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15 Dec, 2023 by Mohammod robi
08 Jan, 2022 by Mike morris
Hi my name is Michael Morris I just want to say thank you to Maria sanchez who has been a awesome individual that helped me navigate through my car accident. She's a very awesome individual I thank you for the experience. And letting me be part of the Warner Family .
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25 Apr, 2018 by Saleem
I worked with Carol regarding my amicable divorce from my partner. We scheduled an appointment Jan 2017 and paid the consultation fee. After the appointment we shopped around, we thought their fee was a little on the high side however felt confident and safe hiring them.
On Oct 2017 I hired Carol, signed the welcome letter and retainer agreement, Paid my deposit. At first they failed to credit the consultation fee, after a reminder they made the correction. The next time I heard from Carol was a month later, only because of my emails to Rachael and Susan wondering what the next step was. She stated we should be completed by the end of the year, so I waited for the next step.
Finally middle Jan 2018 I sent an email, because no one followed up Iasking Carol for an update. At that point and I'm not sure why Carol waited so long but she sent out our Petition for Dissolution which we signed within 24 hours. Carol forgot our case which left us waiting another few weeks for the next step,
However, Come March 2018, I'm still waiting....I called, I emailed...on March 13th Rachael responded and looked into what we are waiting for...she couldnt offer anything besides an apology but assured to me Carol would have a settlement agreement by Friday end of working day. On Friday 7pm, no word. At this point I'm at my wits end, frustrated that my case has been forgotten, on the back burner, and I have had to consistently follow up wondering what the hold up is.....I emailed Carol asked for a refund and wanted to take my business elsewhere. Finally at 9:43pm Carol sent the settlement agreement, she apologized and stated she works late on Fridays.
March 27th we signed final papers, April 4th we picked a court date.
Court Day: I was instructed to arrive at 9:30am, which I did, even a little early because I was nervous. At 9:30am I called the firm I was told she should be there, what are you wearing?, Carol has not arrived. I thought to myself, has she forgotten me again? I checked in with the clerk and waited. Carol arrived (9:37am), it was the longest 7 minutes of my life. When she arrived we stepped outside spoke about what to expect and went back inside. Once inside the clerk stated she needed to get something signed or stamped, I wasn't sure what she was missing but she said the clerk was being difficult and she had to run to do something. I was left sitting, waiting. When Carol returned it was my turn with the judge, everything went smoothly (hence the one star) after that, she emailed me final court documents and we finished.
I'm disappointed with the organization and management of this law firm. It is unacceptable to require the client to follow up with the lawyer and keep tabs on their case. Also, its unacceptable to be late to court, I should have been given a follow up call saying "dont worry I'm running late." I understand court is an everyday event for a lawyer but for me it was a new experience and I was nervous.
Amicable divorces should not take 6-7 months, I know this is true because I have an email from Carol stating we should be completed by end of 2017. (I saved all emails) We were not delayed on my end, anything she needed from us was provided within 48 hours.
At first I felt confident with their abilities, in the end was greatly disappointed. Overall, when hiring this firm I would make sure you are ok with delays and being overlooked or being an after thought. Also, I would ask the firm if they has time for your case, maybe Carol was juggling more than what she could handle. I dont know. For now take a pass on hiring an attorney from this firm.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I engaged Jill Metz for litigation services and was a client of hers. Jill was not able to draft a complaint that the court would accept and required additional extra legal services. Jill did not deliver the level of service nor results she claimed to. I do not recommend Jill Metz be engaged for litigation services.
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09 Jun, 2013 by Local professional
Jill Metz and her team were great in helping us understand what to include in a living will, powers of attorney, and end of life planning. Her consultation also helped us understand the real estate holdings we had and the necessary paperwork updates required to put all our wishes together. Definitely recommend!
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01 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
She exceeded my expectations. We had an initial consultation and discussed fees/timetables. Everything proceeded as discussed, I would recommend her to any and all I know.
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21 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired Ms. Ashford gave her $2000 and she did absolutely nothing with my case. Buyers beware. She did not attend or inform me of court dates, she did not return multiple emails, phone calls, or any other forms of communication. Do not hire!!
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09 Nov, 2018 by Irv
Contacted the attorney to represent me gave her my retainer , went once and billed me $2000 for (1) court apperence I guess because after the court date she disappeared no email, no invoice ,no further contact. I tried multiple times ask questions phone calls were not returned ,the office where I consulted with her didn't know anything had no way of contacting her she just vanished WITH ALL MY MONEY and no explanation.
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23 Sep, 2017 by Arlene
Where Barbara is diligent and professional during the home buying process with great follow up and follow through, AFTER closing is not the case. I signed an attorney contract for representation which has a section stating if I ever needed "post representation" her office would do so for a fee. Well, unbeknownst to me, I needed that representation/counseling against the seller who was not honoring the warranties on and in the home and contacted her and her office via email and phone several times with no response. I felt her behavior to be very unprofessional, showing lack of character and integrity as an Attorney and human being and would not use or refer her office again.
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03 Dec, 2021 by Claron
"AmyGang"(monahanLawGroup,midwestCareManagement&5/3Bank) Is a "Mob" a"Kabal" -Dishonest-&-AVOID"
***See AVVO-APPROVED-POST***
-"AmyGang" has been "SANCTIONED!" As-Bad-As-It-Gets!
I am Suing for 5M$5,000,000-6yearsAbuse&Mistreatment.
-6yearsOf-
-Annual-Financial-Accounting-Reports-*BankCertified,Notorized&Recorded*
-ChicagoCircuitCourt-
ProbationCourtDivision.
"Proof"-CSE-
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22 Nov, 2021 by Drclaron
TheAmyGang: (monahanLawGroup, benTopp-MidwestCareMgmt., & majewski-5/3bank)
DestroyedMyLife & Bankrupt Me.
Now, I have a Chicago-Super-Lawer & Suing for 5-M, $5,000,000.
6 years of Abuse&MisManagement-
(6)AnualFinancialAccountingReports.
Certified & Documented by Bank. ******ChicagoCircuitCourt******
Dr.ClaronS.Edwards B.S.,DDS,M.S.
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15 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
I found Amy to be caring, compassionate and dedicated. I also found her extremely knowledgable. She was available to me and my family to answer our questions and provide advice even on evenings and weekends. I would highly recommend her and her firm.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Rian marquez
My experience with Attorney Curtis Ross was nothing short of a nightmare. From the outset, he displayed a level of rudeness and disrespect that was utterly appalling. When I sought clarification on certain legal matters, he dismissed my concerns with the utmost arrogance, labeling my questions as "idiotic."
Instead of fulfilling his role as a legal advocate, he left me to fend for myself in court, all the while painting a false picture of me as argumentative. His complete lack of support and guidance was both shocking and deeply disappointing.
Save yourself the headache and avoid hiring Curtis Ross at all costs. He is an utter disgrace to the legal profession and will leave you high and dry when you need support the most.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Susan dotson
He's 76 years old and very forgetful. If you're lucky, Curtis Ross will remember to provide zoom information. If he has a bad day he may forget and you could miss court or be very late. He loves to celebrate every holiday and disappear days before court. Do you want him to prepare before court? Do you want to be prepped before court? If the answer is "no" pay his $5,000 retainer and $375.00 an hour.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Ray
01 May, 2022 by Anonymous
She operates as an Administrative Law Judge but seemingly knows little of the laws related to city parking or speed camera violations. She condescendingly reads the violation to you but fails to listen to the defendant’s response and is unable to answer any questions raised by the defendant. Overly curt and dismissive. Other Administrative Law Judges do not behave so rudely and unprofessional.
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12 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
My city zone changed overnight with 0 notice via mail, phone, email, ordinance, posted sign, etc. She decided it was perfectly fair for residents to be issued tickets for it.
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03 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
After taking quite a while to consult her about a very reasonable and understandable situation, she failed to demonstrate any empathy or understanding and I was left feeling very unheard. Would not recommend working with her in the future.
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18 Nov, 2023 by Hunken ta
14 Jun, 2022 by Rick aller
The firm seems to great but they have some very rude employees such as Greg wood or web he had no customer service skills at all he talks over people and is frankly rude ..this guy's behavior is a reflection on this entire firm ..very unprofessional and wasn't pleasent either
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18 Nov, 2023 by Hunken ta
14 Jun, 2022 by Rick aller
The firm seems to great but they have some very rude employees such as Greg wood or web he had no customer service skills at all he talks over people and is frankly rude ..this guy's behavior is a reflection on this entire firm ..very unprofessional and wasn't pleasent either
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18 Nov, 2023 by Hunken ta
14 Jun, 2022 by Rick aller
The firm seems to great but they have some very rude employees such as Greg wood or web he had no customer service skills at all he talks over people and is frankly rude ..this guy's behavior is a reflection on this entire firm ..very unprofessional and wasn't pleasent either
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18 Nov, 2023 by Hunken ta
14 Jun, 2022 by Rick aller
The firm seems to great but they have some very rude employees such as Greg wood or web he had no customer service skills at all he talks over people and is frankly rude ..this guy's behavior is a reflection on this entire firm ..very unprofessional and wasn't pleasent either
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14 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Please avoid her. She is very disrespectful of her clients. She needs to take a course in people skills. She might have some psychological problems.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Spoke with Tracey over 2.5 weeks ago, explained the urgency of creating our will/estate planning ASAP. She promised that she'd email a questionairre so that I could complete prior to meeting in person, but never sent it. After multiple follow-up calls and even via email, she has been unresponsive.
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18 Dec, 2013 by Larry
I was a part of two groups that engaged Mr Hannon to help resolve TIC issues - in both cases he ws extremely ineffective and his charges were extremely high - in one after he ran through the entire retainer without accomplishing anything I declined to continue with him and in the other case our group fired him after he ran through about half the retainer again accomplishing nothing - the new attorney competed the change of management for about the same price ad Freeborn Peters had billed with no accomplishments -- in short both experiences were extremely unsatisfactory and I would never deal with Ed Hannon or Freeborn Peters again for any reason
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14 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Linda who works in his office is a nightmare to deal with. She sreams and is accusatory, talks over you and is unable to stop yelling long enough to hear what you have to say. I DO NOT recommend using this law office!! Anyone you allows a member of their team to behave the way she did toward their client is not a person I'd recommend. She almost blew up my closing.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Now you see him, now you don't. Disappears and doesn't return phone calls when you need him the most. You can do better.
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03 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
My wife and I hired Ted Kowalczyk as our legal counsel when we were selling our 6 unit apartment building in Chicago. He failed us. Throughout the entire transaction, my wife and daughter communicated with him informing him we intended to reinvest the money from the sale into other commercial property in Wisconsin. He asked my daughter which 1031 exchange company to use. She instructed him to use a particular company. Unbeknownst to us, Ted did not set anything up with the exchange company. Approximately 30 days after the closing, my daughter emailed Ted to get the contact information for the exchange company. Ted informed us then that he did not set anything up with a 1031 exchange company because he did not know we intended to reinvest the money. What? We had told him numerous times we intended to reinvest. We now can not set anything up with an exchange company because IRS rules say that the exchange company must hold the money from the sale in escrow. We did not know this at the time of closing. We are now forced to pay a ridiculous amount of capital gain tax. We feel deceived, lied to and cheated by Ted Kowalczyk. Stay far away!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
Read more
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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:
-
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.
