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26 Jul, 2024 by George minehart
The best attorneys, you can ask for, they are all so very professional and knowledgeable and amazing people. If you need any help call them you won’t regret it.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Aaron schwartz
18 Sep, 2023 by Diana roireau
Very professional team. Very knowledgeable in many areas of civil litigation. Highly recommend.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Cary
I was referred to Mr Adams by another attorney due to his expertise in juvenile court proceedings. Jeff was always professional and guided me through a unpleasant experience. He was always calm, responsive, and resourceful.. which helped calm the situation. I can easily recommend.
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30 Sep, 2019 by Thankfulclient
Jeff helped represent me in a auto accident case. I was rear ended. Jeff did a thorough job informing me of all my rights and working with the insurance company. He did all of the coordination and phone calls with insurance which took a huge weight off my shoulders.
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01 Sep, 2019 by Happyclient
My family hired Jeff Adams to help my grandmother with a recent DUI. This was an unusual incident due to a medical issue. We asked Jeff to please help her rid this of her clean record and to help protect her. With an agreement, my grandmother gave up her license and her DUI was dropped. This was the best outcome we could have asked for.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Stevie
We were looking for an attorney to help with an adoption. I found Mark on Google and gave him a call. I can say I do not regret it. They were so nice, responded fast, they were caring, on top of things, and they made the process stress free which was amazing. I would highly recommend them.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Deanna
The adult adoption process with Mark and Sarah (paralegal) was very quick and efficient. They are very responsive to messages and thorough with instructions. The whole process was complete in just a couple of weeks. My daughter and I are thrilled. I can’t recommend them high enough.
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21 Dec, 2022 by Kristina
It was so easy working with Mark & his team on our relative adoption. All we did is sign a few things online & met him on day of finalization. They worked great with Washington Health & welfare, Price is unbeatable. Mark also made it fun for our whole family. Thanks again Mark & your fabulous assistants
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29 Jan, 2015 by Susan
Tamarae is very knowledgeable, respectful and pleasant to work with. She helped me out with any questions I had. Whenever I needed to talk to her she was always available or would call or write back in a very timely manner even on weekends. I strongly endorse Tamarae!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Whitney gamber
08 Jul, 2024 by Brian fish
My wife and I had been talking about getting our will done for years. This year was the year we got it done, and Tyler with McNeice Wheeler was fantastic. We scheduled a phone call with him due to COVID and was patient as we worked out the three way calling between my office, his office, and my wife at home. He gave a high level overview of the process and conversation we were going to have, then filled in some of the details, and then walked us through each step asking us questions about what we wanted and what our goals were. We had a less than typical case and he recognized that a traditional will was not the best option and helped us set up a trust. He asked lots of questions and allowed us to as well. It was a very collaborative process. He had the documents drafted and sent to us quickly. Due to an error on our end, we didn’t realize we had them for a few days, but when we realized it, we reviewed the drafts and were happily surprised at the small details included that we had never thought of. He was patient with our (mostly mine) several emails asking questions and requesting clarification and answering hypotheticals. Once we were satisfied, we scheduled a convenient time for us to go in and sign. They had everything ready and laid out in the conference room with the necessary witnesses and notary (all socially distanced of course!) and made it super easy to pop in, sign, and continue with the rest of our errands that day. If you need your estate planning done, or any legal support, McNeice Wheeler deserves your attention.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Steve bagdon
I have used Andy Wetzel to review multiple contracts and his interpretations have been extremely detailed and concise. He is incredibly responsive and makes himself readily available when I reach out. His knowledge and attention to detail makes him an invaluable asset to have at your side.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Karrin jordan
Exemplary legal services. I have had McNeice Wheeler complete a family member's will and also create a Power of Attorney for an ill family member. They have an excellent team of attorneys and support staff.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian fish
My wife and I had been talking about getting our will done for years. This year was the year we got it done, and Tyler with McNeice Wheeler was fantastic. We scheduled a phone call with him due to COVID and was patient as we worked out the three way calling between my office, his office, and my wife at home. He gave a high level overview of the process and conversation we were going to have, then filled in some of the details, and then walked us through each step asking us questions about what we wanted and what our goals were. We had a less than typical case and he recognized that a traditional will was not the best option and helped us set up a trust. He asked lots of questions and allowed us to as well. It was a very collaborative process. He had the documents drafted and sent to us quickly. Due to an error on our end, we didn’t realize we had them for a few days, but when we realized it, we reviewed the drafts and were happily surprised at the small details included that we had never thought of. He was patient with our (mostly mine) several emails asking questions and requesting clarification and answering hypotheticals. Once we were satisfied, we scheduled a convenient time for us to go in and sign. They had everything ready and laid out in the conference room with the necessary witnesses and notary (all socially distanced of course!) and made it super easy to pop in, sign, and continue with the rest of our errands that day. If you need your estate planning done, or any legal support, McNeice Wheeler deserves your attention.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Whitney gamber
29 May, 2024 by Sally miller
We would recommend Josh Grewe to anyone seeking estate planning. He is an exceptional communicator, able to explain legal issues and options in clear and understandable terms. His level of expertise and personal attention makes him a standout attorney in our area.
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25 Aug, 2017 by Jackie
Jeanne is one of the most honest, reliable, hardworking, knowledgeable and very personable attorneys I have dealt with. Jeanne proved to be the most integral attorney I have ever met. In our dealings with other local attorneys, Jeanne is by far one of the most decent human beings in her field.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Lori calvert
Not helpful
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16 Jun, 2023 by Jessica bachman
Bob did an amazing job representing my friend and guiding him through a stressful time. Thank you Bob Sargent!
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16 Jun, 2023 by Michael pineda
Bob did an awesome job representing me. He is very skilled & knowledgeable with what he does. He was very understanding and personable. Most affordable attorney in town. 10/10 recommend!!
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Glenn patiently explains the law and gives sound legal advice, while also considering the costs and ethically billing for his time. Every divorce has different details to work out-some more difficult than others-so Glenn's experience and attention to detail were valuable to me. I would recommend hiring Glenn.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was provided with very useful information that helped in my situation greatly. I feel way more confident in my standing now and that boost to my morale alone has pivotal even in a short period of time. My deepest gratitude because this advice was done as volunteered time by Mr. Tanner.
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28 Aug, 2020 by Jj
I really appreciate the help received from Mr. Tanner and his assistant Kailee. Understanding and not pushy at all, professional and prompt response. The rate is very reasonable too.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Tanya keeble
I cannot say enough good things about working with Kathy Pauktert. She represented me in a State Farm car accident case, that went on for 6 years and was quite stressful. Every step of the way, I really felt that she was representing me fully, with no evidence of influence because it was a State Farm case, and she gave me excellent guidance but ensured that I made my own choices regarding next steps. She communicates very promptly, is kind, and gives an extremely persnalised experience. Her expertise was evident and I would recommend her (and do!) to folks going through similar cases. Knowing how competant she is, I would use this group for any case that they have expertise in.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Nikolai jones
I have never had a better experience with a law firm than the experience I had with Gilbert Law. They kept me updated on the process and the direction we were going every step of the way. They also fought hard to make sure I was covered in my recovery.
There experience and compassion was evident every step of the way.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Ian maye
Terry took the time to walk me through some legal options. The outcome was not what I had hoped for. Still Terry saved me money and time with the advice he shared. I feel confident in my path forward now.
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17 May, 2018 by K
Steven Anderson was recommended to me and I am so very appreciative of the genuine care and professionalism he showed to me.
He and his assistant went above and beyond and I am so very thankful he was my lawyer.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Howdie. I wanted to tell you that we had a wonderful experience with Mr Anderson. He is very knowledgable and helpful. He answered all of our questions, and I mean all of the questions. We had so many, I did not think we would get answers to all, and yet we did. He has helped us out tramendously. I would recommend him. He made us feel that we were important and that we mattered. What a wonderful person in general. He cared about what we had to say and answered our endless question. Thank you.
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08 Jan, 2015 by Jeff & linda
Steve was recommended to us from a family real estate professional in the Spokane area. We found Steve to be efficient and highly effective in resolving our issue while cognizant of the economics involved. Our matter settled out of court with full receipt of our expected recovery in just a matter of a few weeks. We would highly recommend Steve to anyone seeking sound legal and financially reasonable advice.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Ryan and sanoma
We respect mr. Green very much for his honesty and hard work. He will not tell you something just because he thinks you want to hear it, He will speak, facts, law and truths. We highly recommend..
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19 Jul, 2019 by Tamara
I hired Alan when I started a civil case myself. I thought I could do it but I got stuck and didn’t know what to do next. Alan took my case and got me the judgement I needed. Took a ton of stress off me. He is excellent at his job and keeps you up to date! I would highly recommend Alan to anyone who needs results!
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14 Dec, 2018 by Richard
Needed help from an attorney to deal with a Contractor who was ignoring my requests to deal with damage caused by their work on my home. Mr Green was knowledgeable, proactive and communication during the process was first-rate. Mr Green is not the type of attorney who will take your retainer and disappear behind his staff and not communicate. Very happy with Mr Green. Would recommend to any one and would use again.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Ruby
When I came to Steven Schneider's office I was afraid of what was happening to me. In a short time, he took care of my problem. I was very satisfied with the outcome. Thanks, Mr. Schneider
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22 Oct, 2014 by Penny
our bankruptcy was handled so well and so quickly that I couldn't believe it was over! I would heartily recommend him to anyone, especially if they are nervous about the proceeding.
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21 Oct, 2014 by Kathryn
Mr. Schneider was very kind and made me feel a lot better about my situation. It was easy to get an appointment and my issue was taken care of quickly. He made everything understandable and I felt much more in control of my life.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Nicholas
Patrick Haywood was a pleasure to work with. He put forth tremendous effort on my case and reached a favorable settlement on our behalf! I would recommend him to anyone who is nervous about the legal process. His communication is exceptional and he is invested to his clients. I could not thank him enough for his hard work he put forth for my family!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Debbie
Pat was a wonderful person to work with Kind, Caring, Professional and Great with details! Will work with him again!! Thank You!!
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09 Mar, 2017 by Wendi
Imagine my shock after a one small accident landed me in the midst of a substantial lawsuit. I had no experience with anything of the kind when I was served with papers. Scared, stressed, alone and ignorant of any means to help myself out of the situation. I knew I needed help and I got it with Mr. Harwood. From our first phone call my fears were put to rest. He was knowledgeable about the law and more importantly, my own personal case. I am a single mom and cannot express the gratitude I felt after talking to Mr. Harwood. I had someone on my side who cared about helping me. He cared that I was scared and listened to all my concerns and addressing each one. He was honest with me about the factors in my case even when they weren't beneficial to my side of the case. He allowed me to see exactly how the land lay and how we were going to go about defending it. He was very thorough about sending me all the necessary documents I needed to stay informed and up to date. I wasn't just dealing with secretaries and paralegals, I talked to him personally and at length several times. He also assured me numerous times that I could call at any time for any reason. To put it plainly, he had my back and showed genuine concern for me. He made me feel like I was an important client to him but maybe that is how all his clients feel. Either way it's a good thing! I would highly recommend Pat Harwood to anyone who is lost and alone in a sea of legal jiggery-pokery. He will help you find your way back to shore!
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09 Jun, 2022 by Troy
Having a blended family, we needed as simple a solution as possible (for our will) to complex financial scenarios. Lisa listened and provided extremely sound advice that took into account our needs, and goals while protecting each other and our children. I am grateful for her ability to give us guidance and not try to saddle us with a one size fits all solution.
I am sure she could provide a simple will if you needed, but i will sleep better knowing that Lisa had my best interests at heart.
Lisa is also the winner if the 2022 Washington State Bar HERO award for her service to the community and this means a lot.
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13 Oct, 2015 by Mike
I have had limited need for a lawyer but when I did I was fortunate enough to get Lisa. Her professionalism and friendly way of handling my particular issue gave me confidence that the law profession is not so bad after all. She listens and advises, I never felt she was dictating what must be done. She made me feel like a friend and not just a client. Working with her made a difficult time more comfortable. I will definitely use her in the future for legal needs that might arise as I feel she truly cares.
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15 Apr, 2013 by Shannon
Lisa and her staff completed services for me quickly, kept me well informed, and were very professional.
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01 Dec, 2021 by James
Megan and her team expertly guided my wife and me through the process of establishing our Living Trust. Her patience and excellent communication kept us informed and comfortable throughout the entire experience. We are very pleased with the service Megan and her team provided us.
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01 Jul, 2021 by Sigrid
We finally got our "affairs in order" (something we've been avoiding for some time).
Big thank you to Megan and her team, their professionalism, empathy and patience made this easier than expected.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Barry
Megan was very helpful and provided excellent service with my estate planning needs. She took the time to explain and in ensure that I understood the documents associated with my estate and answered any questions I had with the process. She offered suggestions that would be of benefit to me and my family.
I would recommend Megan to anyone interested in estate planning.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
She handled my mother's probate, and was caring, compassionate and very competent. She made a tough time less stressful for all of us. I recommend her highly.
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11 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Teresa stays focused and agressive in the court room. She is accommodating and easy to work with.
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22 Jul, 2021 by Jim
My wife and I had a hard time knowing where to start, but we knew we needed to get our will redone. I got referred to Mike and Moulton through a friend. I started by watching the webinar online and we met with Mike the next week. He was a very friendly guy and not what I was fearing in an attorney, but I had watched the webinar so I had some idea. He helped us put together our Living Trust and I just cannot say enough about the peace of mind that comes with knowing it was done right. I talked with a friend who recently went to a different elder law group and they charged three times as much and they didn't even get a trust. Start with Moulton, you won't be disappointed.
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17 Jan, 2014 by Cheryl
As I have no knowledge of trusts or how to go about the final affairs of my dad passing, my dad always told me to "just call the card in the front of the book and he will tell you what to do!" I will say I have had a lot of questions for Michael Gunning and he is very friendly, informative, and helpful with any question I have either called or emailed! I have been surprised at how swift he answers my emails and his amount of patience he has with explaining in detail how to handle each question or situation I have encountered! I am sure I will have more questions, but he puts me at ease with the knowledge he will take the time to help me through this difficult task! My dad loved him and trusted him with his final affairs and I now understand why!! Michael is a wonderful lawyer with a kindness that I would recommend to anyone who needs to set up a will or trust!
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21 Mar, 2021 by Dustin
The McNeice Wheeler team delivers. Working with Tyler Lloyd, our case was resolved completely and in a timely manner. He is professional, articulate, and an absolute pleasure to work with. They will be my first choice for all legal matters moving forward.
Note: I found McNeice Wheeler through my companies MetLife legal plan and highly recommend them to anyone else needing legal representation. Despite operating out of Spokane, they helped me resolve my legal issue in the Puget Sound area quickly and within the boundaries of my plan coverage.
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23 Feb, 2023 by Richard
Thor was fantastic he did everything he said he was going to do. He handled it professionally and I have no complaints if I ever needed him again I would never hesitate to call that law office.
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19 Sep, 2019 by Kris
John worked very hard on my case, and was always honest about the sentencing expectations. In the end he delivered the best possible outcome i could have hoped for with the charges i was facing.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Amy parola
was Evan my volunteer attorney for landlord tenant disagreement he helped me to get what I wanted. He's smart, fair and helped me to understand what my rights were. Enjoyed his energy and effective way. I will use him again.
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26 Oct, 2017 by Dominic adams
I have recently worked with Tyler, and it was a pleasure dealing with him. He was fast to respond, thorough and complete in his emails, and overall very very easy to work with. I would recommend Tyler to friends, and family members.
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04 May, 2021 by Melaia tutanekai
Ross is a stand up guy. Great advisement.
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20 Aug, 2020 by Tiffany foster
I would definitely recommend him to others he is very good at what he does .hes very awesome hes the best one i have ever had we were blown away how fast he is to jump into a case an fights good in court
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03 Jan, 2020 by Donna evans
Knowledgeable, personable, willing & able to explain & answer questions in layman’s terms and on top of all that a nice & good person!
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10 Dec, 2023 by Cda spine and brain
Extremely professional. Expert advice. No task to difficult. She gets it done!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Hayden hockett
Mr. Bristol helped me with a legal issue we were having with a client. He gave me the best advice he could at a reasonable price and even stayed longer then he needed to help us.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Savannah halsey
Zero stars. I don't know what makes him decide to do his job with clients but he definitely didn't do it with my wife and I. He emailed saying he failed at representing us after doing nothing but taking my money, Waist of 3000$. If you don't want to do your job every day then don't do this kind of work because your actions affects can ruin lives.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Joann waldo
Jamie represented me in a business boundary dispute. Jamie worked very hard and researched information about dispute. Jamie settled the problem without going to court. Jamie is very professional. I recommend Jamie as your attorney.
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25 Feb, 2024 by Margaret miller
A family member used this law practice- took over two years to close a very straightforward, simple will. The bill included charges for ‘case review’ - was this because the law firm hadn’t touched the case in over nine months? When my family member called about the status, she was was told she was interfering with the paralegal’s work and that it would take longer and she would have to pay for the phone call. I cannot in good conscience recommend this law practice.
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02 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Spencer went above and beyond to guide us in our title transfer. A very reliable attorney who is ethical and professional in his approach while being a bit flexible. Given his time is valuable, however he didn't hesitate to provide different angles of information for us to be able to think through. We are lucky to have had him represent us.
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27 Jan, 2023 by Glenwood villa
Me and my fiancée were in India and stuck with a situation of title transfer . Attorney Spencer Stromberg and Kelsey Rychalski have been super awesome, approachable and very patient in answering our questions & thorough. The firm is very reliable, professional and rightly priced. We are lucky to have come across this firm and attorney spencer . Anyone who needs a attorney representation need not look further.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Sir pesci
They are the top of the food chain.. they are worth every penny../dollars..
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19 Sep, 2024 by Hilbert baeza
Hmm. No real help
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kristi
With all the difficulty of a life change, once I hired Martin, my life was back on track and the process was resolved 7 months earlier than I expected. So impressed! Wouldn't go anywhere else!
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14 Aug, 2019 by Debra
The exceptional service and support we received from Matthew Luedke with Moulton Law Offices have spurred me to write and thank him for all he did for our family in settling our father’s estate. Matthew was unfailingly skilled and patient through what was a challenging time for us. He was available, knowledgeable and professional throughout the ups and downs of this new experience of being executor of an estate. No matter what the challenges along the way, and there were many, he navigated all of them on our behalf with outstanding expertise. We can’t thank him enough for his legal expertise, kindness, and guidance.
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27 Mar, 2019 by Monica
Our family has been working with Matthew Luedke of Moulton Law Offices for the past 5 plus years. He has assisted our family with a trust and all of the details with this trust. Matthew is always very patient answering all of our many questions over the years. We highly recommend his legal services.
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12 Mar, 2019 by Ross
Matthew has helped with elder issues for my mother spanning ten years. He set up a Living Trust, Irrevocable Trust, a VA pension, and helped with a Senior Discount for property taxes. His expertise has helped my mother's financial situation, and made my job of caring for her much easier.
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22 Nov, 2022 by Jenny
Spencer is very knowledgeable of the law, the judges ruling patterns, and HE CARES about the kids. He’s an aggressive attorney that will fight hard for what is right and he will not be afraid to call his clients out if they are being unreasonable. Spencer took on my case when nobody else would because it was a mess. When watching his first court hearing, I knew within 30 seconds we were going to win. He went in strong, had studied my case thoroughly going back 7 years. He remembered pertinent details and he represented my son in that court room that day. He did an incredible job.
Joanne, his right hand is just as incredible. She remembers details, she’s prompt to respond and overall just above and beyond professional.
I highly recommend this duo for high conflict custody situations. They will handle your case with care, integrity, and exceptional knowledge.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Michael
I hired Spencer after feeling pushed aside by two other previous lawyers. Spencer and Joann made me feel welcome and are always willing to communicate with me regarding my case. What I appreciated the most was the no nonsense approach that Spencer had in dealing with my divorce case. He laid it all out in plain black and white or without sugar coating the situation and I knew where I stood in my legal situation. I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for, and Spencer only confirms that belief. In situations like divorce that are unpleasant, choosing a lawyer that has your back, communicates, does not make you feel like you are on the back burner, and is honest about your case is what you need. I would make the choice to hire Mr. Harrington again, and I would recommend him to anyone who needs quality in their corner to support them.
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14 Feb, 2019 by John
I would highly recommend Mr. Harrington as a lawyer. I hired him to represent me in my divorce/custody battle and was very pleased with how he fought for me. He gave me very helpful advice and was always one step ahead of the other party. Mr. Harrington fought hard but still upheld integrity. I have had some dealings with other lawyers who have acted very shady and I had a sense that they just wanted to take my money. That was not the case with Mr. Harrington, he was straightforward and trustworthy. I really appreciated being able to call Joanne, his paralegal and ask questions at any time for a cheaper rate as well.
In the end, I got what I originally had asked for and my children are safe with me.
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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.
