Susan R. Patten

Susan Patten was outstanding to work with during a complex elder law matter involving aging, cognitive concerns, and significant time pressure. She clearly understands the real-world challenges families face when legal, medical, and family dynamics intersect. What immediately set her apart was res...ponsiveness. While several other attorneys could not even offer a consultation for three to six months, Susan responded within a week or two of my initial outreach and quickly arranged a meeting with my father. That alone made an enormous difference. Susan was impressively accommodating to an elderly client, including a willingness to travel and meet in person when that was the most appropriate option. She has a strong, practical toolkit for navigating legal issues around cognition and capacity, and she approached those matters with professionalism, care, and sound judgment. I was also particularly impressed by her ability to work with and thoughtfully adapt existing legal documents. Many attorneys are understandably hesitant to work with instruments they did not originally draft, especially when complications are involved. Susan was pragmatic and precise, focused on finding a sound path forward rather than avoiding difficulty. After many years with a prior attorney, our family found ourselves needing help at a difficult moment and not receiving it. Susan stepped in when it mattered. On behalf of myself and my siblings, I am sincerely grateful for her help and would recommend her without hesitation to anyone navigating elder law issues under real-world conditions.