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22 Jun, 2024 by Christian bosse
I highly recommend Kate. She's thorough, very knowledgeable, and the consummate professional.
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22 Jul, 2022 by Karen carter
The Beckman Law Firm provided absolute professionalism and with vast knowledge of the Law and Colorado Judicial Systems ended a marriage with annulment. The case was unusual because there were multiple marriages found and Adam Beckman proved it flawlessly and completely. Thank you for a job well done.
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14 Jun, 2022 by Randy moe
I have known Adam Beckman for about 15 years. 12 years ago he represented me in a challenging situation and produced great results. Adam is very straightforward, a "No beat around the bush" type of lawyer. He is very thorough when explaining to a client what the options are and how to get those results. I find his fees to be fair based on the results achieved.The Beckman Law Firm is prompt in it's communication from the top down. His staff is very courteous and knowledgeable.
Today we closed a case involving my son who is incarcerated outside the State of Colorado. That made it challenging. Adam accomplished exactly what he said was possible. This is due undoubtedly to the respect he has earned amongst his peers and the courts. God Bless you Adam Beckman and thank you for a job well done my Friend.
Gratefully yours,
Randy Moe
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tim chavez
Cody and the Azar Team were great and Kind with the whole process, their Honesty was well proven.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Daniel garcia
I know folks who worked for Frank and he is awesome
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15 Oct, 2024 by Danny molino
I ended up with more money than I originally anticipated and Cody was extremely helpful through and through
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21 Oct, 2021 by Patricia
I feel very fortunate that a friend referred Mr. Gardner to me. I was looking for legal help with probate of my Mothers estate, and had hired three different lawyers that ended up either taking a retainer and then doing nothing, or resigning soon after with no explanation. Mr. Gardner took the time to really understand my case, and gave me an honest and inciteful recommendation of what would be my best course of action moving forward. With his vast network of contacts, he was able to put me in touch with some top-notch professional people that were the most appropriate to my situation . I will recommend him to everyone that is looking for an honest and helpful lawyer!
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13 May, 2021 by Tena
Matthew and his team were great from day one! I had alot of questions concerning my father's estate and Matthew was very knowledgeable! He made me feel comfortable and I hired him after our consultation. I would recommend this lawyer!
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22 Aug, 2019 by Jim
Matt is very knowledgeable and is a pleasure to work with. He setup an LLC for myself and my siblings.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Chas
We had a difficult landlord-tenant issue. Jay helped mediate the situation and knew what to do to resolve it in a timely manner. He was very courteous, thoughtful, and generous with his time. We feel fortunate to have hired him to help us!
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22 Mar, 2019 by James
I hired Jay Pickard to provide me with a living will. He was very prompt, knowledgeable, ethical, and empathetic. His staff did a quality job as well and he put in the extra time and effort to address our concerns and the nuances of our case. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for services in his areas of practice.
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04 Dec, 2016 by Mike
Jay was a true professional from the start of our relationship. I had unfortunately been through 3 different Attorney's previously for a child support case before meeting Jay Pickard. Jay and his staff accomplished more in 3 months than the other Attorney's did in 3 years. At Pickard & Ross they will tell you upfront if you have any legal remedies for your personal situation and will be honest with you about your case. I will never go to anyone else for any of my legal needs Jay and Pickard & Ross have a client for life!
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21 Jul, 2014 by Ann
Michelle went above and beyond what was required during the application/determination process of obtaining Medicaid for my parents. The determination took over a year and despite this long time frame, Michelle continued to be current with the case. She was professional, knowlegeable, and courteous during the whole process. She is a very genuine person and her confidence seems so natural -- a result of her excellent preparation and strong knowledge.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Jack
Michelle was extremely courteous, knowledgeable and helpful in the preparation of all the paperwork and communications with the Colorado Medicaid agencies involved with getting my wife admitted to a nursing home. I would highly recommend "Shupe and Associates" elder law firm and Ms. Smith in particular. Thank you.
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28 May, 2014 by Ted
I hired Michelle to clean up title issues on some properties and probate issues. She was fast and prompt in answering questions and getting the proper documents recorded.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Fred
I retained Bonnie Bowles as my estate planning attorney after hearing the ad for Wills and Wellness on a Denver radio station. I was in need of an estate planning attorney to assist me in the development of a trust document. Bonnie was very helpful with her advice on trust issues as well as with the wording that would accurately conveyed my planning wishes. Additionally, I had need of an attorney to help me with property title probate. She agreed to handle these legal issues for me as well. I am very pleased with her advice and help she offered in the development of my estate plan.
Fred
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03 Feb, 2018 by Chelsea
Bonnie was terrific to work with! She the made emotion-filled process of Estate Planning/Living Will for me and my husband easy and even fun! Bonnie explained everything in simple terms we understood, was patient as we asked questions and very communicative about the process. I would highly recommend her services!
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21 Dec, 2017 by James
My wife and I have been guilty of procrastinating for years about making a trust. We finally made an appointment at Wills and Wellness. We met with Bonnie Bowles to get the process started. The process was painless! We felt very confident that our case was handled by experts. The feeling of relief of and accomplishment was awesome! The cost was substantially less than we were prepared to pay. In exchange, I now have the confidence that our assests will be distributed as we intended. Thank you Bonnie.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
We worked together on a legal issue with our business. She worked hard to help us solve the issue and create a win for our business.
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07 Mar, 2023 by Dave
Noel is a compassionate and knowledgeable professional. She has handled multiple cases for me and all with a positive outcome. If you demand detail, reliability and results, Hire Ms. Trujillo.
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04 Mar, 2023 by Joe
I needed a layer for a legal matter and I contacted Noal’s firm. Noel was great to work with and very professional. She kept me informed and was always available when I had questions or concerns. She was on time and let me know what was happening to help me feel comfortable in a stressful situation. Noel was able to resolve my situation and achieved a good outcome. I would recommend Noel Trujillo if you need an attorney.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Bradley Frigon is extremely knowledgeable about estate matters including Medicaid. He helped me immensely during a difficult time in my life. His billing practices are very fair and the money spent on probate was well spent. His staff is friendly and helpful, as well. I would highly recommend Mr Frigon and his firm.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Richard
My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in early 2014. When she found out, she was quick to get her will in order with Bradley and his team. I was designated as her Power of Attorney and Executor of the will, and I had no idea what I was doing. In the initial meetings, Bradley explained everything very carefully, and took plenty of time to answer all of our questions. She passed in April of the following year, and everyone at the office was very helpful while I navigated the complicated process of selling her house, managing her finances, and ultimately settling the estate. They were able to communicate quickly and effectively when I needed it, and made the process much easier than it would have been doing it alone. I'm very grateful to Brad, Vicky, and the rest of the team.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Marcus
My mother's wish was to have my sister and I wait one year from her death to split the inheritance 50/50. As the year from her death approached I contacted my sister regarding splitting the inheritance, but she refused planning on keeping all of the money for herself and making her husband full beneficiary. My mother lived and passed away in Denver, Colorado and I live in Kansas City, Missouri. After doing an internet search, I found Mr. Frigon's site very professional, thus I contacted his office for a consultation.
Although my mother made my sister personal representative and full beneficiary on the inheritance, Mr. Frigon was successful in demonstrating my mother's wishes prior to her death to my sister's attorney in the matter. The matter finally resolved in receiving 50% of my mother's inheritance and for each of my sons to receive money towards a down payment on a home. In conclusion, Mr. Frigon and his office demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and kept me apprised of all matters regarding this issue. The cost of resolving this issue was very fair.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tim chavez
Cody and the Azar Team were great and Kind with the whole process, their Honesty was well proven.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Daniel garcia
I know folks who worked for Frank and he is awesome
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15 Oct, 2024 by Danny molino
I ended up with more money than I originally anticipated and Cody was extremely helpful through and through
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25 Nov, 2024 by Kim fahlstedt
Bob Hercher went above and beyond to help us out and it felt like we were working with family.
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18 Mar, 2018 by Kara hercher
23 Jan, 2021 by Bruce rumsey
I refer a lot of people to Steve Cook! He combines a sincere warmth with tactical competence, strength and tenacity. I have found him to be dogged in his efforts to thoughtfully guide his clients to safer ground, while advocating for them in every way imaginable. Mr. Cook has the unique ability to balance toughness and tenderness in his comprehensive approach to client protection and well-being.
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29 Jan, 2019 by Julie
Brian is the best! My former employer really went after me, saying all sorts on untruths that sounded terrible and made me look like villain. I was anxious and stressed but Brian couldn't have been more comforting and knowledgable. We won the appeal and I'm very sure I would not have on my own. Brian does have the most calming, professional and kind demeanor. He's the best at what he does and I couldn't believe that I could also afford his services as I am hurting so much financially.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Over a month of no communication; not returning phone calls. The case was left hanging and we are scrambling to find the solution.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Bob
On behalf of my wife and myself, we thank Brian enough from the bottom of our hearts for the work he did in getting us the insurance company coverage for our legal battle. It was truly a miracle to us. I don't know how you did it but I am not going to question it either. After reading our policy over and over we could see no way possible that the insurance company would give us any coverage for any reason. Yet Brian found a way.
We will forever be grateful to Brian for his efforts as he probably saved us from a life of poverty in our retirement years. Thanks is just not good enough but I don't have the words to express it any better. So... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Brian!
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14 Dec, 2024 by Nancy quezada
Can honestly say that Alex is one of the best lawyers in town he helped me so much in my first accident a yr ago he fought for what was fair for me and my family sadly a yr later I’m in the same situation but I’m very sure that I will get that same help again from Alex
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27 Aug, 2024 by Steve s
I was in an auto accident and needed some consultation. Becky spoke with me for nearly 20 minutes, answering all my questions, and was extremely kind and helpful. I am hoping to settle privately with the other party, but if that falls through I plan to retain the services of Burton and Beale. Would highly recommend.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Ashlyn green
Just trying to find a dental malpractice lawyer in the Denver area was not easy. I got Very lucky when I reached out to Bucks office. They contacted me quickly and spent time getting to know me and my case. It wasn't all about how much money my case was worth, as other firms can be. They investigated my claims and realized pretty quickly that I had a malpractice suit. Buck and Alex were great at explaining the process and sharing the things coming to light in my records. I had relocated to a different state and they worked with my current dentists diligently to get the real story. The process can make you a little crazy (at least it did me 😁), but they worked with me to make some difficult decisions. In the end we settled, but I was able to get the money to help restore my dental health and I can't thank them enough. If you need dental malpractice help, Buck should be your choice. Don't sit in pain. If someone should pay for poor dental care, make them. Call Buck.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Lindsey lagrone
Kim went above and beyond for me. I was fired unjustly, and we received a settlement. Kim was compassionate and wanted to help me due to her ethical and empathetic nature. Kim took my case, knowing that she may not be commpensated at all. She let me know she wanted to at least stand up to them. If we hadn't reached a settlement outside of court, then she wasn't going to charge me anything. I really am grateful for Kim being there for me. As I was turned away by another lawyer who said I didn't have a case. I had just about given up. Thank you, Kim.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Alvie craver
24 Mar, 2023 by Michael brust
Very informative and pointed me in the right direction. Would recommend!
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12 Jul, 2018 by Micah
Beth is an excellent attorney in the area of family law and estate planning. She is a very compassionate individual who works for the best interest of her clients and their families. I strongly recommend Beth for anyone who needs an attorney in this area.
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07 Nov, 2016 by Anne
Beth helped a friend of mine through what could have been an ugly, contentious divorce. Thanks to her expertise, negotiations that started out fairly prickly were turned into an honest exchange of property and assets. And, just a few months later, she was able to walk him successfully through another (non-related) litigation. She has proven to be an iron fist in a velvet glove. My husband and I will be hiring her to prepare our wills.
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04 Mar, 2016 by Rachel
Beth did estate planning for my husband and me. She was considerate, extremely informative and professional. We know that the documents are legal, binding and appropriate for our wishes - giving us peace of mind. We highly recommend Beth Andersen.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Crystal adams
Bailey and Peterson have been extremely helpful. They are knowledgable, professional and communicative.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Marc cimmino
Great attorney! Very compassionate and knowledgeable.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Cori thomas
Had a wonderful experience for Beth. Called for a consultation and she spent a significant amount of time with me, answered all my questions and gave me recommendations for a path forward. She never asked for a fee upfront to have a consultation. I would highly recommend Beth and her team.
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18 Aug, 2019 by Mark
I hired Susan Halloran to represent me concerning a difficult divorce case, and was more than pleased with the results, and Susan made sure that I was treated fairly. Then when I was accused of criminal mischief by my wife, during my divorce process, Susan handled that issue as well. She kept me from needing 2 attorneys. And when I was arrested as a result, Susan dropped what she was doing and immediately, got me out of jail. If that wasn’t enough, she also represented me on a separate case where crossing timelines/court dates of both cases could have caused me to violate a probationary period.
This whole event was going on in conjunction with my having a life changing medical issues. Susan made me focus on the help she needed from me. Susan had this huge jigsaw puzzle to put together, along the way, her patient mentorship of me, and her attention to detail made all the difference. I had 2 major surgeries during that timeframe. And Susan was patient kind and was a calming influence. She multitasked in a way which resulted in my vindication within several court systems, simultaneously.
Susan a no-nonsense, exceedingly hard, working attorney. She proved to me what a huge Heart she has. She stuck with me, and never quit.
My opinion is that if you hire an attorney because they are a go getter, hard worker, and you are counting on that person to resolve your problem.
Then you must also expect that they will need you to contribute to your defense. And if that process fails, so can your case.
Contributing to my case made all the difference. One cannot just pay an attorney and expect them to do it all on their own. Susan should be charging much more than she does, however she cares about her clients, and I can tell you that she did much more work than she charged me for. And also let me do some footwork, that saved her time and lessened my fees. I felt cared about…
My retainer was spent quickly, because it was used to fulfill court requirements in setting up my case. I imagine that’s why they refer to it as a retainer. I got expert help, but wasn’t charged as such. The way Susan streamlined all these issues within several court cases, simultaneously, saved me thousands of dollars. And she kept an innocent man out of jail, and put his life back into the most manageable financial condition possible.
That being said, I can tell you from my perspective that I was impressed by Susan’s level of organization, professionalism, as well as her attention to detail. (I am Retired IT/IBM). Susan is a fair honest and loyal Attorney with a Huge Heart. I can say that I trust her, and if she specializes in a service that I require in the future, I will hire her immediately.
This whole series of events spanned 2+ years. 2 years of hell, that Susan got me through and somehow made it all a bit more bearable.
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13 Aug, 2019 by Penny
Ms Halloran represented our family during a difficult time when options were serious and confusing. Ms Halloran's expertise brought us the best possible results. Working with her was reassuring, as it was evident our case was as important to her as it was to us. I know she spent more time on our case than she listed. She was easy to contact, very direct, and genuinely cared- but not the kind of attorney to pat your hand and let you go on and on about your “feelings”.....while the bill gets bigger, and she doesn’t waste time just “saying” what you want to hear but gets straight to the important business and keeps things on track- redirecting conversations to what is necessary to resolve the case. She identified inaccurate information in court documents and got them corrected. At times, she was more determined than we were, to get things resolved in our favor. She was tough... towards me when it was needed, and tougher on the opposing party, which is more important than I realized at the time. I will definitely call her again if a need arises and highly recommend her! Her work is more than worthy of her very fair fees.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Teresa coltrin
Working with Kim was such a blessing during one of the toughest times. I worked with Kim to help me close my mother’s estate after she passed away. It’s such a sensitive time and there are so many details and things needed to go through the process of closing an estate. Kim was so wonderful to work with and made the process feel achievable and I felt her support throughout the entire process. She was diligent with all paper and follow through and helped me understand the process and made sure we got everything done. Kim listens and is so respectful and supportive of her clients she truly has a great deal of knowledge and is wonderful to work with. I highly recommend working with Kim to help support you with any legacy planning and or estate processing. I look forward to having her help in the future as needed.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Erika smith
Kim was fantastic to work with! I was originally referred to another firm closer to where I live however I had a bad experience with them not answering my follow up questions via email and a voicemail until 3 months after the initial meeting. Skeptical to find another attorney to draft up an estate plan and marital agreement I was then referred to Legacy Planning & Probate. The process was easy and completed in a timely manner. Kim is very approachable and made me feel comfortable asking any questions I had. She also did a great job explaining all documents and legal language in thorough detail. I highly recommend using Legacy Planning & Probate!
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27 Jan, 2024 by Ana likman
Kim is a delight to work with! She is professional, approachable, and kind. She helped my parents develop their will, and although it is a difficult subject matter, she made the process easy. They felt at ease working with her. I wholeheartedly recommend Kim for all of your trust and estate needs.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Yannet martinez
05 Apr, 2017 by Kay a. granath
Best family attorney you could ever want. Has been practicing for many years in he family law area.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Lindsey lagrone
Kim went above and beyond for me. I was fired unjustly, and we received a settlement. Kim was compassionate and wanted to help me due to her ethical and empathetic nature. Kim took my case, knowing that she may not be commpensated at all. She let me know she wanted to at least stand up to them. If we hadn't reached a settlement outside of court, then she wasn't going to charge me anything. I really am grateful for Kim being there for me. As I was turned away by another lawyer who said I didn't have a case. I had just about given up. Thank you, Kim.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Alvie craver
24 Mar, 2023 by Michael brust
Very informative and pointed me in the right direction. Would recommend!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Lindsey lagrone
Kim went above and beyond for me. I was fired unjustly, and we received a settlement. Kim was compassionate and wanted to help me due to her ethical and empathetic nature. Kim took my case, knowing that she may not be commpensated at all. She let me know she wanted to at least stand up to them. If we hadn't reached a settlement outside of court, then she wasn't going to charge me anything. I really am grateful for Kim being there for me. As I was turned away by another lawyer who said I didn't have a case. I had just about given up. Thank you, Kim.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Alvie craver
24 Mar, 2023 by Michael brust
Very informative and pointed me in the right direction. Would recommend!
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22 Jun, 2024 by Christian bosse
I highly recommend Kate. She's thorough, very knowledgeable, and the consummate professional.
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15 May, 2024 by Taylor comer
Craig has been more extraordinary than I could have imagined on this inevitability terrifying journey through the family court system. His expertise and professional connections proved to be the edge we needed in finding the right help for securing the very best for my son. Craig’s comprehensive approach leaves nothing to uncertainly and we achieved the very BEST outcome we could have imagined thanks to Craig. I highly recommend for all clients, regardless of your circumstances, as Craig’s honesty and integrity can guide you in the right direction no matter what!
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16 Jan, 2024 by Donovan pintard
Craig Chambers is the best lawyer you will meet, hands down.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Mok yieng huot
Very knowledgeable lawyer.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Shannon thieme
Highly recommend! Joseph gave me a detailed breakdown of how to handle my legal situation.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Smiling sam
We would absolutely hire Joe again. We appreciated the effort he made to fight for us. We received compensation due to him! Thank you Joe for everything we could not have gone through this process without you!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ayden stanley
I had a quick call with him, he was very professional and straight to the point which is amazing. He was respectful and if I end up needing a lawyer for a rent dispute I will definitely be going with him!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Jenny heckendorf
Hugh is an incredibly caring person. He is always professional and very easy to work with.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Clifton larsen
I was referred to Hugh about some land questions I had. This is not Hugh’s expertise but he spent about 10 minutes with me on the phone talking me through my questions. He was straight forward and even though it wasn’t his field he helped me work through the practical side of my questions and gave me a little direction. Thanks Hugh
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ayden stanley
I had a quick call with him, he was very professional and straight to the point which is amazing. He was respectful and if I end up needing a lawyer for a rent dispute I will definitely be going with him!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Jenny heckendorf
Hugh is an incredibly caring person. He is always professional and very easy to work with.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Clifton larsen
I was referred to Hugh about some land questions I had. This is not Hugh’s expertise but he spent about 10 minutes with me on the phone talking me through my questions. He was straight forward and even though it wasn’t his field he helped me work through the practical side of my questions and gave me a little direction. Thanks Hugh
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15 Mar, 2024 by Succubus
Dirt bags that steal your personal information and use it to generate bot farms so they don't have to work
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05 Sep, 2020 by Family first
Richard is an outstanding attorney who sincerely cares about his clients. Highly recommended
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20 Jun, 2018 by Maiah diel
They own a few properties in my town that they do not maintain at all. The are just weed lots that only get mowed once a year by the city. It is ridiculous! Just because we are a small town doesn’t mean we should be tossed to the waste side.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Jolein has been suspended by the Colorado bar. Please be careful hiring this firm. A simple google search will pull up the opinion.
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24 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
This firm is only interested in your up front retainer. They also have a client relations "person" and I use that term lightly who gives psychiatric counseling and she has no credentials. Her name is Dianne Sawkins and she's criminal who should be in prison. File a complaint to the CO Regulatory Board about this law office. They should be closed down and disbarred.
https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Complaints/File_ComplaintAgainstAtty.asp
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20 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I came from an abusive relationship- she did not address this. Perpetrator aggressively continued to attack - she nor any of her associates did anything.
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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.
