Attorney Profiles

Laura L. Ergood, Esq., brings a wealth of experience to Estate and Elder Law. With a background as a former Assistant Camden County Prosecutor, NJ Deputy Attorney General, and business owner, as well as a mother, wife, friend, and daughter of a mother who passed away in 2022 after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Laura understands the complexities of life intimately. Her personal journey has endowed her with a deep empathy for her clients’ situations, allowing her to offer legal guidance and crucial emotional support. Her mission is to provide legal assistance and partner with her clients, helping them prioritize what truly matters in their lives and safeguarding their legacies for future generations.

For almost two decades now, Laura has been dedicated to serving clients in New Jersey, helping them navigate the intricate landscape of estate and elder law. Laura’s approach to law is marked by authenticity, thoroughness, and passion. She adopts a collaborative stance, ensuring that her clients feel empowered and informed every step of the way. From estate planning, asset protection and wealth preservation to Guardianships, Special Needs and long-term care planning, Laura guides her clients through the intricacies of the law with clarity and accessibility.

Laura is a New Jersey State Bar Association member, and a Member of the Elder and Disability plus Real Property and Trust subcommittees. She is also a member of the Camden County Bar Association and a former member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and NJ National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) member, where she served as Secretary, Trustee, Vice President, and ultimately President of NJ NAELA during the COVID crisis. Laura has been a South Jersey Women in Business member for over 5 years.

When she is not practicing law, Laura loves to spend time with her family and 2 dogs (Jackson and Payton), Traveling, Hiking in Tennessee, College Football, Yoga and Fitness, and watching Formula One Racing.

Education
Temple University, James E. Beasley School of Law, J.D., 1993
Rutgers College, Rutgers University, B.A., Political Science, 1990
Bar Admissions
New Jersey (1993)
Pennsylvania (1994)

Awards and Recognitions
SJ Magazine, “Top Attorneys” List – 2018, 2017, and 2016
South Jersey Magazine “Awesome Attorneys” List – 2011, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Olivia F. Cleaver, Esq. serves as an Associate Attorney at Ergood Law, LLC, focusing on Medicaid benefits acquisition and retention for clients, whether in-home, Assisted Living facilities, or Nursing facilities. Collaborating closely with her clients, Olivia crafts personalized spend-down plans, manages all relevant financial documentation, and liaises with facilities and Medicaid offices throughout the application procedure. Her experience includes managing both straightforward and intricate Medicaid applications, often involving Medicaid Compliant Annuities and Qualified Income Trusts.

In addition to her Medicaid focus, Olivia practices in the area of estate administration, facilitating tasks such as probating wills, asset valuation, and preparation of final accountings and paperwork on behalf of executors or administrators. She also ensures compliance with New Jersey Inheritance Tax laws by handling the requisite tax documentation for estates.

Beyond her legal pursuits, Olivia enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and passionately supporting her beloved Philly sports teams.