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19 Oct, 2024 by Pamela j
Mr Tisdale contacted me back promptly. He was honest, and professional
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20 Aug, 2024 by Disabledarmyvet crable
This law firm will tell you just about anything to get you off the phone. I was told different answers by more than one representative and none of them ended up being correct. After speaking with the owner, my understanding of what had transpired improved but I still was not satisfied with how I was treated.
Another point is if you schedule a phone appointment with them, you are required to call in and wait until they are ready. You are paying for the services his staff should call you, since you are the paying client when they are ready to speak. This makes you feel unimportant and like you have nothing else better to do than to wait for them. I wouldn't recommend this firm and I hate writing this but it is important for everyone to get all sides of their performance. Maybe I was not an important enough client but I thought the lawyer should be treating each case with the same effort and energy.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Xxkvngsåkuraixx
I was really impressed on how helpful they were most definitely made my year!!
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08 Nov, 2023 by Douglas
Hired Chet to represent me in in a family law matter. My case changed once I received the pleadings. After getting the pleadings, Chet agreed to represent me at an additional cost. I PAID, The week before the hearing I was ghosted him and his firm. My call was accidently picked up, but I was quickly hung up on. The night before the hearing he filed a motion (without my knowledge) causing a delay in the outcome. Chet was utterly un-prepared for the hearing. (Something a 30 minute call would have prevented). When it came time to finish his work, he withdrew.
If you are looking for a (-D) Attorney Hire Chet.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Anthony
I have not encountered many lawyers in my life, but I would say that Chet Southworth, J.D., is the best one, by far, among those I have met. My case took over two years to complete, and Dr. Southworth represented me in this case from start to finish. Dr. Southworth diligently reviewed the available evidence presented to him by me and the opposing party in my case. He did his due diligence in knowing me as a client and empathized with my case and my situation. Chet was very organized, and he presented the available evidence to me clearly and concisely. He conscientiously answered all of my correspondence and followed up with my text messages. Dr. Southworth was a true professional who got the job done while making me feel like one of his most valuable clients. His tenacity and attention to detail resulted in our win in the district court and the continued pursuit of my JP case without further hindrance. I highly recommend Dr. Southworth for your legal matter needs. You will not be disappointed!
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16 Feb, 2019 by Susan
Chet and the staff communicated with me throughout the divorce process, explained every possible outcome and advised me on the best course of action. Not only did he gets my divorce finalized in under 60 days, but he also got me everything that I was asking for I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great attorney.
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03 Jul, 2022 by Angela
It sure would be nice if I could be leaving a five-star rating here today. Unfortunately, not in my case. Instead, one star is one too many. I want to start by saying that I have nothing against Lane personally. He's probably a great person. For some people he may have represented them properly and kept them informed with the right amount of professionalism and due diligence we all expect to get from our attorney. He might have put forth the right amount of push forwardness that you needed him to give. He may have kept on top of things. He may have put in the due diligence to bring forth a fair outcome for them. They may be satisfied with his quality of performance. However, he didn't give me that level of professionalism. After 1 1/2 I had no choice but to accept the facts and seek counsel elsewhere. I hired Lane Heginbotham to represent me with my divorce. And of course, when he gave the consultation It all sounded great. If only I had known what a mistake, I was getting myself into. My divorce went nowhere. I was left feeling alone, misinformed, deceived and improperly represented. I trusted that I would be given a fair and equal representation by Lane. I was very wrong, and my time and money was wasted. As we all know those are rather important in everyone's lives. It became clear that my case wasn't important enough to him. Why file motions against the opposing side and then not follow through with them. Why were the temporary orders never followed through with? My "someday" ex-husband was allowed to disobey the standing order multiple times, make up his own rules, his counsel was allowed to be as leisure as they wanted with every request asked from them and nothing was done about it. I can't help but think that if I had behaved like such, I could rest assure the opposing counsel would have done something about it. That is most certain. Why make excuses for the opposing side and allow them to stall and drag out a divorce that should have been done and over with even with COVID, within a year or even much less. It's not like were Hollywood stars here. Lane would say he's working on this and that and I would wait and wait and wait... Just to find out that no progress had been made. "We're waiting to hear back from the opposing counsel" became an in every conversation sort of thing. I felt like asking if he was representing me or my husband. Then finally after hearing every excuse one can be told by their attorney as to why nothing was happening, it became obvious that my case didn't really matter. I was as transparent as I could be with Lane. I wanted to move forward with my divorce so I could move on with my life. I expected to be treated with dignity and respect. He didn't need to lead me along by telling me that the opposing counsel had dropped the ball when the truth be known he (Lane) dropped the ball! I trusted Lane to give my case as much effort and attention as he would any other case. Yet again the joke was on me just like in my marriage. Ha, Ha. This was not good attorney ethical standards by a long shot. I guess if you don't really understand or care about what your client is going through, how their whole life is hanging by a thread, then I guess it just doesn't really matter to you. Therefor you don't put in what's needed to get good reviews. How can a 50/50, non-contested, no minor children divorce be dragged out like this? Shouldn't there be a timeline of some kind. Can you just stall a divorce for as long as you so choose? Has our JUSTICE system turned into a JUST "US" system? Where's the justice here where's the humaneness in this. You may not be going through what I'm going through, but I hired you to be mindful and act like you are. That's what makes the difference between an attorney/lawyer who will represent you to the best of their ability and one who puts your case on the back burner for over a year.
Good luck to those who choose to move forward with Lane Heginbotham @ Harris Law Office.
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29 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Do not hire this attorney. This attorney was hired by a friend and I have never seen an attorney work so hard against their own client to HELP the attorney on the other side. Run as fast as you can from this firm. Most positive reviews come from when Mr. Harris was alive, he has since passed. The office staff is rude and not very helpful.
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30 Dec, 2020 by Jennifer
Lane did not fight for me at all. Lynn Libersky out argued him and Lane seemed scared of the other attorney. He got what he asked as far as payment, but did nothing to help me. Worthless.
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24 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Duskie worked on my illegal arrest with injuries case 8 years. After 8 years and finally a court date He did everything he could to throw my case to Williamson County. He also ruined the ability to appeal. He presented no evidence, and hired at the very end an incompetent co-counsel.
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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:
-
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.
