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11 Sep, 2024 by Brad kertis
Mr. Malcolm just had to deal with a case of mine for over 5 years, where most attorneys would have just caved and would have settled for 10% of what I received. My other attorneys just floated my case to him, thinking it wasn't worth their time. Mr. Malcolm had patience and knew that I had been wronged, he fought for my case and eventually got me even more than I had ever expected. I would still trade what I had received to go back in time and delete that day, undo what happened. But Sean Malcolm, his knowledge and his team made my case end with a fair settlement, which I am greatful for. Thank you Sean
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09 Aug, 2024 by Lola bourez
My experience with Sean and Russ was excellent! I originally hired another firm that I found through a google search that was absolutely terrible! I reached out to Malcom Law Firm to see if they had any advice or if this was a normal turn around for the kind of case I had and Sean spoke to me about my case for at least 30 minutes right away!
I felt heard and validated throughout the entire process and received regular check-ins from Russ and Sean both giving me updates on my case. They were transparent during the negotiation stage and helped navigate an otherwise frustrating and stressful situation. Sean even checked in after my case was completed to make sure I was doing well and was happy with the outcome! I would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone in need of their services!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anthony hayward
11 Sep, 2024 by Brad kertis
Mr. Malcolm just had to deal with a case of mine for over 5 years, where most attorneys would have just caved and would have settled for 10% of what I received. My other attorneys just floated my case to him, thinking it wasn't worth their time. Mr. Malcolm had patience and knew that I had been wronged, he fought for my case and eventually got me even more than I had ever expected. I would still trade what I had received to go back in time and delete that day, undo what happened. But Sean Malcolm, his knowledge and his team made my case end with a fair settlement, which I am greatful for. Thank you Sean
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09 Aug, 2024 by Lola bourez
My experience with Sean and Russ was excellent! I originally hired another firm that I found through a google search that was absolutely terrible! I reached out to Malcom Law Firm to see if they had any advice or if this was a normal turn around for the kind of case I had and Sean spoke to me about my case for at least 30 minutes right away!
I felt heard and validated throughout the entire process and received regular check-ins from Russ and Sean both giving me updates on my case. They were transparent during the negotiation stage and helped navigate an otherwise frustrating and stressful situation. Sean even checked in after my case was completed to make sure I was doing well and was happy with the outcome! I would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone in need of their services!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anthony hayward
21 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Amy did an excellent job with our living trust package. She was professional, thorough, and prompt in answering our questions. She made suggestions that we have not thought of ourselves. She accepts Hyatt insurance, which is a plus for us as well.
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19 Aug, 2018 by Sandra
Amy Felt did a great job helping us draw up our will and medical legal documents. Our situation was complex, and she researched what would be best for each of us, as well as providing patient and thoughtful advice. We highly recommend her.
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18 May, 2018 by Jason
My wife and I met with Amy a while back to ensure our assets were taken care of in case the worst happened. She did a thorough job explaining our options, listened to some previous experience we had, and helped us understand which choice made the most sense for us. She was very upfront about the process, explained the potential results of our decisions, and allowed us to make our own decisions in some of the more complex areas. It was a pleasure working with her and we would definitely recommend her to others!
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19 Mar, 2024 by Irvin57
Adria,
Made our experience with her so wonderful and with a lot of care as well.
Unlike a lot of people in her profession she helped us with our worries
and concerns. She gave us full attention and even told us there where things
we could do for ourselves that would save us money. You don't get that from
many people in a whole lot of professions. she's simply a kind and honest person
who cares for you personally. Darrell and Sandra
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26 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I am going through a divorce case, Adria is really helpful.
She is really professional and knows the subject.
She is patient and truly there for you,really I will recommend her to everyone.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Ann
Adria made this process so easy for us. We cannot thank her enough for all she did. She was completely prepared with the trustee meeting, which went smoothly with no surprises. A big relief that it's over.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Gina
I discovered Mr. Leavitt while researching for my own case and was thoroughly impressed by his superb response brief in a CR60 appeal. Deciding to hire him for my own CR60 motion was one of the best decisions I've made. From my first visit, I was warmly welcomed by his professional team, including Shannon and Melodie, his knowledgeable paralegal. Mr. Leavitt’s depth of legal expertise, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, is extraordinary. He is a true advocate for victims and fiercely protects the best interests of children. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-tier legal representation in both King and Snohomish counties.
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23 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Honest, Reliable, and Efficient
I hired Kris to help me get full custody of my children. I was just about 1-year into a divorce which included a parenting plan requiring 50/50 custody with my ex and a child support order that had me paying each month. My ex had essentially abandoned the children and her obligation but I was stuck with the court orders, thus stuck with paying child support and not having any closure for the children. It was an incredibly stressful situation and Kris was on top of things from day 1. I could write a 10-page review about all that went on but I’ll summarize by saying he achieved the outcome I was looking for. Furthermore, he secured temporary orders, almost immediately after taking my case, which provided my family with a tremendous amount of relief during the rest of the court proceedings.
Prior to meeting with Kris I had talked with several other attorneys. I had a lot of legal experience having handled my own divorce pro se. I felt like most were just telling me what I wanted to hear and didn’t seem to care much about me. In a few cases I thought I would be better off representing myself. Kris was different. I hired him on the spot.
He listened, he understood, and he explained things very clearly. He does not provide false hope. He explains strategies clearly and allows you to control the level of risk/reward you are comfortable taking. In my case he delivered exactly what we had talked about in our very first meeting. I felt confident in Kris’s representation. That’s huge when you’re going through any type of stressful case. I never worried that “the other team” would somehow get one over on him. They never did.
There’s an office behind Kris and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the other things that made my experience less stressful. Kris utilizes a paralegal to handle legal filings, documentation updates, and other activities around a legal case. Melody was assigned to my case and she was outstanding. Our filings were always on time or early, our responses were timely, and I never worried about missing a deadline or having anything fall through the cracks. Shay in the billing department was also very pleasant. Bills were clear and easy to understand. Bills arrive via email and so do receipts for payment. This made it simple to review, pay, and track my activity from my phone. The office itself is pleasant and peaceful and it feels very successful. I wouldn’t know if they have a voice mail system as my calls were always answered by a human and returned same day if Kris wasn’t available. Emails were also returned same day or early the next day if I sent one off in the late evening.
Kris will definitely be my attorney should I ever require legal assistance in the future. I’m certain he could “duke it out in court” but his demeanor and professionalism secured my outcome without having to go there. He’s always focused on securing the outcome and he works very well with opposing council to achieve it.
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30 Jan, 2019 by Melissa
Kristofer Leavitt is the absolute best attorney. I'm so incredibly thankful and grateful that I found Kris and that he's my attorney. I'm a small business owner and was served with a civil litigation lawsuit from an ex client. The lawsuit was not justified whatsoever. I had never been sued before and didn't know where to begin. Needless to say, I was petrified. I was completely inexperienced in legal protocol. I knew I had to get an attorney ASAP. I had consultations with several Las Vegas attorneys. Kris was the first one that I spoke with and the best one. In my initial consultation, Kris already had the complaint against me in front of him and began advising me. The other attorneys that I spoke with were inconsistent, not providing real advice, were charging an arm and a leg, were not sharp, and were out for their own good- this was obvious. The other attorneys did not care about what I was going through, but Kris did. Kris is ethical, sharp, and strategic and aggressive in legal initiatives; he's seriously the best. Kris has been my side the past 6 months, which have been some of the most gruesome in my life. I would not want any other attorney by my side except for him. Kris is dependable, reliable, quick, patient, thorough, and detail oriented. I knew from the first call with Kris that I would be able to count on him. Kris truly cares about his clients and he shows that. If you want an attorney that you can count on, that has your best interest in mind, and will fight for you, Kris is the attorney. If I have any future legal issues, Kris will be the attorney that I turn to. He is seriously hands down the best!!!! I would give him one million stars if I could!!!!
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05 Jan, 2020 by John
Mr Hardman handled custody and child support issues for me. My ex was threatening to take my child to another state and was refusing my phone calls to her. After I hired him, she agreed to sign a new parenting plan. While things aren't perfect now- I do have regular visits. He will work for you plus calms everyone down.
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15 Jul, 2010 by James
Helped me get through the world's worst divorce. He is good at what he does and will do everything to avoid extra costs. Won't keep you waiting either.
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03 Jun, 2010 by Anna
This lawyer was recommended to me by a co-worker and I was glad that I took her advice. I never thought we'd settle, but Ted found a few questionable entries in the financial statements and wow! my ex's lawyer told him he better settle!!!
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17 Jul, 2018 by Jason
I hired Raemi to review a property purchase contract. She showed great attention to details. She was very patient and experienced, and her response was always very timely.
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24 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Raemi provided estate planning and documents for me. She was helpful, informative, efficient, and does a great job of explaining the details. It was a super smooth experience. Recommeded.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Michael
My wife and I had Raemi update all of our estate planning documents (will, trusts, etc). It had been 10 years since we had seen a lawyer, so much had changed. She patiently explained all of our options, counseled us about changes in state and federal law, and gave us her opinion about what would work best for us.
Her communication through email was timely and thorough, and her preparation of the documents was the same. She circled back around 2 months after completion of signing, just to check in and make sure that we were doing what we were supposed to be doing on our end.
We will definitely use Raemi for all of our future estate planning needs.
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19 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
My first counseling with Bill (William) was in the month of Oct’2017. Right from the outset, I found Bill to be professional and systematic - he explained me the legal procedures in sufficient details (and in a way that I could understand them to my satisfaction); cadence of events and rough timelines around them; and the documents that would be required of me and the legal documentation that he and his office would prepare on my behalf. After talking-to and evaluating a few more lawyers in the area, I was convinced that Bill would be represent me the best, following which I hired him.
Bill has a strong bias for action, and in the weeks that followed, he proved to be increasingly resourceful - he asked the right set of questions (from me) to be able to assess the situation properly, and allowed me to ask mine.
His recommendations and advices were tremendously helpful throughout, and they proved to be instrumental to quickly move forward with things. He was swift and detail-oriented with the paper-work and and ensured the documentation was thorough and error-free. He was timely in his communication and kept me informed around the proceedings. He and his office were also very accommodative of my schedule - even though I was not in the city for long durations of time, scheduling time with him over the phone (to have my questions answered or to get a status-update), was a breeze. He is also very responsive over emails.
Thanks to Bill, my case concluded smoothly and as expected. Overall, I found Bill to be reliable, responsible and accountable and would strongly recommend him and his services.
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28 Mar, 2014 by Naima
My attorney Mr. William Buchanan is the best attorney ever. He is the second attorney that I had to hire for my custody case. I hired Mr. Buchanan less than a month to the date of my trail. Before I called him I went through a list of 9 other attorneys that actually did not want to take my case saying that it was very complicated and a contested case, they also said that I called them a little late and they just can’t take my case. BUT when I got to Mr. Buchanan, he was the most sensitive and understand attorney I have ever met, he actually started to help me even before I met with him in person or even signed anything with him. He took on what other attorneys saw as complicated and not enough time left for them to do anything and won the case, nevertheless, what Mr. Buchanan said he will accomplish happened and I got EVERY THING I ASKED FOR AND MORE.
Mr. Buchanan is the BEST attorney you will ever meet:
1. When you tell him your story he will remember accurately everything like all he has is your case.
2. Very well organized.
3. Very sensitive
4. Compassionate
5. Very understanding
6. Not judgmental
7. Very honest in his work, nothing but the truth.
8. Very smart, so that, if the other party lies, Mr. Buchanan can ask him questions that will reveal the lies.
9. HE IS WORTH IT EVERY DIME.
By hiring Mr. Buchanan, I got what I wanted and MORE, he is a person that I will remember the rest of my life, because his diligent work saved my child from years to come of pain and hurts.
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12 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired William Buchanan to handle the onslaught of litigation from my ex, post divorce decree. Mr. Buchanan does a great job of advising of what the possible outcomes are of particular strategy. That's why I've been using him going on three years now.
After my decree and having two other attorneys who adopted whatever position I wanted with little question and poor results, I was looking for someone with more experience to thoroughly explain the pros and cons of my legal questions. I found him to be very thorough and patient; obviously key qualities if you're the type of client that wants to know what's going on.
Mr. Buchanan is also pretty easy to reach if you have questions about your ongoing case. As mentioned above, I've had a couple of attorneys and client communication results have varied quite a bit: some won't return calls, some are afraid of email and treat it like a black hole. Mr. Buchanan won't leave you hanging as your case develops.
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22 May, 2019 by Josie
Candace is the best! She helped us through a very long and complicated home buying process, under unique circumstances with seller-financing contracts. Candace had some of the best customer service we have ever experienced. She was so quick to communicate, always kept our best interest in mind, and stayed with us for nearly a year through the process. We would recommend her for anyone going through any kind of real estate transaction. Thanks for all of your help Candace!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Jane
I had the good fortune to working with Candace Wilkerson to handle the worst probate legal case in WA and TX.
She was very helpful in handling professionally for the worst recklessness of the heirship battle between heirship member endlessly. It was 3 years ago, but still, I can’t forget about Ms. Candace’s true honesties which hard to find nowadays, especially she was very impressed with her competent profession.I cannot thank her enough for supporting me through a complex process.If you ever need an attorney, I want to work with Candace Wilkerson again.
Thank you so much all your excellent help again.
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26 Feb, 2011 by Sarah
Candace has helped me with several family legal matters, and I have found her to be an ethical, experienced and effective attorney, with sincere concern for her clients and their legal needs.
She explains legal issues clearly and presents the options objectively, which has helped me to make informed decisions in my best interest.
I highly recommend Candace as a personable, able attorney dedicated to the best outcome for her clients.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Jeff
After dealing with a loss in the family I reached out to Rachel to help plan my own estate. Rachel provided an incredible amount of information and walked me though the whole process. She also helped me with other business and estate matters going forward. I cannot stress enough how much I would recommend Rachel and her firm across the board. I have been working with her for years and will continue to recommend her to anyone that will listen!
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26 Mar, 2010 by David
I was referred to Mr. Durand by a colleague and have no regrets. He dealt with my real estate case swiftly and professionally. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for an honest, "work for you" lawyer. Thank you again for your time and effort on my case.
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03 Jul, 2011 by Lisa
This attorney, Robert Sailer was recommended to me by an elder care attorney who I know very well and have complete confidence in. She did not disappoint my co-worker and I by sending us to the very best and most experienced patent lawyer in the area. His expertise and vast knowledge regarding how to best protect an idea became obvious the moment he began to gather his needed information. The real skill that sets him apart from any other lawyers I've worked with is his amazing ability to teach the information in such a way that my co-worker and I both felt confident we understood. We had been thoroughly educated about our options, advised which options to pursue and why, then offered complete support from him throughout our initial assignments. We went from clueless to totally confident after what was only supposed to be a consultation. Mr. Sailer is both patient and passionate in his desire to help people accomplish their dream of protecting and launching their idea, product, formula you name it. It is wonderful to be in contact with someone who is truly able to make you see exactly how to accomplish your dream. The "consultation" was free and I don't think he plans on charging for his services until we are ready to basically "purchase our protection"
I have only left one other rating for a person in my life, so this person is exceptional or I would not have taken the time to write this review.
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30 Apr, 2024 by John yun
Jeff Tuttle and all of his associates are truly the most helpful and respectful people to work with. I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and their team helped take care of everything from the start to finish. Despite the whole case taking some time, throughout the whole process they were always giving updates and were willing to talk through the options. The most important aspects about working with Jeff is that 1. He makes sure to get the job done and to make his clients happy with his service 2. He ensures to articulate his words very carefully so that his clients can fully understand the scenario and outcomes 3. His good faith work ethic. I trust him to handle my future cases and I will come back to him if needed. Thanks Tuttle & Associates!
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27 Jan, 2024 by Shelly dueber
He is excellent with giving out information that all should know about retirement and the cost of healthcare. I as a physician learned how to not lose everything financially due to healthcare cost by the time I am 85. Unfortunately only 1 patient of all my Medicare patients has listened to the advice I gave to them from Mr. Tuttle’s radio talk 5-7 years ago. I always listened to his radio time replayed on Sunday as I headed down to the nursing home to see patients. How ironic!
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26 Jul, 2023 by Preston slaybaugh
This lawyer helped my wife and I with our personal injury from being t-boned. Best lawyer ever! Jeff is amazing.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
My family made the right choice to hire Kurt to represent us in our dad's probate case. He made sure we received all required documentation in a timely manner. He explained the legal terms and was very supportive. He was always kind, patient, professional, and thorough. Kurt did an amazing job from onset to closure.
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23 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I and my siblings had the privilege of working with Kurt when my father passed away. Kurt was very professional, communicative and respectful. He thoroughly walked us through the estate process. There were some rough times of handling the estate with one of our siblings. But overall Kurt stayed committed to finishing the the task successfully. He did a phenomenal job. I recommend Mr. Lichtenberg for anyone seeking a excellent probate lawyer.
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23 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
My family and I were extremely blessed and honored to have had Mr. Kurt Lichtenberg to serve and to work along with us, as our Family Law Attorney, after the passing of our precious loving Dad. I believe that God specifically selected Kurt Lichtenberg for our family. He was thoroughly respectful, wise, knowledgeable, professional and very supportive. Anyone in need of a great Family Law attorney, I would highly recommend Mr. Kurt Lichtenburg. He served our family very well and in a timely manner. And for that, we are extremely grateful to God to have had him as our legal representative, and we are very thankful and impressed with the outcome!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Shewit haile
I am a client of Josh Lowell, and he has been outstanding in guiding me through my case. His communication skills are truly above and beyond—he always makes sure I am well-informed and takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring I fully understand each step of the process. Josh’s honesty and dedication are unmatched, and his thoughtful, truthful advice has provided me with peace and confidence throughout. I highly recommend Josh Lowell to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Don weintraub real estate group at windermere
Josh Lowell did an excellent job with my case, which settled in a short amount of time. He was quick to respond, offered great advice and counsel, and charged fair and reasonable fees. I feel very comfortable recommending Josh and his firm to others.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Scott nevin
Process was pretty painless and straight-forward. Although it took longer than expected, there was not a delay by Higbee & Associates, only with the court. I would definitely recommend them if you have legal matters that need to be dealt with. Thanks again Higbee & Associates.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Randy
Our experience with Vijay and his office was disappointing and frustrating. In my opinion, it seems like Vijay's practice is designed for clients who fit within a streamlined, cookie-cutter process, where volume is prioritized over individualized service—at least this was the impression we received from his front office staff. Despite being told by our legal plan that the wait time would be up to 3 weeks, we were informed after contacting the office that we would need to wait 9 weeks for an appointment. When we tried to gather basic information about the services provided, the paralegal, Grace, was curt and unwilling to engage in a conversation about whether Vijay could handle our specific needs. This lack of transparency made it difficult for us to make an informed decision about whether working with Vijay would be the right fit. Ultimately, after a long wait, we were told that Vijay would not be able to assist with our estate planning. The entire process felt inefficient and left us feeling as though our concerns were not taken seriously.
In my opinion, Vijay would benefit from improving the training of his front office staff to handle situations like ours more professionally. While I understand that Vijay may have had positive experiences with other clients, this was certainly not the case for us. Having worked with many attorneys over the years, I can confidently say that this was not a typical experience.
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02 Mar, 2018 by Jason
My wife and I needed a will drafted and picked Vijay since he was available through my workplace's legal plan and well reviewed. Our goal was to set up something fairly simple that would take care of our assets should we both pass at once. Our assets are not massively complex and we just needed something that was relatively straight-forward, yet legally binding in how our assets should be disbursed.
Vijay opened with explaining how a Trust was the correct route for us. My wife and I were concerned about some of the complexities involved in setting up a Trust and emphasized we just wanted something fairly simple that would hold up should anything get challenged in court. He confirmed that a Will would in fact accomplish what we wanted yet he still continued to insist that a Trust was the much better option for reasons we had clearly indicated earlier were not important to us.
We explicitly acknowledged his advice, over-ruled it, and let him know we'd still prefer a Will. He mentioned we should get a follow-up from his office in a few days. A month later we have yet to hear anything from his office.
The entire experience left us wondering if he felt he wasn't adequately compensated by our legal plan for setting up a Will and was more interested in the potential revenue he'd generate by setting up a Trust for us. Which is distinctly not the impression I'd like to have of my attorney.
At this point, we're starting this process over with a new attorney and we would not recommend his practice to others.
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19 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
My wife and I set up a family trust with Vijay. He was complete, knowledgable and very professional. We had 2 meetings, one to assess the design of the trust and one to sign all the papers. More important than the process (which Vijay has honed to be very efficient) is that the structure of the trust will provide for our kids in every conceivable eventuality. The materials Vijay gave us helped us think through them all and Vijay was available to consult on any subtle points.
Very satisfied with not just the service rendered but that legal vehicle that we established will take care of our kids.
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13 Aug, 2023 by Dismayeddad
I am writing this only from a standpoint of helping people assess this attorney, rather than coming from point of any anger. The trial proceedings were recorded (due to zoom).
I will state the facts and let the reader assess this attorney by themselves. The Paralegal is very detail oriented however I felt the attorney is not, though I had confidence till trial, by her positive talks. I had no DV allegations and had a good report from GAL. Simply, my ex-spouse wanted to take away my daughter from me. In prep for the documentation, I had more guidance from the paralegal than the attorney.
During Mediation, the attorney steered me away from exploring an mutually agreeable solution with the other party by giving me confidence of having a strong case and don't need to bend.
On the day of trial, which was virtual during covid times, she forgot to bring in the strong witnesses I had prepared. I had to reach out to remind her, but it was too late. Later the witnesses were not allowed. During the trial, the attorney failed to ask tough questions to my ex-spouse even though I was sending her messages to ask the relevant questions. Finally after the trial, the attorney said that the Judge did not seem to like her, giving as a reason for the lop sided result. She was not even able to explain why & how the finance were distributed.
End Result: My ex-spouse was awarded more than 65% of my hard earned wealth and I ended up with just 15% of child custody. After the trial, I hardly got much help or directions from this attorney. I was literally left alone with an abysmal trial result. And later, the mother has simply managed to move the child away from me. A dismayed father from an abysmal framework of so called law and attorneys.
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15 Feb, 2016 by D.m.
We has been working with Sunitha for over a year now in a very complicated third-party custody case. Sunitha maintains her professional demeanor while approaching her cases with compassion, care, and going the extra mile when needed. I truly believe that her heart is in every case - it definitely has been in ours.
If you are looking for an attorney who is profoundly knowledgeable, thinks outside the box, and truly cares about the outcome then Sunitha would be an asset on your side. She's an excellent advocate and fights hard for her clients - I would highly recommend her.
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02 Feb, 2015 by Melba
I live in California and Ms. Anjilvel helped both me and members of my family with our wills. I found her to be not only professional and knowledgeable but highly intelligent and extremely patient no matter how many questions she was asked. If we have any other legal issues in the future I will not hesitate to contact her.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Warren lee
We needed to update our estate docs and went to Amy. She was very responsive, provided detailed feedback, and made the overall process very smooth. We will go back to her again for any future estate planning services.
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16 Jul, 2024 by J rosenbee
Amy was excellent to work with on my will. Very professional and courteous. We were able to work through my details over the phone and through email so that it didn't take precious time out of the day. Highly recommend Amy!
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16 Jul, 2024 by Mahitha aitharaju
Amy and her team were knowledgeable, efficient, courteous and accommodative.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Blaine brumbaugh
This is a first class law firm. They will always go above and beyond to insure your case goes as smoothly as possible.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Alex jobe
I wish I had met and hired Jody at FLS sooner, they picked up my case in the 23rd hour and did great job. He was a voice of reason and kept communicating with me in the perfect way and by no way am I any easy client. I struggled to read the court documents and the extremely emotional mostly pissed through the whole process. Jody did a great job taking the time to explain everything to me and with great detail. Even when I wanted to rush through something he would say no we are going through this line by line. I will say this interview him and The Law dog Jake. I will me recommending him to everyone that ask me about a divorce.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Lyudmila veleva
DO NOT HIRE this firm under any circumstances, listen to the other reviewers! Terrible legal representation, unprofessional, unkind and gaslighting attorneys, capable of losing a simple case as a PO. Huge turnover. I was tossed around between attorneys with 1-3 years of experience who argued with me along about my own case and misstated facts. Greedy beyond belief. Overcharging for any and all services. Nearly $20 000 for obtaining a protection order!! Please seek help elsewhere!
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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:
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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.
