Benjamin Baird deForest II

Benjamin Baird deForest II

also known as Ben deForest, Benjamin B deForest, LLC

5.0
Rating: 7.7

Licensed for 41 years

Elder law Lawyer at Massillon, OH
Practice Areas: Elder Law

8161 Athens Ave. N.W., Massillon, OH

About Benjamin

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Elder Law 100%

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.

33 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-250 per hour


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Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 41 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Benjamin B deForest LLC

8161 Athens Ave. N.W., Massillon, OH, 44646

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Benjamin Baird deForest II's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (48) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 48 reviews

Posted by Tom | June 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Medicaid & Medicare

Very knowledgeable; made the process (relatively) painless

Ben was very communicative and explained the process as we went through each step. He was patient with us when we changed gears mid-stream with our Medicaid qualification. The whole process was resolved in about 3 months and Mom is settled into her new skilled care facility. Thank you.

Posted by Ron and Susan | April 05, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Medicaid & Medicare

Exceeded expections.

I was at my wits end with trying to find out how to navigate the Medicaid system for my sister. Thanks to Mr. DeForest the process went exceptionally smooth, navigated around countless barriers, and ended up completing the process much sooner than expected. I highly recommend Mr. Benjamin DeForest.

Posted by Reanna | March 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Medicaid & Medicare

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 irrevoc...able 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.

Posted by Maryann | March 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Medicaid & Medicare

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 | Hired Attorney | Medicaid & Medicare

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.

See All Client Reviews

Benjamin Baird deForest II's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Benjamin
Ronald Joseph Koehler headshot
Ronald Koehler

Elder law lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have practiced nearly as long as Ben has, and have handled a couple of matters in which he also represented people. I can tell you that Ben is honest, highly qualified and experienced. If I needed an attorney to help my family in Elder Law, I would hire Ben."

Robert Daniel Maguire headshot
Robert Maguire

Probate lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Ronald Joseph Koehler headshot
Ronald Koehler

Probate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.7 (Very Good)

Honors

2020

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Distinguished, Very High Rating Legal Ability, Ethical Standards, LexisNexis

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Attorney and Owner, Benjamin B. deForest, LLC

2002 - 2010

Partner Attorney, Krugliak Wilkins Griffiths & Dougherty Co. L.P.A.

1999 - 2002

Attorney, Benjamin B deForest

1991 - 1999

Attorney, Stark & Knoll Co., L.P.A.

1986 - 1991

Attorney, Phillips and Sheehan Co. L.P.A.

1984 - 1986

Trust Department Attorney, Mahoning National Bank, Youngstown Ohio

Associations

2016 - Present

Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

1994 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

1986 - Present

Stark County Bar Association

Member

1984 - Present

Ohio State Bar Association

Member

2009 - 2010

ALS Care Project

Past President of The Board

Sample of Legal Cases

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

Appeal Sustained

See More Legal Cases

Education

1983

Ohio Northern University - Claude W. Pettit College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

State University of New York at Buffalo

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Talk Radio call in program Medicaid Answers

2016

Mercy Hospital Planning for End of Life Matters

Estate Planning and Asset Protection

2015

Mercy Hospital Planning for End of Life Matters

Estate Planning and Asset Protection

2014

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

2013

ALS Care Project Canton OH

Estate Planning and Asset Protection

2012

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

Publications

2011

Senior Citizens Guide The Ubiquitous Power of Attorney

Languages

English

Activity

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