 1991 - 1999
  • Attorney
  • Phillips and Sheehan Co. L.P.A.
  • 1986 - 1991
  • Trust Department Attorney
  • Mahoning National Bank, Youngstown Ohio
  • 1984 - 1986
View all work experience

Education

  • Ohio Northern University - Claude W. Pettit College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1983
  • State University of New York at Buffalo
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1980

Legal Cases

  • In the Matter of Patricia L. Perez, State Hearing, Ohio Dept Of Job and Family Services
  • Appeal Sustained

Associations

  • Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Stark County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1986 - Present
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1984 - Present
  • ALS Care Project
  • Past President of The Board
  • 2009 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Distinguished, Very High Rating Legal Ability, Ethical Standards
  • LexisNexis
  • 2011

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Mercy Hospital Planning for End of Life Matters
  • Estate Planning and Asset Protection
  • 2016
  • Mercy Hospital Planning for End of Life Matters
  • Estate Planning and Asset Protection
  • 2015
  • Planning for your Parents
  • Medicaid Planning
  • 2014
  • Northwest Stark Senior Citizen Center Canal Fulton OH
  • Elder Law
  • 2014
  • Mercy Hospital Planning for End of Life Matters
  • Estate Planning and Asset Protection
  • 2014
  • ALS Care Project Canton OH
  • Estate Planning and Asset Protection
  • 2013
  • Stone Crossing Care Center, Canton OH
  • Medicaid Planning
  • 2012
  • Northwest Stark Senior Citizen Center Canal Fulton OH
  • Medicaid Planning
  • 2012
  • Diebold Corporation, Canton OH
  • Estate Planning
  • 2012
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (1)
Given (0)
Endorse Benjamin
Probate Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Benjamin is a very competent probate practitioner. He has been opposing counsel on a few cases and he is knowledgeable."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.