We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney | Dent Coulson Elder Law

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Call Today: 618-632-7000 or 217-330-5500

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VA Accreditation received by Dent-Coulson Elder Law attorney Kimberly R. Finnegan

If you’re a veteran seeking VA Benefits, you may not know how to apply for these benefits or where to go for assistance with preparing and filing your claim. As with many programs for seniors, individuals and groups have emerged claiming to assist older adults with the process of qualifying for  these benefits. Unfortunately, some individuals and groups may have impure motives for providing “help”, collecting fees and promising a benefit that’s never obtained. Others are simply not qualified to provide the assistance, despite their best intentions.

VA Accreditation – what it means

Under Federal law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires attorneys assisting veterans with preparing, presenting, appealing, or prosecuting their claims to be accredited.  Accreditation means the grant of legal authority by the VA to the attorney to carry out benefits planning. A VA Accredited attorney is an attorney of good character and reputation, found to be in good standing with their state bar association, who commits to required yearly continuing education courses on the various VA programs and benefits.

Kimberly and Wes gold (2)I’m proud to report that in addition to attorney Wes Coulson, I recently obtained this accreditation. For me, assisting veterans is personal.

Many older family members of mine, farmers from Illinois and Iowa, served in the Second World War, Korea, and Vietnam. I have younger family members currently serving in the Middle East region and domestically. I say with conviction that their service, while required or voluntary, wartime or lifelong, with all political ideologies aside, was premised on the values of protecting one’s community and providing for one’s family. I put this value to work each day when I assist families, not unlike my own, obtain benefits and plan for the future.

When you work with a VA accredited attorney, you will have peace of mind that your case is handled ethically and knowledgeably, as only a VA accredited attorney may do. Dent-Coulson Elder Law is committed to assisting aging veterans, and we devote our time to keeping up with rules and regulations that may mean the difference between a failed claim and a successful one, as such rules are strictly enforced.  We have a long history of successful claims.

veteran (2)This Memorial Day, take time to remember our service members and their great sacrifices for our country. If you know a vet who is needs help, reach out to us.

I look forward to working you and your family.

– Kimberly R. Finnegan


Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (877)995-6876 or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

Veterans Benefits O'Fallon ILFor Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs immediate help with a planning matter or legal issue, please contact us, and we will get back to you promptly.

774 Sunset Blvd Suite 200
O'Fallon, IL 62269
IL: (618) 632-7000
MO: (314) 567-9292

1901 South Fourth Street,
Suite 211, Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 330-5500

Fax: (618) 632-7333

Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

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Book A Speaker

 

Free WorkshopsIf you have reached age 65, there's about a 45% chance that you will eventually need long-term care.

Our attorneys are available to speak to professional and social groups on a variety of elder law and estate planning topics without charge.

To book a speaker, please call our offices and ask for Karie Wines.

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