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13 Sep, 2024 by Tim andrus
Clayton was very professional, and truly made this process as pain-free as possible. He stood by me for over two years and managed to get all charges dropped. An excellent choice for a defense lawyer!
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25 Jan, 2024 by True blue
I respect and trust. God bless be safe Thank You! 😊
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13 Jan, 2024 by Andy beck
Mike Langford is the man if you have serious legal issues and you care about your life, call him
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19 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Nick was amazing! Very helpful and was able to get my case resolved as quickly as possible. Highly recommend
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29 May, 2024 by Andrew
Nick Gottwald helped me with my divorce case. He was extremely professional and communicated efficiently. He was realistic, fair, and advocated for me throughout the whole process.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Rachael
Nick is an incredible lawyer to work with. Trust me when I say, if you go with someone else you WILL regret it! Take my word for it. I have worked with multiple lawyers and Nick stands out above the others. Nick is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and caring. He is realistic, down-to-Earth, and caring. Hire him if you’re in need of someone who will advocate for you and/or your children.
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31 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
It is with great pleasure that we write this note regarding our experience with Ryan Jensen in our Estate Planning.
After making an appointment with Ryan, he sent us two books that he had authored. They were so well written and informative; we felt as though we really knew what we wanted and needed in our Trust.
At our first meeting with Ryan, he immediately made us feel welcomed and relaxed while maintaining an easy professionalism. He guided us through the steps of our Estate Planning giving advice and help along each step of the document planning.
We certainly feel that we got the very best person with advice and knowledge. We are so grateful to Ryan and will certainly refer anyone we know who is in need of Estate Planning to him.
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22 Mar, 2016 by Jan
My husband and I were introduced to Ryan through a class we were taking. It was obvious he knew what he was talking about when it came to estate planning. We liked that he had focused his carrier on estate planning and was an expert in this field. He shared his book with us before even hiring him. This contained a lot of good information that was easily understood.
What I enjoy most about working with Ryan is his personable attention. Every call or e-mail was responded to immediately. Even when I did not intend for him to respond until business days and hours, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from him. With every question I had, and I had many, he put on his teacher hat and was happy to take the time to explain and teach me until I understood so I could make an educated, informed decision.
We do not have a large estate, but what we do have we want protected and cared for. Ryan made us feel like we were as important as a client with a much larger estate. He was caring and understanding, treating us with respect and guiding us to make sure our small estate will be well taken care of.
Ryan did the footwork. He contacted the other professionals we use to make sure everything was in order. When there was an inconsistency or problem, he took care of it personally.
Ryan is real, not stuffy, friendly, articulate, knowledgeable, experienced, thorough, possessing good communication skills, and the consummate lawyer. It is a pleasure working with him and I would confidently recommend his services.
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06 Jul, 2015 by John
Ryan was very knowledgeable and interested in our particular situation as well as that of our daughter for whom he also prepared a trust .He explained complex issues in an understandable way and he was very patient.
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24 May, 2024 by Logan
Matt is well spoken and thoughtful. He is a professional who will get to know you and make you feel like a million bucks. The best part is, this is all 100% genuine. Matt just has a way of helping you feel heard and special. Could not recommend Matt enough.
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15 Jul, 2020 by Adam
Matt Hadfield was great in addressing our needs and helped us get a good plan for estate planning done. He is thorough, prompt to return calls/emails/text, and made sure to explain all the legalese we were dealing with. 100% will use again for future estate planning needs and updates.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Jonathan
I was able to consult with him very easily the first time and set up a return visit where we started estate planning. I have already referred more people his way because he was understanding, a good teacher, and apt in his field. I definitely recommend working with him because he is genuine.
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01 Aug, 2017 by Scott
Consulted with Brooke who carefully explained the many aspects of franchising including activities that I normally would not have considered to be franchise related. Now I have a clear understanding and just enough information to know at what point I may need to hire professional attorney help in the franchise arena. Thanks Brooke!
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01 Aug, 2017 by Monique flesher
Brooke was very thoroughly and diligent when helping us with an album release project. Thank you Brooke!
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25 Jun, 2016 by Gina
Brooke engaged quickly on our project did a thorough review of the documents and provided guidance on all matters, legal and business that were important to making a franchise purchase decision. I highly recommend Brooke to assist in making such an important decision.
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15 Jun, 2022 by Mary
Dara is an excellent Trust Attorney. She made the process of preparing our Wills and Trust painlessly quick and easy. I would highly recommend her!
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15 Mar, 2022 by Dennis
We needed to probate an estate in Utah, but we live in California so we needed to work from afar with someone local . Based on our Utah contacts and recommendations, we chose Dara. Her management probate of the estate was incredibly fast and efficient. She is terrific in dealing with credit card debt. We hope not to have to hire her again, but if we needed to we'd do so in a heartbeat.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Pete
If we could give Dara 10 stars, we would!!
Dara is not only an incredible attorney, but is also extremely compassionate and understanding. My brother unexpectedly passed away earlier this year, several states away from where my wife and I live, and thankfully Dara was highly recommended to us by a good friend of my brother. Dara not only handled the many probate legal issues regarding my brother's estate, but she was also able to recommend various consultants and professionals, as needed, who helped with the sale of my brother's home, the sale of his vehicle, and various possessions. Simultaneously, Dara legal expertise was instrumental in helping me keep my emotional sanity intact during the intense grieving I was going through. I HIGHLY recommend her to anybody seeking legal services.
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10 Nov, 2021 by Danielle
Caleb is extremely helpful. After presenting my daughter’s predicament, he knew exactly what to do and walked me through each step. He was very prompt with responses, and was very positive and timely on returning calls and emails. I am beyond grateful for his help, time and support and caring. I highly recommend a consultation which will lead to hiring his services! Thank you Caleb!
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27 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Caleb for our estate planning and could not be happier. He helped walk us through all of the documents, answered any and all questions we had, and really helped ease our minds that there were no loose ends. We’ve been talking about getting this paperwork done for years, and it was such a relief to have it done and it was a pleasure working with a professional like Caleb.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Kay lynn
Caleb is thorough, patient and professional in assisting his clients in preparing a trust. He answered all of our questions and made the process simple. He has a great understanding of the laws involved. He assisted us in completing our Health Care directive and Power of Attorney. We are very happy with Caleb’s services and will be recommending his services to our family and friends!
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16 Jul, 2023 by Jeff
Reed rescued me from a very legal situation that began when my ex wife refused to pay the debt she incurred by stealing my identity and then not making the payments on the credit cards she had gotten in my name. She agreed to pay these in our divorce decree. After almost 20 years of attempted garnishment of my income, he ended this for me, and brought me closure. Case closed. He's amazing! After being told by several attorneys that I had no hope of ever having these stop, he had them stopped in a very short time, and now I have peace knowing they will never come after me again for debt that was never mine to begin with. I would recommend him to anyone. He's very kind, understanding, and thinks outside of the box.
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26 Apr, 2023 by John
Reed helped us through numerous legal issues after the collapse of a 20+ year business. His professionalism is stellar and his knowledge of all the legal issues and professional maneuvers brought us to the best end results for every issue we had. If you want someone who will take a case and truly "handle" it from start to finish.....Reed is your best choice.
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04 May, 2019 by Kris
In a horrible situation Reed went above and beyond anything I could have imagined and I will be forever grateful. He listens and is kind and honest and extremely intelligent and works so so hard for you. I can’t imagine if I did not have him on and by my side. Thank you!
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06 Sep, 2023 by Joseph
Under extreme stress and time constraints (hours) with complex tax issues, Penniann made the time to talk to me, gave me sound advice, and didn't make me feel like an idiot. She was clear, and concise and could discern the issues plaguing me without me being able to articulate them clearly. Conversing with her gave me hope, and reduced my blood pressure and heart rate.
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20 Dec, 2018 by Debra
I hired Penni to help me with family estate planning in 2011. I found Penni to be extremely competent and knowledgeable in her understanding of the law and direction to helping me make the best decisions for my family. Penni was always available and I found her fee to be more than reasonable. I have and will continue to recommend her.
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28 Oct, 2018 by Julie & roland
Dear Penny.
Where to start, I came from a family that the Patriarch makes the decision (right or wrong deception or not). I contacted Penny some sixteen months ago when my brother showed up at my home with
a codicil. I was told my mother had a trust in 2010 this was a complete falsehood. He had pilfered my mothers accounts created a mortgage on her paid for home and sold our family cabin. During which I was never told of any of these transaction (remember I as a woman am not allowed to question). When I found Penny she was so understanding and took my case to protect my interests and my mothers legacy. She is a fighter not intimidated by the court system or the family that represent those that mean you harm. I was most impressed that she was always available and responded even on vacation with her family. Another example: her daughter was in collage and a close friend had passed away, she picked up her phone to take my call (above and beyond the call of duty) yet still comforted her daughter. They don't make people like that anymore (remember I said people not just lawyer) Oh she's a lawyer,someone you can trust to always be there and prepared, and have the ability to explain the complex legal system for myself and husband to understand. I strongly think if you are in my position you should speak to her, before you are deceived by conviction that program you for failure (to be subservient) you deserve answers. Penny will get them!
.
We are indebted for your concern, caring, dependability, but most of all your caring and compassion.
As always Penny thank you for you support through the difficult time in the past now we have a future!
J & R
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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Craig was able to assist me on multiple matters. He’s a trusted referral source with the highest integrity. I would highly recommend his services.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Jennifer
Craig and his staff are great. They take the time to really get to know you, your family and address your issues. I enjoyed working with Craig and enthusiastically recommend him.
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12 Nov, 2018 by Jack
The best!!! I work with attorneys and law firms frequently due to the nature of my business as a commercial real estate professional. Craig understood what I needed and how to get it done. He went above and beyond for me.
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16 May, 2017 by Aly
Justin was very straight forward from the first meeting we had. He was very helpful in getting my bankruptcy filed and the process was quick and easy with his instructions. He went above and beyond, even provided me with a great reference to get a new vehicle the day my bankruptcy was filed. I would definitely recommend working with Justin Riley!
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09 May, 2017 by Kristin
He did a great job for my husband and I
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08 May, 2017 by Krista
Great to work with, replies to any and all questions within the day (usually within the hour) brings payments to us. AMAZING experience :)
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17 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I want to thank Brad for his great help. He really know family law well and kept me informed throughout the process. Brad’s expertise and guidance led to a positive outcome that I am very happy with. Plus, his fees were fair and clear. I highly recommend Brad.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Shane
I hired Brad to represent me with a Non-Compete / Non-Solicit agreement with a previous employer. Brad reviewed all documents and communication and was able to negotiate my immediate release.
He made the entire process simple and stress-free.
I would highly recommend Brad
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26 May, 2023 by Tami
Brad is AMAZING!
I'm so glad he is on my side! My favorite comment from Brad while he was working my case was "I didn't take too kindly to that" and then he proceeded to double the amount I was awarded for my car accident.
When I say that man fights for his clients, he fights with all he has to get you what you deserve.
I won't ever use anyone else.
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05 Mar, 2019 by Nancy
I wanted to thank you for the professional work your law office did in setting up our family trust, wills, living wills and powers of attorney. Your knowledge and guidance through these complicated papers was expertise. You took time to answer questions and concerns about legal terms to make them understandable. It was easy and pleasant to set up our appointments. We were always treated courteously. Your office is very nice and accessible. We know our affairs have been in capable hands with you. Thank you!
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06 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I came to Brian when I was overwhelmed, and had been denied when I tried to handle things on my own. He took all the stress out of the situation, and made a complicated process feel easy. Thanks to him, I'm now a U.S. citizen. I was impressed with his honesty and regular communication, keeping me in the loop every step of the way. Hiring Brian K. Tanner was one of the smartest choices I've made. He's a great lawyer, and a really compassionate guy.
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02 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Brian Tanner reviewed my old estate plan, bring it up to date and fixing several problems. He did it quickly and for a great price. I would recommend him to anyone.
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29 Jun, 2020 by Tory
John was able to get me what I wanted and kept my case moving forward. He also kept me updated weekly and responded promptly. I would definitely hire him again if I needed this type of service again.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Treena
Jon is a great attorney, he gave me confidence and the assurance I need to get through this stressful time in my life. He kept me updated every week with a phone call on the same day around the same time which was very reassuring and comforting to me to know I always had someone on my side. He hears my worries and explains everything so that I understand every possible outcome.
He is very knowledgable, professional, hard working, kind and very caring. He is a rock and a safe place in a sea of turmoil.
I highly highly recommend Jon.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Nikki
Jon is a great attorney. He listens and takes what you say into account. He explains everything he is doing and is very honest about possible outcomes. He did a great job of keeping my case on track, even though the other side never complied. He is incredibly responsive to emails and phone calls, I would recommend Jon to anyone.
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23 Sep, 2014 by Gail d
We can't say enough good things about Haymond Law and Deacon Haymond in particular. Deacon helped us with a very difficult situation regarding a family trust. We were very unhappy with the trustee and found the trustee to be unresponsive to our requests. Haymond Law pursued our case expeditiously and efficiently, allowing us to move the trust assets.
We highly recommend Haymond Law to anyone seeking a firm for their wealth management and estate needs.
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25 Aug, 2014 by Sharon g.
I wish we had done this planning years ago. We now have a great sense of peace and no longer worry about the matter.
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10 Nov, 2010 by Matthew
I retained Mr. Haymond to draft a trust for members of my family. He was very capable, reasonable, and I have complete confidence in his abilities.
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30 Apr, 2015 by David
I have used Spencer Ball’s legal and real estate title services for many years. He has always done a fantastic job for me and given me excellent advice. I can recommend him wholeheartedly.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Andrew
I have known Spencer Ball for about 11 years. In all my years working with Spencer, I have always known him to be strictly honest in business and in his personal life. In his dealings with us as a closing agent, title searcher, and owner of a title company, I have noticed that he would never bend the rules and always tried to error on the side of transparency. Spencer has represented me personally in several civil lawsuits which required his efforts during about 6 years. I have never known him to take advantage of anyone especially in his capacity as a lawyer which is extremely rare in my experience. Spencer is a good man and truly an outstanding example to the oath he took when becoming a member of the bar, and in his professional career.
Thank You!
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28 Apr, 2015 by Andy iheanacho
I have known Spencer Ball since 2001, where he has managed my loan closings, and he has also represented me in litigation and other matters. Spencer cuts to the chase and is quick to identify issues which are important, but not obvious. He has helped me through the years as a genuine trusted advisor.
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07 Jun, 2016 by Holly
I hired Jonathan Diaz to do the legal work for my will and trust. He is very knowledgeable and gets the job done in the most professional way. I'm also impressed with the work he does with non-profits and his level of caring for society in general.
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02 Jun, 2016 by Michael
I have hired Jon numerous times to help my small business. He is very professional in his manner and doesn't stop until I am satisfied. I would recommend him for all types of legal help whether it be for collecting debt, getting business advice or estate planning, he can get it done at a reasonable rate. Jon is a great person to work side by side with. He listens to my concerns and wants and gets them accomplished. He is very personable and great to deal with. I highly recommend using Jon for all your attorney needs.
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02 Jun, 2016 by James
Jonathan Diaz is an amazing attorney. We really enjoyed working with him and he made our adoption process smooth and easy. He was very aware of our needs and took time to explain critical information to help us avoid potential pitfalls along the way. He was very well priced and I felt like he had our best interest in mind. I highly recommend Jonathan Aaron Diaz for adoption law.
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09 Dec, 2015 by Wendy
I just reviewed our final Trust Book and all the documents Andrew, Erica and his office staff prepared for us. It was unbelievable how well organized and self explanatory it was. The whole process and experience of redoing our trust was positive and amazing, We couldn't be more pleased and feel so confident that our affairs will be taken care of. It was the best decision we have ever made to go with Andrew. His paralegal, Erica is outstanding. She was with us every step of the way and took care of every detail. In addition, they were both a delight to work with. I could go on and on, but if you are in need of an attorney, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Andrew and his staff.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Nate
Andrew and his team have been excellent. They are responsive, friendly and easy to work with. I know Andrew is very busy, but he always finds time in the day to return my call and talk through my concerns. He's become a trusted adviser and friend.
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19 Nov, 2015 by Billy
I've worked with Andrew for over 8 years on business and estate planning primarily. His advise and guidance has been invaluable as my businesses and family have grown. I consider him a long-term advisor and friend, and plan to continue working with him and his team for years to come.
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17 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Dave is hands down the best business attorney you can find. He has helped me start/grow my business without any pitfalls, also his firm has helped keep unsavory vultures from threatening my company
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01 Apr, 2010 by John
Dave is an excellent Attorney. He has handled a case for me involving a crooked CPA. We won both the suit and the counter suit because of Dave's expertise and attention to detail. I would recommend Dave to anyone seeking counsel from a good, honest, hardworking professional.
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13 Jan, 2023 by Diane
Craig Hughes wrote my Trust back in 2014. He was very thorough with regards to every detail. Now, this week, in 2023, I just needed to update a couple of things that had changed in my life, and again it was done with thought and precision, in a timely manner.
I didn't need to change anything else, or have a new Trust, because it was so well done the first time. I am super happy with his firm, and recommend his services to others!
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06 Dec, 2015 by Julie
The first thing I noticed about Craig Hughes was his passion for estate law. He clearly loves and relishes his role in helping people avoid all of the problems with family and inheritance that can happen when proper planning has not occurred.
Craig was very careful to make sure I understood all of the legal jargon and how it applied to my life now and in the future. He was anxious to make sure that everything was done in my best interest.
I appreciated and felt safe with Mr. Hughes' desire to make sure that the banks we dealt with and the documents he handled for me were meticulously and carefully explained.
I was particularly impressed that Craig demanded integrity and professionalism from not only his staff and himself, but from all of the outside institutions that we worked with.
It was a pleasure to have worked with an attorney that helped me in such an honest and forthright manner, while at the same time making sure I understood everything without a trace of impatience. He truly loves what he does, and loves helping others.
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08 May, 2017 by Natalie
This review and my gratitude is long over due. Virginia was my lawyer during a long, difficult custody battle. Family law is a ugly business and Virginia is one of the few lawyers who is it for the right reasons; to protect children. Her morals are one of her best qualities.
She is beyond professional; nothing will ruffle this women's feathers. Her manner is always sincere, calm, and collected. I learned so much from her.
When you call, If she does not answer right away her wonderful secretary Elizabeth is on it.
She is second to none and I would recommend her to anyone.
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31 Jul, 2014 by Team tapia!
I've been a client for several years the whole staff is friendly, kind and go out of thier way to ensure the outcome of your case of settled fairly, they are very compassionate treat you like a person and not just another number, I absolutely would recommend them I world give 100 stars if I could!
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22 Feb, 2018 by Shelby
I had used Peter for a family friends personal needs and than some. I knew that there would possibly be issues. So, I consulted with Peter and WOW..was I happy with the out come from him; and the overall great dedication, determination, and passion that he had for his job along for myself as a client (due to all of the stress and more that I was going through).
Peter, was very prompt with emails, and any other notifications that I/He needed. Communication........ by all means I can tell is a top priority in Peter's tasks with his clients! Even his great office help has great communication/promptness!
Thank you Peter and KLC Team for all your hard work and dedication. YOU ALL ROCK!!
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29 Apr, 2020 by Sue
Absolutely the Awesome Amazing Attorneys on the planet!
Seriously...nothing short of an A+++My financial situation had finally backed me into a corner where the only positive real answer was to call an attorney. It took me days to make that call and when I did it was 4:45pm on a Wed .almost hoping they had gone home for the day a pleasant voice of a woman answered the phone Debra Rasmussen) and connected me to Josh. He was so understanding and said I could come in the next day to go over my situation. From that day we met and it a gift from the Lord to use these attorneys, Josh, Daren and Debra took over and instructed me daily on what I needed to do to proceed ahead so everything was in order. I was astounded at how things were rolling along at such a fast pace. Never once were there harsh words or demeaning or degrading conversations or attitudes! THAT ALONE IS A PURE JOY & MIRACLE IN TODAYS WORLD. They worked as a true genuine team to genuinely help me. Any other attorney in this area and I'm sure 99% of the world would be a total let down. THANKS JOSH, DAREN & DEBRA FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY FOR HELPING GO THRUOUGH THIS EXPERIENCE. Sincerely & Smiles, Sue Stowe
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10 Aug, 2015 by Staci
Lee was professional!, Really knows what he is doing. He educated me on the whole bankruptcy process and showed compassion and understanding. I highly recommend Lee.
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25 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
He is a very caring lawyer who really listened what I had to say. He was there to answer all my questions to prepare for the court day. He is very polite and respectful.
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23 Oct, 2017 by Sheryl
Brad has been my corporate attorney for over 17 years. Brad understand corporate structuring and gives great legal advice. If I ask him something that is outside his expertise, he is quick to refer me to another attorney, and he is very well connected with the local attorneys so he knows exactly who would the best person for the job. Brad is always very responsive and he is always friendly and upbeat when I speak with him. He is wonderful and I highly recommend him.
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26 Sep, 2020 by Patricia
I highly recommend Brad Rice as an attorney, he is knowledgeable, ethical, pleasant to work with and thinks outside the box. He has advised me on many legal issues and created my estate plan.
Mr, Rice was very understanding and considerate of my situation and made the legal process much less stressful than attorneys I have worked with in the past. My family and I will continue to hire Brad Rice for all of our legal needs.
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29 Jul, 2013 by Kimberly garrard
Craig Carman, Attorney at Law, is an excellent law firm. They have helped me with several different legal matters. They are very professional. They have always done very good legal work for me and my family. I have also recommended them to other friends of mine that needed help.
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19 Dec, 2014 by Michelle
Best attorney I've worked with and I've had to use several. Non judgemental, not pushy but informative. I felt very comforted in my situation after filing with Lee. I had been totally stressed out after talking to several other attorneys. They either didn't explain enough to me or they were kind of condescending.
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02 Nov, 2015 by Bill
Stephen helped my business in two business areas. He advised and them helped me set up an s-corp. Then reviewed a complicated contract from a major corporation where I was going to consult. He provided excellent advice and guidance that the potential client accepted, saving my business money.
I describe Steve as very engaging, very talented, and honest.
While most people do not look forward to working with an attorney, Steve is a person that you should sincerely consider within any of his practice areas. York, Howell, and Guymon is a great firm.
In the future, I would not hesitate to use Steve's services again. Thank 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.
