About Dakota Warner

Dakota Warner is the owner and managing attorney of Warner Law Firm, PLLC. A graduate of West Virginia University College of Law, Dakota began his legal career as a litigation attorney before dedicating his practice exclusively to estate planning, Medicaid planning, and elder law in West Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina.

Since founding his firm, Dakota has guided families through complex estate planning decisions, crafting personalized plans that efficiently meet each client’s unique objectives. He is passionate about helping individuals and families secure long-term care Medicaid benefits while protecting their hard-earned assets. Dakota is driven by a desire to provide clients with peace of mind, whether through proactive planning or navigating crisis situations.

As a member of Wealth Counsel, Dakota has access to the latest resources and information, ensuring his clients receive high-quality plans and strategies tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Dakota is also deeply involved in his local community, offering free educational presentations on estate planning, Medicaid, elder law, and issues affecting seniors. He contributes pro bono services through Legal Aid of West Virginia. He is also actively involved with Rotary International, United Way, and the local Chamber of Commerce.

In his free time, Dakota enjoys exploring the outdoors, attending live music events, and traveling to new destinations.

Why Choose Warner Law Firm?

Passion:

The practice areas of estate planning and elder law were an unexpected yet rewarding career change for me. I was first introduced to these areas through personal experiences with my mom. I was caring for her as she eventually needed long-term nursing home care. Like many families, I was told that the only way to pay for her care was through Medicaid. She had worked full-time since she was 16, building a life of financial independence, only to face the possibility of losing everything she had saved to nursing home bills. I couldn’t accept that outcome.

Determined to find a solution, I dedicated my free time—while still working as a litigation attorney—to creating an estate plan and asset protection plan for her. This plan ensured her wishes were honored and qualified her for Medicaid, all while preserving her assets. Through this journey, my mom became my first “client.”

This experience made me realize the critical importance of proper planning—not only to protect assets but also to provide peace of mind for individuals and their families. That moment solidified my decision to dedicate my career to helping others in similar situations. Within months, I started Warner Law Firm to assist families in navigating the complexities of estate planning and Medicaid planning with care and compassion.

Knowledge:

By focusing exclusively on estate planning, Medicaid planning, and related areas, I bring a depth of knowledge and dedication to every client’s unique situation. Whether you need guidance on critical estate planning decisions or strategies to minimize tax liability and protect assets from creditors, I am here to ensure your planning objectives are achieved with precision.

Medicaid planning, in particular, is notoriously complex, with eligibility rules that vary by state and change frequently. Small mistakes in the application process can lead to costly delays or denial of benefits. My approach involves using proven legal strategies to ensure Medicaid eligibility is achieved as quickly as possible, while preserving and protecting your hard-earned savings. With nursing home costs often exceeding $10,000 per month, timely and effective planning is crucial to avoid unnecessary financial loss due to delays, mistakes, or missed planning opportunities.

Diligence.

Planning ahead is vital, yet many people wait until it’s too late or a crisis arises. Whether you are planning proactively or facing an urgent situation, I am here to help. As a proud member of Elder Counsel, I have access to the most up-to-date tools and resources to handle your matter efficiently and effectively.

Mistakes in estate planning or Medicaid planning can have devastating consequences for families, and the stakes are high when nursing home expenses can quickly deplete savings. Working with an attorney who is dedicated, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable can make all the difference in ensuring your objectives are met and your peace of mind is secured.