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08 Jul, 2024 by Aaron gardner
Michael Bruckeheim is an amazing attorney and makes you feel like a friend rather than a client. I usually reached out to Mr. Bruckheim via text or email or and usually got back to me right away, if he was in court or busy it was within a few hours at the most. I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Bruckheim, and if you need an attorney, he is the one that will fight for you for what is fair. I had the best outcome that I could get with my situation and could not be happier. It has changed my life! Thank you for everything that you did for me Mr. Bruckheim it was much appreciated.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Isaac t
Michael Bruckheim was highly recommended by a friend who is also a lawyer but doesn't practice law in MD. In the end, my case was dismissed thanks to the efforts of Michael Bruckheim. Throughout the process I was pleasantly surprised by how attentive Michael was to my case and always treated my like a priority. Michael prepared me for all possible outcomes and made sure to be honest with me whether it was good news or not. His confidence in how the process was going to go made me calm in a situation where I would have been stressed out. The peace of mind and results Michael ultimately provided make him a highly recommended choice for any legal issue.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kane mcgovern
Michael Bruckheim was nothing short of fantastic through out my entire legal process. I was a first time offender so I had no idea what the process was going to be and he always had that in mind as he guided me through all of the obstacles we faced. I always felt comfortable and knew I was in a good position because of the passion and commitment that he showed me during our very first meeting. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for a lawyer that will answer any and all questions you have and really go to bat for you when the time comes in court! He laid out he best possible scenario for me on day 1 and that's exactly what we got in the end. I could not be more happy with my decision to hire Michael Bruckheim!
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12 Aug, 2019 by Elaine
Mindy is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything clearly. We had a very positive experience with her and I highly recommend her services.
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21 Jul, 2019 by Al
Mindy takes time to explain all the options, and the advantages and possible disadvantages, of each option. This was very helpful in seconding the best way to go.
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01 Dec, 2018 by David
I strongly disagree with reviews that dismiss Felinton Elder Law as a sales scam. For the past five years, Mindy has worked with three generations of my family on many elder-related issues such as wills, POA's, health-related documents, and, especially, various types of estate planning trusts. Elder care legal considerations are, by their very nature, complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Through all of our interactions, Mindy has balanced the professional and the personal, more than once going our of her way to make last-minute personal accommodations and document changes necessary for our peace of mind. She has gotten to know our entire family: from my late father, to my wife and myself, and now our sons. (And yes, we all enjoy the warm reception her office staff and her canine companions Scruffy and Princess provide at each appointment.) So, if you are looking for quick, cheap elder-related legal packages that promise the world, look to the Internet for shake-and-bake, cut-rate legal advice of dubious value. That's where you will find your scams! Otherwise, if you are ready to be realistic about the hard, emotionally charged work of end-of-life considerations, Felinton Elder Law, with its years of experience, is the real thing.
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06 Jun, 2024 by George
Met Jules almost 10 years ago and he created a new will and trust to meet my needs. Recently needed to update my will and other docs and called Jules for his advice and service. He encouraged me to review while he re-read my docs and pointed out areas where I might make improvements. His suggestions led to a much better understanding and a simpler and easier estate for my heirs to process. Jules was very attentive in understanding my needs and patient while I understood his suggestions. He was most generous with his time and attention. In addition, his friendliness and kindness made this an excellent experience and result.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Rick
Mr. Bricker was my divorce attorney and also has done real estate settlements for me. First class in everything he has done for me. He is very responsive and extremely detailed and well prepared. I have and would recommend him to anyone I know that could use his services.
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11 May, 2022 by Jeff nagy
In addition to being a excellent attorney, Jules is a compassionate and fine person. I used the word mensch, because he has honor and. Integrity. He helped me through a very difficult time in my life. His observations were right on and his advice was just what I needed.
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20 Jul, 2020 by Lc
"Neil was very attentive to our needs and requests for creating our Will and other documents for end of life preparation. He explained and answered all of our questions, was always available and professional. He made this process very easy for us!"
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27 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I'm so grateful for the assistance Neil provided during a very stressful time in my life! His honesty and integrity are so valuable. He gave me sound, actionable advice and worked to help me reach a resolution that was best for both me and my child. He made himself available during times convenient to my schedule and provides multiple methods of communication to ensure timely responses.
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09 May, 2018 by Vince
The experience was great! All work was done both professionally and in a personable manner. We got a whole package of wills, POA, Trust, etc for a very reasonable rate.
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02 Oct, 2020 by Jessica cubero
Had great experience with the law offices of Scott R Brennan., Quick and attentive service, all my queries were promptly and clearly responded to, and they made the entire process less stressful than it could be. A sure recommendation to all my friends and family. 100% recommended.
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09 Sep, 2019 by D e
Mr. Scott Brennan is a five-star professional. His insight and command of the legal system provided me confidence that my best interests were always protected. Specifically, his ability to explain any confusing "legal language" was priceless.
Mr. Brennan is extremely reliable, definitely sensible, and very responsive. His guidance surpassed all of my expectations and words cannot express my full gratitude.
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12 Jun, 2019 by Rafael gamez
He was excellent at handling my case! I highly recommend him!
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19 Jul, 2018 by Sharon
Li is very professional of immigrant laws with sufficient experience. She responded fast with very accurate information of my questions. She also provided consultations based on customer’s specific situations. She is passionate and works efficiently. Highly recommended
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15 Jul, 2018 by Feng
I met Li for will and living trust consultations. I was very impressed with her professional knowledges and great communication skills.
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14 Jul, 2018 by Sean
Li listened to my concerns, answered all my questions and helped me to develop a plan fit for my specific situation. I had a great experience with Li and will recommend her in the future.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Definitely pointed me in the right direction. Good solid advice. Will store in my phone log
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24 Oct, 2015 by Xiaohan qin
We were in a situation that we needed to back out a real estate contract signed without the full knowledge of the property, but the deceiving seller threatened to pursue damage far beyond earnest money deposit (EMD)
Before talking to Jonathan Bromberg, we consulted with two other lawyers, paid initial consultation fees. Neither offered any constructive opinions but had no problem representing us with additional fees. Without much hope left, we sought help from Jonathan Bromberg. When we met with Jonathan, he was fully prepared and was honest with our situation. With his experience and competence, he was able to find grounds to defend us. Our case finally resolved itself with the seller taking the EMD. Our experiences with Jonathan was absolutely positive. We felt lucky to have met him. I would not hesitate to have Mr. Bromberg representing us in the future if needed.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Paul mugge
I would like everyone to know that because of Mr Bromberg's knowledgeable guidance and advice the John Hancock Insurance company approved my mothers Assisted Living insurance for Riderwood retirement community after denying it for one year. Furthermore, John Hancock has now agreed to make it retroactive to one year ago. This is a huge burden off my family.
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28 Apr, 2019 by James wood jr
This is the first year I’ve worked with Eric Wexler for my tax preparation and I could not be more pleased. Eric was super helpful in guiding me through the impact of the new tax law on my personal tax filings. His staff were also extremely courteous and patient. As an attorney and CPA, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and he is extremely patient with new clients like myself.
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02 Mar, 2018 by Melanie
My husband and I were having a rather bizarre issue with our S-Corporation and The State of Maryland and we needed to speak with a tax attorney. When I explained our issue, Eric listenened and gave me a few options to consider. There was no "sales pitch" to get us into his office. In fact, Eric offered to talk to our accountant to help us make the best choice! After speaking with our accountant, the option that we chose did not give Eric any immediate business. I was so impressed that he simply helped us. Obviously I cannot attest to working with him, but I can attest to his friendly, frank and knowledgeable consultation!
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27 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I had fallen way behind in paying taxes due to health problems and after trying to work with three other cpa's I had given up hope of finding someone who would be willing to do the work to get me up to speed. It did take work as my paperwork was a mess (part of why I had fallen behind). I found Eric on Avvo and I just got a good feel from his website. I was sold after talking with him.
It's been a lengthy process but I made my first payment on an offer in compromise just before writing this review. The process will be completed before the end of the year-all thanks to Eric and his staff. I've hired him on as my attorney/cpa for the rest of my life (:)) and he now helps me stay on top of things-just what I need.
He was realistic yet offered optimism and made navigating this process human-a rare feat these days when people become merely a commodity of a process about the bottom line. Eric seems to know about the benefit of attending to the whole person, taking time to explain complex processes yet keeping it simple when need be. Thank you Eric and your staff for all you have done. I am forever grateful!
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29 Jun, 2024 by Dave
I’ve known Bill for several years. He’s a great guy! I had the opportunity to use him as an attorney recently. His prices were very reasonable and he put a lot of effort into and did a great job for us. There was a lot of concerns I wasn’t aware of, and he handled them all with ease. We were gradually transferring ownership of my business over from myself to my general manager, I’ve had friends use Bill for other things and everybody has been extremely pleased . I highly recommend Bill Henry for any of your legal needs.
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15 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
A family member recently received two underage drinking citations within a few month period. The close proximity of the charges threatened to leave a permanent record that could be a burden to the client's reputation and advancement for years. In this somewhat unusual case, Bill Henry proposed a creative solution to the Court that was accepted and ultimately resulted in the complete dismissal and expungement of all charges. Bill's ongoing timely communication to multiple Maryland state officials and to us, his clients, was exemplary. We were continuously updated by phone, email, and in personal meetings, as to the status of all proceedings. We felt that we were receiving the care and expert service that clients with much larger cases (and budgets for legal services) might expect. Bill is an attentive, articulate problem-solver whose energetic attention to the details of the case was remarkable -- and he handled every aspect personally, never delegating even basic administrative tasks to others.
As a young person, the client required an attorney who could not only handle the legal tasks, but could be reassuring and encouraging through this frightening brush with the legal system.
We will engage Bill Henry, if future needs arise, and will highly recommend him. We want to express our gratitude for Bill's hard work and his steady commitment to his client.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Shelley
I have worked with mr Henry twice on two different cases. The first was my fathers estate
It was a very sticky mess and required knowledge of all different aspects with properties under water and extreme debt. However mr Henry handled the estate well and everything worked out so well. He gave the best advice and broke down all the legal jargon for me to better understand my options. The second was my own will he did it for my husband and I and did a great job. Of course it was done well and fast! He is a great lawyer and person. I highly recommend him.
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21 Dec, 2022 by Kathy
John is one in a million. Very professional, knowledgeable and competent. He went above and beyond to assist with our legal needs relative to a QDRO. He answered emails in a timely manner and followed the process to the very end. He was available for all of my questions and made me feel heard and valued. The divorce process and financial matters that must be handled are difficult and emotional, and John was extremely compassionate. I highly recommend him!
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21 Dec, 2022 by Sarah
John Hotz was highly recommended to me for his expertise. The entire process from start to finish was very informative, patient and kind. I am very appreciative of all the communication and knowledge.
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01 Jun, 2021 by Dwayne
John is a winner...WE WON!
I hired John to represent me in a Social Service Disability Re-consideration claim. From the very beginning, John was professional, courteous, and a great listener. For some reason, other firms declined to take my case...not John. He did not hesitate to accept my case, after listening to my story. John was empathetic to my daily struggles and assured me he would do everything to fight for me. He never promised to win, in fact, John candidly let me know my chances of not winning. SS Disability cases are marathons, not sprints. John was there for every step, every day, and/or whenever needed. He was clear in what he needed from me and his expertise was invaluable in helping me articulate the serious affects of my conditions. Look, we all want a winner; hands down, best quality in a lawyer. Yet, I believe what makes John a winner is his relatability. He gets it and plays no games to achieve the absolute best results for his clients. John will always be "My Guy"!
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12 Oct, 2015 by Denise
Mr. Martin is a consummate professional. From the acquisition of my case through it's completion, he was thorough, competent and kind. His chief concerns were mine and I always felt that I received superb service from him and his staff.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Gabriel
Attorney Martin is a top rate lawyer and competent in trust and estate work. I would have no hesitation on recommending him. Gracious, serious and informed. He gets results.
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14 Jun, 2015 by Milena
Chris Martin prepared my will, advanced medical directive and power of attorney. He guided me through the process and answered promptly all my questions. He was flexible with meeting times and I was very satisfied with the end result.
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10 May, 2021 by Fathema
She did my divorce cases.and do at excellent job.and I tell for she thank you so much patricia Friedman
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30 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Patricia helped me with my custody case and everything turned out well. Patricia was efficient and helpful. Took the time to listen as well. Highly recommended!
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30 Mar, 2021 by Astrid
Mrs. Freedman has helped my over a few months in time of need for representation. Fortunately, our situation has been resolved.
Mrs. Freedman is very professional, thorough and competent.
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09 Aug, 2010 by Richard
Doug Coggins has been my attorney for over 5 years. Doug was highly recommended to me when I learned that my attorney of several decades had announced retirement. I have turned to Doug for representation, counsel and advice for general corporate, contract, and real estate law. I have found his work to be of the highest quality and his advice to be invaluable.
Based upon my 40-plus years experience as both a small business owner and real estate investor, I can without reservation recommend Doug Coggins.
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06 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Let me start by saying that if it had not of been for Doug Coggins, my career and future welfare could very well be jeopardized. A little while ago I got into some trouble with the Montgomery County PD and received some fairly serious criminal traffic charges. I had never been in this situation before and had no idea where to start. I met Doug under the referral of my parents and after my first visit, I immediately began to feel better. He told me that based on my past record which was pretty clean considering what I was facing and my decent sense personal integrity, the outcome of my case had a very good chance of being favorable. However, he made sure that he did not give me a false sense of hope and reminded me that I was always at the mercy of the court and that he would do everything in his power to help me. Sure enough a few weeks later Doug came through ten-fold. After our initial meeting, he met with the states attorney and was able to negotiate a deal which entailed that my more serious charges would be dismissed if I agreed to perform 24 hours of community service. I met with Doug one more time after that to discuss the details regarding my community service and how it affected my charges specifically. Following that meeting we went to court where Doug and the states attorney presented the details of our agreement before the judge and asked for an extension so that I could complete my community service. I kept in touch with Doug via e-mail letting him know when my community service was done, and a few months later we went back to court and essentially sealed the deal. The serious charges were dismissed, and the points were dropped on the less serious ones pending that I paid the fines. Doug's proficiency and courtroom demeanor were impressive to say the least and I hardly had to tell the judge anything which was very reassuring since I knew he was on top of it. I highly recommend Doug Coggins to anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they need professional guidance and someone who has their back.
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28 Jul, 2010 by Connie
Doug has always been available to answer questions to confirm my Instinct is correct. As an owner of a company I do not have a manger to go to for questions and answers.
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10 Nov, 2016 by Phil
Glenn has consistantly provided a level of legal services and advice which are above and beyond the norm. When we have had very tight time restruictions to have legal work filed for newly formed corporations, he has done so with time to spare. Glenn has attended a number of our corporate meetings in various areas of the country and aslo out of country spending time discussing a variety of franchise business and legal issues as well as estate planning for our franchisees and their families. Over the past 8+ years I have found Glenn to be an extrememly capable, trustworthy and valuable legal counsel.
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01 Nov, 2016 by Joanne
I especially appreciate Glenn's thorough explanations of what we were doing and what needed to do. He was clear with his advice, professional in his presentation, and patient with our ignorance of the subject matter. We had a lot of planning to do and he guided us through it painlessly.
I especially appreciate his thoroughness and his follow-up with detail. We have done estate planning previously with another firm but never actually finalized it all. Glenn lead us through the process from beginning to end and we're in good shape. Thanks, Glenn.
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16 Aug, 2012 by Victor
Mr. Anderson is an exceptional lawyer who I would recommend without hesitation. He is honest, reliable and professional. He is intelligent, knowledgeable well-informed and his no nonsense approach gives me peace of mind and confidence that I could trust that my best interests would be protected and that I can expect the best possible outcome. Mr. Anderson quickly returns my phone calls, emails, and keeps me well informed and addresses my questions and concerns that I have with honest, straightforward answers. With dedication and hard work, Mr. Anderson provides me with excellent results for my personal and business needs including tax and estate planning. Mr. Anderson is not only a practicing attorney but is also a CPA with an MBA degree which have proven invaluable to me numerous times over the seven year period that Mr. Anderson has represented me.
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18 Jan, 2018 by Paula
Mr. Goldberg helped me to receive the maximum settlement possible for an auto accident that left me injured.
I was very fortunate to have found Jonathan Goldberg after having had a negative experience with a “highly advertised” attorney in the DC area. From the initial consultation until the final appointment to pick up my settlement check, I was never farmed out to an associate or paralegal. In every instance, he represented me and conducted himself with uncommon integrity and legal acumen. His skills were never more apparent than when I had the opportunity to watch him engage the defendants' counsel. He did so with the skills of an expert trial attorney and seasoned diplomat.
I would not hesitate to ask Jonathan Goldberg to represent me again should the need arise.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Melani
This was my first time hiring an attorney and wasn't even sure if I needed one after a bad car accident. Jonathan walked me through the whole process, dealt with the stressful and annoying insurance companies/hospital bills, and even checked in to see how I was progressing and healing. I highly recommend him for personal injury cases. H reassured me through the stressful process and was able to secure a much higher than anticipated settlement. Do not go through the process alone, Jonathan was a very helpful and welcome asset!
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30 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I am extremely grateful to Jonathan Goldberg for his handling of our case. My family and I were involved in a serious accident in which several members of my family were injured. I could not be happier with how the case was handled and the outcome. Jonathan devoted so much time and personal attention, worked extremely hard, was available to answer questions, and kept us informed of the status throughout. I would highly recommend Jonathan Goldberg to anyone needing a lawyer.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Andrew
My wife and I had some irrevocable trusts from many years ago that were never really explained to us. We talked with Ms. Johnson, who sat down with us and explained how they worked, and more importantly, what the tax issues were. This is the first time anyone explained what they were for. We hired Ms. Johnson to update our estate plan and fix the trusts.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Susan
I was referred to Cheryl after my father passed away. He had set up Trusts for me and my brother and sister and I was the initial Trustee. Cheryl was excellent in helping me deal with my father's estate and setting up the three Trusts. Until my father passed, we had no idea that our inheritance would be in the form of irrevocable Trusts instead of outright to us. Cheryl helped us to make sure that we did not violate the terms of the Trusts. She helped us set them up to make them irrevocable and she gave us detailed instructions about how to manage the Trusts so that we did not violate my father's wishes. She also helped with the probate estate. Cheryl is helping us with ongoing Trust Administration, including taxes. We would be lost without her.
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24 Jun, 2014 by James
My wife and I were referred to Ms. Johnson by our financial advisor, who said that we may have to pay estate taxes. We met with Ms. Johnson and she did an amazing job explaining complex tax concepts to us--she used diagrams and had prepared a strategy guide for us before our first meeting. We ended up hiring her to draft our wills and trusts and to draft two advanced irrevocable trusts (GRATs) that moved some assets out of our taxable estates. We never knew that these GRATs existed or how they worked!
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28 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
I have know Mark Weinberg for nearly 30 years as a trusted friend and for the last 8 or 10 years as my primary legal advisor for the philanthropy I direct. We are a major ($40M/year) biomedical philanthropy with some additional interests in education primarily in the US and occasionally in the 3rd world. Mark's advice is always the best I can find and the other attorneys we use always defer to him for questions of tax law especially as it relates to philanthropy. His broad experience, depth of knowledge and delightful personality combine to make him the only choice for us for advice on relevant questions. His work is meticulous and his response time is truly outstanding. Since we have interactions with several other attorneys for other issues or in other countries by necessity, my comment that Mark is the best is based on a significant field of comparison.
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26 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
It is rare to call Mark Weinberg and not get straight through to talk with him. If he is out of the office or for some other reason is unable to talk with you immediately, he returns the call the same day or sends an e-mail to let you know when he will be able to respond. He would rather lose a client than compromise his integrity, whcih makes him a totally trustworthy and objective counselor. He is particularly knowledgeable about nonprofit law, and he is careful to point out potential conflicts of interest and actions which could be misinterpreted even if they might be, in the strictest sense, legal. Mark has been our attorney for over 25 years, and he has never failed to provide wise counsel every time we have called upon him.
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26 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Extensive and deep technical skills in the highly specialized area of tax-exempt law
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28 Aug, 2014 by Liz
Helen M Whelan is so professional . She spent a lot of time with me doing estate planning for my elderly father . Helen even took the time to meet my father at his apartment because he was not well enough to come to her office . Helen is so kind and patient and most of all so compassionate when working with the elderly Helen is extremely knowledgable about all aspects of estate law , elder law and even accounting . I felt like I really made the right choice using her . She was very timely in everything she did for my father and making sure all the necessary paperwork was done and done right in a timely fashion I would highly recommend Helen .
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28 Aug, 2014 by Daniel
"I worked with Helen Whelan on all of my estate planning needs from updating my will and medical directives to the establishment of my revocable trust. At each step in the process Helen explained to me all of my options and how best to protect myself and my estate. Helen’s attention to detail, professionalism and guidance were greatly appreciated. I will always recommend Helen to my friends and family."
Daniel S
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was extremely impressed by Adam's knowledge and attention to detail. He answered all of my questions plus the dozens of questions my husband had about the whole process. I will definitely be returning to Adam and sending lots of referrals.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Dean
Have done business with Mr Fay since 2001 always first class always willing to go the extra mile.Truly understands business and people and knows it's not always black and white or just looking at some numbers. Wish I has met him 30 years ago I would probably be a rich man. A TRUE GENTLEMAN & FIRST CLASS ATTORNEY.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Barry has been an unfailing help to our family as we seek to provide for our severely mentally ill child. He is personable and caring. I highly recommend him.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Whitney
My experience with Mr. Kan was great! I ran into a few questions when I was trying to figure out where to even start for a will and for power of attorney for my parents. I told Mr. Kan some of my concerns and he responded in such a quick and professional manner. For power of attorney, it was an agreement between my sibling and I. We both did not understand some of the definitions within the document, but Mr. Kan definitely took his time to send us additional info via email and an explanation in person during our meeting. Furthermore, I liked that he gave us both a paper copy and sent our documents electronically for future use. He also provided information on how to register my parents' wills in our county's register of wills which I was not aware of. Mr. Kan was knowledgable with the advance medical directive as well. All of my questions and concerns have been addressed and I know that I can fully trust and depend on Mr. Kan as my lawyer. Such a wonderful individual to work with!
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25 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mine was a high conflict divorce and child custody case. My ex made my life difficult and stressful in every way. When Sajjid (JJ) took on my case, it was the first time I had some one who actually went head on with my ex and his attorney. What sets JJ apart from other attorneys is that he actually cares about his clients and feels their pain. He is passionate about what he does and goes to every extent to make sure the truth is heard. He did not take my case for the face value but he collected counter arguments to negate every lie and manipulation from my ex. He not only protected me but also my child. If you want someone who will not just go an extra mile but also work diligently to protect your right, I would undoubtedly recommend JJ. As clients, we go to attorneys for solutions and before I found JJ, there was no real solution from any of the attorneys I went to. You only hear what you already know but with JJ, I guarantee that you will see a difference in your life. He is an intelligent attorney you can count to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I am a client and colleague of Mr. Krame, and have known him for almost 40 years. He is knowledgeable and presents himself in a very professional manner. My best interest has always been his priority. Without hesitation, I have referred clients to Mr. Krame, and will continue to do so.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
In my preparation to support my 5th grade daughter concerning her schools IEP compliance, I reached out to Mrs. Fors. Having only recieved a brief explanation of the circumstances, Mrs. Fors was able ascertain the situation and provide detailed and relevant answers to my questions. Great attorney.
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10 May, 2016 by Michael
My family has engaged May-Lis Manley on several occasions over the past five years in support of disability services for our daughter, with estate planning and for Trust related advice. She is highly competent, responsive and frankly, a very nice person. My entire family has had the opportunity to work with May-Lis over these past years, and we all hold her in the highest regards.
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21 May, 2016 by Mark
My trust has been handled since 2007 by Erin Mahony's office. I have always found Erin to be reliable and pleasant to work with. She has always treated me with utmost respect, and has always asked for my input. She is very thorough and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney.
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06 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Conscientious, thorough and reasonable in cost. Did an excellent job and put everything he had into the task. Excellent.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Marlen calix
Agradezco mucho a Yuliana y al abogado Josh Berman por toda la ayuda que me dieron en mi caso , tomaron su tiempo y me consiguieron lo mejor en mi caso . 💯 recomendados
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30 Aug, 2024 by Manuel ferrufino
Mr. Berman is a very hard working individual that only has your best interest at heart. Thank you so much for your assistance and I will recommend your services to those that need it.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Sumedha singla
I have worked with Mr. Berman for over 2 years and through out my case journey I found him very knowledgeable and helpful. The biggest thing was when no one thought my case had a potential to win, it was Mr. Berman who had the confidence that we have a solid case and can win. His vision and trust was truly commendable. He was always there to assist me and was very patient in making me understand what to expect at every step of the case. He prepared me well for all kinds of outcomes the case could have. I would definitely recommend Mr. Berman for everyone.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Baber khan
Very able and polite lawyer. He spared time for a zoom meeting and gave his expert advice on the matter
Thank You Mr. Burton🙂👋
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04 Dec, 2023 by Lee b
Richard was incredibly helpful in answering all my questions concerning a Medicaid application for my mother. Navigating the complex rules of the Medicaid system is incredibly difficult but Richard explained everything in a very straightforward manner. His expertise is clear and I will go to him for all my estate planning needs in the future.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Maggie c
Many Thanks to Richard for guiding us through the process of our estate planning. His experience and direction made this process so much easier than we anticipated. The experience from start to finish exceeded our expectations. He was extremely responsive and professional in his response. We asked the impossible in terms of timeline for a response and Richard delivered. We highly recommend Richard and his law firm.
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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.
