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

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

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

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

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Bakersfield?

Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

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

Is Thomas accepting new elder law clients right now?

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

Thomas Scott McIntosh, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Thomas Scott McIntosh is a partner based in Bakersfield, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. Thomas has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lebeau Thelen Llp. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Bakersfield, CA
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Planning · General

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General matters from Bakersfield, CA.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in Bakersfield

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

Elder Law cases in Bakersfield, California

Thomas takes elder law matters in Bakersfield, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Bakersfield, California

Thomas takes estate planning matters in Bakersfield, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Bakersfield, California

Thomas takes general matters in Bakersfield, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Bakersfield, California

Thomas takes probate matters in Bakersfield, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Bakersfield, California

Thomas takes trusts matters in Bakersfield, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Thomas Scott McIntosh, elder law attorney serving Bakersfield

Thomas Scott McIntosh is a partner based in Bakersfield, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. Thomas has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lebeau Thelen Llp. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Thomas works from Bakersfield, California and takes on elder law matters across the region.

About Thomas Scott McIntosh View website

Awards

Client Reviewed This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by a past client. Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About Awards

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Thomas Scott McIntosh got this award in 2021

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Working with Thomas on a elder law matter

About Thomas Scott McIntosh View website Awards Client Reviewed This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by a past client. Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About Awards Client Champion Awards Client Champion awards recognize those…

Clients Thomas works with

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

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

University of San Diego
J.D. · 1977
Washington State University
B.A. · 1974

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

California
1977 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in Washington State University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in Washington State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Thomas's legal honors and published work

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Thomas Scott McIntosh's office in Bakersfield

Thomas's primary office is at 9801 Camino Media, Suite 103, Bakersfield, CA, 93311. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lebeau Thelen Llp

9801 Camino Media, Suite 103

Bakersfield, CA 93311

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Scott McIntosh — 3.6/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

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

3.6

3 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Scott McIntosh — 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 Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Bakersfield, 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 Thomas

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas Scott McIntosh

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

Thomas 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.

Thomas Scott McIntosh, Elder Law Attorney in Bakersfield, California

Quick answer

Thomas's practice areas in Bakersfield

Elder Law cases in Bakersfield, California