The type of work DMMs handle for their clients is highly personal and confidential. Whereas your personal judgment and instincts are important in determining the honesty of any professional with whom you may do business, you can take additional steps to safeguard yourself against becoming involved with a dishonest person.

First, ask for a referral from someone you know and trust, such as a friend, relative, lawyer, accountant, or doctor. If none of these people can put you in touch with a DMM and you must hire a basically "unknown" person, be ready to address the following issues before hiring a DMM:

Is the DMM willing to involve another person in their work, such as a lawyer, accountant, or family member?

Some DMMs offer a free initial consultation -- ask in advance for their policy on first meeting charges.

Review the scope of the work before you agree to having the DMM start working for you. Many times this is accomplished at the initial meeting.

Are you insured?

With which local organizations are you affiliated?

If your DMM is active in community organizations such as the chamber of commerce, a church or religious organization, community action groups, or a local provider’s council, connections in these groups will help your DMM better serve you since they will be able to refer you to other professionals and resources in the community.

Can you provide a reference list?

A reference list should include two or more clients or their family members and at least one professional; it may include a personal reference.

Take the time to call the references on the list, asking them whether the DMM is: respectful, dependable, efficient, empathetic, and professional in manner. How were any conflicts resolved? Have you ever felt uneasy about the work done by the DMM and do you feel comfortable asking for explanations of things you don’t understand?

Your access to your own records, especially financial records, should not be restricted by the DMM. If you are being kept in the dark about the status of your own affairs, take this as a sign of trouble.

How does the DMM bill for their work?

Be sure that you understand the billing arrangements before the work begins.

What will the services of the DMM cost and what are the common billing methods?

Most DMMs charge for their services on an hourly basis, with rates varying with geographic areas. You should expect to pay between $35 and $100 per hour.

In addition to the hourly rates, most DMMs charge for their travel time and for out-of-pocket expenses such as postage stamps provided to their clients and long distance charges for calls made on a client’s behalf.

Some DMMs request payment at the time of service and others bill on a monthly or bi-weekly basis. Some local governments have reduced fee or free services available for low-income clients, as does AARP (202-434-2143).