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16 Aug, 2022 by Sue hobart
have had our backs for decades..Honest caring good lawyers... love them in fact.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Piper monte
Best food ever
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13 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Mari is a clear communicator who is proficient in Landlord/Tenant law. She helped us with a tenant eviction and did an excellent job discussing our options, potential pitfalls, and ultimately mediated a reasonable deal which avoided court. Mari tries to keep her clients costs to a minimum.
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25 Nov, 2014 by Brian
Attorney Silvia honestly cares about his clients well being. He is kind, considerate and honorable. He is very responsive to your needs and will do everything in his power to help you. He is not the sterotypical attorney. He is soft spoken to his clients but will fight to get everything his clients deserve.
He has been my attorney for 25 years.
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16 Apr, 2021 by Shelly battee
Attorney Moffa and all staff I dealt with have been kind, helpful and responsive. I never felt alone or unimportant throughout this long process. Received my check today and off th the bank I will go.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Denise grieb
I got a referral from a local friend that has gone through this office. I was so disappointed to find that not only did I I have to get a CD of my file from my disability case worker, but your assistant was completely useless when I told her my case worker has been ghosting me even though I've left multiple messages. I have a very unique case and need someone to actually listen to understand my limitations.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Erin linville
Sally Clymer provided very useful consultation to me. She looked into the issue I wanted to appeal, including looking at case law, and advised me on next steps. All without charging me anything. I really appreciated her time and honesty.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Ann roderick'dumaine
Not all WALL MARTS ARE THE SAME ! PEOPLE & LOCATION HOW YOU ARE TREATED ! Thank you for the great service!
Ann
From Mass !
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22 Mar, 2024 by Francis. flanagan
04 Feb, 2024 by Monisa boutiette
Atty Nolan was in bed with the DA's office under Michael O'Keefe's rule. He set my daughter up and worked with the DA to lock my daughter up. After 5 1/2 years of waiting for trial, he left my daughter no choice but to take a deal, which he lied to her about the specifics. He said she'd be home in 3.8 years yet no one in MCI Framingham can tell us when she's getting out.
Like most women who end up in the legal system, my daughter was a victim of domestic violence, at the hands of her accuser, before she became a defendant, and Attorney Nolan treated her like a common criminal instead.
In the end, our family didn't have the courage or wherewithal to hire a new attorney as we had already paid attorney Nolan and his crew an exorbitant amount of fees. We also never saw any of the results of the work from the experts he hired and we paid for. We are convinced Atty Nolan was hiding exculpatory evidence uncovered by the experts, as he continually refused to present to the court exculpatory evidence presented to us by the state.
At every turn, if we found contradictory information against the state's evidence, Atty Nolan would blatantly ignore the facts presented and do what HE wanted INSTEAD OF WHAT HIS CLIENT WANTED. He also ignored most emails and phone calls to his office from my daughter's camp over the 5 1/2 year period that we dealt with him.
Two weeks after my daughter's incarceration, attorney Nolan posted on his Facebook page that he was endorsing for District Attorney, the prosecutor who initially pressed charges against my daughter (I accused this prosecutor of malicious prosecution and provided the evidence to attorney Nolan to support it, which he completely ignored, as he defended the prosecutor saying that the prosecutor, Dan Higgins, was a "good guy" and that the prosecutor's father was a former FBI agent and reasoned that Higgins wasn't capable of malicious prosecution because of that.)
Also, the ADAs on the case are guilty of providing false information in their documents and briefs presented to the court, atty Nolan either willingly ignored the discrepancies or he simply isn't a savvy enough attorney to have caught them. I personally believe he ignored the blatant lies purposely, I base that on my total personal experience with him during my daughter's court case.
My daughter is black, gay and dresses masculine, she's also a bigger girl, which is worse than being black or gay in many Cape Codders' eyes. I feel that she ended up in prison due to these factors and these factors alone. I believe that Attorney Nolan along with law enforcement on Cape Cod, took one look at my daughter and determined her guilt based on her looks, race, sexuality and size.
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29 Feb, 2020 by Sandee pike
Great lawyer
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16 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Robert Brown represented me in my divorce. He was extremely knowledgable and I really felt as though he was always working in my best interest. He always gave recommendations but never did anything I wasn't comfortable with. Attorney Brown helped to get me through an extremely difficult situation. I had complete trust in Attorney Brown and would highly recommend him.
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12 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Brown represented me years ago in a family law matter. Personally, I think he's a genuine guy. He knows the law and he will represent you based on how you want to be represented...because we all have a choice. I could have been a raging lunatic in my case and we probably would have won a lot sooner, but I chose to maintain myself with dignity and to be as honest as I can without slandering the other person...despite how they behaved against me. Mr. Brown respected my wishes and I would recommend him based on his character even further more. He always demonstrated good ethics with me. A lot of lawyers attitude and actions encourage people to think they are not such great people; but this one is different.
If you need someone, call Mr. Brown. He'll take care of you and you will appreciate it!
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Not only is her secretary extremely rude, but she advertises herself as an estate lawyer and she is anything but. She was clueless throughout the process in which my family hired her HUSBAND, not her. they apparently share accounts and fail to tell anyone that. She did not meet any state or court deadlines with anything, she was the worst communicator with correspondence, and she does not follow up on anything. We eventually had to fire her because the estate became very stagnant and wasn't moving forward even though we were incurring charges for phone calls and emails that were never returned. She is very polite in her office to you and to your face, and is a typical textbook lawyer as soon as you leave and has zero concern for the families involved or the estate itself. She told us we were about two years away from closing the estate, as soon as we fired her and paid our bogus bill, the new law office closed the estate within 3 months. She is also never in the office, she has more excuses then a child. I would suggest if you want an estate to be done quickly and correctly, do not hire this woman.
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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:
-
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.
