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27 Jul, 2019 by Charlene
Michael Bermann is professional, trustworthy, honest, knowlegable and kind.
He was hired for completion of my will, my mothers estate and trust.
Paperwork was completed in a timely manner..
Any questions were answered in a easy to understand format, always making my self and family feel very comfortable.
Communication via email, voicemail was always returned the same day .
If you are looking for an attorney that is detail oriented, professional knowledgeable and honest you will feel secure and confident that you are in good hands with Michael Bergmann.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Pat
Mike worked really hard on our case against our insurance company and won. I would hire him again.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Scott
Mr. Bergman was very professional & personable in handling our family's estate. This was a difficult time in our lives and Michael & his staff was compassionate and treated us like family. Reasonable fees and no hidden costs.
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05 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Mark Newman is the very best option as an attorney for you. Mark exceeded all of my expectations and is an excellent attorney. I was faced with an on the job life changing injury at a younger age in life unfortunately. I have known Mark on a personal level for years and when it was time to address my situation I contacted him immediately. He met with me right away. I presented him with a very difficult set of circumstances and a very powerful employer to challenge. Mark was very patient, detailed and extremely educated with his advice and legal counsel. I knew immediately Mark was the best option. He always handled everything on time, correctly and was very organized and professional. He met with me and contacted me regularly allowing me to take the time that I needed to prepare and answer all of my questions correctly. We went to court on more than one occasion due to continuances requested by my employer. Mark prevailed every time victoriously on my behalf in the courtroom. The final outcome was the very best that it could have possibly been. Mark is the best option. My family and I cannot thank him enough for what he accomplished for us. If you have taken the time to read this review then look no further. Mark Newman is who you should chose without any hesitation. Thank You Mark!
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23 Feb, 2018 by Lauren
I called Mark from a recommendation from my Doctor. I was injured and mentally beaten down from a concussion from work that trickled into one medical problem after another. Even when I just wanted to give up Mark took me through the process, listened and advocated for me time and time again. His final plea to the judge blew me away with, not only the legal knowledge but how much he really knew about me and my situation. We prevailed in what was a very unlikely win, mainly because of his apt knowledge and determination. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Terra
Mark always took the time to listen to me, and check on me. I'm thankful, as I've never been in a situation like this before and his kindness and expertise made it a lot easier to deal with.
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03 Feb, 2023 by John
Just finished working with Joe to finalize my father's Will, POA, Living Will and other important documents. As always Joe was knowledgeable, helpful, professional, and friendly.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Geraldine
I hired Mr. Candito to help probate my husband's estate. He helped me throughout the process and get me through a very difficult time.
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01 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Joseph to represent me in a custody case. He found some errors from my previous attorney and addressed them to the court. If at any time I had a question, he was prompt to reply or address the issue. Joseph is very knowledgeable of the law. He is to the point on issues. I will use him again if I ever need another attorney. Great job!!!
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15 Oct, 2019 by Cameron
Melissa is by far the best lawyer I’ve acquired she has a clear understanding on how to get the best results for her clients. She has the ability to create agreements and contracts that leads to steady and fair agreements. I was in a custody battle and won and I will say I fear the worst, but having Melissa and her firm represent me put my anxieties at rest because I knew I was in good hands. Her firm is very thorough and professional and believe me when I say they will be my lawyers going forward.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Chris
Melissa has shown her true calling in working with my most difficult case.
A consummate professional with the long term well being for my family always in mind. I can't say enough to have her talent and her firms resources at my side. Thank you!
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21 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Melissa worked tirelessly with me in a custody case to get the best outcome. She was always prompt with her responses and took time to make sure that we were always on the same page and in agreement before proceeding. She was very compassionate and understanding during this difficult time. She made sure that I was always updated and she always stayed two steps ahead. She was extremely knowledgeable about the processes and differences in the juvenile court versus standard domestic relations law. Melissa really cares about her clients and their outcomes. I highly recommend Melissa's representation.
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19 Feb, 2025 by Tay atwood
Merk & Gile Injury Attorneys is the best!! Eric is such an understanding person with the BEST go getter attitude! An injury from a car wreck is not an easy thing to go through and he made this process a breeze for me! Highly recommend!!
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18 Feb, 2025 by Jeremiah davis
10/10 would recommend
Mr. Gile and his office staff were kind, easy to work with, and fair on cost/fees for service. They got me appropriate compensation for my injuries when the insurance company sought to low-ball.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Barbie ann
Very nice, and friendly Attorneys to work with on my auto accident case. I would recommend Merk and Gile to everyone!!
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04 Jan, 2016 by Kunal
Anand was one of the best lawyers I've ever worked with on any Real Estate transaction. As a realtor/broker he knew every aspect of the industry. I had a large transaction that would have fallen apart but Anand knew exactly how my team should proceed. There are ALOT of lawyers out there, but he is one of the great ones! I would recommend him to all of my clients and friends!
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29 Dec, 2015 by Kyle
My father and I hired Anand to resolve a dispute and were very pleased with the result. He was very thorough and committed to our case.
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18 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
He did a great job helping get through a few problems I had with my business. Very easy to reach and has a great response time! I will always consult him before any new business ventures I come upon!
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15 May, 2020 by Amani
she help me out to resolve the problem! She was available at anytime and did a great job for me . Today i call there and i hear she's a judge now im happy for her but for real we need you . Leave us a recommendation of someone you think he can work like you please.
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07 Feb, 2018 by David
Ronna is a fantastic lawyer. She's a great listener, a strategic and analytical thinker, a proactive and straightforward communicator, and a hard working and dedicated advocate for her client's interests. Not only does she know the law, but if you end up going to trial she knows how to handle herself in a courtroom as well.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Daniel
Ronna at the Stillpass team were very helpful in getting my traffic violation resolved to my expectations. Thank you for the stress free experience and making my day!
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14 Dec, 2024 by Paul madix
Chris Diedling and his team did an excellent job in all phases of our estate planning process. Up front education with slide show was second to none, process itself of creating / reviewing / revising estate related documents was highly efficient, and our follow-up questions after document signing were answered promptly. I would not hesitate in the least in giving CMRS and Mr. Diedling and his team the highest recommendation for your estate planning needs!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Lea ann tamerius
Chris & team were great to work with and was able to effectively support our legal needs.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Billy enderle
Chris helped us establish a trust in our name. It has given us a great peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of if something happens to us. Throughout the process, Chris and his team were excellent. They were informative, responsive, and quite thorough. Chris does an excellent job of spelling out the key benefits of establishing a trust versus leaving things to probate. I highly recommend Chris for any of your estate planning needs!
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26 Sep, 2020 by Aracely
I needed power of attorney over my grandmother ASAP! I called Jesse Taylor and within a day he had everything done and emailed to me. He was so helpful in guiding me on exactly what I needed and also my future options with guardianship.
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02 Apr, 2019 by Abigail
Mr taylor gave me advise and helped me understand everything even if i didnt understand he would explain it to me.he helped me get what was best for the child not what was best for the foather or mother.i would highly reccommend him if you need an attorney
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09 Sep, 2018 by Anton
Jesse Taylor was a very professional and knowledgeable young man. This was my first time ever going to court and the first time I’ve ever had to hire a lawyer. He was very understanding with my lack of knowledge about how the whole system works and took his time to explain to me in detail what I needed to do and when I needed to do things. My case was completed swiftly and I even got a lesser charge than what I was initially expecting. Overall I am extremely happy with the services provided by my lawyer.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Edward
Chris was very thorough and patient as he explained the nuances of estate planning. The plan he developed was in my best interest.
Chris stayed on top of everything even when I strayed off course. He submitted the documents and filings in a timely fashion.
I was very impressed by his understanding of the law and ability to explain it to me. He returned all phone calls and emails promptly and his fees were very reasonable.
I have known Chris for over 30 years and this is the first time that I retained him for personal reasons.
If you are considering estate planning I highly recommend Chris.
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26 Mar, 2017 by Sandra
He did his best to win my case.
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21 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
This is the second time I have hired Chris as my lawyer. In this case Chris's legal expertise and his patience has allowed me to deal with a very difficult and conflictial situation surrounding the sale of the family home. He helped me to resolve the situation by guiding me through a partition suit, thus forcing the sale of the house.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Amy
Graves and Graves helped my family last year navigate a difficult issue during a difficult time. I was so impressed by their professionalism, helpful knowledge - and above all - how much they genuinely cared about our situation and wanted to help us through it. Thank you!
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21 Jan, 2015 by Robin
There are no words to express our appreciation for Lindsay. She helped at a time when we had issues going on with both our parents.
Our Dad had dementia. It made it very difficult getting him to understand about the Medical POA, Living Will, etc...Lindsay was very patient going over everything until she knew he understood about all the documents. She also fit us in to take care of this without an appt. (what lawyer have you ever heard of would do that). Someone who has dementia you never know what the day will bring. If Lindsay hadn't been so understanding what happened next would have been unbearable.
Our father broke his hip, had surgery, went into a home and died two days before Christmas. Just 2 weeks after everything had been completed. We were able to make the right medical decisions for him, pay his bills, etc... without any additional stress.
In regards to our Mother. I had taken upon myself to get my mom on Medicaid in 2010. Not realizing that we would lose an additional 50,000. All because I wasn't informed about what documents I would need to protect my parents and future generations. I even used a regular lawyer to write my dad's will. All of which was a bad idea.
Someone I knew mentioned using an Elder Lawyer and recommended Lindsay. Which I am forever grateful for. Lindsay takes care of making sure my mom stays on Medicaid every year. She made sure we had the right Will for my dad so that when he passed. My mom wouldn't be kicked off of Medicaid.
She is also helping us take care of Probate, etc...for my dad. Taking a huge burden off my family.
We tell everyone we know that is taking care of their parents. Don't make the mistakes we did. Go To Lindsay Graves and she will protect you and their parents.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Monika
I worked with Lindsay beginning three and a half years ago, when my mother was diagnosed first with cancer, through present when she suffered a debilitating stroke. None of my mother's legal affairs were in order, and I had no idea where to start on figuring things out. With Lindsay's help, we were able to retire my mother from her job, secure her insurance and property, and ultimately find a wonderful nursing home where she's receiving top-notch care. I can't say enough about how willing Lindsay was to take the time to answer all my questions, big and small...with a big dose of compassion too.
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10 Apr, 2020 by Pf
Suzanne Land and I were first introduced through a mutual friend, after my husband's death. I engaged her to assist me with matters related to closing the marital estate, which was comprised of several companies and employed over 300 people at the time.
The estate was very complicated and there were many challenges.
I had no previous experience running a business or engaging an attorney or negotiating a contract. Everything about the process of closing down my husband's estate was stressful and frightening. I was emotionally brittle and Suzanne experienced my personality shifts with grace, compassion and understanding. She was always caring and always patient.
Suzanne had the incredible ability to take very complex issues and explain them in a way that was easy to comprehend. This was so comforting to me as I moved through this process to conclusion.
Here is an example that highlights her talent. The companies in the estate were being overcharged by a consulting firm on multiple invoices over months. I asked her to review a recent invoice sent and she quickly marked the entries where the hours billed were duplication of effort and the bill was cut in half. She took the time to explain the invoice to me so I could see how those hours were logged and where the duplication occurred, so I could speak to the company with confidence when I insisted they reduce the bill by 50%. They reduced the bill by half and I saved thousands of dollars.
Suzanne suggested ways to protect my assets, revised my will, established my family and personal trusts, even created an education trust for my son to safeguard the money I wanted earmarked for college. She is intelligent, extremely competent, detail oriented and possesses the sharpest instincts in all matters of business. I feel safe because she has handled my estate and when I pass away I know my son will be in capable hands, as she guides him through this passage of life.
When you call for an appointment, she is prompt to call you back and will often come to you. That is personalized service I appreciate.
Suzanne is a great legal talent, but more than that, she is willing to go the extra mile. My son was 8 when I met her, but when he was 20 and thinking of a career in law, I asked Suzanne if she would have lunch with him to talk about law schools, answer questions and share insights from her career. She didn't hesitate to give up her personal time to meet with him and encourage him, to discuss which law schools offered the best programs, and all the opportunities he could pursue in this career after graduation. My son found her advice extremely worthwhile. He so appreciated her going out of her way to do this for him.
It is great to know people like her still exist. She has integrity, character and compassion. Suzanne is the whole package.
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17 Dec, 2019 by Jim
Suzanne Land provided outstanding service with our estate. She created an estate plan which was specific for our needs and preferences. She is a good listener, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is seeking personalized estate planning.
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13 Oct, 2019 by J l
My husband and I first came to Suzanne about 15 years ago for estate planning, based on her outstanding reputation. We also knew through others that Suzanne worked with a number of high net worth individuals, and we decide that if they could trust her, then so could we. In working with Suzanne, we found her to be detailed and thorough, as well as highly approachable and easy to understand. She made it a point to get to know our circumstance so that she could craft documents that truly suited our needs, rather than using boilerplate documents, as some other attorneys do. Over the years, our estate plan has suited us well, and we have only needed to make changes as our needs have changed. Over the years, we also found that Suzanne was able to provide us with legal advice and connections regarding our businesses, and this has been invaluable. Overall, we cannot recommend Suzanne highly enough for the sound advice that she provides and the quality of work she delivers.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This is a highly professional, intuitive and personable man. You do want this man to represent you in a court of law.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Cary o'reilly
Bob has been our family's attorney for more than a generation and he has never let us down. From simple traffic tickets to complex litigation that kept my elderly aunt in her home, Bob is always there for us
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20 Feb, 2015 by David
Mr. Gutzwiller is not just an outstanding attorney but an outstanding gentlemen that will not lead you wrong. He saved my life and my career. He gives great advice and is very strong in court! You will not be disappointed in his representation.
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08 Nov, 2012 by David
Katrina was extremely professional in handling my client’s estate planning needs.
She was thorough and had a very good understanding of the client, their wishes, and their situation to develop an estate plan customized for their situation.
She took the time to walk through all of the estate planning documents and explain in layman’s terms each section of each document and how it related to them and their estate plan.
I would highly recommend her services to those in need of an estate plan.
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06 Nov, 2012 by Sheila
I have been a client of Katrina's for over 20 years. I have utilized her services and expertise for everything from small legal questions /clarifications to estate planning and trust preparation. She has always been accessible, knowledgeable and honest. She makes complex legal issues easy to understand and always makes sure my interests are protected. She operates with integrity and is tough when a situation demands it, but remains compassionate and gentle in dealing with all the emotions of estate work. I have complete faith and confidence in Katirna to take care of my business and my family.
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23 Aug, 2016 by Josh
For many years, Jake has been a dependable, expert source of advice for our privately-held company. We rely on his business acumen as a strategic asset and are better for it. Personally, Jake provides us with estate planning assistance, in collaboration with our financial planner and accountant. He is thorough and personable.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Karl
Mr Samad is by far the most helpful attorney I have ever worked with. He is incredibly responsive, very knowledgeable and quite congenial as well. He is never brusque or arrogant with my frequent questions. We have retained Mr Samad to assist with an ongoing legal matter and he has been very helpful at helping manage ongoing fees at a reasonable rate. In short, I highly recommend as an attorney.
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04 Dec, 2018 by Brian h.
Mike is very knowledgeable well versed in matters relating to Social Security disability. He lead me through the whole process. With a "Fully-Favorable" decision.
Thank you Mike.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Gina
Mr Wirthlin is very knowledgeable concerning social security, he answered any questions that I had in a timely manner and was always available. I had positive results as well as a friend I referred to him.
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12 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I was in a bit of a tough situation last summer. I was up against a potential OVI charge after being pulled over late at night with a .7 BAC. Being just a few months shy of turning 21, I was more than a little freaked out at the potential damage that this could have on my record and future.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Dayle as council in this situation. She was very frank with me from the get-go, not sugar coating anything and being very straightforward with what I was up against. She walked me through exactly what steps I needed to take as well as how the court process would work. Ultimately, my charge was lowered to a reckless operation, and I have very much been back on my feet ever since. Dayle is a kind, smart, and helpful individual and I could not more highly recommend her for her legal services.
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14 Mar, 2012 by Nancy
Dayle understands the depth of the problem at hand. She has always acted as if she had a personal stake in this matter. I feel like she is looking at our issues from our shoes. She has been able to tell me my legal rights, while tempering me with the truth about what I might/might not get in the courts. We had some surprising and upsetting decisions, but she had the tenacity to keep on fighting until the right outcome happened.
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14 Nov, 2015 by Mary
Joshua is both compassionate and resourceful. I initially engaged him to ensure that documents for a guardianship filing were thorough and professional. When the situation suddenly became more complex, Joshua used his probate expertise to obtain a unique ruling (within 24 hours) which relieved anguish and re-inspired confidence in the judicial system.
I would recommend Joshua Goode to anyone who wants high caliber legal representation from an attorney who is sincere and remarkably fair.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Joshua is an extremely knowledgeable attorney in the area of probate law. As a past Probate Magistrate, he has the experience needed to handle all areas of probate cases . His enthusiasm for his client's best interest is outstanding. He is a professional in every way and I would highly recommend him.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Tara
Bob Buechner is an incredible lawyer and person overall. He's extremely active in his community and carries a full schedule, yet he is always surprisingly responsive to any questions I have. He is clear in his communication and his understanding of the law is outstanding. He has reviewed many legal documents for me, his proficiency of contracts and legal terms is wonderful. He drew my attention to, and put in layman's terms, important aspects of the contracts I would have overlooked otherwise. He has offered sound legal advice in many areas of my life over the years and is enjoyable to work with. Lawyers can be intimidating, but his combination of professionalism and approachability makes it easy to work with Bob. I highly recommend Bob Buechner and his firm.
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08 Jan, 2016 by Chuck
Having worked with John over several years, I cannot say enough about him. Without hesitation, I would recommend him for anyone needing legal advice for their business or estate. It is a joy and pleasure to work with such a competent attorney.
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20 Oct, 2018 by Ronald
Thank you for your patience and professionalism. One of the best lawyers in the country with a hard working staff in multiple areas of expertise. Lawyer describe the process of my case in detail , while explaining the steps of the process and making sure my I was physically getting better from an accident. Lawyer worked with my personally and kept me aware of any changes in my case
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07 Jan, 2019 by Ugo
Very professional and good person I recommend to anyone need a lawyer I start and go to the and to your problem
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11 Mar, 2010 by Av
Mr. Tepe handled my contested divorce which went on for ~5 months in the warren county family court. During the court motions, & hearings, he came across as a very knowledgeable, & professional counsel. He was able to get me the settlement that I'd expected from a superlawyer of his repute. I highly recommend him to one and all.
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18 May, 2015 by Tom
My company has relied on Howard's expertise for many years, and his work and advice have been critical to our success. In addition, I have personally learned a great deal from Howard during the time that I have known him. I am consistently impressed with the depth and range of his legal knowledge, his attention to detail, and his professionalism. I highly recommend Howard for those seeking legal assistance with their business or with estate planning.
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30 Oct, 2020 by Christopher
I have practiced law for 35 years. My wife and I engaged Amy for estate planning. She is smart, well organized and to the point. No overselling like some of these “living trust” mills with one-size-fits-all solutions that curiously require annual updating at a hefty additional fee. Skip them and call Amy!
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20 May, 2023 by S john
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of engaging with Alex, an exceptional business attorney who provided much more than legal advice - he offered peace of mind in a complex business landscape.
Alex didn't just "do their job." Instead, he took the time to dive deeply into my unique situation, and patiently guided me through every aspect of my business formation, each legal consideration, and potential financial impact. He translated the labyrinth of legal and financial jargon into clear, understandable language, enabling me to make informed decisions with confidence.
What impressed me most was Alex’s candor. He astutely pointed out situations where it would be more cost-effective for other services to handle certain matters rather than employing his services. This level of honesty and integrity spoke volumes about their character and commitment to their clients.
Alex demonstrated what I’d call a profound understanding of the risks involved in formation, while mitigating member angst with clear background on his experience in pertinent subject matter.
Even more remarkable was the level of commitment Alex showed when our consultation ran over time. He generously spent an additional 30 minutes answering my questions and ensuring I was fully aware of all considerations - he didn’t charge a dime and provided a solid overview of his cost structures to avoid any misalignment.
As someone with a fairly difficult personality and standards some might consider unreasonably high, I can attest that Alex not only met, but exceeded them in every aspect. His competency, patience, dedication, and “to the point” nature was a testament to his professionalism and passion for their work.
The home run? Trust. Myself and my partners expect privacy with Trust as a core component of our lives and our business. Alex was attentive in providing details in information processing. He displayed integrity, empathy, reliability, and full accountability .
I wholeheartedly recommend Alex to anyone seeking a business attorney who truly goes above and beyond for their clients. I'm profoundly grateful for the superb service and personal attention that I received and look forward to working with Alex in the future.
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02 Oct, 2018 by Debra
Mr. Krugler has advised me more than once when I had some tough legal questions. The first time was regarding issues I was having with a close family member who was recently admitted to a long term care facility. He listened patiently to my story and made me feel that he truly cared, and also that he was able to empathize having gone through similar healthcare issues in his family. He took notes, did some research and reached me with the information that I needed. A few months later, I was involved in a mass layoff and needed someone to review my severance contract. Even though this was not his specific field of practice, he again patiently listened to me explain all the details of what had happened, offered kind words of sympathy and advice and reviewed the paperwork and contact relating to my severance. After a thorough review he shared his opinion with me and it helped me determine my course of action. I am forever grateful for his advice. He even went out of his way to follow up later and inquire further about my wellbeing. Mr. Krugler is not just a good and knowledgeable lawyer; I believe that he is as good and honorable a man as I have ever met. I became acquainted with him through my former employer and as I have gotten to know him better, my opinion of him has increased. I highly recommend him as someone who goes out of his way to find answers, to give good advice, and who truly cares about his clients.
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30 Jan, 2013 by Lorraine
I have an extremely rare medical condition and because of this finding representation for things like a car accident claim has been extremely difficult. I was a passenger in a car accident and had a preexisting medical problem that I had just had surgery for. No lawyer wanted my case. Adam has been extremely helpful. My car accident case would have not been resolved and gone over the two year limit without his help. He helped me when no one else would, and despite there being a time limit and a lot of stress involved his confidence in the matter left me at ease. I had contacted over a dozen lawyers before I met Adam. It was a very messy situation and he handled it gracefully. Thank you Adam!!!
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30 Oct, 2019 by Bruce
I was in a situation where I had to redo my will. I consulted with Lisa and she made recommendations that truly made sense to me. She made suggestions on how I should handle my affairs and I felt so confident in her ability I made her executor of my affairs including POA for affairs and health. I would truly recommend Lisa for all personnel situations.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Nick
As our situation is fairly complicated with having interests in Europe, Eric did a great job of guiding us through making our US wills and ensuring all our questions were answered. We are now able to relax knowing that if the worst happened then our family will be taken care of.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
