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22 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Campbell is an exceptional lawyer...He was very professional in dealing with my divorce proceedings and wrote up court documents in a timely manner to be filed. He acompanied me to all court appearances and also went on my behalf when I was not able to attend. Mr. Campbell helped me through a difficult process which I thought I would never be able to resolve. Now I can live the life I was always wanting all because of him. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication...
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24 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
We definitely recommend Mr. Daryl Campbell. He assisted us by helping us comprehend a financial document that we had signed. He was prompt in contacting us at the agreed upon time and counseled with us for almost forty-five minutes interpreting the language of the document, making sure that we understood our financial position, the legal implications, and informed us of our options and limitations concerning the signed agreement. He was succinct when answering our questions, patient, and certainly knowledgeable. We ended the conversation feeling satisfied with the information given us, and better equipped as to what negotiations we may have going forward concerning said document. We will definitely use Mr. Campbell if we need assistance with any future legal matters.
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30 Sep, 2022 by T t
Really hands on helpful and worth every cent.
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10 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
My and my partner's experience with Mr. Rose was extremely positive. Knowledgeable, professional, trustworthy and creative, Mr. Rose exemplifies what good counsel is all about. My highest recommendation
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30 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I’ve used Mr. Scruggs services several times over the last few years. He is extremely competent, very knowledgeable and hard-working. He has managed to get a favorable result for me each and every time. I know he has a number of large clients and despite the fact that my cases have been of a smaller to mid-sized nature, he always makes me feel I’m as important to him as his major clients. I would not consider using any other attorney.
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31 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I was most impressed with how ethical he is. This was an LLC agreement with my siblings and me. Mr. Scruggs was very clear about trying to come up with something that would be best for the group and yet making it clear throughout that he represented me and that my siblings should have the agreement reviewed by their own counsel. He seemed very fair and logical. He is also extremely knowledgeable, competent and efficient. I will go back to him if I have the need. My only criticism is that he is very busy and didn't always return my calls immediately. He always got back to me, but sometimes it wasn't right away.
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25 Mar, 2022 by Rick heilman
Friendly, efficient staff here at Alta Law Group. It was a totally painless experience for having to hire an attorney to assist me. Very nominal wait time and the attorney who I met with, Mrs. Bernstein was extremely thorough and pleasant. Her legal aid was just as thorough and pleasant. I actually look forward to meeting with them again and highly recommend this law firm to anyone considering seeking legal advice.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Kid tha
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01 Jul, 2022 by Linda
i needed help with my will this attorney is a wonderful guy,he explains everything in great detail and walks you through all your paperwork,he has great knowledge of the law
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21 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Great experience with this family law lawyer. She did a good job for me. I highly recommend.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Dan
Sandra is an extremely bright, well-versed, detail-oriented, friendly, and compassionate estate planning lawyer. She keeps up with the changing law and cares very much about her work and her clients. She explains complex legal issues in clear terms. She did our estate plan and we would not hesitate to go back to her if needed for a question or a change. As a client and a lawyer, I recommend her regularly to my own clients and friends.
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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Seaborn assisted me in updating my will and other estate documents, as well as the beginning of what turned out to be a multi-year contentious divorce. Due to precarious health concerns, the divorce process was made manageable, as a result of my preemptive work with Ms. Seaborn.
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24 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Attorney Denevan is exceptional. In the midst of an emotionally devastating legal situation, Attorney Denevan never lost sight of our true goals. He was unwavering in his compassion for the difficulties we experienced, yet he never balked when we needed to be aggressive and strong in our case. Years later and countless hours in court, meetings and mediation, we have to admit that while we have our disappointments in some of the outcomes, they are related to the uncertainties germane to legal "battles" and not in any way to our representation by Attorney Denevan. Opposing counsel engaged in very painful name-calling and offensive assertions which were unsupported and not true. Our natural desire was to respond in kind, however Attorney Denevan always brought us back to our true goals and was very clear that he would not engage in such damaging shenanigans. He has a brilliance that we can only truly appreciate after the fact. He puts personal and legal integrity first. He taught us that regardless of legal outcomes, personal integrity is the one outcome we can control. It has been an Honor to be represented by and to learn from Attorney Denevan.
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10 Nov, 2022 by Reuben
Christopher is my go to tax attorney in the Puget Sound. He not only does great work and is very detail oriented, but is very strategic when it comes to planning out deal structures and creative problem solving.
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05 Jan, 2011 by Daniel
After two attorneys who botched my case, Mr. Bartlett stepped in, took command, made the correct moves and motions and ultimately won my case in court.
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14 Aug, 2013 by Philip
Eric W. Ferguson took two personal injury cases I couldn’t get other attorneys to touch, and won them both, for quite fair settlements. I was referred to him by a friend of a friend, who had a similarly successful experience. I found Eric to be personable, a straight shooter, honest, with a sense of humor. He’s a younger attorney than some, and in that early career stage where he’s still accessible, and not just chasing the huge dollar, big cases. The two cases: #1: Behind an espresso establishment, my left foot rolled off the edge of a small paver, which had been set unevenly, in a path across a bark area. My fifth metatarsal snapped. I’m in my sixties. It took four months for the thing to heal. That was in 2010. A downtown attorney told me there wasn’t a case. Eric took it and negotiated a respectable settlement from the property management company’s insurance agency. #2: My truck was tail-ended on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, in 2011. The driver pulled a hit-and-run, but I had his license number. Damage to my truck was minimal, but the impact caused my post-surgery lower back problems to make my left foot numb. Again, other attorneys I talked to weren’t optimistic about me having a case. Evidence and medical bills were small, but Eric negotiated a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company.
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30 May, 2013 by Tifni
Mr. Loucks was very clear and thorough with the important documents we needed done for our future. When my Mother passed Mr. loucks had prepared everything in advance so when the time came everything went so smooth and we didn't have to worry about all the legal things to do. He is an absolute joy to work with...very positive and forthright. Mr. Loucks has handled most of our families business and elder estate business.
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10 May, 2023 by Grace
An honest lawyer here! I had an extended exploration call with this attorney, I would high recommend this attorney for his fields of expertise. Instead of wasting the client's time, he quickly hit the key points of consideration and pointed out the uncertainties. He's very cautious about not making claims and assurance that my case is sound or not, but gave very credible guidelines. We had a very informative conversation, and he sounded like really knowledgable about the general areas of civil litigation in WA state. I appreciate his breadth of knowledge, candidness, and just straight forward honesty! Though he decided that my case is not a good match for him, I would not hesitate to work with him should I have a future need that match his area of practice.
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11 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
David was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and understanding. He took the time to explain all legal issues in terms that were understandable. I highly recommend this attorney.
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19 Jun, 2015 by Eric
I have used David K Hiscock's services several times over the past two decades. He has done wills for my wife and myself, for my mother and for friends. He represented my wife in a minor injury case about twenty years ago, and he helped me through the probate process when my mother passed away. He has always done this work excellently, reasonably and with a great sense of humor. Highly recommended!
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25 Dec, 2023 by Caroll
I hired Carol Vaughn to help with a particularly difficult probate case. She was not only competent but also settled the matter in an expeditious manner. I highly recommend her!
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17 Apr, 2014 by Chris
I had my original Will drawn up a few years ago but never felt comfortable with or trusted that it had been handled correctly. I have known Joseph for a number of year and knew that I could trust him. Joseph is professional, trustworthy, more than capable and I would have no problem in recommending him to others or returning to him for additional guidance or help in any legal matter in the future.
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01 Jun, 2014 by Terri
My father passed away from asbestosis, Anna was the attorney who handled our case. Anna handled our case with compassion, professionalism and great knowledge. Anna always kept us informed on what was going and what the next step would be. She took a very sad and difficult situation and helped us to be able to stand up for my father and to get justice for my father and our family. There was never a time that I didn't feel that Anna was 100% behind us. It was an emotional time, but her compassion was real and genuine and that helped us to continue to fight for justice. I would highly recommend Anna to anyone who is need of an attorney that truly cares about the individual and families involved, she will work with you just as if it were her own family member that was wronged.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Gini
I met with Patrick today to discuss what I should do in response to a violation issued by a police offer in Edmonds. I contested this, thinking the infraction was an error. I consulted with Patrick Carter, Atty, today. He was very helpful. First he listened carefully without interruption to my too lengthy explanation of the circumstances. Then he reviewed the documents that I brought with me, recommending I contact the DOL about the matter, which I did, learning that the infraction for which I was cited. Patrick kept me cool, calm and collected and altered the way I will respond to this matter. Many thanks.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I found Mrs. Misty Hayes an excellent attorney who has everything a client needs to get the best result in a family legal matter. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, detail-oriented , compassionate and absolutely wonderful lawyer. She does not miss something and pay attention to every detail. I highly recommend her for family legal matters.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Andrew has worked with our companies for a few years in a variety of legal practice areas. He is always prepared, very well-organized, and has served our needs in various stressful situations with his experience and legal counsel. We have been so pleased to have him as a member of our legal team and we are grateful to continue to work with him.
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03 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
really helped me and definitely recommend. Helped with a will and was willing to work around MY schedule. A great, hardworking lawyer that I absolutely recommend to my friends all the time.
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07 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Lora assisted my family with estates/trusts work and did a great job, was very efficient and a joy to work with.
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14 Mar, 2016 by Linda kay fuller -cox
The most important legal advise was to get life insurance on each other when he helped us set up our corporation , I said we can't afford it , but we managed to afford it due to Timothy Knowling s explanation of why it was so important . As the story unfolds my partner was killed in a car accident , all the debt was paid off and I was able to continue the bussiness . You see his partner in bussiness had died . Most people don't like their lawyer I love mine , it's been over 25 yrs ago that he became my lawyer and never once has he not given me my family members and Corporation the best advise ! Thank You , Timothy Knowling
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19 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
I recently contracted with Mr. Daly to perform business law and estate planning. As the owner of a growing dental practice, I asked him to incorporate my business, as well as develop an estate plan for my family's future needs. During all steps of the process I felt that Mr. Daly had my business, family, and personal goals at the forefront of his mind. Although, this process is often intimadating and overlooked, he made it in a word "simple". His professionalism and his ability to make complex legalise understandable was very reassuring as well. I would highly recommend Mr. Daly to anyone, who is seeking similar services or like me has procastinated the resolution of such important and neccessary legal issues far too long. Finally, his correspondence and follow-up during the process was always timely, as I was on a deadline to achieve my legal goals for the beginning of the calender year. In short, I was extremly satisfied with his legal dealings and would wholeheartedly refer him to anyone seeking legal services.
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02 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Even though I talked to this attorney on an initial phone consultation, I was impressed with his detailed oriented style, probing question and genuine caring to understand my situation and help. He was very knowledgeable and confident, yet was able to acknowledge areas that he was not specialized in, that came up during my case discussion. I know that if I decide to go through with a divorce, I will be contacting him to ask him to be my attorney. Impressive and much higher level of service than anticipated!
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16 Jan, 2019 by Laura
As trustee, I hired Tiffany to guide me and my siblings through the process of closing our mother's estate. Tiffany gave excellent advice and guidance throughout the process. Unfortunately, a sibling/beneficiary engaged a lawyer and I am very grateful Tiffany represented me. She is client focused, professional and all her advice was spot on. I highly recommend her to anyone negotiating the unknown terrain of an estate/trust.
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16 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Earlier this year, I learned that I had to pay several years of back child support. I only had a small amount of money to offer for both, my future attorney and the mother of my child. Having been in legal trouble before, I have had several experiences with attorneys. The first attorney that I spoke with about this issue used a song-and-dance that I heard before,"I can do this...if...if... then if....maybe...". The one thing that the first atorney was certain of was his price. His price was twice as much as I would end up spending, well beyond what I could afford and the money that my family would end up lending me to settle this issue. The second attorney that I spoke with was also named "Marcus". He wanted about half as much as the first attorney, but only had a couple of years experience. However, he was willing to offer payments. Being a person with very limited resources, I thought I would call him back. When I called "Marcus" back, I heard a different voice. The voice was soft spoken and very articulate. I thought I had the wrong number. As I would soon learn... I did have the wrong number. I had actually dialed the number of Marcus Lang, a Seattle, Washington attorney that has been handling personal injury, wills and family cases for more than 20 years. After admitting my mistake, Marcus was kind enough to listen to the details regarding my current situation and past history (he offers a free 30 minute consultation). He not only said he could help, but made me feel confident that he could help. Very importantly, he offered to handle the case for $500 less than the previous attorney named "Marcus" that I had called. I know $500 may not be alot to many of you, but to me, it could be the difference between being homeless or not. After a couple months of negotiating, Marcus was able to get the amount that I had owed down to a fraction of the original amount. After pleading with family members and friends, I was able to get a couple of loans to satisfy the settlement. Throughout the entire time, Marcus responded promptly to my emails and was very professionally. When my finances were exhausted at the end, he worked for next to nothing. Unlike ANY of the other attorneys that I have had reperesent me, Marcus Lang has been the only one to care about doing his job professionally and my welfare. If you need an attorney, Marcus is the best! Thank you, Marcus.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Bruce
Michelle has represented me over the last year, and made the process of become my mother's guardian very smooth. Michelle always kept me aware of the next steps, and there were no surprises. I am 100% satisfied with her representation.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with estate planning?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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