BERGER ESTATE & ELDER LAW, P.A.

Pros

• The reviewers described Jim and Mary Anne as very helpful and knowledgeable about the law.
• They credit the firm with preventing a near financial disaster and ensuring great care for their mother.
• Jim is regarded as a great guy who really knows his stuff and is highly recommended.
• They appreciated the time and guidance Jim offered.
• The team was personable, did a great job, and earned strong recommendations.
• His staff were wonderful, caring, with solid information and fast responses.
• The environment is professional, friendly, and known for an ethical reputation.
• Berger Estate & Elder Law demonstrated responsiveness and attention to detail.
• Jim helped when handling a parent's legal affairs with expertise and thoughtful support.
• They could explain complex matters in simple terms and recommended Jim to everyone.

Cons

• "This is NOT THE GUY."
• "Jim is slow in responding."
• "Jim produces errors in documents that I had to correct prior to him submitting them to the court."
• "Jim was blatantly ill prepared for our court appearance."
• "Jim just doesn't get the job done."
• "He charges a whopping $350/hr."

Review

A steady thread runs through the collection of experiences with Berger Estate & Elder Law: a consistent pattern of thoughtful guidance, clear explanations, and hands-on help at moments when the emotional and financial stakes are high. Several reviewers emphasize that the firm has been a reliable ally both in the delicate process of closing the estate after a loved one's death and in the more forward-looking work of planning their own future with wills, living wills, and related documents. In each case, clients note that options were laid out in a straightforward way, questions were invited, and people were walked through every step so nothing felt mysterious or overwhelming.

One major strand of praise centers on how the firm helps with the practical logistics of estate administration. Reviewers recount that the team not only explained what needed to be done, but also took on the responsibility of filing the necessary documents with government agencies. This alleviates a substantial burden for grieving families, offering a sense of order and competence at a time when many feel overwhelmed. The impression left is that the firm brings both expertise and efficiency to the table, turning a potentially chaotic process into something organized and manageable.

The nursing home transition story is particularly vivid and speaks to the firm's impact on families facing steep financial and care-related decisions. In one account, Jim and Mary Anne provided crucial guidance on how to cover a huge increase in nursing home costs and navigate the system to secure appropriate care for a mother who had been living independently. The reviewer describes the outcome as a near financial disaster averted, with care quality for the mother improved and the family spared financial hardship. The tone here is one of practical problem-solving coupled with compassionate support - an expression of care that many families hunting for clear, actionable help find invaluable.

Several testimonials highlight the personal warmth and communication style of the practitioners. Phrases like "great guy, really knows his stuff," "appreciated the time & guidance," and "very knowledgeable, personable, and great job" recur in multiple reviews, painting a picture of a team that is not only legally competent but also accessible and easy to work with. Clients appreciate explanations that are easy to understand rather than filled with jargon, and they feel the attorneys take the time to ensure they grasp the implications of each decision. In essence, the communication is described as patient, practical, and reassuring.

The human side of the service is repeatedly commended as well. One reviewer recalls that Jim Berger was there for them when their husband died suddenly, offering advice, serving as a sounding board, and providing a steady, supportive presence. The staff is described as wonderful and caring, delivering solid information and prompt responses. The combination of empathy and reliability stands out as a defining characteristic of the firm for people facing one of life's most challenging transitions, where timely, compassionate guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Beyond immediate crises, the reviews also speak to a broader reputation for professionalism and ethical conduct. A reviewer describes the office as professional yet friendly, with a warm environment and a reputation for ethics in the community. The sense conveyed is that the firm can be trusted not just to get things done, but to do so in a manner consistent with strong professional and ethical standards. Clients feel they receive compassionate guidance, even when the topics are difficult or uncomfortable, and they appreciate referrals that have led them to the firm in the first place.

Several accounts recount long-term satisfaction with the firm's services, including the creation and revision of trusts. Reviewers describe a high level of responsiveness and attention to detail, with some noting that they had a positive experience both when initially setting up trusts and during later revisions. The testimonials emphasize trustworthiness and a reasonable approach to fees, with clients feeling confident that their long-term planning needs were handled thoughtfully and competently.

A number of reviewers specifically credit Jim and his team with making complex legal concepts accessible to ordinary people. One reviewer, speaking of a referral from a financial advisor, notes that Jim is an expert who can explain things in simple terms and that the firm earned a broad recommendation for its approachable, clear explanations. This blend of expertise and simplicity appears to be a recurring strength, helping clients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their estates.

Not every voice in the collection is laudatory, however. One review presents a starkly different perspective: the writer claims that, in a time-critical situation, Jim Berger was slow to respond, produced errors in documents that the reviewer had to correct before court submission, and appeared ill-prepared for a court appearance. The reviewer also cites a high hourly rate of $350 and emphasizes a negative overall experience, arguing that the service did not meet their needs when time and resources were limited. While this account stands out as a clear contrast to the otherwise consistently positive feedback, it is important to acknowledge that it reflects a single, unfavorable experience within a broader spectrum of reviews.

Taken together, the collection of reviews suggests a prevailing impression of Berger Estate & Elder Law as a firm that tends to excel when families are navigating sensitive life events - death, illness, and the decisions that shape the future. The majority of clients emphasize compassionate care, clear guidance, practical problem-solving, and reliable service that helps families feel secure. While there is at least one negative experience cited, the overall pattern of endorsements points to a practice that many clients would confidently recommend to others seeking estate planning, elder law, and probate support.

Located in Leawood, Kansas, this area boasts a variety of healthcare options including Discover Vision Centers and Kansas City Allergy & Asthma Associates. Nearby pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS provide convenient access to medications. Residents can enjoy dining at popular restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Rye, while cafes like Starbucks and Brew Haha Coffeehouse offer cozy spots for socializing. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks within a few miles, including Nall Hills Park and Quivira Park. Additionally, the proximity to Saint Luke's South Hospital ensures easy access to medical care. With a mix of amenities and services nearby, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors.

Physicians

• Discover Vision Centers in Leawood, Kansas (0.6 miles)
• Allergy & Asthma Care, PA (0.7 miles)
• Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (1.1 miles)
• Kansas City Allergy & Asthma Associates, P.A. (2 miles)
• College Park Specialty Center (3.1 miles)
• Village Pediatrics (3.8 miles)
• KC Endocrinology & Diabetes (3.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Hen House (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Shake Shack (0.7 miles)
• Houlihan's (0.7 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1.1 miles)
• K-Macho's Mexican Grill and Cantina (1.2 miles)
• Martin City Pizza & Tap Room - Mission Farms (1.2 miles)
• Rye (1.3 miles)
• Unforked (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Rehabilitation Hospital of Overland Park (0.9 miles)
• Saint Luke's South Hospital (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• McLain's Market (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Brew Haha Coffeehouse (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.2 miles)

Parks

• Nall Hills Park (1.3 miles)
• Gezer Park (2.7 miles)
• Cherokee Park (3.2 miles)
• Quivira Park (4.1 miles)
• Ironwoods Park (4.3 miles)
• Thomas S. Stoll Dog Park (4.5 miles)
• Harmon Park (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Prairiefire 17, Formerly Cinetopia Overland Park 18 (2.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Lord of Life Lutheran Church (3.1 miles)
• St Michael The Arch Angel (3.6 miles)
• Overland Park Church of Christ (5 miles)
• Overland Park Christian Church (5.1 miles)