Lawyers map
>237
experienced lawyers
Filter by
15 Feb, 2024 by Henry
After the passing of my mother Marie, my brother and I were left with assets she did not get a chance to transfer to her 2 sons. Many said it was complicated and will take a while to be allocated. Thankfully, Ms. Bunbury understood our situation and guided us through this complex process and made the deed and account transfers within months without any hiccups. I definitely would refer her to my close friend and family because it not easy finding a firm you can trust when handling the assets of a loved one. Thank you Donna.
Read more
27 Apr, 2022 by Marina
Donna was most professional and respectful of our time and our interests. She was recommended by our RE broker and she really impressed us in how much she cared about our interests in getting the most value and preserving that value from our real estate transaction. She took the lead when our bank was dragging their feet to expedite the transaction completion. I could not recommend her enough!
Read more
12 Nov, 2021 by Glendine and marlon
Donna is an amazing attorney, she is very professional and easy to work with. she was always available to answer any questions we may have had and made our closing day as smooth as possible. If you are looking for professionalism, look no more Donna will get the job done.
Read more
07 Feb, 2019 by Edythe
Joe has been my Attorney for a few years and has been a Champion at fighting for me!!! He comes through with Everything he has had to do for me. I can whole heartedly recommend him to anyone who needs an Attorney!!!
Read more
17 Jan, 2019 by Janet
Mr Costello is second generation attorney handling my family affairs. He is knowledgeable ,professional and gets the job done. Added to that is the individual attention he gives all his clients.
Read more
14 Dec, 2018 by David
We have been using Joseph Costello for all of our professional contract reviews along with personal lawsuits needs for over 20 years.
Read more
09 Oct, 2015 by Marsha
I found my 98 year old Aunt in a major state of self neglect with moderate dementia in her Brooklyn Apartment. I live in Florida and am her only family. I was anxious and afraid for her. I knew Healthcare but nothing about the Law. Robin was quick to respond, personable, direct, and knowledgeable. She kept me informed as the complicated process of Guardianship and eventual placement of my Aunt to an appropriate facility was determined. I would recommend Robin for any of her areas of expertize.
Read more
18 Jan, 2015 by Spencer
My mom was falling in her apartment and I was contacted by her neighbor after willfully living under a rock for as long as I could. I was worried that my mom would burn through my retirement savings in all honesty, I'd just retired, and she was running low on resources and when I'd called about hiring a home health aide, I nearly had a heart attack finding out what that would cost me. Overwhelmed is an understatement for how I was feeling. In all honesty, I was also feeling victimized, woe-is-me for having to deal with it when my mom had been very difficult for all of my life up to this point.
Hiring Ms. Goeman was the single best move I've made in years and the best money my sister and I have ever paid for any service. Ms. Goeman took care of the medicaid application and explained everything to us in terms we can understand. My sister is not the brightest bulb on the tree and this brilliant woman made everything understandable to both of us. She crossed the t's and dotted the i's for us, it wasn't overnight but it was faster than we had anticipated and Ms. Goeman's fee was way within what we had budgeted.
I can sleep at night because of the work this woman did for us. Honestly, it's improved my relationship with my mom because I'm not feeling resentful any longer about having to potentially go broke to care for her. I should also mention that Ms. Goeman met my mom once and she was very tender and generous with her. She really seems to have an affection for her clients.
Read more
10 Jun, 2013 by Dina
Robin advised my family when my grandmother was unable to care for herself in her home any longer and was also running out of money. My mother was really worried that she'd have to exhaust her own retirement fund to care for my gran. Without Robin, I really don't know how we would have managed to seek out benefits and resources to which my grandmother was entitled. The process for the layperson is not at all straight forward. My grandmother has been able to remain in her home with fulltime assistance because of Robin. Robin also walked us through the process of finding the best home should that be necessary and we will hire her again when that time comes although she empowered us with knowledge so that we could possibly navigate the waters ourselves. She is extremely bright, unpatronizing, compassionate, and thorough, and her rates were very reasonable, considering. A great lawyer and human being.
Read more
09 May, 2019 by Lisa
I first met Terence in 2016 following the death of my father. I was distraught and required assistance with my father’s estate. Terence was knowledgeable, kind and took control of the challenges involved in the estate process and obstacles. Terence and his team treated me with kindness, patience, respect, and a careful and accurate legal process. Terence got the job done and did not drag his feet. He consistently greeted me with a smile as did the rest of his team. The team returned phone calls and never did I feel rushed or a bother.
Terence is the type of attorney you could be confident and proud of in representing you or your loved ones.
I highly recommend Terence as a competent, intelligent, compassionate and respectable attorney who can undoubtedly provide anyone with ethical and honorable representation.
Read more
29 Apr, 2019 by Mike
I've used the services of Terence Ricaforte over the past several years. He was instrumental in advising us on how to receive Medicaid Benefits for my mother and all the associated Estate and trust preparations. Terence provided excellent service and advise and this resulted in us receiving the needed benefits for my mother in a relatively short period of time. Terence was instrumental in diffusing a potential situation with the Administrative Judge and HRA attorneys . Terence provided consultation and support in spite of issues I had with his previous employer. Upon my mother's passing, Terence also advised on real estate and tax issues associated with the selling of my mother's home and saved us significant monies and time. I highly recommend his firm Landskind& Ricaforte for all these issues.They do care about their clients and I would not hesitate to recommend them for their honesty ,integrity, and professionalism. And the staff is courteous and responsive.
Read more
11 Feb, 2019 by Corinne
My family has used Terence's services on several occasions. Not only has Terence provided expert legal advice, but he's taken the time to present all of our options and raised points we hadn't previously considered, or even known we should be thinking about. Estate planning for aging relatives can be a challenging and emotional process, but Terence's smart, thoughtful and customer friendly approach made the process easy. I've recommended him and his practice to many friends and colleagues, and the feedback I hear from those who use his services is also consistently positive.
Read more
03 Apr, 2014 by Grace
MR. KACZOROWSKI DEMONSTRATED GREAT KNOWLEDGE OF THE MATTER, EXTREMELY RESPONSIVE TO MY QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS. HIS KNOWLEDGE DEFINITELY WAS NOTED BY THE OPPONENT IN THIS MATTER. THE WAY HE PRESENTED HIMSELF AND THE CASE MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS SO MUCH EASIER. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
Read more
26 Jan, 2014 by Robert
In addition to all of the excellent professional qualities that Mr. Kaczorowski demonstrated to us during the sale of our property, he possesses an outstanding level of interpersonal skills and a contagious sense of humor that made working with him a pleasure. We would highly recommend him to future clients if they want to get the job done well...with a smile!
Read more
12 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Casey helped me settle a problem with my landlord. He educated me thoroughly on my rights, and outlined a simple and effective plan to resolve my issue. He even helped me protect myself from any related disputes in the future by drafting up a really well worded agreement. Casey was professional, diligent, and really helpful especially since I find a lot of legal stuff very confusing.
Read more
03 Mar, 2015 by Philip
Ms. Latkovskaia has demonstrated many times her professional expertise and competence in matters I have referred for her. She has offered excellent advice, produced top quality work and the feedback to me from those referrals was routinely excellent. I have worked cases together with her and the same results were achieved. She doesn't delay work. She responds to interrogatories promptly and treats both clients and peers in a a professional manner.
Read more
03 Mar, 2015 by Ari
I asked Anna Latkovskaia for advice regarding home care situation for my mother-in-law. She responded quickly, read all relevant documents and gave me very good advice. As a result, we choose a proper managed care option for my mother-in-law.
Anna Latkovskaia is a very professional and experienced attorney. She helped my family Big time!
Read more
10 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I went to Ms. Latkovskaia to have my will done. I don't like or trust lawyers in general and have had bad experiences in the past. This experience was completely different. Our consultation was lengthy, friendly and informative. I had not committed to paying her anything but she treated me like I was a VALUED client, even though I had just met her that day. I ended up not only getting my will done but I brought in my wife and got her's too. And at a later time we had a trust creatived to protect our assets and our children's future. I still call Ms. Latkovskaia from time to time for advise. She has always been prompt, professional and someone who tells me the truth, NOT just what I want to hear. I have found that a rare trait in today's society. I have recommended Ms Latkovskaia to both other family members, friends and even co-workers.
Read more
26 Jan, 2016 by Phyllis
Michael Kaplan is more than just a professional; he is a kind, caring person who will always be there for you. The friends I have recommended said that it is the first time they ever left an attorney's office understanding and remembering what was said. He is very much appreciated.
Read more
09 Aug, 2012 by Stacy
I have mutual clients with Mr. Kaplan and they are all very pleased with the service that he provides. I plan on using him myself for my Estate and Trust needs.
Read more
09 Aug, 2012 by Jeffrey r. miller, esq.
Michale has a leadership role in a community organization in which I am involved. Michael works tirelessly to both innovate and inspire the organization. He can be counted on to listen to the group's needs and then make sure those needs are met. These skills make him a great lawyer - and a great leader.
Read more
23 May, 2015 by Michael
Charles has been representing me since 1993. I have used other attorneys during this time, but have been giving Charles all my business the past few years. He gets things done, no nonsense. He is also very knowledgeable. I was purchasing a home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn in 2005 and the seller wanted to stay on as a tenant for 2 years. Charlie reviewed all of the documents and made sure that I gave the seller a 2 year lease. In the end, the lease turned out to be the only way that I could easily prove that the seller was only entitled to stay 2 years. The seller had some remorse 2 years later, but I had a signed contract, case closed. You won't be disappointed..
Read more
26 Oct, 2014 by Julia
Esq. Charles Miele gets right to the point, NOTHING passes his eyes, trust me.
That's why I have him represent me for over 10 years, OMG, no one can afford to have a case go wrong whatsoever. He's the MAN.
Read more
19 Oct, 2023 by Chris
I first learned of Basil Kappessis through many associates of mine who highly recommended him .
Our family were dealing with our first property purchase and Basil and his staff were amazing and such a pleasure to work with . His office staff were great and very professional as well
He was always available to talk at anytime and give guidance and explain all steps along the way and had so much patience and kindness .
He is second to none . Professional , kind , patient and has an extremely impressive resume and experience .
I would never deal with anyone else other than him . Highly recommended
Read more
12 May, 2018 by Mike furia
Basil is a great down to Earth professional which is highly uncommon in this world we live in today. He has a stress free personality to him and puts you at ease throughout his services by explaining to you "law for idiots". He makes it easy to understand. Because he is so committed to his work, he doesn't need to hound you for specifics every day as he knows your busy on your end. Just when you wonder what he's doing, he calls you with good news and sometimes direct news that he wont sugarcoat. When time is a factor, Basil works best and "pulls off the impossible". He earns his paycheck and closes as great as the best closers here in NY. I highly recommend Basil and appreciate his hard work. He is law enforcement friendly and is understanding of tight schedules. I will be using Basil for my future legal endeavors. Thank You Basil !
Read more
28 Feb, 2014 by Rabi
Mr. Feldman was the consummate professional. He provided invaluable guidance in a very complicated real estate transaction that took over a year to complete! Needless to say, not all parties involved were aboveboard. He was always available, extremely responsive and highly trustworthy -- I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
18 Feb, 2014 by Dr. ben
Mark Feldman was my divorce attorney from 2001-2002. He takes cases personal and he is a very compassionate and understanding attorney.
He was able to negotiate a joint custody arrangement for me and by being in my children's lives have helped them emotionally, socially and academically.I highly recommend him to anyone looking an excellent attorney.
Read more
16 Nov, 2022 by Josh
Brian was immensely helpful handling complex aspects of our family's legal needs. He was proactive, and went above and beyond with perfect balance of professionalism and personal care. Fees were fair and transparent, and his expertise in this area of the law are superb. We would definitely retain him again!
Read more
16 Jul, 2014 by Chris
Creating a gay family has enough struggles - and until we found Brian, sperm donor contracts and all of the confusion surrounding what we needed to assure custodial rights was certainly one of those struggles! But once Brian was helping us out, the clouds parted and he expertly guided us in creating the contracts we needed - that were not only legally precise but also reflected our unique family arrangement and ideals. Brian was thorough, kind, clear and communicative. If you need a family lawyer, you can not find a better one than Brian. We are forever grateful for his guidance during this stressful - but joyful - time in our lives. He made us feel safe and secure with his expert legal guidance, and even went above and beyond what we asked of him to make sure we were super protected from every angle. I don't think Brian wears a superhero cape, but he should - he is truly amazing.
Read more
19 Apr, 2016 by J. h.
Mr. Gray saved the day! I recently hired Peter Gray to overturn a fraudulent deed that was filed against my property in Brooklyn. He swiftly filed all of the necessary documents in supreme court, argued my case and WON. Fraudulent deed overturned and the thief that filed the deed is now in jail. GREAT JOB!!!! Mr. Gray went above and beyond the call of duty. Outstanding attorney and great guy to deal with. I've since referred him to a number of friends and business associates. They've all had similar results.
Read more
16 Apr, 2016 by John
Pete was able to handle the issues presented to him in a timely and efficent manner. His thoroughness and attention to detail and ability to handle a difficicult situation stand him well above any other attorney I have ever known. I don't know what we would have done without him.
Read more
13 Apr, 2020 by Meaghan
I am so thankful we found Daniel. Daniel helped us decide between creating a trust or a will. Never did I feel like he was trying to sell me anything. Just advising us on what would be best for my family and I. Daniel was thorough, reliable, patient, communicative, always reachable, and answered every question I had. He spent time explaining everything in depth until I understood it. We really felt we were in excellent hands and I would recommend him to anyone looking to do estate planning.
Read more
16 Jul, 2015 by Tamer
Hani Sarji is a very knowledgeable attorney who really cares about his client. He partners with his client and negotiates on their behalf to get the best deals for them. He is very responsive. I have tried him with several deals and I am very glad to have him as my attorney
Read more
26 Nov, 2016 by Rachel
excellent and caring. I have had the pleasure of retaining Mr. Good for a variety of real estate transactions...as a buyer and seller. I would strongly recommend him for any type of legal transactions that require an attorney. Genuine nice guy , very intelligent
Read more
05 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
My mother is extremely old and it although it was very difficult it was definitely time to have a will drawn up. David was extremely professional and sensitive. Everything went very smoothly. David is very knowledgable and I highly recommend using him.
Read more
15 Sep, 2010 by June
This is an attorney who truly cares about the client. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, great attention to detail and gives 100% to the client. I am very proud to have been represented by Susan during my recent home purchase. Not to mention her staff Sara who is also capable and knowledgeable. I am confident in saying that the fees paid to Susan was worth every penny. Good Job.
Read more
09 Sep, 2014 by Sharlene
Ms. Ridgeway has given new meaning to practicing law. I loved the fact that she was willing to meet me at my home to discuss the legal process of starting up my own business. Like she states on her website she is about empowering her clients and having a productive and meaningful personal and professional interaction. I continue to use her service and recommend Julie Ridgeway to everyone.
Read more
04 Oct, 2019 by Angela
"Once I saw Jason a few weeks ago. I received and felt relief and peace of mind I had not known for 5 years since all the family conflicts began over the " Family Irrevocavle Trust". It took no longer than 15 minutes for Jason to put me at ease and know I was not at a loss. There was hope, after all! There was help! There is success with Jason in my corner. Strong, confident, assertive, well experienced and READY!
To go to bats for me when the time comes! I would like to see the Attorney who could try to win over him!! No chance! I know I will be so well represented and feel so safe, secure, assured, and supported with Jason by my side in any Courtroom! Special mention and gratitude to Solomon too who has been a tremendous support to me multiple times...patiently and kindly listening to me on the phone...easing my mind and promptly replying to my messages as needed during this stressful time! Jason and Law Firm has squashed every misgiving and bad experience I have ever had with/about Attorneys "out there" who have made all Attrorneys look bad and have a bad reputation!
Jason changes those misgivings in a heartbeat!! I am in the best hands I can be! THANK YOU SO MUCH, Jason!" Sincerely Yours, Angela, Brooklyn, New York
Read more
01 May, 2011 by Ccbaltc
A masterful person who gets along well with the Rich lawyers but whose heart is always in the right place.
Read more
19 Oct, 2022 by Jennifer mundo
Excellent lawyer made for the job. He is professional and always gets back to you when he says he will. He is never afraid to speak up for his clients and is very patient. Approachable and never cut dry or dismissive. More lawyers need to be like him!
Read more
28 Jan, 2016 by Grace
I hired Matt when I was buying a co-op apartment in Harlem. Since I was a first time buyer, I was constantly confused and nervous. Matt walked me through the whole process and was always very patient and responsive to all my questions. I felt very comfortable with him. It was a long process but he always gave me updates and great advice. I highly recommend him.
Read more
15 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Excellent attorney, well versed, highly professional. Very satisfied with his work and negotiations in my case. Would recommend to others. Should really branch out on his own.
Read more
11 May, 2014 by Samantha
Barbara is an excellent attorney! Starting a small business was extremely stressful, but she helped me feel at ease. She's very knowledgeable and patient. She answered all of my questions and made me feel comfortable immediately. She always responded to my calls in a timely fashion. Definitely recommend!
Read more
27 Dec, 2010 by Will
I was in dire straits when I was directed to Mr. Kopito I met with him explained my situation. He gave me his direct opinion of the case, asked if I was in for the long haul. And he stuck with it for four long years. We won that case thanks to knowlege of the probate system. I hope I never need him again but I would not hesitate to call.
Read more
08 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a last will and testament drawn up by them and they were very professional and thorough. They made me feel completely taken care of and I would highly recommend their services for people looking for wills or estate planning.
Read more
25 Sep, 2023 by Piki piki
One of the things I like about Mark is his ability to provide sound and practical insights about legal issues. He is extremely resourceful and knowledgeable. His duty of care to clients goes beyond the formal requirements- but he shows empathy and understanding of client’s needs. Lastly, Mark is simply a kind human being.
Read more
27 Aug, 2023 by B. bryson-weir
I had a unique and extremely complicated issue, Mark took care if it with good humor and wisdom. He succeeded where I did not think it was possible. Thank you thank you.
Read more
16 Aug, 2021 by Yuri yudin
A thorough and thoughtful fighter...
Mark just won my family case that lasted a year. His perseverance, experience and insight helped achieve this. A thorough and old school lawyer, hard to find these days.
Read more
25 Sep, 2023 by Piki piki
One of the things I like about Mark is his ability to provide sound and practical insights about legal issues. He is extremely resourceful and knowledgeable. His duty of care to clients goes beyond the formal requirements- but he shows empathy and understanding of client’s needs. Lastly, Mark is simply a kind human being.
Read more
27 Aug, 2023 by B. bryson-weir
I had a unique and extremely complicated issue, Mark took care if it with good humor and wisdom. He succeeded where I did not think it was possible. Thank you thank you.
Read more
16 Aug, 2021 by Yuri yudin
A thorough and thoughtful fighter...
Mark just won my family case that lasted a year. His perseverance, experience and insight helped achieve this. A thorough and old school lawyer, hard to find these days.
Read more
12 Mar, 2023 by Raizelm
28 Jun, 2021 by Sidney markowitz
Nice people great service
Read more
18 Mar, 2019 by Charles weiser
His expertise is second to none and most importantly he is as responsive as any lawyer I know!
Read more
19 Nov, 2008 by Jennifer r.
This attorney is not only a Real Estate Attorney, he also specializes in Education law for special needs children.
He is one of the greatest attorneys I've come into contact with. He is honest and dedicated. I would recommend him to any and everyone!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
