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02 Jun, 2024 by Karen
What I appreciated most about Leonard was his willingness to listen to us: the information we had to offer, our insight into the situation, and our suggestions. He was always very prompt in his replies! By considering our input, Leonard was able to help us focus on what was important from a legal perspective, then he formulated a unique strategy for dealing with our specific situation. Hiring a lawyer is an expensive proposition, so you want to be sure that your money is well spent. I can honestly say that ours was!
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15 Mar, 2024 by Adam johnson
Leonard Williamson has represented me twice now— once for a personal matter, once for a business matter, quite successfully both times.
I sincerely appreciate his direct, straightforward style of communication. He told me what we could do, what we could not do, and helped manage realistic expectations and outcome.
His legal staff is highly communicative and competent. His billing was reasonable; I never felt like he was disrespectful with my time or my money.
I highly recommend Mr. Williamson, and will gladly use him again in the future for any legal needs I may have. In a world where lawyers are nearly universally detestable, it’s a breath of fresh air to find one that is the opposite.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Traci beattie
Mr. Van Ness, is not my attorney, however right at this very moment he has over $60,000, that belongs to me and he refuses to answer when I calls, won't return calls from messages I've left and won't reply to emails! After reading the below reviews, I wouldn't recommend him to anyone simply based on how I'm being treated (as an non-client that he's just holding money up from) and I happen to know he's overpriced (I've seen the charges!).
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12 May, 2021 by Chris
When I got in trouble for DV, she didn't listen to my story, she pressured me first time I saw her to plea out with out listening to what happen, and basically told me I couldn't win in court on self defense because I was male. She pretends to be a good public defendant but is not. If she ends up being you public pretender you should get someone else.
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22 Mar, 2021 by Carmen
I have server mental illness and have a hard time making apt or keeping court dates . I have reached out two her a number of times with nothing in return . Must be cause I'm pro Bono
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11 Sep, 2018 by Ashley
Melissa was amazing! She always kept me in the loop about what was going on with my case and when we would have our appointments it felt like she truly cared about my case and she did everything for me to win. She was very respectful yet assertive in court. I am very thankful for her!
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04 Nov, 2021 by Tori
Made an appointment weeks in advance with Mr. Lay to discuss my issue. Appointment was for 3pm - still have handwritten note saying 3p with other instructions I was given. Called prior to my appointment about emailing him info before our phone appointment, and the receptionist stated my appointment was at 11 am. Wrong! Not a good way to treat a potential client. Given the quality of the receptionist if you DO make an appointment, repeat it back to their receptionist several times so you know you are on the same page. Or you will be stuck like I am starting all over again for an appointment weeks out.
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16 Sep, 2019 by Melissa
Josh worked quickly, clearly, and effectively to reduce not only the length of time spent on litigation of a dispute but also reducing the overall cost. He spoke honestly and openly with me about the case I had sought his counsel on, and I appreciated his honest approach to the potential options and resources. I would highly recommend his service.
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18 Feb, 2022 by James
I received a referral from the Oregon State Bar for an attorney to help me with a problem that I have with some landlords that concerns fraud. I tried to get a hold of this guy but his phone automatically hung up after two rings. I called the Bar back and told them as much and they called him, and he called me and left a message, then the Bar called me back and said that his phone did work. Finally my call went through. He seemed like he was interested in my case. He asked me to mail him my documents. I said I would and I needed a few days because I wanted to get it all together correctly. I mailed the documents and it was around $11 to mail them because they are wirebound books of ongoing fraud and persecution and harassment by some very unscrupulous landlords. When we had our initial meeting he seemed a little bit put off by the fact that I was so prepared. I don't believe at this point that he wanted anything to do with my case because of all my evidence. At the end of our half hour appointment he tried to back out and I said, come on you can help me. This is not a hard claim for an experienced attorney. He said, give me two days to wrap my head around this stuff and I said, that sounds cool. Then he said, he would call me in two days which would have made it Friday. I did not receive a call from him on Friday and I really don't like it when somebody tells me they're going to do something and then they don't, especially an attorney. So I figured that he must have really gotten into it and could see what was going on. My research notebooks are wirebound and they're in order, very easy to understand. All weekend long I figured I had an attorney that was on my side and we were going to finish this. I did not receive a call from him on Monday, so I called him and his phone hung up on me after two rings. Then, I received a phone call from him and he said, who is this? I said, it is James. He said, what do you want James? I said oh, how is it going? Then he goes, well, oh, umm, I only picked up the phone because, because, l umm, then, he said, what do you want? I said, l want to know if you are going to represent me. He raised his voice and said, NO I AM NOT ! Then I said, ok, l need all of my books back. He said, that he had just typed a letter for me and was getting ready to mail them back to me. I told him that I only use my PO box and we confirmed the address. I said goodbye.
After two days I did not receive my documents. And I emailed him asking if he had a tracking number. Later on I received an email and a tracking number. He had just taken them to the post office. I tracked the item and I received my documents the next day. I open them up and I read his letter, there was two identical letters. Both were signed. Apparently he wanted me to sign one of them and return it to him as though I agreed with what he had to say. I didn't agree with anything that he had to say and I noticed that the date on the letter was the 16th, the same day he mailed it. Which means that he lied to me and had not finished writing a letter to mail with my documents. I immediately emailed him and told him I was not signing his letter and that he was shameful. This man wasted 3 weeks of my life, he was not direct. He lied to me more than once saying he was going to call me back in 2 days and that he had typed that letter on the day that we spoke on the phone.
Additionally, he had the nerve to keep the $35 check. He most certainly did not earn it and I can tell he didn't even look at all of my documents. Why is he even taking cases on referral? Is it so that he can get an easy $35 ? Well I'm not sure. But I can say this. Do not waste your time! I don't think this guy cares and I know he's dishonest.
I feel like he made a fool out of me . . .
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17 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Information not updated not able to contact the individual websites showing him at Old employment no new website no way to contact you
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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.
