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28 Jun, 2014 by Spencer
Mr Moravec knows his stuff, especially helpful for planning - planning for marriage, for divorce, & for death. Who knew that the proceeds of an life insurance policy should be in a trust? I had no idea that certain wills (if done by hand with handwriting but also with typed words) could be invalid in California. I now know the difference betw a power of attorney and a medical power of atty. I can now sleep more soundly. Thank you Mr. Moravec. Money well spent for such attention to detail and such personal attention.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth d’antonio
very unprofessional and rude. wouldn’t recommend.
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17 Oct, 2023 by Chinguis13
Excelente atención y muy empáticos y cálidos, viaje desde México y valió totalmente la pena, Gabby es muy amable y el abogado también, actualizo información más extensa cuando tenga avances sobre mi caso, de entrada, recomiendo bastante.
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09 May, 2023 by Vince
I thought Rudy was great!
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27 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth d’antonio
very unprofessional and rude. wouldn’t recommend.
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17 Oct, 2023 by Chinguis13
Excelente atención y muy empáticos y cálidos, viaje desde México y valió totalmente la pena, Gabby es muy amable y el abogado también, actualizo información más extensa cuando tenga avances sobre mi caso, de entrada, recomiendo bastante.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Thelma lópez
Todos los abogados que me habían tocado, sentía me discriminaban o no tomaban enserio mi caso, el señor Rudy fue cálido y amable, espero seguir con esta impresión y contar ganado mi caso en un futuro.
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03 Jun, 2021 by Anne
I was told that if I did a review on the performance issues and treatment I received by Ms. Varga she would file suit against me. Enough said?
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17 Sep, 2015 by Vincent
Excellent service
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24 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Hugh outright verbally lied to me before I hired him. We were the only 2 people in our only face-to-face meeting. I came to him with a trust instrument I had managed to get via a previous lawyer from the 2 trustees (with a history of being untrustworthy to me) of a standard abc trust created by my parents in 1989. My father, pretty much the sole breadwinner, died in 1992. I had heard the trust included some individual family money my father had inherited in 1989. The trust instrument didn’t include schedules, and the trustees chose not to send a record of assignments or disbursements, even though requested.
Hugh told me verbally that the law was “black and white” in this area, that the trustees HAD to provide the financial accounting of what was assigned, what was left, and more-or-less what was disbursed. He said we would have to resend the first letter sent 1.5 years before, and that, if the trustees still refused to cooperate, we would petition the court to order the information and then move to ask for their removal as trustees (assuming further lack of accounting). Then I would be named trustee and we would subpoena the missing documents. He said it was possible there was little money left, but that I would at least know the true financial info. I paid $5G. He asked me to research additional addresses online and to provide the emails 1 trustee had written outlining various loans/gifts made to the 2nd trustee and non-beneficiaries. (I had found online that making loans to trustees is generally considered to be trust mismanagement.) I sent the addresses/emails. He never commented on those emails, despite me writing him asking whether this was proof of trust mismanagement. Emails filled with lies from the trustees (one disproved by another email I sent to Hugh) followed. There were time extensions requested too, and the number of them was something Hugh contradicted himself about verbally via phone vs email. He phoned I should grant every requested extension, based on what he knew the judge would say once we petitioned the court (which never happened).
Near the end, a lawyer for the trustees wrote that I was NOT entitled to any accounting. Hugh responded there was case-law. She asked for the cases and he refused to provide them.
Finally a trustee-homemade accounting, one that didn’t seem believable considering past spending, came. I emailed Hugh about when were we going to petition the court to get the real info? Hugh refused to directly answer any of my questions. Finally, I googled from another lawyer site that I was NOT entitled to an accounting as a remainder beneficiary for a trust made before 2007! Wow!
We then had a 2nd phone call (after hiring). He said that maybe the money my father inherited hadn’t been put in the trust. Maybe he died “intestate,” which meant my mother and offspring would divide it equally. (Talk about out of “left-field!”) He asked if I had been notified of any probate- no. He said he would do a deed search on the marital home- no, wait, the other lawyer did that. Hugh never explained what purpose that had. He kept repeating himself, moving away from the speaker, and interrupting my questions. Afterward I thought- wait, isn’t that pretty much the POINT of trusts-to AVOID probate and estate taxes, which my father hated? Hugh wanted $1500 more to do a probate/will search. I was feeling misgiving, but after even MORE googling and remembering the word “executor” having once been used, I thought maybe I could get SOME idea of what went into that trust, perhaps through a “pour-over” will. A month later Hugh had emailed nothing about the house deed, nor probate nor will. I asked for an update and said he never directly answered any of my questions. I got a rude email saying I looked for him to confirm a personal diatribe against a trustee and he wasn’t going to represent me anymore- like that was even an issue anymore! LOL Net result: $6500 poorer due to Hugh, and I have none of the promised info!
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23 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
He was more concerned with making money for himself and his firm than he was in taking care of us.
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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.
