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04 Apr, 2018 by Rebecca
Andrew, with RSC Law Group, was the 3rd attorney I worked with in the course of my messy and protracted divorce. Andrew was amazingly patient with me as he helped me navigate through that legal nightmare. He spent a lot of time explaining to my stress addled brain all my options and suggesting next steps. He was a tremendous advisor to me and I truly appreciated that he and his firm gave me the guidance that was best for my family and not what generated the most billable hours. Divorce is not a clear cut process and I took a lot of comfort knowing that I had a place to turn to when I needed help. In court I felt well represented and I liked that he didn't spend time arguing with opposing counsel outside of the courtroom arena. If things were different he'd still be my attorney but I appreciate that they left my family and I in a safer and more secure place than they originally found us in.
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06 Mar, 2018 by Stacey
Andrew was an amazing lawyer through my 2 year divorce. Always clear, concise, and upfront. Very diligent and communications were immediate. Compassionate and honest. I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
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27 Feb, 2018 by Lauren
Andrew has handled our family law case for the past 4 Years here in Monterey. Our case was very complicated and involved child custody, visitation, and support. He was very attentive to our needs and patient with us during the difficult and emotional experience. He was knowledgeable and paid special attention to detail which helped us win each time we went to court. Andrew was always prepared and swift to answer any questions via phone or email and there were even some times that he helped me during the weekends or holidays. I have recommended him to many friends here in the area and will continue to recommend him and utilize him for my own case as needed.
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29 Oct, 2014 by Sheila
Shelley Rizzotti represented me and my nonprofit organization on a case that involves contractual, nonprofit, and animal law. She took on our case pro bono and stuck with us from beginning to end. She was very knowledgeable on the statutes pertaining to our case. She was meticulous and thorough in her research. Her letters were all skillfully written, and in the end we prevailed!
Shelley made the entire process easy for us. She assured us that she would be properly handled our case and she told us not to worry. She explained everything to us along the way. She gathered all pertinent documents and evidence; she allowed us to focus on our day-to-day operations rather than dwell on our case. This certainly lifted a huge burden off our shoulders. She gave us regular updates. She was readily available to answer any questions over the phone or by e-mail... even though she had taken on this case pro bono amid her busy schedule!
Shelley is an attorney with compassion, grit, and integrity. She is not one to take on a case if she does not fully believe there will be a positive outcome for her client(s). She will fight for her clients, and she will never back down. When she takes on a case, she comes up with a list of strategies to use to win the case. She has excellent people skills and was professional and firm in her dealings with the other party's attorney.
Overall, we are incredibly grateful to Shelley for her expertise and phenomenal help to our nonprofit organization. We highly recommend Shelley! She is by far one of the most effective lawyers we came across in the 10 years we have been in operation.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Lance
Shelley Rizzotti provided my business partner and I with excellent, detailed service. We were able to avoid a long, difficult case with her assistance. She examined and recommended points on all aspects of the case in a way that showed she was very engaged and extremely competent. She went far beyond our expectations and I am truly grateful to have found her.
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24 Jun, 2011 by Ken
I came to attorney Shelley Rizzotti with a few vague ideas about some kind of estate planning for my future. Shelley was quick to understand the uniqueness of my situation, and skillfully articulated her recommended solution in a way that would make sense to me. Shelley became my ally in developing a detailed, comprehensive, personalized estate strategy which included a trust, an advanced health care directive, a will, and a nomination of conservator. Throughout the process she was impressivley attentive to detail while courteous and patient with my questions. I have entrusted Shelley to oversee my personal legal affairs as such services may be needed. I have made this decision based on my assessment of her as a capable, diligent, compassionate professional who understands both legal and personal matters of importance to her clients.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Mimi
I had the opportunity to work with Teresa on estate planning. Teresa did an exceptional job leading me through the process and making everything understandable and straight forward. Where there were choices to be made, she made sure I understood the options and the implications of my choices. Teresa responded promptly to questions and met every deadline she set. I enjoyed working with her and have no hesitation recommending her to my friends and family.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Catherine
Teresa breaks setting up a trust into discrete chunks of work which makes the process less daunting. and easier to complete without stretching out the amount of it takes to finalize your trust.
More importantly, Teresa listened to me, learned how I live my life and, my distribution goals. In turn she made custom recommendations to create a trust which is personal to my life and memory.
Teresa guides you through some difficult decisions. I always felt that she was working for my benefit rather than pushing to finish up.
Another huge part of Teresa's service is to ensure that you understand how trusts work especially the changes that you can make to tweak it in the future. The real definition of a living trust.
Teresa/Caplan Wilkinson provides simple to use tools to document your assets, your plans and final chapter care. I'm happy knowing that my trust is not fixed but will continue to age gracefully with me.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Lance
I highly recommend Teresa Wilkinson for any estate planning work like creating trusts and wills. She updated our family trust and will documents that were over 20 years old. There was a lot to update in the trust structure and wording and for me the new documents are much easier to understand.
What stands about working with Teresa are her trustworthiness and thoroughness. We've known Teresa for many years and trust her implicitly. Knowing she's an expert in estate planning and elder law gave us complete confidence in choosing her as our lawyer. Teresa was extremely thorough during our interviews to cover all aspects like advanced medical directives and a number of topics I hadn't considered.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Suzanne
My father had developed rapid onset dementia without making any plans for his estate or his care. After interviewing several attorneys, I hired Kyle to be my father's attorney. He set up a trust that assured Dad's on-going care and protected his assets. When dad died, Kyle settled the estate for the family.
Kyle was professional, knowledgeable, extremely responsive with a "can do" attitude. He is easy to talk to, responds quickly to emergencies, and deals well with difficult personalities. I highly recommend him.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Robin
We put off estate planning forever -- too expensive, our family too complicated, etc. Kyle just walked us through it, helped us make the best decisions and followed through. A great service and at very reasonable prices.
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21 Sep, 2011 by Mary matis
Worked with Kyle on estate planning. He is professional friendly and sensitive to issues which inevitably come up in estate planning. it was a pleasure doing business with him and highly recommend him
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22 May, 2019 by Lauren
My husband and I hired Mr. Wells to represent our interests in two matters involving real property my husband inherited in Solano County - one was a complicated probate issue and one was what turned out to be a complicated eviction. From our first conversation, Mr. Wells had a straightforward action plan in mind and an impressive command of the law and facts of our case. Other lawyers we spoke to either didn't understand what we were asking them to do, or were seeking large retainers for unnecessary action plans. Mr. Wells accomplished all of our goals, acted quickly, charged a reasonable rate, and kept us informed at all steps. As a lawyer myself, I can confidently say that Mr. Wells is top notch. I would not hesitate to hire him again for any real estate or probate matters. Highly recommended!
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
My father and I came to Mr. Wells with a tough eviction issue. My father was getting on in age and his health was failing so we decided to sell his house and move him closer to family. Unfortunately we had at-will tenants (nephew and brother who refused to leave.)
Mr. Wells helped us process an eviction in a thoughtful, systematic and legal manner. He and his staff were always available to answer question either by e-mail or phone. Even if we did not have any questions, his staff would call to keep us informed of what was happened or what we could expect to happen next. The process was easier than I thought it would be and his fees were very reasonable.
I would recommend Mr. Wells to anybody to process and eviction.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Robert is primarily a landlord attorney, who specializes in tenant evictions. He does other real estate transactions, but his main focus was to help me evict my non-paying tenant. Eviction took about 6 weeks.
He is efficient, cordial, prompt and punctual. He corrected errors in my 3 Day Notice To Pay Or Quit and resent the notice to prevent lost time if the case was thrown out for improper notice. He usually responded back within 1-2 business days with detailed replies to my legal questions. He informed me of notice delivery, summons and court dates.
His office was conveniently located across from the county courthouse, but I believe he moved to another nearby location.
I wished we had more rehearsal time prior to our court appearance. Though our case was pretty straightforward, I wanted to ensure my responses were eloquent when he examined me. He was a little nervous before the intimidating judge, but it's only human nature.
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11 Mar, 2017 by Abel lopez
She gave me facts didn't dance around things direct to the point very useful now I know my basic 101 to have a direction. Now I knwo what i need to do. Thank you very much. I'm still in need of representation
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21 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Without even charging me, she reviewed a complex special needs trust issue and found an attorney for my mother near where my mother lives.
Leslie clearly knows her stuff but is also caring and compassionate. I recommend her highly.
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12 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
A friend referred me to Leslie when I needed some legal advice. I was in a jam and all the attorneys I contacted didn't know how to help me. In fact, one said "There isn't a way to resolve this". I was panicked! Then I spoke with Leslie who calmly told me what I needed to do. It worked like a charm!
She is the BEST!
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09 Feb, 2022 by Sylvia
I hired attorney Catherine Tang again for another trademark submission. Attorney Tang provides ethical sound judgement, insight and advice on best of course of action which allows me a "solace mind". Because of her and her work, I can trust the process and be at ease no matter how complex or challenging the case. I will always come back to Attorney Tang because the process is always clear, transparent, seamless, and easy and she will always be my go-to for business and intellectual property issues. Thank you, Attorney Catherine Tang.
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06 May, 2020 by Sylvia
I hired Catherine Tang to respond to an action letter from the USPTO for my business. Catherine was fast, responsive and was quite fair with pricing. She’s one of the most ethical attorneys I have ever worked with. She did the work in far less time than all of the other attorneys quoted me. Others quoted weeks of research, with "a minimum of six weeks to hear anything back". Catherine responded in far less of time and I was approved in much sooner time than even the "weeks of research" it would take to just submit my response. Contact her for any of your intellectual property or business needs. She's ethical, wise, sharp, and quick-witted.
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31 Dec, 2019 by Rima
Catherine is intelligent, resourceful and a great legal advocate for her clients. She is a great communicator and skillfully explains the law so that it is understandable. I highly recommend Catherine.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Regina
Karlo and Olivia Nebres provided exceptional assistance and guidance throughout the planning of our living trust. They made the entire process very comfortable and really took the time to help us understand the details required to complete our trust. My husband and I are would highly recommend The Nebres Law Firm.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Sought the advice of Mr. Nebres regarding estate planning. We have a little one now and wanted to plan for her. Mr. Nebres was very thorough and made all the difficult concepts easy to understand. He is very knowledgeable about our concerns in relation to estate planning and brought great suggestions to work around probate.
Aside from being very personable, unlike common lawyer stereotypes, I really like the fact that he let us make the decision on our own. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to plan long term for their family members.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Karlo made things easy for us to understand. He took the time to expain the entire process and answer all our questions. He is very responsive and is always quick to reply. I highly recommend Karlo as an Estate Planning attorney.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Elana
My husband and I were long overdue in creating our estate plan. Heather made it meaningful, simple and actually enjoyable to vision into these end of life issues to determine what would be best for us as a family. It is a pleasure to be in Heather's presence, truly. She is extremely easy to work with, thorough, and made the process much simpler than I expected. I highly recommend working with Heather.
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21 May, 2015 by Iris & john
We asked Heather to update our existing living trust, of which we were rather uninformed originally. Our experience with Heather was outstanding in every respect - she is amazingly organized, thorough, efficient, and a pleasure to do business with. We were left with a binder that is so complete and so easy to understand and follow that when the time comes to reference it, every step is outlined and explained so that even our 11 year old (brilliant) granddaughter will be able to understand and follow it!
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06 May, 2015 by Iris & john
We retained Heater Reynolds to review our existing but out of date living trust. Her knowledge, expertise, organizational skills, and professional attitude is amazing and very comforting. I will recommend her to all of our friends and business associates.
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I have worked with Derryl Molina with numerous clients. All of them are very happy with her knowledge, patience, compassion and responsiveness. I have always found her to really care for her clients and will go the extra mile to make sure they are taken care of.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Diane
Derryl is one of the most efficient and trustworthy lawyers out there. She asks great questions, is organized, is well-versed in her field, priced very reasonably, is thorough, is friendly and compassionate. If there is anything that Derryl was not sure of, she always researched it thoroughly instead of doing what other lawyers tended to do; "make up" the answer. I have worked with many lawyers over the years for various reasons and I have to say, honestly, she is one of the best! She handled my prenuptial agreement, my living trust, my health care directive, my power of attorney, my will etc. and I highly recommend her to people who need these type of services. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Derryl and I am grateful for her services and expertise.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Derryl Molina did a terrific job preparing a living trust for our family. She explained complicated concepts and answered our questions thoroughly in terms we could understand. Derryl is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about her clients. She is very dedicated to doing the best for her clients and is willing to go the extra mile for them. Our Family highly recommends Derrly Molina to anyone seeking help with wills and trusts.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of consulting with Mr. Park about an existing trust that I thought needed updating. Mr. Park was honest and kindly explained I did not need his services at this time and further explained what I could do to update our trust for now. I appreciated the fact he did not needlessly sell his services, and while I did not hire him, I will be retaining him when the time comes.
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16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired David for my estate planning. He was thoughtful, responsive and easy to work with. He was also flexible about where and when we could meet, and this was really helpful given I work long hours. If you have any questions or you're looking for an estate plan, I wouldn't hesitate to give David a call.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of retaining Mr. Park to prepare my estate plan. He was responsive, professional and provided an excellent service from start to finish. I highly recommend him for anyone considering an estate plan.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Jan and david
It would be difficult to find a better estate planning attorney than Analisa Pratt in the Bay Area. She is thorough, organized, and extremely smart. She worked with us to revise an outdated trust, and gave us an estate plan, and we are thrilled with the final product. Now we can forget about it, and focus on other things. Here are some of the things we liked:
• Flat Fee: We paid ½ of fee upon signing the agreement, and the rest upon completion of the finished product. She offered to redo anything we didn’t like at any time for no additional charge. There were no other fees.
• Questionnaire: We filled out a questionnaire with our own information before the first meeting. This prevents numerous changes and greatly reduces the chance for errors.
• Graphics and Explanations: We found her visual explanations made the intricacies of the estate plan much easier to follow
• Trust Language: The estate plan used easy to follow English instead of legalese. It was clear and concise and easy to understand.
• Communication: She stayed in touch by E mail and phone to address any questions we might have.
• Summary: We found Analisa Pratt to be an excellent estate planning attorney. We recommend her without any reservations.
Jan and David W
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01 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Analisa and I were laws school classmates. Although we weren’t that close, we had quite a few classes together as we were both in the Honors program. Even back then, Analisa had always striked me as an extremely intelligent, hardworking and genuinely kind person with great work ethics. Upon learning that Analisa has opened her own practice, I immediately went to her for my estate needs even though her office is 1.5 hours away from me. I didn’t bother to shop around as I knew that I could count on Analisa to do a fantastic job. Analisa was very patient and a pleasure to work with throughout the process. Every time I had questions(and I had quite a lot), she always responded quickly and thoroughly addressed any concerns I had. Towards the end of the process, Analisa was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond her scope of service in helping me get everything wrapped up before I started a new job. I’m completely happy with Analisa’s service and would highly recommend her.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Michael
I was referred to Analisa by a friend and had a very positive experience. Analisa is extremely knowledgeable and does a fantastic job describing complex estate planning issues. She takes the time to understand your situation and objectives before offering advice. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a professional, competent and down-to-earth estate planning attorney.
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21 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
She has an exceptional ability to put clients at ease regardless of how daunting legal matters may seem. Even though the outcome was in my favor, the process itself was made much easier and efficient through her representation. Highly recommended attorney for anyone in need of a family law attorney.
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28 Dec, 2009 by David
My friend recommended Danielle for my my daughters custody situation. She has worked on my Family Law for the last two years. My case has been long and arduous, but she has helped me get through this part of my daughter's and my life situations. She has been a true honest, knowledgeable, and caring advocate. I recommend Danielle, if anyone is experiencing a delicate situation in Family Law.
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04 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Efficient and very knowledgeable, she personally explains the law to her clients in a very matter-of-fact way, where it establishes a great deal of confidence and comfort in the legal process. She also innately has the ability to minimize the anxious fear that sometimes is accompanied with a client's legal matters.
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14 May, 2018 by Taryn
Dawn Stark and her assistant, Ellen Burin, are the best team you could ever have if you need a great litigator. They went out of their way to help me with a complicated and difficult probate litigation compounded by familial insanity that they were able to traverse with ease and grace. It was amazing to work with them, and I would highly recommend Dawn Stark over any other attorney in Southern California. She took my case after I had problems with another attorney who didn't know what they were doing. She is an excellent attorney and outstanding person.
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06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
She's smart, savvy, and (shockingly for an attorney) delightful to deal with. Easy to recommend her!
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16 Aug, 2012 by Elizabeth
I had the pleasure of working with Dawn Stark over the past year and I feel compelled to speak about my experience with Dawn and her staff. Dawn is the consummate professional and she has the most positive reputation that precedes her in the area in which she works. This holds true for Dawn also in her influential network of people, many of whom I know. I also know quite a few of Dawn's clients and they all say the same about her and those that support her in her chosen area of expertise. I HIGHLY recommend Dawn to anyone who needs estate planning since her broad knowledge base, professionalism, and charming personality make her one of the best attorneys in the business.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Violet
Victoria was very thorough going through my trust and explaining it, out loud, what’s in the trust and I heard something I wasn’t aware of and didn’t want. She made the adjustments to my satisfaction and I am very please. She also put my binder back in order. Thank you Victoria!
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24 Jun, 2020 by Doris
Victoria took us through the settlement of my parents trusts very efficiently and made the entire process, which could have been stressful, smooth and easy to understand. She also very efficiently reviewed our trust and made sure we were up to date. I highly recommend her.
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23 Jun, 2020 by Cathryn
I needed a new attorney to handle my estate planning. Although not ultra complex, I needed someone who could handle multiple trusts, carry out specific objectives, udate provisions, and correct some issues created by a former attorney.
I was referred to Victoria Horvatich and Copenbarger and Cooenbarger. After an initial consultation I felt confident that she would be able to handle our families estate planning needs.
Working with her was very easy. She was both responsive and attentive to detail. Setting up appointments and completing documents was easy. She took time to explain everything and helped develop a plan for the tasks I needed to do. Unfortunately, before we were able to complete all of the tasks, the COVID-19 shelter in place went into affect. Government offices were closed yet Victoria continued to work on my case.
Estate planning is never fun, but Victoria was able to make the process manageable and helped me complete a process that I had too long postponed.
I would highly recommend retaining Victoria Horvatich and will be using her in the future.
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11 Oct, 2022 by Jaeeun
Ms. Seju Oh is a great attorney who can thoroughly and honestly help legal cases/services with professional and competent advocacy. She is passionate about providing the best legal service and assistance to her clients; moreover, she is exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced in legal work. Her communication with clients is always consistent and clear. Throughout the case, she keeps her clients informed thoroughly on the case's progress so there are no missing points or confusion. Attorney Seju Oh is kind, honest, and precise. I greatly appreciate all of the hard work and effort she put into my legal cases. I highly recommend attorney Seju Oh to anyone who needs legal assistance.
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18 May, 2021 by Cherrine
The attorney I've used before was too busy and handed over my case to sejuoh. She is precise and on point so when I needed a lawyer again this year I had no hesitation when my case was again handed to her. Laws were new this year and yet she went above and beyond to make sure everything was as correct as possible for the court. She dots her i's and crosses her t's. She doesn't take any shortcuts and she made sure my case got done in a speedy manor cuz I was on a definite timeline this time around. She is very professional and truly cares about the cases she takes on. She makes sure her clients are a main priority. I highly recommend her and I'd definitely use her again.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Barbara
It can be difficult to decide which Family Law attorney/law firm may offer the best, most comprehensive representation for your specific needs. Based on our experience we strongly recommend Stenzel Law Office (Gary Stenzel, owner), and particularly attorney Seju Oh. Because our case was uniquely complex, we needed an outstanding attorney. Ms. Oh is exceptionally knowledgeable, has an excellent commitment to her clients and an incomparable and uncompromising degree of integrity that has earned her a good deal of respect both in the legal community and among her clients. Equally important, Ms. Oh consistently kept us informed throughout the case. If you have family issues critical enough to require legal guidance, it is imperative to have an impeccable legal team representing your interests and protecting your rights. We are confident that Seju Oh and Stenzel Law are that team. So confident, in fact, that we would hire them again, should the need arise.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Ddperez1978
My sister was in a car accident last year and I had to take care of her afterwards. The insurance company was giving her the runaround until she hired Mr. Dufour. Mr. Dufour made sure her medical bills were all paid and she got a nice settlement. He was very attentive, I highly recommend him
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05 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
You will find that Gary is upfront and honest. He's personable and makes you feel comfortable. I would highly recommend him.
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01 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Dufour was personable and professional. He was diligent in his representation. He kept me informed and I am confident in his ability to represent me.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Jason
Fate represented me in a couple legal matters. She was very professional and got the results I was looking for. i would recommend her legal services to anyone in need of good representation. Great attorney.
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05 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Fate is a very hardworking, and caring attorney who shows true compassion for her clients' needs. She was very patient and took the time to clearly answer all my questions, provided great legal advice, and guided me through a difficult time in my life. She went above and beyond to help me with my legal matter. Working with Fate was a wonderful experience, I highly recommend her services.
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04 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
She was not only diligent and thorough but expressed a level of care that went beyond that of any hired attorney. I felt as though she was helping me the way she would herself, something I've found rare in the field.
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07 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Fudge is handling a probate for me. She is very professional yet very approachable and attentive to your needs. She is very prompt in getting back to any phone calls or emails regarding questions or concerns.
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15 Nov, 2015 by Jean
Amanda is understanding of the fact that, when someone needs an attorney, they are usually under stress, so the response time is very important. She has always been quick to respond to my emails, often replying the same day. She is available for appointments in a very timely manner; very important when dealing with estate planning and trusts. I can't say enough about how satisfied I am with her representing me.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Kerrigan
AJ serves as my entertainment attorney and represents my writing partner and me. Attorney's, not unlike doctors, can be extremely arrogant, condescending, et al. AJ is the complete antithesis of this on all levels. She is accessible, genuine and 100% ethical. Traits that are hard to find in an attorney these days. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I have dealt with many attorneys of multiple specialties over the years and have never had a more pleasurable and positive experience. She is salt of the earth in my book.
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02 May, 2017 by George
His bills were a fraction of my old Century City law firm's and he was much more responsive then they ever were.
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18 Mar, 2017 by Thomas "alan" schwartzkopf, us army, retired
He is detailed, friendly and seems to know the rules, etc. He rates are fair. I will continue to use him and refer business to him.
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11 Mar, 2017 by Nick
Competent, knowledgeable, concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations of or reactions to it and assertive without being pushy.
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10 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Tim and his staff were very helpful and informative with helping me set-up my trust
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03 Apr, 2012 by Tim
Tim demonstrated excellent knowledge of the law’s requirements regarding our project, including contract issues, design and, construction aspects, delineating scope of work and additional services, invoicing, and documentation. The judgment was completely in our favor, with all requested compensation granted, and no appeals.
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02 Apr, 2012 by Lynda
Tim helped us to resolve an issue regarding my parents trust. I was very happy with the outcome and always felt comfortable with advice he gave us to help resolve this issue. In my opinion Tim was always fair and honest with us.
If I am ever in need of any legal help in the future I would most definitely consult with Tim again.
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17 Jul, 2016 by Patrice
Not too long a I found myself in a serious situation. My neighbors were attempting to appropriate a significant portion of my property by pretense, deceit and rampant frenzied behavior. As a result, I retained Michael V. Hesse, Esquire, a prominent Real Estate Attorney, to remedy the situation. His past experience, plus his success in high profile cases, exceptional knowledge of the law and expertise in litigation, convinced me that this was a person who would represent me in an aggressive, professional manner. His impeccable honesty, integrity and personal attention to my case was assiduous, ingenious and steadfast. To put it simply, he stays focused, treating each step as a little “win” on the way to the one big “success”, he sets as his goal. In my opinion I feel “he is the very best” real estate lawyer in the state of California, and I highly recommend him for any real estate issues, unequivocally. *****
PS PERSONAL RATING: EASY ON THE EYES VA VA VOOM
Patrice LPC
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29 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a dispute with a HOA. This HOA dispute involved thousands of dollars. Although, the opposition had three people arguing against Michael Hesse and cutting him off mid-sentence Mr. Hesse stood firm and decimated their arguments.
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10 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Hesse is an outstanding attorney that I have recommended to several friends. He is honest and fair, but most of all, he is highly competent and knowledgeable; he gives you a peace of mind.
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30 Aug, 2018 by Rick paras
Retained Mr. Minton last year to represent me in a bitter trust contest involving a sibling brother who challenged and alleged elder abuse.
After legal issues were brought against my brother in another matter the case was mediated instead of going to trial
Mr. Minton came prepared, was direct and professional. His skills and experience brought a
Settlement to me which was fair and more than
unexpected.
I would not hesitate referring Mr. Minton’s firm for any trust concerns and or issues.
Thank you John. Great job and outcome. You worked hard on this and it showed.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Melissa martinez
08 Sep, 2017 by Tim anderson
02 Dec, 2021 by Aidan m.
I hired Arellanez Legal to represent me after I was hit by a tractor-trailer coming home from Las Vegas to San Bernardino. I contacted multiple law firms but eventually chose Arellanez Legal and I'm very happy that I did. Michael and his staff are very friendly and took very good care of my case. Michael and his staff made sure that I finished treatment and kept me updated regarding the offers from the insurance company. Michael mediated the case and got me a great settlement. Without his help I wouldn't have been able to pay for my medical bills and still have money left over. He really cares about his clients and his staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the legal process. I would highly recommend hiring Michael at Arellanez Legal.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Michelle moen
I was involved in a car accident in Modesto, California. It was a very scary accident for me because I was seven months pregnant at the time and was taken by ambulance to the local hospital. I contacted Arellanez Legal a few days after the accident because the law firm was recommended to me by a friend. My case was handled by Michael Arellanez who is very professional and makes you feel like family. The insurance company claimed their driver was not at fault. This greatly upset me because I was rear ended at a stop light. I could not believe an insurance company would claim I was not injured. Michael explained that the case would need to be mediated. I had never been involved in a mediation and I was unsure what to expect. Michael was very professional and helped me resolve my case at mediation. I was very happy with the results and would highly recommend Arellanez Legal. Michael does a good job at explaining how cases are resolved.
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28 Oct, 2021 by Kimberly
A few years ago, I suffered a broken arm from a slip and fall accident. At first, I tried to work with the insurance company myself to get my medical bills covered. Needless to say insurance companies did not want to compensate me for the medical bills. When the insurance company started downplaying my injury I reached out to multiple large firms in the LA area. I could hardly get one to return my call. I was ultimately referred to Mr. Arellanez by a personal friend, and I am so happy and thankful that I made that decision. I received the best service from him and his firm. They worked efficiently, always returned my phone call, and I was very please with the results they got me. Fast forward to 2020, when I unexpectedly ended up in the middle of a contract/real estate civil action, I cannot stress to you how extremely stressful, and emotional this situation was, however, I reached out to Mr. Arellanez once again, and asked if he could help me. Mr. Arellanez handled everything in regards to my second case like a true professional. I was very happy with the result and very relieved that it concluded in a relatively short amount of time. I highly recommend this attorney and firm to anyone.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Edward
Arnie has provided legal advice to me for over 10 years, since our old neighbor days in Montecito. He has always been there to help, protect my rights and interests in all cases, and always honest and friendly.
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11 Jul, 2015 by Nancy
Arnsen Blakely made us feel safely supported under overwhelming circumstances. He stayed calm but fought strong, not with emotion or reaction but with intelligence and professionalism. He knows what he's doing and he does it extremely well. Our outcome was magnificent thanks to Arnsen Blakely.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Barry
I've retained Arnie Blakeley for a number of "projects" over the years: developing a detailed business plan for my son who was entering a new business venture; drafting a pre-nuptial agreement, then revising my long-standing family trust when I remarried seven years ago; and more recently drafting and reviewing documents for the purchase and sale of real estate.
A key quality Arnie expresses is empathy. He instinctively senses the objective I'm working toward, and understands my needs, feelings and timing constraints in moving toward the objective. He just "gets it".
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17 Dec, 2023 by Megan
Amy is an excellent communicator and she’s also highly intelligent with great integrity. I really appreciate all of her legal expertise with Special Needs Trusts and Trustee services. I am glad I can trust Amy to do whatever she can to help me, with my best interest in mind. I highly recommend her for Trustee/Special Needs Trust services.
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17 Mar, 2022 by Jonathan
I hired Amy to represent me in a high conflict case. Amy assessed all the details and drafted pleadings to move my case forward. Because she listened to me, I felt confident that my case was fully understood by the Court. Going to Court is always difficult. Having a experienced litigator working with me on my case reduced the length of time my case persisted. I was able to resolve the case shortly after Amy began representing me.
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09 Mar, 2022 by Franza
Amy is perfect for my law practice, which is exclusively focused on fiduciary services. She is available to answer my questions whenever they arise and knows the law thoroughly in all aspects. Her moral code and ethical standards are excellent and in line with this area of practice that relies on Trust. Anything to do with probate, trusts, and fiduciary services Amy knows about and can advise quickly and competently. I am lucky to have her counsel.
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05 Oct, 2021 by Kevin
Kevin helped my wife and I setup a Trust recently. He not only completed every item quicker than we expected, he also added certain items to protect us in ways we didn’t even expect. He explained everything in a simple manner to where my wife and I had few questions for him. Everything was organized in a manner that is simple and very straightforward. I would 100% recommend him for any of your tax and estate planning needs. We are setting up an LLC with him next and expect everything to go very smoothly. Thank you Kevin!
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20 Sep, 2021 by Patrick
Kevin goes above and beyond for his clients. Besides being highly knowledgable and reputable, he really puts his clients interests first. My wife and I felt comfortable with Kevin from the get go. I’ve already recommended him to friends and family.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Dan
I had questions about my inheritance taxes and setting up a will. Kevin explained estate and gift taxes to me and helped me figure out that wasn't much of a concern. He explained things in a way I could understand and didn’t try to scare me like other attorneys had. I ended up setting up a trust with him and will be back whenever I have an issue.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Recently, while consulting our financial advisor, it was learned that we had no Will, no Advance Health Care Directives, no POA's, nor a Special Needs Trust for our disabled adult son. Our advisor pointed us straight to Chris Toews and Ann Murphy, whose firm, Toews & Murphy in San Luis Obispo, specialize in all of the above. Initially, we consulted with Chris so that we may ask questions and get some understanding of how it all works. Chris was so knowledgeable! He was not in a hurry, offered expert information to us, and put us completely at ease. Because there were so many unfamiliar documents, his partner, Ann Murphy met with us at a later date when the documents needed to be signed and notarized. She carefully explained each of the documents, again, taking her time and never rushing us, and made the task very informational, and enjoyable. The front office staff is also outstanding, cheerful, and efficient, making it a pleasure to call the office. The entire experience with this firm made my husband and me feel as if our concerns were the most important things on their calendars. At the end of the process, and in a short amount of time, we were handed a beautifully bound compilation of our new Family Trust, with each part delineated and organized for us. We cannot say enough about how we were handled by the Wonderful Team at Toews & Murphy! We highly recommend this firm!
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02 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Some years after the death of my father, my mother was referred to Mr. Toews for estate planning. He has become our "to go to man". When issues arise about family trusts, ligation, estate taxes and securing assets upon death, Mr. Toews has been on task 100 percent. He has treated our family with complete respect and honesty. Legal and tax laws are intidimating for a lay person but Mr. Toews has demonstrated patience and an ability to simplify the information. Professionally, he and his office display a standard of excellence. Seeing the preparation needed for my mothers estate I have utilized his expertise. I have peace knowing family estate planning is securely in place and trusted consultation is available.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This attorney came highly recommended by a two people I work with locally. On my first call I was helped immediately by an associate and very impressed with her knowledge and manner. I was informed that Mr. Toew is the only tax attorney in San Luis Obispo who has his level of certification. I was greatly relieved after dealing with their office and felt that I was in great hands with my tax circumstance.
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29 Apr, 2020 by John c
Mr. Johal and his office are top notch. They are extremely professional and knowledgeable. They recently helped a client with their trust and they did an awesome job.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Beverly
I have been working with Jack for many years now on my estate planning, gifting and my trust planning. His extensive knowledge has saved myself & my children money the government would have gotten. Mind you no lawyer is cheap but since they all cost a lot you need to have trust in your lawyer and that is what I have in Jack. I can rest assured that my children & grand children won't have any problems when I'm gone.
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31 Dec, 2012 by Debbie
Jack has worked for my mother (who thank god is still with us) for many years in an extensive & complicated estate & trust. Jack is extremely knowledgable and current on what's harping in a complicated world. I trust and know that my moms estate is buttoned up just how she wants it. You may not like what the law does or what your relative does but Mr. Johal is very, very competent & he will be doing my families trusts. Thank you.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Amer
Mark Axente Tikosh is an excellent lawyer. He is a caring one as well. We found him to be through and detailed in his work. He follows up very nicely. His advice is well thought out and well taken. Not only that we found in him a competent lawyer, but also an enjoyable person to work with.
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26 Oct, 2023 by Amanda
Mark was painstaking in reviewing my my assets with me and discussing family members and other people I wanted to share this assets with. Then he researched and discussed my options for the disposition of my wealth and finding an executor. I was very pleased not only in the final product, but his sensitivity and ingenuity in resolving problems I had feared would prove intractable. Brilliant work!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Brian
Mark helped me through some very difficult times related to a complicated estate inheritance situation . I would highly recommend retaining his services if you are in need.
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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.
