CEO, Attorney At Law

Dean Horrigan is a seasoned and passionate attorney dedicated to addressing the legal needs of older Americans. With degrees in Accounting and Law from the University of Toledo, he holds licenses to practice law in Ohio and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Dean's legal practice centers around crucial areas that directly impact older individuals and their families. His services include Estate and Trust planning and administration, Advance Directives, Guardianships, Medicaid eligibility for the elderly, as well as safeguarding the elderly from financial exploitation and abuse. Additionally, Dean handles Will and Trust contests and serves as a neutral Administrator in disputed estates.

Dean is proud to have held positions as Chairman of the Advocacy Committee for the Coalition of Organizations Protecting Elders and Chairman of the Probate / Elder Law Committee with the Toledo Bar Association.

Dean actively participates in several organizations that champion the rights and well-being of senior citizens, including the Northwest Ohio Gerontological Association and Senior Collaborative. Throughout his career, Dean has been actively engaged on various boards and councils, such as the Advance Care Planning Coalition of Greater Toledo and the Lutheran Social Services Volunteer Guardianship Program.

In recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to the elderly and the field of elder law, Dean has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Community Service Award from the Area Office on Aging. Most notably, he received the esteemed 2020 Access to Justice Public Interest Law Award, solidifying his reputation as a trusted leader in the legal community.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Dean's dedication to serving the elderly community led him to establish Elder Advocates & Estates, LLC, situated in uptown Maumee, Ohio at 111 W. Wayne St.

Attorney At Law*

Kaela Herrera is a highly accomplished attorney with a profound passion for serving the elderly. She earned her Juris Doctor from The University of Toledo College of Law in 2019 and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2022 and the Michigan Bar in 2025, solidifying her position as a legal advocate. With a strong educational foundation that includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, specializing in Management and Applied Economics, and a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies from The University of Toledo, Kaela brings a unique combination of business acumen and legal proficiency to her practice.

As an attorney, Kaela Herrera has made significant contributions to the legal field. Currently serving as an attorney at Elder Advocates & Estates in Maumee, Ohio, she demonstrates her unwavering dedication to supporting the elderly, guiding them through complex legal matters with empathy and knowledge. Prior to this role, Kaela showcased her expertise as a Legal Research Analyst at Thomson Reuters, where she excelled in analyzing legal information and collaborated effectively with Product Management to enhance legal research methodologies using platforms including Westlaw Precision.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kaela's commitment to personal and professional growth is evident through her volunteer work and continuous learning. She served as a Volunteer Law Clerk at Christian Legal Collaborative, Inc., gaining valuable experience in various legal matters and showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact on people's lives. Kaela Herrera's unwavering dedication to the legal profession, combined with a passion for justice and a genuine desire to help others, make her a valuable asset to our legal team.

* Licensed in Ohio and Michigan

Attorney At Law

Garrett Faust is a first-generation attorney with a passion for helping others and improving access to legal services for the City of Toledo and the surrounding areas. Garrett began his undergraduate studies at Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana, and finished his degree at Indiana University’s South Bend campus where he earned his Bachelor of Arts. Garrett relocated to Ohio in 2021 and attended Toledo University College of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor in 2024. Garrett was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2024.

Throughout law school, Garrett persistently sought opportunities to assist people who might not otherwise have legal representation, which led him to participate in the Tax Controversy Clinic at the University of Toledo College of Law where he worked with low-income taxpayers involved in disputes or unpaid taxes with the internal Revenue Service. Garrett also volunteered for several eviction sealing clinics with the Toledo Bar Association’s pro bono program.

Garrett’s latest internship with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, exposed him to various areas of public service law, where he worked on landlord/tenant, domestic relations, estate plans for senior citizens, and consumer law matters. This work instilled compassion and empathy for the clients he was able to assist, further guiding him to seek a career that impacts those who are vulnerable and in need of legal guidance. Garrett recognizes the complexity and severity of elder law matters and brings the same goal of accessibility, compassion, and persistence to his work with Elder Advocates & Estates and our valuable clients regardless of their resources.

Paralegal

Sarah's passion for serving her community drives her to excel in her role, providing clients with exceptional service and professionalism. As a vital part of Elder Advocates & Estates, Sarah's commitment to client satisfaction fuels her success in the estate planning process. She takes pride in being the go-to person for clients, addressing their questions and concerns with care and expertise.

Sarah's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State University, earned in 2016, and recent graduation with honors from The University of Toledo's Paralegal Certification Program—an American Bar Association-approved course. Additionally, she holds certification as a Notary Public in the State of Ohio.

Outside of work, Sarah cherishes her time with her three young sons and actively engages in community outreach. Her hobbies include gardening, gourmet cooking, and quilt making.