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

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

Does Jan offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Jan take my case if I'm outside Palo Alto?

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

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

Is Jan accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Jan Forker Cummins, Elder Law Attorney in Palo Alto

Quick answer

Jan Forker Cummins is an attorney based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. Jan has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jan Cummins Attorney at Law. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in: Palo Alto, CA
Experience: over 21 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Planning · General

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General matters from Palo Alto, CA.
Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Jan Forker Cummins

Jan concentrates on elder law, estate planning, general, health care, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Palo Alto, California

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

Estate Planning cases in Palo Alto, California

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

General cases in Palo Alto, California

Jan takes general matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jan agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Palo Alto, California

Jan takes health care matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jan agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Palo Alto, California

Jan takes insurance matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jan agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Jan Forker Cummins — Over 21 years of California elder law experience

Jan Forker Cummins is an attorney based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. Jan has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jan Cummins Attorney at Law. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Jan Forker Cummins is a lawyer practicing estate planning, elder, post death administration and 11 other areas of law. Jan received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1960, and has been licensed for 21 years. Jan practices at Jan Cummins Attorney at Law in Palo Alto, CA.

Jan's approach to elder law cases

Jan Forker Cummins is a lawyer practicing estate planning, elder, post death administration and 11 other areas of law. Jan received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1960, and has been licensed for 21 years. Jan practices at Jan Cummins Attorney at Law in Palo Alto, CA.

Clients Jan works with

Jan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and general matters in Palo Alto and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Jan Forker Cummins's legal education and bar admissions

Santa Clara University
J.D. · 2004
Stanford University
B.A. History · 1960

Jurisdictions

Jan's state bar admissions

California
2005 · ACTIVE

Jan studied at J.D. in Santa Clara University and B.A. History in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

Jan completed J.D. in Santa Clara University and B.A. History in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Jan Forker Cummins

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Jan Forker Cummins's office in Palo Alto

Jan's primary office is at 2600 El Camino Real, Suite 501, Palo Alto, CA, 94306. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jan Cummins Attorney at Law

2600 El Camino Real, Suite 501

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Jan Forker Cummins — 3.9/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

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

3.9

8 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jan Forker Cummins claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jan Forker Cummins — 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 Jan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Palo Alto, California

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 Jan

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Jan'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 Jan Forker Cummins

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

What Are The Medicare Eligibility Requirements In California?
I’m 65 and live in San Diego, California, and I'm trying to understand if I’m eligible for Medicare. I’ve heard mixed information about the enrollment periods and qualifications. W
1 verified answer · Elder Law · California
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

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Jan handles elder law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.

Jan Forker Cummins, Elder Law Attorney in Palo Alto, California

Quick answer