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

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

Does Sol offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Sol take my case if I'm outside Billings?

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

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

Is Sol accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Sol Lovas, Elder Law Attorney in Billings

Quick answer

Sol Lovas is a member based in Billings, MT. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Sol has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sol Lovas, Lawyer, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in: Billings, MT
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Planning · Estate Tax

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax matters from Billings, MT.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Sol takes on

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

Elder Law cases in Billings, Montana

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

Estate Planning cases in Billings, Montana

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

Estate Tax cases in Billings, Montana

Sol takes estate tax matters in Billings, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sol agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Billings, Montana

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

Trusts cases in Billings, Montana

Sol takes trusts matters in Billings, Montana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sol agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Sol Lovas — elder law lawyer in Billings

Sol Lovas is a member based in Billings, MT. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Sol has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sol Lovas, Lawyer, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Law Clerk to Hon. Russell E. Smith, U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1979—1980. Adjunct Professor, Estate Administration, Rocky Mountain College Legal Assistant Program. Founder and Chair, Yellowstone Valley Women Lawyers, 1987—1993.Cases:Timm v. Montana DPHHS, 2008 Mont. 126, 184 P.3d 994 (2008) (Medicaid eligibility issues)Experience and Expertise: Sol has been practicing Family Wealth Law in the Billings area since 1980. After practicing with a general law firm for several years, she opened her own solo practice in 1992, to specialize in Family Wealth Law.Prior Employment: Member, Felt, Martin, Frazier and Lovas, P.C., Billings, MT, 1980—1992 Law Clerk, U.S. District Judge, Missoula, MT, 1979—1980Professional Activities: Sol is a frequent speaker for community and professional programs on Family Wealth Law issues. Publications: Sol Lovas, When Is a Family Not a Family? Inheritance and the Taxation of Inheritance Within the Non-Traditional Family, 24 Idaho Law Review 353 (1988)Personal: Sol was born in Seattle and grew up in Alaska. In 1976, she moved to Montana, where her mother and father were born and raised. CertificationsSol is the first and only Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)* in the state of Montana.

Working with Sol on a elder law matter

Law Clerk to Hon. Russell E. Smith, U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1979—1980. Adjunct Professor, Estate Administration, Rocky Mountain College Legal Assistant Program. Founder and Chair, Yellowstone Valley Women Lawyers, 1987—1993.Cases:Timm v. Montana DPHHS, 2008 Mont. 126, 184 P.3d 994 (2008) (Medicaid eligibility issues)Experience and Expertise: Sol has been practicing Family Wealth…

Who Sol represents

Sol reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and estate tax matters in Billings and the surrounding Montana area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Montana
J.D. · 1979
Alaska Pacific University
B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Sol's state bar admissions

U.S. Tax Court
1982 · ACTIVE
Montana
1979 · ACTIVE

Sol studied at J.D. in University of Montana and B.A. in Alaska Pacific University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Sol Lovas's office in Billings

Sol's primary office is at 2817 Second Avenue North, Suite 207, Billings, MT, 59103-0399. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sol Lovas, Lawyer, P.C.

2817 Second Avenue North, Suite 207

Billings, MT 59103-0399

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Sol Lovas — 4.3/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

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

4.3

4 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Sol Lovas — 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 Sol usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Billings, Montana

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 Sol

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Sol'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 Sol Lovas

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

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

Sol Lovas, Elder Law Attorney in Billings, Montana

Quick answer