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23 May, 2017 by Mika
My husband and I worked with William Sauls to establish our family trust. He was very knowledgeable and professional and answered all of our questions and concerns. He made the process effortless. We are so pleased with his services and highly recommend William Sauls and his firm to our family and friends.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I am a retired attorney and needed to update my estate plan. Bill was very efficient and did a super job.
He is very professional and knows a great deal about this area of the law. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Lisa
I worked with Jennifer on my estate plan. She was careful in addressing my priorities and concerns and ultimately helped me implement a plan that I know will take great care of my family.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Andje
My husband and I had Jennifer prepare our estate plan and trust. She is very thorough and thoughtful. Jennifer understood that my time is limited and she made the process seamless and required very little from me. I would highly recommend her for any of your estate planning needs.
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01 Sep, 2018 by Jeovani mendoza
21 Jul, 2015 by Hernandez
I came to him 6 years ago because gov wanted to remove me from States.
Mr. Oliverio is the only lawyer from l.a. to banning that gave me any hope.
He I'd still my lawyer today and he is an excellent one in that.
Very reliable and trustworthy. Has helped me through court
Proceedings and is helping Me through counselor prossesing.
Helps me understand the meaning of laws and forms ...explains forms to me.
I highly recommend him.
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10 Mar, 2017 by Elizabeth
Peter was great and very professional. He made the whole experience better. My family trust had become a mess. Peter help us in organizing and planning it better for our future. I am blown away by his vast knowledge and the fact that he is also a CPA. I highly recommend.
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26 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Absolutely professional. Won my confidence with a simple free review of my tax situation, found a solution, and immediately took action with my consent. Outcome was quite beneficial for both parties. I highly recommend his services.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Damon
Met with Mary once so far with a tangled up trust situation also I was so upset about it all I could barely get the words out she caught on right away to what was going on. Very attentive and preceptive also very reasonable fees. Highly recommend.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Marina
Mary took over my case in a very difficult probate situation and solved it to my entire satisfaction. I can honestly say that she saved my share of the family estate. She is knowledgeable, supportive and an excellent strategist in probate matters.
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11 Mar, 2024 by David
Ms. Bursk was extremely helpful in clarifying my options for me in our meeting. She was to-the-point and quickly led me to the best course of action. For me, the best course of action isn't legal action at this time, but I would certainly consult with her and/or hire her as my attorney if the need arises.
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24 Mar, 2020 by Janiece
Ms. Bursk helped me wade through a painful probate process. She even informed me that I could do what was needed by myself without going through the entire Probate Court process. She also referred me to an out of state attorney who will be able to complete settling this estate. Can't ask for a nicer, more professional attorney!
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16 Apr, 2013 by Jasmine
I have been searching for a constuction lawyer to help me out with a Mechanic's lien. I talked to several Lawyers and most were dissmisive when they found out they can't make money from my case and hung up. Mr. Hibbard was very helpful in guiding me over the phone and was not pushy to solicit future work. Gave great advise on his first contact with me. Loved it when he did his lawyer thing when I didn't answer him the way he wanted me to, " I asked you a specific quetiosn..." LOL! I will definitely use him in the future.
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22 Aug, 2011 by Brenda
Last October I used Mr. Hibbard's services after my dog was involved in a fight with another dog. Within a few days, I received a threatening letter from the dog owner's attorney saying that if I didn't give them a large sum of money immediately, they would take further legal action and have my dog impounded.
Mr. Hibbard reviewed the letter and knew immediately that I was a victim of extortion. He reassured me their demands were unethical and I had nothing to worry about. After receiving Mr. Hibbard's response to the letter, the other attorney called and said the matter was completely dropped. I am very grateful to Mr. Hibbard for his services.
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24 Apr, 2015 by Linda
Walt helped my husband and I establish a living trust and wills for both of us. He is very knowledgeable; offering suggestions and situations for our consideration so that we had a comprehensive final product. He ensured that we understood the all aspects of the documents. He even called us on a Friday evening to answer our last minute questions so that everything was ready to be signed when we went to his office the following week. He kept us informed throughout each step and told us how to proceed in moving bank accounts into the trust. Both my husband and I are Navy Veterans and it was a plus that he too, is a Navy Veteran. Because of his expertise, he made this process easy.
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18 Nov, 2014 by Bill kollar
My wife and I needed legal advice and then preparation of our Living Trust and Will during a period when we were very busy with career, family, and elder care. Walt understood the situation and provided a great presentation regarding 1) the function of the Living Trust and Will; and 2) how these critical documents would be prepared for our unique situation. All of the documentation was provided in a timely way. Thanks to Walt's professional guidance, our family has the peace of mind that comes with being professionally and legally prepared in the face of what may be very difficult life events.
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02 Sep, 2011 by Ronnie
I have worked with a few lawyers before but none have given me the courtesy and respect that I deserve. She was informative and treated me like a person, not just a client. More lawyers should be like her and take the customers feelings into account.
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25 Jul, 2011 by Marie
Alexia has done some fantastic work for my LLC, both interpreting and creating a wide variety of agreements, (Licensing, Publishing, Employment, etc). She exceeding my expectations in regard to turn around time, responsiveness and overall legal knowledge. Her ability to get to the issue and present resolutions is uncanny. Through working with her I feel I truly have an advocate for the continued success of my business. I've become accustomed to go to her first for all of my legal needs whether business related or personal, and I will continue to recommended her to my colleagues as well as friends and family.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
After listening intently, Mr. Carrere advised me of various possible options for my situation. He explained in language I could understand.
I would refer Mr. Carrere to anyone who needs assistance with their taxes.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Bernard
I was very concerned about a tax issue when I contacted Ryan's firm for assistance. He worked with me to analyze the scenario and come to a solution.
At all times Ryan was responsive to my emails and calls and always got back to me within a day or two at the most. He was professional in all our dealings and was very fair in billing practices.
I am pleased and thankful I found him and would retain his firm again if I needed future assistance with tax law.
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22 Jun, 2012 by Edward
During the 30 years I have known John Ambrecht he has attended to my personal and family legal needs,ranging from ensuring that I had a will,to educating me in the importance of a family trust.He has always been available to advise in matters of domestic and international tax law, enabling me to feel secure in his knowledge of the law and in his genuine concern for my wife and myself.John is unusual in his
practice of what I would describe as holistic law,in his awareness of the
emotional needs of his clients which often drive legal issues,making him
unique in my experience with lawyers. I feel fortunate to have him as
my lawyer and friend and I recommend him without reservation.
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18 Jun, 2012 by Howard
I have seen this attorney's work in a number of cases and he is not only very knowledgeable but deeply committed to doing the best he can for his clients regardless of the difficulty of their situation and at the most reasonable cost. He faces some very difficult situations because he is willing to take on the emotional issues that many of his clients are wrestling with that other attorneys may not even recognize as areas they can offer facilitation. His trustworthiness responsiveness and knowledgeability are excellent and he has kept his clients very well informed. It is amazing how many people see him as honest and accommodating even to a fault. He makes sure his staff follow his standards and if there are any problems not addressed he has made sure he personally addresses them. I would recommend him without reservation.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Ellen helped my husband and I with our estate planning. We were uncertain what we wanted, and she was very well informed and had some excellent suggestions for us. We were very pleased with her work and the cost.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Ellen went beyond the call of duty to make our experience a pleasant and informed one. I am glad to have her as our attorney of record. I expect that we will be conferring with her as needed to solve any issues we, (are likely not to have), but might need assistance with.
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11 Jul, 2023 by George skaljac
Cliff Palefsky is a great attorney. You can't go wrong by using his services. If I could give him 10 stars I certainly would.
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30 Aug, 2018 by Annika feinstein
12 Dec, 2014 by Wendy
We have some complex financial and tax matters, and Lori Silver is the one I trust to advise us and prepare our tax returns perfectly. She is a rare combination of Tax Attorney (LL.M., Taxation) and CPA, so she really knows her stuff. I highly recommend her.
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19 May, 2011 by Barbara
Lori Silver helped me with my estate planning as well as my tax-related work. She has the natural ability to explain very difficult concepts in basic terms so I can understand my finances. Lori spent a great deal of time talking to me about what would be best for my family’s Trust. Her patience and understanding of family dynamics have enabled her to provide the best work possible for my family. No question is too small or unimportant, as Lori will spend whatever time necessary to help me, whether it’s returning a phone call or meeting in person. Lori’s expertise and knowledge in the areas of law, Trust preparation, and estate planning provide an amazingly strong foundation for her work, as she could help me with a variety of issues related to my estate. I have found Lori’s work impeccable. Quite frankly, Lori Silver is an incredible ‘find’ within the field of tax and law! I would give Lori 6 stars (out of 5 stars!)
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05 Feb, 2016 by Denise
I've used Diana for our living trust needs. She is knowledgeable, patient, and has the knack of clearly explaining legal terms in a way that the normal person can understand. She is responsive to inquiries and will prioritize when needed. Worked just fine for us and would recommend to others.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Abigail
Sometimes just knowing the law is not enough. Writing a will or trust takes caring concern with legal facts. How about after the loss of a loved one...who is there for the family with caring concern and the legal facts.....
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27 Aug, 2014 by Cheryl
Outstanding help from Lisa Russ and her legal assistant Denise Lopes in helping me in my duties as executor of my friend's estate. Everything was new to me, and Lisa and Denise guided me in all the right directions and were always there whenever I needed them.
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27 May, 2014 by Rogan
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa and her staff as the executor of my father's estate. Her compassion and capabilities were immediately obvious from our first meeting, and given the choice again I wouldn't choose anyone else to guide my family through this difficult process. Lisa was willing to go the extra mile time and time again, through multiple house sale attempts and other significant surprises, and honestly I couldn't have done it without the knowledge and the efforts of her office. Thanks so much for everything~
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30 May, 2008 by Anonymous
I met Mr. Burton last year at a networking event and decided to give him a try after I lost confidence in my previous attorney. Not only is he an extremely intelligent individual but unlike my previous attorney I feel I can trust him. I use the Burton law firm for all my business activities. Aside from the professional legal counsel that they provide I have been very impressed with their prompt responses. I can remember numerous times when I had a VERY important question and my previous attorney would take days to call back. Very professional firm and I would definitely recommend them.
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12 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Jeb and his firm treated us with respect and demonstrated great competence. They were very thorough and presented aspects of our estate plan that had never been brought up by other attorneys.
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30 Nov, 2020 by B.g.
Ethical, conscientious, professional and knowledgeable. I can't say enough about Cathy Kim, she definitely does her job extremely well. Words alone can't express my gratitude for not only all of her diligent work, but for always going above and beyond. Cathy had to deal with several unscrupulous individuals on my behalf, and she had a big hand in saving my sanity. She often had to deal with me when I was an emotional mess, and she was able to calm me down and explain things in a manner that was always reassuring. She advised me of my fiduciary responsibilities as a Trustee and guided me through painful probate and litigation matters. I was very blessed to have Cathy represent me, and I will be forever grateful. You will not regret choosing her as your attorney, she is simply the best.
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16 Jan, 2014 by Barbara s.
I count it a great pleasure and privilege to express to others my experience with the Ernest Joon Kim Law Firm, and in particular the services rendered my family by Attorney Catherine Kim.
I had just lost my dear sister and found myself experiencing for the very first time, the daunting process called Probate. Desperately seeking answers I discovered AVVO and submitted my concerns in hopes that someone would enlighten and assist me in my efforts. Attorney Ernest J. Kim responded with a full page summary addressing all my questions and concerns. I immediately felt that with an empathetic and understanding attorney as this, how could I go wrong with retaining their services. They were the fourth firm I had contacted, and the only ones that were not offended by my need to know and understand the Probate process so I could effectively provide what was required of me to the attorney representing me. I telephoned the firm and Ms. Catherine Kim responded.
From our first encounter I felt very comfortable in discussing all the issues with Ms. Kim. Oftentimes I was overwhelmed with grief, the probate process, the difficulty in finding a genuine, caring attorney who was not too busy to answer my questions with courtesy, professionalism and patience. I could not have found a more skilled and adept attorney than Ms. Kim. She is knowledgeable, conscientious, courteous, trustworthy, kind, patient, and compassionate. She addressed all my concerns and the many questions plaguing me regarding this intimidating Probate process. She quieted me and guided me through all my anxiety. No amount of words can express my sincere and deepest gratitude for her support and assistance.
Ms. Kim was always available to me and responded promptly to my telephone calls and emails. She was there to help me at every juncture going above and beyond the call for Probate services. I always felt at ease, burdens lightened and encouraged that I could do all that was required of me.
As busy as Ms. Kim may have been, I never felt rushed off the telephone or that she was too busy to assist me in working through every issue. Rather, she patiently took the time to explain in laymen terms what I needed to know, ensuring that all concepts were clear, concise, and understandable, so that I would be in a position to make good informed decisions.
Within only three days after retaining her services Ms. Kim represented me in court. She kept me informed and abreast of all court actions. She provided easy and understandable explanations of issues and provided legal counsel in all areas of concern to me, some even being outside of Probate. There is no doubt in my mind that these past two years of going through the probate process, the encouragement and support I received from Ms. Kim is immeasurable. She exudes integrity in all she does.
Ms. Kim successfully brought my family through the probate process and we are very pleased with her services. She was upfront and truthful about all statutory fees and cost, and also offered us the option for a discounted rate.
We highly esteem and recommend Ms. Kim to anyone requiring Estate Planning Services. I have also personally retained her to do my Will and Trust, and is recommending her to one of my good friends. Her services are outstanding and her work impeccable. Put your mind at ease and allow Ms. Kim the opportunity to service all your estate planning needs. She’s the best. Thank you Ms. Kim.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Hugo d
Mr. Ghaderi assisted me with getting a collection agency who was affecting my credit and harassing me to overturn their hit on my credit and stop calling. I should clarify that this debt was not legit. He explained everything to me and actially made the process fun. I imagined it to be horrible, but all went great!
After the great experience, Mr Ghaderi helped me set up my LLC as well. He's full of information!
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28 Jun, 2013 by Anita
Creating your Estate Plan can be daunting. Mr. Ghaderi is personable and knowledgeable and helps you understand each choice you make. I highly recommend him as a trustworthy expert in his field.
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04 Feb, 2020 by Stephanie bader
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Preston Marx III through the Roseville Business Networking Group. He is a Bar Certified Estate Planning/Trust attorney. I find him to be passionate and knowledgeable in helping families in the difficult tine following the death of a loved one. I look forward to working with his firm more in the future.
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11 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with David Kelly on a case where my client, who is a resident of Washington, needed the help of California attorneys. Mr. Kelly has a very in-depth knowledge of estate planning in California. He is also a gentleman and shows compassion for the client.
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30 May, 2022 by Blue
Laurel has been an exceptional attorney for my family and for my corporation. She has helped me start and complete a living trust for my wife and kids which meant the world to us! Several years later she helped me form a corporation and has helped me write successful contracts for 5 years now! She has a basic approach and yet extensive knowledge in multiple areas of law. I highly recommend her!!
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12 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I used Laurel for my trust & will documents. I was very happy with my experience. She is clearly smart, knowledgable, & a real go getter. I felt confident in her abilities & would definitely recommend her to a friend.
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18 Jun, 2014 by William
Excellent in all phases of our estate planning, trust and probate resolution. Go to him first and avoid problems later!!!
When in a complicated situation he referred us to a colleague who was able to resolve the situation.
In a word, Michael has integrity !
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25 Oct, 2011 by Larry
Michael provided fast efficient service for a flat fee, not billable hours. There was no guessing or estimated costing. He took effective notes about our needs and desires at our initial meeting, there was no need to repeat or review our situation or requirements during the preparation of the trust. Well-written instructions and/or description of the documents and information needed for preparation of the trust minimized the need for follow-up meetings or phone calls.
Michael provides good explanations of trust options and the reasons behind them. Ours was a simple basic trust employing mostly routine options and planning. Work also included powers-of-attorney, and health care directives. While reviewing the final trust documents with us, he found two minor errors, not of a legal nature, and had them corrected on the spot. In addition to the paper documents, he provided a back of the signed written documentation on a CD.
When we met with Michael to map out the trust, we came prepared with all the requested financial information that was to be included in the trust, in writing, and organized with a written summery. This made the preparation of the trust easier, so he volunteered some addition assistance of a minor nature at no additional cost.
I can recommend Michael to those needing estate planning services.
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15 Jul, 2022 by Bruce & debra
We would like to highly recommend the law firm of Copenbarger & Copenbarger to anyone considering an estate plan.
Attorney, Larry Copenbarger, was attentive, knowledgeable, and explained all of the components of our estate plan thoroughly. Most of our questions were answered before we even asked them.
Paralegal, Rachael Sharp, was a pleasure to work with as well; promptly responding with clear and concise answers to our correspondence.
We now feel completely confident that our assets will pass to our heirs as intended.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Extremely professional, helpful, thoughtful and kind. He takes the time to explain everything in an easy to understand way.
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01 Oct, 2018 by Anne
I am resident in Ireland and must commend Michael for his work in looking after my interests in California. He is hard working and diligent in all he does. Quite honestly I don’t know how I would have got through these last months without his professionalism and his friendliness.
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26 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Very responsive, listen to what I had to say. Took care of my situation and kept me informed through the whole process. Very happy with this firm!
THANK YOU Michael!! Your a LIFE SAVER ..
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14 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
A friend of mine recommended Kevin for some help that I needed with trust administration and estate planning. I found him to be super helpful - very on top of details, and good at explaining things in layman's terms. I highly recommend him.
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13 May, 2022 by Monica
Mr. O’Connor was an excellent lawyer and help to me and my family. He helped my husband to write a will, soon after he unfortunately passed away. Then Mr. O’Connor helped me with estate planning and a trust. He remained professional at all times and explained to me throughly the process and importance of everything I inquired about. He was an amazing lawyer and he even helped me in my main language, Spanish. I would strongly recommend him to anyone.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Keith
Melinda is a total professional she knows her stuff and anyone that gets her services is lucky i cant say enough good about her and she gets an A+ from me
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08 Feb, 2013 by Nicole bustamante
Melinda Bell helped me fight for and be awarded 50/50 custody of my daughter. Melinda fought with a level of professionalism that was immeasurable. Any mother seeking custody of their child/children has the VERY Best chance of success if they have Melinda Bell on their side.
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02 Dec, 2015 by Cyndi
Ms. Furlin provided all my estate planning documents (Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directive, Last Will & Testament). She was very personable, accessible, knowledgeable & professional in answering all my questions & concerns. The materials were prepared in a timely manner & my last minute changes were promptly handled. The final documents were accurate & professionally presented, with clear instructions. It was a pleasure working with Ms. Furlin & I highly recommend her for all your estate planning or tax matters.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Scott and damaris
Kellen had/has fantastic communication with us through this process. Having two young children it was/is difficult to stay on top of the process, but she kept us on track by following up in a timely manner to ensure we completed the necessary steps in this very important matter. She was very patient even after we delayed in replying promptly. She made us feel comfortable discussing serious topics and reassured us that although the task of estate planning seemed daunting her help along the way would facilitate the process. She is professional in every way.
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15 Oct, 2019 by Douglas
John Balian has saved me so much $ over the years. There is no question my tax liabilities were far less than they would have been if a CPA had been advising me.
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16 Nov, 2012 by Greg
I met with several lawyers and he has been the best. I am a small business owner. The IRS was trying to say that I owed over 90k in taxes due an audit which i was was represented in effectively. He saved me and my family. Also, he set up an estate plan for me so that my family and the business would be taken care of in the event that anything happens to me or the business.
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16 May, 2019 by Rashida
I didn't know Nathan, but he was really good to work with. He answered a bunch of questions I had (no charge which was cool), and walked me through how a revocable trust worked. We also took care of my health directive and he told me what was up with choosing a guardian for my child if I died so that was cool but not great to think about. But he actually gave me some questions and we worked it out in about 15 minutes. SO yeah, dude was cool for a lawyer.
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23 Apr, 2019 by Michael
OK, if you want an attorney who is really smart, friendly, and will listen to you, give this guy a call. I have hired Nathan for a number of different legal matters. He defended me when I was sued twice, he walked me through my estate planning, and he helped me negotiate a lease for a commercial space. I think he is an outstanding attorney because he actually LISTENS to me, he calls me back whenever I reach out, and he sends me periodic updates on the legal matters I have hired him for without me having to call first. He also saved me huge hassle when I got divorced, he called me and walked me through what I needed to do to stop my ex-wife getting my assets if I dided, I had no idea changing my living will wasn't enough to accomplish this. If he hadn't walked me through everything, she would still be listed as a beneficiary for my insurance, meaning she, not my sister, would've received the proceeds if I died. The other attorney I spoke with didn't say a word about this. Anyhow. Good luck with your legal issues no matter who you hire.
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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:
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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.
