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03 Oct, 2019 by George
Richard was extremely knowledgeable in traffic violations law. He took his time and throughly explained all my options in a way that I understood. Richard is a great listener and he very patiently answered all of my questions. If you have any traffic or moving violations, I highly recommend retaining Richard Gregory. He is not only very friendly and personable but highly competent and experienced I already referred my best friend to retain him for a moving violation.
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23 May, 2019 by Akiva
I hired Mr. Gregory to represent me for improper passing of a school bus. He was friendly, professional and very clear throughout the entire process. He gave me as much time as I needed every time we spoke. I'm very happy that I hired Mr Gregory as my lawyer and would do so again if need be. I highly recommend him.
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07 Dec, 2017 by Glenn
I found Mr. Gregory to be a very professional and highly effective attorney. He handled a careless driving charge for me and had the charge and fine reduced far below what I had expected.
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25 Feb, 2015 by Barbara
I just want to tell Mr. Murachanian THANK YOU so much for your excellent handling of my recent house closing. You and your staff continued to be helpful and encouraging even in my frustration and impatience with what turned out to be a longer process than anticipated. You continued to keep me updated each time the closing was postponed and encouraged me that everything was moving forward. Knowing that you shared my Christian beliefs was a great comfort when it looked like things were a little shaky for a bit. I hope to see you again if I ever need legal services in the future. Thank you again.
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11 Feb, 2015 by The lennon's
My husband and I used Ed for three real estate transactions, each of which was handled with skill. Ed is a total pleasure to work with. All deals went very smoothly. Any questions or concerns we had he answered quickly. His office staff has also been great. His real estate secretary is knowledgeable about all aspects of the closing prospects and pleasant to deal with. Working with Ed and his office has been a positive experience for us and would recommend him without hesitation.
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15 Nov, 2009 by Rich
Ed did and outstanding job with our family will and our family living wills.
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28 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Extremely good lawyer with an excellent track record of success. He has represented our company with a number of business issues and always achieved a positive result.
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27 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Kenneally's guidance has been invaluable as he has led my company through a myriad of business issues. From advice on contracts to negotiating a difficult partnership mediation, his expert counsel has always been spot on. I couldn't possibly recommend an attorney more highly!
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02 Apr, 2022 by Samantha
Piotr and his staff were amazing to work with. They answered all my questions within a timely matter and explained things to me in a way that I understood. At my closing, Piotr took the time to go through the documents to make sure I fully understood what I was signing. I HIGHLY recommend Piotr and his office!
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14 Jul, 2020 by Michael macinnes
Piotr will answer your question very fast and in a way you understand what he is telling you. Not pushy, very honest and knowledgeable. After you get off the phone with him you feel better and educated on the decision you make. I pass his name to anyone who is buying a home or property!! The office staff treats you the same!!
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01 Dec, 2015 by Paul
I am a NJ attorney in a different practice area -- and a happy elder law client of Bob Brogan. Bob has ably represented my aging parents for the past five years with very practical and insightful advice primarily relating to Medicaid planning, asset preservation, disability law and the establishment of a Special Needs Trust for the benefit of my disabled sibling. Bob is quite adept at facilitating strategic and decision-based family discussions involving multiple variables -- factual, legal, financial and temporal -- that would be very difficult for folks outside NJ elder law circles to navigate. He is also flexible enough to change course, if necessary, based on changing facts and circumstances that inevitably occur with family life (and changing NJ laws) over time. To boot, Bob is a genuinely nice person with very good diplomatic skills, which is unfortunately not as common as it should be in our profession. I highly recommend him.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with estate planning?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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