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23 Apr, 2024 by Russ gotha
Information that was shared was extremely helpful in letting us know what the road map was going to look like in the future. Just knowing is a huge help to reduce the anxiety that comes with dealing with an elderly parent
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10 Feb, 2024 by Julie koerner
Positive, encouraging, helpful. We couldn''t have done it without them. It was very difficult, involved extensive documentation and they were with us in everyway. Everyone went the "last mile" to bring this to a conclusion. Many thanks to all who helped.
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14 Jan, 2024 by Carol raso
A #1 choice! Knowledgable, trustworthy and true concern short and long term for the client and family. Kathryn Casey and Helen Mesoloras are wonderful and clients can be assured of experience and a comfort level with the firm and each of the attorneys.
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06 Apr, 2021 by Abby
Lou is wonderful to work with! He has advised us on several personal and business matters. He is a careful and thoughtful reviewer and regularly helps us to make important financial decisions. His team is highly skilled and provides accounting services to our business as well. We are very happy with his legal advice and could not recommend him more!
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05 Apr, 2021 by Christine
Lou was very professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Lou knew the best type business to file for my consulting business in my state. He helped me close out a previous filing and create a new one quickly. He had a fast and thorough turn around.
We also used his services to draft and execute our trust. We would highly recommend Lou and have sent many family members his way.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Rachel
Louis and his staff provide excellent service! Always patient, knowledgeable, organized and answer all questions with clear explanations. I highly recommend, simply because they care about their clientele!
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5.0
20 Reviews
04 May, 2022 by Jennifer
I have known Wendy for 20 years now and have retained her twice in 2 different cases. Both times Wendy has been impeccable, thorough, and a fighter for me and the rights of my children. She knows the law in and out and will fight for you with all she is. Professional is an understatement when it comes to Wendy and her staff. I have referred friends/family to her and she has given the same impeccable results for them as well . I personally strongly recommend Wendy Morgan as I am confident she will fight for you as she has for me !!!!!!
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10 Nov, 2019 by Pamela
I was going through a nasty divorce with my, now, ex-husband. He had gotten an attorney to represent him. It was time I got an attorney to represent me. I found Wendy Morgan. She represented me with the fiery fierce will I needed. Wendy got me everything that I deserved. Wendy had no problem dealing with the other attorney. Wendy paid attention to details my case, and made sure that the divorce was fair and complete.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Lola jay
My ex kept stalking me. He stalked me at work, home, and when I went out with friends. I had called the police on him several times. I needed an attorney. I found Wendy Morgan. She explained to the process on how to get the protection I needed. Wendy also was caring and compassionate towards what I was going through. Wendy never backed down. She can fight for me anytime!
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09 Jul, 2020 by Mike
I've used Eric for both Real Estate and traffic issues and can't say enough great things about him. Eric is professional and easy to work with. He was recommended to me with a glowing review and didn't disappoint.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Db
Eric helped us with the sale of our condo and the purchase of our new home. We had a unique situation and Eric took a lot of time to help us complete our closing. He was very Knowledgeable and went above and beyond to help us. I highly recommend Eric for any legal help.
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22 Aug, 2016 by Megan
I had a driving on suspended license ticket along with a talking on the phone while driving and Eric got me out of the on the phone ticket along with my driving on a suspended ticket. Walked away with a year of supervision. Couldn't have asked for a better lawyer!
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27 Sep, 2021 by Mary f.b.
I want to thank James Siebert and JCSLAW for their professionalism, effective communication, and knowledge. James and Page Fox handled my case with ease and made me feel very comfortable every step of the way; they both are extremely diligent and hard-working. JCSLAW does not only care about the legal outcome of their clients’ but also their well-being, I’d highly recommend their services.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Caroline
Paige and James are an incredible team! I was in a very complicated and uncertain predicament both financially and legally. I had a tragic situation that took my father's life, my mom was extremely ill and living in an outragelously expensive nursing home. I had met with 4 estate planning attornies before I found Paige and James and every single one basically told me there was nothing they could do for me. (and charged me a lot to tell me no and nothing!!) I was an emotional mess, exhausted and confused. I called a 5th attorney who couldn't help me because she didn't handle Lake County, but referred me to James Siebert. I met with James and Paige to discuss my situation. They didn't tell me no, they said maybe and we will have to see. They gave me multiple options to my senairos and advised me on what they felt was the best way to handle each issue I was faced with. I listened to them, I did what they suggested. Fast forward almost two years later and the outcome was more than I had ever hoped for. I am so grateful for them. They truly are amazing, both as compassionate people and legal experts. I give them the highest recommendation.
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27 Sep, 2017 by Rosalia
Based on my experience, The Law Office of James C. Siebert & Associates, P.C. has extensive knowledge and resources in the practice of elder law, will listen to your concerns, evaluate your individual situation, and determine how to best meet your needs.
I reached out to James for legal help after years of caring for my mother with Alzheimer's at home while also dealing with my Parkinson's. James was quick to assess our situation and present options from which to create a plan of action to meet our immediate and future needs.
James directed our assembly of required documentation from multiple sources for previous five years, advised on and supervised sale of our rental house, and coordinated tax planning for maximum financial benefit. He recommended options for distribution of funds, including gifting and special needs trusts applicable to my mother and myself, that allowed for immediate additional assistance to my mother and provided for my future disability needs. James was also successful in filing Medicaid application for my mother. Based on his experience, plus his direction and help in assembling supportive documents, the result was quick approval of Medicaid benefits.
I highly recommend James C. Siebert as a knowledgeable, experienced elder law attorney who will provide a personal response and legal action to meet your unique needs
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23 Apr, 2024 by Russ gotha
Information that was shared was extremely helpful in letting us know what the road map was going to look like in the future. Just knowing is a huge help to reduce the anxiety that comes with dealing with an elderly parent
Read more
10 Feb, 2024 by Julie koerner
Positive, encouraging, helpful. We couldn''t have done it without them. It was very difficult, involved extensive documentation and they were with us in everyway. Everyone went the "last mile" to bring this to a conclusion. Many thanks to all who helped.
Read more
14 Jan, 2024 by Carol raso
A #1 choice! Knowledgable, trustworthy and true concern short and long term for the client and family. Kathryn Casey and Helen Mesoloras are wonderful and clients can be assured of experience and a comfort level with the firm and each of the attorneys.
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18 Feb, 2016 by Nadine
I have used Neil's legal services for many things over the past several years. Estate planning, my will, trust work, and real estate are some of the services he has provided. He exhibits extreme care and concern to get everything just right and his expertise and guidance have been invaluable. I have recommended him to countless others who have always thanked me, as well. There is a sense of peace when you know everything is in place and Neil has provided that. Thank you Neil!
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17 Feb, 2016 by Susan
Neil Zweiban has been our estate planning attorney for many years and we couldn't be more pleased. Neil attends to detail, and makes sure we understand all of our options. We have had Neil do our Land Trust, our personal Trusts, our Power of Attoney, and our Health Power of Attorney. We recently reviewed our documents with Neil and made several changes. When I sell my house, Neil will be our Real Estate Attorney.
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30 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I have hired Brian twice for my real estate closings. He is highly skilled real estate Lawyer. He was very professional in his dealings. He was very easy to talk to and explained all legal proceedings very carefully to me. He has great sense of humor. You find out when you talk to him. He was on time on both appointments for my closings. He was very quick to reply to my questions through email. When I could not reach him over phone and left vm, he was very quick to call back. Overall, it was great experience to work with Brian. I am very happy client. Thank you Brian for your help. I really appreciate it.
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10 Oct, 2012 by Jane
Brian helped my sister with a bankruptcy and he made it so easy to understand and walked my sister through it. He even went to her house when they could not get to the office. The best customer service I have ever experienced!! I would recommend him for any financial problems that someone may have, Bankruptcy,Foreclosure, Short Sale, etc.
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10 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Bona represented my divorce case and she made the process as easy as a divorce possibly could be. The process can be emotionally overwhelming and gets worse if you have to struggle with attorney hassles. I got Lucky with Bona since she made the legal proceedings the last thing on my mind to worry about. She was always available to talk to or write to, had the right answers and Never misguided or misrepresented any information. I always felt being with the right advisor and a legal representative.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Kristina
I consulted with Miss Doci for my divorce and frankly I wasn't sure whether I should hire her because she is young. You hear horror stories about the divorce process and the lawyers taking advantage of your situation. Dont let her young age fool you though. She is a very positive person and very professional. I was quite impressed. We consulted, I hired her, she kept me in the loop and was very understanding and respectful of my requirements. I couldn't have asked for a better person to represent me. She contacted me a few days before the divorce to let me know the procedure of the divorce in the courtroom and assure me that everything was going to be okay. She was right because everything went smooth. I definitely made the right choice hiring her.
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19 Aug, 2010 by Joel
Highly ethical and trustworthy attorney. He has helped me and my wife with our wills and buying and selling our home(s) in the past. He recommended an excellent real estate agent for my mother who was able to sell her home quickly and he handled the closing very effectively. He has also helped my daughters look at apartment leases giving them advise as to possible changes. He is extremely communicative, keeping us up to date on all matters. In all my dealings with him I have never had any doubt about his high ethical standards. He also gives lay explanations, e.g. in developing trusts, which were very complicated to understand and he made it much easier. I recommend him without reservation: 5 stars!
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19 Aug, 2010 by Allyson
I have worked closely with Marc Blumenthal for over 20 years, primarily on a variety of real estate related matters ranging from buyer and seller closings, to tenant/landlord concerns and foreclosures. Marc's depth of experience is immeasurably beneficial to his client. Additionally,both he and his professional staff are highly efficient, a pleasure to work with, readily accessible, always on top of details and consisitently provide excellent communications with all parties at all times. I highly recommend Marc as an exemplary choice for real estate, estate and family matters.
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12 Feb, 2013 by Cmh.
I am always leary of dealing with attorneys, however ms. Panczyck was honest knowledgeable and seemed to have my best interest at heart throughout the whole process.
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01 Aug, 2022 by Jackie
When we were helping our mother with her financials, we realized that while she had a will and POA’s established, she did not have a trust. John responded quickly and we found him to be professional, ethical, patient and easy to talk to. He answered all our questions and had several questions for my mother and us to be sure all her estate planning needs were met. It was paramount to John that it be set up according to her wishes without influence from her adult children which we appreciated. The process was much easier than I anticipated and I would recommend him to anyone needing legal representation for Estate planning.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Simon schwörer
I was connected to Alex Moskovic through an Employer referral service at my work. I hired him regarding a no contact staking order against a former employee who harassed me and my family electronically and exerted multiple threats. This was an emotionally very draining time. In short, Alex helped me to obtain a 2 year plenary order by agreement, a rare achievement thanks to his great knowledge of the law. With the order in place I feel protected from the harasser and can continue living my life. As someone who never faced any legal situation, Alex guided me through the process and was available to talk when I needed him. He calmly answered all my questions and explained happenings in court, their implications and next steps in a way I could understand, which was important to me. Alex also multiple times provided his professional opinion on a parallel criminal case against the same individual that was ongoing. With his dedication, I wish Alex could have represented me in this case too. Overall, I’m very happy with Alex service and will recommend him to anyone seeking representation for an order of protection. I hope I will never need such legal services again, but if I do I will surely get back to Moskovic Law!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Steve yellin
It was a pleasure to work with our attorney Alex Moskovic to help resolve an issue that needed a professional. Alex was always very thorough and professional during the legal process. He was able to resolve the conflict and we were very happy with the outcome. I would certainly contact Alex if we ever needed professional assistance again.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Kathleen bickel
Alex was my attorney handling my post-divorce action for college expenses. It was a very difficult situation with an uncooperative co-parent and unorthodox opposing attorney. I was very happy with how Alex handled my ex and his attorney. He was always responsive to me and knowledgeable about the law, the judge and provided excellent advice to get the matter settled. He knew when to 'play hardball' and when to tell me to make concessions. I highly recommend Alex to anyone. He is a great attorney.
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30 May, 2022 by Debbie
I hired this man to represent me. It was horrifying. In addition to losing my original file when he RETIRED AND CLOSED HIS CHICAGO office. As a lawyer who has tried hundreds of cases, I question whether he ever tried one. He has no idea how to question/qualify an expert, get a business record admitted, or know enough to ask for a basis for the ruling. Crosses witnesses as far from you as he can so you cannot comment or REMIND HIM of the actual evidence. And do it 1 shame on me. Do it 3 times after you were asked not to and it smells. You will be forced as I was, to settle and alot of people will suffer. The field is saturated. You can do so much better. I won't even practice anymore. He gives us the bad names I now understand.
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12 Jul, 2013 by Chris
All of the legal knowledge and intellect in the world will never compensate for irresponsibility. He knew all the ins and outs of the area of law in which I hired him and if FaceTime is all that matters to you this is your guy but don't count on him actually acting on anything that he spoke to you about as you interviewed him the job for which you hired him to do or in any of the continuing conversations throughout the process as I found it to be nothing but lip service. he neglected to complete a critical piece of paper work in my process and it is costing me thousands to undo this grave error and I am NOT a person with that kind of money. As we went through the process and I refrenced him back to conversations from when I interviewed him and ask him about those topics as how they apply to my current situation he could not give me specifics that convinced me that he actually did the work he could not connect the details and was unable to applying those things he boasted about in his knowledge to my current situation but yet when he saw himself to me he told me how important I can't put my finger on exactly but I believe in my heart that if I were a more prominent person that perhaps this detail would not have been overlooked. Young people and women in particular I would warn against hiring this man. I think he only works well for people he believes are people live in influence and that have resources and social networks that motivate him instead of just being motivated by the fact that he was hired to do a job and he should do it well regardless of who is observing his work. I think he perceived my meekness as somebody who was not intellectual enough to think while to process and I think he was surprised about all the details like remembered from the interview of all the things he told me were so important that I get done. he glossed over and gave me to generic answers as to how pertains now and I believe if he had actually done the work he would have been able to give me more detailed answers. my meekness came from a profound personal loss can I put my trust and faith in this man to do right by me. I hired him and trust in him and I think he just looked at me as an easy income source. When my questions got specifically just kind of patted me on my head with the little woman type don't you worry your little head about that it was very disconcerting. He has a highly developed defense mechanism which allows him to relieve himself of any sense of responsibility even when faced with the most egregious of errors. the guy is made of Teflon nothing sticks to him including a conscience
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22 Jul, 2024 by Jackie
My husband is about 10k into this lawyer for a child support/college tuition issue with his kids. Going on since December 2023. The only thing he has to show for the 10k he has paid out is a document with possible terms for settlement, but no actual settlement. When my husband questioned him on the expense and lack of anything being done, no court date, nothing, he just quit on him and said he wouldn’t handle the case anymore. It seems like he is stretching this out just to be able to bill more. Now, he has no attorney, and he will have to go to court on his own. There has to be better attorneys out there, so please think about it before hiring this one.
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FAQs
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.
