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25 Sep, 2024 by Alec moss
The team at Golightly was so kind, helpful, patient, and educational throughout the process of creating our will, etc. Highly recommend them to anyone.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Susan w
Working with Scott and his staff was a great experience. Scott took the time to talk with my husband and me to understand what we were looking to accomplish. The turnaround time for the documents was as promised, and executing the documents was quick and easy. I highly recommend Scott for estate planning.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Bryan halstead
Very quick professional service. Gave clear easy to follow advice.
Will recommend to friends and family.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Amy m
Gave great advice for tenant and landlord issues.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Gabriel matos
28 Aug, 2017 by Richmond mom
Jim has been there to help start my new business. Cutting the government red-tape away making it simple and fast to get my business licenses, review and advise on several agreements and legal counsel on strategic business decisions that have allowed my business to grow - hassle free. Also, Jim's easy-going, sensible demeanor makes this former US Navy pilot a trusted friend and counselor.
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09 May, 2024 by Gold connections
Fantastic experience. Alex brought a savviness and sensitivity to the process that I've not experienced with other attorneys. Highly recommended.
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16 Dec, 2023 by Oliver stamatoski
The James River Law Team is AMAZING!
I was getting incredible support by Alex Mejias! He has been not only extremely knowledgeable, very clear in his explanations, but he was also super responsive, reliable & was always able to show me a clear perspective of my rights. Alex’s support has been a true blessing in simplifying & understanding the complicated world of the law.
Thank you Alex & James River Team! You have been incredibly helpful.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
After providing a brief detail of my cryptocurrency case to Mr. Mejias, he was able to guide me through what I needed to do and where I needed to approach this case with. He is professional and I believe he represents his client's best interests.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Thelma
Matthew Reinaker was extremely professional, but very personable. Punctual and very helpful in reassuring that my wishes were covered. I felt very confident with the suggestions offered to cover the legality of the law. I was extremely satisfied with his services rendered.
Thelma G. O'Neal
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22 Aug, 2024 by Darlene
He was knowledgeable and professional but still friendly and courteous. Patient with all my questions. He explained things in a way I could understand. His recommendations were based on achieving my goals. I would highly recommend him
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14 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
We had a tremendous experience throughout the estate planning process with Matt and Asurest. Matt's knowledgeable and experience was extremely valuable in getting our estate plan and trust established properly and without any concerns or issues. Matt's flexibility and mobility made the entire process easy and pain free. My wife and I highly recommend Matt all for your estate planning needs.
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02 Mar, 2024 by Keith
Marc Anderson helped me tremendously. I had two tickets in Virginia one being a reckless driving ticket. He was able to complete remove the one and decrease the other. Biggest thing is to listen to what he says and he will not stear you wrong. He will do everything in his power to help you out and was with me the entire time always answering phone calls. Even following up after the court dates to ensure everything was in great shape.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Marc was great with my traffic court case. He helped me to get my reckless driving charge completely dismissed. I couldnt be more happy. he was very knowledgeable and kind.
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21 Feb, 2024 by Brian
Marc Anderson is the cosummate professional. I hired Marc to assist my son with a reckless driving citation. Marc walked and talked us through the entire process of making a good defense, including obtaining driver records, provided links to defensive driving course, recommended voluntary community service, etc. He also explained to my son how the judge was likely to consider each piece of "evidence" and thus why it was important to do what he was recommending and in a timely manner . He was also available at any time though out the process for follow up questions and advise. Most important, we followed his advice and got the citation reduced to Defective Equipment, a non-moving violation. A great personable guy to have in your corner. Our positve experience with Marc on this case put him on the top of our list for any future legal services.
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24 Aug, 2020 by Boyce
Before I contacted New Day Legal, I was distraught about my financial difficulty and quality of life.
After having consulted with Mr, Bektic and Mr, Adams I was allayed to learn that there could be a way to solve my problems.
I now have an opportunity to improve the quality of my life and be better with my finances thanks to the New Day Legal team ; especially Mr, Bektic and Mr, Adams.
Thank you very much.
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30 Jun, 2020 by Karen
Mr. Bektic worked tirelessly to get a repossessed farm tractor back to me. When others said it was impossible, Mr. Bektic got it done, through the dealership and the bankruptcy court. He is THE BEST.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Nancy
From the first free consultation with Suad Bektic I knew I had found the right attorney! I can’t thank him enough for helping me.
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02 Jul, 2020 by Tianna
My consultation with attorney Stewart was a wonderful experience. She is professional and knowledgeable. All of my questions were answered. She was able to break down legal jargon into layman terms for me. She showed competency and prudence; I would definitely recommend her as an attorney.
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18 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Wow! Working with Mrs. Stewart was one of the best investments I've ever made-next to investing in real estate! The service I requested was a contract review and she pretty much dissected the contract and exposed sinister intention. She explained how contracts should be construed in accordance to the locality/state of the party. She offered great advice such as being able to exit a contract under your terms and that it shouldn't be unilateral or in the favor of the other person. There is so much more I could write, but I have to go to bible study now!
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02 Dec, 2016 by Chris
She responded promptly even though she did not express an interest in the matter of concern. I feel it is very nice to respond anyways. Thanks and wish your firm the best of luck. We consulted this firm.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sam
Richard is a consummate professional: trustworthy, careful and detail oriented. He worked with me on a series of very complicated contracts and expertly walked me through the process, avoiding all the pitfalls. Highly recommend.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Emily
Bozard Law has been, and continues to be, supportive, professional and efficient, getting the results I’ve needed. I suggest working with Richard, he's very personable and super accommodating.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Colter
My fiancé and I went through a laundry list of problems with our apartment that the owner never bothered to fix and Richard helped us get out! Legal situations can be so confusing and overwhelming but Richard did a great job of helping us understand our rights and the legal process for our situation. Highly recommend!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Erica abdi
Doug Ramseur was very detailed and zealous about the work that he put into our case. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone facing serious criminal charges or fighting for an appeal. The Ram Law Firm was very informative and available for questions and explanations of anything we did not understand. Doug, and Emily worked diligently on bringing our loved one home.
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21 Oct, 2022 by Bigefe 24
Did amazing with my case
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06 Sep, 2022 by Donna morris
I am so grateful to the Ram Law Firm for the courtesy, hard work and professionalism that was demonstrated to me in a very difficult situation. Emilee looked out for me from beginning to end, which gave me peace of mind throughout the process, as well as a most favorable outcome. Thank you!!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Corey
Everything went as planned. He achieved all outcomes and goals as stated in planning meeting . Look forward to working with him again.
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17 May, 2023 by Deborah
Mr Samuels was helpful as much as possible. I hired him over 2 years ago to assist me with my disability claim. I couldn't have been more pleased with the way he kept in touch and was always a step ahead in the claim process. As today,promptly returns calls.
I have a current insurance company issue & need guidance in the steps to get this rectified so providers can be paid as in the past 30+ yrs I have been with them as a spouse of a retiree.
Understandably, Mr Samuels does have to require a Escrow account deposit to start his assistance. He was very thorough in explaining the associated fee and is understandable given the possibility of time devoted. Unfortunately SSDI is my only income. I don't qualify for any assistance the government supposedly pays those who are unable to meet living requirements due to my being married and my husband receiving actually less per month than I do after the SS insurance Part B deduction.
Mr Samuels is so professional and shows genuine empathy given my disability when initially spoke with him in 2019. He has shown that same professionalism given my current situation. I would (and have) highly recommended this lawyer who genuinely cares more about the client than the understable need for case charge currency. However it is very competitive given the economy and other providers in his profession. Mr Samuels dedicated the time to assure my disability case moved swiftly through the system process and held true to any statement made. Worked with several of my providers as needed . Was very professional in guiding me through the required process of gathering office and the many procedure notes required by me from the Social Security Administration. Mr Samuels is very knowledgeable in the disability program and the way he breaks the language down to layman's terms is a helpful qualification of many definite accomplishments acquired by this top notch attorney.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Jamie
Right away Charles explained my situation and put my concerns at ease. He is extremely knowledgeable and made clear exactly what I should expect, what elements were uncertain, what I could to help my case, etc. Thanks to Charles’ advice and assistance, I received the best possible outcome on my case. I cannot recommend him enough!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Charles
Jeremy interviewed us thoroughly about our needs, interests, and goals. He reviewed the purpose of each of the documents he would prepare for us and then went over them carefully before we signed. We were very pleased with Jeremy's professionalism and personal attention. Highly recommended.
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13 Nov, 2015 by John
Jeremy is meticulous and courteous. We worked with him to prepare a Living Trust. He walked us through the process, made sure we understood what we were doing, and did so in a timely manner.
And perhaps most importantly, he treated us with great care and respect. We trust him deeply.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Erik
Jeremy has provided legal services for my wife and me on several occasions. In every instance he has been professional, prompt, and knowledgeable. He has helped us in estate planning by providing wills, power of attorneys, and advanced medical directives. With his expert knowledge of the relevant legals requirements, he has given us wise counsel, but always in way that respects our own wishes and is tailored to our unique needs.
Jeremy has also done work for us related to the constitution of an LLC. He walked us through the necessary steps and handled all of the legal requirements. His work was done quickly so no time was lost. His office is well-organized and the work to be done is clearly communicated ahead of time. Questions that arise along the way are answered patiently and with a depth of insight.
It can be hard to find a lawyer who is at once professional and personable, but Jeremy is that rare attorney.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Mark
I am beyond impressed with the representation I received in my court case. I had a reckless driving for speeding ticket and got the desired result. I was outside the norm but this is the first lawyer that I have interacted with that was genuinely interested in doing everything he could for my case and knew my case before the trial day. I was instructed in everything I would need to do to get my desired result. I did extra community service than he recommended (120 hours vs 80) as well before trial and this helped as well. Richard helped me navigate the court day and was reassuring but honest as well as agile in the presentation of mitigating evidence. I have said as well too many times in this review but that should speak volumes to the care I received that I was not expecting. I am picky with service and they were great! 10/10 would highly recommend this law office for reckless speeding tickets over 90!
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13 Jun, 2022 by Rachel
I could not have asked for a better lawyer Richard Wiley was one of thw best lawyers that I ever came across. Actually this is my first time I needed an lawyer and I was very skeptical about this sensitive case that I had but I would not have changed it in the world. Richard was very prompt, he was on time, he stayed communicated with me with things that changed, he went over and above his duties as a lawyer to represent me in my case. At the end of the case I was granted everything I wanted. Richard was persistent he stayed consistent and he wanted to make sure that i received the best outcome for my situation. I am happy and I really really really appreciate everything he have done. I definitely will hire him again I will recommend 100000 times to anybody that want to hire him and also I would definitely keep him in mind if I need him for any future legal matters. 10/10
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11 Feb, 2022 by David
I had the first-hand privilege of having Richard represent me in a very high-speed case of which he was able to get reduced all the way down to Improper Driving. His presence in the courtroom was calm, cool, and confident from start to finish which is why I believe we were able to secure such a favorable outcome! David S.
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23 May, 2022 by Linda
Charles Waverly Hazelwood III is an amazing attorney, my father had complication with his trust changes he eased our minds about the whole process. he kept us updated on each step of your case, and he's affordable. My father and I are very grateful for the help we received and the service exceeds our expectations. At any time we needed him he made himself available to help quickly with a high level of professionalism. If you need an attorney he is your guy. I really can't thank him enough for everything! I recommend him to all my friends and family.
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26 Nov, 2019 by Muhammed
With properties in Kentucky and Virginia couldn't have done a revocable trust without Charles' legal help. My Wife and I are eternally grateful.
Highly recommended
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20 Mar, 2019 by Sarah
As an out of state driver with a ticket in Virginia, I was unsure what needed to be done. After calling Mr. Hazelwood's firm, I felt much better. He made the whole process very simple, and he was able to reduce the level of my ticket. I would highly recommend his services.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Tabetha russell
Charles and Whitney at the Nance Law Firm were professional and efficient in handling my request. I would recommend them for any Trust/Estate Planning documents!
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31 Jan, 2017 by Nancy
Pleasant and extremely helpful.
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30 Nov, 2015 by Carolyn
When my mother and I first saw Charles, my father had just become ill and we felt the end was near. They did not have many assets, and I thought that there wasn't much that could be done. I couldn't have been more wrong. We started with the most likely scenario of how the next few years would play out (once again we were wrong); however, Charles worked with us and we composed new wills and moved around assets to optimize most any scenario. During the next 6 1/2 years that my parents survived, he was always caring and professional. Hiring Charles was one of the best decisions I ever made.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Dominique mayo
She will do everything in her power to fight for you thanks for your service appreciate it
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20 Nov, 2021 by Dionne
Ms. Johnson got the job done where another lawyer was unsuccessful, she was very thorough and professional. Ms. Johnson made me feel at ease as she took the time to explain every step of the filing process, and kept me posted on the progress of my case throughout the entire process. I am very pleased with how fast she got the entire process done during this pandemic. I am truly grateful and wish her continued success.
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23 Jun, 2021 by Jasimine
She is very professional and my divorce was very fast ........................................
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21 Apr, 2020 by Gary
Brian Fayman has done an excellent job on helping us collect past due accounts that we thought were hopeless. We greatly appreciate his communication skills in letting us know the exact progress with each account. We will definitely be using Mr. Fayman for all our legal matters.
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20 Apr, 2020 by Lois
I consulted with, and hired, Brian Fayman to help with the details of my mother's estate after her passing. From the first meeting with Brian I knew I would hire him. He listened intently while I explained a complicated executor situation. I never felt rushed during appointments or phone conversations. After I told Brian what I was looking for and that I needed assistance in moving forward, he methodically outlined my options. He provided a sense of calm during an emotionally charged time. He helped me throughout the entire process from start to finish with my mother's estate. I was kept in the loop at all times when correspondences were sent to other parties and Brian was available to me via phone and email to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend Brian based on my experience working with him. Not only is he excellent in his profession, but he is a kind person. I still stay in touch with Brian and sought his services for additional legal needs about a year after I hired him for the estate settlement. I like to think of Brian as my attorney, but also a friend. He is a straight shooter and you will always know your options but never feel pressured. Brian will guide you with his expert advice yet allowing the client to make the choices on what they want to do. I recommend Brian with enthusiasm and confidence in his ability. He is a superb attorney.
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17 Apr, 2020 by Matthew
Mr. Fayman was responsive, communicative, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the settlement of my father's estate. He provided excellent service, kept me on track with the estate business, and gave significant cost-saving advice. I highly recommend his services in estate administration and probate proceedings.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Paul
I had a unique case where due to sickness they sent my son to a mental hospital and we COULD NOT get him OUT. Mr. Mason knew how to get through all the red tape to petition the Judge.
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03 May, 2021 by Kimberly
We were lucky enough to retain Thomas Mason for our legal situation and I would absolutely use his professional talents again. Highly recommend
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30 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Mason exceeded all expectations. From initial consultation to trail, his professionalism, knowledge of law and candor were impressive. I highly recommend Attorney Thomas C. Mason. With his representation & insight, we were able to navigate a difficult custody proceeding. His keen attention to detail proved to be the prevailing factor. He's a talented legal mind and has passion and for his clients.
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15 Jan, 2016 by Ronya
Ms. Aman did a fantastic job putting together my will, trusts, advanced medical directive, and powers of attorney. At the onset, she sent a very detailed questionnaire which she used to create and finalize my documents. She did a thorough job, asking questions along the way to ensure accuracy and, most importantly, to make sure that my wishes were accurately represented. She sent out my final documents with plenty of time prior to our scheduled meeting so that I could carefully review them. She even traveled to northern Virginia for the meeting. I have recommended her to several friends and family members, all of whom have had similar experiences.
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15 Jan, 2016 by Miriam
My husband and I used Ada-Marie to prepare our wills, trust, and advance medical directives. The whole process was incredibly easy and the communication was great. Ada-Marie had wonderful suggestions for how to tailor the trust to suit our specific needs. It gives us such peace of mind to know we have these plans in place for our two young children.
I will definitely use her again, and have been recommending her to all of my friends!
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14 Apr, 2024 by Eric black
Very efficient and easy to contact.. response is quick
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10 Jan, 2020 by Tiffani walker
24 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Nicole Rossi's response are very comprehensive and helpful. She is also very quick in answering questions. Thank you, Nicole.
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10 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Shaheen knows real estate. He answers his cell phone when I call. I have referred him to buyers who have promptly hired him after talking to him about their upcoming settlement. He has an excellent reputation. He is the first lawyer that comes to mind when I think of real estate. He has a well-trained team to back him up. His paralegals are prompt and professional. A+
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26 Oct, 2016 by Bonnie
John specializes in estate planning so he has a wealth of experience in this area of the law. He is an extremely good listener and very detail oriented who strives to prepare the estate plan so that your intentions are very clear and concise and allow for ease of mplementstion for the heirs.
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13 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Kimberly Pinchbeck did an excellent job in helping us with our estate planning. She took the time to explain about probate and what wills and trusts mean. I would highly recommend her to my friends.
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01 Aug, 2010 by Nycoel
Matthew Farley is exceptional. He takes his time, which bothered me in the beginning because I thought I might be throwing away money. However, in the end Mr. Farley did not miss anything in a very complex case. He worked with attorneys in many jurisdictions on my case, and in my opinion was always the most professional, ALWAYS the most prepared, and always ended up being nominated by everyone working on the case to do the most work. I believe that myself and all attorneys trust or trusted his intuition, professionalism and telephone demeanor the most.
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22 Feb, 2011 by John
Listens well. Very analytic, but understand personal needs, and help us make difficult decisions.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Marcela paguada
¡Me encanta! Son personas muy profesionales amables y excepcionales, recomendados al 100% … me ayudaron con mi ciudadanía!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Pedro lemus
07 Oct, 2024 by Henry simmons
Attorney Ben is outstanding, he is very professional and very knowledgeable, his staff is very professional and polite as well, it is an absolute pleasure to work with this law firm and I would highly recommend and encourage anybody to utilize this law firm, myself and my wife will be clients for life!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Nabiha haque
amazing lawyers, helped me with my case of a speeding traffic very fast and very efficiently. will recommend them to others :)
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18 Sep, 2024 by Karen altmann
My matter received a significantly better outcome than I had hoped for. Mr. Wells and his assistant Amy brought their A game and helped me through the process with respect and concistent communication and updates. I am confident that I made the best choice when I reached out to this firm.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Scott melick
I chose Riley and Wells to represent me for a traffic infraction as I was traveling through Virginia from New Jersey.
The entire team was responsive to my questions and kept me informed throughout the entire process.
I highly recommend Riley and Wells Attorneys-at-Law to represent you with any legal matter.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Al falkowski
I hired Peter's law firm for a speeding ticket in Virginia. They not only saved me the trouble of having to go there for court, they gave me specifics of what I should do before the court date.
They were excellent at communicating with me and Rebecca Peters talked with me any time I needed her.
She represented me in court and had my ticket significantly reduced ! With a minimal fine.
I highly recommend her and her firm.
Al Falkowski, Horseheads NY
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03 Oct, 2024 by Yassir elkhair
Excellent traffic lawyer and I was very pleased with the service of this law firm. My case was dismissed and I was able to keep my driving record clean thanks to this great Attorney. Thank you so much !!!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Adam butler
Rebecca was a consummate professional through the entire process of representing me. Communication was outstanding and she was very detailed about everything I needed to accomplish prior to my date in court. She also represented me there, and was able to get my entire case dropped on a technicality. Great representation and extremely professional firm.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Claire bradley
Brianna offered up a ton of kindness, patience, and support while she helped me through the interview process and subsequent negotiations.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Amy clark
I truly enjoyed working with Brianna from Prime Legal, she helped me put my nerves at ease. She helped me to know what to except during my interview. She was always just a text or call away if I needed anything or had any questions. With her help I was offered a position and so excited for the next chapter.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Jennifer newcome
Brianna B is the best recruiter ever. She took all the time I needed with me, explained everything thoroughly, helped me update my resume to look more efficient, shared tips with me the day before my interview and checked on me afterwards. Words can’t describe how thankful I am.
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04 Oct, 2024 by George williams
Great
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04 Oct, 2024 by Wasi pasdar
I am happy that Joel Bieber firm always thinks for the costumer injuries and concern
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03 Oct, 2024 by Carol anne fulcher
A neighbor told me about The Joel Bieber Firm and I am SO glad he did! Their investigator came and met with me and made me confident that I chose the right legal Firm to represent me. The Joel Bieber Firm is the perfect Firm for me!
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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.
