Call your local Agency on Aging and ask them if they know of any Elder Law Attorneys where the first half hour is free or can give a discount. Remember, Elder Law is a specialty, thus the fees are higher.... similar to that of a doctor who specializes.
Most counties have Elder Law consults available if you are low income. If you are not low income you will pay a retainer. $500 is pretty average. We paid $2000 retainer to initiate Guardian hearings.