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

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

Does Constance offer a free consultation?

Constance charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Constance's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Constance's current terms during booking.

How long do elder law cases in District of Columbia 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. Constance gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Constance take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Constance is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Constance 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 Constance?

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

Is Constance accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Constance Gould Starks, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Constance Gould Starks is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Constance has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Constance G. Starks. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Planning · POA

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA matters from Washington, DC.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Constance's practice areas in Washington

Constance concentrates on elder law, estate planning, poa, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Constance handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Constance takes elder law matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Constance agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Constance takes estate planning matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Constance agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Constance takes poa matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Constance agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Constance takes probate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Constance agrees to represent you.

Biography

Constance Gould Starks, elder law attorney serving Washington

Constance Gould Starks is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Constance has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Constance G. Starks. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 1 client review. Constance works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on elder law matters across the region.

Ms. Constance Gould Starks is a lawyer practicing probate law, guardianship law, conservatorship law and 1 other area of law. Constance received a B.A. degree from Howard University, and has been licensed for 46 years. Constance practices at Constance G. Starks in Washington, DC.

Working with Constance on a elder law matter

Ms. Constance Gould Starks is a lawyer practicing probate law, guardianship law, conservatorship law and 1 other area of law. Constance received a B.A. degree from Howard University, and has been licensed for 46 years. Constance practices at Constance G. Starks in Washington, DC.

Who Constance represents

Constance reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and poa matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Constance studied and practices

Howard University
J.D. · 1978
Howard University B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

Constance's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1980 · ACTIVE

Constance studied at J.D. in Howard University and — in Howard University B.A..

Law school and academic background

Constance completed J.D. in Howard University and — in Howard University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Constance runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Constance's legal honors and published work

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Constance Gould Starks's office in Washington

Constance's primary office is at 7053 Western Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, 20015. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Constance G. Starks

7053 Western Ave. N.W.

Washington, DC 20015

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Constance Gould Starks — 3.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

3.6

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Constance Gould Starks claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Constance Gould Starks — 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 Constance usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

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 Constance

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Constance'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 Constance Gould Starks

How much does it cost to hire Constance for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Constance walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Constance offer a free consultation?
Constance charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Constance's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Constance's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in District of Columbia 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. Constance gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Constance take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Constance is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Constance 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 Constance?
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. Constance will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Constance accepting new elder law clients right now?
Constance'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 District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by elder law attorneys like Constance Gould Starks. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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
How To Access Long-Term Care Services For Veterans In Louisiana?
My father is a veteran living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he might need long-term care. I’m trying to navigate the benefits available to him as a veteran. How do I access these
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Louisiana

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Constance handles elder law matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.