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04 Feb, 2024 by Dani g
13 Jul, 2022 by Mj
Working with Eden Rose Brown and her talented staff has impressed us for years. We became official clients in the past couple years. Leading up to this time though, we gleaned information from this firm to prepare ourselves to develop our comprehensive Estate Plan/Living Trust. They have several workshops each year to assist current and potential clients to better understand the process, benefits, and resources needed to complete a plan. We can't say enough about the always friendly staff, and quick response times to our requests. Truly a special firm with genuinely courteous and well informed staff. So happy to have built this relationship with them. Highly recommend to all families that are needing guidance on their legacy planning.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Alan hansen
12 Feb, 2024 by Linda
Ryan Collier and staff were most knowledgeable and kind. I had a great experience with them. All my questions and concerns were handled in an understandable manner.
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23 Jun, 2020 by Tom lemons
We were very happy with the service we received on our first time ever planning a living trust, From the first consultation with Ryan to the finish of our trust with Sarah we could not been happier. We would recommend this firm for this type of service always
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09 Dec, 2019 by Carole
A friend recommended Ryan Collier. I’ve had some overwhelming problems (family losses, medical problems, Special Needs issues) and needed help. Ryan sat down with me and listened to my concerns. He helped to create a trust with my specific goals and needs in mind. His kindness, flexibility, and expertise have been invaluable. Working with Collier Law has helped me find some peace of mind while planning for the future.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a difficult probate issue due to my relative's poor health and dementia and I received great advice from Don Johnson and his assistant Debbie Mathews. I live far away and when my condemned was condemned, they found me an excellent Realtor and the house sold quickly. I can recommend this firm without reservation.
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02 Jun, 2020 by Luke
I had the good fortune of working with Don Johnson in settling an estate after my uncle passed away. Don was, and continues to be, attentive, informative, and thorough in regards to my questions and concerns about the legal workings of my personal situation. I highly recommend Don as a legal resource, and consider him a friendly and courteous professional.
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20 Feb, 2020 by Bruce
Don was professional. He is extremely honest. You are lucky to have found him. Thank you Don.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Kari
My husband & I used Lori to take care of our adoption (which was an open adoption for our great niece). We we anxious to get the adoption done and Lori was compassionate to listen to our story, knowledgeable in rights of the family members, and was efficient in getting the adoption completed within two months! Lor is amazing and trustworthy. This review is so late, but we appreciated how simple she made this portion of our adoption !
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12 Oct, 2021 by Tasha
We contacted Lori Jenkins for my husband to adopt my four children, all teenagers. She was very knowledgeable about any and all questions we had. She handled our case with care and efficiency. She is always patient, caring, and professional. The adoption went very smoothly and faster than we expected as the bio-father lives in another state. It helped that my ex willingly signed consent to the adoption but we feel it was Lori that made the process so smooth and easy for us. We would most definitely hire her again should we need a lawyer in a similar area of expertise. Thank you Lori!
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27 Jul, 2021 by Jessica
My husband and I hired Lori initially to help us terminate my Ex’s legal rights to my son and allow my husband to adopt my son. It ended up being a long, brutal, custody battle with my ex who had resurfaced after being absent for years from my son’s life. Lori fought hard for us, prepared us every step of the way, took time to listen to us but also told us ways we could cut costs by handling certain things ourselves. She told us our options along the way and explained why she recommended one option over the other. She helped us see things realistically and at times helped to reel in emotions and keep things focused on our son vs my ex. With her help we were able to come to a sustainable agreement that kept our son safe. My ex was granted supervised visits that would graduate to unsupervised, then overnights, then short summer visits then eventually 3week summer visits. Lori told us this was the best solution to give him time to prove himself or enough rope to hang himself. It’s been over 5yrs since that arrangement was made and he has still never had an unsupervised visit and only maintained contact for about a year. Lori still touches base with us to see how we are doing. Our son turns 18 next year and Lori will be handling the adult adoption case for us so my husband can finally legally be named his dad. We can’t thank Lori enough for all of her hard work and dedication. If you’re looking for an attorney you can trust with your children’s lives, look no further.
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29 Jan, 2020 by Andrea
Stephanie Palmblad and the staff at Collier Law are so professional and approachable. They guided our family in getting our will in order and were so helpful in answering all our questions to make it as easy as possible. It was nice to work with a trustworthy person who had our interests and needs at the forefront of the process.
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29 Dec, 2017 by Kim
Stephanie handled my mother's trust and all the legal paperwork once my mom passed away. Stephanie was able to explain the legal process in words that we could understand. Stephanie kept us up-to-date on the status of the case and we felt really cared about our family. I highly recommend Stephanie for estate planning needs.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Sam
Ms. Palmbald is a lawyer who specialize in the estate. She is detail about explaining the specifics, and the choices between a will, and an estate. Ms. Palmblad parperes all paper work, and will mail the form to your doctor, bankers, friends, and etc. to sign. You can call her anytime of the day if you have questions, she is very helpful. She does not give you an answer if she does not know but she will check into it, and get back with you. Very professional lawyer, I had recommend her to a lot of my friends about how important it is to have an estate done. The money I paid her was worth every penny!
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12 Jun, 2024 by Nick
Stephen did a great job as my probate attorney. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Andrew
My wife and I recently met with Stephen Montgomery to discuss estate planning. He was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. While we ended up going in a different direction in terms of our estate planning we would recommend Mr, Montgomery to others. He was more than fair with us, he is active in the community and is compassionate. Please consider using his services.
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26 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth
I found Stephen to be extremely helpful and patient with me in navigating my Dad's Power of Attorney, Trust, and Will at a very difficult time in my parents' lives. He was kind, patient, attentive, and very knowledgable. I plan to see him again when it is time to set up my own estate paperwork.
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10 Jul, 2017 by Bobby
Mr. Skrysak was nothing short of great in helping us. His work was very quick and he delivered it in a professional manner that helped us immensely.
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06 Jan, 2017 by Bo and rose
We have five grown children, and are in our mid-sixties. We were procrastinating about putting our affairs in order.
We went to Collier Law for a consultation to see what direction to take for the future of our children.
We met with Jeffrey and were very impressed with him. He explained everything to us, and all options in a manner that we could understand. He was very professional and thorough. My husband and I highly recommend Jeffrey and the staff at Collier Law.
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19 Dec, 2016 by Kevin
I did 25 years in the military, I never had my affairs in order after I retired, it wasn't until Jeff sat down with me and explained things in detail on the importance of having something in line for my future, I really appreciated having a sense of security, I would recommend Jeff to assist anyone that were my situation, I also want to thank him for assisting veterans, I am so greatful and I will continue his services. Thank you.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Jacklyn
Mackenzie is a good listener and helpful.He also will help look for solutions, through law.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Curtis
Mr. Zook represented me in my divorce proceedings. I found him to be knowledgable, professional & easy to work with. Thank you Mackenzie!
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15 Aug, 2022 by Elizabeth
Makenzie has helped me through my non contested but difficult divorce process. He helped me file a default on my ex husband and helped me get my name back. I’m so excited to have my life back! Thank you Makenzie!
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20 Nov, 2022 by Rodmidkiff
I did some work for them. Great people to talk with.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Chel renee
09 Jul, 2021 by Pauline crawford
02 Mar, 2021 by Christopher
Sarah was incredibly professional and efficient. She was incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions.
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09 Dec, 2019 by Carole
Sarah has been guiding me through the trust making process. She is always professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and kind. She has taken time to answer all my questions clearly and patiently. She truly cares about her work and her clients. It’s a pleasure to work with her.
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31 Aug, 2022 by Luz
I hired Sam for probate (Jan 2022) and I was absolutely in good hands. He is very good in communicating, he emails back or calls back promptly.. no long wait. He handled the issues in an excellent way. He is very knowledgeable that we came out in the good end of mediation (June 2022). Big WIN. He was very open how I can save attorneys fees too . That really surprised me and I’m thankful of that of course. It was a smooth journey with this lawyer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED…
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09 Jul, 2021 by Lee
After having serious concerns about a Trustee for 8 years, and having contacted 12 different attorneys, I finally found Mr. Samuel E. Sears. Along the 8 year journey I had learned that Trust Litigation is a very specific area of the law, and there were only 3 attorneys in the Pacific Northwest that were experts. I contacted them all but after being referred to Mr Sears by an actual probate Judge I was fortunate to be able to hire Mr. Sears. His was wonderful, affordable, and handled my case perfectly. I strongly suggest anyone with concerns about Trusts, and specifically Trust litigation contact Mr. Sears. He is the best in the business, and although he was 50 miles away in Salem, Oregon, he was a much better choice than the other two experts who were both located locally in Portland. He was honest, fair, compassionate, and the best possible choice for the task. I would further encourage anyone in need to contact him early. Civil claims often have a short life expectancy, so don't make the mistake I did, and hire counsel as soon as you suspect problems exist.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Peter
Mr. Parker has handled two separate matters for me and my wife and has been very diligent, communicative and reasonable in his pricing. His staff has been incredible. Would highly recommend.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Leland
Nate worked with my previous Trust Admini. and produced excellent work and continues to do so.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Dani g
11 Feb, 2022 by Alan hansen
20 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
My wife and I retained Mr. Daniel to prepare a Living Trust for our estate. We found his services to be thorough and complete. He was very personable and took the time to answer any and all questions regarding the preparation of the Trust. We were very pleased at the reasonable cost of his services and would highly recommend Mr. Daniel to anyone needing legal assistance.
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18 Feb, 2015 by Shelley
I have worked with Larry for a number of years. He operates openly , is very responsive, and knowledgeable. He has kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommended him highly to anyone seeking business or trust council.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Mary
My son died unexpectedly leaving a large, complicated estate in Oregon. I live in Washington state. I needed an Oregon estate lawyer. A lawyer contact recommended Jennifer, commenting that she was a retired probate judge who still got called back to duty when emergencies arose.
Jennifer was warm and friendly without ever being less than professional. She outlined the steps that would be necessary to close the estate. She made sure I understood what legal requirements I would have to meet to fulfill the duties of executor. She told me that if I was willing to do a lot of the It tracking and securing of estate assets it would save a lot of money in lawyer and CPA fees. She warned that it could take many months to close the estate as there was no will. It has taken over one and a half years.
Jennifer efficiently handled all legal matters. She coached me through tracking down and securing the estate's numerous assets which were scattered across multiple companies. She recommended an excellent CPA firm to handle the financial issues. Whenever I was frustrated by the lengthy red tape, she encouraged me with praise for my efforts to cut through it.
To save me from unnecessary travel, she and the CPA firm handled as much as possible by email, fax, telephone and U.S mail. The other heir also appreciated the easy to understand way she communicated when he needed to sign documents.
I am forever grateful to Jennifer for guiding me through this ordeal.
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17 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I purchased a used motor home and was promised it was in perfect working condition. It broke down the next day due to numerous mechanical problems. I was also told that is had been gone over by the mechanics and was told no repairs were necessary. Even though I knew it was used motor home, Adam Hanson was able to prove to the Judge that I was mislead and there was misrepresentation of the sales person and thankfully, I was able to return the motor home and get a full refund. This was an very unusual case, and thankfully, I had the right attorney that did a lot of work before the court date and won the case.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Michael c.
After my father's death we went looking for and found through referral, Ryan Gibb. He is very professional and spent time with us resolving my father's estate. He is efficient and thorough along with compassionate.
I highly recommend him.
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28 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
One of the two best intellectual property attorneys I've been associated with in my 50 years of business experience. Michelle pleaded our case concerning a trademark that was deemed by the trademark officer to be too similar in definition as to be an infringement. She convinced the reviewing officer that we would not be infringing and consequently we received our registered mark for the product.
In another instance she negotiated a co-existance agreement that could have cost us the trademark of our flagship product and, even convinced the other party to pay most of our legal expense.
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31 Mar, 2014 by Ricardo
Deb led our family through the steps to complete our estate planning including wills, trusts, power of attorneys and advanced directives. Deb's considerate and honest way of communicating made each process easy to understand and with each completed step lifted a burden off of our shoulders. The peace of mind we have gained in knowing that our affairs will be in order should anything ever happen to us is priceless. I highly recommend Deb Lush.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Steve
Connor did an outstanding job of updating and making needed changes to my mother's revocable trust. My mother is 94 years old and Connor was very compassionate and respectful of her in every way. His fees were very good value for the services he provided. We were very happy with his work and highly recommend him.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Paraclete hook
27 Jan, 2024 by Jaime macloflin
Marcus is one of the most professional and proficient attorneys I have had the pleasure to deal with. He is timely and responsive.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Laura gwyn, realtor
I am surprised there are not a long list of 5 star reviews for Kathy Belcher. I suspect because she does not ask for reviews or work this into her business plan as other companies do. Kathy is an incredible estate planning attorney. I know a handful of which I like them all, but I chose to work with Kathy recently as she came recommended by a family member who was very pleased. I can certainly understand why now. She was extremely efficient and did not burn up the hours or clock to get a higher bill. I was pleased with all areas of service, efficiency, communication, price, and ultimately finished product. We will be going back for further work to be done in the future. I highly recommend her - especially if you are in the market for a woman owned business and attorney.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Cheryle polte
Brittany and Stephanie were so good to work with. They are so professional and did the work fast. I will definitely recommend them. Am very happy.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Brett maverick
Just finished working with Ray Chaudary. Beyond impressed with his knowledge and helpfulness getting my case finished quickly and efficiently. He worked beyond my expectations and went above and beyond.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Bruce kepford
As a real estate broker with 30 years of experience, primarily working with attorneys and professional fiduciaries, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Ryan Johnson and the team at Johnson and Taylor Law on multiple real estate transactions. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of legal assistance involving real estate, especially when facing challenging situations. They will never turn a client away just because a property is in disrepair or difficult to sell. For many, real estate represents their largest or only asset, and the team at Johnson and Taylor understands the importance of addressing these needs with compassion. Their technical expertise and organizational skills ensure that every detail is carefully managed, regardless of the property's condition. Working with Johnson and Taylor is always an honor, and I trust them to approach even the most complex cases with professionalism and respect. If you’re seeking a firm that combines legal expertise with genuine empathy and a commitment to helping, they are an excellent choice.
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08 May, 2024 by Justice spell
One of the best law offices I have used. Extremely knowledgeable and right on task. I couldn't recommend them enough.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Sally georgeson
Zachary Gottlieb took over my case after 10 months of getting nowhere with my existing divorce attorney. He not only had to step in and fix all the issues she had caused, he had limited time to do so. He always emailed or called me back nearly instantly. He was extremely thoughtful, guiding me through the process on what was a very complicated situation. The papers were signed today and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend Zachary Gottlieb to anyone who needs an attorney who will be there for them. I felt he really cared, his actions and outcome of the case are testimony of his abilities. Thank you Zachary.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Noel hohn
It has been almost 2 years and I am grateful I had the opportunity of starting my family law case with Katherine Denning. Unfortunately, my situation was incredibly high conflict and I started out without representation and restraining orders on both sides were approved with identical restrictions. After a consultation, Katherine helped with confidence and determination. Slowly that all unraveled as communicating became confusing and eventually I was working with Zach right before a seperate hearing relating to my childrens' home and possessions. When I had cried on the phone due to being overwhelmed I was dropped by Katherine with only 2 days left until a hearing took place. I was referred to another attorney/firm. I'll never forget trying to find a lawyer and requesting that the judge postpone the hearing. I represented myself at the hearing and although i didn't get the outcome i wanted, I am proud of myself for facing my abuser on the stand. His lawyer also messed up quite a bit and was less scary during the hearing. However, the judge had no sympathy that I was lawyerless in which I am getting very used to in the legal field. Overall, my ex' lawyer was agressive and unfortunately my replacement did not put in an effort at all. This is no fault of Litowich, however I do think attorneys should be willing to learn how to deal with victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault before taking on high conflict cases. It's reasonable for clients to be confused or emotional, however If you have a high conflict case that involves domestic abuse, do your best not to become emotional or look for a lawyer who is patient and experienced with domestic/sexual abuse survivors.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Fernando n rocha
30 Sep, 2023 by Rachelle butcher
So far our experience with Mr Shepard has been top notch, very knowledgeable, moral and ethical and seems to really care about people and understands that the real world and real experiences affect situations and its not always black and white. Well rounded and well versed in all the new laws, represented us in one hearing so far, and he immediately went to bat for us, and made us feel secure in his representation. His fees and billing are more than fair and he was more than willing and positive about making the other party accountable. Recommend him highly and will be using him in the future for real estate matters
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08 Dec, 2022 by Matthew sullivan
Matt Shepard is a brilliant attorney and one of the most experienced and knowledgeable attorneys in the State of Oregon when it comes to landlord/tenant law. I was thoroughly impressed with the way he handled my case from the start to its conclusion, where we handedly prevailed.
Mr. Shepard has a firm grasp on complex litigation and has argued cases all the way to the Supreme Court. Having an attorney with Trial experience is invaluable and helps ensure a favorable outcome.
If your rights are being violated, if you have an abusive landlord violating your privacy, damaging your property or stealing money from you, then call Mr. Shepard.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Jesse (jp)
Roger Evans is an amazing attorney. If you need things to get done right. Roger is your guy.
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09 Jul, 2023 by People's tap house
30 Jun, 2023 by Eric nelson
I met with Roger after the death of my mother in-law who had no estate planning in place. Not only did Roger walk us through the process completely and provided a path forward for our family, he did so in a compassionate and empathetic way that helped with our grieving process.
I would highly recommend anyone who is in our position and for those who want to avoid this all together by getting your affairs in order ahead of time.
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01 Jul, 2023 by Greg atkin
Great community minded business
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25 Jun, 2022 by A african kings sweetestdreams
19 Nov, 2021 by Cynthia campo
The workers here always look so stressed out. Maybe give even some more help?
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07 Aug, 2024 by Veteran holistic health organization
I Highly Recommend Todd. He is Great at his Profession. After years of going through "Veteran Agencies" and trying to handle my own claim, Todd got me Results when my wife and I Needed it most. We were almost Homeless when my Claim was Approved at 100%. Everyone that I've referred to Todd is Happy with The Results he's gotten them awarded . Thank You Todd for being a Tenacious Professional and a Valuable Resource to the Veteran Community...🙏
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24 Jun, 2024 by Tiffany arnold
Poor communication, not accepting what doctors say about stuff, will gass light you, There are others... do not recommend... would put 0 or -# if possible.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Dayna tran
Thank you so much for helping me get through this process for 2 years.
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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.
