Business Details
37 Years
experience
Elder Law & Disability Legal Services in Salem, OR
McGinty & Belcher is a law firm dedicated to providing compassionate and expert legal services in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Social Security Disability. Founded in 1989, we have served Salem, OR, and surrounding areas for over 30 years, helping clients navigate complex legal challenges related to aging, disability, and long-term care. Our team of attorneys brings decades of combined experience in Medicaid planning, veterans' benefits, probate, and guardianship, ensuring clients receive personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs.We prioritize client education, proactive planning, and advocacy to protect families' financial futures and preserve independence. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of successful case outcomes and client testimonials praising our responsiveness, expertise, and compassionate approach.
Services
Elder Law
Estate Planning
Social Security Disability
Medicaid Planning
Veterans Benefits
Trusts
Wills
Probate
Guardianship
Conservatorship
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of specialized experience in elder law and disability advocacy.
- Our team provides personalized legal strategies tailored to individual family needs.
- We combine legal expertise with compassionate support during challenging life transitions.
- Our attorneys are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits planning.
- Proven success in complex Medicaid planning and Social Security Disability cases.
What people say
Compassionate support
Successful disability claims
Knowledgeable elder law experts
Responsive communication
Personalized attention
Services
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses aging-related legal challenges including nursing home care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and guardianship. We help clients protect assets while accessing necessary care programs. With understanding of both legal and emotional aspects, we guide families through complex decisions about long-term care options and financial protection strategies.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans using wills, trusts, and advanced directives to ensure asset distribution according to client wishes. Our approach combines tax minimization strategies with practical considerations for family dynamics. Services include special needs trusts, probate avoidance planning, and healthcare directives to address all aspects of posthumous asset management.
Social Security Disability
We represent clients denied Social Security Disability benefits through all appeal stages including administrative hearings. Our process involves gathering medical evidence, preparing legal arguments, and advocating before the Social Security Administration. We specialize in complex cases involving multiple impairments and long-term disabilities affecting work capacity.
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning services help families qualify for long-term care assistance while preserving assets. We develop strategies using irrevocable trusts, income management, and compliance techniques to meet strict eligibility requirements. We explain complex rules about home exemptions, income caps, and look-back periods to create legally sound plans.
Veterans Benefits
We assist veterans and surviving spouses with non-service connected pension benefits, including Aid & Attendance. Our accredited attorneys navigate VA requirements to secure financial assistance for long-term care. We coordinate benefits planning with Medicaid strategies and estate documents to maximize available support programs.
People
Richard McGinty
Partner
With over 35 years of legal experience, Richard McGinty specializes in Social Security Disability and Veterans Benefits. A former Army officer, he teaches Social Security law at Willamette Law School and represents clients before federal courts and the Veterans Claims Appeals Court.
Kathryn Belcher
Partner
Kathryn Belcher focuses on estate planning and elder law, serving as a frequent seminar speaker on trust creation and Medicaid planning. She co-founded Oregon's Alzheimer's Network and specializes in special needs trusts and probate administration for complex estates.
Ryan Belcher
Certified Claimant Representative
Certified by the Social Security Administration, Ryan Belcher handles disability claims at all appeal levels. He represents clients before administrative law judges and specializes in veterans' disability benefits, maintaining active membership in national disability advocacy organizations.
Sonya Apodaca
Legal Assistant
Sonya Apodaca provides client support for estate planning matters, assisting with document preparation and client communication. With over 15 years at the firm, she helps coordinate probate proceedings and trust administration processes for client families.
Brooke Moeller
Case Manager
Brooke Moeller manages Social Security Disability cases, guiding clients through the application and appeals process. She coordinates medical documentation submission and maintains direct client communication throughout case resolution.
Questions
What areas of law does McGinty & Belcher specialize in?
We focus on Elder Law, Estate Planning, Social Security Disability, Medicaid planning, and Veterans Benefits to address aging-related legal needs.
How can you help with Social Security Disability claims?
We represent clients at all stages of SSD appeals, including hearings before administrative law judges, with a focus on medical documentation and legal arguments.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for all practice areas to discuss your specific legal needs and options.
What Medicaid planning services do you provide?
We help families protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid through trusts, income strategies, and compliance with changing regulations.
Are your attorneys VA-accredited?
All our attorneys are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist with pension benefits and aid & attendance claims.
How long have you served the Salem community?
Our firm has provided legal services in Salem since 1989, with attorneys having over 25 years of individual experience in elder law.
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