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24 Jan, 2022 by Randy
I hired Phil due to some property issues I was having with a developer working an adjacent property to mine and concern over city decisions that would affect me and my property. Phil made himself available when needed coming on-site a couple of times to review the situation, also met with the developer when I needed questions answered and made himself available for meetings with me - some on short notice. He helped guide me to a settlement with both the city and developer which provides minimal impact to me and my property and even provides some benefits from the development, all while identifying and utilizing the only leverage I had. Phil was recommended to me by another attorney I worked with for another issue. She stated she heard good things from other clients regarding Phil. I definitely would recommend Phil to anyone and am thankful I was able to find him after being disappointed trying to work with several other attorneys - some who overstated their level of expertise. I was really impressed with him and liked him the first time he came out to my property and we talked in person. I knew he would be able to answer my questions and help me achieve a satisfactory resolution. He is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise and set the tone regarding legal ramifications – just what I needed. I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs help in his legal field of expertise.
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11 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I worked with Phil Mattern and Adria G at Demco Law on a Quit claim deed and REED. It was nothing but an excellent experience. They are responsive, flexible and provided excellent customer service! I highly recommend them.
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28 Mar, 2017 by Vic
We had some questions as sellers about an addendum to a purchase and sales agreement for some open land, especially on the issue of avoiding liability for any issues that could arise in the future, and also on proper wording to be legally sound. Phil grasped what we needed done immediately and made excellent suggestions for changes in a very timely way, and in a very short period of time. All this through a phone conversation and emailing of documents. His grasp of real estate issues allowed him to be extremely efficient and therefore cost effective. Would recommend him for any real estate issue.
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20 Oct, 2014 by Doug
Greg has been helping my family's consulting and furniture business for years. He's always timely when we ask him tough questions and always explains everything to us in a way that makes sense to us.
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23 May, 2012 by Louis leclezio.
Having dealt with some of the cream of the crop Seattle attorneys, I consider myself qualified recommend Greg without any hesitation whatsoever.
I am pleased to see that Greg is now President of Krutch Lindell. He earned and fully desrves that position.
Well done Greg!
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23 May, 2012 by Louis leclezio.
Having dealt with some of the cream of the crop of Seattle attorneys, I feel qualified to recommend Greg.
Which came first? The egg or the chicken? I first met Greg as a lawyer. He very soon became a friend. Now I wonder which comes first? I am happy with whatever comes first. Both fit Greg perfectly.
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16 Jul, 2020 by Tony l.
We hired Alli Keller after going to a famous downtown firm that advertised themselves as the best. They were the best in billing us timely for barely any results. They nickeled and dimed us, and did not even call us to explain to us what our adoption process would be like. When we raised the issue that we needed more information, they showed us the door, and thank god we found Alli Keller's firm. Her entire office was very caring, and she cared very much about our family situation and our child. Would absolutely contact them again for future matters and highly recommend Alli as an attorney who will be thorough and careful. It is so hard to find honest lawyers who care about you as a person.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Keller is a courteous professional. She listens, offers relevant advice, and puts one at ease. My husband and I hired Ms. Keller for estate matters and were very satisfied with how she handled the entire process. Although the process took several months, due to our delays she remained accommodating throughout. In addition, the fee charged was reasonable and we did not think we were taking advantage of like other legal experiences in the past. We highly recommend Ms. Keller.
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08 Mar, 2014 by Janet
I am happy to tell of my professional relationship with Alexandra Keller.
Since moving to the Seattle area from California, I wanted to assure that my estate documents were up to date and legally binding in the state of Washington.
I found a number of lawyers who could help me. When I asked for a price estimate, I found that some required money upfront or a retainer fee. Others stated that their fee would be as much as $350 an hour but would not give a time estimate. I could not promise an unspecified amount without a price range estimate. When I contacted Alexandra, telling her exactly what I wanted, she told me that iwould be $400 - $800.
She rewrote my Revocable Living Trust, my Will, a Durable Power of Attorney for Finance, a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and a Health Care Directive. Due to a family death, I needed my trust agreement to reflect a change. I have been extremely pleased with the five newly written documents. Alexandra did charge the $800, but justifiably so. She made several helpful suggestions for my consideration while writing these documents. and it all takes time and effort.
When we met for the final signing and notarization, she went over everything allowing me to ask questions. She followed up by sending me an itemized statement of her charges and wrote off all of the extra time to stay within her stated estimate. She also sent forms upon which to list personal tangible property, naming a recipient for those items that do not need to be included in any other document.
You will find Alexandra to be very kind and patient, very intelligent, and focused upon service that meets your needs.
If in the future I have any legal needs, I will seek counsel with Alexandra. If a concern is outside her area of expertise, I know she will make a wise referral. In addition, I want to add that her office is easy to get to, on 35 th Avenue, close to the University with ample free parking.
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08 Oct, 2021 by Jason
Kjersti was a pleasure to work with in regards to our estate/family planning documents! She was quick and responsive throughout the process, and took the time to thoroughly explain things to us. I would happily work with Kjersti again on any legal needs.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Kristen
Kjersti was very professional and responsive. She got back to me extremely quickly and walked me through the process of creating a living will and testament. She was willing to meet with me whenever it was convenient and even came to my work so I didn't have to travel. She was very good at explaining my different options and being unbiased so that I could make the best decision for myself. This was my first time writing a will so having someone who was patient and explained terminology really helped!
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13 Jan, 2020 by Jennifer
My husband and I were in need of drafting a will and reached out to Kjersti for help. She was very professional, timely, and explained every part of the process in a way we could understand. It was clear that helping others is her passion and was very thorough in doing so. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of these services!
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20 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Laurel worked with what we provided her then went out of her way to find additional relevant information to help our case. She succeeded in getting us out of a lease where our landlord was not providing a healthy space for our family and only defended their managers. She called often and emailed regularly to let us know she was involved.
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03 Jul, 2019 by Allan
We ask Ms. Brown to help us with setting up a Living Trust. She researched the options and then purposed other more viable options. She was prompt and very responsive. We look forward to her helping us with other matters. Please consider using her services. Thanks Ms. Brown!
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28 Feb, 2019 by Ken
I had a somewhat complicated financial for a disabled friend regarding trust funds for special needs. She was very responsive and professional in her analysis of the situation and provided options for me to consider. Would I use her again?? - ABSOLUTELY!!!!!
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02 Nov, 2021 by Ryan
I hired Mr. Parker initially for estate planning services, and then again later to help settle an unrelated estate case. Throughout both processes he proved to be passionate about the law, and a reliable source of truth. He is easy to work with and provides a friendly and honest demeanor. When I've had questions, he's been easy to reach, and repeatedly provided realistic counsel that I believe kept my best interests at heart. I'm a repeat client and I would absolutely hire him again if needed.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Brian
I hired Matthew Parker to deal with estate planning for my family as it relates to assets/property both in state as well as out of state. Matthew was timely and collaborative in working with an out of state lawyer, and he did so efficiently so there was limited back-and-forth. He was was very helpful in identifying critical information we needed to properly navigate both elder law and tax implications as it relates to two different states (federal and state tax questions). Matthew had most of this information immediately available on consult, and he followed through within a couple of days for the information that needed to be confirmed and passed on to those in another state.
Overall, I found Matthew's demeanor to be pleasant and warm. He clearly is very sharp with a strong command of elder law. He communicated well both verbally and through his emails, and he took the time to explain the legalese terms that took longer for me to understand. Cost was reasonable, and for the help he provided, actually a bargain. I would not hesitate to utilize Matthew's services again.
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12 Nov, 2016 by Walker
Matt helped my with a minor dispute over an estate that ended up having some complicated legal issues. He discovered the issues and explained everything very thoroughly. He was incredibly responsive and easy to reach. I enjoyed working with him.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Josh
Tom and Meredith were the best people imaginable to help with my mother's estate. Walked me through the whole process in a caring and personal way. No one else I'd rather have represent me or my mother's estate. One of these days I'm going to stop procrastinating and get my estate planning done and know exactly who to go to.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Mstislav seligman
11 Dec, 2019 by Denise “dee†dees raymond
04 May, 2022 by Ryan
Although we certainly didn't want to be in the legal battle we found ourselves in- I am so so glad that we had Sound Family Law on our side. They fought tirelessly on our behalf and were so professional and responsive. I really don't know how they do all that they do so efficiently. Thank you Sound Family Law/Stacie, you helped a couple of scared, overwhelmed folks feel safe and empowered.
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04 Aug, 2014 by Erin
Stacie handled my divorce, which was obviously a very difficult time. She was professional, knowledgable and understanding. She was always available to me even though she was pregnant through out the whole case. I would recommend her in a heart beat.
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21 Aug, 2013 by Amanda
Stacie was there every step of the way during my family court case. She was very helpful in explaining things to me and letting me know what was realistic and what was not. Great attorney, very responsive and helped keep things going!
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02 Feb, 2011 by Sherree
Terri really knows her stuff! We are in California and Terri's in Washington. All of our communications have been by email or telephoincally. Terri answered all of our questions and worked with us on any ideas we had, relayed possible outcomes of the case depending on which way we went. Her responses to our inquiries were always received within a few days if not within hours. We always felt like she was truly "on our side" in everything. Her fees are very fair and manageable. Our case was a probate case mixed in with some malprctice by the oriignal estate attorney. She got us the results we were seeking. Terri is great!
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21 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
Terri handled the probate process for our mother's estate when she died without a will. She handled everything smoothly and efficiently and was very responsive to all our needs. She is also a great resource if you have other questions. I would highly recommend her without hesitation.
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05 Jan, 2010 by Mary
Terri Luken did an excellent job on a most unusual, and challenging Trust case.She used her professional knowledge, in a most personable way, and saw the case through to the end.There was a change in attorneys,mediation,depositions,court apperances, and a real estate sale.Terri worked with me, and kept me informed throughout the entire process.I would highly recommend Terri Luken for any case she would chose to handle.
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21 Sep, 2015 by Greg
Over the past 5 years, Fred has successfully handled several legal issues for me including a client claim, and settling of an estate.
He has always been thoughtful and clear in his responses and advice, and shows genuine concern for problems and issues.
Going forward Fred will be the only attorney I will consider working with.
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31 Jan, 2014 by Janice
There is no attorney that I respect and trust more than Fred Reed. He handled my Mom's estate and is now our family counsel.
First, he listens and draws upon a deep reserve of expertise and experience. Talking with him feels like being with a dear friend. He was able to synthesize all the information I shared in the first meeting and immediately offered a viable solution. I might mention that the two attorneys I had been working with had less experience and were at a loss as to how to proceed.
Second, he makes himself available by phone or email whenever I have a question or just need reassurance. I am always kept informed of the progress.
Third, he is cost effective. His commitment to excellence in all he does streamlines the process. His efficiency and honesty saves me both time and money. When he says he will deliver a document by Friday, it is there!
I am so fortunate that my realtor referred me to Fred.
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22 Nov, 2013 by Monica
Fred Reed is one of the best real estate attorneys in the Northwest. He is a rare find. Fred is extremely quick to understand complex situations. He can explain complicated concepts so his clients can understand. Fred brings commitment, a tremendous amount of knowledge, and resourcefulness to his real estate practice. It has been a pleasure to work with him.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Elias
Eric is a thorough, dependable, and highly effective attorney. He has a top-notch sense for legal strategy and has provided me excellent legal advice. Moreover, Eric has deep ties to the Seattle-area legal community and has been able to steer me to other outstanding attorneys with other areas of legal expertise. With Eric, I receive big firm experience and firepower with the attention and focus only a smaller firm can provide. I highly recommend him.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Elias
Eric is a thorough, dependable, and highly effective attorney. He has a top-notch sense for legal strategy and has provided me excellent legal advice. Moreover, Eric has deep ties to the Seattle-area legal community and has been able to able to steer me to other outstanding attorneys with other areas of legal expertise. With Eric, I receive big firm experience and firepower with the attention and focus only a smaller firm can provide. I highly recommend him.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Ryan
My wife Sarah and I used Eric for estate planning, more specifically to get our wills setup. Eric made the process super easy and painless, and explains everything in an easy going manner. He's also just a nice guy. I also use Eric as my business lawyer, and he has always given sound advice.
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08 Dec, 2012 by Boyce
My wife and I have been working with Kristina for over 14 years, beginning with estate work for one of our parents and continuing with our own legal matters since then. In a word, she is phenomenal. She always offers us outstanding legal advice and counsel, she knows current laws and regulations, and her work has been flawless. Whether small issues or large, she takes the time to fully understand the situation and carefully reviews various options before advising us. We have complete trust in her, appreciate her attention to detail and know that she will give us the best advice, even if it may not be what we want to hear. We have recommended Kristina to friends who have been equally impressed. It is always a pleasure working with Kristina and her very capable paralegal, Janet. Although they have many clients, we always feel we are treated as special, and that we are getting the best possible legal assistance.
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12 Mar, 2009 by Joann
I have used Kristina Udall for estate planning and have recommended her to others. My mother used her services after my father passed away for probate. I'm an attorney and I consider her to be superb in her field.
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12 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
From the fist meeting to the final signing of the papers, Ms. Udall was very professional, knowledgable and timely.
We believe her hourly charges were just and valued.
We will use Ms. Udall again.
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16 Dec, 2014 by Liz
Mr. Kimball has helped me on a number of occasions, most notably helping me to navigate the process of modifying my home loan and purchasing a business.
Mr. Kimball acted as a go between with the bank, offering excellent advice on small steps I could take that would increase the chances that my modification request would be accepted, and kept me up to date through the entire process.
When my husband and I decided to start our own business, Mr. Kimball aided us in filing the necessary documents with the federal government, the state, city and county. He helped us negotiate the purchase of the business and our lease. All parties involved found him very easy to work with and very responsive.
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23 Sep, 2014 by Joe & margaret
As two retired Washington teachers, we found Mr. Kimball through Washington Education Association's referral service. We needed to update our wills and put powers of attorney papers in place. Todd did a first rate job on each of the documents that he authored. He listened to us and captured what we wanted to have in each document. He also registered our wills with King County. We are very satisfied with the work he did as well as the price point he charged. We would recommend Mr. Kimball without any reservations. We would also work with him again if the need presented itself.
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03 Apr, 2012 by Deven
Todd put together all the documents needed for my wife and I in terms of our Wills and power of attorneys and then walked us through what would happen when they needed to be used. Thanks again Todd!
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15 May, 2024 by Joanna schmidt
Mehera @ Pride Law helped take a giant pile of stressful choices and legal forms and translate it all into something we could easily understand so we were able to make informed decisions and finally get our Will and Trust set up.
Mehera was clear, easy to talk with and we are so happy we had the chance to work with her. We highly recommend her.
Thank you Mehera! ❤️
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19 Mar, 2021 by Erin roudybush
Lisa was immensely helpful with my case. She was able to get me the best results I could have asked for in my case. She was professional but still friendly and made me feel like she was doing her absolute best for me. I highly recommend her.
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03 Dec, 2018 by Venessa sandoval
Lisa Martinez helped my family and I during a very difficult time that could have impacted my career in the bail bonds industry. Not only did she go above and beyond to assist me, she also made me feel secure during a vulnerable moment. I trust her direction and practice. I can’t thank her enough!
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14 Dec, 2020 by Jordan
John is a highly conscientious attorney with whom it is a pleasure to work. He processes information very quickly and is an excellent attorney. He is also very responsive, a trait that can be difficult to find in this profession.
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06 Aug, 2018 by Sharon
John recently prepared a Will, a Health Directive and Durable Powers of Attorney for my stepfather, under the chaotic direction and organization of both me and my daughter. There were last minute major revisions from my stepfather and John handled everything with total aplomb and compassion and kindness. I couldn’t have been happier or more cared for.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I found John to be an easy lawyer to work with. He is very patient and a good listener which is needed when dealing with legal things for those of us that do not understand legal speak. John has been very attentive to my case and has kept me informed each step along the way which I find very refreshing with someone as busy as a lawyer can be.
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22 Sep, 2011 by Dominic
Most lawyers I have dealt with are slimey, more ready to count the minutes in your calls and emails than listen or care for what you have to say. Marc goes above and beyond the call, his consultations are second to none. Most importantly though I felt like he valued me as a lifelong client more so than a "one time paycheck" If I ever need help in his field again, he is the first person I will be calling.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Mr. Bateman treated us as if we were his only clients. I imagine he answers the same questions everyday, but he made us feel as if our questions were important. We never waited longer than 24 hours for a response, he is timely and accurate in his responses. When we had other things going on in the house, he was empathatic and willing to share suggestions on how to handle things that were impacting our case, but not directly related. I would recommend him whole heartedly.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Elizabeth has represented me well in a complex matter involving the financial exploitation, medical neglect of a loved one. Elizabeth has been an invaluable teammate. She is a clear, prompt communicator, a smart, level-headed advisor, and a thorough, effective attorney. Additionally, Elizabeth is a good listener. She takes client concerns seriously and genuinely cares.
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08 May, 2017 by Chris
Elizabeth and I worked together at Beresford Booth for almost four years – so when I had a personal estate planning issue that needed to get done, I knew who to call. She did a great job resolving my legal issue quickly, efficiently, and under budget. Her rates are excellent and she has a solid knowledge of WA estate planning law and and I would not hesitate to use her again. I also regularly recommend her to clients seeking estate planning services and all of the feedback I have received has been more than positive.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Angela has handled my family's estate planning and other matters throughout the years with the utmost professionalism. I have always found Angela to be a very knowledgeable and trustworthy advisor and not afraid to think outside the box. She's a reputable attorney and has been wonderful to work with.
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10 Sep, 2010 by Valerie
As my case is still ongoing this review is for the current work that is being done for me right now. Angela has been handling a rather difficult estate case for me. She has been very helpful in this case particularly in keeping me focused and on task when I become frustrated with dealing with my siblings who are my fellow benificaries in the estate.
She has been very good in keeping me up to date on what my duties are as the Trustee of my fathers estate . She is also very good at finding help with problems that are out of her expertise ( which I find very comendable ) and resolving those problems. I would have no problem recommending her as a attorney .
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13 Aug, 2010 by Steve
Fantastic attorney. the other side had a TEAM of specialized lawyers and David was brighter and quicker than each of them.
Cannot recommend David Marks enough.
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21 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
We called upon David's service to incorporate an LLC, which later became a C-Corp, and was acquired by a public company. Throughout the process, I was continually impressed with David's responsiveness (particularly via e-mail, which was remarkable for a lawyer in '95-'99) and reasonable fees. We often made the mistake of calling upon him at the last moment, and he always made time to handle the job.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Juan
I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Pruzan. From his vast knowledge of complex issues to his passion to justice, he is the attorney you want on your side! My case may not be worth a ton of money, but he is helping me seek justice for my injuries!
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15 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
A fellow attorney referred me to Mr. Pruzan for an issue involving my own child. I was very impressed. Mr. Pruzan conducted a thorough and honest review of our potential claim. Although this did not result in a claim being filed, it helped my wife and I to be confident in our decision not to pursue legal action. Due to his obvious expertise and knowledge and his careful and thorough review of all the facts and documents pertaining to our case, I have no doubt we made the right decision. If you have a child with a birth-related condition, you know how difficult this is to say. I highly recommend Mr. Pruzan.
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23 Sep, 2011 by John
I owned a piece of property that I bought when I was young and the taxes on the land were killing me...paying more than the property was worth. I owed a substantial amount in back taxes and sought the help of Sally. She made several calls and straightened the entire mess out. Sally has a great disposition, is very approachable and possesses an excellent knowledge of law. One of the few people in the world that still takes notes with a fountain pen! She listens to you and give great advice, she was a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone with family law issues.
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29 Oct, 2008 by Brian
I used Ms. Lanham to help me through a very difficult divorce. I sufered a brain aneurysm in 2003, and as I result of my brain injury, I can not transfer memories from short term to long term memory. I tried two other attorneys before I found Sally. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and did not mind the same questions time after time. She kept focused (and kept me focused) on the task at hand. She anticipated every move made by my x-wife. I still occasionally rely on Ms. Lanham to help me through issues with the x-wife. I highly recommend Sally!
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14 Jul, 2011 by Quincey
Megan was personable, timely and extremely helpful making our wills. I couldn't recommend her more highly.
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17 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Megan listened to our concerns and thoughtfully advised us on our estate planning needs. She prepared our wills and other estate documents for a flat fee, encouraging us to be open and honest with what we thought she should charge. She timely responded to all phone calls and delivered things when she said that she would. Megan is a very personable and caring lawyer that seems genuinely committed to helping others. We strongly recommend her.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amanda and james
We hired Sean to help us with establishing a will and trust. He was easy to work with, clear in communication (and helped us to understand the legal jargon), prompt, and exceptionally accommodating of our schedules and needs as we coordinated meetings. In areas we were uncertain about, Sean offered suggestions and insight from his professional and personal experience, helping us to make informed decisions that supported our family's needs. We are glad to have worked with Sean and are relieved to have our estate planning complete.
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27 Jun, 2022 by J
I contacted Sean about a will and the proper way to assure my children would be well cared for upon my passing. The free consultation convinced me that I would be able to work with Sean easily. With Sean's guidance, I now have a will and trust that put me at ease about my assets.
We communicated primarily via email. Sean responded quickly and fully to any questions I raised, and changed a few items at my request, no problem. He guided me in several areas with which I wasn't familiar.
I'm pleased to have taken care of this end-of-life planning, and to have used Sean's services.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Robert
First of all i want to thank Katie for the prompt , professional way she took care of a very hard emotional, estate, and family situation with the death of my step mother..she stood by me , gave me good advice, stood up for me, with the other side of family being very , well hard to deal with, but hung in there for me, and quickly we got a settlement in which i was happy with.. and i could move on with my life! I am so grateful for her , i dont think she even knows how much..I feel like i had a attorney but also a friend forever, and that is priceless.. so if you want a person who will listen, but will give you her advice also..she as class, professional and one wonderful person and lady.. i highly without any hesitation recommend her for your legal needs...HIGHLY..
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18 Mar, 2015 by Dianne
Katharine Hanson has been and continues to be great help to me regarding all questions deal going with my you mother and the Estate.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Alice
Through Linda’s legal representation, the court awarded me custody of my grandson. My grandson was living with me to avoid the abuse he experienced in his own home.
This was a particularly challenging situation for many major reasons.
(1) My grandson’s divorced parents lived in another state, which created legal complications for obtaining guardianship.
(2) We had no “hard” evidence of my grandson’s abuse with his family due to his living 100’s of miles away.
(3) Social services in his home state wanted to reunite my grandson with his father, who was his primary abuser.
(4) For several hearings, as long as his mother phoned into the court, I was not granted custody of my grandson.
Linda not only did the legal work with the court system, she worked as an intermediary for me in numerous discussions with my grandson’s parents.
This combination of legal skills and acumen resulted in my having permanent third-party custody of my grandson. He will have the safe life I promised him by growing up in my home.
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23 Mar, 2018 by Susan
Linda successfully achieved a significant modification of child support and maintenance in my favor. Her hard work and effectiveness gave my family and me stability and security in our lives. She went above and beyond to meet and exceed my expectations and needs as a client. Linda is a lawyer that genuinely cares and made my well-being and best interests her top priority. Linda kept me informed and made sure I understood what was going on. She always wanted to know what I thought and what I wanted, becoming my advocate and making the entire experience collaborative. Linda gave me the courage to brave intimidating legal waters. The settlement she finalized was far greater than what I could have imagined. Linda gave me hope and a future. She is an absolute blessing for not just her work as an exceptional lawyer, but her ongoing compassion and caring that has cultivated a relationship between us as friends.
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16 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Larry Garrett is outstanding in his practice. His knowledge combined with character helps us to feel confident that he will be our representative for future needs. I give Mr. Garrett a 12 out of 10, and look forward to doing business with him in the future.
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17 Oct, 2011 by Dr. mike
Mr. Garrett just helped me with the most important of cases: family. Without him we would have been lost. I have used attorneys for a variety of issues for over 30 years. When it comes to family law he is the only one I will ever consider.
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27 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Kanoa represented my husband for our prenuptial agreement and later we used him for our wills. He was easy to work with and kept things succinct. We appreciated that he offered a fixed fee for our wills so we knew the cost up front. We will definitely go back to him if we decide to update our wills or do other estate planning in the future.
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17 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I am the director of our tax and wealth transfer group at Brighton Jones Wealth Management Group. We often have the need to refer clients to estate planning attorneys and facilitate the process of having their estate plans drafted. Kanoa is one of the select attorneys that we work with, we have found Kanoa to be extremely knowledgeable, trustworthy and discreet, and extremely responsive to our and our clients needs. We continue to regularly refer clients to Kanoa and plan to do so in the future. He is an outstanding estate planning attorney.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Patricia
Heather and her capable team have been a wonderful resource for my company and our clients. Heather provides clear and accurate legal advice while also paying attention to the underlying needs of her clients. I feel confident in referring my clients to DeVrieze/Carney because I know they'll receive excellent attention at a reasonable rate by truly caring individuals. Thank you for all you do to keep seniors safe, happy and healthy! -Trish, Owner, Eldercare Consulting
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29 Jun, 2010 by Michael
Highly recommend Heather De Vrieze as I was involved in a rather contentious estate settlement and she resolved the issue in an amicable way. It was very refreshing to find an attorney who puts her client's needs first and who is extremely fair when it comes to fees.
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24 Oct, 2014 by William
As a real estate broker, there are sometimes instances I need an attorney to consult to figure out difficult matters. I have utilized Mr King's expertise numerous times for my own circumstances and have never been less than impressed by his knowledge, attention to my concern, and creative ways to move forward successfully.
Moreover, I have recommended him to several of my clients and friends. Inquiring after their experience with Mr King and his firm, they have universally give extremely positive and enthusiastic feedback. I will continue to use Mr King as my "go-to attorney" for any and all matters.
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18 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
With an estate issue in my family, and a sick family member leaving me unable to come to him- mr king came to my house to revise an estate. He was very helpful and accommodating. He also made us feel very appreciated as clients. Full recommendation.
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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:
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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.
