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29 May, 2021 by Garrett
Chris was great to work with! Very professional, responsive, timely and he gave great advice throughout the process. At our signing he made a could be stressful situation very seamless! Keep up the great work and thank you for helping us!
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27 May, 2021 by Richmond
Christopher was great! Nice guy and very thorough. Have referred him to others. Thank you Chris. Your help and professionalism was much appreciated.
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22 May, 2021 by Stephan
Chris and his staff are truly amazing at what they do. Anytime I have needed something done for my mom, they were there helping me with what I needed to be completed. Chris even went to visit my mom in a nursing facility while I was out of state to help along our trust process. The staff always pick up the phones and respond to emails promptly. I cannot stress how professional this law office is and I would recommend them to anyone that needs estate planning.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Ashley hunter
From the very beginning, Attorney Rob Jenkins professionalism and expertise were evident, and he made what could have been an incredibly stressful process feel manageable and clear. Mr. Jenkins deep knowledge of the law was matched only by his transparency and willingness to walk us through every step of the process.
He was firm and confident ensuring that our rights were protected and our voice was heard. His no-nonsense approach made it clear he was always well-prepared and focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Mr. Jenkins communication was stellar; he promptly answered our questions, kept us updated, and ensured we understood all of the options. His dedication and care truly set him apart.
If you are in need of a defense attorney who will fight for you with integrity, professionalism, and exceptional expertise, Rob Jenkins is the one to call. I am beyond grateful for his representation and would recommend him without hesitation.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Damon d. colbert
In November 2024, I watched Mr. Jenkins cross-examine the Commonwealth of Virginia's most important witness against his client. (This was a high-profile case, and the media reports made it appear that his client had no chance to win.) The witness was a law enforcement officer.
Because I cross-examine people for a living and I study my craft, I know stellar work.
Mr. Jenkins's cross-examination was spectacular. He torpedoed the Commonwealth's case. He turned that witness into a witness for his client. Simply masterful.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Lance gray
I am beyond grateful to have had Mr. Robert Jenkins as my attorney! After being charged with a crime last April, I hired Mr. Jenkins to defend me, and he exceeded all expectations. Despite the prosecution's delays and unavailability, Mr. Jenkins persevered and successfully got my case completely dismissed! The relief I feel now that this is behind me is indescribable. Mr. Jenkins' expertise, dedication, and commitment to his clients are truly exceptional. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch legal representation. Thank you again, Mr. Jenkins!
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20 Aug, 2024 by S
Peter has excellent communication skills and is incredibly knowledgeable. He is candid and will always give you the full picture as it stands. Whilst showing the utmost professionalism, the thing that has and continues to stand out for me is Peter’s human side; always showing genuine concern for the client. He will always go over and above to help. Mine was a difficult case which Peter helped to navigate in the best way possible. I would not hesitate to recommend Peter’s services - you will be in safe hands!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Gjergj dollani
Peter has been my go-to for the past 6-7 years. He has helped me tremendously with various issues from contracts to litigations, and has always pushed hard to represent my interests.
His integrity is paramount, which is of huge importance to me and my family.
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06 May, 2024 by Lyudmyla topcha
We loved our experience with Jabaly Law.
Peter provided exceptional quality of work, excellent customer service. Any questions we had, Peter made sure to answer all of them and prioritized our case! I highly recommend Peter as a lawyer, won’t regret it.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Rodrigo mallea
Mr. Rahi spoke with me and told me not worry about the case. He had the right information and was an effective communicator with the court. In a small amount of words he has a big impact in court today. A great attorney.
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18 Apr, 2023 by Patrick brown
I would like to thank this law firm for settling my case. I first I didn't understand the hard work that they had to put into not just my case but everyone else's cases. I appreciate
Everything and I would like to apologize for my behavior.
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31 Mar, 2021 by William montes
25 Apr, 2024 by Katt k
08 Mar, 2024 by Zauhirah tipu
I met with David Hagan for a consultation and he was incredibly helpful, genuine, informative, and honest! I would definitely recommend him to my friends and family. He looks out for the best interest of the client.
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23 Aug, 2023 by E w (ew)
I had the pleasure of retaining Attorney Rebecca Wade several times since 2016. She is awesome. I wouldn't seek the advice from any other attorney in Northern Virginia. Highly recommended.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Daniel chavarria
Les recomiendo este abogado me ayudó con mi caso fue muy rápido I super amable en todo momento trabajo para darme la mayor compensación
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05 Sep, 2024 by Dream addikts
This law firm was so very helpful. The whole team is amazing. I had the pleasure of working with Sylvanno. He was on it, won the case and made sure I was taken care of. I’m so thankful for having been referred here and I encourage you to use them as well.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Jose reyes
Thank you for all the help this firm has given me!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Christine walika
17 Apr, 2024 by Drake taylor
29 Oct, 2023 by Brian k
24 Jan, 2025 by Susan beyer
Marina Medvin is an exceptional criminal defense lawyer and I would recommend her to to anyone without hesitation. She is an excellent communicator and very responsive to questions and deeply knowledgeable in the workings of the legal system and knows how to get her clients the best outcomes. She takes the time to explain everything so that her clients have the least amount of uncertainty possible to face. I feel fortunate to have found an attorney who is so dedicated to both her profession and clients. Thank you Marina.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Clayton hildebrand
Caring, empathetic, respectable, and efficient is how I would describe Ms. Medvin. She worked quickly and with great care to provide me the best service and representation. I'm so grateful for her efforts in my defense!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Garth walton
Five Stars is not enough for Marina Medvin!
The scariest and darkest day of my life was when the FBI picked me up. I felt helpless and didn’t even know where to begin to find legal representation. Fortunately for me, I found Marina Medvin. She has been a light throughout this entire process.
Marina is an exceptional attorney and a fierce advocate for her clients. She is also a genuinely lovely person. My case was ultimately dismissed and I am free man today. For that, I am forever grateful to Marina. I do not know what I would have done without her.
If you are searching for a defense attorney you will not find a better one than Marina Medvin.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.3
19 Reviews
25 Apr, 2024 by Katt k
08 Mar, 2024 by Zauhirah tipu
I met with David Hagan for a consultation and he was incredibly helpful, genuine, informative, and honest! I would definitely recommend him to my friends and family. He looks out for the best interest of the client.
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23 Aug, 2023 by E w (ew)
I had the pleasure of retaining Attorney Rebecca Wade several times since 2016. She is awesome. I wouldn't seek the advice from any other attorney in Northern Virginia. Highly recommended.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Deanne
I was very fortunate to retain Deb as my Attorney in assisting me with the duties associated with administering my uncle's estate. This was my first experience with the probate process, and it seemed quite daunting at first.
As it turned out, navigating through the probate process was made much easier thanks to the exceptional experience, knowledge, organization, support, guidance and professionalism of Deb and her team. I was provided with the necessary information, documents, and referrals. Communication from her office was courteous, timely and professional, and follow-up by her office was performed in a timely manner.
I am most grateful to Deb and her team for services, guidance and support provided. I highly recommend Deb and her team for their dedication, experience, and ability to effectively and efficiently provide the necessary legal assistance associated with the handling of any estate matter, with compassion, professionalism, and respect.
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12 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Deb came highly recommended to me after I had a difficult time dealing with my father's estate. I did not want my family to have the same issues.
She and her time were great, explained all the steps need for a Will and estate planning, everything was done in a timely manner.
I cannot thank her enough for the peace of mind she has provided for me
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15 Aug, 2023 by Diane
Deborah has been SO helpful to us at different phases of our life. After we had children it all became real! Deb helped us with all aspects of estate planning – writing a will, establishing a trust, setting up medical directives, powers of attorney, etc. And she looked out for us over the years. When our oldest child turned 18, she helped them set up their own power of attorney and medical directive so that we could continue to legally act on their behalf if the need ever arises (something we weren’t even aware we needed to do!). Our youngest just turned 18 and completed the same paperwork and I am so grateful with how much time and care Deb took with her. She was very welcoming and patient, taking the time needed to make sure she understood everything. She has always made us feel comfortable, no matter our questions! Deb is extremely knowledgeable and very caring. Highly recommend.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Anna
I hired Lisa to represent me in a complex, high-conflict divorce and custody case. I was already in the middle of the case when I hired her, and she got up to speed quickly. She was knowledgeable, diligent, and patient with all of my questions, and I felt confident with her by my side in court. Lisa negotiated a settlement that helped protect my children, and I’m happy to have had her as my family law attorney. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney they can trust, and I plan to hire her again in the future for my estate planning needs.
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20 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Lisa will not prepare for your hearing. I heard lisa and she did not represent my best interest. She took my money and wasted time. She will make you loose. I lost more days that I already had. Dont hire her
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02 Dec, 2021 by Dom
This is our second time working with Lisa. She did a great job preparing our estate documents. She led us through the planning process to ensure we fully understood all our options and made the best decisions for us and our family.
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17 Jun, 2018 by Anne
Mr. Wade and his staff were always professional and personable but above all, they were straight forward with the possibilities (both positive and negative) relative to my personal injury case. He and his staff are well versed in VA law. They conducted exhaustive legal research in preparation for trial. Mr. Wade has a calm and caring manner that immediately put me at ease. I felt like I was talking to an old friend. Mr. Wade and staff assisted me in arriving at a fair settlement for which I am very grateful.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Mark
Mr. Wade is an excellent attorney. We hired him for multiple business transactions and he was very helpful in expediting all transactions. We have been very satisfied every time we utilized his professional services. We would certainly recommend him to other clients.
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17 Oct, 2016 by Mickey
I have worked with Greg as my attorney and recommended him to a number of clients
I am very satisfied with his abilities and the professional way he approached the cases
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26 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Mrs. Miller's litigation services were nothing short of exceptional. I was falsely accused of abduction, assault, unlawful use of a firearm, and hit and run. Due to the lack of evidence defense presented by Mrs. Miller the prosecutor moved to nolle prosequi the case (meaning that they decline to prosecute) and the judge granted the prosecutor's motion and my case was dismissed. Mrs. Miller also advised me on how to proceed on an additional emergency risk order case that I chose to represent myself on. Based on Mrs. Miller guidance with that case, it was also dismissed without prejudice.
Mrs. Miller was easily and readily available / reachable throughout the duration of this ordeal which lasted approximately 4 months. I would certainly recommend Mrs. Miller to anyone needing legal representation.
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17 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I recently sought legal representation from Pia Miller for a case that resulted in a nolle prosequi. I want to express my appreciation for the comprehensive support and guidance provided by Pia.
Pia exhibited professionalism, responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting my rights and patiently addressing any concerns or questions I had.
I highly commend Ms Pia for legal expertise, dedication, and ethical approach. I would recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation, knowing they will receive exceptional support.
Thank you again to Pia Miller and the team for their support during a challenging time.
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09 Sep, 2023 by Courtney
Pia, an exceptional lawyer, provided me with expert guidance and support throughout the process of drafting a prenuptial agreement. Her extensive knowledge of family law, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to fairness instilled in me complete confidence in her abilities. Pia's transparent communication, adherence to ethical standards, and dedication to crafting a comprehensive and equitable agreement were truly impressive. Thanks to her, I now enter into marriage with peace of mind, knowing that my financial interests are protected while respecting my partner's rights. I wholeheartedly recommend Pia for individuals in need of a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement or any family law matter. She delivers unparalleled professionalism and legal expertise with a compassionate and client-centered approach.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Gabriel jalil
A bit lacking on customer service and manners. Every time I call them my "hellos", "good mornings" and "have a nice day" are greeted with silence, a hang up click or some snarky response.
Do they know they're talking to paying customers? I wonder....
Call me old fashion, but I do appreciate a respectful exchange and greeting. Especially if I am paying top dollar for boilerplate templates I could potentially fill out myself.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous client
Bottom Line - Colleen Haddow is the BEST attorney I could have ever wished for --my only regret is that I didn't start with her from the beginning.
Ms. Colleen Haddow came as a recommendation from my previous law firm following failed mediation in a highly complex, contentious, and financially draining divorce and custody case. The opposing counsel - whose professional reputation precedes her as a person devoid of ethics and civility, made finding a willing, capable, and affordable replacement daunting. Colleen personally and immediately took my call for an intake interview. When I opened by informing her of who opposing counsel was, she simply laughed with complete confidence, accepted my case, and immediately got my case moving on the right track.
Unlike opposing counsel in this case, Colleen is a legal professional with impeccable integrity and ethics; but not to be confused with someone who submits to bully tactics or shies away from confrontation in or out of the courtroom. In contrast, Ms. Haddow is emotionally intelligent and well versed in the rules of the court to effectively persuade and, if need be, compel cooperation from even the most difficult of personalities. In doing so, she also remained a steadfast, approachable, and responsive attorney (often responding to me within minutes), who consistently addressed my concerns, provided objective perspective, and gave absolute sound guidance amidst the evolving challenges within the case. In short, she kept me sane and grounded in arguably the most stressful and emotionally draining period of my life.
In addition to her superior soft skills, Colleen also demonstrated unmatched expertise and experience in distilling and framing the key issues of my case (fully explaining the legalities), to include those I hadn't initially seen, understood, or considered. She proved invaluable in interpreting and exposing financial information, indiscretions, and activities. She was also proactive, strategic, anticipatory, and prepared always and on all fronts. I am convinced that she and her abilities alone are the REASON that ultimately resulted in my case outcome far surpassing my initial expectations from failed mediation, and resulting in a final settlement that exceeded my best-case scenario in court (albeit that she was fully prepared and willing to execute).
Colleen saved me thousands in legal expenses, but more importantly, she helped me overcome a series of short-term losses in exchange for an overwhelming long-term gain in my journey to a new and better life.
In the strongest terms possible, I highly recommend Colleen Haddow for all family litigation.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Mike dinwoodie
Colleen Haddow came recommend from a family member. She is very personable and was able to provide sound advice for my difficult situation.
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24 Apr, 2021 by Betty
He was appointed by the state of VA to take care of my brother's affairs. The reason for this is my brother stopped all contact with the family back in the 70s. I found out about my brother's death about 2 months after he died, so I sent away for his death certificate. My bother had a military funeral. Even though Mr. Labowitz had my brother's discharge be had corporal placed on the head stone, when in fact he was a Staff Sargent. After I received the death certificate contacted Mr. Labowitz and he sent me some of my brother's stuff among the person property was my bother's discharge papers, so I was able to contact Quantico National Cemetery and get the correct title placed on his stone. I had to contact Mr. Lebowitz again to ask for the flag that was used for my brother's funeral, his response was "Didn't think you wanted that" Along with the flag I was also sent his birth certificate which had our parent's name listed. The death certificate said parents unknown. I wrote to the state of VA to add their names and was told that that could only be done buy a court order. I wrote Mr. Labowitz and asked why he didn't provide the parents information. His response was "I do not believe that I have the responsibility to add your parents’ names to the certificate simply because we had the birth certificate and the person on my staff who provided the information to the funeral home did not connect the two documents." He also suggested I hire a lawyer who can do this for $1600.
So he thinks I should pay $1600 for something he neglected to do.
What ever the state paid him it was too much.
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20 Mar, 2016 by Barry
We lived in England for the duration of our dealings with Mr K E Labowitz of Dingman Labowitz PC, Alexandria, VA which hindered communication somewhat but shouldn't have been a problem with a dedicated counsel.
Mr Labowitz. had been engaged by the executor of a will as the trustee of a testamentary trust left to our infant son: “to pay for his future university education”.
It was a sad, bad experience for us: Mr Labowitz oversaw a loss in wealth of ~63% and his failure to perform his duties as per the published directives has left a lot of questions.
For starters, the lawyer-client relationship begins with a discussion of fees, yet Mr Labowitz never discussed his fees with us even though the Virginia Bar has published instructions on this subject.
The lawyer's fee shall be adequately explained to the client. When the lawyer has not regularly represented the client, the amount, basis or rate of the fee shall be communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing the representation.
Amongst a vast (sic) amount of correspondence between Mr Labowitz, the Virginia Bar, and me, but completely out of the blue, Mr Labowitz averred that he had discussed his fees with me via a phone call. (This would have required an international call involving a 5 hour local time difference.) Sending a document via email or mail would have been more efficient and would have provided hardcopy reference material.
Even more worrying is the fact that I have never spoken to Mr Labowitz. (It is not simply the case that I have forgotten the conversation he refers to. People like us don’t receive calls from American attorneys and it would have been a memorable event.) Mr Labowitz may have been confusing me with another of his international clients. Nevertheless I asked him to check his records for the call details. He declined but the fact remains that we never knew what fees were deducted from the trust.
The VA Bar saw no need to query the differences between our versions, accepting the statement of their member.
Considering its stated purpose the trust appeared a natural candidate for investing in safe, long-term instruments for the 15 years of its lifetime yet it matured with a loss of ~63%, (down from $114k to $43K). We cannot determine how this loss came about because we never received monthly statements from the trustee or the account manager at Wells Fargo despite several requests for them over the years.
We were also unable to get answers about tax paid (even though the trust never turned a profit) as well as several other things usually of interest to an owner of managed investments.
Mr Labowitz moved the trust to a different financial institution for its final year. He never told us about the move and when we found out he would not explain why he made it. It made no sense considering the trust was severely depleted.
I made a formal complaint to the VA Bar which resisted accepting it but eventually put it on the docket and he was exonerated; things were recorded which simply hadn't happened.
This was very disappointing; all the research I had done was simply ignored.
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05 May, 2021 by Ms. b
I find this attorney, Shirley A. Norman-Taylor extremely unethical. She was appointed to me, I contacted her, shared details about my case that if used against me could be detrimental to the outcome of my situation.
She stated she had no time to take on new cases, I told her I would wait until she could, instead she took my-out-of-state estranged brother as a client who is opposing me on a family matter.
My entire family will not speak to my brother and his girlfriend who are out to financially gain out of a pandemic crises I found myself in.
This attorney took them on as new clients completely throwing me under the bus. Family lawyers are already shady characters, why choose this dishonest one? She holds no loyalty and is lacking with integrity and is far from trust-worthy. I’ve asked her to remove herself in form of email, attorneys have asked her to remove herself and she refuses.
Save yourself the future horror I’m about to face in court. I filed a bar complaint on her this morning. She won’t be able to erase that. If you need further details or would like to share your experience please contact me...
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05 May, 2021 by B. a.m
This attorney was appointed to me. I spoke to her about my case, later she comes to me saying she has no time to take on new cases, but decides to take on my opposing party who happens to be my estranged brother and his money seeking girlfriend.. These are people no one in my family associates with for obvious reasons. They are around to financially gain from our pandemic crises. I told Shirley Norman-Taylor things that she could use against me. I find her highly unethical, an opportunist who will throw her own clients under the bus. Most family attorneys are already shady characters to begin with why hire one you already know has a track record of disloyalty. I filed a complaint on her this morning with the Virgina bar.
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Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
