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25 May, 2022 by Rachel
Brandt was absolutely incredible; we used him for both our criminal and family situations. He truly cared about our family's needs. He was honest & communicative. I did consult with other attorneys, & many others said Brandt was the best in the field. He worked so hard on our cases & got us the results we wanted. I would highly recommend him to any friend or family member.
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12 Mar, 2021 by Alex d
Brandt was referred to me by my Dad's attorney, for a paternity action and accusations involving CPS. The accusations were weak at best. Yet serious in nature. I received an excellent outcome in both situations. Brandt is an outstanding attorney. He knows the law. He sincerely cares about his client's, and the outcomes they receive. Brandt aggressively represented me and my rights. He is the epitome of professionalism. He has excellent communication skills, both in court, and with his client. Brandt is detailed and prepared. I am very pleased with Brandt's representation. If I could give him more than 5 stars, I would. I strongly recommend Brandt for any family law need.
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14 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Brandt represented me twice in a series of cases brought against me by a local municipality. We got an acquittal in the first felony case and are poised to get an acquittal on the latest one. Brandt is willing to stand up to the governmental apparatus that tried to personally and professionally destroy me. He was easy to communicate with and responsive. If you need an attorney who will fight for you, choose Brandt.
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31 May, 2022 by Anonymous
We worked with Stacie for our wills and estate plan. She was very knowledgeable, patient, and easy to work with. Answered our questions in a way that made us understand but did not talk down to us. I recommend Stacie for your estate planning needs.
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29 Sep, 2010 by Deborah
Jesse Ostrom helped my teen-age daughter with back child support from her father. This enabled her to go to college, and she is now a RN, BSN. Thanks to Jesse...I never meet a more caring, honest and compassionate young man...highly recommend him if you need an attorney...Thanks Again, Deb Young-Aggen
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25 Aug, 2016 by John
Wyon took the time to listen and help get me what I wanted. I appreciated that he put the time and effort in. I would definitely recommend Wyon to anyone needing an attorney.
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25 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Matt is very pleasant, extremely professional, and well educated. I would strongly recommend him. He took the time to listen and understand my issues.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
This guys a Jem, I’d recommend not hiring him as he has only his best interests Leftoversin mind.
Argumentative, arrogant, waste of time and $ - find a Attorney that will fight for you and not his ego..
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03 Jul, 2024 by Tyler muellenbach
I been with Peter for legal issues since before he had his OWN FIRM. I was with him at Dempsey law firm in Oshkosh.
Now he owns his own firm. This is truly incredible and the American dream. He is a Very smart attorney & one that I wouldn't want to go against!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Rhonda edwards
Peter is extremely hard working and intelligent, often reaching out to in the evenings or even a Sunday to touch base. He gave expert legal advice, and was very being very compass and empathetic, using his own experiences as guidelines. If you are looking for an honest man, do not hesitate to reach out to Culp Law Firm LLC.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Jennifer
Tim Anderson has assisted us with a couple of our real-estate transactions. To tell you the truth the one he is helping us with right now, I thought it was a lost cause. He re-assured us that there are a couple ways to deal with the transaction and has saved the sale. I was at the end of my rope and he jumped into the situation with a fresh approach and some great advise. Tim has a great personality, timely response via email or phone and a positive professional approach to him. He took over the situation so swiftly and smoothly that I could feel the weights lifted off my shoulders. I am so thankful that I have him on my side!
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19 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Anderson is a good guy and we believe a smart attorney. He has a lot of empathy. However, as our representative he seemed to be too busy with other year-end related activities, and/or too wrapped up with sympathy for the other side.
We prompted him to look into various contract clauses and he did so only after the prompting. He briefly researched a supposed real estate contract breach which was raised by the opposing attorney. He seemed to believe that the opposing attorney had no real basis for such a claim of breach of contract on a legal basis, but failed to convince us of that.
Mr. Anderson had a bunch of brief contacts with us and with the opposing attorney, as well as a direct contact with the opposing party. It always left us with a bit of concern as after such contacts he seemed to be then advising us to simply settle.
Mr. Anderson charged us an amount which did not seem to be commensurate with the benefit he provided us. He appeared to spend a lot of time thoroughly documenting every detail about the charges we were accumulating. He also told us that he would not represent us further should we choose to go to litigation.
When we once questioned his approach, and subsequently quickly told him we needed to just move on with our case, he seemed miffed and threatened to drop us as his clients – if we no longer trusted his judgment.
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13 Sep, 2019 by Kim
Very helpful, caring, and knowledgeable. Was able to help me with a very difficult divorce and continues to assist me at this time. I am "TRULY GRATEFUL" to God that this wonderful man has crossed my path. I have recommended Mr. Stillings and will continue to do so in the future.
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30 Jul, 2017 by Morgan
well first of all he failed to represent me due to the fact that i am a addict who had been sober since 2012. He was suposed to get my son out of an abusive situation and decided his relationship with the gal was more important.
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13 Jan, 2018 by Rebecca
Atty. Huber procrastinated for two years, resulting in loss of case to settle my father's estate, and resulting in the loss my Probate Letters of SP. Following two years of work on my part, after hiring A. Huber in 2015, a court date was finally scheduled for 04/2017. Just prior, without my consent or knowledge, Atty Huber cancelled it. He opted for a conference call instead; I listened. Huber, Atty. Lim and the judge took part. Lim, attorney hired by my father's ex-wife's (E) relatives, unknown to my family, wanted me to stop pursuing bank information needed to reconcile accounts in accordance with Probates LSP. Lim said he would gather all data required to settle. Huber and the Judge agreed and another 2 month postponement occurred. A. Lim procured bank statements, all post divorce, unrelated to what was needed. Atty Huber, despite my fears of E. passing on without this being resolved, (age 90s), Huber continued to procrastinate, giving me mundane tasks to do, so he could "better wrap his head" around things. I attained legal advice at various times throughout the 2 years. Other attorneys were able to understand what was needed quickly. After caring for my father, E, and E's sister for years, money was low; Over and over again, I was advised to stick it out with Huber. I was advised against representing myself. E. passed away 2 months after the cancellation of the 04/2017 court date. . Huber said that was ok - he could easily file a claim against the Trust. He evaded and procrastinated on that. Atty Lim filed a motion against me to stop me from attaining the bank information needed. Huber said it was nothing to worry about; the claims Lim made in the affidavit were false anyway. I remained concerned. Huber said he would file a counter Motion. We had a meeting on the Monday prior to the Friday court date, to discuss. The meeting was a disaster. Huber claimed we should be grateful that Lim got the bank statements, even though they were wrong. Huber said, "at least he responded." Huber asked me for more copies of E's bank accounts following the divorce so he could "better wrap his head around it." For the first time, I refused. He had received that data more than once, and none of it pertained to resolution. I had done the forensic accounting for the marriage/divorce and repeatedly supplied files and data sheets for Huber's review. All E's funds were accounted for. What I needed was the account information of the marital funds that were hidden; kept from my father. When I left his office, Huber knew I understood he had never really worked on the case; he was ready to end it. After leaving, I telephoned the bank attorney Huber claimed he had been in contact with. That attorney said he was waiting to hear from Huber; nothing for over 3 weeks. Huber lied to me. I drove directly to the Courthouse, checked CCAP to find the Motion Huber said he filed for me - it was not there. Another lie. I attained what advice I could, and worked around the clock to represent myself on Friday. I had three days to prepare. Two attorneys helped me by reviewing what I had prepared. I did not allow Huber to represent me. No choice but to go it alone. At the Friday hearing, I won - on every legal point. I got the transcripts. But, still lost. In spite of winning in accordance with the law, and proving Lim in error on his affidavit, the only point the judge had left was that "it took too long." I worked for days after; then, received a letter from Lim, giving me 5 days to respond or the court would find in favor of him; I did not receive it until the 5 day limit was over. I drove back to the courthouse. The judge had received it, and signed it before the 5 days. The Judge said I could write a letter; I did.. On my own, I explained I was finally getting results from the bank. The Judge said I should have done that sooner and decided the divorce could never be reopened and thereby nullified the Probate Letters. I lost everything.
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22 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I used Jonathan's Groh services when I was selling my house on my own. He did a horrible job managing a transaction and then referred me to another lawyer. I would stay clear of this lawyer!!
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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.
