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30 Jul, 2017 by Harlan
My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and I knew that at some point in time I'd need financial assistance so my retirement savings won't be totally depleted. With our health care support changing rapidly and minimal support from our county ADRC, I needed somebody that has the knowledge of the Medicaid regulations. Carol Wessels presented several classes to an Alzheimer's Support Group and gave me enough information to think that we might be approved for Medicaid assistance. She gave me the guidance I needed to gather the information for her office to complete the application and respond back to many additional questions that came back from this application. What a relief to have her support and eventually accepted for Medicaid assistance.
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28 Jul, 2017 by Julie
Carol is very knowledgeable and empathetic. She has the ability to look at the whole picture and give the family a plan.
I met with Carol when I was overwhelmed with the changes in my husband, due to dementia. Her calm demeanor and kindness to my husband touched my heart. She knows how to relate well to those with Alzheimer's. Without her, the Medicaid application and process would have been daunting. I highly recommend her!
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12 May, 2012 by Julie
Ms. Wessels has done an exemplary job handling my mother's legal affairs. Her case was difficult and at times frustrating, but Carol managed all with incredible patience, competence, and compassion. I would highly recommend her.
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22 Aug, 2014 by Rick
We met with Mike for a preliminary session where he asked us a lot of questions. He gave us an assignment to list our assets and how we would like them distributed should something happen to us. He was extremely thorough and detailed. I really like his approach and explanation of options for estate distribution.
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14 May, 2010 by Bill
Professional and extremely knowledgeable. Made me feel comfortable and valued.
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21 Feb, 2017 by Heath n. wasserman
Absolutely great Attorney. Attorney Tishberg won both a civil and criminal trial for me in consecutive months. I must say Attorney Tishberg is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Thank you, Attorney Tishberg.
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06 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Napierala stood by my side and won me a 10 year restraining order against my ex-boyfriend. I was completely terrified but he walked me through the whole entire process and kept me calm through it all. He's so intelligent, kind and big hearted. He's also never lost a restraining order case in 30 years! I would recommend him to anyone.
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23 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
The attorney was always very professional, prepared, answered all my questions and was always available when needed. He was extremely effective and genuinely cared about my case.
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Napierala had me sign a contract stating that I had to pay him in $2,000 in advance when each $2,000 was exhausted. He inflated his time on the bill and claimed I owed him money even though the contract I signed said I had to pay in advance of services. He canceled mediation the day before because I had not paid him another $2,000 in advance and he refused to discuss his inflated bill. Even though he told me his paralegal was billed at $135 hr, he charged me at his rate when I dealt with her. Most of the time I spent with his paralegal. She had errors on documents so I had to come back four times. IMO that was a ploy to increase his bill. A motion that I had signed took three weeks for this law firm to get a date from Washington County Court due to phone tag. Another motion that I had signed did not get sent off to Washington County until four weeks later. Napierala also emailed me another client's personal information even though her email address and correspondence were in the email. I forwarded his response to his other client and she said she was not happy that he passed on her personal information. Napierala let my husband's attorney add things to an agreement close to an hour before we were to go to court. Napierala also sat silent in court while my husband's attorney lied about a phone bill. Napierala also did not speak up for me in court and let my husband's attorney make me have my separate phone account and he did not speak up when my husband's attorney requested I move out in 45 days, receive a small maintenance during that time with it being increased after I got an apartment, which was a nightmare because of the timing of payroll deductions and support payment, so I am currently short maintenance that is due to me. Napierala gave me very little legal advice. He told me to get an apartment with a pool and told me of the time he lived in an apartment. Napierala does not have a fax machine, he told me he removed the number from his site and that the fax machine belongs to an attorney he shares office space with. Napierala's paralegal is part time, with no set amount of days or hours worked each week. Napierala's voice mail system is sensitive, if you call it and don't press the button at the precise moment to leave a message, you will either get transferred to Dan Goldberg's law firm or you will get a message that says, "Thank you for using Audix." There are better divorce attorneys out there and plenty that have full time office staff, who will file motions in a timely manner and represent you properly who have a reliable answering machine and a fax machine.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Teresa kobelt
The friendly staff and outstanding attorneys at Wessels & Liebau, LLC, make this a smart choice for anyone in need of legal counsel on issues affecting seniors and those with special needs.
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06 Jan, 2023 by Harlan mueller
Carol’s elder law experience is exceptional. She definitely has walked the walk and is not all talk.Her guidance saved me a great deal of expense as she knew the governmental rules and regulations. She gave me new life as I thought all my hard earnings were going to be exhausted for the care of those I loved. I owe her a lot for using her experience for my later benefits in life that I’m enjoying today…
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04 Jan, 2023 by Stephen schultz
I believe that Wessels & Liebau have given me great advice and guidance for the 7 or 8 years that I’ve used their many services. Carol Wessels has helped me prepare and revise my will during some most troubling times; the years that my late wife was struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease, her death and my new marriage and new life. Carol helped me implement my wishes. Thanks so much.
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11 Sep, 2023 by Theresa martinelli
To put it simply, the best, and his staff are top notch and compassionate. There was nothing simple about our family’s case. I’m so grateful to have had their support and service at such a stressful and challenging time in my and my mother’s lives. I consider them a great blessing and would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone. Thank you again for all your hard work, dedication, and going above and beyond much love and respect, sincerely Theresa Martinelli.
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11 Sep, 2022 by John schallert
My parents hired and relied on him for advice and counsel for a living trust and will to avoid probate as much as possible. He met with them, advised them, prepared the documents, made changes over the years, and of course charged his fees to provide a living trust document and will. My mother passed well before my father. No action on funding the living trust. The entire estate ended up in probate. Cost the estate thousands in legal fees, court fees, and time. I would never use him for living trusts or wills based on the poor legal service that he provided my parents. Seek a lawyer who is qualified and competent in trusts, wills, and estate planning. It sure is not Rob Holtz!!
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17 Nov, 2021 by Christine and dennis blankenburg
Very knowdgeable and explain things well. Very reasonably fees. A really nice guy.
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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.
