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04 Oct, 2024 by Timmy
I cannot recommend Greg Dunn highly enough as a bankruptcy attorney. From the moment I reached out, he was professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate about my situation. Greg made a stressful and overwhelming process feel manageable by explaining every step clearly and providing practical guidance. He truly cared about my well-being and worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for me. His experience and expertise in bankruptcy law are exceptional, and I felt confident and supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for an attorney who is not only skilled but also genuinely cares, Greg Dunn is the one!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Darryl byrd
want to extend my deepest gratitude to Greg Dunn and team for their exceptional legal representation. From the beginning, they demonstrated a thorough understanding of my case, offering expert guidance and support every step of the way. Their professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail were evident throughout the entire process, and I always felt confident knowing I was in such capable hands.
Greg Dunn not only provided excellent legal advice but also took the time to explain complex matters in a way that was easy to understand. His responsiveness and genuine concern for my well-being made all the difference during this challenging time.
Thanks to their hard work, I was able to achieve a successful outcome, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I highly recommend Greg Dunn and, his team to anyone in need of skilled and compassionate legal assistance.
Thank you
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27 Sep, 2024 by Facts 808
There are times in your life where things happen that are out of your control. As much as you try your best to handle it all, you must make a decision. I researched and read reviews from many sites and locals. Honest testimonies are the best. Greg Dunn came up multiple times. It was obvious he was the one to visit. Greg and his staff Francene and Sterling are courteous, understanding, efficient, and knowledgeable. You will receive prompt responses. They took the time to explain all the documents and were very patient with my numerous questions and concerns. With a payment plan, exact cost laid out for you, and personal guidance, the process is less stressful, as you may have initially thought. They handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care. I now have peace of mind that everything was done properly and with a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Greg Dunn without any reservations.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I contacted Anthony after my employer refused to consider work accommodation needed due to my cancer. Anthony returned my calls promptly. He listened to my concerns and offered detailed feedback regarding my employment situation and the options I had available. His experience and expertise was very valuable and gave me a direction to proceed that would be beneficial. I recommend Anthony without reservation to anyone dealing with employment problems, disability discrimination, and unresponsive employers.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was referred to Mr. Aguinaldo from Legal Aid whom said they could not help me. He was gracious to hear my story as I was feeling helpless. He offered to help me out with a payment I could afford and looked over my employment severance agreement. He got back to me the next day and revised the agreement to my better liking. I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs assistance with employment and labor legal advice. Mahalo Anthony your are a Blessing!
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02 May, 2024 by Gail
Obtaining an attorney is not an everyday occurrence and identifying a good attorney from amongst others during a stressful time can be daunting. When faced with a seemingly "David and Goliath" situation, you seek to secure a champion who is honest, empathetic, gracious, and highly competent to fight your battle. I would highly recommend Anthony Aguinaldo as such a champion for the little guy.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Murray
I had a unforseen probate on the Island of Hawaii that was triggered with a property sale. The title company had referred me to Ms. Bodey, we had a consultation and after that Ms. Bodey had agreed to represent me in closing out my mother's probate. We did all of this via email and phone conversations. I live on the mainland and the process went very smoothly. All my expectations were met. Ms. Bodey is a kind and thoughtful person that takes the time and effort to make the process work as smoothly as possible. I would highly recommend Bodey Law LLLC.
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28 Jun, 2022 by Kevin
I’ve been working with Ivana for about 6 months and she’s an absolute pleasure. I’m a stickler for the details and her work has been perfect.
Ivana clearly understood the outcome I desired, explained the process, potential hurdles and the costs involved. Her work product was precise and on time.
I could not be happier.
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25 May, 2022 by Scott
Ivana assessed my situation during the initial consultation perfectly. Her follow threw, duedilligance and patients were key to the successful results achieved in my case. I am very grateful and pleased about my good fortune when finding Ivana to help me with this matter.
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27 May, 2021 by Michael
She is knowledgeable & professional;
ability to explain complex law terms simply.
She answers questions & concerns with care.
She is just a nice person.
She has the support of a capable staff.
We recommend this lady-lawyer.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Jenean
We used Obenauf law for our estate planning during the covid pandemic. It was a pleasure working with Meg and her staff especially because they were all knowledgeable, professional, and kind. It was a pretty easy process and they explained things in layman’s terms. Convenient as everything was through zoom. Would recommend Obenauf law group for estate planning! Happy and satisfied client. Thank you!
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25 Sep, 2020 by Dale
I've know Meg for twenty years. She is trustworthy, responsive, and very knowledgeable. I rely on her for sound advice. Very kind and caring. Her staff was equally respectful, caring and kind. I felt like I was in good hands.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Gabriela
Nathan is professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive, every time I contacted him he got back to us promptly. His expertise in real estate is invaluable and he did a great job of protecting our interests, we would have been lost without him.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Completed sale and filing of house sale to our complete satisfaction. Worked with trust lawyer and completed including our specific special circumstances.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Leonard
Nathan Natori assisted me in a home purchase. He was quick, thorough and accommodating by allowing all to be done by email and phone.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Carol williams
Eileen makes an uncomfortable procedure (a will) the easiest of procedures. We worked completely through e-mail until it was time for getting our wills notarized which saved us a great deal of time. She is the epitome of professionalism and guided us through each step and answered all of our questions. And, her fee was much less than another attorney I had talked to. It's definitely worth a call to Eileen if you need advice on wills and your estate. You will receive her professional expertise at a fair cost.
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09 Sep, 2023 by Amy korman
Eileen Nims had a draft back to me within 24 hrs of meeting her. I'm so happy I found her, she was so easy to work with.
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15 Sep, 2022 by Jayne bormann
Eileen Nims is incredibly knowledgeable about family intricacies and how to bring harmony in situations where conflict could easily arise. She is patient, thorough and intuitive, and always accessible for questions. I highly recommend this law firm for all of your Will, Trust and Estate Planning needs.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Carol
I highly recommend Stacey Joroff.
Stacey is a top-notch, efficient lawyer.
She will not waste your time or money and is very skilled in her profession.
I felt Stacey was honest to the point about all my options.
Look no further, she is the best on the island!
Mahalo Nui Loa, Stacey
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21 Oct, 2019 by Chris
I sought out Stacey to assist me with my divorce. She responded even though she was travelling at the time! She made time to see me even though it was rather short notice, and I was about to travel off island myself. She was very thorough, knowledgeable and prepared for every step of the process. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend her services to anyone in need of a fantastic lawyer for family court. Her rate is WORTH IT. No better lawyer on Kauai! Much Mahalos Stacey!
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27 Sep, 2019 by Tim.
skilled and compassionate attorney. honest and trustworthy. handled a difficult divorce with some sticky issues with honesty and tact. very professional and didn’t inflate her hours or influence. much appreciated
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10 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Steve is unbelievably awesome. He saved my sanity. Prepared my docs so fast and got my divorce filed and finalized within 2 months and I have kids! Amazing!!!
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06 Mar, 2017 by Hector
To sum up my personal experience with Steve: I was wrongfully accused of abusing my daughter by my ex and thanks to these committed individuals, I was not only exonerated of these false allegations but Steven went above and beyond to clear my name by finding crucial facts and fighting hard for me in and outside of court. I would recommend this office to any father (or mother) struggling in Family court and fighting for the TRUTH. Make no mistake, this office provides exceptional work and does not settle for anything less than average, every penny spent is worth their quality work.
Steve is a passionate and caring individual. He is very investigative in his work, never confronting an obstacle without being very prepared and well knowledgeable on the matter through his exceptional research skills. Mr. Kim responds well to all e-mails, providing a very insightful perspective and takes a commanding charge for necessary next steps. I now consider him not just my attorney who I know I can always count on for any legal matter, but most of all a friend I can depend on to protect my family.
Believe me when I said, I can trust my life that Steven will look out for the best interest of my life and my daughter. Thank you for everything.
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28 Oct, 2016 by Maria
Our family lives in the Mainland, and we were in a desperate need for legal support in Hawaii when I approached Steve. It was a complicated family court case, heartbreaking for us as it involves a child. Steve was very accommodating and he and his team expertly represented us throughout the long court process. Very professional and strategic in his delivery, yet attentive and cared deeply for what our family was going through. Happy to report that the results were very positive, better than we can hope for. Our home is now filled with laughter, and we owe it to Steve!
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19 Jun, 2019 by Michele
After my mother passed away I needed to sell her home in Kona, and I have never bought or sold a home before - it was all new to me.
I live on the mainland, and Donna was recommended by a family friend in Kona. I spoke to her on the phone and was very impressed by her knowledge of real estate law, her professionalism, and her communication skills. We got good advice from Donna (disclosure list, etc.).
We also had her look over anything we were given, by the realtor or the escrow company, to sign. She said the forms looked pretty standard, but there were a few things she had us change - she had our best interest at heart. My husband and I agreed that paying for an attorney look things over was well worth it for our peace of mind, and fortunately Donna’s rates were very reasonable.
After escrow closed we asked Donna to apply for the HARPTA refund, and about six months later we got the entire amount!
So thank you, Donna Payesko, for being there when we needed you and for helping to make sure everything went smoothly! Mahalo!
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30 Apr, 2017 by Eric
My wife and I started working with Donna for a basic will. After reading her website and meeting with donna we realized we really needed a full estate plan with a trust. Donna was amazing to work with, she is incredibly friendly, professional and ask all of the right questions.
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24 May, 2016 by Jaye
Donna Payesko has provided me advice in several areas of the law over a period of years. In various legal matters, I needed someone who could navigate complex waters -- in guardianship matters; other elder, finance and tax law issues; real property and matrimonial protection. Each matter required a clear understanding of what was involved, the parties’ claims, the possible options/ solutions and the steps and procedures necessary to move forward to resolution. Ms. Payesko's ability to isolate each issue, clarify the law regarding such matters and move forward expediently helped reduce the stress of the situation.
Ms. Payesko speaks well -- clearly and directly -- outlining the process using terms I understood. She is meticulous in her written communications, paying attention to detail and meeting all deadlines.
When I was required to furnish documentation to her for a legal matter, she was patient with my efforts to locate those documents, yet clear about their importance to the case. I could communicate in a variety of ways (scan, fax, email, phone, etc.), knowing she would receive my communication and respond in a timely matter. Ms. Payesko is an excellent listener and asked specific relevant questions to expedite the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice or the ongoing services of an attorney.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Although it was determined after Mr. Sakoda and I communicated by email that I would need Family Law representation for my legal situation, Mr. Sakoda was extremely helpful in offering me advice regarding a Family Trust, very quick to respond during our dialog and a compassionate person.
I am sorry I will not be able to use his services to represent me. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
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10 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
very knowledgeable, good communication, follow up and went the extra mile to help us through the difficult task of settling my Dad's estate. I would highly recommend Richard as an estate attorney.
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03 Jan, 2015 by Roy
Mr. Richard Sakoda is a very hardworking individual that has one goal in mine, and that goal is keeping his clients satisfied going above and beyond the scope of work requirements to ensure all areas of your problems are satisfied. He is knowledgeable of the work he does, trustworthy, excellent communicator who keeps you informed at all times. He discusses all relevant factors about your case, gives you alternatives, and provides advice in making the best decision to your case.
In our family experience, we have gone through three -(3) Lawyers, but we were not satisfied with their work we requested. We needed a legalized Will written to assure others won't have the ability to take away assets and properties that the deceased will leave to the appointed person/caretaker. But each Laywer we went to and paid to write the Will, were not exactly how we explained to them and therefore the Will needed to be rewritten. Instead of having the same Lawyer to redo the Will, we seek another Lawyer. A friend recommended Mr. Richard Sakoda. We met with him, asked questions and he were straight-forward with his answers. We told him our situation and what we wanted done. He immediately commenced working on the issue that we wanted fixed of which previous Lawyers we went to did not do unless we paid additional fee. Mr. Sakoda accomplished the Will the way we exactly wanted it to be done and completed it in a timely manner. We are now releived that no one; especially other family members, will not be able to intrude and be disruptive in making every effort to take-away or be a part owner of properties and assets that the deceased leave behind to the appointed person.
Mr. Sakoda is a good listener with unique combination of intuitive and analytical abilities. I highly recommend Mr. Sakoda to any person seeking assistance in writting a legalized Will as he is a professional and one of the best Lawyers that provides satisfaction guarantee to his clients.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Annie
Christopher Dang is amazing and I cannot recommend him enough. He is patient and kind and gave great guidance. He spent time with me and made sure I understood my options. He tries to help and also gives great referrals. I truly was lost and in a panic and felt so much better after our chats. Super knowledgeable helpful, responsive, trustworthy… I feel lucky to have found him. I will be referring him to my clients and friends as well.
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11 May, 2021 by Owen
Christopher Dang was a godsend to us.
We were in need of a major overhaul and update of our estate planning which included the creation of a new trust and the unraveling and simplification of a complex history surrounding a property deed.
We found in Chris an experienced and astute estate attorney who listened attentively and compassionately to our situation and responded on point with options and recommendations that would meet our needs.
What we appreciated about Chris was that he patiently helped us understand the pros and cons and the intricacies of various estate planning strategies in layman's terms with insightful illustrations and real-life examples. He graciously fielded our myriad of questions and always gave a thoughtful answer. Whenever we needed to connect with him by phone or email, we found Chris to be timely in his response.
Bottom line, we are more than satisfied clients. Our experience with Chris was nothing short of excellent. We left with a comprehensive estate plan, a new trust, a simplified deed, and a new friend.
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29 Aug, 2020 by Stephanie
We are very grateful for the time Christopher Dang spent assisting us with our estate planning and for coming up with a plan to meet our goals. He did an excellent job in making sure that our will and trust protect our assets. He is a well-versed estate planning attorney, who has good communication skills and a wealth of knowledge, which he uses to benefit his clients. We recently received our estate planning documents. The quality of his work is outstanding.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Ashkan
Jennifer did a great job explaining my rights and things I was giving up when signing a prenup. She gave examples on what it could mean for me, and also showed me how the law in Hawaii actually works.
As a non-US citizen it was really helpful to understand how everything works, and really glad that Jennifer simplified everything for me.
I would call her a modern day lawyer that uses both a business and personal approach to keep you as client very comfortable but at the same time well informed. She also is someone that would not sell additional unnecessary consultations or services, and just gets to the point.
Thank you so much Jennifer.
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24 Feb, 2022 by Douglas
I consulted Jennifer for preparation of a somewhat unconventional estate plan with some forwardlooking aspects of administration risks. Jennifer grasped the concept immediaely and she and I worked out appropriate language. She delivered timely and even provided a witness to my will--another lawyer. She did this for about a thousand dollars less than her estimate. Upon signing the documents, I had my trust immediately hire her to represent the trust, confident that upon my death, it would be in good hands.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Jennifer was appointed by the court as a liaison in a family matter and listened to both parties fairly and compassionately. She is diligent in her fact finding and forthcoming in her advice.
I believe anyone who hires her as there attorney will find it very easy to work with her and benefit from her work ethic.
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21 Oct, 2021 by Joel schechter
Very seldom does a person get to deal with a professional who deserves more than 5 stars! Thankfully we were able to find such a person in the sad period after our good friend died in Honolulu, HI.
We needed an estate and probate attorney to discuss and handle the distribution of the estate. We contacted Samuel Suen by email on a Sunday. He responded within a few hours and we set up a conference call for the following morning. Mr. Suen answered all our questions clearly in both a friendly and professional manner.
At the end of an hour-long discussion, for which there was no charge, I asked how we would pay his very reasonable hourly rate. Much to our surprise, he said we shouldn't hire him because there was no need to probate this particular will.
His honesty and forthrightness was amazing! We tried to figure out some reason to hire him but to no avail. Ultimately we wished him a very fond farewell.
Based on our experience, if you need an estate or probate attorney, you can't do better than Samuel Seun.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Matt winfree
Sam was amazing in all aspects of preparing our will, power of attorney, and advance directives. Super flexible during COVID, and incredibly tolerant when we missed our first appointment! Thank you Sam!
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13 Feb, 2020 by Randal yamaguchi
28 Jun, 2016 by Jack
Sean handled estate property probate and transfer in a professional and time effective manner for us. The process was very smooth even given we are not Florida residents and needed this to be handled without our presence.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Gordon
In my view Attorney Sean D. K. Scott is a gentleman and a compassionate counselor, who is very well informed in the matters relative to estate planning. Upon the recommendation of an old and dear friend of ours, my wife and I sought Sean's services to help us develop our estate plans, which included the design and drafting of trusts, wills, living wills, powers of attorney, etc. From the beginning of the process to the finalization of all documentations, we found working with Sean to be a pleasurable experience. He did a great job for us, and we would highly recommend him to others seeking similar help.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I had Attorney Sean Scott as a Business Law professor in school and knew he practiced what he taught. Some business partners and I started a company and I knew that we would be moving headquarters from the DC beltway area to Florida. I immediately contacted Sean and he was eager to help and come on board as our legal counsel. Instead of "going through the motions" he wanted to know as much about the company as possible. When someone asks me for information in the amount of a glass of water, I tend to open up a fire hose worth of information. He never rushed me and asked more questions to better establish the structure, organization, vision, and strategy of the company, so he could best identify how to set-up our company structure in Florida. He has incorporated our company, and created/drafted documents in our record book (articles, minutes, membership units, changes to our registrations and ownership, operating agreements, buy-sell agreements, special meetings, dissociations, power of attorneys, certificates of incumbency, purchase agreements, security agreements, etc.). He has also reviewed contracts, NDAs, teaming agreements, and non-compete/non-circumvent agreements.
I hired Mr. Scott originally to re-incorporate our company in Florida, but as our business model solidified it was apparent we would be needing an on-call legal counsel. Sean transitioned with ease and took on the added workload. He has always communicated promptly and thoroughly, and has never rushed off the phone during a call. He prioritizes efficiently and if something is going to take a little bit longer, he calls or emails with the reason for any delay and when the expected time of completion would be. We are a small business and nothing we have had to address is "urgent" so we told Mr. Scott from the beginning that if other more important work comes up, just let us know and we will be more than happy to take a back seat. We understand we are not his only client and are understanding of the dynamic legal practice environment.
I would highly recommend Sean Scott for any business law questions, concerns, or legal services. He is honest (rare in the business), detailed, and diligent. I loathe not being kept in communications, and Sean has been in constant contact throughout our business relationship. I have worked with other firms and they stand by the "no news is good news" motto which to me causes concern and anxiety when dealing with legal matters. I am glad for once I hit the jackpot for our legal representation needs.
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24 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Dave was very kind, professional and patient from the very beginning.
He made me really comfortable in explaining the whole process and it was easy to trust him because of his experience and knowledge. I would definitely recommend Dave to everyone I know. Thanks Dave for great service and outcome!
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18 Nov, 2015 by Sharon
Attorney David E. Smith is the type of attorney you want to represent you!! He handled my case with excellence and professionalism. His expertise and knowledge resulted in a successful outcome. He was very accessible, approachable, understanding, and guided me through the processes, explaining legalese so that I could be fully informed of the issues. I highly recommend Attorney Smith to represent you! He has your best interest at heart!
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15 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Smith is very knowledgable and effective in providing the necessary documents to protect our family and assets in the case of an emergency. He will educate you about the process prior to taking the case, and will provide realistic goals and outcomes.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Wilma
Jo Ann did my trust, she was very helpful, nice and she charged me a fair price. I would recommend her to others.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Completed our trust. Happy with her work. No issues. Trustworthy & well done.
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17 Aug, 2012 by Michael
We're no close personal friends but I know her as Treasurer of the non Profit I used to be treasurer for. Also she did Estate plan for me. Easily understood. Simple to do. Not overcharged. So.. I'm happy with her and her work.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Walt
I am one of the siblings mentioned previously and I would like to say that Eric impressed me with his knowledge and his ability to sort through all our various opinions and concerns. We were very pleased with the results obtained. Eric's professionalism kept would could have developed into a mess very focused business like. Thank you Eric.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Patricia
Eric represented me and my 3 siblings in a trust settlement. He managed to combine all of our opinions and helped us to receive far more than we ever anticipated. The trust was in Hawaii, but the four of us live in 3 different states! Through emails and phone conferences we were able to stay in constant communication with Eric. He was so patient will all of our requests and proved to be very bright and knowledgeable. Also, his fees were very reasonable. We feel truly blessed that his name was given to us. I highly recommend him!
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24 Jan, 2015 by Michelle
My husband and I feel extremely fortunate to have found Eric Young to help with our various trust concerns. Eric is highly competent and knowledgeable. He is also honest, straightforward, very respectful, and reliable. He has consistently shown us that he is dedictated to serving our best interests and not just out to "make a buck." If more attorneys were as honorable as Eric, the field would have a more positive reputation. He is an exceptional human being, and we feel privileged to know Eric. We highly recommend him in representing your interests.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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08 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Paupe is one of few lawyers who processes a solid legal knowledge with integrity. My trust case was bumped by other senior lawyers since it was a little different from what they do or they cannot make money from my small case.
But when Mr. Paupe heard my request, he showed his genius intent to offer help to me . He had down -to-earth personality traits, telling me what he thought about my case without any hesitation. He did fast research and mentored me through a legal jungle. The legal service provided by him makes my life much easier!
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11 Sep, 2019 by Volker
William Paupe recently set up our revocable Family Trust and Estate Planning Documents. All was done in a very consumer friendly and professional way. William Paupe explained everything very well in conversation and writing. We received all the documents in a beautiful solid folder all was indexed and perfectly organized.
I was involved with lawyers for other relative's Trusts before, but this time it was done the best . And you can't beat the price!
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24 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Bill was very helpful to our family. He helped tremendously in writing up a well thought out trust. Was very respectful and kind. I recommend him highly. And his price was most fair.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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31 Jul, 2020 by Harry
Very professional and gave honest answers to our questions. He made sure our wishes were granted.he explained all the procedures to make it legal and our last wishes were carried out.
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06 May, 2019 by Chris
My wife and I hired Michael to put together our estate plan. He wave very accommodating to our circumstance and got us thinking about things we had previously not considered. We are very happy with the result and we know without a doubt he had placed the best interest of our family first. We highly recommend Michael.
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10 Nov, 2014 by Kathy & bryce
We are extremely pleased with Bart Koza's professional conduct and expertise and how he was very helpful and quick to respond to us over any legal matters or concerns we had in regards to my parent's trust deed and that is why we chose him to to handle our trust deed as well. We live on the mainland but have complete faith and trust in Bart's years of experience, knowledge and integrity. He understands elder law very well and goes above and beyond by showing his compassion, caring and understanding. We would highly recommend Bart to anyone seeking a very professional, efficient, kind and hardworking attorney like Bart Koza!!!
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19 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Very nice and down to earth. Explained everything very clearly and was very thorough.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
23 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
When my husband and I purchased our business, John expertly helped us with every step. I have total confidence that our estate plans and business registration documents are complete, accurate, and suited perfectly for our needs. John truly has given me peace of mind. I look forward to working with him again in the future, and I recommend him highly.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Amber
I'm extremely grateful to have found John to help me with my estate planning. He's exceptional, a true professional and someone I trust very much. He always spends the time to explain how things work in terms I understand and what my options are so I can make the best decisions for me and my estate. He then takes care of everything else, making the entire process really easy. I can't imagine working with anyone else. I highly recommend him.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
19 Sep, 2020 by Sean taoka
Very friendly and explained everything
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23 Feb, 2016 by Rkp
Mark and his team showed tremendous knowledge and skill for my case. They took the time to explain to me the pros and cons, and they were realistic with attainable goals. Words can't really explain how very much appreciative I am for their dedication and hard work. Mark and Clay are an awesome team, and I wouldn't ask for any other attorney!
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
15 Aug, 2015 by Bob
Mr Nakamura ' experience and knowledge were of great assistance in executing a very complex estate case. Thanks to his expertise every aspect went smoothly.
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02 Jan, 2018 by Caroline k
Michelle was a compassionate, respectful and very knowledgeable, legal professional who took the time to answer all of my questions. I also enjoyed working with all of her patient, diligent and responsible staff.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Stacey
Our family has been working with Mr Smith for over 2 years on a highly contested and highly emotional matter involving probate, estate, and family law. He has done an amazing job at representing our family, he is always clearly explaining options as well as advising us on the easiest path to take to be able to move forward. He is a caring man who feels like part of the family, not just another attorney. He takes his cases and his clients in on a personal level and works very hard to achieve a desired outcome. He has passion for the law and fairness, but even more so he has a passion for the clients he represents. He has a vast level of experience, and with that he has developed a deep understanding that these legal issues are often emotionally draining on a family. Knowing that he checks in on a personal level with reminders of taking time out to care for ourselves and our own happiness when so much of our time is wrapped up in caring for, and caring about someone else's happiness. More important than anything he helped to make sure that in the end of this highly litigated case, Dad was happy, well taken care of, and he could live a full and happy life surrounded by people he loves, with all the rights and freedoms he deserves. We will always appreciate Mr Smith's approach and his dedication to our family and could never completely explain how much he has helped along the way. We highly recommend Mr Smith and his team, especially if you are looking for knowledgeable yet personal attention.
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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:
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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.
