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04 Apr, 2024 by Scott rosenbaum
My wife and I had a wonderful experience crafting our estate plan with P. A. Lundy & Associates. Their service, professionalism, and plain English manner of explaining complicated concepts were all best-in-class.
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02 Mar, 2024 by Simone esho
The Lundy team is awesome! In an initial consultation call, they took the time to make sure my family understood the difference between a will and a trust. Once we decided how we wanted to move forward, the process was smooth. The team was always responsive, respectful, and easy to work with.
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09 Sep, 2023 by Sherol clarke
Extremely professional and thorough.
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11 Jun, 2024 by James dimaggio
Lauren has very helpful with my family's estate planning needs. She walked us through the process, teaching us the pros and cons of all of the available options that best suited my family (will, trust, advanced directive and power of attorney). Would highly recommend!
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14 May, 2024 by Cliff robertson
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Leffler to update and initiate a number of legal documents. I was impressed with her legal knowledge, skill, and professionalism, and would highly recommend her and her team.
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13 May, 2024 by Tony humbert
Ms. Leffler was very helpful, competent and responsive during our interaction. Everything I've seen while I was at their office was the way it should be: a professional environment that fostered the trust necessary for our long term engagement. No need to go with a "big" name when you can get quality services from people in your neighborhood. I highly recommend them.
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29 Jan, 2020 by Carol
Mr. Mathis was courteous and efficient in updating our documents. He took the extra step of referring us to an attorney in a different field who could answer specific questions which fell out of the purview of estate planning. I recommend his services and appreciate his professional expertise.
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06 Jan, 2020 by Diana
I would highly recommend Joseph Mathis to anyone considering an attorney for a matter. Period. I have been a paralegal for the past 25 years in Washington state, but lacked a referral from any sources to handle the probate of my stepmother in Maryland. I found Mr. Mathis just as you are doing now by reading his reviews on AVVO. I was compelled by the online review to contact him and I was not disappointed in any area of representation.
My case involved the probate of my stepmother’s estate. My father pre-deceased my stepmother, but my father’s estate was not probated based on the assumption that my stepmother would “do the right thing” by my father. This was my father’s third wife, but he also had been married to her for over 30 years. She had no children of her own, her parents had pre-deceased her and she was estranged from her sister for over a decade, if not longer.
My step-mother did sign a will within months of my father’s passing that accomplished doing the “right thing”, however, due to either her severe alcoholism or undue pressure/influence from “friends”, she changed her will to exclude all three of my father’s children and leave her estate to three of her “friends”. Two of these friends hadn’t been part of her life for over five years and one of them was my father’s friend who she had been “dating” after my father’s passing.
After she passed away, we discovered that my stepmother’s alcoholism was more severe than anyone thought it to be. It was on this fact that I pursued investigating a will contest, aka caveat proceeding, with Mr. Mathis. Based upon my stepmother’s severe change in behavior, her self-isolation, and new discovered high level of alcoholism, I truly believed that my stepmother was not in her right state of mind when she signed the second will. . In addition to my stepmother signing the new will two years after my father’s passing and 4 years before she passed, we were told by her attorney that she had sent a letter to him that stated that none of her deceased husband’s family were to inherit from her estate.
In the end the land my grandfather gifted to my father in the early 70s (pre-marriage to my step-mother) where he and my father built the only home my father’s children knew, and the only piece of land my father grew up on from age 12, was sold and the proceeds split between “friends”.
I was forced to purchase a few of my father’s guns from my stepmother’s estate. I found out about the auction of my father’s items the morning of the auction. Obviously, I couldn’t get to Gettysburg from the West Coast in time. I emailed and called Mr. Mathis’ office at 6:00 am (PST) and Mr. Mathis called the personal representative’s attorney to see about stopping the auction or what options might be available to us. There was nothing I could do but bid on my father’s property. I called Mr. Mathis in tears this day to tell him how things went. I had to leave him a message with my crying voice. He was so kind, he called me after hours to see how I was doing.
All of this hurt my heart wickedly, but I cannot say enough positive things about Mr. Mathis’ handling of this case. When we discovered the letter plus the new will of my step-mother, Mr. Mathis was very honest with me about worrying about the amount of money it might take to fight the will with this new information plus the probability of not being able to “win”. Mr. Mathis could have simply told me a retainer amount and taken my money, however, he admitted he was concerned about the costs versus the probability of winning. This is the mark of a truly great attorney. Based on my experience, a great attorney is more concerned about the negative affect on his/her client’s versus being paid a fee in a probable no win situation.
I recommend Mr. Mathis for any legal matter you seek counsel on without any reservation!!!
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25 Oct, 2019 by Mark
Mr Mathis is a very knowledgable, easy going estate planner. He was able to explain many things in simple terms and my 87 year old mom thought he was great too!
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12 Feb, 2023 by Kathy
Lauren was extremely helpful in creating our Family Trust and how to place all our assets into the trust. We highly recommend her.
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26 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Lauren Leffler was just the attorney my family needed. My spouse and I approached her with the thought we were making small edits to our wills, but she helped us realize that we needed a full revamp. She was really knowledgeable about our unique needs and we feel secure that our wishes will be upheld thanks to our documents that she created. It would not have happened with the old ones. We’re so relieved to have found her!
A few months later, we needed to update my parents’ documents, this was much more of a time crunch than ours. After our good experience, I reached out to her for help. She got their documents done with the speed we needed. She was equally knowledgeable about my parents’ needs, which were very different from my own. We’ve been doing a lot of meetings for my parents these days getting their affairs tidied up, and Lauren has been the only one who has come to the initial consultation meeting having read their existing documents in advance.
Their office is easy to get to, but for my housebound parents, she came to their apartment.
My sibling plans to use Lauren to update their documents, my other sibling who lives out of state is disappointed they can’t use her (they asked).
We’ll definitely call Lauren in the future for any needs that arise.
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12 Dec, 2021 by Rhonda
I hired Lauren to help me with a guardianship case. There are not enough good things I can possibly say about my experience with her. She gave immediate attention to all the items needed in the case and returned emails and phone calls quickly. She seemed to always be one step ahead of the case. Her and her staff made this an easier than I anticipated experience. Not only is she knowledgeable and professional but she really cares about you and the parties involved. I can never thank her enough and highly recommend her and her firm.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Diana
My experience was very positive from the start. All my questions and concerns were addressed in detail and with patience. The service I received was very timely, the complete process was explained to me thoroughly. Everyone that helped me at McDonald Law Firm was very friendly and knowledgeable. I've told my friends and family I highly recommend McDonald Law Firm for their needs. 5 stars across the board.
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06 May, 2024 by Patricia a. dailey
My husband and I were clients of McDonald Law Firm, LLC with Andre McDonald as our lawyer. Mr. McDonald thoroughly understood our needs in executing a legal will to meet our requirements. I would highly recommend to my family and friends to consider McDonald Law Firm, LLC for any legal representation that they may need.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Liz
We contacted Mr. McDonald about a complex and sensitive estate matter. His comprehensive and astute review of the issue resulted in a most satisfactory solution. We sincerely appreciated his expertise, insights, and attention to this matter of much significance to us.
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21 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Meg was recommended to me and handled my contentious protracted divorce. She was extremely responsive and had a special ability to "calm" the emotions and stay focused on the case issues. I felt well supported by her, and she answered all my questions. She hung in there as an advocate no matter how hard it got or how obstructive my ex-husband was. With her help and support I am happily divorced. I appreciated and benefitted from her skills and wisdom. She was definitely in my corner through it all. With her advocating hard for me the case did settle.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
After my 24 year marriage came crashing down around me I had no idea where to turn or what to do next. As a man, about the only thing that I knew was that I wanted to hire a female attorney with a lot of experience. A friend of mine recommended that I reach out to Meg Oliver to have her guide me through the divorce process. I am so glad that I did. Meg is a unique blend of experience, great communication skills and patience. In the end Meg Oliver negotiated a fair agreement with me ex-wife's lawyer. I was pleased with the outcome and highly recommend Meg to represent you in your divorce.
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12 May, 2023 by Sam
Meg provided me with all legal route options related to my case with all possible paths and outcomes including timeframes and financial burdens. She is incredible with communication via emails or phone calls, keeping track and staying on top of all required documentations. Her knowledge and experience in divorce law helped me in a great deal to get a settlement and a court order. She also has a wonderful office staff. I am extremely happy that she was on my side.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Alan goldstein
Jennifer did an amazing job with our family trust. Every base was covered and every possible contingency was addressed. Her encyclopedic knowledge of not just the laws but also of financial and tax matters was invaluable. She made the whole process easy and was such a joy to work with.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Maggie martinek
Jennifer McManus and her team are amazing! They helped my family through a very difficult and stressful time in our lives when our mother became ill and then passed. They later helped to set up a revocable family trust, and also provided counsel for us regarding our rental properties. They are outstanding at simplifying the process and providing exceptional service every step of the way! Jennifer and her team are patient, honest, and provide timely and consistent communication throughout the process. They stay on top of everything, providing updates, and doing exactly what they promise. They were always available when I had questions or concerns with very timely and often immediate responses. I could not have asked for better counsel. I would not hesitate to recommend my friends and family to Ally Legal Planning. Thank you, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Kristen for all your help!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Grant bim
As a Realtor i have worked with Mrs Kristen Lohmeyer, Mrs Jennifer McManus and their wonderful staff + team multiple times and they are always very helpful, prompt to respond and knowledgeable about the process. Believe it or not it can sometimes be very difficult to get folks on the phone but with The Ally Legal Team they either answer the phone when i call or will get back to me very promptly. A true professional that i will continue to refer!
- Grant Bim with Winning Edge Real Estate
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31 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Davis after a consultation regarding execution of a will. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a great communicator. Really appreciated his prompt attention and flexibility with my
schedule. Great to work with!
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28 Jan, 2019 by Lucy
Mr. Davis has worked with me three separate times. He prepared my Will and all those papers you have to have now days - the Power of Attorney and Living Will, financial papers and on and on. My head was swimming. He spent a lot of time with me and made it as painless as possible. It's not fun making a Will.
The second time I worked with him, he handled the probate of my father's estate. The third time was the probate of my mother's estate. He was kindness, itself, both times. It's never easy when a parent dies yet he was able to be comforting as well as helpful. He spent more time with me than he probably should have and made sure I understood everything that was happening with the estates.
I highly recommend him to anyone with elder law concerns. He leaves no stone unturned and makes sure you, the client, understand and are aware of the ins and outs of the legal stuff older people have to deal with.
(His assistant, Michelle, is great, too.)
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16 Jan, 2019 by Glen
Mr. Davis was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He informed me of what I was to expect of the legal circumstances of my case and guided me appropriately. He represented me in a hearing and at trial and was outspoken on my behalf. He also took an interest in me as a person and supported me and encouraged me on a personal level which was very helpful. I highly recommend him as an attorney and advocate.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Erica Wilkinson demonstrated knowledge of MD bankruptcy law and provided excellent legal representation. She was honest and forthright on explaining the legal and litigation processes that was ease to understand. Also, she’s a patient listener and promptly responding to all inquiries. I strongly recommend her if you’re seeking a hard worker, good legal representation and excellent litigator.
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29 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Thank you so much you help us a lot. We would recommend Erica to anyone. She was there for us. She answered any questions we had and explained everything to us. She kept in touch with us.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Anna
Thank you so much you help me a lot again Thank you Sincerely, Anna I would recommend Erica to anyone.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Robert has provided me with legal advice on multiple occasions and two words come to mind - Personable and Straightforward. I appreciated his personable approach. He really made me feel comfortable in discussing the legal matters. Robert was very knowledgeable about the matters and he was straightforward with providing me with recommendations and a game plan. This was so helpful in a stressful time. I would highly recommend him!
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06 Mar, 2015 by Karen
Bob assisted me with a family problem after my Father passed away. He was very knowledgable in assisting me with dealing with my Creditor. He knew answer before we met with them. I would refer him to anyone needing legal advice.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Stacy
We could not have been more pleased with the representation provided by Mr. Landolt. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and very timely with his work. We have since referred him to a few friends and would absolutely use him again in the future.
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23 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
We had the pleasure to work with Chris Walter at HFF Legal in Towson, MD and would highly recommend Chris and his firm. Chris was professional, courteous and walked me and wife through the entire Estate planning process. He made us feel comfortable and made a difficult process about as easy as it could be. We appreciate all his help and efforts.
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03 Apr, 2020 by Stan
Had exceptional service provided by Mr. Walter and team. Wills and POA's created quickly and accurately. One less thing to worry about in life in these difficult times. Thank you!
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5.0
2 Reviews
05 Jan, 2016 by Doris
My elderly parents did not have there affairs in order. I meat with Mr. Burke and he started the process to help them.
Mr. Burke came out to have Daddy sign the papers. Kevin was sweet , patient and kind to my parents.
Unfortunately My father passed away a month later. But everything was taken care of so my Mother didn't have to do a thing
Thanks Kevin!
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05 Jan, 2016 by Joe
My wife and I along with my young son moved to Annapolis where I started my own business. I thought I knew enough about wills and estate planning, but after meeting with Kevin, I found out I did not. His insights and experience were valuable. A great job by Kevin and highly recommended.
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09 Dec, 2015 by Judith
I have spoken to clients who have used her as their attorney and I have used her as well. She was very knowledgable, able to answer all questions, easy to communicate with and easy to reach.
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19 Jul, 2014 by Jaine
Stacey came to our home and the hospital. She guided us in getting what was needed on paper.
Other professionals who have seen documents praised the detail and width of items covered.
She asked us about items we had never thought about.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Gracey is a stand up attorney for what is right. When a "professional" was slandering his client and unethically telling the judge outright lies, he immediately took action to address the situation and made sure the judge was informed.
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05 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
My husband and I had trouble finding a reputable attorney, we had met 4. Wayne was the first one willing to put us on a payment plan for the retainer. He even traveled to our home when my husband was sick to meet with us. I have since referred him several other clients and they all seem equally as happy. His friendly staff was always available to answer our questions when Wayne was busy in court. We highly recommend him
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22 Jun, 2021 by Faith
I was referred to Meghan by another attorney. I had been involved in a car accident in 2016, and it was becoming increasingly obvious that I was not improving to a pre-accident level of function. I met with Meghan to fill out the initial paperwork, and for me, it was an amazing experience to have someone not question my limitations.
I was very fortunate to be able to reach Meghan when necessary. I know how busy she was, both at work and at home. The car accident case, and the resulting disability, stretched on or *years*, and throughout this process, Meghan was supportive and helpful. She empathized with the difficulties in obtaining some of the medical records. This case was a mammoth undertaking that involved thousands of pages of medical records, insurance forms, doctors’ reports, radiology scans, and receipts. Meghan was also willing and able to coordinate with the lawyer handling the car accident case.
Meghan was very clear on “next steps” and what to expect. Not only did Social Security have a significant backlog, but after the global pandemic led to a shutdown, it seemed like everything would be on hold indefinitely. But, Social Security made a miraculous decision to workshare with field offices, and we were able to arrange for a phone hearing with the administrative judge. Meghan referenced minute details from my medical records to hit home the severity of my limitations. Her negotiating skills garnered full approval with substantial backpay, monthly payments and auxiliary benefits for my children. This settlement enabled me to pay off debt, stock emergency savings, and to pay school tuition.
Without Meghan’s fierce advocating on my behalf, impeccable preparation and guidance, this case would have gone awry.
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24 May, 2011 by David
I've had estate planning done by three attorneys at different points in my life. Jim was by far the most thorough and knowledgable, asked the most questions and offered the best advice. I've referred him to family members, and they've all been pleased. He understands the issues and is excellent at laying out the pros and cons of different options.
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11 Jun, 2024 by James dimaggio
Lauren has very helpful with my family's estate planning needs. She walked us through the process, teaching us the pros and cons of all of the available options that best suited my family (will, trust, advanced directive and power of attorney). Would highly recommend!
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14 May, 2024 by Cliff robertson
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Leffler to update and initiate a number of legal documents. I was impressed with her legal knowledge, skill, and professionalism, and would highly recommend her and her team.
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13 May, 2024 by Tony humbert
Ms. Leffler was very helpful, competent and responsive during our interaction. Everything I've seen while I was at their office was the way it should be: a professional environment that fostered the trust necessary for our long term engagement. No need to go with a "big" name when you can get quality services from people in your neighborhood. I highly recommend them.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill
Michael Katz and his team are top notch customer service providers. They are different than most offices - you can tell they do truly care and are true to their word and mission. They take time to understand your case and are have lots of expertise.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you
Ms. Jessica keister is a fantastic attorney! She cares so much about her clients ! She helped me with my divorce and was both professional and empathetic. She kept me informed every step of the way through the process . Not only was she supportive, but she took a lot of time to explain those things I didn't completely understand. Her advice was on point and led to a good outcome for me and my family for which I am grateful. Thank you so much Ms. Jessica keister. I highly recommend her !
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18 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany h
Emily Koning, and every member of the team there at FLAG, operated with such competence, clarity, and integrity that I was shielded from the confusion and loss that my divorce could have caused me and my children. I am forever grateful! Anyone, who has to go through such an unfortunate situation as divorce, can trust this team to deliver the best litigation for their case!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill
Michael Katz and his team are top notch customer service providers. They are different than most offices - you can tell they do truly care and are true to their word and mission. They take time to understand your case and are have lots of expertise.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you
Ms. Jessica keister is a fantastic attorney! She cares so much about her clients ! She helped me with my divorce and was both professional and empathetic. She kept me informed every step of the way through the process . Not only was she supportive, but she took a lot of time to explain those things I didn't completely understand. Her advice was on point and led to a good outcome for me and my family for which I am grateful. Thank you so much Ms. Jessica keister. I highly recommend her !
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18 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany h
Emily Koning, and every member of the team there at FLAG, operated with such competence, clarity, and integrity that I was shielded from the confusion and loss that my divorce could have caused me and my children. I am forever grateful! Anyone, who has to go through such an unfortunate situation as divorce, can trust this team to deliver the best litigation for their case!
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by Alan goldstein
Jennifer did an amazing job with our family trust. Every base was covered and every possible contingency was addressed. Her encyclopedic knowledge of not just the laws but also of financial and tax matters was invaluable. She made the whole process easy and was such a joy to work with.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Maggie martinek
Jennifer McManus and her team are amazing! They helped my family through a very difficult and stressful time in our lives when our mother became ill and then passed. They later helped to set up a revocable family trust, and also provided counsel for us regarding our rental properties. They are outstanding at simplifying the process and providing exceptional service every step of the way! Jennifer and her team are patient, honest, and provide timely and consistent communication throughout the process. They stay on top of everything, providing updates, and doing exactly what they promise. They were always available when I had questions or concerns with very timely and often immediate responses. I could not have asked for better counsel. I would not hesitate to recommend my friends and family to Ally Legal Planning. Thank you, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Kristen for all your help!
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Grant bim
As a Realtor i have worked with Mrs Kristen Lohmeyer, Mrs Jennifer McManus and their wonderful staff + team multiple times and they are always very helpful, prompt to respond and knowledgeable about the process. Believe it or not it can sometimes be very difficult to get folks on the phone but with The Ally Legal Team they either answer the phone when i call or will get back to me very promptly. A true professional that i will continue to refer!
- Grant Bim with Winning Edge Real Estate
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17 Sep, 2024 by Alan goldstein
Jennifer did an amazing job with our family trust. Every base was covered and every possible contingency was addressed. Her encyclopedic knowledge of not just the laws but also of financial and tax matters was invaluable. She made the whole process easy and was such a joy to work with.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Maggie martinek
Jennifer McManus and her team are amazing! They helped my family through a very difficult and stressful time in our lives when our mother became ill and then passed. They later helped to set up a revocable family trust, and also provided counsel for us regarding our rental properties. They are outstanding at simplifying the process and providing exceptional service every step of the way! Jennifer and her team are patient, honest, and provide timely and consistent communication throughout the process. They stay on top of everything, providing updates, and doing exactly what they promise. They were always available when I had questions or concerns with very timely and often immediate responses. I could not have asked for better counsel. I would not hesitate to recommend my friends and family to Ally Legal Planning. Thank you, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Kristen for all your help!
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Grant bim
As a Realtor i have worked with Mrs Kristen Lohmeyer, Mrs Jennifer McManus and their wonderful staff + team multiple times and they are always very helpful, prompt to respond and knowledgeable about the process. Believe it or not it can sometimes be very difficult to get folks on the phone but with The Ally Legal Team they either answer the phone when i call or will get back to me very promptly. A true professional that i will continue to refer!
- Grant Bim with Winning Edge Real Estate
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19 Sep, 2024 by August
Getting guardianship of my mom was necessary and Tom was really good in this. Now I can focus on caring for my mom fully.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Scott
Im a very satisfied customer! I spoke with Tom regarding estate planning and powers of attorney documents. He was very honest, forthright, respectful of my needs and wishes, and very efficient. I will be using him again!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Mike richards
After Finding myself in a bitter custody battle ...I spent countless hours looking into counsel for my case and finally found Mrs Massey..words can not express the work and dedication she spent preparing for my trial, she is thurow, determined,and focused all while being sincere, compassionate and very personable..I was awarded much more then I anticipated and I can't express enough the gratitude that I have for her and her team.
If you want the best of the best...you found the right person...thank you so much Mrs Massey
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18 Sep, 2024 by Arthur wilder
I had the lincoln for my PI case and my settlement was great
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18 Sep, 2024 by Aysia dowdell
The Lincoln law group represented me in my PI case and got me a very good settlement.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Mike richards
After Finding myself in a bitter custody battle ...I spent countless hours looking into counsel for my case and finally found Mrs Massey..words can not express the work and dedication she spent preparing for my trial, she is thurow, determined,and focused all while being sincere, compassionate and very personable..I was awarded much more then I anticipated and I can't express enough the gratitude that I have for her and her team.
If you want the best of the best...you found the right person...thank you so much Mrs Massey
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Arthur wilder
I had the lincoln for my PI case and my settlement was great
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Aysia dowdell
The Lincoln law group represented me in my PI case and got me a very good settlement.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Mike richards
After Finding myself in a bitter custody battle ...I spent countless hours looking into counsel for my case and finally found Mrs Massey..words can not express the work and dedication she spent preparing for my trial, she is thurow, determined,and focused all while being sincere, compassionate and very personable..I was awarded much more then I anticipated and I can't express enough the gratitude that I have for her and her team.
If you want the best of the best...you found the right person...thank you so much Mrs Massey
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Arthur wilder
I had the lincoln for my PI case and my settlement was great
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Aysia dowdell
The Lincoln law group represented me in my PI case and got me a very good settlement.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Mike richards
After Finding myself in a bitter custody battle ...I spent countless hours looking into counsel for my case and finally found Mrs Massey..words can not express the work and dedication she spent preparing for my trial, she is thurow, determined,and focused all while being sincere, compassionate and very personable..I was awarded much more then I anticipated and I can't express enough the gratitude that I have for her and her team.
If you want the best of the best...you found the right person...thank you so much Mrs Massey
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Arthur wilder
I had the lincoln for my PI case and my settlement was great
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Aysia dowdell
The Lincoln law group represented me in my PI case and got me a very good settlement.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Luis eduardo arias torres
Muy excelente el trabajo del abogado marvin Ochoa su trabajo y confianza en sí mismo te asegura su trabajo muchas gracias
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11 Sep, 2024 by Amanda s
For some one who was not from Maryland, I based how I found my attorney off of reviews and did I find the right one. Marvin Ochoa went above & beyond to make sure I got the best possible outcome in my case. I highly recommend him & would use him again in a heartbeat. He was easy to talk to & worth with & remained calm in times when I wasn’t.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Taylor barr (simsly_player23)
Absolutely amazing! A victory!!!!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Mike richards
After Finding myself in a bitter custody battle ...I spent countless hours looking into counsel for my case and finally found Mrs Massey..words can not express the work and dedication she spent preparing for my trial, she is thurow, determined,and focused all while being sincere, compassionate and very personable..I was awarded much more then I anticipated and I can't express enough the gratitude that I have for her and her team.
If you want the best of the best...you found the right person...thank you so much Mrs Massey
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Arthur wilder
I had the lincoln for my PI case and my settlement was great
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Aysia dowdell
The Lincoln law group represented me in my PI case and got me a very good settlement.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Luis eduardo arias torres
Muy excelente el trabajo del abogado marvin Ochoa su trabajo y confianza en sí mismo te asegura su trabajo muchas gracias
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11 Sep, 2024 by Amanda s
For some one who was not from Maryland, I based how I found my attorney off of reviews and did I find the right one. Marvin Ochoa went above & beyond to make sure I got the best possible outcome in my case. I highly recommend him & would use him again in a heartbeat. He was easy to talk to & worth with & remained calm in times when I wasn’t.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Taylor barr (simsly_player23)
Absolutely amazing! A victory!!!!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Andrew ambrogi
Tom is a fierce, compassionate advocate for his clients with a tremendous amount of experience. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone looking for a divorce/family attorney.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Scott davis
Im a very satisfied customer! I spoke with Tom regarding estate planning and powers of attorney documents. He was very honest, forthright, respectful of my needs and wishes, and very efficient. I will be using him again!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Mark costley
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FAQs
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What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
