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12 Jun, 2022 by Andre shervanian
After a long battle with the at fault carrier, we were compensated fullest payout under the insureds policy limits. This wouldnt have been accomplished without the help of the Boyadjian Law Group. Thank you for all the hard work!!
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Hagob helped me resolve my auto accident claim. It made the process rather enjoyable. My case just settled and I could not be happier.
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28 Sep, 2018 by Arman boyadjian
Boyadjian law group is a close relative of mine and typically I would not review such close family but they recently helped me out with my car accident and they accomplished what I could not on my own. It is so refreshing when you do not have to deal with the hassle of a car accodent on your own.
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08 Jun, 2024 by Ernest
My friend recommended Arpa to take care of my complex criminal and licensure case. Arpa’s office promptly scheduled an appointment to meet and discuss the charges I was facing after I posted bail. Before the meeting with Arpa, I was distraught, depressed, and severely anxious. The court system is difficult to navigate and extremely intimidating, especially when you are feeling vulnerable and your emotions are running high. I was like a deer caught in the headlights.
Upon meeting Arpa, I felt heard throughout our conversation, his willingness to listen was very obvious and refreshing. From the get-go, Arpa was focused in my case in a very empathetic and collaborative way. The way he explored the details, circumstances, mental state, and prior history was done by creating a safe environment of confidentiality in his office. He guided me in how to gather information that would be helpful during the discovery phase of the pre-trial investigation.
Speaking of the legal process, Arpa helped me understand the timeline with a helpful diagram explaining in detail all of the steps and moves in the court system. I appreciated his honest way of presenting the realistic possible ramifications from positive to challenging outcomes; he was very honest and did not sugarcoat how the District Attorney Office thinks and executes their plan of action against defendants. As difficult as it was to digest all of this information, Arpa emphasized that in order to achieve the best outcome, we had to work as a team to tackle and cover every angle of my case.
Initially, I felt powerless in a system completely outside my control and understanding; however, Arpa advocated for me and guided me with the decision-making process of selecting the best outcome under my circumstances. His past experience of working with the District Attorney Office was obvious when he anticipated every Prosecutor’s move in my case. I was very satisfied with the manner in which he negotiated and managed my case with the Prosecutor. Arpa did a fabulous job in presenting me the best and worst case scenarios; this was very helpful in preparing myself mentally when I entered a plea and during the sentencing hearing. When I reflect back on my case, one thing comes to mind: It takes two to tango.
Thank you Arpa for walking next to me during this difficult time in my life, and for motivating me in looking forward to writing the next chapter of my life!
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20 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I'm a disabled veteran with PTSD who got a DUI after a pretty bad panic attack. Arpa was able to help me get a military deferment, which it turned out was pretty hard to do in this particular case. As a result, if I do everything the judge mandated, I can get it dropped completely, charge and arrest.
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20 Dec, 2018 by Sussanah
Prior to his taking on my case, another lawyer was already "representing" me. In retrospect, there is no basis for comparison. Arpa is very skilled(KNOWS his stuff), approachable, relatable and courteous. By that I mean he is not standoffish or demeaning or unnecessarily intimidating. He was recommended to me by a family friend and till date I am and will always be exceedingly glad I listened to the advice I received. Upon speaking with him over the phone, he willingly drove to meet me at a coffee shop located in my city of residence. He offered to get me some coffee and then proceeded to fully hear me out. He then asked me detailed clarifying questions, confirmed all my responses and then he took on my case. I was in a tragic car accident that nearly cost me my life. The last thing I needed was an Attorney who was a migrane. To anyone in need of the best legal representation, look no further please. Seriously. Below is much more details as to why you'll actually be forever grateful as I am, if you hire Arpa as your Attorney. Arpa did above and beyond what I expected and what is typically the norm behavior where Attorneys are concerned. My Dad and Uncle are Lawyers so I personally know and could tell the difference. From the onset Arpa genuinely empathized and made big moves to bring about an outcome that was most closest to the justice that needed to come about in my case. He vigorously pursued, advocated and negotiated BIG on my behalf. Thanks to his stellar negotiation skills THOUSANDS of dollars that I don't have and would have to pay was withdrawn. He got them to see why they should do so. I will forever be indebted and I will be recommending him to family, friends, acquaintances, strangers and whoever else in need of the highest quality legal representation.
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17 Jul, 2021 by Carmen
I don’t write a lot of reviews but I was so happy and thankful for the good experience I had working with Ajalat Law and I thought it might help someone else who is looking for a personal injury lawyer. Everything about my experience with Greg Ajalat was awesome!! To begin with he told me he wanted to do some research before agreeing to take my case, because it was a complicated one. I could tell he wasn’t just going to take my money no matter what, and really wanted to be sure it made sense to move forward with my claim.
At every step Mr. Ajalat kept me informed about what he was doing, how long it would take, and what possibilities we could expect. When there were several options, he talked me through them and didn’t pressure me at all to choose one or the other, just explained them to me and let me choose. There were no unexpected expenses. Even though my case was complicated and it was hard to predict how much the settlement would be, Mr. Ajalat gave me an estimate, and was able to get me an amount at the top of that range!
The whole time I felt like I was talking to a real human being, who cared about my situation, thought carefully about things before making decisions, and genuinely wanted me to have a good experience with his firm. Mr. Ajalat was respectful and kind and made what could have been a very stressful situation much better. If you have a case of this type I recommend this firm so highly!
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14 Jul, 2016 by Judy
My husband and I strongly recommend Ajalat and Ajalat whom we depend on for all legal issues. In our car related personal injury case Greg Ajalat was not only a great advocate but also a personal support offering wise counsel all the way through the process. He always was available and made the process as painless as possible. I highly recommend Greg. More recently we worked with Larry Ajalat to create our Living Trust. Larry was thoughtful, a good listener as well as extremely competent providing us with excellent guidance as he helped us to make decisions about our future.
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13 Aug, 2017 by Jo
In April of 2016, I called to ask if my mom had a DNR. At this time I was offered that a POA be mailed (which I DID NOT ask for) with the DNR. In June when my 82 year old mother was facing major hospital bills , I found out my POA did not work. Why did they not know it would not work????? In June 2016 (when my POA did not work) I was treated like a criminal by secretary (?) Susan. After consulting several law firms, I was a made aware that Susan's questions where not warranted, she had no right to ask. I was charged $250.00 to amend the trust and still had to go to another firm for proper POA. Nothing these people do makes any sense. Proceed with caution. How was I not a criminal in April,but became one in June? Oh, maybe because that shXX they sold my mom didn't work and they wanted more money? WHEE
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29 Aug, 2011 by Debbie
My Mom passed away and I was "elected" to be the Administrator, I was very nervous, having never had to work with a Lawyer before. Mr. Bilson is very easy to work with, if you don't understand he will explain it to you until you do. He is very nice to work with. Very thorough. And his office staff is very nice.
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02 Aug, 2011 by Roger
Specific issue: Carrying out a Trust
I became the excutor of a trust. My friend pasted away and I was honored to carry out his final wishes. The law office of Michael Bilson was named in the trust by my friend. I contacted Michael's office to make an appointment to start my task. I have to mention Michael's office staff and thier professionalism. Gail and Susan were so helpful with any question I had, and I had a lot. Their contribution to assist the process was fantasic. Personable and friendly with every meeting. Private meetings with Michael were efficient and educational. I was reassured every step of the process. I wanted to do the best I could to expedite carrying out this process to help my friend's family. After my first meeting and we got the ball rolling I was johnny on the spot with every doument that needed to be signed to move this on in a fast pace. A real estate agent was recomended and that was a good experience for me too. I complied all the finances and paid out to the family what was willed to them. When I signed the final checks, the whole process was completed in about 90 days.
I been assured that the law office of Michael Bilson is a place that I can be taken care of.
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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.
