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24 Jan, 2025 by Rodney
Title: Concerns About Caprice Collins' Role as Special Co-Trustee
My late grandfather was a client of Caprice Collins, and she named herself as the Special Co-Trustee in his trust. When serious issues of theft and mismanagement by the trustees arose, Ms. Collins failed to fulfill her fiduciary duties. Instead, she submitted a notarized resignation, abandoning her responsibilities without appointing a successor as required by the trust.
Caprice responded to me directly but did not post her reply publicly on Google. In her response, she attempted to justify her actions by stating her firm focuses on estate planning, not trust litigation. However, her role as Special Co-Trustee obligated her to act in the best interest of the trust, regardless of her firm’s stated focus. Resigning during a critical time for the trust was a breach of fiduciary responsibility.
She is now attempting to have my review removed while refusing to address her breach of duty. Transparency and accountability are essential in estate planning. I encourage anyone considering her services to ask detailed questions about what happens if issues arise within a trust.
See her response in the photos attached below
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23 Jan, 2025 by Rodney rouzan
I want to preface this by stating that I was not personally a client of Caprice Collins. However, my late grandfather was, and she set up his trust, naming herself as the Special Co-Trustee. She also set up a trust for my parents and several other family members, consistently listing herself as the Special Trustee. While she charges extra for this service, my experience has shown that when the time comes for her to fulfill those duties, she does not deliver.
In my grandfather’s case, serious problems arose with the trustees, including theft and mismanagement of trust assets. My mother, as a beneficiary, was directly impacted, and I had to step in as her attorney-in-fact to protect her interests. When we reached out to Ms. Collins to address these issues, she claimed she had not been “retained” to act. However, her role as the Special Co-Trustee did not require any additional “retention”—it was her fiduciary duty to address these matters. Instead of fulfilling her responsibilities, she resigned from her position, violated the trust by failing to appoint a new Special Trustee as required, and abandoned her duties entirely. This left the beneficiaries to deal with the fallout on their own.
I have since been advised by other attorneys, including former members of her staff, that Ms. Collins is primarily a salesperson who focuses on drafting trusts but lacks the knowledge or experience to handle disputes or problems when they inevitably arise. I’ve also been told she has never set foot inside a courtroom, which explains her inability to act when real issues occur. She overcharges clients for drafting trusts and making simple changes, but when challenges arise, she disappears.
Based on this experience, I strongly advise against utilizing Ms. Collins’ services if you need someone reliable to handle trust-related disputes or fiduciary duties. While she may appear competent when drafting trusts, she has failed to demonstrate the responsibility, accountability, and expertise necessary to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If you are looking for someone who will truly stand by their word and fulfill their fiduciary obligations, Ms. Collins is not the right choice.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Marsha graham
The Living Trust information and services presented were very informative. This information highlighted where my family is deficient in protecting our family assets. We were ready prior to the presentation to complete a Family Trust, but after this seminar we are sure this firm has the resources and expertise to perform this task for our family.
We truly believe anyone with any assets to protect should make an appointment for Collins Law Group Family Trust seminar.
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06 Jun, 2013 by Darlyn
Mr. Noel is awesome! He helped me clean up a very big mess my previous attorney made by failing to timely file an important document. I was pleased with the way he was able to persuade the judge to allow us more time, resulting in a much better outcome than I expected. My case took quite some time and Mr. Noel's patience and level of expertise in this area gave me great comfort. I have recommended him to a friend of mine and she has been pleased with him as well. I highly recommend him for issues that are complicated and tricky. I never expected to be in this mess, but I am sure glad that he was there to pull me out of it. Kudos to Mr. Noel! Great job!
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07 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
We were very pleased with Mr. Noel's attention to detail and thoroughness. I have already recommended him to a friend and am very pleased with his performance.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Rodney
Title: Concerns About Caprice Collins' Role as Special Co-Trustee
My late grandfather was a client of Caprice Collins, and she named herself as the Special Co-Trustee in his trust. When serious issues of theft and mismanagement by the trustees arose, Ms. Collins failed to fulfill her fiduciary duties. Instead, she submitted a notarized resignation, abandoning her responsibilities without appointing a successor as required by the trust.
Caprice responded to me directly but did not post her reply publicly on Google. In her response, she attempted to justify her actions by stating her firm focuses on estate planning, not trust litigation. However, her role as Special Co-Trustee obligated her to act in the best interest of the trust, regardless of her firm’s stated focus. Resigning during a critical time for the trust was a breach of fiduciary responsibility.
She is now attempting to have my review removed while refusing to address her breach of duty. Transparency and accountability are essential in estate planning. I encourage anyone considering her services to ask detailed questions about what happens if issues arise within a trust.
See her response in the photos attached below
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Rodney rouzan
I want to preface this by stating that I was not personally a client of Caprice Collins. However, my late grandfather was, and she set up his trust, naming herself as the Special Co-Trustee. She also set up a trust for my parents and several other family members, consistently listing herself as the Special Trustee. While she charges extra for this service, my experience has shown that when the time comes for her to fulfill those duties, she does not deliver.
In my grandfather’s case, serious problems arose with the trustees, including theft and mismanagement of trust assets. My mother, as a beneficiary, was directly impacted, and I had to step in as her attorney-in-fact to protect her interests. When we reached out to Ms. Collins to address these issues, she claimed she had not been “retained” to act. However, her role as the Special Co-Trustee did not require any additional “retention”—it was her fiduciary duty to address these matters. Instead of fulfilling her responsibilities, she resigned from her position, violated the trust by failing to appoint a new Special Trustee as required, and abandoned her duties entirely. This left the beneficiaries to deal with the fallout on their own.
I have since been advised by other attorneys, including former members of her staff, that Ms. Collins is primarily a salesperson who focuses on drafting trusts but lacks the knowledge or experience to handle disputes or problems when they inevitably arise. I’ve also been told she has never set foot inside a courtroom, which explains her inability to act when real issues occur. She overcharges clients for drafting trusts and making simple changes, but when challenges arise, she disappears.
Based on this experience, I strongly advise against utilizing Ms. Collins’ services if you need someone reliable to handle trust-related disputes or fiduciary duties. While she may appear competent when drafting trusts, she has failed to demonstrate the responsibility, accountability, and expertise necessary to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If you are looking for someone who will truly stand by their word and fulfill their fiduciary obligations, Ms. Collins is not the right choice.
Read more
15 Jan, 2025 by Marsha graham
The Living Trust information and services presented were very informative. This information highlighted where my family is deficient in protecting our family assets. We were ready prior to the presentation to complete a Family Trust, but after this seminar we are sure this firm has the resources and expertise to perform this task for our family.
We truly believe anyone with any assets to protect should make an appointment for Collins Law Group Family Trust seminar.
Read more
20 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
AVOID this attorney!!!. She does a piss poor job at prepping and filing legal documents. She does not return phone calls or emails!!! Very frustrating!. Maybe she closed her firm since she has been a disservice.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Very hard to get in contact. She did not file my deed correctly and I had to find someone else to correct it and pay an additional $350.00. Very nice attorney but unfortunately I cannot recommend her to anyone.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Keana austin
Good representation
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
