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17 Jun, 2015 by Bret
Since 2008 my family members have retained Clara Brown Shaffer to council and prepare family and individual estate plans. Many times none of our family members understood the maze of meetings, networks and representations required to carry out trusts, special needs trusts, irrevocable trusts and the updates required to keep all of our trusts and estate plans current with annual legal changes. Clara Brown Shaffer maintained contact and gave direction so our ability to choose was based on quality of information, professionalism of council and not haste or time constraints caused by many sources. Furthermore, Clara Brown Shaffer was retained in 2014 after an untimely divorce, deaths of family members and diagnoses of primary handicapping disorders in new members of our family. These changes, after just six short years demanded a little restructuring of our individual and shared estates. As a tremendous credit to Ms. Brown Shaffer, even after a divorce, both parties chose to retain her for additional representation. Her abilities to negotiate and handle diverging estates while, all the time, aligning the trusts that represented individual demands are unmatched. My experiences with other Estate Planning attorneys are worth mentioning as well. Ms Brown Shaffer with Brown & Brown, P.C. along with support staff stands as the foremost representation of Estate Planning. My experiences with Estate Planning attorneys with other firms stem from as far back as 1988. Five different legal firms, have tackled the enormous estate planning for our diverse family's needs. All too often, documents go unsigned, questions go answered, but did we ask the right questions? Did we pose the positions correctly to satisfy converging, shared and diverging assets? The answer was yes! But the missing link was in the follow up provided by Ms. Shaffer. She tried to direct us through the maze of trusts and especially special needs trusts and exhaustive qualifications, but we were having trouble aligning what needed to happen and stay with a schedule. Ms. Brown Shaffer rescued us and did more than all other firms. Her organization and scheduling brought our estate planning to positive closure. As a testament to Ms. Brown Shaffer, Trusts were created by other firms but they never considered the true depth of involvement to provide the extensive additional sections for the protections of family members. We finally learned the depth of trust law and estate law. Through Ms. Shaffer's extensive guidance, our options became clear choices. Ms. Shaffer dauntingly handled the documentation and assembly required to tie shared assets and address individual assets. With alternatives and clear choice of paths directed through conditional occurrence we realized what a tremendous asset Clara Brown Shaffer had become to our family. When the time came to sign the trusts and extensive documentation, there was finally, no doubt from anyone. For the 1st time since our growing and shrinking family's attempt to create estate planning in 1988, everything was aligned, documented and signed. That 1st happened in 2008 and again in 2014. I have peace of mind knowing that my final wishes and choices are made and I am confident I can depart without regret. You can only achieve peace through passing if you have a great plan in place and the education provided through proper council. I remain pleased through my choices with my family through blood, marriage and war. I have peace of mind and I sleep better at night. God Loves You Clara Brown Shaffer and my family does too!
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16 Jun, 2015 by Marie
It is a privledge to work with Ms. Shaffer. She is patient, kind, knowledgable and is always available to me via her team or directly as needed. She is well informed and offers compassion with wisdom during very difficult and trying times. Having Ms. Shaffer represent me has been such a great experience. Her knowledge of family dynamics and elder law exhibits a level of understanding that is unequaled. Her professionalism is transparent as only the best can afford to be. Thank you for this opportunity to recommend and endorse Ms. Shaffer.
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15 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
We were disappointed with Ms. Shaffer's performance with regard to a relative's will, trust and estate matters. She is basically a paperwork attorney, and when other issues arose, her knowledge and experience were inadequate to deal with them. Since you can never tell when additional issues are going to arise with regard to will, trust and estate matters (and they very likely can), if you want a lawyer who is prepared and willing to handle a wider range of situations, we would advise seeking another attorney.

Best lawyers in Grand Junction, CO

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25 Sep, 2023 by Andreana
I hired Keller from my hospital room when I was injured on 5/5/20. One of the very best decisions I could have ever made! Literally I have zero complaints regarding Keller, and Brooke. From the very same day I was injured i retained Doehling Law. That same week Brooke came to my home to sign the paperwork and made it so simple. I am an autistic woman and cannot emphasize enough how simple, and transparent Keller and Brooke made this entire process for me. Though all the neurologist appointments, MRI, neck injections to the final few months where Keller really ramped up the pressure on the insurance agency to get the full demand I was in the best of hands. Brooke is amazing at same day emails and calls. Keller has an amazing team. No hidden fees, and he took care of the medical bills and argued them down to half their costs. I'm immensely grateful all I had to do was just take check and deposit it. Not only that, but as a personal touch the day I went to their office to get my check, Brooke took a while to explain to me what I need to include in auto insurance to make sure I have higher coverage to sue if I'm injured in an auto accident again. I am so grateful for Doehling Law firm. I really am. Thank you so very Keller and Brooke
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22 Feb, 2019 by Bridget
I felt completely overwhelmed after being involved in a hit and run accident with both my medical bills and dealing with the insurance companies. I called and spoke with attorneys at other firms in Denver and were very disappointed in how they treated me. When I contacted Doehling Law I never once felt like I was just a number or that my case wasn’t important enough. Keller was up front with me throughout the entire process and walked me through my options. He was extremely kind, professional, and knowledgeable. I am extremely happy with how my case turned out and can’t recommend Keller at Doehling Law high enough!
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22 Nov, 2017 by Mindy
Keller was an incredible attorney and friend during a time that was stressful, confusing, and just plain hard. I had never been in an accident before and, thankfully, Keller was able to come along side and help guide me through a difficult process. I had no idea what questions to ask, what bills meant what, what was a fair settlement, or anything about this process. He took all the pressure off me, handled every inquiry, dealt with every bump on the road in a professional, fair, and strong manner. I honestly was able to focus on healing and recouping while he handled all the red tape. I couldn't recommend him enough.
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09 Sep, 2016 by Joshua
I hired Jim during a very difficult divorce and custody battle. Jim was able to do everything I asked of him. I started out with only have a few hours a week with my son, and after hiring Jim that few hours turned into me having 365 overnights a year and 100% decision making. It was the best move I could have made. Jim is worth every penny, and he is willing to work with you. If you want a lawyer that will go to work for you and always have your best interest at heart Jim should be your first choice. He fought tooth and nail and everything paid off in the end. He will let you know straight forward and wont sugar coat it. He will look out for you and your family. I am truly thankful for everything Jim has done for my family. He is the best in town in my opinion. I cannot say enough good things about Jim and his law firm. Each and every one of them from Max at the front desk to Julie wants nothing but the best for you and your family. Jim is a very good lawyer and knows what he is doing. He is at ease and relaxed in the court room. When he is in court he is in his element and knows what has to be done to get the job done. I am in his debt for what he has done for my family.
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06 Feb, 2020 by Rebecca
Chad McGrady is a very kind, compassionate lawyer. He was exactly who we needed during the most difficult time in our lives. He is very knowledgeable and worked very hard for us. I would highly recommend him.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Michelle
Attorney McGrady was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. I had never been through this kind of thing before, but he was able to explain the process and help me to understand all of it. He was firm with the opposing side and was able to win my case without too much trouble.
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
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  8. Do you have references from past clients?
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  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
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Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
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  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
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    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Financial Information:
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  • Personal Identification:
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  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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