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27 Jun, 2013 by John
Laura represented myself and my wife as the plaintiffs throughout a difficult family business dispute. Her knowledge of law is unparalleled and her ability to think two steps ahead of the other side is uncanny; to a point that you will begin to think she is playing the game with the other guy's playbook in her hand. I cannot count the times, during advisement periods, that Laura would be discussing strategy and tell us, "If we do (this), they will do (that)"...sometimes discussing reactions from the other side that were to happen in hours or sometimes weeks from that moment and "sure enough", she was right. There may come a time in your case where you actually feel sorry for the person you are having your dispute with; you almost feel as if they are unfairly matched. That feeling is shortlived.
With that being said, Laura was adamant, considering our family involvement, that we always play "clean and fair" and "wear the white hat" throughout our entire dispute. This was not a suggestion from her to us, but, instead, was a declaration of her morals and ethics. I think she gets more satisfaction out of knowing that she played by the rules and still beat the other side.
That leads me to say this...
Not only is Laura Upchurch great at what she does, she seems to love what she does. She takes great pride in her work. For a more complete review, I wish I could give insight into how she handled herself in the face of losing, but quite frankly, we never really had that experience. Any set-back we may have experienced throughout our ordeal was always planned for and a reaction was already in the works before that negative result was even realized.
One of the best testimonials I can think of giving Laura stems from a situation that arose with a second business partner out of 3 partners involved in our business decided to join in on the lawsuit. Concerned that there may be a conflict of interest in using the same attorney as myself and my wife, the second partner chose to hire another attorney. When that second partner informed their attorney of who was representing our interests, the partner's attorney replied "...you better be glad they're on your side."
Laura is a petite lady, but I can assure you she carries a big stick and she most definitely knows how to use it when necessary. Throughout the course of our dispute, the defendants were represented by different lawyers. Those lawyers, as well as the defendant, were all males and not small in stature and although I personally witnessed numerous events where one or all attempted to "buck out their chests" and intimidate her, within seconds, either with her words or her posture, she had them all staring at their shoestrings. This lady is a force to be reckoned with.
We live almost an hour away from Laura's office, but whether it be by phone, email or lunch meetings, Laura kept us up-to-speed on every aspect of our case, from start to finish. She makes you feel as if your case is the only one she is handling, even though she is juggling numerous clients throughout the day; she is an artist is that respect. In fact, my wife and I were amazed to find out her caseload toward the middle of our ordeal, considering her responsiveness to our questions and concerns seemed to be immediate.
We had been told stories, even by other attorney's, to beware any attorney we hire and make sure they were fair and accurate on their billing. My wife handles our bills, mostly (Laura is laughing if she is reading this), and I was shocked when we went to a mediation and my wife quoted what our attorney's fees were (much lower than I thought), so that they could be calculated into our settlement. Probably the most fair billing in the industry and worth 100 times the fee!
We have since adopted Laura as our legal adviser for all current and future business ventures. She is excellent with reviewing and drafting contracts quickly.
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09 Nov, 2010 by Charles
Laura guided me through a tough guardianship battle. She knows her business. She has a wonderful personality and she's very smart plus she's got a ton of street smarts. Thank God I found her.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Michael
Represented me in a personal injury case. Filed suit. Got a good settlement from insurance company.
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16 Nov, 2012 by Clients - couple
Chad prepared our Wills and Powers of Attorney. He explained everything in simple terms and made the process go smoothly. A very nice gentleman.
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05 Nov, 2018 by Charles hill
20 Sep, 2023 by Billy smith
Highly recommend. Ms. Kenjura was very professional, and makes you feel comfortable and right at home.
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07 Nov, 2022 by Cedric davis
05 Oct, 2022 by Katie dube
I know that C. Kenjura is moving to the building that was formerly Kenjura pharmacy. I had two good reviews from friends that recommended Catherine. I'll update this review once my business is complete.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Marlaina
05 Jul, 2024 by Howard
01 Jun, 2024 by Wilson haney
14 Jun, 2024 by Cassandra scales
23 May, 2024 by Emily antonetti
If I could go back in time and hire LITERALLY any other firm, I would.
I have to beg and plead over and over again for communication with my attorney.
My “representation” is Laura Upchurch.
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11 May, 2023 by C. adams
08 Jun, 2023 by Arlene
We hired Andy to provide estate planning and a new will in December of 2020. We met with him and Mr. Moorman again on May 4, 2022. Paid them for research and meetings and did not hear from Andy until we arrived in his office in May 2023 to pick up all of our files and paperwork. He did not return phone calls or emails. We had hired him almost 3 years ago and we could not communicate with him at all. He was shocked when we arrived to fire him and all his services. How long does it take to draw up a will?.Does it take more than 3 years to plan an estate trust? In my opinion, he is totally incompetent. So now we begin all over with another lawyer.
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05 Nov, 2018 by Charles hill
01 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Did not file Appearance until the case was over due to death of the other party. Took my money, refused to refund, refused to answer specific questions. Only works from 4 a.m.-11 .m. because so many of us are available that time. So disorganized, office and desk a disaster, unable to locate files, lies about what she has done. I needed to trust her, she failed me on so many levels. Filed complaint with Texas Bar. DONT HIRE THIS ATTORNEY Caveat Emptor....buyer beware.
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26 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Sweet but bulldog in court. Love her and all she has done for me so far. God sent and angel and that angel kicks ass and takes names.
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10 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Terrible attorney. Buddies with the opposing attorney. Did not reveal this. Filed a grievance to the State Bar of Texas.
Withdrew as my attorney.
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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.
