
Eldridge D Dodson, Elder Law Attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatWard and Smith, P.A.
Wilmington, NC
Practicing elder law in Wilmington since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Eldridge D Dodson is a member based in Wilmington, NC. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts. Eldridge has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ward and Smith, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Wilmington, NC
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Probate · Trusts
- Handles Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts matters from Wilmington, NC.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Eldridge D Dodson: Eldridge D Dodson is a member based in Wilmington, NC. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts. Eldridge has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ward and Smith, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Eldridge's practice areas in Wilmington
Eldridge concentrates on elder law, probate, trusts, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Eldridge handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Probate
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Trusts
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Estate Planning
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Elder Law cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Eldridge takes elder law matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eldridge agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Eldridge takes probate matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eldridge agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Eldridge takes trusts matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eldridge agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Eldridge takes estate planning matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eldridge agrees to represent you.
Biography
Eldridge D Dodson, elder law attorney serving Wilmington
Eldridge D Dodson is a member based in Wilmington, NC. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts. Eldridge has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ward and Smith, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Eldridge works from Wilmington, North Carolina and takes on elder law matters across the region.
Mrs. Eldridge D Dodson is a lawyer practicing elder law, trusts and estates, trusts and estates litigation and 1 other area of law. Eldridge received a B.A. degree from The University of Alabama in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Eldridge practices at Ward and Smith, P.A. in Wilmington, NC.
Working with Eldridge on a elder law matter
Mrs. Eldridge D Dodson is a lawyer practicing elder law, trusts and estates, trusts and estates litigation and 1 other area of law. Eldridge received a B.A. degree from The University of Alabama in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Eldridge practices at Ward and Smith, P.A. in Wilmington, NC.
Clients Eldridge works with
Eldridge reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, probate, and trusts matters in Wilmington and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Eldridge studied and practices
Tulane University Law School
J.D. · 1980
The University of Alabama
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Eldridge's state bar admissions
North Carolina
2005 · ACTIVE
Florida
1993 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1980 · ACTIVE
Eldridge studied at J.D. in Tulane University Law School and B.A. in The University of Alabama.
Law school and academic background
Eldridge completed J.D. in Tulane University Law School and B.A. in The University of Alabama. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Eldridge runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Eldridge's legal honors and published work
Eldridge has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Eldridge's professional memberships and bar associations
Alabama State Bar American Bar Association (Member, Section on: Real Property, Trust and Estate Law) Florida Bar Association (Member, Section on: Real Propery, Probate and Trust Law) National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc
membership
New Hanover County Estate Planning Council
board member) North Carolina Bar Association (Member, Sections on: Elder Law Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law · membership
Locations
Eldridge D Dodson's office in Wilmington
Eldridge's primary office is at University Corporate Center, 127 Racine Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ward and Smith, P.A.
University Corporate Center, 127 Racine Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Eldridge D Dodson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Eldridge. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Wilmington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Eldridge D Dodson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Eldridge D Dodson — 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 Eldridge usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Eldridge charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eldridge'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; Eldridge will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina
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 Eldridge
Eldridge 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. Eldridge confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Eldridge'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 Eldridge D Dodson
How much does it cost to hire Eldridge for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Eldridge walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Eldridge offer a free consultation?
Eldridge charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eldridge's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Eldridge's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in North Carolina 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. Eldridge gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Eldridge take my case if I'm outside Wilmington?
Eldridge is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Eldridge 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 Eldridge?
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. Eldridge will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Eldridge accepting new elder law clients right now?
Eldridge's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
Eldridge handles elder law matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Eldridge's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Wilmington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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