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06 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I unfortunately had to go through the Chester County court system for an outstanding traffic violation & soon after a misdemeanor criminal charge. I had never had these kind experiences before and was, well, dead broke and lost. Judge Iacocca was firm with me, but also, unexpectedly, beyond respectful.
I don't want to gush too much here, but I believe this man is coming from the highest moral standard, yet with a generous heart and forgiving nature to his character. He comes off as a regular guy with an understanding from lived experience, both inside the courtroom & beyond. I believe he wants to truly have impact in a system that's currently, ahem, "challenged". I'd imagine he's a fine attorney too. Like a guy who'd do what he does just to "keep the lights on".
His predecessor, Dan Mansiano, who tragically passed, like Judge Iacocca, did what a good judge is supposed to do: one who listens more than speaks, then tries to make fair decisions based upon what is known without being swayed. In turn, Iacocca sets a real example for the community, and for preserving a level of decency and justice. We are lucky to have him. We need more judges like him, period.
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16 Dec, 2015 by Josh
Enjoyable experience working with Al. He was very good at counseling me through my situation and in the end everything went in my favor.
I would recommend him and use him again if needed.
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10 Dec, 2015 by Lisa
I have been working with the Al Iacocca for a several years now. He has been nothing but professional, knowledgeable, and just awesome. He follows up with me on a regular basis, and replies to my emails within minutes (which I greatly appreciate!). Without him, I’m not sure what I would do. I highly recommend him.
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14 Mar, 2021 by Christopher
In this day and age, trust is something that does not come easy for many of us. It’s hard to trust our politicians, our business associates and sometimes, sadly, even our own families. Imagine putting full trust into an attorney especially after a traumatic event like the loss of a loved one. I can say without any hesitation that you can absolutely trust Anita D’Amico, ESQ and her firm D’Amico Law.
I came to Anita after a former attorney completely broke my trust as the individual led me in the wrong direction when it came to finalizing my beloved mother’s estate. Full disclosure, I had known Anita as she was the estate attorney for my late Grandfather. Although that was an unpleasant experience due to the executors of my grandfather’s estate; I still found Anita to be honest, even when it was painful to hear, available to talk with me within 24 hours or less, and extremely sensitive to my personal situation.
Because of my trust towards Anita and her firm, I asked her questions about things that simply did not make sense coming from my former attorney. Without Anita’s guidance, many things would have gone wrong and the “tax man” would be banging on my door as I write this. I had enough of the previous attorney, fired him immediately and hired Anita. In retrospect, I truly wish I did not listen to outside influences who guided me to the former attorney who frankly should retire as in my humble opinion; he hasn’t a clue as to what he is doing.
Anita is not your typical “it’s all business” attorney. She is a calming force in times that are dark and scary for her clients. As a person who understands loss and grief; Anita brings a much needed sensitivity and empathetic ear that is extremely rare in the legal profession. Though she is sensitive and caring, she is also a “mama bear” who will not be intimidated by other attorneys and will fight as hard as she can for her clients to bring the best outcome for them. She is a master of her craft. Still a very young woman, she has opened two successful firms. That alone shows her drive and ambition.
I am what some attorneys would consider “needy” or “demanding.” I would agree to some degree of those characterizations. I’m a perfectionist and I do have a lot of expectations. I want the job done as quickly as possible. Anita does too but only when she feels she has done everything she can for you. There were weeks that I literally sent emails daily to Anita with questions and concerns. Despite my neuroses, Anita took the time to answer my emails daily and tried her best to put me at ease.
After cleaning up the mess left by my former attorney, I had Anita do my own estate planning. I certainly hope to live for quite awhile, but if not, she covered everything with a fine tooth comb. When you combine authenticity, empathy, a full understanding of the law, and the right amount of toughness needed to get the job done; you have had the pleasure of Anita D’Amico working very hard for you while putting you at ease every step of the way.
Anita was born and raised in our community. She comes from a wonderful family that has given a great deal to the community. Her upbringing has certainly made her the kind, giving woman with a driven work ethic and passion for what she does. When you add everything up, you simply will not find an attorney with the chops to handle business while being there for you as her client. I cannot recommend anyone as highly as I recommend Ms.D’Amico and her firm. I trust her and you will as well immediately after your first consultation. If you need an attorney whose practice covers the most common legal issues out there; look no further, D’Amico Law has you covered.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Nina
I hired Anita D'Amico to handle my divorce. She also updated my will and estate. Anita was extremely knowledgeable and professional. My divorce was quite complicated. Anita made sure that nothing was missed. I found her advice to be excellent, and her approach was strong yet courteous. She has knowledge well beyond that of family law which was helpful, however if something was out of her area of expertise she did not hesitate to consult with other attorneys or accountants. Anita's office was very polite and timely. I would highly recommend Anita D'Amico.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
After my grandmother passed away, I was faced with the stress of handling her estate/selling her property . It is a very emotional and overwhelming experience and Anita couldn't have been more warm ,present and professional in this endeavor. Anita and her staff are trustworthy, smart and after this experience, I now call them friends.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Don & his team helped us with my mother in law’s estate after she passed away. Don is easy to talk to & his staff are very helpful and thorough. His fees are reasonable. I have recommended Don to other people.
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29 Sep, 2020 by Patrick
Don and his associate Linda were well organized, timely in communication and professional in their approach to managing and representing me for my tax assessment appeal. I trust them totally and would recommend them with reservation!
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10 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Lynn has been the most fabulous attorney for a myriad of legal issues for my husband and I, and, after the passing of my husband, myself. I have been connected with Mr Lynn since joining Lamore -Scarlett. We previously used another attorney with the firm, now retired and have used the firm since the late 1990s. Alway professional, yet personal and always top notch.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
My family’s estate was handled extremely poorly from another law firm in Kennett Square. She ended up costing us thousands of dollars and jeopardizing our tax returns. Peter Temple’s firm stepped in and did everything possible to rectify our worries and put our minds at ease. He was fantastic!
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21 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a terrible experience with another lawyer in the Kennett Borough. Unfortunately, she was shady and did not perform the job she was paid to do. Because of her unprofessionalism, I ended up losing a huge amount of money. Peter helped me with my case and felt so bad that I was treated poorly by a fellow lawyer in the community, he provided his services at no charge. He was truly compassionate and wanted to help me. It was very hard to trust a lawyer after the experience I had. I am glad I was put in contact with Peter and he accepted my case. He has been nothing but knowledgeable and professional right from the start. I would highly recommend him to anyone searching for a trustworthy, dependable lawyer.
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30 Dec, 2022 by Karen bourne
Perna & Abracht LLC Law Offices is one of the best places you can go for your divorce, custody and support matters. I specifically worked with Ryan Borchik. Ryan is the best family law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. He is very professional and he genuinely cared and he did all the “fighting” for me so I could do more of the “relaxing” in this difficult process. He helped me accomplish what I was looking for in my divorce, custody and support matters.
I interacted with most of the staff at Perna & Abracht and they all conducted themselves, the same way that Ryan did!!! One of the things that I loved about this law firm and what I really appreciated about Ryan, is that everyone still has the family values that are extremely important when they are assisting you in your legal matters instead of just a “business transaction” like the rest of the law firms out there. Thank you!
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03 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Perna took on my family and support cases which are complicated and complex. This man has assembled quite a team. Mr. Perna’s practice handles a wide array of legal matters that often intertwine. I think of Mr. Perna as a general, so-to-speak, who makes a sobering analysis of the situation and deploys his resources accordingly to achieve the best result and/or to mitigate damage. The experience that Mr. Perna brings to the table is what gives him the uncanny ability to strategize in order to bring a most favorable solution. This is one cool customer. Mr. Perna will keep it real and walk you through different hypotheticals and explain why certain courses of actions would likely prevail or fail. He and is firm are very adept with case law. In the event matters escalate to higher levels, he preemptively sets forth the ground work within the foundation of his legal arguments that are sound and have merit. The second you walk into his office to meet with him and the team you’ll feel secure. The retainer and hourly fees are absolutely reasonable. Mr. Perna and his firm will not nickel and dime the client. If YOU want results, security, and have pending legal matters in Chester County, P.A., retain Mr. Perna and his firm, Perna & Abracht , LLC.
The magic with this firm is combination of a full-service law firm that gives personal and individualized touch in which they approach legal matters with a team approach.
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24 Feb, 2022 by Caryn pasciak
Personable, friendly, professional. After I moved 45 minutes away, I STILL come back here, just because they are that amazing!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Paul
Hired this guy for a civil matter and he was terrible. Was late for meeting, unprepared for the court hearing. Basically drained the retainer then wanted to be removed from case and keep the retainer. In the end, I was worst off and had to get a real lawyer to clean his mess up. Hiring him is the same as no representation at all, actually you be better off without over having him.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Albert
Tom was consistently professional from oyr very first meeting till my hearing today. His advise led to the best possible outcome. While others were given different penalties, or delays in the process because of incomplete requirements, i was given the lightest possible sentencing because Tom has provided step by step instructions. He also contacted me unsolicited to advise and remind.
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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.
