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Dave Bagley LL.M., experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Pocatello, ID with 0 reviews
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Trevor Lowell Castleton, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Idaho Falls, ID with 41 reviews
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41 Reviews
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24 Jul, 2024 by Helen hardy
Jeff Banks took on my partition case leading me to believe that I would be represented by him. He knew all the specifics. Retainer was $5000. Did not hear from him for a long time. I called him numerous times, he did not return my calls. $2000 more and year and a half later, I spoke with him, and what he told me was that he wasn't familiar with partition cases. He sent my case to Tyler Dodge. Tyler just wanted to get it settled. For anybody out there who has $7000 to spend, you should treat yourself to a nice vacation!!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Kalina peace
Very helpful and where quick to get things settled. Staff was kind and helpful every time I called.
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12 Jun, 2022 by William spafford
The attorney for my ex-wife.
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Durward Keith Bagley II, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Pocatello, ID with 0 reviews
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Ellis Eifert, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Moscow, ID with 0 reviews
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Brian L Webb, experienced Business, Construction attorney in Eagle, ID with 0 reviews
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Stephen J. Muhonen, experienced Debt Collection, Estate Planning attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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Brent Nielson, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Twin Falls, ID with 0 reviews
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Matt Hunter, experienced Estate Planning, Probate attorney in Eagle, ID with  reviews
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J Michael Kulchak, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Boise, ID with 1 reviews
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1.0
1 Reviews
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22 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mike was suggested through a company provided legal referral program. We had a case involving a incident with an animal. I would normally have gone through our regular attorney but given that my pay goes into the benefits at work I thought I would give it a chance. Mike is abrasive and egocentric, and has very little base (in my opinion) to back this stance up. I did more than I should have to collect and gather data for our case and he merely showed up to court. Though in his appearance there was no pretense of effort or alertness. At one point we met in his office which is a absolute disaster, and he couldn't find the information he had called us over for (which, by the look of his office was probably common). He casually handed us un-redacted court documents telling us that he "shouldn't" but did so anyway. I am no professional in this field but freely giving a individual information which includes the social of those they are up against doesn't seem like a wholly safe practice. Fortunately I am benign and would never forfeit my integrity to ambition. He also made a comment that the legal services don't "pay him enough money" for his effort. If that is the case it sounds like Mike should not involve himself in the referral process. The act of agreeing to provide a service for some compensation then not delivering calls your integrity into question. Eventually we lost the case and had to move the remainder of our dealings over to our normal attorney. Who did the job Mike could not. My suggestion would be to avoid Kulchak even if you are given a opportunity to have it at no cost to you. This was a lesson learned, abide others advice and heed an investment. You couldn't have paid me for his representation.
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David G. Ballard, experienced Business, Construction attorney in Meridian, ID with 0 reviews
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Brian K Marshall, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Meridian, ID with 0 reviews
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Billie Crocker, experienced Divorce, Estate Planning attorney in Paris, ID with 0 reviews
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Douglas Marks, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Sagle, ID with 0 reviews
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Jesse Thomas, experienced Estate Planning, Probate attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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Desiree Anna Shiffler Martin, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Nampa, ID with 3 reviews
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4,61
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3 Reviews
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14 Apr, 2021 by Daria
not an attorney, DONT WASTE YOUR TIME, could't help with simple ticket, because we didn't have any good reason to dispute the ticket.
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19 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Miss Martin for a very simple case even the appellate lawyer whose appealing my case because she lost a "give me case" that should have been not guilty even the Illinois appellate Court said "she failed to do her job correctly" and that is actually written in the appeal so I would use high caution extreme caution if you plan on hiring this so called attorney or plan on losing.....
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17 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Miss Martin for several cases the one should have better given since I had the order protection to begin with she wouldn't even file perjury charges which was evident there was massive perjury going on not to mention she up and moved in the middle of the court case leaving me stranded after being paid her full amount, which she agreed on one dollar amount for representation but when it took longer she demanded another $500 she wasn't even worth the first 500 I highly suggest if you're looking for a good attorney you look somewhere else. And yes I have every intention of filing a complaint with the bar and hopefully her license will be pulled because she has no business practicing law for anyone, I did better on my own and it didn't cost me $2,000 I would keep on walking or looking but I would not hire this so-called attorney not unless you definitely want to lose and lose you will with her!!!!!
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Stephen Hammon Telford, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Nampa, ID with 2 reviews
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4,59
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2 Reviews
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26 Sep, 2024 by Chris
If he doesn’t agree with your politics, he will treat you like a piece of garbage for it. Diversity! Yay!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Stacy
Look him up on tick tock. He was abusive to the Uber driver. He and his date are awful. I think your potential clients should know. Look this up to see the details for yourself. I cannot believe an officer of the court would act this way
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Gary Linn Davis, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Boise, ID with 1 reviews
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4,57
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1 Reviews
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10 Nov, 2021 by Brian
Absolutely the most unprepared attorney I have ever worked with, Mr Davis appears time has passed him by, retained him for a divorce proceeding, 2 days before hearing called to make sure he would be in court, was totally unaware the hearing was in person, on day of hearing, wants to file motion, while we are sitting before the judge, had me sign motion 2 pgs that i didnt get chance to read, because he forgot to submit to court, legal tactics awful, secured new atty, have asked his office 4x for my file, never received, today follow up, court discloses Mr Davis never filed motion, Im screwed, also according to opposing attorney never let them know I was on vacation and not vacating the family home, spent more time flirting with my 25 yr old daughter,,,stay away he is awful, unprepared and unprofessional.
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Nathan B. Thomas, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Eagle, ID with 1 reviews
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4,57
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1.0
1 Reviews
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14 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Does not understand rules of professional conduct or fully grasp how to represent clients, no calls, no follow up, zero, stay away
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Janice Lee Smith-Hill, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Moscow, ID with 1 reviews
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4,55
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1.0
1 Reviews
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04 May, 2015 by Alex garcia
This guy is a sleazeball. He strikes agreements but then when he passes the paperwork over to be signed it says something else. Watch him like a hawk.
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Monte Christopher Gray, experienced Business, Civil Rights attorney in Fort Hall, ID with 0 reviews
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Douglas B Marks, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Sagle, ID with 0 reviews
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William Lynn Herrington, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Moscow, ID with 0 reviews
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Maribeth Mae Anderson, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Kingston, ID with 0 reviews
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Janet D Robnett, experienced Estate Planning, Real Estate attorney in Hayden, ID with 0 reviews
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Nathan S. Ohler, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Coeur D Alene, ID with 0 reviews
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T. Matthew Wolfe II, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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Thomas James Angstman, experienced Estate Planning, Litigation attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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Ronald George Caron, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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Richard F. Goodson, experienced Estate Planning, Real Estate attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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Maximilian Held, experienced Estate Planning, Probate attorney in Boise, ID with 0 reviews
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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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