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15 Dec, 2023 by Lori wilson
Extremely expensive for services provided..Non-communicative. Finally, I had to seek other legal council to distribute irrevocable trust funds from an estate. Felt like my business not important to the firm.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Bradley bohus
Rude, inconsiderate, incompetent law firm.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Naiz vega
01 Aug, 2023 by Regina sharpe
Dalma Grandjean showed up 45 minutes late to court, with her hair messed up, stack of ruffled papers, completely unprepared, provided no defense and told me to plea guilty resulting in the judge charging me horribly.... After she had been paid many thousands of dollars to defend me.
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27 Jan, 2020 by Charles garland
15 Jan, 2020 by Carlos salas
27 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I do not like to disparage another person, but the management of my case was continually unprofessional. Simple things like failing to bring proof of my income to a temporary orders hearing—the most essential document— requesting multiple times the same document that I had previously sent and blaming me when the other party expressed frustration for her mishandling papers. She didn’t respond to emailed concerns. She scapegoated me to the other party as I saw in conversation threads and only skimmed my messages regularly as I could see by her response—one time acting very dramatic about the shock of something I mentioned in a previous email she replied casually to when later it was an issue for the other party. At 35 days to the trial, I confronted her on various concerns which I had previous brought up and that second opinions from other lawyers seperately identified where she was failing. She withdrew that day as counsel rather than demonstrating accountability and maturely responding to my concerns and I was left to myself at the trial. The outcome was dismal because of her unethical behavior and my family with many children is permanently harmed.
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20 Mar, 2022 by Kevin
I used Duff back in 2006 for a divorce. The case lasted 2 years and cost me a fortune. She did not answer phone calls or emails. She does not have her clients best interest at heart. She is a scammer who makes deals with other attorneys depending on whose turn it is to win. I am still paying in some aspects of life due to her negligence.
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28 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Trisha for my divorce. She did not return calls or emails usually for weeks. When I did sit down with her, she was brusk and did not take my concerns seriously. I felt like she was more interested in playing nice with the other attorney than advocating for what was most important for my child. In the end, I have an agreement that is so poorly written, that no one can figure out what should happen. Several lawyers have also told me how inappropriate the agreement Trisha pushed me into is for my situation.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
We spent over $40,000 to lose. He didn't review photographs & he didn't call an important witness at trial. He offended everybody that mattered with his arrogance & he talked down to everyone by making references to dead writers nobody knows. He made every decision in the case & every decision turned out to be wrong. It was my fault when I complained & I had to pay other lawyers to fix the mess, which he did.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Anonymous
We spent over $12,000 and over a year of back and forth in an attempt to secure and protect our mother's financial future. There was always a delay, something missed or wrong in court filings, no real litigation experience, court appearances switched to an associate instead of the atty. we hired, lack of action and "fight". We would not recommend this experience to anyone.
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09 Oct, 2021 by Dee
Did his job very poorly. Did NOT do what was in the best interest of the child despite everything he knew. Thankfully our heavenly father stepped in and had the parenting modified. Very unprofessional
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23 Aug, 2013 by Darrick
After taking my money his zeal to go out and get information was poor. He showed very poor skill of communication ,being a skilled professional . his knowledge of the law was not as sharp as one to charge the amount of money he received from me. He had me to dig up my own evidence to defend myself. I seen his laziness from the beginning to the end of my case, which by the way he loss. I felt it was because he didn't,t prepare.
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31 Aug, 2012 by Jade
Once Ben Swift received the retainer in my child custody case, his concern waned. He was unresponsive to calls or emails from me and once missed a filing deadline. Needless to say, my child custody case had devastating results. I had to settle for an unfair decision. Once I took my business elsewhere, I had to spend thousands of dollars to undo the damage Ben's laziness and ignorance of the law cost myself and my daughter. Fortunately, a true professional was able to rectify this case. I would never recommend Ben's services (and I use the term loosely).
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06 Jun, 2012 by Unhappy with henke
I hired Mr Henke to handle a case for me. He did not accompany me to the deposition or keep me up to date with my case. Approximately 1 week before we went to trial he decided to review the case and suddenly was not aware of things that were disclosed in the preliminary documents and the transcription of my deposition. He advised me that I should not continue on with the case due the attractive nuisance laws in the state of Ohio. Apparently there were not enough comparable cases to support our claim. He told me that it was in my best interest to not continue to trial because we would likely lose. I spent approximately 1 year dealing with this drama and was advised to walk away owing him approximately $4000 additional to what I had already paid during the course of the case. When I went to court for my final hearing to drop the case he sent his previous partner with me. His partner told me that he had advised him not to take the case initially and that he responded with "it's easy money one way or another". Wow!!! I had a tragic event in my life and it was just easy money. I don't see how the man can live with himself. I have talked with other attorneys since this event and was told by those attorneys that I would have more than likely won regardless. I realize that no amount of money was going to make me happy again, but I felt that the parties responsible should have been held responsible and had I had an attorney who participated in my case during the entire course, things would have ended differently.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Collin
I lost my case in my opinion due to the younger lawyer outthinking him every step of the way. Simply, Carlo was outsmarted and only now did I find out he couldn’t compete in California so he ran to Ohio. My loss.
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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.
