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14 Dec, 2024 by Mark
Steven helped me in record time get a letter of administration from the courts when my Mom passed away. He's very responsive and extremely helpful during a painful time. I highly recommend him. He's also a great person. Thanks again Steven!
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08 Nov, 2023 by Svetlana and leonid
Mr. Steven Guerra is an amazing lawyer. He is very knowledgeable, professional , always gives appropriate advice, and explains in great
detail all the questions we have, without us feeling like we are rushed !! ( This was important to us because English is not our first language). Mr.Guerra also works with your time frame and responds promptly to any emails and/or phone calls. He takes care of all the guessing and our concerns and uncertainties, which made it easy and a positive experience to work with Mr.Guerra !
Thank you Mr.Guerra for all of your time and your help !!! We could not have done anything without you!
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08 Jun, 2023 by Jeffrey
Steven is by far the most competent, caring and efficient attorney I've met in a long time. I highly recommend Steven for any and all legal issues within his knowledge base.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Daryth
Michael and Gennady were both extremely helpful during a rough time while navigating some of the challenges of my relative's estate. Michael is very knowledgable about the estate planning process, and handled our situation very professionally. Would recommend.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Sean
Bankruptcy is a scary and depressing situation. Mr. Kanzer and his associate Gernaldi walk you right through it. They have been doing this a long time. They help you out all the way through. They always get back to yo promptly.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Excellent service, Mr Kanzer and Mr Gennady delivered the service that they promised.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Mr zacharie
Ms Pointdujour. Is definitely at the top of my list. As one of the best attorneys in general that I have work, she is dedicated to her job and loves what she does and will beyond and above to help as much as she can with. that being said I would like to date this point and her entire team forgetting me through my two-year process and family court. Thank You
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26 Jan, 2024 by Dawniece woods (dawnixx)
I cannot express enough gratitude to Damas Cameron PLLC. They navigated complexities with ease and communicated transparently, providing a sense of confidence during a challenging legal process. If you're seeking a highly skilled and reliable attorney, look no further.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Jasmine andre
I had the privilege of working with Patricia Cameron. She is an exceptional attorney who exceeded my expectations. Their expertise in the field was evident, and their dedication to my case was unwavering. Communication was clear and timely, making the legal process much smoother. I highly recommend their services for anyone in need of a reliable and effective attorney.
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04 Oct, 2022 by Mayrov
I was refered to mr anthony ,very very well knowledge the best at expeirence answeres my text and calls definitely would reccomend minko law awsome lawfirm
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26 Oct, 2020 by Rob "big potatoes"
Anthony is a wonderful man and an exceptional attorney. My wife and I hired him and his brother Chris for estate planning and financial advisement. Best move we could have made, he is patient and extremely knowledgeable in his field. We had him complete the following: Trust Fund, Power of attorney, Health Care proxies, 4 completed last will and testaments. Chris his Brother: Opened 4 retirement accounts and gave us expert guidance and continues his advise any time we call. They are both available whenever you need them. THANK YOU !!!!!
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17 Jul, 2014 by Gary
I had plans to travel overseas for a three week vacation with my wife. My Will written by another attorney, was old and needed major revisions. As a Financial Strategist, I know I needed Trust created to ensure my assets were passed on first to my wife and then to my children (and grandchildren) from a previous marriage. Time was short, I had only two weeks to meet with an Estate Planning attorney and have all documents drafted and executed before our vacation. My wife, Boots is a Retirement Income Certified Professional and gets many attorney referrals in the course of her business. Fortunately for us, my wife received a glowing recommendation about Anthony Minko from trusted business colleague. Our meeting with Anthony was productive and enjoyable. He attentively listen to our concerns, asked the right probing questions, offered alternatives for us to consider, explained how to reduce or eliminate Estate Taxes, drew on a notepad the legal documents required and showed how all the parts fit together to ensure we had the proper Will, Trust, Power of Attorney and health care proxy to protect us and our assets now and after we are gone. We have met with other estate attorneys in the past and the Will and Trust package Anthony executed for us was half of what it would have cost through other attorneys we have interviewed. What I like most is being able to pick up the phone and consult with Anthony on estate issues or concerns related to my will & trust without worrying about being billed for each phone call. So not only Anthony do the documents in record time he provided a “superb value package” at a very reasonable cost. We have referred Anthony to our friends and clients and will continue to do so. Thank you Anthony and your talented team for your exceptional client service.
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08 May, 2019 by Lisa
Renata Landskind has been my family counsel for just about 17 years. When I first met Renata, she was handling a lawsuit for my great aunt. Since that time Renata was always my go-to attorney in any of my legal matters. She is consistently knowledgeable, professional, pleasant, kind, patient, responsive, trustworthy, intelligent and sharp. Renata will without question look after your best interest.
For 17 years I have reached out to Renata with professional matters and personal family matters. I have referred clients, family members and friends to her for legal representation. I have never once been disappointed in the feedback I received. She takes nothing lightly and whatever is important to you is essential to her.
I say this with full confidence that Renata Landskind is one of the best in her field. I consider her an asset in my circle and in the community she represents. If you decide to retain Renata, you will surely have an accomplished, competent and talented attorney in your life.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Mike
I would like to add to add to the many positive reviews of Renata Landskind. We recently used her firm for a real estate closing of my mothers' home in Brooklyn. She was the ultimate professional. She advised on legal issues as well as tax and obviously real estate issues . She was very attentive to our concerns and utilized emails, text and phone to keep us informed of the negotiations. Most importantly, her experience and advice proved invaluable in our negotiations with the buyer.The closing could not have been any easier due to her preparation and negotiation skills . I highly recommend her firm to all. Mike
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14 Feb, 2019 by Juliana
I first used Renata’s services some 15 years ago to prepare my will and some other related documents. More recently, I hired Renata’s services to prepare my family’s Estate Planning documents. The entire process was a stress-free experience. Simply put, Renata never disappoints. She is knowledgeable, courteous, accessible and responsive to all our needs – even making a house-call when my husband was unable to travel. I have, and continue to recommend her to my extended family members as well as neighbors and friends.
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17 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I reached out to Yana with a question about the optimal ownership status of a house for tax filing purposes after a divorce. She asked clear questions that got to the heart of the matter and helped me see the way forward (which didn't require an attorney). However, when I do need to hire someone down the road, I will most certainly start with her.
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20 Jun, 2016 by Marina
If you are looking for a knowledgeable, highly professional and dedicated attorney specializing in Trusts and Estates, look no further. Yana Pechersky has all of those qualities and so much more. She is very personable and puts in effort and time to represent your best interests. I highly recommend her services.
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09 Sep, 2014 by Robert
Yana listened to my concerns about how best to construct the last will and testment for my worldly estate and assets, especially considering the protection I wanted to afford to my children. She also considered that I didn't want them to experience division and bitterness over my worldly legacy once I was gone. Yana also listened to my concerns about my own healthcare and what I'd want my health proxies to do. She crafted documents that addressed all these concerns, and more that I hadn't even considered.
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02 May, 2019 by Alexander
Rimma is a wonderful attorney and really has her clients' best interests. She helped me through my real estate transaction flawlessly and made sure everything was handled well during the sale of my house and made sure to explain everything each step of the way. Would definitely use her again for any future transactions.
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31 Oct, 2015 by Marina
Rimma is a truly professional attorney and an exception person with a great heart. She went the extra mile to help me and my family. Rimma is a quick thinker and gives excellent legal counsel. She put me at ease during my time with her and I am grateful for her assistance.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Ludmila
Rimma is a knowledgeable and conscientious attorney with no-nonsense personality; a trustworthy person, with a kind heart and respect for human race. It’s been my privilege to work with Rimma a way back, and be her client. She is a star in her profession.
With much gratitude,
Ludmila
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07 Dec, 2016 by Donette
Mr. Brown is very knowledgeable in estate planning. He was extremely patient in answering our questions and clarifying all the nuances of our estate planning. He was prompt in answering emails and made himself quite accessible for follow up questions. his fees are also very reasonable.
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24 May, 2016 by Louise
I hired Mr. Brown in 2015 to find if my Mom was entitled to pension from a closed company. At the time I only wanted to find the information for my elderly mom. She belong to a union when she was employed by this company. I approached Mr. Brown and provided very little information. I was amazed Mr. Brown worked on this case with limited information. He was able to contact the union and provided all the necessary documents to the union. My mom was able to received the pension retroactive from April 2003 to now. I am very satisfied with his excellent services. I will now need his services on probate the will and transfer of Coop Apt. I am confident he will provide excellent services again!
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19 May, 2016 by Justin
Mr. Brown went the extra mile in getting answers and discovering information necessary to bring the case to a favorable and fair conclusion. He was very patient, cordial, respectful and professional. We would recommend him to anyone. We are very pleased with his work.
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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!!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 !
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Daniel pino
01 Mar, 2024 by Darlene bonsignore
Would recommend for estate planning. Accessable, good lawyers, always knowledgeable
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23 Dec, 2022 by Jonathan harris
My experience was extremely positive. Giovanni and his team helped me to handle all of my mother’s affairs. He advised me when she was still alive from dealing with the LTC Facility to all the steps that needed to be done in preparation for our death, to now getting all the necessary paperwork in order. Giovanni and his team have gone above and beyond my expectations and helped me through a very difficult time. I know my mother would have been happy and pleased. I would highly recommend Silvagni & Como.
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16 Jun, 2023 by John
I said to Apryl more than once that working with her was one of the best parts of selling our co-op in Brooklyn. She was responsive, patient, positive, honest, hilarious, and kind. On top of that, she made navigating the legal side of real estate a breeze. She's the best
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09 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Apryl has helped our family on three different occasions, representing us on both the sale and purchase side. She is knowledgeable, helpful at every turn, truly has her client's back, and she gives very good advice. When working with Apryl she tells you like it is and really helps her clients understand the details of complicated real estate contracts. She is quick to point out the good and the bad and will help you navigate a negotiation knowing you have a true pro working on your behalf. Apryl is always just a phone call away to answer any question big or small. To top it all off, Apryl is an all around great person and a pleasure to talk to and engage with. We are so grateful we had Apryl in our corner and will continue to work with her going forward. We cannot recommend her enough to anyone who needs a real estate attorney in Brooklyn.
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07 Oct, 2022 by Zach
Apryl was recommended to us by our Realtor, and after one conversation we knew she would be out attorney. She helped us buy our first home in Brooklyn. We couldn't have been less prepared for the roller coaster. Our deal was complicated, but Apryl helped us through every step and explained everything to us in language we could understand. She is patient, kind, blunt, scrappy, and hilarious. Apryl has a gift for putting overly complicated legal jargon into blunt, everyday language that we understood. I would definitely recommend Apryl Hand to anyone in the Real Estate market. She is the best!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Nnenna onua
14 Jan, 2025 by Jennifer haggerty
I don’t know where I’d be without Gordon Law, P.C. They saved me during one of the hardest times of my life. My divorce was messy, and I was scared I’d lose everything. But Steven fought for me like no one else could. He was relentless in court and made sure I got what I deserved. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about making sure I was okay. I’ll never forget how hard they worked for me. If you need a lawyer who truly cares, this is the place to go.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Klara whitacre
I was very satisfied with the team of family law attorneys at Gordon Law. Alex was responsible and hard working and was great handling my child custody and support case.
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23 Feb, 2025 by Diane baker
Great service very informative the staffs are knowledgeable and professional.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Lisa compe
He service was prompt, professional and achieved very positive results. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Michael
I have known Peter since law school. He is an extremely competent trial attorney who is not afraid to take a case to verdict.
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23 Feb, 2025 by Diane baker
Great service very informative the staffs are knowledgeable and professional.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Lisa compe
He service was prompt, professional and achieved very positive results. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Michael
I have known Peter since law school. He is an extremely competent trial attorney who is not afraid to take a case to verdict.
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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!
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22 Jun, 2024 by Ceddy b
18 Jun, 2024 by Jessica marquez
15 Mar, 2024 by Alana ali hanif
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
