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29 Feb, 2024 by Christopher
Had a terrible experience with a different Lawyer and Larry came in and handle business like a total professional. Don't think I would have had a better out come if Larry didn't take over
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14 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
As I reflect on my life and all the trial and tribulations that my family and I endured, there has been one constant staple and that is Mr. Lawrence Baker. Larry cared for our family as if we were part of his. Both my husband and I went through divorces prior to be married to one another. Our family faced many losses of loved ones and had to deal with the unfortunate battles within surrogate court. When I went out on a limb to stand up to my employer thru the Human Rights Division, Larry came out on that limb with me. Through it all, Larry never waivered, he remained diligent as our counsel and remained loyal as a friend. In the 22+ years that our family and Mr. Baker have teamed together to secure our family's future, I can firmly state there is no one better to go into battle with than Mr. Baker. Integrity, pure honesty, diginity, loyal, compassionate, etc. The Griffin family is honored that Mr. Baker welcomed us as clients.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Chelsea
Larry was exactly the person I needed to help navigate me through my divorce, he looked out for me in ways I never expected him to and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Laura dejohn
Warning to women seeking custody and protection from abusive partners: do not choose Nate Van Loon. He will provide promises up front, claim to be your champion and pretend to have a thought-out plan of action to investigate your spouse financially, reveal spending patterns, "secure what's yours," get them to move out, and protect your kids. Except none of that happened in reality. Multiple times, I would go as long as 7 weeks without a return email, call, or response from him in any way. He strung my case out for longer than necessary - telling me I would get my chance to tell my story at the next court hearing and it never came. Had I been educated as a client, (who never stopped asking questions about what to expect and how to prepare) I likely would have made different decisions entirely. Nate deliberately kept me in the dark and had no problem cashing my check for the trial he showed up for and sold out from under me by telling the referee the reason for my divorce was a lack of being heard by my spouse and not the fact that I had police reports, evidence of physical violence and a pattern of erratic behavior from alcohol use. None of it was considered because Nate didn't care to advocate for me. Worst decision I ever made. Feb - Dec 2024.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Lakesha
Good morning, I found attorney Nathan Van Loon online. He assisted me with child support and my divorce. Mr.Van Loon respected my privacy and explained the whole process from beginning to the end. Every time I entered the office, he made me feel supported and safe. He listened to me and recommended options and followed through with only the items I agreed with. Beth Resnick (Paralegal in the office) maintained open communication with both email and phone calls. I will continue to recommend the practice to everyone who needs legal services.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brittany
Mr. VanLoon was an absolute godsend and rescued me from the nightmare custody battle I had from out of state. Anyone in the Rochester area needs to reach out to his law firm and trust that he will take your case seriously and work towards what you need!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Ramona bryant
When my husband and I found ourselves in the hardest situation, Mr Schwartz immediately advised us on the best solution to our problem
He is very good at his job working with us on time line that worked best for us. His knowledge and experience brought us through. He deserves 10 stars and another Big Thanks for all his help.
Have a wonderful New Year Mr Schwartz
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22 Dec, 2024 by Steven
Robert was awesome throughout my financial issues, made me feel at ease throughout. Highly recommend him.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Ramon towner
Excellent service, Bob made the complete process easy since this is a stressful situation.
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09 Jun, 2023 by Amy h
I want to take the time to thank Brian Decarolis for representing me for my permit he took his time with me made sure I understood the process my hearing would take an all possibilities he is a very honest attorney I would recommend him to anyone in need of his services thanks again Brian
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21 Apr, 2023 by Darren shelton
Brian brings a sense of peace and a wealth of knowledge. His confidence and attention to detail are 2nd to none. I highly recommend him!
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21 Apr, 2023 by Keisha trubia
He is very on top of things and knows what he is talking about! What I liked most is that he himself reached out to me to discuss everything instead of having an assistant call me like several other attorneys did. Straight to the point with everything and I was pleased with how my case was handled/settled. Very highly recommended!
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13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
12 Jan, 2024 by Tony b
Steve was a true professional. I highly recommend this firm!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Ross johnson
24 Sep, 2021 by Lynn szatkowski
Ross Cammarata and his paralegal staff are excellent. I've personally used them for my home closings. In addition, I've been referring them to my real estate clients since 2006 and they've never let myself or my clients down. Stellar!
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22 Apr, 2024 by Eric
A highly professional Attorney that gets results quickly. I will certainly use him again.
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24 May, 2021 by Tim healy
Brenna Boyce PLLC assisted me in my auto injury case and brought it to a successful & satisfactory conclusion in a timely manner. I would not hesitate to hire this firm in the future.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Geri camp
Bob's office handled an accident injury case for my Mom, and she was in very good hands and obtained a great settlement. Bob is an outstanding attorney, and I highly recommend his office for any personal injury needs that you might have.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Kirk palmatier
This is an unusual review, but in the spirit of giving credit where credit is due, I'll give both thumbs up to John Refermat. He gave attention to our case and was encouraging and patient. In the end we didn't need to retain his firm, the mere mention that we were planning to do so was enough to unclog bureaucratic paper jam and get our assessment corrected.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Mackenzie klee
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable about my situation . I felt very comfortable talking and discussing my options to find the best one for my situation.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Fausto prattico
The firm has represented my family and my business on a few matters, from commercial litigation, to creating business contracts and personal matters, including buying and selling a home. My family and I have trusted John and Ed to give us excellent guidance and ensure we were protected. The firm and its partners are responsive and effective. We feel they value us as clients and know us by name, not just a file on their desk. The firm is always responsive to my family and my business needs.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Scott benjamin
I highly recommend Tim Sardone for your real estate transactions! We were warned that the schedule to complete our home purchase was very optimistic and that it would be difficult for the title work to be finished in this time frame. Tim not only made sure it was on time…it was early. He kept us informed throughout the process and quickly answered all of our questions. And when we sold our old house, he again kept us informed and made sure the sale closed on time. And we were never searching for answers because he anticipated our questions. You can’t go wrong with Tim!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Marianne benjamin
Tim Sardone did a great job representing us for the purchase of our new home as well as the selling of our home of 33 years. He ensured that all the title work was done well before scheduled closing dates. He fully explained the process and we had no surprises. We are happy to recommend Tim as an attorney for any real estate transactions.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Sammy smith
I am giving Mr. Willman a five star rating if I could give more I would. My self personally has not had Mr. Willman but I know someone who has! And this certainly individual gave Mr. Willman a run for his money. If you know you know. I have always learned it's never a good idea to work against your attorney... But more less let them guide you through your case. And not call the shots that will not work out in your favor.. My hat comes off to Mr. Willman he stood his ground and no matter what maintained perfessional through it all. He worked so hard for this individual and did everything he could possibly could do. But people know sometimes life doesn't go as planned.. Job well done if I ever need Mr. Willman I will for sure reach out to him no questions being asked he is a beast in the court room...
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04 May, 2024 by Sean neary
I have had the privilege over the last 15 years of knowing Mr Johnson's got my back. No matter what I get into he is there to help me get out of the pile I have created. So if you are in need of a truly good attorney, Mr Johnson is your guy!
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16 Apr, 2024 by John baccoli
Our experience, since becoming clients of Attorney Christopher Johnson, has been excellent. Christopher first handled my case where I was involved in an automobile accident while on a business trip, out in Seattle. This happened over 20 years ago. The rental car was totaled, and though I suffered only minor injuries. Mr. Johnson was able to get me a settlement from the owner of the truck that was responsible for the damage to at least three cars, all of which were stopped on a highway off-ramp, due to construction and lane reduction. Luckily (at least for me), I was 2nd in line, and didn’t receive the full brunt of the initial collision, but the force was hard enough to push my car into the van in front of me. The people in the van had the nerve to sue me, and Christopher was able to get that lawsuit thrown out of court. Since then, Mr. Johnson has advised us on many other legal and financial matters, both major and minor, and we consider him to be a good friend as he is always looking out for our best interests. I highly recommend engaging Attorney Christopher Johnson for your legal matters.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Alan brant
Chris was so helpful when I had accident He took care of everything. Calling and checking on me. Taking care of any questions we may have had. So glad we had Chris to help us thru this process I have recommended Chris to several people and would do so again
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23 Dec, 2024 by Kylee hughes
Randi, Dan, and the rest of the ZP team are incredible! Not only are they just very talented at what they do, they are also the nicest people to work with and they really care about all of their clients. They make you feel comfortable and at ease, and I will always recommend them to anyone I come across!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Elaine elich
I sought Randi Proukou’s legal advice for a complicated WC case with a large school district. Mrs. Proukou & her staff always kept me informed of progress of my case & always responded back to any inquiries I made promptly. Not only was I awarded what was owed at my WC hearing but even in the
Fast pace of such proceedings Randi spotted an error in the figures. More importantly, she advised me to keep my case open which I did. This was the BEST advice & a decision I have been deeply grateful to her for. My joint injury which required a replacement has had numerous complications for 7 years! A second surgery was required 6 months ago, 7 years after my injury. In all this time, Zea Proukou’s firm has given me the personal attention that you would expect if you were a family member - which I am not! Her genuine caring and management of all the fine details has made it possible for me to trust that I can focus more on my rehab than I The complicated procedures and paperwork.
I have said a prayer of gratitude many times in These 7 years that I chose Zea Proukou’s firm to handle my WC case. For this reason, during COVID we had her legal services to do our first Will which she made easy and reasonable for us to do.
ETE
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17 Jul, 2024 by Irassette cruz
01 Mar, 2023 by Michael miller
Tom was always quick to answer my questions by text or a phone call. He really takes the time to explain complex legal matters, and break them down so they are easily understood. He was able to resolve my issues quickly. I highly recommend you hire him.
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10 Nov, 2022 by Paul
Thomas Splain is an amazing attorney. If you need to find the right lawyer - look no further. He provides his clients with the highest level of representation possible.
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19 Oct, 2022 by Mark
When I picked up my 3rd drinking and driving offense I knew I messed up. I reached out to a few different attorneys and determined Tom was the best fit for me and I wasn't wrong. Mr. Splain knew I messed up pretty big as well, but never made me feel worse than I already felt. Tom was able to get this DWI reduced to a DWAI with all the minimum sanctions. Tom's presence in the court room is second to no one and he is clearly very well connected with the players in the judicial system in the greater Rochester area. My biggest hurdle was the DMV hearing. Tom, was able to get the refusal dismissed. Which to my understanding, is like finding a needle in a haystack!
Tom Splain is one of the premier, top notch, defense attorneys around and I highly recommend him when your backs against the wall!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Mark hammond
Peter Rogers provided excellent representation for my personal injury case. Peter and his associates at Lacy Katzen, treated us with respect and kindness. Peter is very professional and has a record of success including my case.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Torii eley
Clair from this law firm was very rude and I don’t understand how she is working in law firm her communicating with her. Client is very disrespectful. I could barely get a word out because all she wanted to do was hear her voice. I was trying to get a breakdown and understanding of my payments and she wasn’t trying to hear anything that I had to say which I find is very rude and discriminating of my work situation and what I’m able to afford and payments at this time I do not recommend this law firm at all
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14 Aug, 2024 by Deborah cayetano
Professional, clear about the details, and respectful as an Elder Lawyer
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27 Jun, 2018 by Lewis
Gave excellent guidance through the hole process. I had never been through this process before. Phil made me feel very comfortable because of the way he shared his vast knowledge. He was timely with everything the he said he would do.
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12 May, 2016 by Richard
Our dream of having an legal entity that could represent Youth Rugby in Rochester became a reality ,largely because of the quality legal representation provide by Mr Hurwitz. He walk us through all off the steps of first becoming a Corp. ,then getting us tax exempt status and finally getting us listed as a NYS charity. He diligently walked us through what was almost a 9 month process keeping us informed of progress and making sure we completed all of the necessary filings in a timely fashion. In short we will use Mr Hurwitz for all of our future legal needs
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11 May, 2016 by Omar
Hired Philip for a DWI, he had the best price of anyone I talked to. He's knowledgeable, punctual and showed genuine concern for my outcome. I moved out of state shortly after I was given the ticket and Philip helped tremendously with finding out of state programs, answering my questions and working with the court to keep the necessary trips back to New York to a minimum.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Mark hammond
Peter Rogers provided excellent representation for my personal injury case. Peter and his associates at Lacy Katzen, treated us with respect and kindness. Peter is very professional and has a record of success including my case.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Torii eley
Clair from this law firm was very rude and I don’t understand how she is working in law firm her communicating with her. Client is very disrespectful. I could barely get a word out because all she wanted to do was hear her voice. I was trying to get a breakdown and understanding of my payments and she wasn’t trying to hear anything that I had to say which I find is very rude and discriminating of my work situation and what I’m able to afford and payments at this time I do not recommend this law firm at all
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14 Aug, 2024 by Deborah cayetano
Professional, clear about the details, and respectful as an Elder Lawyer
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27 May, 2018 by Anonymous
There is nothing more reassuring than having a good lawyer on your side! Larry Schwind represented me in my divorce, he guided me through a tumultuous buy-out of my home from my ex-husband, & he prepared my Will, Power of Attorney & Health Care Proxy. He is fair and provides expert legal guidance in a calm, matter-of-fact manner, and he knows the law. He is extremely accessible, and answers phone calls and emails personally in timely manner; and he works with a great paralegal, Tammy Baker. You are in good hands with this team!
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07 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Larry was extremely responsive, organized and thorough. Helped talk me "off the ledge" a couple of times. Managed a ridiculously, crazy separation and divorce. Would highly recommend his services.
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30 Jan, 2018 by John
Larry was upfront with what to expect, efficient with his time and available when I needed him.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Christina
Deborah is an amazing lawyer and I would recommend her to anyone who is going through divorce. She did an exceptional job in handling my divorce at a rapid pace. She was very affordable as well. She knew my biggest gripe was to make the divorce be as speedy as possible, while still holding my ground as to what assets should be granted as mine. She granted my wish of a speedy, but efficient divorce, and I am proud to say my divorce took 3 months to be completed from start to finish. If I ever have a legal matter, Deborah will be the first person I call. She is the best!
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20 Apr, 2016 by Michelle
Debbie was my lawyer for my purchase of a home. She helped identify some legal issues in the title of a house I was considering, and saved me from potential trouble down the road. I would recommend her!
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17 Mar, 2016 by Ashley
Debbie was our lawyer for our house closing. When things were abruptly pushed forward by the bank with little notice, Debbie was incredibly prompt and accommodating. She gladly did whatever we asked of her and went the extra mile. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Don
Nick did an excellent job for us when we updated our will and formulated our estate planning. He is very knowledgeable, has excellent communication and "people skills". Nick is a great person to work with, and I highly recommend him for your legal needs.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Annette
I hired Nicholas Proukou to make a new will for myself. I was so satisfied with his knowledge and his suggestions that I referred him to my husband. My husband was very satisfied and also hired him to do his will. Nicholas took the time to review our family situation, children from a prior marriage and our finances. He gave us many suggestions of how to protect our estate.
When it came time for my mother to update her will, she also hired Nicholas. He was kind enough to meet us at my mother's home. She is elderly and it is not easy for her drive into downtown Rochester. He reviewed her prior will and had many suggestions for her situation.
We were very pleased with his professionalism and knowledge. He was able to answer every question we had. He even pointed out important details that we would have simply skipped by.
He is an asset to his law firm.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Joe
Our goal was to implement an estate plan that was concise, most beneficial to our family, and with a firm we could trust to follow through with our desires and needs. Nicholas Spear Proukou presented the options, explained law in our terms, and answered all our questions with command of knowledge, respect for our needs, and his desire that we were comfortable with our choices. We are very pleased of the result.
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24 Nov, 2014 by Jim
My daughter hired Mr Ingersoll for a child custody issue. During that, she was arrested for a felon. Mr Ingersoll gave her his cell phone number and she had little to no problem reaching him. He has successfully managed her child custody and child support cases and was able to get her felony reduced to a single misdemeanor and she only got probation. His advice was solid and his relationship with the courts and prosecutors make him a strong litigator
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04 Feb, 2012 by Vince
Did an excellent job in a contractor default case. Knew the issues and strategies that resulted in a most favorable outcome. Looking forward to his representing me on a house closing.
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08 May, 2011 by Mary ann
I have worked with Mr. Ingersoll several times over the last 15 years. Tim has handled my business in a knowledgeable, timely manner. Tim always looked out for my best interest and I trust him to do his job. When Tim handled my divorce I was very ill. He was accommodating to my special needs, working around my schedule and holding conferences by phone when I was too ill to come into his office. Tim is very professional. He made a difficult divorce much easier by being calm with me but standing his legal ground and protecting my rights. He did the fighting for me. I will work with Tim until he retires. I have recommend him to my friends and family. I highly recommend Tim to anyone needing excellent legal counsel.
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25 Jul, 2014 by Tracey
We have used this lawyer for multiple homes over the years! At present he is helping our son and daughter in law who are fortunate to have his services. Toms honesty, expertise and scrutiny is admirable and we highly recommend him not only for your home needs but will and estate needs as well.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Cliff
Tom was great to work with. When I moved to Rochester from MA I needed an attorney to help me with my home purchase. During his review of the property he found a problem. Due to his diligence I was able to close on time and be assured that there were no problems with my property.
The following year I used Tom for my income tax. Instead of struggling with two different state tax systems I let Tom use his skills.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Patrick depuy
My experience with Spencer Malone at McConville Considine Cooman & Morin has been nothing short of excellent thus far - he is extremely knowledgeable, reliable, down to earth and ready to help with any legal issues that arise. I would recommend Spencer and the firm to anyone I know seeking legal assistance!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Adam stephens
Spencer Malone has helped me with providing consultation and sound advice through some very challenging situations. I very much appreciate his professionalism and legal expertise. You can certainly trust Spencer with your Trust, POA's, Estate and Legal matters.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Lisa wasson
I am lucky to have met Spencer Malone through my BNI group and he has been a wealth of knowledge around estate planning. Both my husband and I own businesses and I had know idea on what was entailed for estate planning with both our businesses and personal end. I would recommend seeking out Spencer for any future estate planning whether it be a POA or anything more in depth.
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15 Jan, 2016 by Steven
Marla provided excellent communication, she also was thorough when bringing me up to date in regards to our case and the likely hood of success. I definitely would recommend Marla, you can count on Marla.
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05 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
He gave excellent advice and seemed genuinely interested in the details of my case. Mr Stewart asked a lot of questions and listened to my concerns. He even called on a Saturday from his cell phone, I highly recommend.
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22 Jun, 2016 by Joseph
I consulted with a couple of attorneys before ultimately having Lisa Arrington and by far was the best decision I made. She helped me help my family when my father suffered a debilitating stroke and couldn't go back to work. She helped inform me and take the necessary steps to protect most of my Dads estate through Medicaid planning as well as getting him into a nursing home facility to get the best care he needed and deserved. Then just two short years after helping me with my Dad she helped our family again when my sister only 28 at the time was handed a grave diagnosis.
She's not only a great attorney informing you and your family every step of the way but is compassionate of your individual circumstances. There isn't another attorney I'd use or recommend besides Lisa!!
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25 Jun, 2018 by Tina
Gregg Redmond is an excellent criminal attorney. He went above and beyond my expectations. He took extra time out to understand the situation that happened to me. Gregg stuck by my decision to request a complete dismissal of the charges at hand despite pressure from the court. Gregg prepared an A+ report for motions to dismiss. Again above and beyond. The final:result complete dismissal. His level of commitment, dedication and expertise is undeniable. His services were much appreciated and I will only use Gregg Redmond for my legal needs.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Patti darch
We had McLaud Law (Charles McLaud) prepare a trust and other associated documents for us. We could not have chosen a more professional, caring and knowledgeable attorney to work with. He answered every question we had and explained things thoroughly. We felt very comfortable with Charles and would not hesitate to utilize his services in the future.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Mickey santiago
They made what started as a very anxious and stressful situation very smooth and calm. I was given very easy instructions and they were there every step of the process. The total staff at the firm are friendly and informative. Recommend them to anyone.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Mama bear
13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
