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

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

Does Susan offer a free consultation?

Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Susan'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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Encino?

Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?

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

Is Susan accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Susan Joan Cooley, Elder Law Attorney in Encino

Quick answer

Susan Joan Cooley is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Susan has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Oldman Cooley Sallus Birnberg Coleman And Gold Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

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

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA matters from Encino, CA.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Susan Joan Cooley

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

Elder Law cases in Encino, California

Susan takes elder law matters in Encino, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Encino, California

Susan takes estate planning matters in Encino, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Encino, California

Susan takes poa matters in Encino, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Encino, California

Susan takes probate matters in Encino, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Encino, California

Susan takes trusts matters in Encino, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Susan Joan Cooley — Over 46 years of California elder law experience

Susan Joan Cooley is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Susan has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Oldman Cooley Sallus Birnberg Coleman And Gold Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Susan Joan Cooley is a lawyer practicing probate, trust, conservatorship and 5 other areas of law. Susan received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1974, and has been licensed for 46 years. Susan practices at Oldman, Cooley, Sallus, Birnberg, Coleman & Gold, LLP in Encino, CA.

How Susan handles elder law matters

Susan Joan Cooley is a lawyer practicing probate, trust, conservatorship and 5 other areas of law. Susan received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1974, and has been licensed for 46 years. Susan practices at Oldman, Cooley, Sallus, Birnberg, Coleman & Gold, LLP in Encino, CA.

The kind of cases Susan takes

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and poa matters in Encino and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Susan Joan Cooley's legal education and bar admissions

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1979
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. Political · 1974

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

California
1980 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. Political in University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. Political in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Susan Joan Cooley

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Susan Joan Cooley's office in Encino

Susan's primary office is at 16133 Ventura Boulevard, Penthouse Suite, Encino, CA, 91436-2447. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Oldman Cooley Sallus Birnberg Coleman And Gold Llp

16133 Ventura Boulevard, Penthouse Suite

Encino, CA 91436-2447

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan Joan Cooley — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Susan Joan Cooley — 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 Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Encino, 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 Susan

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan'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 Susan Joan Cooley

How much does it cost to hire Susan for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Susan'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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Encino?
Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?
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. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new elder law clients right now?
Susan'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 Susan Joan Cooley. 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 Encino, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Susan 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.

Susan Joan Cooley, Elder Law Attorney in Encino, California

Quick answer