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18 Apr, 2024 by Erika beadle
Gigi Lawless is the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!! She is very thorough and extremely knowledgeable. Gigi is easy to talk to and is an honest and hard working attorney. She goes above and beyond to ensure her clients receive stellar attention and care. I consider myself VERY blessed to have her for my attorney. I wouldn't ever use anyone else. If you want the best, ask for Gigi Lawless!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Holly w
A wonderful group of Attorneys with multiple areas of expertise.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Billie wright
18 Apr, 2024 by Erika beadle
Gigi Lawless is the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!! She is very thorough and extremely knowledgeable. Gigi is easy to talk to and is an honest and hard working attorney. She goes above and beyond to ensure her clients receive stellar attention and care. I consider myself VERY blessed to have her for my attorney. I wouldn't ever use anyone else. If you want the best, ask for Gigi Lawless!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Holly w
A wonderful group of Attorneys with multiple areas of expertise.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Billie wright
18 Apr, 2024 by Erika beadle
Gigi Lawless is the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!! She is very thorough and extremely knowledgeable. Gigi is easy to talk to and is an honest and hard working attorney. She goes above and beyond to ensure her clients receive stellar attention and care. I consider myself VERY blessed to have her for my attorney. I wouldn't ever use anyone else. If you want the best, ask for Gigi Lawless!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Holly w
A wonderful group of Attorneys with multiple areas of expertise.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Billie wright
20 Sep, 2024 by Dennie b (denniefitbody)
Bill Pemerton was very helpful during our initial consultation even though he was located to far away to represent me in person. He assisted me with understanding the options available to me and gave advice on steps to take next to protect myself from further actions.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Sam byrd
I am a local attorney representing parents in divorce and child custody proceedings. I know Mitch and Brian in their professional capacity as lawyers in the areas of creditor defense and criminal law. Both Mitch and Brian are well known, respected, and trusted among their peers in the legal community. Mitch has been an asset to me and my law firm by providing valuable guidance and advice on several occasions relating to collection of unpaid fees to my firm and unpaid money judgement/awards my clients have received but the other parent/spouse refuses to pay and tries to avoid. I recommend this law firm.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Haleigh worth
As someone who has never gotten a divorce and did not fully understand the process. I felt like I was left in the dark a lot. I had to constantly ask, “what happens next?” Even when I did get an answer it was vague. For example, I didn’t know my court hearing was over the phone until last minute. I didn’t know that my ex didn’t have to even be present on the call until last minute. It was very frustrating. I didn’t realize that I could have changed my name during the hearing until after it was finished and I got a follow up call. Then Mr. Pemerton tells me that since I didn’t change it during the hearing if I wanted to change it he’d offer me a discounted rate of $500 to change my name instead of his regular rate. He was very kind and professional in person though. He even walked me to my car at one point because I didn’t want to be cornered by my ex on the way out of the office. I just wish everything had been more upfront.
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05 May, 2024 by Melissa fatla
17 Apr, 2024 by Tim gregory
Mitchell and Karol worked with me on a legal issue and on creating a will. Communication was always quick and friendly. They totally solved my problems in both services. I will not hesitate to use them in the future.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Peyton fox
Mr. Meeks provided exceptional service for me. He was extremely fast and set me up with exactly what I needed. I won't go anywhere else!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Herb bushnell
Mr. Duval and Stephanie were so thoughtful and helped steer us in the right direction. I will always remember Mr. Duval helping me over some rough spots, making it possible for me to go on and live a productive normal life. Much respect.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Brittany johnson
13 Apr, 2024 by Fozzie brown
Always an attorney and a friend. Was referring someone. He's always open to help people
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07 Jun, 2024 by Herb bushnell
Mr. Duval and Stephanie were so thoughtful and helped steer us in the right direction. I will always remember Mr. Duval helping me over some rough spots, making it possible for me to go on and live a productive normal life. Much respect.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Brittany johnson
13 Apr, 2024 by Fozzie brown
Always an attorney and a friend. Was referring someone. He's always open to help people
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23 Aug, 2024 by Julie kinnard
Great experience! We were out of the country and had to use a POA and they made the process easy and everything went perfect!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Brandie driskell
Always professional and great communication!!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Robert davis
Great closing experience. They took care of everything we needed.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Dennie b (denniefitbody)
Bill Pemerton was very helpful during our initial consultation even though he was located to far away to represent me in person. He assisted me with understanding the options available to me and gave advice on steps to take next to protect myself from further actions.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I am very impressed with the service that Mr Hawkins provided for my son. He was always available to answer my questions and concerns. I never once felt like I didn’t know what was going on with my son’s case. As a court appointed attorney for my son, he showed a deep understanding of my son’s situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. I am grateful to have had Mr Hawkins on our team.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Sam byrd
I am a local attorney representing parents in divorce and child custody proceedings. I know Mitch and Brian in their professional capacity as lawyers in the areas of creditor defense and criminal law. Both Mitch and Brian are well known, respected, and trusted among their peers in the legal community. Mitch has been an asset to me and my law firm by providing valuable guidance and advice on several occasions relating to collection of unpaid fees to my firm and unpaid money judgement/awards my clients have received but the other parent/spouse refuses to pay and tries to avoid. I recommend this law firm.
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10 Feb, 2024 by D xx
22 Dec, 2023 by Matthew kay
Rip works with Hank Hill and they a dynamic team. He pulled some strings and helped my father and I out of a tight situation. I couldn't ask for a better attorney
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29 Nov, 2023 by Lucas delvalle
Rip Biggs is by far the best lawyer and is also one of the finest human beings I have ever met. You won't ever have someone fight for you the way he does. He is more than an attorney he's my friend as well. I can tell you right now everybody I know I refer them to Rip. It's an honor to know a guy like this man. Give him a shot if your needing representation. You will not be disappointed!
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05 Oct, 2015 by Joules
David was very helpful in my divorce. Although he could not represent me in a civil court while he was still active duty, he was very instrumental in providing direction and materials to assist in an amicable resolution.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Christiane
I became a client of Mr. Coates because I needed help with my divorce case, which was quite complicated and difficult, because I am from an foreign country and was married to an US citizen.
Even though there was a time difference of 7 hours, Mr. Coates always stayed in contact with me via Email or phone to keep me updated on the process.
If I had questions or concerns he always took the time to listen to them and came up pretty fast with solutions.
I am very happy that he handled my case. He is professional, caring, takes his job very seriously and I highly recommend him.
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01 Jun, 2015 by Amanda
I couldn't think of a better way to pass on my gratitude for the amazing job Mr. Coates did for me with my divorce and custody hearings. If you are a customer looking for an attorney that is going to see you through every single step and process of any legal situation you really don't need to look any further. I have hired attorneys before from Tennessee and Georgia and all at great cost and none of them had done, even remotely close, to as well of a job as Mr. Coates did for myself and my family. Those previous attorney's weren't cheap either and pretty sought after in the area.
One of the things that I liked about this firm is that he and his staff treated me like I was as important to them as if I were one of their own family members. I ask a lot of questions and dont hesitate to call and I got either immediate answers or responses back from mainly Mr. Coates personally or his assistant. This was reassuring that he is always taking time out of his schedule to not only keep no stone unturned in my case but also to keep my mind at ease. Going through a divorce can be very scary and heartbreaking, especially with children involved, yet this was drastically different in so many ways possible from previous experiences I have had with other attorneys, that I still can't thank Mr. Coates enough. If you are looking for an attorney, please, hire this man. He is not like many of the others who give attorney's such a bad rap. He is straightforward but kind and very trustworthy. Everything he told me he would get done or accomplish for me he did. I will never use another attorney again. I did not know what to expect going in and had a lot on my mind as it was, but instead of just feeling like I was "guided" through the process with, "the best hopes", I actually came to soon realize that if it were at all possible for a person to care as closely as I did about me and my child's future, and provide us with the service as someone could if it were their own family member, it was Mr.Coates. Thank you Law Offices of David Coates!!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Cariena smith
If your looking for a good attorney you have found him he has many years of experience and he is very respected man people crowd in the court room just to see him in action. My family and I are forever grateful!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Mark blaylock
TERRIBLE...Absolutely do not use!!!! We used for a custody case and he lost miserably. We felt like we were stuck and allowed a lot due to false hope he continued to give as a means to keep sucking in your money. Examples: we paid retainer and never knew what it went towards. Scheduled meetings and he would be 20 min or more late for and during the private meetings we had, he would take other client phone calls and discuss their case on the phone openly with us in the room. This was taking away from our allotted time of which he as always late for. The meetings would have numerous interruptions yet would still be billed for the entire hour. There was a lot of fraudulent billing for work or services not performed. Most all scheduled court hearings, he would show up to court late. Continue to put off the court dates as a means to extract additional billed hours. Charged 8 hours full bill rate for a 15 minutes in court to schedule a new court date(never know a real reason) and then wanted to sit out on the bench outside court room and smoke while talking about motorcycles. Yet, he billed for entire day fraudulently. Yes, you will be billed for his smoke breaks! He smokes a lot. Absolutely do not use this attorney! Almost a year after the case was resolved we received an additional 2800 bill from him. When questioning it was bills for made up items like the additional time spend talking on the park bench about motorcycles while he smoked. The numerous times the called us to get information that they had been provided up front in a 3 ring binder printed off and emailed. yet since they lost it, they charged again for us obtaining it. Numerous items such as this. Never once received a statement or breakdown of anything even though it was asked for several times. I denied the 2800 additional fraudulent charges. Never heard anything for a year and a collections company called. I explained and denied the charges with them and contacted Meeks office again to dispute the charges. Again they agreed to discontinue the charges. 6 months later I was served a week before a scheduled court hearing over the charges. I contacted the courts and asked to reschedule due to preplanned work trip the week of the hearing. I was directed to reschedule with Meeks office since they requested the date and hearing. I contracted them and explained the business trip for my work and had proof of it. They gave new proposed court date and would reschedule it so we could have it heard. They did not do as we agreed and had the case heard while I was on work trip anyway getting a judgement against me due to default. This attorney is crooked and will only steal your money. As far as my case was concerned. He told of all these wonderful things he could make happen in court and when it came down to it. Absolutely, did NOT deliver on anything. Actually cost me all these wasted attorney fees on top of dragging out the case a year longer then he should have. It was a custody case and this Attorney got his Butt handed to him in court. Absolutely terrible attorney and as a business, they are liars and fraudulent in their billing. You must Have a written contract and record ever single occurrence with this legal team. Yes, its a family affair. Choose a different attorney to represent you by all means. You will be money ahead and thankful. This attorney was never prepared and was blind sided ever step of the way as a result. Which will only cost you in the end. He IS going to charge you for all his mistakes and all his breaks. You will pay for his motorcycles and his daughters working for him. Choose wisely- choose someone else. This is my experience with Mr. Meeks and his team. Hope it helps others not fall victim.
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24 May, 2024 by Brooke banks
15 Mar, 2024 by Dr. donald mccary
Excellent law firm that does the very best in solving legal problems. They are the best!
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25 Sep, 2023 by Jessica olson
He helped me so much with my divorce. Made it quick and easy over the phone. He talks to you like you're somebody, not just another client. Would really recommend him to everyone to use.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Trent visser
30 Aug, 2024 by Cariena smith
If your looking for a good attorney you have found him he has many years of experience and he is very respected man people crowd in the court room just to see him in action. My family and I are forever grateful!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Mark blaylock
TERRIBLE...Absolutely do not use!!!! We used for a custody case and he lost miserably. We felt like we were stuck and allowed a lot due to false hope he continued to give as a means to keep sucking in your money. Examples: we paid retainer and never knew what it went towards. Scheduled meetings and he would be 20 min or more late for and during the private meetings we had, he would take other client phone calls and discuss their case on the phone openly with us in the room. This was taking away from our allotted time of which he as always late for. The meetings would have numerous interruptions yet would still be billed for the entire hour. There was a lot of fraudulent billing for work or services not performed. Most all scheduled court hearings, he would show up to court late. Continue to put off the court dates as a means to extract additional billed hours. Charged 8 hours full bill rate for a 15 minutes in court to schedule a new court date(never know a real reason) and then wanted to sit out on the bench outside court room and smoke while talking about motorcycles. Yet, he billed for entire day fraudulently. Yes, you will be billed for his smoke breaks! He smokes a lot. Absolutely do not use this attorney! Almost a year after the case was resolved we received an additional 2800 bill from him. When questioning it was bills for made up items like the additional time spend talking on the park bench about motorcycles while he smoked. The numerous times the called us to get information that they had been provided up front in a 3 ring binder printed off and emailed. yet since they lost it, they charged again for us obtaining it. Numerous items such as this. Never once received a statement or breakdown of anything even though it was asked for several times. I denied the 2800 additional fraudulent charges. Never heard anything for a year and a collections company called. I explained and denied the charges with them and contacted Meeks office again to dispute the charges. Again they agreed to discontinue the charges. 6 months later I was served a week before a scheduled court hearing over the charges. I contacted the courts and asked to reschedule due to preplanned work trip the week of the hearing. I was directed to reschedule with Meeks office since they requested the date and hearing. I contracted them and explained the business trip for my work and had proof of it. They gave new proposed court date and would reschedule it so we could have it heard. They did not do as we agreed and had the case heard while I was on work trip anyway getting a judgement against me due to default. This attorney is crooked and will only steal your money. As far as my case was concerned. He told of all these wonderful things he could make happen in court and when it came down to it. Absolutely, did NOT deliver on anything. Actually cost me all these wasted attorney fees on top of dragging out the case a year longer then he should have. It was a custody case and this Attorney got his Butt handed to him in court. Absolutely terrible attorney and as a business, they are liars and fraudulent in their billing. You must Have a written contract and record ever single occurrence with this legal team. Yes, its a family affair. Choose a different attorney to represent you by all means. You will be money ahead and thankful. This attorney was never prepared and was blind sided ever step of the way as a result. Which will only cost you in the end. He IS going to charge you for all his mistakes and all his breaks. You will pay for his motorcycles and his daughters working for him. Choose wisely- choose someone else. This is my experience with Mr. Meeks and his team. Hope it helps others not fall victim.
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24 May, 2024 by Brooke banks
23 Jan, 2024 by Brice
My experience with Bill Pemerton, a family law attorney in Hamilton County, Tennessee, has been profoundly disappointing and distressing. As I navigate through the complexities of family law, the importance of reliable, empathetic legal representation cannot be overstated. This review aims to provide an honest and detailed account of the service I received, or rather, the lack thereof, from Mr. Pemerton, with the hope of informing others and advocating for accountability in legal practice.
The journey with Mr. Pemerton's services began with a semblance of professionalism, but it rapidly deteriorated into a scenario marred by negligence and unprofessionalism. A glaring example of this was his audacious misrepresentation of a court date. This misinformation led me to undertake a needless five-hour journey, only to realize that no motion had been filed for my case. Such a grave error not only wasted my time and resources but also amplified the emotional strain I was already enduring.
In addition, Mr. Pemerton's approach to my case was marked by a conspicuous lack of accountability. His condescending attitude and attempts to cast doubt on the rationality of my claims were both unprofessional and unbecoming of a lawyer entrusted with such sensitive matters. This lack of empathy was particularly distressing given the gravity of family law cases, where the well-being of children is often at stake.
Furthermore, my requests for the transfer of my case documents to my new attorney, were met with what can only be described as a dismissive and nonchalant attitude. This disregard not only reflected a lack of professional courtesy but also a blatant disrespect for my rights and needs as a client.
In light of these experiences, I find it necessary to explicitly state that I cannot recommend Bill Pemerton for any matters related to family law in Hamilton County, TN. The cumulative effect of his actions - misinformation, negligence, and a general lack of professionalism - has not only caused me undue stress and inconvenience but has also impeded my pursuit of justice and fairness in a deeply personal and significant legal matter.
I hope this review serves as a cautionary tale for others seeking legal representation in family law. It underscores the importance of thorough research and due diligence when selecting an attorney, especially in cases as delicate and impactful as those involving family matters. My experience is a stark reminder of the profound impact a lawyer can have on their clients' lives and the paramount importance of integrity, empathy, and professionalism in the legal profession.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Joshua
My ex wife filed a frivolous dependency and neglect against me in which Bill was my attorney. Bill didn't leave a stone unturned in my case. We ended up winning the case!
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10 Sep, 2018 by Gloria
Billy kept me informed of the details and worked on my behalf to resolve my case through mediation.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Kim wilson
I could never actually sum up in a review my complete satisfaction with this Firm. I have used Michael Jennings over the past twenty years. And it's because he is so trustworthy and and awesome. It's a absolute pleasure to know he is a phone call away. I have had things come out of nowhere, felt panic and then remembered that I could call him. Everything has always worked out in my favor because he is diligent, a good friend, a person who you can trust. All I can say again and again is Thank you
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30 May, 2023 by Aimee simon
I swear I was trying to just ask one question these attorney's would not give me the time of day! They just avoided me! Like they were better than every body else! It was rather disgusting! No wonder alot of people do not respect attorneys! I had to keep calling which was very disrespectful!
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30 Apr, 2022 by Andrew metelits
I am certainly glad I have never had to deal with Hoyt Samples in the lawyer sense, but I can comment on his inability in being a landlord. Him and his wife, Mitzi, were the worst landlords a.k.a. slumlords my family and I have ever had to deal with. From Jan '21-Mar '22 we rented 1034 Red Robin Lane in Chattanooga from the Samples. 3 weeks after we moved in, we woke up to a swimming pool of water in the kitchen from a broken sink pipe. notified them immediately and they acted like it was our fault, asking" what did you do" and asking to send them pictures, like it was impossible to understand. Took 2 days for them to get a plumber out there, so no kitchen sink for 2 days for family of 6, unreal! Next the plumbing in the house is God awful. Toilet's never flushed properly, why... because after several complaints the plumber came back out and found chunks of pvc piping in the line. Leaking bathtub faucets, backed up sewer lines in the house, black mold in the house, and above all that, ... these people will nickel and dime you on getting your security deposit back, if any. If he practices law the same way he is a landlord, surprised he hasn't been disbarred.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Kim wilson
I could never actually sum up in a review my complete satisfaction with this Firm. I have used Michael Jennings over the past twenty years. And it's because he is so trustworthy and and awesome. It's a absolute pleasure to know he is a phone call away. I have had things come out of nowhere, felt panic and then remembered that I could call him. Everything has always worked out in my favor because he is diligent, a good friend, a person who you can trust. All I can say again and again is Thank you
Read more
30 May, 2023 by Aimee simon
I swear I was trying to just ask one question these attorney's would not give me the time of day! They just avoided me! Like they were better than every body else! It was rather disgusting! No wonder alot of people do not respect attorneys! I had to keep calling which was very disrespectful!
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30 Apr, 2022 by Andrew metelits
I am certainly glad I have never had to deal with Hoyt Samples in the lawyer sense, but I can comment on his inability in being a landlord. Him and his wife, Mitzi, were the worst landlords a.k.a. slumlords my family and I have ever had to deal with. From Jan '21-Mar '22 we rented 1034 Red Robin Lane in Chattanooga from the Samples. 3 weeks after we moved in, we woke up to a swimming pool of water in the kitchen from a broken sink pipe. notified them immediately and they acted like it was our fault, asking" what did you do" and asking to send them pictures, like it was impossible to understand. Took 2 days for them to get a plumber out there, so no kitchen sink for 2 days for family of 6, unreal! Next the plumbing in the house is God awful. Toilet's never flushed properly, why... because after several complaints the plumber came back out and found chunks of pvc piping in the line. Leaking bathtub faucets, backed up sewer lines in the house, black mold in the house, and above all that, ... these people will nickel and dime you on getting your security deposit back, if any. If he practices law the same way he is a landlord, surprised he hasn't been disbarred.
Read more
28 Nov, 2023 by Kim wilson
I could never actually sum up in a review my complete satisfaction with this Firm. I have used Michael Jennings over the past twenty years. And it's because he is so trustworthy and and awesome. It's a absolute pleasure to know he is a phone call away. I have had things come out of nowhere, felt panic and then remembered that I could call him. Everything has always worked out in my favor because he is diligent, a good friend, a person who you can trust. All I can say again and again is Thank you
Read more
30 May, 2023 by Aimee simon
I swear I was trying to just ask one question these attorney's would not give me the time of day! They just avoided me! Like they were better than every body else! It was rather disgusting! No wonder alot of people do not respect attorneys! I had to keep calling which was very disrespectful!
Read more
30 Apr, 2022 by Andrew metelits
I am certainly glad I have never had to deal with Hoyt Samples in the lawyer sense, but I can comment on his inability in being a landlord. Him and his wife, Mitzi, were the worst landlords a.k.a. slumlords my family and I have ever had to deal with. From Jan '21-Mar '22 we rented 1034 Red Robin Lane in Chattanooga from the Samples. 3 weeks after we moved in, we woke up to a swimming pool of water in the kitchen from a broken sink pipe. notified them immediately and they acted like it was our fault, asking" what did you do" and asking to send them pictures, like it was impossible to understand. Took 2 days for them to get a plumber out there, so no kitchen sink for 2 days for family of 6, unreal! Next the plumbing in the house is God awful. Toilet's never flushed properly, why... because after several complaints the plumber came back out and found chunks of pvc piping in the line. Leaking bathtub faucets, backed up sewer lines in the house, black mold in the house, and above all that, ... these people will nickel and dime you on getting your security deposit back, if any. If he practices law the same way he is a landlord, surprised he hasn't been disbarred.
Read more
18 Mar, 2024 by Robin flores
26 Feb, 2024 by Michael thomas
02 Feb, 2024 by Karen grantham
Thieves. Overcharge to do nothing. Albert Secor should have his license revoked.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Robin flores
26 Feb, 2024 by Michael thomas
02 Feb, 2024 by Karen grantham
Thieves. Overcharge to do nothing. Albert Secor should have his license revoked.
Read more
18 Mar, 2024 by Robin flores
26 Feb, 2024 by Michael thomas
02 Feb, 2024 by Karen grantham
Thieves. Overcharge to do nothing. Albert Secor should have his license revoked.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
21 Jun, 2023 by Jeffrey cantrell
31 Jan, 2022 by Dana bennett
05 Dec, 2020 by Angie m
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
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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.
