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16 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I was looking for a local lawyer to help with a child support and custody issue, who actually had expertise in this area, and Mrs. Clark was the right person for my case. She was efficient, thorough, knowledgeable and paid attention to detail, and stayed in contact with me from the start of my case until the end. The Clark Law Group comes highly recommended, as I understand she has a fluid understanding of other areas of law as well.
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30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
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30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Kevin monaghan
Provided terrific legal representation on home sale. Jim Ashenfelter is smart, experienced, honest, no-nonsense pro who did nice job explaining process; avoiding potential issues & delivering on property close. Ann Miscia was also an invaluable help who gets extra marks for very cool, interior design and vibe of their offices :)
Enthusiastically recommend this firm!
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15 Dec, 2017 by Joe dicarlo
07 Sep, 2017 by Sandy sorkin
20 Aug, 2021 by Kevin monaghan
Provided terrific legal representation on home sale. Jim Ashenfelter is smart, experienced, honest, no-nonsense pro who did nice job explaining process; avoiding potential issues & delivering on property close. Ann Miscia was also an invaluable help who gets extra marks for very cool, interior design and vibe of their offices :)
Enthusiastically recommend this firm!
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15 Dec, 2017 by Joe dicarlo
06 Nov, 2017 by Hannah
Lori got the job done quickly and correctly but, when you pay a flat rate, you get what you pay for. As a first time home buyer, I had a lot of questions which she always seemed too busy to answer. If I sent her an email with 5 questions, she'd only answer 1 of them. This was extremely frustrating.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Dejenell
We are extremely satisfied with Leslie Farber’s handling of our complex case. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Michael stuart
Attorney Leslie A. Farber was absolutely phenomenal in handling my case. From the very beginning, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved and kept me informed every step of the way, clearly explaining each development in a way that eased my anxieties. Her dedication to achieving the best possible outcome was evident throughout the process, and ultimately, she secured a highly favorable result. I would wholeheartedly recommend Leslie A. Farber to anyone seeking skilled and compassionate legal representation.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Faith r
22 Oct, 2024 by Dejenell
We are extremely satisfied with Leslie Farber’s handling of our complex case. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Michael stuart
Attorney Leslie A. Farber was absolutely phenomenal in handling my case. From the very beginning, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved and kept me informed every step of the way, clearly explaining each development in a way that eased my anxieties. Her dedication to achieving the best possible outcome was evident throughout the process, and ultimately, she secured a highly favorable result. I would wholeheartedly recommend Leslie A. Farber to anyone seeking skilled and compassionate legal representation.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Faith r
12 Jul, 2022 by Susan miloscia halpern
Shana Siegel, does not shy away from“taking on the establishment!” Shana was instrumental in the case against my mother, by the Division of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services as well as, Medicaid in the State of New Jersey. Both branches, county and state levied an inconceivable attempt to reverse the “exempted” Holocaust restitution pension status, and ultimately were trying to retrieve moneys appropriated to Victims of
the Nazi persecution, to go to their agencies. A true injustice by a government agency, towards a Holocaust survivor!
Shana reached out to local and overseas institutions to produce documentation of proof of my mom’s eligibility status, spoke to numerous persons with first-hand knowledge, filed affidavits and testimonies on my mom’s behalf.
Besides being a true advocate of the Elderly, Shana Siegel is knowledgeable, confident, easy to talk too, and was always readily available. I never felt rushed while expressing my thoughts or concerns or needing to talk over different options.
Without Shana’s empathy and passion, to fight for the justice my mom so deserved, I truly do not think there would have been such an “amazing” outcome.
With the Sincerest Gratitude,
Susan
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31 Dec, 2021 by J.c. jones
I was referred to Ms. Shana Siegel this past spring/summer 2021 regarding serious elder care matters surrounding my father. The pressing matters had continued over from the 2020 corona virus pandemic year into the current year of 2021. There were several moving parts. My husband and I needed an advocate in the field of elder care to see us through tedious processes that required expertise beyond the scope of what we could do. We enlisted Ms. Siegel and she was able to assist my family in obtaining Medicaid for my father and finding placement for him in a new facility for care immediately from the hospital. This period was quite stressful and contentious for family for a myriad of reasons, but Ms. Siegel saw us through the process. Through unforeseen matters and issues surrounding negligence with other entities at play, I was also advised ahead of time to prepare to obtain guardianship for my elder parent. Ms. Siegel was professional and kind through our legal process and my family was able obtain favorable outcomes in circumstances that are usually difficult to achieve.
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17 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
She was consistently unprepared for court. It felt like she didn't know the case at all. I was extremely disappointed and had to fire her mid-trial. Ended up representing myself pro se. Lawyers like her are why people don't trust legal professionals.
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19 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Norrie for my will and living trust. He is very knowledgeable and excellent in what he does. He thought beyond my limited thinking for myself for my complex situation. I highly recommend him.
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27 Nov, 2016 by Laurie
I had a very bad experience at this firm. My husband and I went there for estate planning. My husband was ill and I feel like this firm tried to take advantage of our vulnerable situation. I feel like they were trying to sell us more than we needed and one of the lawyers lied to us about the new NJ law that is phasing out the NJ Estate Tax. He also told us that there was no unlimited marital deduction. I have contacted the firm and he insists I misunderstood but I was very careful to ask about specific scenarios and got the same answer. I have asked for my money back but they refuse. I have contacted the Better Business Bureau and filed a complaint but the firm has ignored it. I would not recommend this firm!
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13 Aug, 2018 by Andrea
My sister and I hired Janet Chaplan Pew in January of 2018 when my father had a heart attack and we needed someone to help apply for his Medicaid application. We had spoken to a few Medicaid specialists who seemed competent, but decided to hire a lawyer in case there were any difficulties with our dad's case and we needed someone to advocate on our behalf. We hired Janet, who talked a good game, but after we hired her, we realized she had only applied for one other Medicaid application before, and that was with the help of her Paralegal-- and what was a big red flag for me, was that when I would ask her questions and mention to her what the other Medicaid agencies were doing, she would ask me in-depth questions about their procedures, as if she wanted to know what SHE should be doing, and in one case I had a hand-out of another agency's list of procedures they followed to get Medicaid, and she asked me for a copy, (I gave it to her). By this time, it was too late to hire another Medicaid specialist, and I was filled with grief over the fear that my father would die, busy making medical decisions for him, taking the train back and forth from Boston to NJ to take care of my dad, it was exhausting, and Janet took advantage of that. The final injury, was that she finally managed to get $10,000 of our dad's money-- in the beginning she promised it would never be more than the $5,000 another agency was charging, even though she charged by the hour. She assured me her fee would never go as high as these other agencies. But she kept asking for more money and we gave it to her. I realize Medicaid is a complicated application, but it's still only an application that simply requires accurate and complete information, and my dad was a perfect candidate for Medicaid. I don't know why she kept asking for more money, we gave her all the information she needed--I assume it just simply took her longer to do the application since she had little experience and didn't understand the ins and outs. (and maybe she figured she might as well ask for more money since we had to run down our dad's money anyway). In May, we gave Janet an additional $3,000 in case we needed her to help us with any difficulties after the application went through. But my dad died on June 3rd and the application never went through, and so that $3,000 was never spent by her/she did no work for that money. When I spoke with her about a month later, she refused to return the unused money. Her reason for not returning the money was this: "Oh, there are lots of reasons I can't return the money." I was astonished. She then sent us a lawyerly letter explaining how she had used/or would use the money in the future. It was incomprehensible. I spoke and called her again, she didn't return my calls, but finally agreed to return $2,700 of the money (I don't know why she didn't return the full $3,000). She wrote a check out to the estate of my father. I will say, she seemed nice in the beginning, she always responded to my calls, even if she did tend to go off on strange tangents during our conversations and wouldn't let me get a work in edge wise, and she seemed eager to do a good job in the beginning. I think ultimately she was in over her head. The most disappointing and hurtful thing was her greed with our dying dad's money. I realize that there are people who go into elder care because they really care about the elderly, and people who go into elder care because they see it as a quick way to fill out an application and make some good money. It hurts, and I never want another family to go through what we did. We needed help, and instead we found someone who took advantage of our fears and sadness to make a buck. I hope this review helps.
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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.
