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06 May, 2022 by Ian qubain
I called in and although they couldn't take my case they gave some great information and recommended a great lawyer for my case. If they were able to do that for me, I can only imagine how great they would handle a case
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04 Sep, 2021 by Manny
Roy Loving has helped me resolve a very serious real estate issue and I have no trouble giving him my highest recommendation.
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15 Mar, 2021 by Martin zavala
Dr. Roy Loving handled my case very well. My problem was the non-return of my deposit in an apartment complex. I think he did a quick and very effective job. I recommend it.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Robert leinweber
Matthew Becker is hands down the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure dealing with.
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17 Nov, 2023 by James rohn
Richard is extremely knowledgeable and helps the underdog
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20 Apr, 2023 by Dimitrius taylor
Best lawyer in Sacramento , very helpful and he knew what he was doing, i would recommend him to anyone .
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27 Nov, 2023 by Jason
Like most, I never expected that I would find myself going through a divorce. This, however, was not the worst part of it. I was served with a temporary DVRO from my ex-wife that was full of the most slanderous statements that I ever could have imagined and an expressed desire to move out-of-state with our 6-year old daughter. I was feeling scared, desperate, and nearly without hope. I was referred to Mr. Burton by a dear friend of mine and I wasn't sure what to expect. However, within a short period of time, he and I found our way to craft what we believed to be a winning strategy. We were outspent 5 to 1 and went through a grueling six day trial. But, at the end, we kept my daughter with me and I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to the work and dedication to the truth that Mr. Burton demonstrated during our shared ordeal. With my divorce final and my daughter near me, I can, without hesitation, state that if I had any other attorney, I doubt my life would be the same. Thank you, Randall.
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17 May, 2010 by Rheau cramsey
Mr. Burton demonstrated all of the qualities that you expect and HOPE that you will find in a lawyer. During an extremely difficult time in my life, I experienced his knowledge and professionalism as my lawyer and yet found it very easy to converse and explain to him my feelings and emotions. He gave me encouragement and a sense of value as a person. I would not hesitate to call on him again or recommend him to my friends.
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05 Apr, 2010 by Edwin
I was referred to Mr. Burton by a friend who chose him based on his low Bar number, which indicates a high number of years in practice. Besides (or rather in spite of) his many years of experience, Randall Burton offers some of the most competitive rates for comparable services of anyone practicing in the state. Communication between the client and his lawyer and any persons in opposition is key to the succesful resolution of any litigation and Randall's skill in this area, along with his ability to focus his attention on my areas of concern, resulted in a more than satisfactory outcome to my divorce proceedings. From the outset of the action Randall was able to manage my expectations by educating me about the proccess and keeping me fully informed throughout the ordeal. Because of his even temperment and innate grasp of the principles of advocacy, Mr. Randall Burton has a life-long fan in me; I continue to utilize his services for my legal needs.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Robert leinweber
Matthew Becker is hands down the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure dealing with.
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17 Nov, 2023 by James rohn
Richard is extremely knowledgeable and helps the underdog
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20 Apr, 2023 by Dimitrius taylor
Best lawyer in Sacramento , very helpful and he knew what he was doing, i would recommend him to anyone .
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16 Jan, 2015 by Rob
Quality service with a quick and through response. Law specific to my industry is confusing to say the least. Having Croxall Law in our corner has made navigating through the heaps of code much easier, less time consuming, and more importantly compliant with law. Mr. Croxall's service is used by my company on a weekly basis and we have never been let down. I have recommended him to friends and business associates and will continue to do so.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Thomas
Mr. Croxall was knowledgeable and gave solid, practical advice. He turned our legal documents around quickly and was patient while explaining them to us and we did not feel rushed. His work product was well written and error free.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Kyle
My wife and I engaged Daniel to assist us with the set up of a will and trust for our family. Daniel came recommended by a colleague and I, in turn, would recommend him to anyone close to me based on our experience. We appreciated Daniel's counsel for several reasons: - He demonstrated a nuanced understanding of key will and trust issues. He has a wealth of knowledge in this domain and it showed in his work. - He is trustworthy, and valued the sensitive nature of personal information and all topics discussed during this process. - He is efficient with his time and with his clients' time, leading him to offer to an affordable service and a pleasant experience. - He is super responsive and willing to cater his schedule to his clients' needs. With small children in the house, it meant a lot to us that he would visit our home to complete the transactions associated with the will and trust. - He's just easy to work with. He has a pleasant demeanor. As someone who works frequently with lawyers I can highly recommend Dan for his attitude, expertise and high quality work.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Helped our entire family with our estate planning needs. They were great!
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10 Dec, 2010 by John
Very skillful. Also very knowledgeable about the nature of our problem and likely outcome of our dispute.
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16 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Throughout the course of our litigation, Mr. Ostwald was extremely considerate of our plight. We had never been involved in any legal matters previous to our lawsuit so it was an extremely trying and difficult time. We were always kept up to date and totally informed. He made the whole "nightmare" tolerable. Part of our case was an area of law that he was not familiar with, i.e., equine law. His knowledge of medical malpractice was exceptional and he was able to combine the two areas with ease. All I can say is that he did his "homework" and did an exceptional job in the courtroom representing us.
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29 Apr, 2020 by John c
Mr. Johal and his office are top notch. They are extremely professional and knowledgeable. They recently helped a client with their trust and they did an awesome job.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Beverly
I have been working with Jack for many years now on my estate planning, gifting and my trust planning. His extensive knowledge has saved myself & my children money the government would have gotten. Mind you no lawyer is cheap but since they all cost a lot you need to have trust in your lawyer and that is what I have in Jack. I can rest assured that my children & grand children won't have any problems when I'm gone.
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31 Dec, 2012 by Debbie
Jack has worked for my mother (who thank god is still with us) for many years in an extensive & complicated estate & trust. Jack is extremely knowledgable and current on what's harping in a complicated world. I trust and know that my moms estate is buttoned up just how she wants it. You may not like what the law does or what your relative does but Mr. Johal is very, very competent & he will be doing my families trusts. Thank you.
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17 Sep, 2016 by Barbara
My husband and I reached out to Brian Wyatt when we were ready to set up a special needs trust for our daughter. We were impressed with Brian's education and his breadth of experience. He was also genuinely gracious and professional in his conduct. He thoroughly explained the complexities of our options and asked very specific and detailed questions to produce a comprehensive product for us. We were so very grateful for the trust he prepared for us, and the peace of mind that came with it. I have returned to Brian to have him help another family member with their trust because I would refer Brian Wyatt wholeheartedly with reservation to anyone.
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29 Aug, 2011 by Jan
What I appreciate most about Brian is that he is accessible. I am able to call and ask questions about things I don’t understand. I’m not charged for this. I’m not pushed off to an assistant. I get his attention and expertise. If he’s not in, he calls back. Right away. Pretty unusual from my experience with attorneys.
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13 Aug, 2010 by Sherri
He was very personable and nice, his staff was great too. He helped answer some important questions we had and researched stuff that he didn't know.
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08 Feb, 2022 by Jazmine
Ms. DeGuzman was amazing to work with. From the consultation down to the issue being resolved, she was attentive, informative & confident. I had 2 prior attorney consultations prior to Ms. DeGuzman and she was the only one who showed genuine care. The ultimate goal was to have a successful outcome on my end and that’s exactly what happened. Very grateful for her work! Case: Tenant/Landlord issue(Commercial Real Estate)
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12 Jan, 2022 by Rae
Not only were Ashley's prices by far the most affordable that I could find for an estate plan, but she was also extremely accommodating. She met with us on weekends, which was all our schedules could accommodate, and walked us through every step of the estate planning process, explaining all of our options as we worked our way through each step. She made a very intimidating process easy and enjoyable. For anyone on the fence about an estate plan, she is the attorney for you!
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11 Nov, 2021 by Lynn
From legal advise to estate planning, Ashley Law Group has shown nothing short of professionalism and expertise. I worked personally with Ashley and she was amazing. The rest of her team was equally as welcoming and knowledgeable. I plan to return to them for all of my legal needs in the future. If you are looking for somewhere local, reliable and professional, I would definitely recommend Ashley Law Group!
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14 Nov, 2012 by Genevieve
M. Jane Pearce assisted me with several legal questions and documents this year. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. I am happy with her services and would seek consultation from her again. Genevieve
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12 Oct, 2012 by Nancy
Tenacious,fair, and determined to secure a settlement that was required by the facts, and longevity of my marriage.
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20 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Excellent, intelligent, easy to talk to about any legal problems.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Glen
Mike put together a living trust for me and my family. He put a lot of effort into making sure our estate plan was personalized and correct. His personal touch was much appreciated. I would refer him to any friend who was looking to get a trust.
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13 May, 2016 by Barry
Michael has helped me both personally with a trust as well as in debt collection for my business. He returned my calls, answered questions and did a great job with both. Frankly, I thought I would pay a lot more as well. Highly recommended.
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13 May, 2016 by Steve
Michael is very knowledgeable in the field of estate planning, he is familiar with trusts both living and testamentary and the other tools used to assist clients with health care issues including powers of Attorney , he is highly recommended in this field.
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04 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
I met with Nooria for several small business concerns that I had, many tax questions and others including terms of service, incorporating, and how to protect my brand. She game me real advice I could use without making me feel overwhelmed with information. Since then Ive launched my website, am collecting content and payments from users and have piece of mind. Thanks again Nooria
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04 Dec, 2013 by Malali
I was in a tough spot in my life with my debt going up and not enough income to cover most of it. I felt at a loss and looked for ways to lower my debt, but I had no luck because the interest rates seemed to be eating up all my money and I felt like I was at a dead end. I looked into bankruptcy and looked for lawyers, but I kept finding lawyers who were vague in their responses and were not very helpful to me or my situation. I was then referred to Nooria's website by a friend and read over her detailed information on bankruptcy on her website. I loved how she broke down all the information on her website, helped me get a beter understanding of my siuation and answered some of my questions. I decided to giver her a call. She was very professional and informative over the phone; was very welcoming. Finally made an appointment with her and she explained all my options to me without pushing me in one direction or another. She was very knowledgeable about this subject area and talked with me in a professional and friendly manner instead of the typical papercut lawayer talk. To sum up, I continued working with Nooria and she made the entire process very simple and I didnt feel shamed for wanting to file bankruptcy. I definitley recommend her for anyone wanting a great lawyer who is knowledgable, friendly, and very professional. I 've always had a weird bias against lawyers and always felt like they just wanted my money, but didn't feel this way during this process with her. She helped lower my interest rates and settled most of my accounts. I am now debt free and have learned how to manage my money better. I feel like I got a new lease on life!! Thanks, Nooria!!
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04 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
I've struggled with legal issues at work a few months ago, I had no idea what I was doing or what was being said to me. I reached out to Nooria for some help and I'm glad I did! Nooria was very patient and professional with me as I got what was going on around me. She's great at explaining legal terminology to people who don't get it. (Like me) I'm glad I went to her for help or I might just be still dealing with it all! Thanks again Nooria.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Sally
Miranda did a great job with my trust, will and related documents. We talked at length to ensure that we had a common understanding of what was needed and to address any questions I may have had. I would be more than glad to use her legal services again, and to recommend her to other clients.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Ron
Miranda was responsive to our needs for an updated Trust/will and our short timetable before we traveled. She clearly answered all of our questions so that we understood all the legalese and made several suggestions to deal with our specific family needs and concerns. My wife and I highly recommend her for your legal needs.
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22 Mar, 2017 by Leona
My husband had to go out on disability. WE hired Nyman Turkish and were appointed Brian as our Attorney. He was right on top of everything. His assistant Dan was totally awesome. They called us back the same day each time we called if they were able to talk to us right then. We got our case settled in record time and we won it. They made the whole process so easy and less stressful then we could have ever imagined. I recommend this Law Firm 120%
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22 Feb, 2014 by Nabeel zuberi
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26 Aug, 2013 by Marilyn
I have never met a more honest attorney than Leslie Arnal. She is reliable, conscious, and more fun than she looks. She is serious, highly productive, fair and probably honest to a fault which is a rare trait in an attorney as we all know. If you want a crooked attorney DO NOT SEE LESLIE! She is highly intelligent and if she does not know the answer to your question she will tell you. However, she also will find out the answer or refer you to someone who knows the answer. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs a probate attorney.
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10 Jun, 2013 by Gerald
Leslie has represented me in my capacity as a court-appointed trustee in two complex estate matters. One case was successfully concluded several years ago and the other remains open. Leslie is able to digest complex, convoluted information, and data to not only protect me in administering my fiduciary duties, but to offer alternative solutions. Leslie knows her limitations and does not hesitate to engage co-counsel to assist with matters that are outside of her comfort zone of expertise. I recommend Leslie to anyone seeking an advocate with sound reasoning and attention to detail.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
After listening intently, Mr. Carrere advised me of various possible options for my situation. He explained in language I could understand. I would refer Mr. Carrere to anyone who needs assistance with their taxes.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Bernard
I was very concerned about a tax issue when I contacted Ryan's firm for assistance. He worked with me to analyze the scenario and come to a solution. At all times Ryan was responsive to my emails and calls and always got back to me within a day or two at the most. He was professional in all our dealings and was very fair in billing practices. I am pleased and thankful I found him and would retain his firm again if I needed future assistance with tax law.
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30 May, 2008 by Anonymous
I met Mr. Burton last year at a networking event and decided to give him a try after I lost confidence in my previous attorney. Not only is he an extremely intelligent individual but unlike my previous attorney I feel I can trust him. I use the Burton law firm for all my business activities. Aside from the professional legal counsel that they provide I have been very impressed with their prompt responses. I can remember numerous times when I had a VERY important question and my previous attorney would take days to call back. Very professional firm and I would definitely recommend them.
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12 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Jeb and his firm treated us with respect and demonstrated great competence. They were very thorough and presented aspects of our estate plan that had never been brought up by other attorneys.
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01 Oct, 2018 by Anne
I am resident in Ireland and must commend Michael for his work in looking after my interests in California. He is hard working and diligent in all he does. Quite honestly I don’t know how I would have got through these last months without his professionalism and his friendliness.
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26 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Very responsive, listen to what I had to say. Took care of my situation and kept me informed through the whole process. Very happy with this firm! THANK YOU Michael!! Your a LIFE SAVER ..
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08 Dec, 2013 by Peggy
Ms. Ikemire has been our attorney since 2007 and I will use her in the future as need arises. She has helped me through the quagmire of the health care system, including MediCal, and has done our trusts and wills. Excellent service in every respect.
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01 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
We had a terrible accident requiring MediCal. Ms. Ikemire helped us plan our estate, obtain necessary documents, set up a trust fund, and allow us to receive MediCal. Without this help, one of us would have had to die in a nursing home and not be cared for at home. We would have been financially ruined.
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24 Jan, 2010 by Teddy
I found David because my father was passing. David helped my father with a living trust, will, power of attorney, etc. My father has since passed, and luckily, all the estate matters were handled very smoothly. The entire family was better off, being able to focus on more important things and knowing that the estate was in order.
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31 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
David handles a family law case for me recently. He did exhaustive research and filed a brief with the judge that basically won the trial. He was also very good at cross examining the opposing witnesses.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Carla
Great experience! She took care of everything and was always prompt to return any messages . Highly recommended.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Kathy
We hired Brigget a few months ago and she completed the trust in a timely manner and she kept in contact with us the entire way. She is very professional and we have recommend her to all of our friends.
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14 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney Dunn was responsive, professional while still warm and friendly. His attention to detail was supberb as well as his ability to not let any of the tiny details slip through the cracks. I was kept well informed of what paper work was coming my way as well as lay terms to interpret how all the legal ease related to me and my case. Over all I was extremely satisfied with Mr. Dunn as an attorney.
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17 Dec, 2010 by R
The title says it all, I have not formally had Micheal as my tax attorney although though odd circumstances and mutual acquaintances he did end up being my unofficial legal counsel in the realm of California traffic law along with advice regarding California laws in the area of psychiatric care and hospitalization(Probably saving me thousands of dollars by having helped me avoid a potentially disastrous situation. I had just been through a break-up and was considering hospitalizing myself which in retrospect seemed just a tad melodramatic). Although this is not his formal area of practice it does speak to his depth and knowledge of both psychology and California law. I am too young to own a home but would honestly trust the man with my life mainly because of his personal resilience in solving problems, this man will go to the "Bullpit" if he has to. I can not say with certainty that he is the answer to your problems. However I can honestly say that he is selfless,ethical, capable and yet as cunning as any "Shark" you could hope for if times turned tough. He has a great academic record, proven success, and I honestly doubt that anyone he knows personally would say a bad word about him.
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31 Jan, 2013 by Jennifer
Kristi handled my divorce efficiently, effectively, was supportive and helped me understand my rights and responsibilities during the divorce proceedings. She was always punctual, returned phone calls in a timely manner, was very knowledgeable, and gave good, solid advice. She was a pleasure to work with during a difficult time for me. I highly recommend her, she is wonderful.
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16 Oct, 2017 by Caroline
Ms. Campbell was assigned by the court to my daughter to represent her when I applied to be her conservator. I met with Ms. Campbell and she also met with both my daughter and me. She clearly understands the needs of special needs young adults, and the family decisions that must be made. It was nice to speak with someone who's actually been where I've been! I will be seeking her counsel again in the near future!
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11 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
My case would have been dismissed because I included rental payments that were due over a year from the date of service on the 15-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. This is something I had not even thought of until Ms. Devon advised me on Avvo. Ms. Devon gave me so much valuable information! I am extremely grateful for all the time she took to help me when I posted a question on Avvo. She is extremely knowledgeable and gave me so much excellent advice.
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19 Dec, 2010 by Joel harris
Mark has done great work for a reasonable price for many people I have referred to him. I would not hesitate to refer my friends, family and clients to Mark. If you have a Will or Living Trust done by someone else, have Mark review your documents to make sure everything is up to date and done correctly.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Irene
Richard Lewis will take the time to meet with you and listen to your full story no short cuts for him, He will tell you your rights and what your options are and if your willing to fight he will fight for you, I have had him on my side for 3 years and I am blessed. Everyone I have referred to him just love him for his honesty , He is the best Employment Lawyer anyone can wish for. Thank You Richard for being an AMAZING ATTORNEY.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Gail
As daunting as it initially seemed, Glenn was able to successfully guide me through months of family law negotiations from the other side of the country. I always felt that I had the best attorney and excellent representation.
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17 Feb, 2010 by Gregg
Susan Hill helped us set up a family trust. She professionally guided us each step of the way and fully explained the considerations and choices we needed to make. It is a big relief to have it done. Susan was exceptionally knowledgeable and made the process enjoyable. I have recommended her services to several of my friends.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with estate planning?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs.
  3. What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
    A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
  4. How often should I update my estate plan?
    Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change.
  5. Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
    Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law.
  6. How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
    Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.

How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:

  • Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
  • Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
  • List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
  • Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
  • Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
  • Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.

By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.

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