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09 Jul, 2022 by Geeta
Nadia Desyatnikova helped me with my Condo closing and also my daughter, with her Condo purchase. She is diligent, detailed and upfront. She goes out of her way to find violations that the Seller may not have disclosed , and prevented us from getting into situations that I may have regretted after purchase.
I recommend her wholeheartedly, please do not hesitate to use her for all your Real Estate needs.
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25 Jun, 2022 by Olga
Nadia helps me to sell the apartment. She is very professional, accurate,
response on questions you may have quickly and professionally.
She makes sure you have copies of everything you sign and explain every single page during closing. She also kindly pick me up from home and drives me to place of closing and back to home. Thanks again Nadia.
I strongly recommended Nadia to my family and friends.
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19 Jun, 2022 by Lilia
Nadia is Not Just a Lawyer She is a Kind Compassionate Humsn Being You Want To Have Tea With Her and Tell Her Your Life Story. Thank You Nadia For Your Kidness For Your Integrity. The Best
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25 Jan, 2024 by Saman
I had the option of many top lawyers to work with for filing my naturalization application and preparing for my interview but choose Kathy as she goes the extra mile for her clients and her rates are quite reasonable. She gave me ample time and was very thorough with my application. She’s responsive and keeps you informed of your status and important dates. I appreciated her encouragement and legal support during a difficult time. I highly recommend her services based on my experience.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Patricia
I hired Kathy Polias in 2014 for a paternity proceeding asking for a civilly registered parentage judgment and DNA test because it was required for recognition in the country I lived with my son. Kathy made a private stipulation of support deviating below CSSA that is not even enforceable in NY State and obtained a common law order of filiation that is also not considered valid by NYS. The nonjudicial orders were not confirmed by a judge, I was not even joined or served with the documents. My son has had no right to child protective services in the 9 years I have been requesting them, CPS does not afford credibility to unregistered parentage orders. Kathy believes she did her job and says she can’t provide more assistance when I asked her to obtain confirmation from a judge. She believes common law documents of filiation that are never confirmed by a judge are valid. She believes orders of support after order of filiation can be unregistered and enforced in private meetings with no state or judicial oversight.
she deems to believe that children born out of wedlock are not entitled to have civil rights in civil records. She appeared at the first fearing but the case was never overseen or confirmed by a judge, so technically there was no parentage trial. I was not joined and Paternity requires personal appearances or both parties to execute a single signed original document to meet requirements for the software to permit a stipulation to be transmitted. A family court judge could’ve issued an order, but since 2014 UCCJEA, paternity is a custody proceeding so support for a child born out of wedlock requires a judge to confirm and electronically transmit final judgment then refer matter of support back to a magistrate after the electronic record has been established in the state.
Kathy believes magistrates can be vested with power of a judge to make final judgments when custody is disputed. The software does not follow common law precedent so no orders establishing my son’s rights have ever reached the state officials.
The birth certificate says father unknown, after 9 years trying to obtain enforcement of the deals Kathy made.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Kathy polias is an excellent attorney and a zealous advocate for her clients. I have had the opportunity to retain kathy and I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. I think she is an asset to the legal community!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Eugene did a great job for me locating the owner of a corporation I am suing for non return of deposit. Easy to work with, and quick execution of what info I needed. Thxx
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02 May, 2024 by Michael
I was injured in a car accident, after the other driver made an illegal turn in front of me. Mr. Brayman got me $98,000 out of a $100,000 insurance policy. I cannot thank him and his team enough!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Recently hired this lawyer Eugene Brayman in which he charged me upfront to fight a case in small claims court and he did not put out any effort to make sure I win the case. There was no interest there since he already got paid. Guys dont ever pay a lawyer all the money upfront before they try the case because they wont put out the effort to win.
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07 May, 2023 by Kirabear
I needed to obtain a professional .But after documents were found on this so called 5 star attorney I must warn the public. I can be sure that he will remove this asap.But then you can see him on you tube, and Facebook.He to say the least is not a credible person especially his desires to like young girls and pursue them.5 stars he created on his own.
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25 May, 2021 by Barbara
Mark Friedman sifted through the fluff and got down to no nonsense legal issues I had confronted with my siblings. He helped me be awarded letters of Administration in court despite challenges from foes of equal strength. I was able to control the case with his guidance and keep the estate safe from harm. Although he did most of the heavy lifting, I got paid as an administrator a tidy sum. Thank you!
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28 Jul, 2016 by Stephanie
Mr. Friedman helped me put my sisters Estate in order. He helped me get family members to cooperate and helped solve so many issues that faced my sisters Estate, left which unsolved by a prior attorney. His fees were not cheap but worth it based on results. He had a friendly demeanor in the courtroom (I think the judges like him) and aura when I met him for the first consult I knew I found my attorney. I was just hoping I could afford his expertise ! He seems flexible with payments and is very fair.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently hired had the misfortune of hiring Shapsi Burekovich for my legal needs, and it was a disastrous experience from start to finish. From the outset he displayed an appalling lack of professionalism and competence. Commnunications were sporatic and unhelpful, with my calls and emails often going unanswered for days on end.
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05 May, 2016 by Jim
Shapsi was very helpful during the whole process leading up to my closing. He was great at responding to my questions by phone or email in a timely manner. He was quick at obtaining any information I requested and he helped make the whole process go smoothly.
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06 Dec, 2014 by Hitesh
Shapsi, met with me and describe the opportunities and options which I had during the closing of one of my property in Williamsburg,NY. He is an excellent lawyer and I was very well informed with my entire real estate closing and closing went very smooth with his help! His guidance and my trust in his were invaluable!
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12 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Assisted us with our guardianship and home sale. Responded regularly especially once we helped him to understand what we needed.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Ricardo de albuquerque
Our attorney, Gladys, is very competent, efficient, and gives practical advice. Highly recommend
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08 Aug, 2024 by Shaka ben david
07 Aug, 2024 by Lily elhaje
Good day,
What can I say about Nicole D!!!! Attorney Nicole D is not just an attorney she is so person. She is so professional and so sweet, down to eaeth and level-headed. I felt like I was talking to a friend, and she made me feel so comfortable.
Not at all, cold-hearted lawyer
Thank you, Nicole, for all you do!!!!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Ricardo de albuquerque
Our attorney, Gladys, is very competent, efficient, and gives practical advice. Highly recommend
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08 Aug, 2024 by Shaka ben david
07 Aug, 2024 by Lily elhaje
Good day,
What can I say about Nicole D!!!! Attorney Nicole D is not just an attorney she is so person. She is so professional and so sweet, down to eaeth and level-headed. I felt like I was talking to a friend, and she made me feel so comfortable.
Not at all, cold-hearted lawyer
Thank you, Nicole, for all you do!!!!
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12 Feb, 2019 by Vincent
Wonderful experience with Law Offices Of Robert Howe! Very experienced and communicative. Entire team was friendly and accessible. Highly recommend.
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11 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I retained this attorney to handle a family real estate dispute. The attorney from the beginning told me that he does not litigate and all he could do is send correspondences and try to negotiate. After 2 correspondences sent by the attorney the opposing party never responded. At that point he advised that I speak to another attorney he knew who does litigation. The experience with the other attorney was not positive, so I reached out to Robert to express my concern about the other attorney and my experience with him, hoping that perhaps he(Robert) could take over the situation since at that point there was dialogue with the opposing side. Robert was very defensive about the other attorney and kept urging me to go back to him despite my wishes not to. Finally, he agreed to reach out to the opposing party's attorney and informed me that negotiation will not be an option and to either return back to the attorney he recommended or find someone else. So I retained another attorney. After some time, I think when the case was in discovery, the new attorney obtained all email correspondences that Robert had with the opposing party and their attorney. One of the emails I was appalled at. He was revealing to the other attorney information that I shared with him(Robert) in confidence and misrepresented my position and intentions. This I believe was a violation of confidentially. Providing that information to the opposing attorney worsened by case. This was not professional or ethical and I do not recommend him.
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13 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Robert Howe Is an excellent attorney. His very knowledgeable and forthcoming with every issue that I have faced. He is an expert with real estate closings and I would highly recommend him For any real estate transactions, and estate planning needs.
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10 May, 2017 by Allen
My family and I have worked with Patrick for many years, and find him to be the most honest and forthright attorney I have ever met. Patrick always provides me with an honest assessment of whatever issue I bring to him, even if his assessment is that I don't need to hire an attorney. Patrick's practice is one of the very few businesses that has survived all these years on Third Avenue because it is a family business and a part of the Bay Ridge community. They really treat everyone like a neighbor and truly care about our neighborhood. Patrick is and always will be my family's first stop in a crisis. Even if he doesn't have an answer, he always knows where to find one.
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26 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained this attorney to take over an existing litigation case. From the beginning I was displeased with this attorney's behavior. He is extremely rude, thinks he knows everything and was constantly belittling me. The first time I asked to terminate services and receive my retainer back, he outright refused, insisting that I give him 2 more weeks so he can prove to me that he "is a good lawyer." For those 2 weeks he was avoiding my phone calls until one day I had enough and went to his office, requesting my retainer back in person. He was still giving me a hard time over returning the retainer and kept changing the amount withheld. His clerk first told me $750 would be held back, then the attorney raised it to $2700.00. I disputed this amount and sent him a formal letter of termination and told him that I would possibly seek litigation and other remedies to acquire my rightful refund. It was after receiving my letter that he sent me a letter offering only $6261.00. From $750 that his clerk told me to $3739.00 is a huge difference. To date I have yet to receive anything in regards to a refund and the matter has been handed over to the Brooklyn Bar Association and 2nd District Grievance Committee. I do not recommend this attorney to anyone.
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22 Sep, 2013 by Anthony
More than a lawyer, a sincere friend that understands my situation and fights hard to see that justice is served.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Rashidah may be a fine lawyer if nothing goes awry during your closing process. She seems to do an extraordinary volume of closings, based on how often she or her office tells you she is unavailable due to being tied up in a closing. But if something goes awry during your process of buying a home, seek legal advice elsewhere, because she either has little to offer, or lacks the interest in imparting it. In my experience, as a first time buyer where many things did go awry, her advice to my legal questions was typically: (long pause, after offering no advice) …let me know what you want to do. In my experience, she did woefully little due diligence, ignored many red flags, and told me those worrisome red flags were typical and would be fine (hint: they weren’t). I had the misfortune of having a delayed closing that coincided with the holiday season, during which she disappeared without letting me know when she might be back. E-mailing your lawyer in the middle of a deal to get generic out of office replies with no idea of when they would be back, with the clock ticking, added an enormous amount of stress to an already enormously stressful process. Perhaps the timing was wrong, perhaps the majority of deals go off without a hitch. But you don’t know how things will play out going into a sale, so why take the chance? Stay away.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Rashidah made me feel like I was her only client. She must be so busy and yet she always returned my calls and emails same day. She is a calm and pleasant person to talk to and puts you at ease. She explains everything and helps you to understand the documents before you sign, no matter how many questions. Her service cost exactly what she said it would. Everything she did was quick and efficient. My closing date was April 1 2020 right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic (I had signed my contract in December, but you know how long co-ops take). The seller's lawyer didn't come to the closing in person due to social distancing. Rashidah handled everything, since it was just signatures on documents that had already been prepared. She brought hand sanitizer and a mask and extra pens, and made sure that the seller's attorney called him on Zoom before we started so he could be virtually present. She brought all his paperwork and mine, and we had what my realtor called the smoothest and fastest closing she'd ever seen. We signed everything on my new kitchen counters.
I already knew that Rashidah was reliable and excellent at what she does, but I learned at my closing that she is also flexible and has even the unexpected issues handled.
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29 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Note: The address given for this office is out of date; they've move a few doors away. Rashidah is an excellent attorney and very easy to work with and get along with. She's handled several transactions for us and will be doing more; I consider her our go-to attorney. She's a real estate specialist but they also do ordinary wills, trusts and estates. She excels at responsiveness. She has not been in practice all that long, and as a result, there are obscure things she does not know. But for most people this is not a concern. Highly recommended.
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07 May, 2021 by John
Mike Reinhardt and Abbey Earhard handled my closing professionally and thoroughly. Highly recommend their services
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07 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Stay as far away from this law firm and this lawyer. They lie about their price then charge you more in the end. They do less than the bare minimum then want more money to actually work. This guy should lose his license.
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01 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
This guy is terrible and a liar. Quoted me one price, never contacted me and did nothing for me. Wanted me to get documents for his office and had his secretary call me to push me to do his job. He then told the realtor that I’m making his job difficult for him. He then wanted to charge me double because I told him I’m not getting documents for him that he’s supposed to get himself. I never spoke to him once and ended up switching lawyers. The 2 weeks I was gonna go with him he didn’t do one thing. Should get his law license taken away.
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27 Nov, 2020 by Andres
The firm was very professional. They were very helpful with my sensitive family court matter. Very available for questions and very knowledgeable.
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30 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Was a client of Melanie Marmer. Was not pleased overall with her services because she tended to take sides with the prosecution and complainant on my court cases. She tended to go by the book. Was never flexible enough to try get a plea bargain deal for me.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
No nonsense, busy but worth the wait. He is one of the most experienced lawyers in landlord tenant matters. He guides the judges on the law. He was methodical and worked his way through each witness and pinpointed the holes in their testimony. Many people say he is not patient, obviously that is because he does not have time to deal with other lawyers who do not know the law or are not prepared. I saw that first hand. He will get you what you want and well worth the price . He did a much better job than my Manhattan lawyers. A consummate professional even if you do not like his bedside manner.
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15 Feb, 2018 by Andrew
He (eventually) got the job done, but he's the most unprofessional lawyer I've ever had the displeasure of working with.
I hired Mr. Napoletano to remove some tenants in a holdover proceeding back in March and wasn't able to get the tenants out until the end of September. For months after hiring him, I never even got to speak to Mr. Napoletano directly - I always had to go through his assistant.
When all of the paperwork was finally filed with the courts, Mr. Napoletano set a date that I was unable to make, since he never even thought to ask me about my schedule. Rescheduling took another two months. On top of this, he made me bring my 94-year-old grandmother (who owns the property) to court twice, even though she wasn't needed.
If all of this wasn't bad enough, whenever I showed up to court, Mr. Napoletano was always an hour or two late. On every occasion, he sent me a curt email, telling me to let the judge know he was on his way, even though he refused to give any sort of ETA.
During the last court appearance, when Mr. Napoletano was over two hours late, and the judge was asking me repeatedly where my lawyer was, I offhandedly said "oh, he's always late." Somehow, this information made its way back to Mr. Napoletano, who had the audacity to take me aside (when he finally arrived) and chew me out. He told me it wasn't my job to make excuses for why he was late (even though this is exactly what he had asked me to do in the email), and then he continued to give me the excuse that he was late because he had another court appearance in a different county that morning.
My takeaway from all this is that he's a lawyer who's too busy to give any of his clients the attention or care they deserve, too disrespectful, and too unprofessional for the price he charges. He also was only able to get the tenants out after around 7 months with no ruling for them to pay back rent. I would never work with this jerk again.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I retained her after having had prior representation for more than one year… My first attorney just took my money and wasn’t even aware of the laws… Lucille told me exactly how the case would unfold and how it would end.
She’s very knowledgeable and fights for your rights. She’s tops .
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17 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I've known and had many cases handled by Lucille for over 30 years she has always been straight forward honest and knowledgeable, and was on point with her advise. She's a Fighter!
I red the negative reviews on here and I think they are false! I'd hire her again and every time.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Lucille is a prime example of someone who believes they are above the law. She is very shady and conniving and NOT to be trusted. She is very unprofessional and speaks and writes to you like a teenager texting. Using capital letters as to scream at you and ends sentences with ..... She does not have her client's best interest at heart but only her own. In short, she has no integrity. She must have paid someone to get her degree because she is not competent at all. I am surprised she still has her license.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Not very good with handling our case. Does not pay attention to details. Did not keep me informed and is difficult to get through to. I would not recommend her to anyone. She's also way overpriced for the treatment received. You are warned!
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20 Jan, 2024 by Cynthia
My original lawyer was relocating to Georgia and referred me to Jacqueline Chinquee to finish my custody/child support case in Brooklyn Family Court. The first time we met was at a court date where nothing happened. I paid her. She went on to handle other cases she had for the day. She had her assistant to later contact me to pay for her parking for the day. I did not respond to that and did not send additional funds. I got another lawyer. That was a bright red flag for me.
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17 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
She will not return calls or text to let you know what is going on But always wants more money to do nothing Please don’t do business with her
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
The most untrustworthy lying and manipulative women I ever met and she will get back everything she has done
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09 Aug, 2013 by Zeldy
became my sisters legal gaurdian filed fake affidavits to the court with total lies My sister is legaly blind and there are no services for her. The gaurdian is holding over $1.5 Million and despite receipts that I bought my sister hearing aids...serial # and all refuses to reinburse me....Her initial report to the court were all lies.....my sisters phones were disconnected due to the negligance of Louise....The system is failing or most needy.
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Bonaldes to help me with my custodial case. She did nothing of value in my case, yet felt justified in taking my money. She resented that I confronted her about her fees when I asked for justification. Out of a $5,000 retainer fee, she returned to me only $1,700. The bulk of her fees came simply from reading emails. She made no progress in my case, yet requested more money to keep her services. I implore you, DO NOT hire this woman. Save your money.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Took advantage of my situation and misrepresented what happened. Needed someone else to correct what he did.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Michael
Seriously lacks communication! Waited weeks to months for responses or updates. The issue also happened with another family member. If you want your probate, will or estate planning done in a timely fashion you need to go elsewhere. Good luck and sorry for your loss if you are reading this review.
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17 Nov, 2022 by Gloria
He messed up my Divorce decree when he left off my maiden name and I've tried to contact him several times and he refuses to answer my calls
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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.
