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09 Sep, 2024 by Lily
Jonathan is a great lawyer! I had been trying to get a divorce for three years and he was able to help me finalize it in a few months. He did what my previous lawyer could not do in years! He is also a very empathetic lawyer and is truly always there to help his clients.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Sat
They say first impressions are important and Jonathan Fox made a huge first impression and reflected it throughout the process. Prior to signing with him on the initial call, he spoke to me in detail despite it being after working hours to help me understand the process. He is very professional, articulates well, responds promptly, and ALWAYS puts his clients first. I couldn't be happier to have Jonathan represent me in my legal matter now and in the future.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Gina
Highly Recommended. Mr Fox is always available when ever u need him. Always Return ur call same day. He deserves 7stars *******
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16 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Anna Teller for all your legal needs. She was very considerate of my situation and guided me through the divorce process. I especially liked how the firm handle my case and suggested options to minimize legal costs. Anna dealt very patiently with me and I never felt I was being rushed into making decisions. I was quite pleased with the final outcome and overall experience with the firm. Highly recommended.
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16 Dec, 2020 by Niambi
I couldn't have gotten through this without her! She was patient and detailed through the whole process. Also, very fair pricing. Also, Donald helped with a frantic last minute question that I had in Anna's absence to put my mind at ease. Overall wonderful experience.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
When I walked into the Teller Law Firm, I was made to feel very comfortable. They were patient while I explained my situation and very compassionate. They explained the possibilities and processes and helped me make a decision. They also explained the costs and how things would be handled. Anna Teller was very competent and fair. She helped me achieve the divorce and remain fair and equitable with my husband. She stayed with me the whole time and made me feel comfortable and confidant I had done the right thing. The entire staff is courteous and friendly. Whenever I called, they were more than willing to talk and explain things. I would and will recommend the Teller Law Firm to anyone I know that needs this service.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Jason
I hired Mr. Hollinger to secure Guardianship for my special needs son. From start to finish he was extremely professional, capable, and thorough. While the attorney ad litem was in agreement, our case was met with resistance from the court investigator. That opposition was swiftly snuffed out during the proceedings. Mr. Hollinger was able to obtain powerful affidavits from my son's high school STARS teacher and the Senior Attorney at his medical facility (hospital) that, along with other compelling evidence, made it very clear that a full Guardianship was the only viable verdict.
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18 Aug, 2020 by Sandi
When my husband passed unexpectedly without a will, Scott was able to help me transfer all assets to my name only. Scott was very thorough and patient. He explained what to expect every step of the way. Scott was great and I recommend him highly.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Tom
Scott has handled both my divorce, and my Will and Testament, both of them in a timely and professional manner. Throughout each of them, he’s been responsive to any and all questions that I’ve had, (and there were many). Most importantly , he’s a consummate professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to retain his services again.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Chris caffey
Very positive experience(s). Have used him on Family Law matters and been very pleased with his counsel and deliverables. Responsive, straight foward communicator that gets to the heart of the matter and does so effectively and affordably.
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21 Sep, 2020 by S frank
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22 Aug, 2020 by Terry worthington
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13 Oct, 2022 by Chris caffey
Very positive experience(s). Have used him on Family Law matters and been very pleased with his counsel and deliverables. Responsive, straight foward communicator that gets to the heart of the matter and does so effectively and affordably.
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21 Sep, 2020 by S frank
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22 Aug, 2020 by Terry worthington
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13 Oct, 2022 by Chris caffey
Very positive experience(s). Have used him on Family Law matters and been very pleased with his counsel and deliverables. Responsive, straight foward communicator that gets to the heart of the matter and does so effectively and affordably.
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21 Sep, 2020 by S frank
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22 Aug, 2020 by Terry worthington
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26 Sep, 2018 by John
Fiona Worthy is very professional and handles cases throughout the metroplex. In our case, she handled a ticket for a family member. Both she and her office were a pleasure to work with from start to finish and were very responsive to any questions. I highly recommend her.
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27 Feb, 2018 by William trigg
This lady is the best I have ever dealt with, she explains everything up front in detail with u.. Mrs. Worthy is a very professional attorney.. I would recommend her to anyone.. thank u for all your help
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18 Apr, 2017 by Matthew
I have hired Jordyn on several occasions and each time I have been beyond impressed with her attention to detail, attentiveness to my questions (a lot of them) and her overall professionalism. She answers all of my communications on the same day and delivers on her deadline. I will continue to use Jordyn for all of my legal representation, legal docs, etc. I would highly recommend her for any needs you may have.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Kellye raughton
Jordyn is an incredible attorney who will always work hard for her clients. Trusting, caring, and brilliant are just a few of the words I would use to describe her. Jordyn truly cares about her clients and the cases she takes on, which is a rare trait in today's society. She is amazing!!
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09 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Our company recently engaged Mr. Ippolito to assist us with acquiring certified legal documents from a State agency. We were very impressed with Mr. Ippolito’s ability to quickly acquire the documentation, and we will definitely use his services again in the future. We found him to be very professional and responsive to our specific business needs. We also felt that Mr. Ippolito's billing rate was fair for the services rendered.
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21 Dec, 2010 by Mike
Very Competent, multi-faceted attorney. Excellent service to my clients. Clients praise her down home personality and ability to explain things on their level. Skilled in several areas of law that help provide legal needs to the total Family. My knowledge of Mrs. Wilkinson's experience has come from personal and/or clients referrals in areas of Trusts, business sale contract, corporate formation, custodian/guardianship, will probate, wills, medical directives, POA, divorce.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Kaley devries
Powell Law firm was great to work with. Very professional, timely, and communicated well throughout the entire process.
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09 May, 2024 by Ramya setlur
Lauren Powell is my current lawyer helping me with a very messy and high conflict divorce case that involves child custody. She was recommended by a friend of mine. Lauren has handled my case for about a year now. I’m so glad she took my case when my previous lawyer closed her practice. Lauren is very thorough in her preparation for the Hearings. Her office staff and her are very quick in communications. She understood my situation ( long term abusive relationship) and has always showed confidence in me and trusted me. That is huge for someone like me who came from decades long abuse. My case sat for over a year with no movement. Lauren has made strides in the year I’ve worked with her. Wish I had found her sooner Lauren is a powerful force in Court. She’s to the point and asks the right questions of the opposing side and their people. She is supported by a great team.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Brandon mathis
My experience with the Powell Law Offices including Lauren Shelly and the team was a first class experience and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for services that they handle. They have invested into technology and services that really make the client experience simple clear and concise. From the initial consult to the resolution of my case things were very seamless and the team was always quick to respond when I had questions.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie s
I had never used a lawyer before, and was going through divorce after almost two decades in the relationship. Mark balanced patience and urgency with me during a deeply challenging time. He handled my divorce and custody terms with incredible pragmatism. My emotions were all over the place! When discussing specific options, he was awesome at keeping my mind focused on what I needed in the decree and how to manage going forward. There were a number of more complex terms, and he was intentional in explaining things to me as well as how the language works in these documents. Mark was always responsive, prompt and engaged when we communicated. He had a manner of both literal thinking and compassion, which is a rare mix. I still have his voice in my head sometimes when I lose track, and it has been a few years since my divorce. Hey Mark, thanks for keeping a cool head through my hot mess of a divorce!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Jason
Called for advice on some life insurance. Made me feel like I was wasting his time and was very rude.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Ana garcia-patino
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23 Aug, 2024 by Kai schub
Timothy and his team provided a great service setting up my LLC. They answered all my questions and responded quickly to my emails.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jonvincent bell
Clay Wilkerson performed like a well- oiled race car! When you need performance, and you need it NOW, you got the right one with Clay Wilkerson! From the first conversation, he will jump in with both feet and kick butt! I wish I could use him in all of my legal issues. He did me a favor by being my lawyer. I would DEFINITELY employ him again and again!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Spoken cursive
I had a great experience with Mr. Wilkinson! He was not only honest, professional, and timely but also took the time to truly understand my concerns during a prolonged legal issue. His reassuring approach and clear game plan gave me confidence moving forward. Mr. Wilkinson provided me with expert legal advice in a fair and objective manner, without letting emotions cloud his judgment. I would not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Wilkinson again if I ever need legal assistance in the future. Highly recommended!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Yolanda romero
Excelente atención, profesionalmente responsable, atento y su rapidez es impresionante, lo recomiendo ampliamente.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Brendan vance
Highly recommend! I decided to go through with Mr. Tenorio for my first visitation modification case. It was a quick turnaround from when I filed the case to when I went to court. I am very pleased with the outcome. I now I have more time with my child. Completely satisfied with the entire process. Thank you.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Veronica rodriguez
By far one of the best attorneys I've ever had, I'm honestly very blessed and grateful to have had him. If I could give him more then 5 stars I definitely would give him all of them. When I first told him about my case, he took it right away and went straight to work on it. He's answered EVERY phone call, email and text I've sent him right away no matter what time it was, he doesn't disappoint at all. I just want to say THANK YOU so much for everything you've done for me and my family especially helping us stay together. You truly are an AMAZING lawyer.
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10 Nov, 2019 by Dr. c
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18 Jul, 2019 by Zackery horton
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17 Oct, 2024 by Hannah
Mike and his team were great, we had a really difficult case and they helped me fight every step of the way. He was an excellent attorney as well as the other attorneys at the firm and their staff, everyone was knowledgeable and responsive.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Harry
I had a profoundly negative experience with this law firm - Michael Sturgill. They made empty promises and failed to deliver on their commitments. After retaining their services, I experienced a complete lack of progress on my case for an entire month. Instead of focusing on my legal matter, the firm pressured me to agree to a continuance that would significantly impact my life and the well-being of my children. It became evident that their primary concern was financial gain rather than client satisfaction. I strongly advise potential clients to exercise caution and consider seeking legal representation from a more reputable firm. They also refuse to return my retainer money that I need to hire another attorney to help my three Baby Girls.
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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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