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11 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Matthew was not responsive throughout the process. He said it would be $1K to help me. 5 weeks after paying him I still had no information on next steps, he kept saying he would write a letter. After 5 weeks of no action I asked for my money back and he kept $250 due to a phone call we had. I would not recommend him.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired Matt over 2 yrs ago to handle a bad real estate transaction. He said it shouldn't take more then 6 months to settle. Here we are 2 yrs and 2 months later nothing settled and haven't been able to get him to respond to emails, phone calls or text since Aug (almost 4 months).
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05 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Engaged Mr. Cowart for a title search three years ago. Have have next to no response from him. All he was asked was to keep us informed on progress. We even gave him he addresses of all parties involved. He has not answered emails or text requests. His phone is always full
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29 Aug, 2023 by Ebony
John was retained by myself for a simple child modification case. He was paid in full cash, took my money and never contacted me again. For 5 months I was ignored by this attorney. He wouldn’t answer my emails, texts or calls. It took me notifying the state bar association for him to return my calls. Please please DO NOT hire John Sandheinrich. He will take your money and leave you high and dry!
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02 Aug, 2023 by Elizabeth
He has multiple complaints against him with the state bar. He has lied to his clients and lied to the state bar. He took my case and my money and then continued to lie to me for months that things were done that he never did. He lied about having hearings and it took me having to call the court house to find out. He had done this to other people. Save yourself the distress and actually get a good attorney because it is not him
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03 Feb, 2021 by T
A one star is actually very generous considering Mr. Sandheinrich was hired in January 2019 for a "simple", non-contested case. According to Mr. Sandheinrich, the judge wouldn't have any other choice but award us a favorable outcome. In December 2020, I changed counsel. My new attorney accomplished more in 3 months than Mr. Sandheinrich did in 23 months. There was no follow through, a lot of misguided information and NO resolution. Mr. Sandheinrich will charm you, tell you exactly what you want to hear and then take your money and leave you. Don't be fooled!
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26 Sep, 2020 by José
Mr. Valdez has no business holding a Texas bar license to practice any kind of law whatsoever. I have submitted a formal complaint/grievance to the state bar. He was a court appointed lawyer for a case i had in county court 186 in S.A. He missed completely more than one court appointment. A judge during his absence asked the court clerks in a scheduled appointment "is this the same Jerry Valdez that always shows up late if at all ? ". The clerk simply nodded and said "yes your honor". That's to say he has a well established reputation for being tardy and even absent from scheduled court proceedings. Do not for any reason hire this man. He is a crook, a lier, and has no business practicing law in Texas or any other state for that matter. I will work tirelessly to have him disbarred as he is a detriment to legal community as a whole.
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30 May, 2018 by Anonymous
This guy lies, he's not a good lawyer at all. He will not work for you, he works for the courts. No return phone calls, no visits in jail to discuss my case. I only saw him the day of my trial for which as stated he did not fight for me.
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29 Oct, 2017 by Warren
Jerry told lied to me, about what would happen after a conviction, now i cannot drive or find a good job . when i try to contact him, he ignores and avoids my phone calls , and refuses to call me back. My life if now set back for years to come due to this lawyer.
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30 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
She is unprofessional and her intenstions are only in what benefits her not her clients. Worthless as a lawyer&judge! She had no intenstions in fully helping her clients and always asked for more money in return. She gave us the run around on everything and was never clear on anything but when she needed her money she made sure she was on top of everything and answer minimal questions.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Mullins took too much time preparing a will that would make him an executor. It was not the intention and it costed way too much for a very simple will.
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07 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Hernandez was a court appointed attorney for my son in a criminal case. He took many months to even visit my son in jail. He did not file any motions on his behalf for many months. His bedside manner was horrible. He does not return your calls until the day before court. My son spent about a year in jail before the case was settled. My son is now paying the price, in prison.
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10 Jan, 2017 by Jane
I hired John Serna to help me get visitation with my grandchildren after my son died. Mr. Serna was woefully unprepared for court and it showed as he was often reprimanded by the judge for being unprepared and forgetting courtroom protocol. He did not prepare me for what would happen in court or what kind of questions he would be asking and as a result he upset the judge by leading the witness; this could have been avoided with even a few minutes of preparation. Without my consent or input, Mr. Serna also turned down a deal to spend a few hours with my grandkids as he was convinced he could get more time without investing time on the case. As a result of his unsubstantiated cockiness and lack of research on the law, I received no time with my grandchildren and have not seen them in 4 years. When I asked for my money back due to his lack of preparation, he informed me that he had already given the money to his daughter. I would not recommend John Serna even if you have a simple parking ticket as he'd probably forget to take care of it and you will end up in jail. I would give him zero stars if I could. Please retire, Mr. Serna.
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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.
