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15 Nov, 2024 by James andrews
I received a call from Mr. Jose Gandara of West Texas Process Service & Investigations on 8/15/2024. He explained he had an urgent matter that he needed service on in Madison, AL, and I quoted him $120 for 4 attempts on a RUSH service. I made multiple attempts to serve these documents, including early morning, mid-day, and evenings, but the person appeared to be out of town (confirmed with several neighbors). I had agreed on 4 attempts, but as a courtesy I made a total of 7 attempts. After pressing Mr. Gandara on how he would like to proceed, he told me to non-serve the documents and send my invoice for payment.
On 8/21/2024, I sent my invoice and have not received payment. I have sent multiple emails and made several phone calls, but he refuses to answer. After 4 emails about this invoice, he finally replied "Sorry …. Have we not paid you on this matter yet?" I replied confirming that the invoice has not been paid, and I included a link to pay the invoice online. He has disappeared again, and I have not received a response. I have sent more emails, made phone calls, and left messages.
I have mailed him a letter, both standard mail and certified, but both were returned to sender. This is a terrible way to do business, especially for a fellow process server that went above and beyond the original agreement in an attempt to resolve your legal documents service.
This is the first time I have ever left a negative review on any business, but I felt like it was important to not only warn other process servers but also any of his potential clients who like to work with honest and respectable businesses.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Jackie crawley
26 Aug, 2024 by Maisha smith
Bramblett is a great lawyer he’s always won my cases never had any issues. Keep up the great work Patrick Bramblett and staff.
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20 Dec, 2018 by Jose
I hate the service from the staff. The guy is rude, they wont get to you back after asking questions about your case.THEY JUST STRAIGHT OUT DONT CARE ABOUT YOU JUST YOUR MONEY. I was refered to Ms. Solis by EZ Bail Bonds, seems to me that she has an arrangement with the guy from the bond to get customers. Almost am sure she did not do her best to help me with my case. She doesnt commit just tries to do what is easier for her. Please be careful, I definetely dont recommend this law firm. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE HIRING HER OR ANY OTHER LAWYER.
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01 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very pleased with the service I received from Mrs. Solis and her wonderful staff. She helped me with my father's case, which was a criminal case. She and her staff kept constant communication with me, which always made me feel at ease. They were there for me every step of the way. I would recommend her to all!
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30 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
worst attorney you can hire she is very incompetent has no communication with her client and all she does is charge with no explanation of what she's charging you for. I unfortunately hire her for a juvenile case which was the worst mistake I ever did. I initially hired her because she was actually charging me less than other attorneys but just like the saying goes "You get what you paid for".. She did charge me less but I'm sure paying the consequences of hiring her.. If you believe in first impression then don't hire her the way she looks is the way she works on your case!
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19 Aug, 2021 by Pauline
I hired Mr. Smith to represent me in my NON- Contested Divorce, he didn’t have to do anything but show up and handle the paperwork because my ex husband and I had come to an agreement on everything.. this wanna be lawyer couldn’t even handle not having much to do! He wouldn’t return phone calls, emails , and his staff is no better.
On the day of my court hearing, the judge stated she was missing paperwork that was supposed to be submitted by his office. When this poor excuse of an office finally did get the paperwork to the judge it was scanned in upside down, my embarrassment was noticeable.
After the divorce his office was supposed to submit the paperwork so I could receive my portion of what was agreed upon regarding my settlement and nothing has been done, they submitted the forms once and it wasn’t dated so I have to wait all over again. I have been trying to contact this office and no one answers, no one returns phone calls and NO ONE COMMUNICATES!
I hate that I didn’t read the reviews on this firm before going through and hiring him so STAY AWAY FROM THIS FIRM PLEASE there are plenty of competent lawyers out there and he is not one of them.
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14 Oct, 2020 by Brandi
Absolutely do NOT use this Law Office. The Law Office of Douglas C. Smith had me invest thousands as a retainer in February, and has had poor communication with me and absolutely zero communication with the Oklahoma court my case originated out of. I entrusted Mr. Smith with the safety and future of my children, as well as my peace of mind. According to the El Paso County website, my case was set for dismissal at 0830 this morning due to lack of movement. If you want an attorney who cares and invests the time and energy into your case, he is not it. I am absolutely floored that this happened.
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02 Nov, 2017 by Mary
Going through a legal matter can and will be stressful and frustrating. However, Mr. Smith and his staff helped make this process easier with their professionalism and knowledge of legal matters. Although I wanted the matter over and done with, I had to understand that some elements were out of their control. The court and legal system is long and tedious, making it hard for any legal office to schedule hearings or file paperwork in a timely manner. Circumstances may be out of their control.
I'd like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Smith and his staff for my successful outcome.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney Xochitl Ambriz and her team are phenomenal to work with as they make the process smooth, stress-free, honest, effective, efficient, and offer reassurance every step along the way. I know a good lawyer when I work with one! I recommend them with confidence.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Hilda
I don't recommended this lawyer, such a horrible bad experience with the lawyer and her staff, she is all about money, she took long for an easy case with all the people involved in the case agree with everything, and the charge me even if the housekeeping lady see my papers, I never got to see her in person she will miss her appointments with me and never apologized, but they charged me for the appointment, the staff is the worse lied so much and it was always miss information between them, when finally the case was closed I had an appointment witch I missed due to my job, so I called next day left a message and I called again they didn't answer, they never returned my call, when I called again to make Another appointment for my final questions they told me that I have to pay again for a new consulting because supposedly I passed 30 days, I told them that I been calling before the 30 day but they never answered my call. Very rude people, they treated me like I was asking to do the job for free till one day I told them that I will not pay one more penny and that I want my case to be done and of course what happened after they close the case already explained before. The staff and lawyer they don't know what the doing they just want your money.
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03 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Don't hire this attorney!! Paid her $7200 and never finished my case. If she worked on my case instead of billing me we would have finished. All I wanted was some rights to my grandchild whom I have raised since she was born (14 years). Never called me back, didn't even know who I was in the courthouse hall. I went to make payment arrangements and the following week she withdrew from the case (I had to pay for that also). Several discrepancies in the paperwork, all in favor of the other parent but wanted me to pay for her mistakes. To this day I have not gotten any documents from her. Almost two years. SHE'S ALL ABOUT MONEY! Very cold and uncaring.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Lorenzo
Mr. Philip Mullin was legally retained and paid $21K to represent myself and my family. However, the day before our trial, Mr. Mullin advised us that he failed to file any motions on my family’s behalf and, as a result, we lost our case on a technicality. In other words, since Mullin missed the court's deadline to file his legal documents on my family’s behalf, we lost automatically and never had the opportunity to present our case to the presiding judge.. Afterwards, I discussed a reasonable refund with Mr. Mullin, but he laughed at me and told me, “No way, I'm giving you a dime back!" And also stated, "I’m sorry, but time just got away from me.” This was my family’s experience with attorney Philip Mullin of El Paso, Texas. Beware.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Patricia
I first used Mr. Mullin as my divorce lawyer 12 years ago. He went against a State Senator and did very well! I chose to retain Mr. Mullin on a yearly basis regardless if I needed him. He is a very good lawyer. He has assisted my family and has continued to fight for my children when any issues would arise.
Mr. Mullin assisted me greatly when I had issues with my former employer. He was very well prepared, and won our case which was quite lengthy. It was not an easy case, but he was very knowledgeable in the area of labor laws. Mr. Mullin reassured me that everything would be fine and he was right. He is a very professional and well versed lawyer with many years of experience. His small family law firm went head to head against one of the biggest law firms in El Paso, and has won! It took several months, but beleive me Mr. Mullin knows what he is doing. He recently completed a child support issue, and although it takes him a little bit to get around, he managed to recover quite a bit child support due to an increase. Once again Mr. Mullin went against a large law firm in San Antonio and was very successful. Mr. Mullin has instilled hope to both of my children (who are now young adults) and in me. The bottom line is that he cares about his clients. I know that I have used Mr. Mullins services many times and I truly appreciate his fighting for justice!
Thank you Mr. Mullin and Azalea for all that you have done for my family over the years. We are grateful.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer continuously calls people from other States that have nothing to do with current court cases and harasses them. Calls them 9 to 10 times in a row without leaving a message behind for no reason whatsoever. The people he calls has nothing to do with the case whatsoever. Does not communicate With anybody until the day you see him in court. Do you only lawyer I have ever met that harasses people that have nothing to do with the case whatsoever just out of pure spite . He needs to retire hes way too old to be practicing law, and when he was in the court-room outside waiting to be let in he continually asked other lawyers for law advice. He needs to Be fired and needs a wheelchair because he can barely walk let alone practice law.
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I understand that she is using her mother's coat tail to establish her clients, but I was very disappointed that I could not get thru past the receptionist. I paid the consultation fee, only to find out what I already knew. Fees are extremely expensive. Comparing this to a really good pair of leather shoes. You know they are good, and will last a long time, but then you see the same pair with a label and you end up paying five times more. If you have the money upfront they will talk to you, but you might be stuck with a pair of over priced leather shoes that pinch more than just your pocket. I was ready to hire the team, but I could not talk to anybody without money. I wanted to pay another $1000, and even then I couldn't speak to anybody. I knew that I wasn't going to be guaranteed a win win case, but I needed answers to some of my painful needs. My desperate actions led me to a different attorney who did answer all my questions. I lost my $250.00 consulting fee.
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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.
