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17 May, 2020 by Ari
I was introduced to Megaen through a colleague who had hired her for estate planning purposes and who'd highly recommended her.
Because estate planning involves very personal and emotional decisions, I wanted to make sure that my attorney wasn't just competent, but also empathetic and flexible to my and my family's specific needs. On my first call with Megaen, it was clear that I'd found someone who met all of my requirements and more.
Throughout the planning process, 3 things distinguished Megaen:
1. Megan clearly understands all the intricacies of estate law, but just as importantly, she explains things in a way that laypeople can understand. This is a huge help, particularly with something as important and nuanced as estate planning. As a husband and a parent, I want to make sure I understand all my options and exactly what I'm signing - Megaen always responded quickly to my requests and questions, and took all the time needed to explain everything in a way that gave me confidence in my decisions.
2. Megaen has what I consider to be a pretty remarkable memory. Throughout the planning process, each time we'd chat, it was as though no time had passed. Megaen remembered all the details of everything we'd discussed in prior meetings, even when I'd already forgotten some of them. Again, this gave me confidence in working with Megaen.
3. Megaen not only exudes great professionalism in all her interactions, but she's also very personable. This distinguishes her from other attorneys I've worked with over the years, and I believe it's one of the most important characteristics to look for in an estate planning attorney. In all my interactions, I felt as though Megaen was approaching the planning process with the same level of empathy and care that I'd get from a family member or close friend. In combination with the points above, this established Megaen as a trusted advisor to me and my family, and I'm very grateful for that.
Just as Megaen came highly recommended to me, I highly recommend her to anyone interested in planning for their estate.
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20 Dec, 2018 by Amy
I came to Megaen for help handling my late aunt’s estate/probate. Megaen was willing to take on my case when others wouldn’t. I didn’t have the resources to pay up front so others refused to help me. For this reason, messy family issues I was dealing with regarding the estate, and the fact that I lived in southwest Idaho and my aunt’s estate was in Spokane, I was extremely stressed and overwhelmed when I came to Megaen. Megaen helped ease that and guide me through the messiness. In addition to the standard probate process she had to deal with senior abuse, financial abuse, family issues, theft & fraud, major financial mistakes made by a bank and their, etc, etc, etc. She handled all of this smoothly, efficiently, and very professionally. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. No words can truly capture how thankful I am for her and all that she did. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. If you need someone that can handle a probate case, and all of the various issues that may come with it, professionally, effectively, smoothly and with compassion, Megaen is the person for you. I VERY highly recommend her to anyone needing help like this!
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04 May, 2018 by Anonymous
We retained Megaen Childress to assist us in separating from a family owned LLC without losing what legally belonged to us. The legal system is very complicated for a lay person and Megaen was able to answer a million questions and represent us through mediation and litigation successfully. She was very responsive to us and occasionally called back even on the week-ends when we were in need of immediate advice. Our situation was both contentious and complicated and not once did Megaen lose her cool, even in the face of threats. We were very satisfied with Megaen's representation and would use her services again if there was a need.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Robert czokajlo
Schwab Law went above and beyond to help me rectify my case. They were friendly, responsive, and helped explain everything down to the last detail. I have never had a more finer set of attorneys.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Cathy eidinger
Drake is a great lawyer! From start to finish, he has been very responsive and had wonderful strategies for my hearing. Would definitely recommend his services.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Leebob lepper
Great people at Schwab law. Kept me very
Informed. Was very active in my case and was able to reduce my charges! Really enjoyed working with them!
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12 Jul, 2024 by David grant
Jerry is the best at what he does I had been lucky enough to have him help me more than once he does his job and does it very well!
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02 Oct, 2023 by Mike koczor
Great concert 4!!!
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22 Jul, 2022 by Lori calvert
Attorneys did not even ask about his will as my brother had it done to add myself as his beneficiary of any of his payouts from his benefits from his laborers union. Now have to go through another attorney to file for what should have been done through them . My brother passed away on the 21st of June, and recieved a letter to our mother, saying he was no longer representing him. Pretty cold, now I see he was just making a living off of my brother's disability for years. Now he just made it cut n dry he was done. What a racket. Lori Calvert
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22 Jan, 2025 by Nelson
One of the hardest things to go through. Like many others, this decision wasn't easy but Jason and his team made the whole process simple. Great communication and guidance. Would highly recommend to anyone!
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11 Jan, 2025 by Mark benjamin
Thank you so much for your profession , you are really helpful 🙏
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11 Jan, 2025 by Donald brock
My sister recommended Jason Couey to help us navigate the bankruptcy, and a great job he has done. Was always available, mostly through email, but calls were always available and he is very professional and personable. Will chat at both the personal as well as legalese with you to help you understand what is needed. The best part of the experience has been how he kept things orderly and easy to understand.
I highly recommend him.
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12 Jul, 2024 by David grant
Jerry is the best at what he does I had been lucky enough to have him help me more than once he does his job and does it very well!
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02 Oct, 2023 by Mike koczor
Great concert 4!!!
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22 Jul, 2022 by Lori calvert
Attorneys did not even ask about his will as my brother had it done to add myself as his beneficiary of any of his payouts from his benefits from his laborers union. Now have to go through another attorney to file for what should have been done through them . My brother passed away on the 21st of June, and recieved a letter to our mother, saying he was no longer representing him. Pretty cold, now I see he was just making a living off of my brother's disability for years. Now he just made it cut n dry he was done. What a racket. Lori Calvert
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04 Jul, 2024 by Tinacole01
You can not find a more honest and caring attorney anywhere. She truly cares and will not treat you like she is superior , she takes time to listen and will take what you say to heart! This country could use more attorney's like Mari everywhere.
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08 Sep, 2022 by Deborah
I contacted Mari Luna after my mother-in-law passed away. Family members were coming out of the woodwork demanding assets. It was a very stressful time. During our initial phone conversation with Mari she took time to listen and thoroughly understand our situation. She checked in with my father-in-law to confirm his wishes concerning the distribution of his assets. Mari has a very calming professional demeanor. She made suggestions and recommended a plan moving forward. Since my father-in-law is a paraplegic she went so far to offer to drive to his home to accommodate signing paperwork. I am glad we called Mari Luna and have felt that we were in very capable and caring hands with her as our advisor. I highly recommend this attorney.
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13 Jun, 2021 by Elizabeth
We needed to divorce, but we also really needed to save money if possible. We wanted to do it ourselves, but the paperwork was just too overwhelming. It was hard to know where to start.
Mari gave us a free consultation and explained the divorce process to us. Then, we booked an appointment and got started. She worked with us to mediate a fair parenting plan that worked for us & our kids, determine reasonable child support, and then mediated with us to divide all of our property. We agreed to everything, and in the end, it seemed very fair to both of us.
We tried to fill out some of the forms; then, Mari reviewed them, made changes if needed, & completed them for us. She told us how to file the Petition at the courthouse ourselves and then appear for the Status Conference to give all the paperwork to the judge so he could approve everything and make our divorce final.
When we compared our experience with some of our friends, we were happy to report we finished our entire divorce for much, much less than any of our friends paid. Also, Mari kept emphasizing how important it was for our kids to know how much we both loved them and that they weren't responsible for our divorce in any way.
My husband and I were able to negotiate everything reasonably & still remain on cordial terms during the process. Now that some time has passed, it's easy to see how much this matters to our kids and us. All things considered, we're all doing really well!
My ex and I agree that hiring Mari to mediate the issues in our divorce was a great decision. Highly recommended!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Patricia kowal
Emily Wilson became a total fit for my husband and me to complete our estate planning. She explained things clearly, was sensitive to our needs and her professionalism stellar. We also appreciated a flat fee for completing our documents and time spent with her in person and over the phone. No hidden fees. Grateful to have found her. Thank you, Emily.
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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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16 Jan, 2025 by Patricia kowal
Emily Wilson became a total fit for my husband and me to complete our estate planning. She explained things clearly, was sensitive to our needs and her professionalism stellar. We also appreciated a flat fee for completing our documents and time spent with her in person and over the phone. No hidden fees. Grateful to have found her. Thank you, Emily.
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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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05 May, 2011 by Alisa
Sharon has competence, insight, and experience that made her an invaluable asset to us in our efforts to adopt our foster daughter. She knows child welfare laws in our state thoroughly and was able to point out the discrepancies within the actions of those who were opposing the adoption proceedings. She also has the respect of the court - which goes a very long way. In fact, today, as I am writing this review, she will be getting ready to attend the adoption of our friends' daughter as well!
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29 May, 2020 by Dee dee
Harvest Timber a selective logging Co. was audited by the IRS, & not like we assumed; they can audit you back 3 years. Their law is they can audit you back 3 years, from any date they choose, in the time frame you have been in business, in our case was 1981-1983.This was all the agent took our check book ledger, then recorded every check with a first & last name, not a business name ,, as a employee. Long story made short according to the IRS we owed 325K w/out penalties. We had to prove every employee, & sub-contractor pd their taxes, which they already had that documentation, but stated they do not have to release the information to we the defendants. There were many names we were note able to locate to get their Income tax return forms, for it was 30 yrs ago. Those people we had no proof on but new the paid their taxes because they cashed their return checks at the bar we also owned, but IRS wanted us to pay their taxes again.
Well they got fooled, Bob raked them over the coal, & always said, don't be scared let them know you know your rights, & their history as a illegal co. operating out of Cuba, so it is hard to sue a foreign CO. or Agent. (That work w/ the phony Central Bank (also Illegal) & the Rothschild's. we ended up owing 10K, less than it cost the IRS in attorney fees.
Thank You so much Bob, You are not only a great Attorney, your a good friend.
I recommend higher than any attorney we ever had.
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12 Sep, 2012 by Benjamin
I had retained Mr. Knapton to do estate planning for my wife and I. He was very thorough, knowledgeable and honest. What stood out was Mr. Knapton giving me some choices and ideas that we were able to put together an exciting forward looking plan.
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22 Jan, 2015 by John
We recently used the services of Richard W Perednia to complete a real estate sale transaction. (We purchased the property next to us.) There were several complications in the process and Mr. Perednia worked patiently to resolve each one, using the simplest and most practical solutions in each case. We are very satisfied with his service and highly recommend him! We also used his services in prior years with similar satisfactory results.
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29 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
Linn is an extremely honest and trustworthy lawyer. He has helped my family in many ways over the years and has never let us down. He is flexible and helpful.
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11 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Brad helped us with our estate planning including preparation of Life Insurance Trusts. He was very informative and helpful. He helped us consider our options and listened to our needs, and his work was timely and professional. I would recommend his services to anyone.
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25 Mar, 2013 by Lorine
Mr. Briggs guided me through a divorce in a timely and respectful way that allowed my ex and I to mutually settle everything regarding our divorce without a long and expensive court battle. As a result of Mr. Brigg's work and advice, my ex and I are friends and share a mutual respect for one another. Mr. Briggs made a very stressful situation manageable.
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01 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
I've used Mr. Glanzer several times for contract work and he always does a great job!
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15 Aug, 2012 by Karen
We had a very difficult real estate transaction involving 19 heirs. David Carlson found a very old reference in the Washington statutes that had never been taken all the way to court and managed to secure a good outcome for us as buyers and the 17 heirs wanting to sell the property over the objections of the 2 unwilling heirs. Apparently this was recognized as one of the most difficult real estate transactions to occur in Washington state.
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05 Jul, 2014 by Tonya
We had to go up against the government for a sexual harassment issue and Dianne was recommended to me by my neighbor. Oh em gee!!! She ROCKED my case! We did settle out of court and Ms. Rudman got everything we asked for and more. She was amazing, well prepared, smart, awesome....I just can't putdown enough words to describe how much I appreciate her. Thank you Dianne!!!!
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16 May, 2024 by Alexandria james
I wish their website was better and more informational other that that so far my experience with them has been good
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20 Dec, 2023 by Tana oliver
Ms. Levy is everything you want for an attorney and more. She is exactly who you want to represent you in a legal matter. She is professional, precise and has patience to listen to her client. She brought a positive resolution to my real estate matter after a contractor erroneously filed an improper lien on my property. I have already referred her to an associate looking for estate planning help. The Levy Law Firm website describes their services accurately: Experienced Trusted Dedicated. Exceptional attorney.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Brian green
Best around hands down!!
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06 Oct, 2023 by Randy potter
06 Dec, 2021 by Johnathan bowers
I would highly recommend their services for anything to do with estate planning, trusts, wills, etc. They were professional, courteous, and very easy to work with. They were speedy and timely in all aspects. The entire staff did a fantastic job. I would highly recommend!
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16 Feb, 2021 by Josh soehner
13 Aug, 2020 by Craig keeton
27 Dec, 2024 by A d
Gravis Law Firm was professional and friendly in putting together our affairs. We appreciate that they had a package price so that we would be able to plan accordingly and finish the process.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Caleb stapp
Jonas Hemenway has been a go-to attorney for me to send my clients to for several years. I appreciate his down-to-earth communication style, sense of humor, and diligence on behalf of my clients.
Last year, a client I had sent to Jonas got back to me with a review: not only was the client very pleased, but the client had already sent in two different family members to get their estate plans updated!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Krystal harras
I used them twice once for bankruptcy and once for child custody and both times at great communication and great service couldn’t be more happy
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18 Feb, 2024 by Rob schoenberger
Great local attorney! His team was very helpful. We had our completed POA's completed very quickly. Will definitely use this group again.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Shannon francis
Easy, reasonable and has all you need!!
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18 Dec, 2023 by Joe l
27 Dec, 2024 by A d
Gravis Law Firm was professional and friendly in putting together our affairs. We appreciate that they had a package price so that we would be able to plan accordingly and finish the process.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Caleb stapp
Jonas Hemenway has been a go-to attorney for me to send my clients to for several years. I appreciate his down-to-earth communication style, sense of humor, and diligence on behalf of my clients.
Last year, a client I had sent to Jonas got back to me with a review: not only was the client very pleased, but the client had already sent in two different family members to get their estate plans updated!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Krystal harras
I used them twice once for bankruptcy and once for child custody and both times at great communication and great service couldn’t be more happy
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22 Oct, 2024 by Don dorris
07 Oct, 2024 by D k
ELG law firm recently did my and my husband’s wills/trusts and we could not be more pleased with the quality of the work that was done for us. All our (many) questions were answered, and the very complicated topic was made as clear as possible for us. We are confident that the legal documents that were created for our unique family situation are personalized and that there are no loose ends. ELG truly understands what is needed to make a difficult process as smooth and understandable as possible for potential heirs, which is a priority for us. Two of our adult children have disabilities and extra care is needed when planning for them. It’s also a relief to know that should anything happen to my husband and myself, our children can seek legal guidance from ELG. Working with ELG truly exceeded our expectations and I recommend them without reservation to anyone who needs wills/trusts or related long term planning and guidance. The care we take in our planning now will ensure our heirs will benefit as we intend and hope for them to do.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Ken b
22 Jan, 2025 by Tory w
Lisa is an amazing lawyer! Knows her stuff in and out. Super friendly and easy to work with as well. Thank you so much for all your help Lisa!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Valerie beaver
My father and his wife did their trust through Richard Perednia. I have been working to finalize his estate. I fedexed all documents and was told it would be a week and a half until he could get to it. Called today and he told me 2 additional weeks at least. When I stated he told he 1.5 weeks 2 weeks ago, he stated I'm swamped, you can pay an accountant to do this and I can send everything back. If you can't handle your business, perhaps you should retire.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Rachel bachman
Richard and Jessica are amazing. I worked alongside them to close a real estate transaction. They were both very responsive, detailed, and professional. Richard met our buyer to sign loan documents on a Sunday to accommodate his schedule as a wildland firefighter who had very little time during the summer. He also took time to explain each document, which is not always common unfortunately. They displayed excellent team work and genuine care for their clients. Thank you for your great service!
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17 Sep, 2023 by Paul long
I worked with Becki and her team to close a business transaction for a mutual customer. Becki did a great job closing a not so easy deal. I would absolutly recomend them. Great job McNeice Wheeler!
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14 Jun, 2023 by Karsten chart
24 Jan, 2023 by Hj johnny
07 Feb, 2025 by Bryan millwe
LnI’s worst nightmare is your success! If you’re tired of being taken advantage of by LnI and there uncouth practices; trying to line their pockets and take advantage of you, despite all your money paid in to the program then you need the absolute best representation you can get. Not only did Nick Pontaralo and his team set LnI straight on numerous occasions I even received apologies from them.”Booo Yay LnI”! Going with any other firm is literally shooting yourself in the foot, cutting off your nose despite your face don’t do it. Give these guys a call. They’re absolutely, Undisputedly the best.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Nancy harrison
I injured both of my arms right and left. Falling downstairs doing in home care. On the day of my mediation halfway through, my attorney admitted, he got me confused with another lady in Harrison Idaho, my last name is Harrison. As I wanted to hold out , while the mediator joked and made light of work injuries, I am right handed.My right arm doesn't work correctly, I did a lot of work in my church. I am a homemaker. I take a lot of pride in my home being a place of comfort and inviting to people, I used to bake and feed people, and so the job that I had for wages, wasn't my main job, even though I didn't bring home a salary for it. My" job" was taking care of my home and my church and my husband and serving god with my two hands. The thing I did to make money injured me, because the lady I was working for didn't let me know that her staircase ,in the spring would move when the basement flooded. It moved.I fell, I hurt my right elbow and my left wrist, and now all the things I used to do to serve God and others I cannot do any longer. None of this meant anything to my attorney at the mediation. As I kept holding out because I didn't know how I would end up the rest of my life with these 2 injuries he kept telling me dead. There was gonna be so security disability. There was gonna be a medical fund. And so this was just the first part of the mediation for my injury. I even thought I would just go to court because I thought my case was so different than so many other people At that point, my attorney didn't want to go to court. It was obvious He was not wanting to go to court to represent me, who I am. He told me scary things about, if the judge was in a bad mood, I would lose everything. He, and I am ashamed to say, my husband, with pressure from the "mediator " talked me onto taking an offer, which I knew, would not compensate me for paying people to do for me, what I had always done for myself. Gardening, lawn care, house work, cleaning the church, changing my own oil, recently I paid Ford $600.00 for changing plugs and oil in my truck. This I used to do at a fraction of the cost. But none of this was considered, I was a part time worker to them all. After that nightmare, the medical portion was to be settled, that's when I found out, I didn't have enough "points" for SSI disability, so any leverage from SSI to keep SIF accountable did not exist. My Attorney told me the day of mediation , SSI would cause pressure for SIF to cover me medically...NOT. He was incorrect and when I , out of concer, asked him if he was doing okay, he had made a few errors in my doctors name and other odd statements which didn't pertain to me, he accused me of questioning his integrity and told me I could get a different Attorney. By then I was hurting, depressed and totally vulnerable and my attorney, the one person who supposedly knows the ins and outs of the system, chewed me out and threatened me that I could "go it alone" if I thought I could do better. I couldn't make any decisions, I was so down. I didn't think the Attorney was going to take part of the medical bank. I thought he got paid for working the entire case from my mediation, so I didn't think I could pay up front for another attorney, just another thing I misunderstood when my attorney told me the medical is put in the bank, in my name and I had comple control over it. I was told it is a new way SIF and all other workers comp. In Idaho are now doing things, rather than keep a claim open for treatment. I am not pleased at all. My best intrest was not even considered. All because in the beginning my Attorney didn't ever find out and set in his mind, who I am.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Cass & wendy
Nick Pontarolo, and the rest of the staff at this office were thorough and proffesional and did a great job on educating us on the whole process. Thank you for the help you gave us in dealing with the state.
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Patricia kowal
Emily Wilson became a total fit for my husband and me to complete our estate planning. She explained things clearly, was sensitive to our needs and her professionalism stellar. We also appreciated a flat fee for completing our documents and time spent with her in person and over the phone. No hidden fees. Grateful to have found her. Thank you, Emily.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
07 Feb, 2025 by Bryan millwe
LnI’s worst nightmare is your success! If you’re tired of being taken advantage of by LnI and there uncouth practices; trying to line their pockets and take advantage of you, despite all your money paid in to the program then you need the absolute best representation you can get. Not only did Nick Pontaralo and his team set LnI straight on numerous occasions I even received apologies from them.”Booo Yay LnI”! Going with any other firm is literally shooting yourself in the foot, cutting off your nose despite your face don’t do it. Give these guys a call. They’re absolutely, Undisputedly the best.
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Nancy harrison
I injured both of my arms right and left. Falling downstairs doing in home care. On the day of my mediation halfway through, my attorney admitted, he got me confused with another lady in Harrison Idaho, my last name is Harrison. As I wanted to hold out , while the mediator joked and made light of work injuries, I am right handed.My right arm doesn't work correctly, I did a lot of work in my church. I am a homemaker. I take a lot of pride in my home being a place of comfort and inviting to people, I used to bake and feed people, and so the job that I had for wages, wasn't my main job, even though I didn't bring home a salary for it. My" job" was taking care of my home and my church and my husband and serving god with my two hands. The thing I did to make money injured me, because the lady I was working for didn't let me know that her staircase ,in the spring would move when the basement flooded. It moved.I fell, I hurt my right elbow and my left wrist, and now all the things I used to do to serve God and others I cannot do any longer. None of this meant anything to my attorney at the mediation. As I kept holding out because I didn't know how I would end up the rest of my life with these 2 injuries he kept telling me dead. There was gonna be so security disability. There was gonna be a medical fund. And so this was just the first part of the mediation for my injury. I even thought I would just go to court because I thought my case was so different than so many other people At that point, my attorney didn't want to go to court. It was obvious He was not wanting to go to court to represent me, who I am. He told me scary things about, if the judge was in a bad mood, I would lose everything. He, and I am ashamed to say, my husband, with pressure from the "mediator " talked me onto taking an offer, which I knew, would not compensate me for paying people to do for me, what I had always done for myself. Gardening, lawn care, house work, cleaning the church, changing my own oil, recently I paid Ford $600.00 for changing plugs and oil in my truck. This I used to do at a fraction of the cost. But none of this was considered, I was a part time worker to them all. After that nightmare, the medical portion was to be settled, that's when I found out, I didn't have enough "points" for SSI disability, so any leverage from SSI to keep SIF accountable did not exist. My Attorney told me the day of mediation , SSI would cause pressure for SIF to cover me medically...NOT. He was incorrect and when I , out of concer, asked him if he was doing okay, he had made a few errors in my doctors name and other odd statements which didn't pertain to me, he accused me of questioning his integrity and told me I could get a different Attorney. By then I was hurting, depressed and totally vulnerable and my attorney, the one person who supposedly knows the ins and outs of the system, chewed me out and threatened me that I could "go it alone" if I thought I could do better. I couldn't make any decisions, I was so down. I didn't think the Attorney was going to take part of the medical bank. I thought he got paid for working the entire case from my mediation, so I didn't think I could pay up front for another attorney, just another thing I misunderstood when my attorney told me the medical is put in the bank, in my name and I had comple control over it. I was told it is a new way SIF and all other workers comp. In Idaho are now doing things, rather than keep a claim open for treatment. I am not pleased at all. My best intrest was not even considered. All because in the beginning my Attorney didn't ever find out and set in his mind, who I am.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Cass & wendy
Nick Pontarolo, and the rest of the staff at this office were thorough and proffesional and did a great job on educating us on the whole process. Thank you for the help you gave us in dealing with the state.
Read more
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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.
