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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Dan Walk to assist me with an estate matter following the death of my father. During our initial consultation, I immediately knew he was the right person to represent my interests, He was very knowledgeable and communicated exactly the best way to approach the matter. I obtained the full settlement I was entitled to from my dad’s estate. I am very satisfied with the outcome and appreciated Dan’s expertise and professionalism.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Brianna
I reached out to Dan Walk for help with estate planning for myself. They were absolutely wonderful to work with. Dan Walk and Alyssa Powers were quick in responding back to any email correspondence and were SO helpful with answering any questions I had in a clear and easy to understand way. My experience with Nelson Allen Walk was wonderful, and I will definitely recommend their office for anyone needing legal services taken care of.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Candy
Dan was kind, informative, and went out of his way to investigate the best course of action for our complicated situation. I appreciate that he took the time to investigate our alternatives thoroughly, answer our questions, and treat us with respect and dignity. I was very impressed that he and his staff were able to get all our affairs in order the same day when it was so much more than we had anticipated when we made our initial appointment. At no time did I feel rushed or pressured which was a blessing. It was amazing that my husband and I both felt our wishes mattered and were taken in consideration as we faced our decisions thank you and God bless.
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01 May, 2024 by Brittany
I hired Hillary and she is the exact lawyer I needed and will use in the future. Hillary is definitely experienced and knows what she is doing. When in the court room she is very prepared and professional and knows exactly what to say. Hillary and Renee (her assistant) are very good at communicating. You will not be disappointed I have had a very difficult case but Hillary is very experienced and she knew how to deal with it. I will definitely use her in the future!
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20 Feb, 2023 by Kera
Hillary was recommended to me when my divorce became too complex and high conflict. Hillary was professional, understanding and amazing at all of our hearings and then at our trial. She is incredibly smart and knows the ins and outs of the law, is always prepared, and pays great attention to details. She is a warrior who fought hard for me and my kids and I would highly recommend her as being the best and was able to work miracles for us!
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06 Feb, 2022 by Janette
Hillary did an amazing job for me. My ex and his lawyer were throwing every curveball imaginable to disrupt, disarm and cause harm to my fragile state of emotional and financial ruin of a left over marriage. Hillary took over after I had to fire my previous lawyer who ran up the bill by responding to every outrageous thing my ex and his lawyer could dream up. I was living in a nightmare and Hillary came to the rescue. She picked up the pieces quickly and supported me as best as she could. She did not overcharge and indeed helped me to save money by letting me know that we didn't have to respond to every little crisis the other team was dreaming up. In the end I was lucky to have walked away with some of things from my nineteen year marriage. I should have hired Hillary from the beginning. She is incredibly smart, thinks on her feet and is supportive of her clients. We had a hard time at court and Hillary admitted it but it was through no fault of her own. She worked wonders at having my best friend and mother dismissed as his witnesses on the stand and I am forever grateful to her that she fought for my right to return to school to continue an education so that I could support myself after 19 years as a stay at home parent. From what I know now my case was very hard and messy but Hillary championed me through it with ongoing optimism. Thank you Hillary. Anyone who reads this needs to know that she and Renee her assistant really will have your best interest at heart and will work hard to help you no matter what gets thrown their way.
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21 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Gave me the answers I needed even though they weren't the answers I wanted to hear. I appreciate that.
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15 Aug, 2009 by D
Merry does a great job and is a good value.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Robert mitchell
Tonia did a great job working with us and I wish we had contacted her sooner. She goes way above and beyond with her services. She kept really good communication with us and was diligent with her work, exploring all of the different options for us. I highly recommend this law firm for your real estate needs, especially if you need someone that does what they say they are going to do. You are definitely making the right choice by working with her and you will be glad you did.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Chito peb
Had a great experience with Tonia. After listening to my probate case issues, she could not help me, however was very empathetic and was able to refer me to another firm. That firm has been wonderful with my current case.
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16 Jan, 2024 by Cory ready
Couldn’t help me with my situation but was very helpful in letting me know where to look for help. I don’t do reviews if that says anything about her firm.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Mark
Shannon has helped me with both my mothers estate at her passing and with my family estate planning. She has been extremely helpful and responsive during both processes. I will be using her in the future for my LLC planning. I would highly recommend her and the staff at Campbell Barnett LLC.
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24 Jan, 2022 by Bilie
I have worked with Shannon on 2 estates, both with challenging situations. She was always very prompt about getting back to me, helping me through the estate process and very helpful dealing with a difficult heir and his attorneys. She was always timely as far as documents getting filed. I would definitely work with her again!
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07 Mar, 2020 by Richard leetz
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29 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Was going through a Probate with a slight complexity using a different lawyer, somewhat unsatisfied and wanted a second opinion. Mr. Allen listened and responded quickly and competently, assuring I fully understood the various aspects, giving me confidence and direction to go forward. The peace of mind was well worth the reasonable fee.
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23 Mar, 2021 by Payton
I've worked with Jeff Allen since 2015 and have spent over 30k with him. I feel like he didn't represent me to the fullest and was straddling the fence this whole time (which is not what you pay a lawyer to do). I am a young single mom business owner, I have primary custody of my daughter and her dad gets visitation, that's great and all, but dad rarely comes out to see his daughter. Can still count on all my fingers how many times dad has been out to see his daughter since being born to now at almost age 6. Imagine only seeing your child less than 10 times in 6 years. Jeff Allen was my lawyer and drew up the parenting plan for court and due to the verbage he used in the parenting plan (which has been confirmed from 3 separate lawyers) there's nothing to hold dad accountable for establishing a solid relationship before I have to send her across the country at age 7. He now does business law and no longer family law so he can't help in modifying the parenting plan & there's no threshold for modifying due to the verbage he used. Being a business owner myself I was willing to keep him. But at this point I will no longer be doing business with him because I cannot trust that he will fully represent me and I will not recommend him to any fellow business owners
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13 Feb, 2020 by Carl
My wife and I have had the opportunity to work with the Nelson Law Firm a couple of times since the late 1990's. Mr. Lawrence Nelson is a local icon and efficiently represented us in securing the land our current home is on. Subsequently I hired Ms. MaryGail Carver to advise me on commercial real estate issues, and now consider her a personal friend. In the summer of 2019 a residential real estate opportunity presented itself unexpectedly that required us to act quickly. At that point we met Jeffrey Allen, who quickly assessed our situation and structured a Purchase and Sale Agreement for us. Much of the work of moving the negotiations forward were performed by Mr. Allen while he was on a previously scheduled family vacation - definitely service above and beyond expectations. We were highly impressed by Mr. Allen's work and will contact him again if a need arises.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Tom is a great attorney who is very experienced in family law. He not only slammed the other party, he slammed the other attorney by catching his every mistake, missed deadline, and had the ability to quickly motion to strike when rules aren't followed. He is accurate in predicting how the court may rule and his judgement is spot on. His level of service is what you want from an attorney as a small practice. You get prompt and timely responses, honest billing, quality and attention to detail. I would highly suggest reaching out if you have a legal matter in his field of practice before calling a larger firm where you are left in the dark except when it's time to pay the bill.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
We went to Consult him about our concerns. I had a lengthy story skipping around dates cos its from memory. He told me how much and what needed to be done. He was straight to the point and gave a lot of information in how to solve the problem and where we went wrong. Due to the amount we could not afford, we learned and went away happy. Good Job
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01 Mar, 2023 by William
Tom is on point. Amy too. I couldn't be happier. They acted fast. Quick response to my calls and emails. Made it easy. Communication was perfect. Highly, HIGHLY, recommend Thomas Baldwin.
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07 Jun, 2018 by Cindy
Bryana Cross Bean helped my parents and I navigate through complex and foreign financial choices we had to make as our family coped with changing needs. On behalf on my parents and for myself, I want to recognize not just the expertise but her warmth and personal integrity which helped quell a lot of fear. Thank you, Bryana.
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04 Oct, 2017 by Ryan
I contacted the law offices of Bryana Cross Bean and scheduled a consult for questions regarding my future Medicaid benefits. I presented my information and documentation and explained the circumstances regarding my situation. I received no feedback for future steps that I and/or we could take regarding my situation. I was even more appalled when she said, "You cannot afford me." The only pieces of information provided from Bryana Cross were two post-it notes with no indication of any assistance she would be able to provide if I retained her services.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Benjamin
Attorney Cross Bean assisted me and my family during a probate issue right after my father passed in Tacoma. Being from Indiana, I did not know anything about Washington state laws. When she took over my case, she explained everything to me and my family on level that we could understand, and then proceeded to get executorship, processing filings, giving me information on how to guide through that process. When we had a problem with real estate she had recommendations that we could choose from, not knowing anything about the area. When we flew back to Washington to deal with squatters, theft, estate issues and the like, she made sure that we were informed of all Washington state laws pertaining to whatever issue we had to deal with. My family and I had very finite time and Attorney Cross Bean was there to answer every question and need with professionalism and respect. I was truly honored to have had her in my employ and would recommend her with the highest of recommendations.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Wendy m
Everyone was wonderful to work with. Very efficient!!!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Kaylee klewin
I worked with Doug and Christina for my divorce and parenting plan. Super efficient team and quick to answer all my questions and concerns. They really listen to what you want, and try to make things happen the easiest and quickest they can. I would recommend them to anyone!
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21 Mar, 2024 by Rachel walker
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14 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Robinson for a custody agreement. He said it would be a quick case. We agreed on the payment schedule and I paid every month as agreed. When the case took longer than he figured it would be he became harder and harder to get in touch with. He did nothing in court. I technically won my case but lost alot of time with my child and child support payments to me dropped drastically. Then he stopped cashing my checks. He sent me to collections for 3x what he billed me for. I'm still paying the collections agency years later.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Thankful
Terry Robinson is part man, part amazing. When my husband's ex-wife decided she didn't want to return our daughter after a scheduled visit she filed for an emergency hearing to be allowed to keep her without a single shred of evidence while we lived in another state and could not respond in person. He briefed himself on our case with only 30 minutes notice, rushed to represent us in the hearing, and got the erroneous motion thrown out and our daughter was returned the next day under the order of the judge. There are no words good enough to express how thankful I am to this man for being there for us in our time of need. He is worth his weight ten fold in gold. Thank you Terry!
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23 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
When Mr. Robinson took over my case, things immediately started to change for the better. He is professional, competent, and he cares about his clients. Each time he has advocated for me, the matter was resolved. In this particular matter, he represented me in a custody dispute and child support order. He's defended me amidst multiple false allegations and ALL were dismissed. I find that if you are forthcoming with him, you get the best results. If you have any legal matter, I recommend Mr. Robinson. He's your man!
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01 Aug, 2023 by Kayla
I was on a date and this was quite some time ago over a decade now We were driving in the car and we're side swiped by a vehicle who mistake the gas pedal for their break to avoid a head-on collision they turn the wheel and came into the vehicle that I was passenger in. When they had struck us the man that was driving the car was speeding The vehicle had struck us on the driver side and then the car spun out and flipped. He was completely fine I was only one wearing my seatbelt what are the chances of that however I was put in to the windshield back towards my seat and got significant head trauma when my head was postured against the glass on the side the window I was young I didn't know any better I went with the lawyer that Anthony the guy on the date had gotten from his mom and I listened to her and what she said about it I ended up seeking medical care all the way over and Ohio state Munson's hospital for care We have some of the top doctors over here in Washington State however no one could figure out what was wrong with me I found out that my seizures I was having or due to underlined medical condition that I was unaware of having called relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis later on finding out that I had something else called epilepsy I talked to this man I got absolutely nowhere with him I don't know whatever happened to Anthony or that case but I was really injured in and out of the hospital for months before transferring to Ohio someone's hospital I never was able to sign any paperwork or see this man except for One time when Anthony's mom had found him did I sign a piece of paper in his office stating that they would be okay for him if I was in a state to where I can sign the paperwork that he could go forth with my case and do basically what he wanted which is not the correct term however it's something along those lines I don't remember the name of it like I said it's been so long I have been looking for this man for years and have been so confused because I have not been able to find him until today I was in my twenties when this accident had happened I believe I was 20 years old actually not even 21 yet and I'm 33 today about to be 34 this January. I gave up looking for him for quite some time and today I seen a post on next door that reminded me of this and I tried to look him up and I guess I've been getting the name wrong and the spelling so that's why I probably been unable to locate and find this man Anyways I'm getting off topic He said that I signed a paper saying that he could go forth with a case and close it when I most definitely did not I was actually incoherent in different state at this time That day of this accident ruined me for so long I still am suffering from so much due to it He did in no way shape or form advocate me and protect me instead he just did what he had to do so he could get paid what he could and I never heard anything about my case. Only that I had signed a paper and then it had been closed and I got no information other than that It was very disappointing
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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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