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29 Sep, 2024 by Christina
Eric is absolutely fantastic! He is smart, very knowledgeable, and very responsive. He is always available when you need him and I am beyond impressed by his ability to move quickly and efficiently. His advice is excellent and practical. I feel very fortunate to be his client.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
We found Eric to be personable, responsive and knowledgeable. We received an audit notice and were very concerned. We called Eric and he met with us the same day. His knowledge was evident and professionalism soothing. We knew immediately we called the right person. He promptly reached out to the agency and facilitated a quick and mostly painless audit review. He reassured us and made us comfortable at every step of the process. We know exactly who to call if we should ever need his services again. We highly recommend Eric.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Kerrin
Eric was very straightforward and honest and his skills are priceless when it comes tax law and options for his clients.
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01 Oct, 2022 by Erica
Julia is smart, hard working, reliable, trustworthy, pleasant to work with and extremely flexible with our challenging schedule changes. We feel fortunate to have found her and highly recommend her. We will continue to work with her for years to come.
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09 Jan, 2021 by Paul
Many years ago I had chosen SS&B to help establish the first estate plan for my wife and I. Recently at the passing of my wife, I needed to update all of these plans. Obviously having just lost my wife of almost 40 years and having to pull out all of those documents that we had created together added a bit of stress to a difficult time, added to the stress we had all been facing during the COVID pandemic of 2020. Attorney Abbott and her entire team not only helped direct me through all of the steps need to make my transition to this new estate plan, but also worked with me to be sure all of the questions were asked and answered thoughtfully knowing that my brain had difficulty focusing on almost anything, no less the redoing of my estate plans. Her calm and supporting presence though this made a difficult time bearable. She was working to support me not only to complete this new plan, but also as a person. She would take the time just to talk and not just dive into the needed work on the documents. She was the person, and they were the team that was needed for me to get through this most necessary process. I hope and doubt I may ever have to go through a situation like this in the future, but feel confident that I would immediately reach out to them if the need did arise.
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23 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Abbott was a pleasure to work with during the estate planning process including establishment of a trust. She was very accommodating during this unique time of COVID offering to conduct meetings via Zoom, at her office, or at our home and ensured safety measures were in place when it came time to execute the documents. She was thorough when we needed a deeper understanding of specific items, but did not belabor topics unnecessarily. She was very easy to talk to and offered advice and perspective based on her understanding of our wishes and circumstances. I would highly recommend her services.
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30 Jan, 2019 by Judy r.
Kate is an excellent attorney not only because she is smart, knowledgable and pays attention to the details, but because she makes the business of law (estate planning, etc.) personal. Even in business/practicing law, when one makes it personal - the level of care and feeling of comfort makes a difference. Kate's competence, professionalism and personal care makes a difference...Thank you Kate!
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22 May, 2018 by Erika
After putting it off longer than we should have, my husband and I finally decided to do our estate planning. We worked with Kate who did a fantastic job. She came to our home for the initial meeting and helped us think through all of the potential scenarios. She quickly sent us draft documents and a flow chart that made things easy to understand. After signing our wills and health care proxy forms, Kate’s office provided us with all of the necessary documents in an organized binder so that we or our loved ones could easily find the necessary information. She was so easy to work with and her advice gives me comfort that our assets are protected and our children will be well taken care of when the time comes. I can’t recommend Kate enough.
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15 Oct, 2017 by Ashley
Kate first helped us with estate planning/wills after the birth of our son. Our situation was a little complicated and she gave us good options for our needs and took the time to explain it all to us as well. She has since helped us with other legal matters beyond her core areas with as much professionalism and attention to detail. I'm glad that we have Kate taking care if our legal matters.
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10 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Golden gave outstanding advice. Promissory note wasn't silent and my mothers estate is not responsible for the loans. Can't thank you enough!
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24 Jun, 2015 by Mary anne
Your online answer, clear and concise, gave answer to my question: Will my children have to pay any debt I incur, after my death. I have bought the $5,000 hearing aids, taking on this debt at the age of 82 You were right. It is nice to hear well again, and, I can converse more intelligently with my family, thanks to your turning my thinking in this direction, and, assuring me that my children will not bear the burden of any debt. I cannot afford an Attorney right now, but, have an appointment with the Attorney who gives time at the local Council on Aging. Like yourself and your colleagues, he is helping us old folks get over the hurdles of the present day. I thank you for being right here on Avvo. So Easy. Thank you Avvo for having Attorney Golden, and, her colleagues, who helped me out so much with their answers also. Mary
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30 May, 2012 by Ann
WOW! After contacting a Webster MA Attorney regarding the administration or lack thereof and final settlement of my mother's estate by the Executor (my brother), Attorney Golden was not only able to provide insightful advice, specific information and even follow-up that my hired Attorney has been unable to provide, she did it in less than 1 hour versus his 3+ weeks to date. I would highly recommend her for anyone who needs an obviously caring, compassionate and experienced lawyer.
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13 Jul, 2018 by Mary
My elderly husband and I worked a few years ago with Pam, when she practiced law at Oalican Law Offices in Raynham, MA. We recently went back to update our wills and related documents and were reminded of how completely she had taken care of our needs. Her grasp of Massachusetts senior legal issues and our specific situation impressed us. We are in the process of updating our wills, and can attest that only minor changes will be necessary, thanks to Attorney Greenfield's diligent work on our behalf. In addition, she is very pleasant to work with.
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09 Apr, 2018 by Erin
I've had the pleasure of referring many of my senior clients and their families to Pamela over the years. Without fail she has guided them through a sometimes difficult and emotional process all the while assuring the smoothest possible experience for everyone involved. Attorney Greenfield brings not only her expertise to her clients but also her heart to ensure her clients recieve the best resources and planning available to them. She makes it personal.
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07 Apr, 2018 by Rachel
We worked with Pamela Greenfield on our estate plan and found her to be incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful of our needs. Pamela is very responsive and we found the process to be efficient. We have referred Pamela to friends and they have all been so pleased to work with her.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Joshua
Jon was professional, a lot more responsive than I had expected after working with other lawyers in the past, handled my legal matter to my satisfaction and was reasonably priced. I highly recommend his for any of your estate planning matters.
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01 Nov, 2017 by Brian
I was faced with a number of issues involving an elderly parent that required immediate action. Atty. Levin immediately understood the critical nature of my needs and initiated an action plan that enabled me to quickly move through a number of legal obstacles. His empathy, professional advice and guidance, willingness to meet at a care facility and vast knowledge on maneuvering through the legal system was greatly appreciated. I did not feel rushed or without a full understanding of the cause/effect of every decision that was necessary. Atty. Levin kept be updated as to where we were every step of the way. He made excellent recommendations and continues to "check-in" to see exactly what obstacles (if any continue) to present themselves. There are still a number of unfinished issues that require attention and I will certainly turn to Atty. Levin with great confidence as these issues require action. I find his knowledge to be vast, his mannerism to be aid-back and welcoming, and his professionalism to be superb. Without a doubt I can certainly recommend his services to family and friends.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Doug
I was referred to Jon by another attorney that I have known for years. Jon and I have never met personally but we communicated via the phone and emails as both of us reside in different states. I found Jon to be very easy to deal with. He always took the time to explain legal procedures and went over strategies as it related to my case. He assisted me with an Estate settlement involving real estate and probate of a very close relative that I contested. His expertise and experience showed as we settled the estate in a fair manner without having to go to court and pay legal fees that would have diminished the estate considerably. He also did not let the case drag on. Jon was not pushy or arrogant. He has a calm demeanor that demonstrates his ability to get the job done by allowing his knowledge and experience to stand out by his work product. I am very pleased with Jon and would highly recommend him for Real Estate, Probate and Estate work, especially if it is contested. He was always straight forward, honest and willing to share his opinion on the best course of action to take. Jon, also like me, is a family man. He is properly grounded in his values. I highly recommend using him for legal services. Thank you.
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07 Feb, 2017 by Loretta
I was very fortunate to find Lynda Furash after my father passed away in March. Although my duties and responsibilities as personal representative of the estate were pretty clear, Lynda was able to clarify the finer points and help me navigate the process in an informed and thoughtful manner. Most importantly, since I was experiencing significant emotional stress due to a hostile family member, Lynda was able to handle many communications between us in a knowledgeable and professional way that actually defused tensions on both sides. Her ability to present facts, explain points of view and weigh pros and cons while maintaining my best interests at the forefront was comforting and confidence-inspiring. Lynda's rates were reasonable and she was consistently and accurately able to let me know what to expect at each stage of the process. I am very grateful to her for making the estate process both manageable and stress-free. Moreover, Lynda's manner is pleasant, warm and caring. If working with an attorney can actually be enjoyable, then I believe Lynda achieved that end!
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03 Feb, 2017 by Natalie
Lynda Furash handled my mother's estate in support of me, the Personal Representative, and my siblings. Lynda was assigned to our case at a very, hectic, demanding emotional time of adjustment that follows family loss. Lynda's work is excellent! She and I are both very detailed and as such, we were able to establish a relationship and rapport that made accomplishing difficult, detailed objectives pleasant. Having experienced otherwise, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of working with an attorney whose capabilities I had full confidence in. I do not take this for granted. I immensely enjoyed working with Lynda Furash to get to the point of complete closure of the estate. I would highly recommend Lynda to anyone who is in need of an attorney who get the job done with excellence.
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16 Sep, 2023 by Patrick lewis
We used Aubrey Law for our will and estate planning. They were thorough and comprehensive in their explanations of the various processes involved and helped us navigate the unfamiliar legal territory.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Chip a
My wife and I worked with Scott at Aubrey Law to develop our estate plan. We had called around to a few other law firms first and were met with rigid processes and overwhelmed with legal speak from lawyers who seemed to be very focused on trying to impress us with their education and credentials. Aubrey Law and Scott Aubrey in particular was very different. Scott treated us like humans, talked to us in plain English, and often made us feel like we were his only client with the attention he gave us. We felt comfortable working with him from start to finish, and we loved that he provided us with instructions on next steps to fund our trust and execute our estate plan after everything was signed. He also put together a plan of keeping in touch in the future so that we can keep things up to date and make good decisions as our lives evolve. We would strongly recommend giving Scott a try!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher donais
Provided excellent service and help during the creation of my prenup. He brought invaluable expertise and clearly laid out all my options. I would recommend him to anyone.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Stevejma300
He helped us set up a living trust. We went to one of his seminars and he explained complex information in a way that made it simple. It felt really good to get the planning out of the way because we have been thinking about doing our estate planning for many years. So yeah -- definitely five stars.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Ray
Horribly unprofessional & judgemental
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher donais
Provided excellent service and help during the creation of my prenup. He brought invaluable expertise and clearly laid out all my options. I would recommend him to anyone.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Ray
Horribly unprofessional & judgemental
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26 Mar, 2024 by Edouard jean-marie
I recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Infinity Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the outset, their professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication were evident. The process was undoubtedly challenging, and at times emotionally taxing, but their support made a significant difference in my experience. The team's expertise and thorough approach led to a resolution that exceeded my expectations, bringing a significant and positive outcome. It's rare to find a firm that not only delivers exceptional results but also genuinely cares about its clients' well-being throughout the process. I am beyond grateful for the work they've done for me and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, and I am confident they will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of their clients. Thank you, Gabriel, for your outstanding service and for playing such a pivotal role in my life. I look forward to seeing the continued success of your firm, knowing the incredible value you bring to your clients. Keep winning!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher donais
Provided excellent service and help during the creation of my prenup. He brought invaluable expertise and clearly laid out all my options. I would recommend him to anyone.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Ray
Horribly unprofessional & judgemental
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26 Mar, 2024 by Edouard jean-marie
I recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Infinity Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the outset, their professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication were evident. The process was undoubtedly challenging, and at times emotionally taxing, but their support made a significant difference in my experience. The team's expertise and thorough approach led to a resolution that exceeded my expectations, bringing a significant and positive outcome. It's rare to find a firm that not only delivers exceptional results but also genuinely cares about its clients' well-being throughout the process. I am beyond grateful for the work they've done for me and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, and I am confident they will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of their clients. Thank you, Gabriel, for your outstanding service and for playing such a pivotal role in my life. I look forward to seeing the continued success of your firm, knowing the incredible value you bring to your clients. Keep winning!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher donais
Provided excellent service and help during the creation of my prenup. He brought invaluable expertise and clearly laid out all my options. I would recommend him to anyone.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Ray
Horribly unprofessional & judgemental
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26 Mar, 2024 by Edouard jean-marie
I recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Infinity Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the outset, their professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication were evident. The process was undoubtedly challenging, and at times emotionally taxing, but their support made a significant difference in my experience. The team's expertise and thorough approach led to a resolution that exceeded my expectations, bringing a significant and positive outcome. It's rare to find a firm that not only delivers exceptional results but also genuinely cares about its clients' well-being throughout the process. I am beyond grateful for the work they've done for me and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, and I am confident they will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of their clients. Thank you, Gabriel, for your outstanding service and for playing such a pivotal role in my life. I look forward to seeing the continued success of your firm, knowing the incredible value you bring to your clients. Keep winning!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher donais
Provided excellent service and help during the creation of my prenup. He brought invaluable expertise and clearly laid out all my options. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more Google Maps
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23 Apr, 2024 by Ray
Horribly unprofessional & judgemental
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26 Mar, 2024 by Edouard jean-marie
I recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Infinity Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the outset, their professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication were evident. The process was undoubtedly challenging, and at times emotionally taxing, but their support made a significant difference in my experience. The team's expertise and thorough approach led to a resolution that exceeded my expectations, bringing a significant and positive outcome. It's rare to find a firm that not only delivers exceptional results but also genuinely cares about its clients' well-being throughout the process. I am beyond grateful for the work they've done for me and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, and I am confident they will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of their clients. Thank you, Gabriel, for your outstanding service and for playing such a pivotal role in my life. I look forward to seeing the continued success of your firm, knowing the incredible value you bring to your clients. Keep winning!
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04 Jan, 2024 by Alex
Goldman & Pease really helped out in an arbitration case I had. Sid was so thorough in his approach. He really took care of me in the case and really new his stuff. We ultimately won the arbitration. I couldn't have done it without him. Our family is forever grateful for the help they provided. Thank you again!
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10 Nov, 2023 by Faina
I highly recommend Howard Goldman as an attorney for eviction matters. He is a friendly and down-to-earth professional who provides impeccable representation for his clients. I was able to evict my tenant in a timely manner and the experience was overall less stressful as a result of his expertise. I confidently refer prospective clients to Howard on a regular basis.
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19 May, 2022 by Mark
Howard Goldman is an expert in his craft. I have recommended other colleagues to Howard in the past for for business - related legal issues and they were all extremely satisfied. Howard's advice is sage and on point. He is someone on want on my team when I have a business-related legal issue. I had an issue with my client which he helped to resolve successfully. I will continue to recommend Howard to all of my colleagues. Can't say enough good things.
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07 Dec, 2022 by Susan
Barry was my mother's estate attorney after my father died in 2010. My father wrote (yes, my father--not an attorney) a living trust and will for his estate (I was a trustee) and my father wrote a living trust and will for my mother's estate. Barry came on board and helped us navigate through ambiguities in my father's version of his trust and then rewrote (unambiguously) my mother's trust along with her will, POA, and living will and health proxy. Then when my mother died two years later, he helped considerably with selling the family home. His charges were very fair. Most of all, he was the kindest person to my mother and me and to my siblings. He did house calls! To this day (10 years later), I consider him to be a ray of sunshine in those dark days of losing my mother, father and family home of 50 years within a relatively short period of time.
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25 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Barry to prepare legal documents to acquire a new property I was purchasing. For 3 months I called him weekly to follow up why he hasn't prepared any paperwork for me. Barry used every possible childish excuse as to why I had not received any documents I hired tim to prepare. 2 times in those 3 months he even told me that he had mailed them out to me, which I did not receive. I was advised by another attorney to let him know that I had lost on collecting 3 months worth of rental income because of his incompetence. When I finally had enough, I informed Barry of all my rental loss because of his negligence, he miraculously produced all necessary documents I had hired him for that same afternoon. I also want to add that as you speak to Barry regarding your legal needs he has a habit of rolling his eyes back making you feel you are not of equal intelligence as him. I was not not impressed by his work ethics and will never recommend his services to anyone
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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:

  1. What is your experience with estate planning?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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