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30 Jul, 2022 by Awesome life
Attorney illegally engages in dual tracking by forclosure on homes while they are working with their lender on a home modification resulting in more legal fees
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13 May, 2022 by Bonsecore1
Claims my deceased wife is still alive over a debt that was forgiven. Bradley Toman refuses to answer calls and letters so I'm going to pay him a visit next time he is getting liquored up.
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23 Feb, 2022 by Shyenne ledford
24 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr Goldsmith was recommended to help with estate planning. He took a long time but charged fairly. I think his work was good. I later asked him to recommend experts to help in specific areas, and he recommended a few less professional/ ethical players and issues ensued. I do not feel like he used good faith to address and left me hanging, with money wasted and poor advice. I would not recommend.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
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28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
The most important aspect of a lawyer is to communicate, she does not return numerous phone calls, thus your inputs are ignored. Save yourself alot of money, look for another lawyer that will actually call you back and listen to your needs.
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13 Jun, 2018 by Lynda.
As a beneficiary of my parents' trust, I hired Reminger Attorney Adriann Mcgee to represent me. I needed someone to look out for my best interests; someone to protect me against the heinous actions of my brother (the successor trustee), who is unjustly administering the trust after the deaths of our parents; someone to help me navigate through the provisions of the trust document; etc..... What I got in Reminger Attorney Adriann Mcgee was someone who was incompetent throughout her representation of me, and someone who has left me in a worse position than I was in before I hired her.
Soon after she was hired, Adriann Mcgee said defamatory / derogatory statements about me to the opposing party, statements that no attorney should express about a client to anyone, ever. I did not find out what Ms. Mcgee had said about me until several months later when I read her defamatory / derogatory statements in a motion that the opposing party had filed with the court during the course of my lawsuit. After that, the opposing party continued to use those defamatory / derogatory statements said by Ms. Mcgee against me over, and over, and over, in subsequent motions that he filed with the court, and also, at the court hearings.
During her representation of me, Adriann Mcgee did not give me proper legal advice, and failed to present me with all of my options pertaining to a provision in my parents' trust regarding the cancellation of a mortgage that is held by my deceased parents on my property. After she no longer represented me, I was told that as a "courtesy", I would receive a satisfaction of mortgage document drawn up by Ms. Mcgee. The satisfaction of mortgage document that I received contained numerous mistakes, and I had to edit the document in order to correct Ms. Mcgee's errors. Even after I corrected Ms. Mcgee's numerous mistakes, the document itself was useless under my circumstances. Deceased people cannot sign documents, so, it was an absolutely inappropriate document that I could not use, something that a competent attorney would have known. I have done my own research, and according to The Ohio Revised Codes Statute 5301.30, mortgages expire after a certain amount of time. I can just wait for my mortgage to expire, so, it is not necessary to have an attorney draw up legal documents to cancel it, a fact that Ms. Mcgee failed to mention. A competent attorney would have been familiar with The Ohio Revised Codes Statutes regarding mortgages in order to provide a client with all of the available options, and not just mention the options that an attorney can profit from.
Adriann Mcgee failed to file an action in court for The Ohio Revised Codes Statute 2108.81, as she should have done. This is a significant blunder that a competent attorney would not have made. Ms. Mcgee's failure to file an action in court for The Ohio Revised Codes Statute 2108.81 has left my deceased parents, and me, with devastating consequences. Her incompetence has allowed my brother to inter our parents' ashes in a place that they never would have chosen, that they never would have agreed to, and a place that I would have objected to had I been consulted, as I should have been according to The Ohio Revised Codes Statute 2108.81.
Adriann Mcgee made arrangements for something that I specifically told her not to make. By doing what I specifically told her not to do, Ms. Mcgee set off a chain of events that ended very badly.
In order to deceive a colleague, Adriann Mcgee altered an email regarding my case. This has made me wonder if Ms. Mcgee has falsified any other documents.
These are just a handful of the numerous issues that I have had with Reminger Attorney Adriann Mcgee.
If you ever need an attorney, do yourself a favor, and hire someone else.
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19 Jun, 2014 by Margie
Ms. McGee worked on my case with Mr. Adam Fried. She prepared a draft of a complaint on my behalf. I was impressed the way the complaint she drafted. Towards the end she continued to communicate with me while I was on a family vacation updating the status on my case and relentlessly pursued the negotiations on my behalf and even had a courier hand deliver my inheritance from a trust.
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21 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I contracted with him and then another attorney was on my case ALSO. So double dipped. I was very naive. Took many years and many heartaches to get to the end of my divorce and this firm received more money than I did. Took 6 plus years. Very unsatisfied.
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17 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
James Loeb was hired to represent me in my divorce. Years later I am still dealing with the repercussions of his sloppy work. I lost a lot of money and gained a lot of aggravation by having James Loeb as my attorney.
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16 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
While exuding the professionalism of a 5 year old, "no fuss Russ" consistently missed deadlines for filings and was unable to accurately or efficiently handle several cases he worked on for me.
*The only thing he was efficient with was sending a pumped up bill, which when called on it, he promptly reduced.*
I wouldn't recommend him to anyone looking for an estate or elder law attorney. He gives Reminger a bad name.
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16 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Never kept in contact during the time I had hired him as a lawyer, I had to constantly call him to receive updates on the proposed case. He had an attitude that he gave off as if he didn't care and made me feel as if I was bothering him anytime I tried to contact him. I felt as if I threw my money away because he ended up doing absolutely nothing to help me other then ask for more money at the end of it. Ended up contacting another lawyer who has been very helpful and seems to be a lot more knowledgable as well.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I am the beneficiary of a trust established in my father's will. The trust is administered and managed by Mr. Bright. As the beneficiary, I have made multiple requests for Mr. Bright to disclose all documents relating to my trust. As the trustee, Mr. Bright is required by law to honor my requests for disclosure. Mr. Bright has never provided me with the documents that I have requested; instead, he drafted a one-page summary of my father's will and did not cover any of the details or specifics of my trust. He ignores my emails and has not made any effort to establish a dialogue or create transparency in our relationship. At one point, Mr. Bright insinuated that he is now my father figure and that, financially, I must answer to him. I have recently made the decision to retain my own attorney because Mr. Bright has been unresponsive to my requests and has not honored my rights as a beneficiary to my father's estate.
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26 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Go elsewhere if you are looking for an estate lawyer in Akron Ohio. Michael Sweeney at Brouse McDowell is careless, sloppy, and will not take responsibility if he makes a mistake.
He recently handled the estate of a loved one who died. By the end of the estate, he had improperly distributed the inheritance and denied all responsibility, even after his paralegal Michele Banner admitted to making an error. At the end of the day, our family is stuck with an awkward mess and Michael Sweeney could not possible care less. Instead of answering our family's concerns directly, he had his managing partner at Brouse McDowell, Marc Merklin, send us a nasty letter.
If you are looking for estate planning or you have a loved one who is working our their last will and testament, I highly recommend looking elsewhere. If you are looking for an estate attorney in Akron, Ohio, you will do better to avoid Brouse McDowell. Just my humble opinion based off a unnecessarily frustrating year.
When you hear jokes about lawyers being useless, these are the guys that help those jokes live on.
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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.
