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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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22 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
He answered all my questions and explained the process in a way that I could understand
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12 Jul, 2024 by Det s
If you need an attorney that's put her words in action, who will do all her best to help you and you will feel the confidence that you will win the case.I recommend Atty. Michelle..She's the BEST atty. I will be forever grateful to Atty Michelle,having an attorney like her on our side is priceless.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Paul salas
A wonderful person to meet. Michele was not only strong and an intelligent attorney but also someone that could help understand what’s best for their client. I don’t think I would have ever found my way without someone as proficient as her. Someone who could get things done and actively communicate in dire circumstances. I appreciated everything she’s done and glad to move forward with my life with the help I needed. Thank you!
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01 May, 2024 by Dorinda m. suarez
Hi everyone Just so you know I had the most best attorney ever. I was scared and didn’t know what to do and she helped me through everything and made sure I got through this with no worries she even told me don’t worry about this let it be my worry and she pulled through with her words and actions. If you need a criminal attorney that will really fight for you Michele is the one. You will be happy. Don’t look anywhere else. Thank you Michele you are amazing.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Det s
If you need an attorney that's put her words in action, who will do all her best to help you and you will feel the confidence that you will win the case.I recommend Atty. Michelle..She's the BEST atty. I will be forever grateful to Atty Michelle,having an attorney like her on our side is priceless.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Paul salas
A wonderful person to meet. Michele was not only strong and an intelligent attorney but also someone that could help understand what’s best for their client. I don’t think I would have ever found my way without someone as proficient as her. Someone who could get things done and actively communicate in dire circumstances. I appreciated everything she’s done and glad to move forward with my life with the help I needed. Thank you!
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01 May, 2024 by Dorinda m. suarez
Hi everyone Just so you know I had the most best attorney ever. I was scared and didn’t know what to do and she helped me through everything and made sure I got through this with no worries she even told me don’t worry about this let it be my worry and she pulled through with her words and actions. If you need a criminal attorney that will really fight for you Michele is the one. You will be happy. Don’t look anywhere else. Thank you Michele you are amazing.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Det s
If you need an attorney that's put her words in action, who will do all her best to help you and you will feel the confidence that you will win the case.I recommend Atty. Michelle..She's the BEST atty. I will be forever grateful to Atty Michelle,having an attorney like her on our side is priceless.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Paul salas
A wonderful person to meet. Michele was not only strong and an intelligent attorney but also someone that could help understand what’s best for their client. I don’t think I would have ever found my way without someone as proficient as her. Someone who could get things done and actively communicate in dire circumstances. I appreciated everything she’s done and glad to move forward with my life with the help I needed. Thank you!
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01 May, 2024 by Dorinda m. suarez
Hi everyone Just so you know I had the most best attorney ever. I was scared and didn’t know what to do and she helped me through everything and made sure I got through this with no worries she even told me don’t worry about this let it be my worry and she pulled through with her words and actions. If you need a criminal attorney that will really fight for you Michele is the one. You will be happy. Don’t look anywhere else. Thank you Michele you are amazing.
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5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
20 May, 2022 by Ashley baker
I would highly recommend the McDonald Law Firm. My father was hesitant to hire an attorney. He had A LOT of questions about the process, and they were very patient and responsive.
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08 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Randy Medina was very professional and really knowable in regards to child custody and moving orders. He was very detailed in explaining what could happen if the decision was to go one way or the other. He made sure we understood what we were getting ourselves into.
One of the biggest attributes we loved from Randy was his research of the many previous cases that has happened and utilizing those examples to your specific case. During our court hearing for our final decision, we loved that he walked us through our stressful experience and really explained why this process would be best for our case. We actually learned a lot from him during our moving order.
We would like to thank Mr. Randy Medina and his team for working with us and fighting for our family to relocate. We highly recommend him and his team.
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04 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Atty. Medina helped me with my case and was able to work it out for our benefit. He is someone you can truly count on and he will do everything to get the justice you and your family deserve. As a veteran, I would highly recommend Atty. Medina (a veteran himself!) to anyone who needs legal advice regarding family matters and domestic relations. Thank you Sir, I will always be grateful!
LAW OFFICES OF RANDY W. MEDINA---> TOP NOTCH PROFESSIONALISM!!!!!
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11 Mar, 2013 by Eric
My wife and I are in our mid-forties and decided it was time to create a living will and trust. We researched a few options and attended two seminars to understand the scope of what we needed to know. Unfortunately, the attorneys running the seminars seemed to be more focused on volume rather than the quality of their service. So when a close friend referred us to Adam a few days later, I wasn’t tripping over myself to speak to another attorney, but I’m so glad I did. From the first phone call, I knew Adam would be able to help us. He was a great listener and very patient. We truly felt that Adam was completely focused on our needs and helped us craft a will and trust that was exactly what we wanted. He was easily available by phone and responded very quickly to emails as well. Adam Aparicio was an excellent choice for our will and estate planning and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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28 Feb, 2013 by David
I seriously goofed up a property transfer which resulted in the reassessment of the property taxes of my home. I literally went from paying $1500 a year to nearly $5000! Despite me missing several deadlines, Mr. Aparicio was able to secure a roll back of my tax value on my property when I thought all hope was lost. He was very generous with his time and didn't nickel and dime me for every call. He has a certain way about him, its very calming, and its nice to have someone do what they say they're going to do.
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09 Feb, 2011 by Eddie
I'm not one for writing reviews, but my experience with Adam Aparicio Law Offices prompted me to spread the word. Finding a good lawyer is a daunting task, scarier than finding a good mechanic, or dealership, or dentist, or sushi restaurant. Your life is literally in this persons hands. I can't believe the Law Gods smiled on me when they dropped Mr. Aparicio into my lap. I was talking to a good friend about my problem with an insurance company. I had signed some documents without really understanding all of the fine print. I made a grave mistake and trusted the insurance agent when she explained what everything in the documents meant. Little did I know, that she had failed to mention some pretty important clauses that were to my great disadvantage. I spent sleepless nights once I realized my mistake. The mistake had cost me in the thousands of dollars, and in this economic climate, it was heartbreaking. My friend mentioned he knew of a good lawyer and this is where Mr. Aparicio came in. I was reluctant to call his offices at first, I was feeling apprehensive in trusting anyone, since I had been let down by my own insurance company just previously. I had that same fear people have when trying to choose a good doctor. You want the best. But my mind was put at ease once I walked in. His staff was courteous, his office intimate, and his handshake firm. I felt comfortable with him right away. I was highly impressed by his initiative. He read my documents thoroughly, he answered my questions, he brought his staff together and they started on a plan of attack. Things were getting done right away and I felt at ease about it. I felt confident about having good people behind me. Adam and his staff were there for me every step of the away. They were always a phone call away. Even after they were able to get the contract retracted and annulled. They still called to make sure that I was happy and satisfied with the results. Was I happy? My lord! They saved me thousands of dollars and they still call to ask if I'm satisfied? Wow! They don't make lawyers like this anymore. I highly recommend Adam Aparicio Law Offices. It feels good to know that If I ever have legal problems again, I have no problem knowing who to turn too. I just want to give a big thanks to Adam Aparicio and his staff. It was a magnificent honor knowing you were all on my side.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Jonathan Primuth patiently explained our options in a rather complicated case, sympathetically outlining what our personal advantages and disadvantages might be for each course of action. He was extremely professional, supportive, prompt and knowledgeable.
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22 Apr, 2019 by Todd
We met several times with Jon to learn and discuss our options for estate planning. He was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent examples of what options we had to consider. The whole process was much easier than we anticipated considering the important decisions that had to be made. In the end we were provided with an executed and comprehensive estate planning portfolio. I highly recommend Jon and his team for their professionalism, expertise, and quality work.
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22 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Completed our estate plan. Jonathan and his paralegal were both terrific. Cost was reasonable as well.
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20 May, 2021 by Robert
David Huffman amended my will and advised me on a property matter. He brought clarity and commitment to both situations. I have known him for many years and can attest to his character and legal skills. I recommend him highly!
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03 Nov, 2016 by Ronna
I had been dragging my feet on putting my end of life documents in order but knew I needed to get it done. David Huffman was an excellent lawyer to work with in getting my trust/will completed. He is professional, knowledgeable and kept me motivated. He explained the process very clearly and I understood the difference between a will and a trust, how I needed to complete each form, how he would put the correct legal documents in order and other pertinent details. By the end of the process I felt incredibly relieved and grateful for the services Dave Huffman provided.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Michael
I have received excellent, competent service from Mr. Huffman and his associates on several real estate matters. His advice and guidance have been key to resolving what I had thought were unresolvable matters. His knowledge and calm confidence were essential in creating a doable strategy that actually worked. I have referred a variety of situations to him, with him being able to navigate through them to favorable conclusions. I feel very confident in Mr. Huffman's honesty, integrity and the sense I get that he truly is my advocate, working in my best interest. I feel fortunate that Mr. Huffman represents me in my real estate and business affairs. Knowing he is there when I need him is very important to my peace of mind.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Monty
I've been working with Bill for several years. His ability to quickly analyze complex business and estate matters, and then clearly articulate his recommendations, makes him an outstanding advisor. He continues to impress me with his superior legal knowledge and business acumen and his caring and positive attitude.
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20 Jun, 2015 by Traci
Mr. Kruse came highly recommended by a friend who has been his client for a number of years. In one short meeting, Mr. Kruse was able to comprehend our situation and clearly articulate a positive plan of action. He has been able to represent us with clarity and resolve. Mr. Kruse gives great attention to detail, he is quick to respond and has consistently exceeded our expectations. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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17 Jun, 2015 by J. robert b, md, phd
We first met Bill in 1987 or 1988 when he and Erin and Barbara and I hosted two young Japanese women exchange students interested in polishing their English skills during a summer session. Over the years, we have been repeatedly impressed by Bill's integrity and knowledge, and when it became time, we asked him to be executor of our estate, will and trust. He has been an excellent choice, low-key and confidence-inspiring for our adult children and attentive to detail. In fact, we have an amendment to our will on our current to-do list: Bill recently reminded us that it needed to be updated to include the birth of a great-grandchild or three; we have established 529 education trust funds for each of the "grands" and "great-grands," to make manifest our lineage's ongoing emphasis on the importance of education to a family's "health. This reminder of Bill's exemplifies the kind of care and attention that we never cease being grateful for.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Very professional, Jerlisia loves what she is doing for her client . She is very dedicated to her clients needs . I will definitely recommend Jerlisia Farmer to anybody.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Elizabeth
Jersilia is so knowledgeable! Highly recommend her! She has been very helpful in establishing our Corp. and makes herself very available
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10 Jul, 2020 by Christine
Jerlisia is professional and knowledgeable. I most appreciate her prompt response and how quickly she resolved my case. Her attention to detail and experience made the process seem less. I recommend her services.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Debra
Kent Kristof and his firm Kristof & Kristof bent over backwards to help my mother with her estate. So many descriptive words come to mind; thoughtful, caring, persevering, resolute, thorough, even tenacious. The outcome was so much better than we expected. I highly recommend Kent Kristof and his firm.
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04 Jun, 2016 by Myrna
Mr. Kent Laszlo Kristof did an excellent job in handling a life insurance policy, which my late brother had left in charge to me and my other sibling. My late brother had a very clear explanation of what he wanted to have the funds used for, and someone very close to him, filed suit against us for the entire amount. We met with Mr. Kristof, and he provided several options on how to go about this situation, as he clearly explained the pros and cons of each approach. The clarity of each option helped us immensely, and we decided on that same day how we were going to handle this case. Just a short time later, we received a phone call from Mr. Kristof stating that the case had been settled. We were very pleased with the outcome, and impressed on how he added extra protection that we had not previously thought of or considered for added "peace of mind". We fully would recommend Mr. Kristof's expertise, and are confident anyone would have great results with his services.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Janet
We have been using Jan Copley's services for our own estate planning, as well as that of both sets of parents, since 2006. She provides easy-to-understand, thorough explanations to help us determine what works best for our needs. She is readily available and responsive for questions. Her detailed services have given us peace of mind for our family's estate planning; and we cannot recommend her highly enough. She is a delight to work with.
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12 Sep, 2011 by Steven
Jan has been advising me regarding marketing recently. She is excellent is making suggestions and following up. The key to marketing is following up with your leads. She has taught me the advantage of organizing your marketing in this way. I recommend her very highly
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23 Sep, 2019 by Michael
I haven't retained this attorney, but will offer a review of how she handled my specific inquiry directly from an email sent to her which I obtained on the CA Bar Association website.
I received a very expeditious reply and a time to phone me was requested. When that time came, I received a phone call from a woman with a very pleasant and compassionate sounding voice. I told her I’d send a document that would explain my situation and she said she would review it and see if she’s a good fit. Within the hour I received an email stating that it wasn’t a good fit, in addition to giving me contact info for 3 firms that would be a good fit.
I had already been acquainted with one of the firms and I wrote her back telling her so. She responded back to me and reassured me I’d be in good company.
In all my years, I believe I've developed the ability to sense compassion and “good” in humans. In light of this, I can say that Kristen Jones is a great asset to her field and to the community. I would have not hesitated for a moment to retain her if she was the right “fit” for my case.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Ed
She helped move forward a conservatorship for my Aunt and Uncle that has some bad family history attached to it.
Throughout the process she was the rock, letting us know what to expect and is a great legal writer. Her knowledge of the courts and even knowledge of the different people that would later become involved with the conservatorship made a huge difference.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Kristen Schwarz without reservation.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Laurie
Karen has been an outstanding estate attorney. She helped me and my partner understand our options and coached us thoughtfully through our decision-making process. Her experience is invaluable and she asked questions we never would have thought of. She helped re-do my mothers trust when my mom was on hospice - and was insightful about understanding family dynamics, which really made the process go smoothly.
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05 Oct, 2013 by Jeanne
Karen has been my tax lawyer for 13 years. She has seen me through thick and thin and alway with grace. She is technically savvy, ethical in every way, reasonable in cost, up on the law and gives solid advice. I will soon be having her revise my living trust as well.
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29 Jan, 2024 by George
I highly recommend Evgeniy. Evgeniy is an experienced lawyer and knows his business well, he quickly helped me with my question and explained all the details of the contract.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Mariia
I consulted with Evgeny Swarovski on the issue of housing legislation. The lawyer provided me with comprehensive answers to all my questions very quickly, competently and professionally! I will definitely turn to him next time and recommend lawyer Evgeny Svarovskiy as an excellent professional in his field and a pleasant conversationalist!
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27 Dec, 2023 by Warren
Robert helped me with estate planning and far and away I noticed he was the most helpful, patient, and communicative of any attorney I've ever worked with. Most importantly, Robert explained everything very, very clearly, and used that same communication skill to thoroughly answer my questions. Now I know when I have questions, Robert Ashikyan has answers.
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08 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Robert is an amazing attorney! He recently wrote our will and trust and we couldn’t be a happier. He is very on top of everything. He answered any questions that we had and always made himself available to us. He is very detail oriented and meticulous. A lot of attorneys make critical errors when doing estate planning that go unnoticed but Robert makes sure he does a perfect job for all of his clients
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14 Jun, 2024 by Gagik
I recently had the pleasure of working with Edita Shirinyan regarding my personal injury case, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very first consultation, Edita demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my well-being.
Throughout the entire process, Edita was incredibly communicative and kept me informed about every development in my case. They took the time to explain complex legal terms and processes in a way that was easy to understand, which made me feel confident and reassured.
Edita’s attention to detail and dedication to my case were evident from the start. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with experts, and built a strong case on my behalf. Their negotiation skills were top-notch, resulting in a settlement that exceeded my expectations.
What truly sets Edita apart is their compassionate approach. They genuinely cared about my recovery and well-being, going above and beyond to ensure I received the best possible medical care and support during a challenging time.
I am incredibly grateful for Edita’s hard work and dedication. Thanks to their expertise, I was able to focus on my recovery while they handled all the legal complexities. If you are in need of a personal injury attorney, look no further than Edita Shirinyan. They are truly the best in the field and will fight tirelessly for your rights.
Feel free to customize this review with specific details about your experience and the attorney’s name.
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23 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Paquette represented my daughter with special needs and was the up most professional I have ever dealt with. I highly recommend her for serious matters.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Gina rincon
He's awesome!! Along with his other attorneys. Well worth it!!
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14 Jul, 2017 by Gina rincon
He's awesome!! Along with his other attorneys. Well worth it!!
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20 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
We were involved with an extremely complicated, lengthy and difficult trust/probate case. Megan Lee was extremely informative and very responsive with us. As clients, we were unsure of the legal aspects of our case. Megan was very good at explaining the answers to the questions that we had. We were most impressed by her sensitivity to the emotional stress that our case was having on us. We feel that this helped us to get through the five year long case that we had. Lawyers can have a reputation for being distant and non responsive. This was absolutely NOT the case with our dealings with Megan Lee. She kept us informed of what was going on all the way through to the end of our long, involved and complicated case. We would recommend her with a five+ star rating!
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26 Nov, 2023 by Maria
Over the course of almost 3 years, I had the pleasure of having Attorney Haroun work on my very complicated case. Attorney Haroun has consistently demonstrated both integrity and professionalism in his legal aid, but his personality to his clients has made him feel like family as well. Haroun not only offers remarkable legal expertise, but he has shown a genuine concern for my case. He has made himself readily available over text, even on weekends, and actively provided me with update on the developments of my case.
I felt secure with Attorney Haroun representing me and I never doubted that he had my best interest in mind.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Haroun to anyone in need of his legal expertisr and I can’t thank him enough for what he had done for me and my family.
You are such a GREAT Lawyer!
Thank you very much Attorney Haroun!
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14 Jul, 2017 by Gina rincon
He's awesome!! Along with his other attorneys. Well worth it!!
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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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20 Feb, 2016 by Edward
From a personal referral in 2009, my mother and I consulted with Elder Attorney, Ruth Phelps. My mother was in her late eighties and worried about the expense of long term nursing care for her husband, my father. Immediately upon our initial consultation, Mrs. Phelps compassionately and patiently took care of all my mother’s concerns. This gave my mother a comfort and feeling of security that she was not otherwise able to obtain.
Three years later, when my mother suffered a stroke, Ruth Phelps quickly stepped into action again to protect our family’s interests. In the months after my mother died, Mrs. Phelps and her firm expertly handled the trust affairs including property deed transfers plus other government issues. All these varied and complex matters were completely addressed, insuring us the best possible outcome.
As was the case with my mother, the value of her services was immeasurable.
I highly recommend Ruth Phelps’ services and have done so to my friends and other members of my family.
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09 Feb, 2012 by James r
I have used John Poxon & team, since 2004. He has always gone the extra mile in putting up with some of my complexities ... He along with his partners form the perfect storm interlocking Tax, Real-Estate, Business & Estate matters ... I have always looked forward to my time with him as it is always productive as well as enlightening >>>
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16 Nov, 2018 by Edward
We are very pleased with the service we received from Dominic. His confidence, knowledge and personable demeanor immediately put us at ease as we completed our estate planning. We would absolutely recommend Dominic to anyone looking to work on an estate plan.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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13 Jul, 2012 by Robin
Mr. Davidson was exemplary in the handling of my parents estate. My parents died within a short time of each other and had no will. Mr. Davidson was so helpful in getting us someone to help liquidate the estate assets and help sell their home and help with an estate sale...his recommendations were extremely helpful and we couldn't have done it without his help. We so appreciate his professional expertise and handling all the legal matters. This was a difficult time and we, my sisters and I, are so thankful to have him working for us. Thank you Mr. Davidson!
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01 Jun, 2015 by Gita
Greg was extremely knowledgeable
And thorough during my hour long session. He agreed
To make himself available for future questions.
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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.
