Lawyers map
>12
experienced lawyers
Filter by
06 Apr, 2016 by Richard and lynn
Liz has done an outstanding job in revising our Wills, Trusts and other Estate planning documentation. Specifically, as the family situation has changed, Liz has updated, consolidated and clarified the multiple applicable documents. She has also provided guidance and support in developing Letters of Instruction and Memorandum of Disposition of Personal Property. Most importantly, Liz coordinated with our financial investment company to ensure that the provisions stipulated in the Will and Trust documents were understood by that company and could be implemented. We wholeheartedly compliment Liz for the extensive work she performed in our Estate planning efforts.
Read more
26 Feb, 2015 by Julie and peter
Liz Lane was a pleasure to work with. She is professional, personable, knowledgable, and she expertly guided us through this important process. The end result is peace of mind.
Read more
24 Feb, 2015 by Kurt
Liz created a Will, POA docs, and Living Wills for both my wife and I, she did this in a timely and professional manner. She did a great job in handling aspects of childcare, spouses, trusts, etc and we are happy to recommend her.
Read more
18 Feb, 2020 by Steve
Dan is an amazing lawyer and helped me when I was getting pushed around by credit card companies when I was dealing with identity theft. He is so helpful, direct, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Thank you Dan Flynn!
Read more
17 Jan, 2019 by Matt
We have used Dan for two legal services and both times he was a pleasure to work with. He provided solid legal advice and practical insights in both situations. He is extremely fair, super responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Dan!
Read more
12 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Without knowing much at all about trusts and wills, we were recommended to Daniel j Flynn, Esq by our insurance agent of long-standing who had this attorney prepare wills for he and his wife just one year ago. We were most pleased with every aspect of Dan’s service: his knowledgeable and simple approach to our specific needs, his efficiency from start to finish, his patience in spending time in answering all of our questions, and all this in his uprightness in holding to a reasonable fixed rate. We highly recommend this attorney for preparing wills, living wills, and all of the documentation required for a complete package. You will not be disappointed.
Read more
16 Mar, 2021 by Hugh
3/16/21 - Justin shepherded me through closing my sister's estate. Though by no means a large estate, my sister was very unorganized, having not paid taxes or mortgages for some time before her death, and documentation was either scattered or simply non-existent. Justin was a god-send in getting things organized, counselling me on best practices, and determining both the least painful and least costly way to settle the estate.
I cannot thank Justin enough for his patience and advice, affording me the opportunity to keep everyone in our family and her daughter informed and "up to speed" on the disposition of her assets and liabilities.
I must also add that I (and the family and my niece) were more than satisfied with Justin's reasonable fees. They say a quality lawyer is worth his weight in gold, and Justin's fees were certainly more than reasonable!
Thank you to Justin, and if you are in need of advice/services for and estate or related services, I certainly recommend Justin Dituri!
Read more
21 Jan, 2021 by Marcia
The pandemic was an impetus to finally put my affairs in order. I turned to Justin Dituri since he was highly recommended to my sisters and me when were were dealing with a very tangled issue when settling my father’s estate.
I like the fact that the Dituri revocable living trust also included the other four documents that Suze Orman recommends for everyone: advance directive, durable power of attorney for health care, will, and durable financial power of attorney. The language of the documents seems to provide for any situation that might occur and Justin’s expertise is really all-encompassing. He charges a flat fee, broken into three payments, a good value. Funding of the trust is not included, but he is willing to advise if you wish to do it yourself. In my case, the funding was fairly simple, especially since he threw in my real estate deed. I did, though, contract to have him handle the mineral rights in my trust. This was the issue he originally straightened out for my family.
The final product is very professional. Justin has an eye for detail such as signing original documents in blue ink to distinguish them from copies, clipping together the pages I would need to provide when funding my trust, and putting my will in a plastic protector within the document to make it easily accessible. I am extremely satisfied with my trust and have already recommended him to family and friends. Most of all, I am comforted by the fact that I have everything in place to make things simple for my family in the end.
Read more
17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Justin helped me with my fathers estate. It was a stressful time with some family issues, but he made it clear that he was there for me, and by my side. He was compassionate, and patient, and explained everything to me in details that I could understand. Definitely would recommend him to anyone needing a probate lawyer!
Read more
22 May, 2024 by Jaclyn stenzel
Gary at Pulitzer Family Law was amazing to work with. Gary is professional, caring, understanding and his expertise is top notch.
He was very compassionate of my divorce and helped me with decisions that were the best for my situation moving forward. He was thorough with the paperwork, promptly communicated with the opposing attorney and handled the case in a timely manner to stay on track.
I would highly recommend him especially going through a situation that can be emotionally draining.
Thank you Gary!
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Justyce gordon
09 May, 2024 by Mark connolly
Lori is a colleague and great lawyer. She will always work towards the best possible result for her clients and maintain the highest integrity.
Read more
13 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Sherri to help us with getting an APR for my brother’s child who was in my care. Our case, not unlike others, had a fair amount of small details. I would sit down with Sherri and explain the situation or answer questions she asked, watch her take notes and then a few days or a week later, she would tell me she needed the same details we had already gone over and stated that I hadn’t given her yet. She often misspelled names or got a DOB wrong, even after being corrected and that still made it’s way into the final document. She sent an email at the conclusion of our case stating she would return the retainer and then a week later, she said there was nothing to return (she would bill when the retainer had run low, so it felt as though she had intentionally found enough to charge to keep the entire retainer).
After consulting with an attorney who mainly works on custody/adoption, we’ve found our APR is boardline illegal based on the way it’s been written.
Overall, Sherri seemed polite and professional, but in regards to our case, she felt scatterbrained, spread too thin and not well versed in family law. I respect her as a person but would not hire her as an attorney again.
Read more
27 Dec, 2019 by Jeffrey
Ms Murgallis made repeated mistakes that cost me several thousand dollars. She was incapable of even getting the basic court ordered documents, despite repeatedly telling me she could. She then made sure there were no consequences to the opposing party for not turning them over. She refused to present evidence of serious legal infractions of the opposing party. Undermining my argument and strengthening that of the opposing party. She made sure that the case cost as much as possible to the point that I had to send her an email telling her to stop wasting her time and my money until she got the documents she said she would be able to obtain.
You will need to know the laws so that when you try to stand up for your rights she won't be able to force you into a bad situation.
Read more
14 Feb, 2017 by Laura
I will definitely hire Sherri again if I ever need legal assistance. She was straightforward, compassionate yet professional, and represented me well. She gave my case the amount of attention it needed, but no more -- which kept her fees reasonable as well.
Read more
09 Aug, 2024 by Patti
Contacted them to fill in and file 2 petitions. Paid for it. One was changed and fee schedule switched after I notarized them without telling me but filed them anyway.
Read more
20 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
It's been 5 months and she's done absolutely nothing. I tried calling her every day for a month and still not reply.... If you want someone to care about you and your case, please go somewhere else.
Read more
26 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Almost all communication, I waited an average of a week for a response. I received all the excuses as to how she missed my emails. Any filings that had to be done were done under the wire at the very last minute. She would submit documents to related parties past the requested deadlines. The other attorney made remarks in regard to her disregard for timing. I received the outline for my trial the night before adding to my stress and frustration. When I asked specific questions, she gave a roundabout answer that avoided actually answering. It was obvious she briefs herself 15 min prior to a call or meeting and our phone calls were always repetitive as were the emails. Waste of my time & my money.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
