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20 Apr, 2017 by Nick
I love Nate! He is awesome!! He saved me a lot of money!!!
I brought Nate my traffic ticket. He was great. He gave me his personal cell phone number and talked to me about the case and explained everything to me.
Nate got the ticket dismissed.
I am very happy with his services.
I wish had him on my prior tickets.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Chris
Nathan was a great lawyer for me. He always answered my phone calls and explained everything that was going on with my case. He fought hard for me in court. He is a smart guy too. I would definitely use him as my lawyer again.
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30 Sep, 2016 by Andrew w
I hired with Mr. Nevins for a difficult civil matter and he was able to walk me through exactly what I needed to move forward with the case. He was very easy to reach at any time. He genuinely cared about the outcome and my situation.
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16 Aug, 2016 by Diego aristizabal
Michael successfully defended a foreclosure case in which the bank made a plenty of mistakes in the mortgage process that he identified after a careful review of all the paperwork and he achieved the objective of a dismissal of the case.
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16 Aug, 2016 by Rafael
Michael was very good at helping us to navigate the complexities of buying a new home. He helped us to identify potential risks, and to make informed decisions. You do need your own lawyer in dealing with a builder, even a established builder with good reputation. Builder contracts tend to be written to favor them not you, and you do not want to overlook things that might become future surprises.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Rick
Michael understands the law well. He will explain anything you don't understand. Efflicient office to work with. Highly recommend.
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28 Oct, 2018 by Frances
It was a very pleasant experience to have Attorney Staci Hershey to restate my Revocable Trust. I could not have asked for a more professional attorney, yet she was so personable. She went above and beyond when explaining the documents I needed (things my original attorney did not explain). I highly recommend Attorney Staci Hershey. You wIl not be disappointed.
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03 Jan, 2016 by Stephanie
Ms. Hershey advised me on a variety of topics. She was friendly, prompt and courteous. I was put at ease with her knowledge and able to make informed decisions thanks to her guidance and support. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
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15 Dec, 2015 by Elena
I contacted Ms. Hershey regarding estate planning. I am so pleased with this firm. Ms. Hershey is extremely knowledgeable and very effective. She made sure to explain the entire process to my family and myself, so we understood each detail. She is approachable, and I felt comfortable asking her all of my questions. She took care of everything we needed quickly, and efficiently. I would recommend the Hershey Law and will continue to use her services.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Julie guy
Mark Eiglarsh is the bar that should be set for all attorney's. He treats every client like a human with no judgement and is truly one of the most positive people you will ever meet. Just walk through the halls of the Broward County Courthouse and you will see how many of his peers respect and revere him. I can not explain the level of peace and trust we felt knowing Mark represented us and had our back. If you are in need of representation, and want to sleep again at night, then without any any shadow of a doubt, Mark Eiglarsh is your man.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Ambar cedeno
I recently had the privilege of working with Law Offices of Mark Eiglarsh and my attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, and I can't recommend them enough. From the very beginning, they demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication to my case. Mark was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also attentive to every detail, keeping me informed and involved at every step. Mark and his assistant Yani took the time to truly understand my situation and tailored their approach to ensure the best possible outcome. Their ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease gave me confidence throughout the entire process. Thanks to Mark and Yani’s hard work and commitment, we won the case, and I couldn't be more grateful. Their strategic thinking, communication, and determination made all the difference. If you're looking for a top-notch law firm with a proven track record of success, I highly recommend Mark Eiglarsh. He is a true expert in the field, and I’m so thankful for their support and guidance.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Lucia budhai
Our son was recently represented by the Law offices of Mark Eiglarsh and we are extremely grateful for the time and effort that Mark and Yani put into representing him. They were extremely informative, professional and transparent with our son. We are ecstatic with the outcome of the case and would full heartedly recommend the Law offices of Mark Eiglarsh to anyone who needs competent representation.
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26 Apr, 2021 by Richard
Matt has been most helpful as to drafting estate documents on my behalf which have been most beneficial as to estate taxes.
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29 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Schneider is an attorney who cares about his clients. I came to him for help me resolving a nursing home issue and to draft a will, power of attorney and advance directive relating to my mother. Attorney Schneider effectively handled the matter for me in a professional and timely fashion. I would recommend him to anyone needing a reliable elder care attorney.
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24 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Schneider handled a complex issue regarding real estate owned by my family's trust in NYC. He kept me well informed and handled all of our questions. Very professional and very knowledgeable of the law.
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23 Nov, 2022 by Cynthia
I was referred to John Clarke after contacting five or six other lawyers that did not want to bother with my case; I got the impression that they didn't think it was worth it for them. When I first spoke with John, he actually listened! And then he asked me pertinent questions. Throughout our interactions, he called to keep me up to date and if I called him, he got back to me by end of business day. He made us feel as if our case was the most important one he had, which I know it wasn't.
John is the ultimate professional and it would be hard to find anyone better, in so many ways. From diligence and responsiveness to patience and understanding, he has all the traits needed to guide you through any negotiations/agreements or trial.
I highly recommend John Clarke to represent you!
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11 May, 2017 by Mark
Mr. Clarke is tough and smart! After my house was sold at a foreclosure auction, the bank sued me for a deficiency of $150K. He analyzed the case carefully and found that the servicer, which had acquired the loan from the original lender, hadn't filed the correct documents to prove standing. As a result the court dismissed the case. I only wish I had hired him before they took my house!
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09 May, 2017 by Anonymous
A friend recommended we speak to Mr. Clarke after my husband and I were injured in an accident. We weren't sure how to proceed. Mr. Clarke took 90 minutes to get all the details of our case, and clearly explain what remedies we could realistically seek. He also explained how are damages would be assessed, and the pros and cons of settling the case prior to suit. We were very impressed by his professionalism, knowledge and dedication to his clients.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Rogers handled a lawsuit brought against 3 sisters by one sister regarding a trust that was set up by our deceased father. It was complicated and emotional. Attorney Rogers responded quickly to our many questions and gave us sound advise. We were able to reach a settlement which is something we all had hoped for.
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05 Aug, 2019 by Ray
Mr Rogers has been my first choice for 20 years when acquiring or disposing of real estate in Florida and when a family member died his management of the probate case was equally phenomenal. He has helped with my growing business several times too. Mr Rogers is a first class gentleman that puts his clients first and never loses focus. Smart, experienced and professional with an amazing staff too. Highest recommendation!
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14 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Romney Rogers was recommended to me as a probate attorney in Broward County. I must say I was thoroughly impressed with his handling of my case and the cooperation of not only him but of Liz and her ability to keep me informed and work out whatever issues and questions that arose. I would recommend his firm to anyone seeking legal assistance. They have been a pleasure to work with.
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20 Sep, 2019 by Eli
Greg spent the time with me on the phone to understand my legal situation with patience, curtesy and wisdom. Would highly recommend.
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01 Dec, 2017 by Samantha
You can be confident that you are getting smart, practical proactive legal advice from Greg at all times. He is quickly responsive and extremely helpful. Best small business lawyer around! I am lucky to have found him and would highly recommend him.
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10 Dec, 2015 by Coleen
I was referred to Greg Medalie a number of years ago by my accountant. He has helped me with several projects over the years for both personal needs (a prenuptial agreement and will) and for my business. I can count on Greg getting back to me quickly and resolving the issue at hand. I truly appreciate the great service he provides and the top-notch legal advice he provides.
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03 Jun, 2016 by Kate
I hired Mr. Buresh based on a referral by a friend. I was in a financially, tough situation and scared to even reach out to him in fear that he couldn't help me. I felt relieved after meeting with Mr. Buresh. He not only clearly demonstrated his knowledge, he had options and educated me on the pros and cons. While I was nervous about the option he said was the best road under our circumstances, I decided to trust in him. I am so thankful I did. Reflecting back 2 years, he was clearly right and my life is forever changed. On a sidenote, on top of it all, throughout the process he (and Diane his executive assistant) came across as a really good person and made it easy to discuss something that I found embarrassing and challenging.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I turned to Fredric during a financially challenging time in my families life. He was down to earth, non judgmental, and clearly knew his business. He was thorough during the process and we were thankful for the end result. Forever thankful for his specialty and kindness.
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21 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Fred Buresh is the small-town type of attorney, found in a big city, with good morals, ethics, and integrity. He is trustworthy and I have recommended him to many close friends and family. He gets the job done!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Jim m
Mrs. Goldberg was the most knowledgeable person in my issue. I had a problem with another attorney trying to collect a life insurance policy from a friend who had passed. I was told by my previous attorney it would take about 3 months or so to get it resolved. For unknown reasons my previous attorney let it drag out 18 months for a simple issue. I contacted and hired Mrs. Goldberg and she got everything resolved in 5 weeks. I just received the life insurance check today. She is the best. Answers all my questions. I'm so happy...thank you all!!!!! Odelia Goldberg my hero.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Janet
We met with Ms. Odelia to go through, review & determine the necessary paperwork needed to put in place so that our children will have an easy time when the time comes that they need to act on our behalf and for when we pass. We had additional questions as one child lives in a different state and is affected by different rules. We have other unique situations that Odelia is also working on to help us with. She was kind, understanding, thorough, calming, patient, and gave us the tools and information so we can make the best decisions for our family. She provided us with information and guided us. What is also truly special is that the employees that we met or communicated with Shira, Rachele and the girl who met us when we arrived were truly welcoming and pleasant; the office feels like family. I definitly recommend the office of Odelia Goldberg.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Tony
I needed help for my mother's Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Last Will. Odelia was kind, professional, fast, efficient, and priced extremely reasonably. I have no regrets using her services.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Enrique galicia
This guy is my go to for everything. He has helped me close two cases, both with wins. 100% win record
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07 Oct, 2024 by Jocelyne reyes-frometa
Truly happy with the attention and professional assistance of Aimee Garces. Her advise and knowledge helmed me be at ease, could not have been in better hands.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Yomy del toro
I had the pleasure of working with Aimee and Alexandra, and I cannot speak highly enough of their exceptional teamwork. They were attentive and made me feel genuinely heard and valued throughout the process. I would confidently recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you both for your outstanding support.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Raymond
I'd confidently recommend Greg to anyone seeking legal counsel in Estate Planning or a Probate case. He has a high level of knowledge & experience.
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11 Jan, 2016 by Tom
I am a lawyer myself but without a special expertise in estate planning which is the advice I was seeking, specifically revising my will and establishing multiple trusts. I found Greg's advice to be clear and well reasoned. He explained how he felt my current estate documents could be improved under FL law to better meet the expectations I sought. And he was right. I'm a stickler for careful drafting and I found Greg's abilities first rate in wordsmith which is so very important in wills/trusts. I was impressed with his clarity in draftsmanship which exceeded my previous documents. Bottom line, he understood what I wanted to accomplish and provided the necessary explanations and drafting to be sure I achieved my goals. I was totally satisfied.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Scott
Terry is an outstandng attorney who worked with my parents and made sure that all issues were covered thoroughly. She has completed my estate work as well and I sleep well at night knowing everything has been done, and done right!
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17 Dec, 2012 by Bonnie
I went to Terry initially for estate planning and she was very knowledgable, informative and helpful. I've since referred her to others for issues with their elder parents. She is kind, compassionate and caring and was able to help with all of their needs including guardianship and trust. She really cares about people!
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09 Feb, 2016 by David
I live in Pennsylvania....and (subsequent to a recommendation) I met/consulted in person with Attorney Nina Chepp one time. All other estate work was done via email, US mail, and fax. Nina and assistant Alida Bustos clearly advised and processed the considerable paper work involved. 5 Star recommendation for their competence, efficiency, and pleasantness.
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08 Dec, 2011 by Bob
I hired Ms. Chepp about six years ago. She is outstanding in her knowledge of the law. Ms. Chepp is a true professional in her field of elder law and guardianships. I reside in the state of Pennsyvania and she helped me with many questions and problems that had to do with my guardianship of a relative. I am fortunate to have Ms. Chepp as my attorney.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Paul
I called Christopher Wintter for a consultation. Mr. Wintter was not the first attorney I had spoken to. I had spoken to several others. After he reviewed my mothers will and trust, he actually gave me unexpected advice, and relieved the terrible pressure I had thinking that litigation was imminent. All other lawyers l had spoken to were pushing me to litigate. Christopher Wintter spent over an hour on the phone patiently explaining to me that things weren't as bad as I was thinking. He translated and clearly explained the legal language of the will and trust. All of this was done prior to me retaining him for anything. I felt incredibly grateful and I'm writing this letter to show my gratitude of having the luck to run into this honest attorney If you're looking for someone that's not going to take advantage of their advantage, and actually seems to have compassion and integrity, I highly recommend this gentleman. I am sure he saved me a great deal of hardship.
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22 Jun, 2016 by Mike
I highly recommend Christopher Wintter and his law firm. I was referred to Mr. Wintter by word of mouth as he is well regarded in Probate and Estate Litigation. I had a rather difficult estate issue and on my first contact with Mr. Wintter he gave me excellent legal advice while putting me at ease and giving me hope during a difficult time.
He made his fees clear to me and approached our consultation with a very practical perspective that made
it easier for me to understand the circumstances.
After retaining Mr. Wintter and his firm I found that he and his associates were very professional and knowledgeable in the practice of Estate Law. Being specialists in this area of law turned out to be a great advantage to me and I was extremely satisfied with the outcome of my case. I wish I would have found Mr. Wintter’s firm sooner as it would have saved me a good deal of time and effort.
I highly recommend this firm and I will use Christopher Wintter and Associates again in the future.
Sincerely,
Michael.N
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13 Oct, 2013 by Ls
Sophia Lopez handled the estate and probate issues for our family. She was thorough with all the legal and tax prep paperwork, kept all of her promised appointments, and was more than fair in billing at the end.
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18 Apr, 2021 by Linda
I bought 2 homes and sold one with her advice and assistance it was painless. She is thorough with her simple breakdown at each part of the process, she put my mind at ease when you are buying for the first time and the closing process is overwhelming. I highly recommend she will get the job done.
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08 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Kurt has been our legal counsel for many years. We rely on him and he delivers. Thank you Kurt for many years of great advice from you and your team.
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25 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Steven was great - he walked me through what would ordinarily have been a scary and confusing road. I would not hesitate to recommend his services.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Extremely knowledgeable! Provided excellent, hands-on service, and really helped me to understand all of the things I needed to do to get my estate planning in order. Highly recommended -- takes the time to make sure that his clients understand what is going on, and are doing the right things today to help make sure they are all set in the long run.
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25 Nov, 2013 by Mark
Carl has been an outstanding asset to our company. His knowledge of real estate, and contract law has helped our company be successful in all of our transactions the last three years. He takes time to answer any questions, and deal with any issues that arise as fast as possible. Our company would not have been as successful as it has in the last few years with out Carl's guidance and relationships in the local legal community.
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30 Apr, 2013 by Steve
I've known David for a couple years and I hired him to handle probate for my father's estate. Prior to my father's passing he hired an attorney that did not specialize in estates to set up his will and to arrange the title of his property in order to avoid probate after his passing. This was a mistake. Unfortunately things were not done properly, as we discovered while trying to close on the sale of his property. David came in to the situation and had the probate process handled within a few weeks. David did an excellent job. David lives and breathes wills, trusts and estates! He is very knowledgable, courteous and keeps you up to date with what is going on with your case. Also, his fees are very competitive in the marketplace. If you have any need for a wills, trusts and estates attorney I highly recommend you contact David Shulman.
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17 Aug, 2014 by Donna
I am very discriminating about the professionals I do business with & I would highly recommend Jody Leslie as a very knowledgable, trustworthy & caring Attorney! She came very highly recommended to me & it's not hard to see why!
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20 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I interviewed several lawyers prior to choosing Ms Soni. Everyone else was trying to sell me way more than I felt comfortable or services I thought were not needed. Also scare tactics were high on their list of ways to try to get business from me. Ms Soni addressed my concerns and gave great advice on what she recommended to start and prioritized my plan over the next serveal months to years based on what I wanted to do and goals to achieve. As a physician/ surgeon I am very concerned about Estate Planning and Asset Protection. There is just so much different information on the internet about this topic and various approaches recommended by different lawyers. Ms Soni explained the pros and cons of each method and helped guide the best option for me which is an out of state limited partnership and an off shore LLC. I highly recommend her services.
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31 Oct, 2021 by Bianca
Long overdue review, but better late than never. I consulted with Kristen in early 2020, right after the consultation I was really happy, she was right to the point, she was very attentive. She understood the assignment and got it done. Within a few months of hiring her and after years of fighting and searching for the right lawyer to represent me. It only took Kristen a few months to help me to obtain my son's documents, she represented me very well. Thank you Kristen. I haven't forgotten your good works towards me and my son. I am forever grateful.
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14 Aug, 2017 by Tais lessa
My husband and I did our trust with Laura Burkhalter last year. Very professional, with attention to detail, she was always there to answer our questions. I would definetly recommend Mrs. Burkhalter to anyone looking for a top notch lawyer.
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10 Jul, 2014 by Adrian
Attorney Marty Elberg was extremely professional when handling my case. Marty kept me informed through out the process. He explained legal jargon in common terms. I highly recommend Marty to represent you or anyone that needs representation. I had a great experience and will use Marty again in the future.
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30 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Alan is a great estate planning lawyer. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a seasoned, intelligent, honest and highly competent attorney.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Ryan
Ms. Roszko was the superlative choice when it came to choosing a lawyer to argue against the judgement I was facing.
I was staring down a default judgement that was granted based on the fact that I was "served" notice to defend myself in court even though I never received the notice. Subsequently, my bank account was frozen as a default judgement was granted. I needed to do something. This is when I decided to speak with Emma Roszko.
We both knew the service was invalid and although I had broken the lease in question I would have answered a legal notice if it was served properly. Through some nifty legal wrangling Ms. Roszko was able to argue that the service was invalid and show the statue of limitations for the broken lease was up putting an end to any further lawsuits. I contribute Ms. Roszko's hard-work, dedication, and professionalism to bringing this case to a happy ending.
Ms. Roszko managed my expectations the entire length of the case and I was thrilled with her work. She was able to utilize her expertise to give me the judgement I hoped for. I completely recommend her for any legal work you may need.
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03 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I can't believe how efficient he was. Mr. Fischler was able to resolve my case better than I initially hoped for. I felt helpless until I hired him, then I knew everything was going to be ok. If you need a lawyer, he's your guy!
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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.
