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Steven James Sondergaard, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Defiance, OH with 2 reviews
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39,06
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
star star star star star
07 Dec, 2019 by Thomas
I found Steve during a very dark spot in my life. My spouse was unfaithful, and I was lost. I talked with Steve over the phone the day after I found out. Through my pain, anguish, and confusion. Steve not only listened-but talked to me like a friend. He was my first "legal" phone call, and I didn't, make another one. Over the next several months Steve was more than capable of helping me navigate the unknown dark waters that I had found myself immersed in. I'm happy to say that after 11 months. With Steve's guidance and knowledge of the laws. That my divorce is final, and I am in a great spot in life. Steve took care of everything, all the details both big and small. Without his help, I have no idea where I would be now. Thanks Steve.
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20 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Steve helped with a divorce case and was extremely helpful in all aspects, including consultation, court proceedings, mediation appointments, friendly advice and remaining firm on the desired outcome. The divorce was not desired and Steve helped to lengthen the process so that all avenues were explored to keep the divorce from taking place. Steve was mindful of our two children that were involved and what would be best for them long-term. Steve was a great help and I wouldn't hesitate to use his services or refer him to others. Thanks Steve!
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Timothy Charles Holtsberry, experienced Adoption, Appeals attorney in Defiance, OH with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
01 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Have use Mr. Holtsberry numerous times and always had excellent, praiseworthy results. From tax issues, to real estate transactions, to personal injury and auto collisions, he is the ONLY lawyer I will use!
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Stephen Frederick Hubbard, experienced Business, Debt Collection attorney in Defiance, OH with 21 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
38,55
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4.5/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
Google Maps
4.5
19 Reviews
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05 Dec, 2024 by Sandra hutson
Steve Hubbard is rude, talks over you instead of answering questions. We called to ask a question on what steps we needed to take on obtaining some land, instead of answering questions he just hired himself and took steps without our approval . When I called to ask how much this was going to cost before we went further , he talked over me and avoided answering! Would NOT recommend!!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Paula shambro
Thank you Mr. Hubbard for your help. We really needed your expertise in getting our affairs in order and your very informative answers to our needs and concerns. John and Paula Shambro
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28 Sep, 2024 by Calmatt investments
Steve does great work! I have used him a number of times for real estate and he has been top notch. He is always helpful and willing to answer my many questions. I would highly recommend him!
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John Carl Vigorito, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 192 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
37,80
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4.8/5
Google Maps
4.8
192 Reviews
star star star star star
25 Nov, 2024 by Megan wright
Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Aug, 2024 by Chelsea sweinhagen
So glad I chose Mr. Crates and his team! Quick responses, very attentive and always willing to help in any way! Will always recommend
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25 Jul, 2024 by Adam meyer
Miss Brown is the best lawyer someone can ask for!
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John Paul Goldenetz, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 7 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
34,31
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4.9/5
Google Maps
4.9
7 Reviews
star star star star star
12 Nov, 2024 by Dale sulser
Mr. John Goldenetz is a very outstanding attorney. Highly recommend. Very honest attorney! His wife Mary a real sweetheart. Always very helpful.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Rudy hernandez
Google Maps
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12 Nov, 2021 by Joan hoisington
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Michael Charles Wahl, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 11 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
31,74
star star star star star
4.2/5
Google Maps
4.2
11 Reviews
star star star star star
01 Nov, 2024 by Romeo simmons
Amazing lawyer saved me from 50 years in jail UPDATE patty William = no good
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25 Oct, 2024 by Easton wagner
He's an awesome sauce lawyer, he helped me evade my taxes, and he helped me get my divorce through. UPDATE: He ran someone over so he's 2 stars now, that no good he no good lawyer. UPDATE: he paid me $30 to give him 5 stars again. So he's an excellent person and an even better lawyer.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Grady duma
He is an amazing person. That helped me yerp and is ryaans dad ryan didnt force me to wright this.
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Robert Andrew McColley, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 11 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
27,94
star star star star star
4.2/5
Google Maps
4.2
11 Reviews
star star star star star
01 Nov, 2024 by Romeo simmons
Amazing lawyer saved me from 50 years in jail UPDATE patty William = no good
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25 Oct, 2024 by Easton wagner
He's an awesome sauce lawyer, he helped me evade my taxes, and he helped me get my divorce through. UPDATE: He ran someone over so he's 2 stars now, that no good he no good lawyer. UPDATE: he paid me $30 to give him 5 stars again. So he's an excellent person and an even better lawyer.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Grady duma
He is an amazing person. That helped me yerp and is ryaans dad ryan didnt force me to wright this.
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Jeffrey James Horvath, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 58 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
25,65
star star star star star
4.2/5
Avvo
4.6
8 Reviews
Google Maps
4.1
50 Reviews
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31 Dec, 2024 by Robert huey
Very patient in explaining estate planning and helped pick an executor for a family members will. Definitely recommend.
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31 Dec, 2024 by James derrow
Easy and great to work with. Best law office in town!
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30 Dec, 2024 by Noah gomez
Helps a lot and is very good to work with. Helped me with several cases and his work is great
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James Karl Weaner, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Defiance, OH with 37 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
22,70
star star star star star
3.6/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
3.6
36 Reviews
star star star star star
20 Oct, 2024 by Tim tietje
Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Apr, 2024 by K east
Not sure why there is not a consultation fee. That does not add value.
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star star star star star
14 Feb, 2024 by Dana treesh
Doesn’t return phone calls
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Cam Ryan Stanley, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 36 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
16,40
star star star star star
3.6/5
Google Maps
3.6
36 Reviews
star star star star star
20 Oct, 2024 by Tim tietje
Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Apr, 2024 by K east
Not sure why there is not a consultation fee. That does not add value.
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star star star star star
14 Feb, 2024 by Dana treesh
Doesn’t return phone calls
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Danny Allen Hill II, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 35 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
15,95
star star star star star
3.5/5
Google Maps
3.5
35 Reviews
star star star star star
20 Oct, 2024 by Tim tietje
Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Apr, 2024 by K east
Not sure why there is not a consultation fee. That does not add value.
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star star star star star
14 Feb, 2024 by Dana treesh
Doesn’t return phone calls
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Erin Sue Strausbaugh, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 1 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,57
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
29 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Never contacts us back when we need her. Never answers any calls or texts. Might as well have paid for a rock to do the job.
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Tamara Sue Renollet, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Stephen Krohn Snavely, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Sean Christopher O'Donnell, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Chelsea Renee' Cereghin, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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David Harrison Williams, experienced Business, Civil Rights attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Jenna Marie Karr, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Morris James Murray, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Jeffrey Alan Strausbaugh, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Kimberly Rachelle Welling, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Defiance, OH with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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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:

  1. What is your experience with estate planning?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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