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03 Jun, 2017 by Karen
Mr. Durkin is an excellent attorney. He cares about your concerns and his client He always answers and explains things you don't understand. He takes you case and you feel confident in his decisions and helps you, the client, to have a satisfied mind. John knows the law and if he has a concern he seeks answers. He stands firm with his decisions with his client being of his best interest. He always keeps you informed. John is the attorney you want sitting across from you to resolve your law issues. I highly recommend him .
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13 May, 2015 by Sekou
Mr. Durkin and his associates have been kind and very professional in the handling of my case. Not a stone has been left unturned in getting details that can help my case. Their efforts to keep me abreast of my case has shown that I am a priority and person that they care about.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Linda
One thing I like about John is that I don't remember him ever putting me off, he was always up front with me, and always there to answer my questions.
He's not just my lawyer, he's a good friend.
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16 Oct, 2018 by Cynthia
Cameron is amazing. I had a very sticky legal issue. I was looking to gain full custody of my daughter with very strict visitation due to her having special needs. His detailed parenting plan he drafted went above and beyond what I could have ever hoped for. He covered areas I didnt think or know to worry about. He is caring, friendly and very informed! He helped me to win my case and also reviewed my restraining order information. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Sharon
Cameron represented me in 2 separate cases. One was a complicated truck title issue. The other was a suit being filed against me regarding an injury at my home. In both cases, Cameron was great about communication. He kept me posted with updates on the case by phone calls and email. He was good about giving recommendations but made it clear that each decision made was completely up to me. I was happy with the outcome on both cases. I hope I don't need a lawyer again, but if I did, I would not hesitate to hire Cameron again.
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18 Nov, 2014 by Heidi
I wholeheartedly recommend the law firm of McGavick Graves. My gratitude to Henry Haas, who handled my family trust case and exceeded my most optimistic expectations. Also, huge thanks to the amazing Joyce Thomas. They really know their stuff!
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09 Dec, 2021 by Dan
Our law firm often brings on Mehrdad to assist our clients with tax issues and he always does an excellent job.
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18 Feb, 2016 by Denise mandlin
I personally spoke with 10-12 attorneys when I began my search for an attorney that could represent me in a family estate dispute. When I spoke with Mr. Rosenblum, I knew immediately that he was the one to handle my problem. Even before I hired him, he spent much time on the phone with me and also met with my husband and I in person at his office to get a better grasp of the problem at hand. Not once, did we feel rushed... We hired him, and the all through the process of the dispute, right up until the very last minute of the estate closing, he was right by our side...
His attention to detail is top notch and truly cares about his clients; not only now, but in their future. All the documents that he prepared for us were clear and concise and I feel fully protects us and our future, and leaves no room for question or error. While I was not sure about hiring a large law firm and getting "lost in the shuffle", nothing could be farther from the truth. Mr. Rosenblum and his staff made me feel like I was his only client. On top of all of this, he is extremely quick to respond to his clients; whether it be an e-mail at 1:00 am or answering a phone call from me, at his office, on the holidays. I always knew that I could get him on the phone if necessary, as problems arose. This was a great comfort at this incredibly stressful time.
The very confusing laws of probate do not phase him. He knows the law inside and out.
Thank you Mr. Rosenblum!!!!! :)
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18 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I had Darol help me with my business. I have a small business that is actually doing better than I ever expected. I was concerned about passing my business onto my family if I should die. He developed what he calls a "Business Owner Succession Plan". It was just great.
Darol is casual but very knowledgeable. I highly recommend him.
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26 Mar, 2012 by Linda
I was in a motor vehicle collision and Greg Able helped me all the way through. He returned my call typical in 3 to 4 hrs. but never more than 24. He got me the settlement I desrved. Mr. Able also did my will. I would recomend his service to anyone who wants a great lawyer. My parents are using him to settle a probate issue
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18 Jan, 2021 by Jordan
Haley, was so much more than just a lawyer to me. She quickly became someone I trusted, confided in and leaned on. The amount of care and passion she handled my case with, made it feel as if it was her own child at the heart of this case.
I originally hired her only to handle updating and changing a parenting plan that was out date and needed revision. Not only had my child (still) not seen their father in over 2 years, but there was a DVOP against him and other complications that made this mess. The DVOP was due to expire around the time I hired her, and I had made it clear I could handle that on my own as I had the last two years prior and I only needed her for the original request.... well... cue me calling her in tears, in the middle of the day a couple weeks later, having a panic attack because I needed more help than I thought handling the DVOP. As embarrassed as I was to be so upset, she handled me so well. She took in all the information she could, reassured me, consoled me, and grabbed the reigns from there. THAT DAY, she has documents written up stating she would be representing me to all parties. Her attention to detail was astounding. She combed over 100+ pages of documentation and had our statement ready within a week. Not only did she come with enough information to handle winning that case alone, but she found past cases similar to mine to reflect WHY it should go in our favor, and by a landslide we got the DVOP renewed. She was so professional yet aggressive when it came to defending me or pointing out holes in the information the other party presented, easily discrediting any slander or false statements.
When it came to editing/changing the parenting plan she really took the time to hear what I wanted and why I wanted it, and even (based on the DVOP case and how that was handled by the other party) provided ideas or things I hadn't even thought of to be better obtain our needs. She had seen first hand what I was dealing with in the other party and knew how to handle it with ease. She was diligent in chasing down the other party for things we needed, and never missed a beat when it came to keeping me up to date. She was honest when it came to the advise she gave, she told me when/if what I was hoping for was farfetched and also advised when I should be hoping for more. She was mindful of my financial situation as well, and really made sure to help there while still doing all she could. She wouldn't back down from something she knew was attainable even if it took presenting past cases, current situations or even going to court if through mediation we couldn't get what we needed to feel safe. Luckily in this case we were able to handle this through mediation, but if it was not for her fighting for me and my daughter I am not sure if it would be that simple. We came with a plan. An informed, well thought out, data supported plan that she wouldn't back down from to ensure we left feeling safe, confident and whole. She fought for me and my child like she was fighting for her own. She was upset when I was upset, she was happy when I was happy she was always there with me. Every step of the way.
Mediation was a little over 6 months ago and it was amazing that something that is usually a really heavy, long, painful event, feels like a shining moment in the case overall.
I cannot speak enough about Haley and all she has done for myself and my family. She is honest, hard working, LISTENS, cares about all aspects and really felt like a friend more than a lawyer. Her attention to details, honesty, straight forward communication and through process all just add to the already amazing lawyer that she is. She will forever be my go to when it comes to handling this situation. There truly are not enough words to convey how grateful I am for her. She is the BEST!
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20 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Mike has represented our family in two injury claims. In both cases he as kept us well informed and has been timely in his communication with us. In the major claim we pursued, Mike sought training in the short and long term effect of the injury. He further managed the necessary family matter of setting up the guardianship of our injured adult child. He also provided us the information we needed to make decisions about how to proceed on both cases. He is very ethical and professional. We have encountered several attorneys over the course of our lives and no one compares to the level of committment displayed by Mike.
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25 Jan, 2012 by Ari
Mr. Tuell was very helpful in giving advice on Estate Planning for my dad before he died, and in processing of the sale of his house. His timely advice saved me well over $100,000 that would have gone to the state. (The state sent a letter of intent to put a lean on my dad’s estate, but after seeing the paper work that had been done retracted that Intent- very cool!) I would strongly encourage my friends to seek Mr. Tuell out!
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27 Oct, 2024 by Kaleigh
My husband and I hired Ms. Ragin to draft a lease agreement for our rental property and had a great experience. We are very happy with the contract and appreciate Ms. Ragin’s timely and thorough responses to our questions. We will certainly hire her again if/when we need her services in the future.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Sean dansby
10 Oct, 2022 by Justin miller
21 Aug, 2024 by William
Thank you for representing me back in 1992.I was 20 years old and now 53.Thank you I hope all is well with you.
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20 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Andrew gave sound advice and was helpful during my consult, and steered me in the direction I needed to go in.
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21 Oct, 2014 by Woodardhouse
We are very grateful to have Andrew, Heather and Debra (Hay and Swann Law Firm) to work on our case. As stressful as it was to go through trial, it was very comforting to have them work with us. Thank you Andrew, for being so caring and so professional at the same time. If there will be need to have legal help for us or our friends we definitively know where to go.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Long distance is difficult, but Shad worked with us through our attorney here and was knowledgeable and helpful. We were surprised though that the rates were changed in the middle of the case without notification.
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16 Apr, 2019 by Rob
Shad handled my case with professional expertise beyond what I expected. He was communicative and clearly more focused on solving my situation than on racking up "billable hours". He was knowledgable, precise and responsive, easily handling every aspect of my case with discretion and aplomb. He met and exceeded my expectations, and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
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12 Apr, 2013 by Irene
I always had confidence in Shad. He was patient in explaining to me all of the options, and the pro's and con's and expenses, upfront. The outcome of the Will dispute exceeded our expectations, and happened quickly and painlessly. I live in another state, and most of our communication was by e-mail.
My nephew changed my brother's Will ten days before my brother died. He claimed it was my brother's wish, but my children and I were certain that my brother did not know what he was signing. My nephew was my brother's Executor, his Trustee, and also a Beneficiary. According to my brother's original Will, written by an attorney, our older brother and I were to each have half of the estate. On the event of our older brother's or my death, our 1/2 was to be divided among our own children. Our older brother had died , so my nephew and his sister were to have 1/2 of my brother's estate, and I was to have the other 1/2. My brother talked about this Will a lot, to many people, because it gave him comfort.
The nephew's last-minute changes left me and my children a few thousand dollars, with the bulk of my brother's estate going to the nephew and his sister. People we talked to said this type of fraud is difficult to prove, because my brother's physical and mental capacities were in question--and we almost gave up. My Son-in Law is an attorney, and he contacted Shad in Washington, for me.
Shad discovered that the new Will had several flaws. (Sorry, I am still fuzzy on the specifics.) My nephew wrote the document as an amendment to my brother's Trust, yet it didn't properly amend the Trust, and it wasn't really a Will, either. This gave us the leverage we needed, and we challenged the Will. My nephew hired an attorney to represent him, and there were about three pairs of offers and counter-offers. In the end, I recovered over half of my share of my brother's estate.
Shad also discovered that, regardless of which Will held, I legally had inherited 1/2 of my brother's share in an oil company. I did not know this, and my nephew as Executor did not tell me this, and he had already wrongfully claimed full ownership for himself in company meetings. I used this 1/2 share in the negotiations. I did not value the oil company as highly as my nephew did, and I was actually glad to let it go.
I received a great deal more money than I had hoped for. The children and I feel good about the settlement, and we are glad we didn't prolong the dispute, by going to court. Thank you, Shad McOmber!
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01 Mar, 2025 by Anonymous
September 12th, 2022 police arrived at my door to tell me they were investigating sexual claims made against me, outlandish as they were I immediately panicked because as everyone knows, once these rise against you, you’re pretty much screwed. I immediately reached out to any attorney and was recommended Vindicate law, I spoke to the receptionist and explained the case and was assigned Carrie Fulton Brown. She accepted my case. The path to freedom was long and arduous. After the arraignment they told me I was facing 60 years in prison. Many continuations later, my anxiety and stress were at an all time high. Me and Carrie never really talked to each other about the case itself except a few times as my case was entirely hearsay, but because of the fact that it was from a minor the case was stacked against me 10 fold. Communication with Carrie was very rough, as most people sitting in the hot seat just want a shred or a glimmer of positivity but Carrie did NOT deliver on that front in the slightest. But that was okay, because she was dedicated to working against the state in a screwed up system. Most of the beginning of my case I knew most people and even Carrie didn’t believe me when I say I didn’t do it. Later on I passed 3 polygraph tests trying to prove I didn’t do it, and only after the 3rd one when I passed it with the actual prosecutor / State did Carrie tell me she strongly believes I didn’t do it. She gave me the best options to follow forward and going to trial with a minors words against mine was bleak, Carrie fought for the best outcome, I served 0 days in jail, no fees or Fines, Didn’t have to sign a sexual registry, all 4 counts were dropped to a Class C Abuse of a child. And 1 year of DOC Probation in which I spent 3 weeks on before the DOC discharged me from probation saying my crime didn’t fit criteria of having probation as I was a zero risk person and this was the only thing I’ve ever gotten on my record.
All said and done, I’m glad Carrie pulled through for me and allowed me to stay out of prison and remain with my family and to continue working she’s a tough person to understand and rough around the edges when talking to her but she’s nothing but business which is what you want in an attorney. Thanks Carrie for giving me my life back! 60 years was a long time to be away.
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19 Feb, 2025 by Charles
I am absolutely appalled by the complete lack of professionalism and utter disregard for my situation shown by Carrie Fulton Brown from this Law Group. I entrusted her with my case, believing her promises of dedicated representation, and instead, I received nothing but empty words and an empty bank account. She happily accepted my retainer, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. During the 6 months period she was my attorney, before her withdrawal, phone calls went unanswered, meetings/appointments were canceled for no apparent reasons. No investigations were done on my case, she did not interview no witnesses, and the so called ”victim“. Furthermore, Carrie had the audacity to tell me I was borderline harassing her by calling her and her incompetent paralegal Lisa too much. She literally took my money and vanished into thin air. Carrie Fulton Brown is a trash of attorney. I suffered significantly due to her inaction, and I was left feeling completely abandoned and betrayed. I would strongly advise anyone considering hiring her to look elsewhere. Save your money, save your time, and save yourself the immense frustration and disappointment. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Maggie tai tucker
Had a very positive experience with Lindsay Camandona and her support staff. She did a very good job and they were very responsive to my calls and e-mails. I felt I was in good hands.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Karolina seda
Blake and his team are amazing! Helped me so much and I seriously can’t thank them enough! They collaborated with me to make a great parenting plan and I definitely felt safer after the help they gave me with the services they provided!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Sheila carrico
Mr. Harris helped my friend through a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend his services!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Hector alcala
En mi experiencia muy buen servicio muy amables el abogado y sus secretarias todo muy bien 👍👍👍👍
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23 Dec, 2021 by Christina digesti
Beware! Professional elder manipulator and abuser. Stay far away. She works as a POA, guardian, and swindler of the elderly. I pity anyone unfortunate enough to have to deal with this monster.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Richard
Robin Balsam is gifted in both tactical and strategic engagements. In our exhaustive search for the best legal counsel to defend an attack on our sizable assets, she was widely regarded as a peak practitioner in her area and we engaged her on our first meeting. We have been very pleased with that retainer. Drawing on decades of legally forged crucible sharpening expertise, she systematically and surgically disposed of fraudulent “omitted spouse” claims being made against our substantial 50 year aggregated ownership holdings including real estate, savings accounts, investment portfolios, and homes. Confronted with a horde of spurious claims, Robin conceptually brought everything together and developed a pinpointed course of action early in our discovery process. Integrating and disposing of all the litigation issues we faced did converge on invalidation of a fraudulent out of state marriage, enumerating serious VAPO violations, and successfully throwing out a secretive and dishonestly formulated Last Will and Testament. We faced initial demands for 50% of total assets. Robin’s masterful game plan was powerfully and systematically defeated over the contrived but unlawful claims of our opponent. The marriage they were claiming was the core of their entire case. Robin demonstrated to the judge that it could not and would not be upheld in Washington State law. She was clearly prescient on this matter, and was able to masterfully destroy these claims. We won those disputes, and unwound any validity for their principal arguments. Throughout we observed that Robin had exquisitely prioritized and pinpointed a winning course of action. Besides voiding the marriage, she removed arguments surrounding a secretive and dishonestly formulated Last Will and Testament. For our part, she succeeded on all counts.
As family we litigated on behalf of our deceased brother and father, dealing with multiple pleadings that were contaminated on many levels, including marriage fraud, Last Will and Testament chicanery, and ongoing illegal violations of a court ordered, 5 year Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO). On first appearance we were directed into TEDRA mediation, and our arguments over 3 days in that area severely crippled our opponent after we revealed widespread trickery and deceit on many levels, in addition to a concealed 30 year highly problematic court history. Issues germane to our case included fraudulent check writing, expense and extortion deceit, substance abuse, theft, and other character matters.
Given abundant case related research, Robin’s diligent and highly competent staff weaned out redundant time-line research, and her initial assessment then honed in on the priority factors to be emphasized in upcoming court arguments, as with scope of the overall work program, time management, documentation, and legal issue relevance. Her preparation was exhaustive and masterfully executed. In a magnificent Coup de gras, the marriage was nullified in a Summary judgment kill shot, in Pierce County Washington Superior Court. As well, the illegitimate and contrived Last Will and Testament was thrown out.
Throughout our engagement, Balsam Law had to deal with a Court System burdened and hamstrung by Covid imposed restraining parameters. We are grateful Robin completely negated the legal foundation of the arguments we faced. The Summary judgment she achieved saved our family substantial time and future legal expense. Her professional services are strongly supported by smart, adept, knowledgeable and hard-working professionals at every level. I will whole heartedly endorse her and the expertise she has retained in her firm.
Richard M
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07 Aug, 2020 by Roberta
I first met Robin when I hired her when my Father passed away in 1990. My Mother had her assist her in setting up a Special Needs trust for my Sister. I later became my Sister's Legal Guardian after my Mother had passed. She helped me find an Adult Family Home where she resided for over 15 years. I had her prepare my Will.
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18 Nov, 2018 by Larry
Ms Matthews is the most professional attorney I have met!
She goes way above and beyond to ensure the desires of the estate are carried out in the best possible way.
She took extra effort in conducting the estate disposition. I was waiting for my car to be serviced and Ms Matthews drove to meet me where I was! She is amazing!
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05 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Bush was recommended to me by a former classmate at UPS Law School and working with him was a pleasure. I had worked with another lawyer when appointed legal guardian for my mother and that fellow had quit by letter with absolutely no explanation why. When I meet with Mr. Bush, I discovered that there were all kinds of things this first guy failed to tell me about my responsibilities. Jim patiently helped me through rectifying the oversights. He responds quickly to calls or emails, is very thorough, never misses a court deadline, and when my mother died, immediately helped me begin transitioning the estate from my guardianship to probate, with my sister as the executor.
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01 Jul, 2014 by Wayne
Operating out of a quaint little office on 6th Ave, Mr Bonner handled my dad's will and then probate/estate following his death. His attention to detail is fantastic. He was always easy to get a hold of and treated me like I was his only client. When at the court house in Tacoma, several other attorney's spoke to him and he seems respected by his peers. I read fellow attorney's reviews of Mr Bonner prior to hiring. Reasonably priced and never asked for more than his iinitial retainer. His wife assists his practice. Down to earth, good folks.
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26 May, 2019 by Peter
We were referred to the Worth Law Group to create living trusts of several kinds and Nick was very thorough and professional. Great attention to detail, knowledgeable about the ins and outs of different instruments and approaches. Listens carefully and knows how to simplify documents without leaving out any key contingencies.
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13 Jul, 2015 by Don
I've been using Mike as a lawyer for 15+ years, and has proven to be a know-it-all attorney who gives his advice in an understandable and friendly way. He's the kind of guy you like to have representing you. I have no qualms about recommending him to anybody needing an attorney for estate matters.
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21 Feb, 2012 by Gary
Just look back at Mr. Schafers past and how the judicial system treated him for doing what was ethical. I personally had an experience with that good ole boy Grant Cadillac Anderson. That judge set me up, and ruined my life on March 26th 1994. He should never have been a judge, he was incompetent had no foresight and no integrity. He only did what he wanted and rules of law be damned Mr. Schafer provide that in spades. Anderson would have been a much more successful judge during the Janovich days back in the 1970's. Recently I saw Anderson retrieving some laundry from a cleaners and could barely contain myself and keep from hurting this ex-judge, Douglas Schafer is my personal hero and he doesn't even know me. I hope I am able to hire him on issues related back to those days and came upon this review section and really hope this goes to print as the part regarding sanction was improper and should not be there. Pierce County has always been corrupt and remains that way.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Tamara emerson
Morgan Madison provides high-quality, effective legal representation. Beyond her clear integrity—she communicates with clarity, explains with thoroughness, and acts with decisiveness—Morgan consistently demonstrates excellence and intelligence. Her insight and strategic approach bring an unmatched level of quality to everything she does.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Janice garcia
Great law firm with excellent attorneys! I highly recommend using them when an attorney is needed.
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01 Mar, 2025 by Anonymous
September 12th, 2022 police arrived at my door to tell me they were investigating sexual claims made against me, outlandish as they were I immediately panicked because as everyone knows, once these rise against you, you’re pretty much screwed. I immediately reached out to any attorney and was recommended Vindicate law, I spoke to the receptionist and explained the case and was assigned Carrie Fulton Brown. She accepted my case. The path to freedom was long and arduous. After the arraignment they told me I was facing 60 years in prison. Many continuations later, my anxiety and stress were at an all time high. Me and Carrie never really talked to each other about the case itself except a few times as my case was entirely hearsay, but because of the fact that it was from a minor the case was stacked against me 10 fold. Communication with Carrie was very rough, as most people sitting in the hot seat just want a shred or a glimmer of positivity but Carrie did NOT deliver on that front in the slightest. But that was okay, because she was dedicated to working against the state in a screwed up system. Most of the beginning of my case I knew most people and even Carrie didn’t believe me when I say I didn’t do it. Later on I passed 3 polygraph tests trying to prove I didn’t do it, and only after the 3rd one when I passed it with the actual prosecutor / State did Carrie tell me she strongly believes I didn’t do it. She gave me the best options to follow forward and going to trial with a minors words against mine was bleak, Carrie fought for the best outcome, I served 0 days in jail, no fees or Fines, Didn’t have to sign a sexual registry, all 4 counts were dropped to a Class C Abuse of a child. And 1 year of DOC Probation in which I spent 3 weeks on before the DOC discharged me from probation saying my crime didn’t fit criteria of having probation as I was a zero risk person and this was the only thing I’ve ever gotten on my record.
All said and done, I’m glad Carrie pulled through for me and allowed me to stay out of prison and remain with my family and to continue working she’s a tough person to understand and rough around the edges when talking to her but she’s nothing but business which is what you want in an attorney. Thanks Carrie for giving me my life back! 60 years was a long time to be away.
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19 Feb, 2025 by Charles
I am absolutely appalled by the complete lack of professionalism and utter disregard for my situation shown by Carrie Fulton Brown from this Law Group. I entrusted her with my case, believing her promises of dedicated representation, and instead, I received nothing but empty words and an empty bank account. She happily accepted my retainer, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. During the 6 months period she was my attorney, before her withdrawal, phone calls went unanswered, meetings/appointments were canceled for no apparent reasons. No investigations were done on my case, she did not interview no witnesses, and the so called ”victim“. Furthermore, Carrie had the audacity to tell me I was borderline harassing her by calling her and her incompetent paralegal Lisa too much. She literally took my money and vanished into thin air. Carrie Fulton Brown is a trash of attorney. I suffered significantly due to her inaction, and I was left feeling completely abandoned and betrayed. I would strongly advise anyone considering hiring her to look elsewhere. Save your money, save your time, and save yourself the immense frustration and disappointment. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
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29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
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28 Oct, 2019 by Candis
Aimee is a master problem-solver. She is able to meet you where you're at, map out where you want to go and which legal options are available to you.
I've reached out to Aimee for legal consulting with everything from giving an eviction notice to how to structure a new business/Enterprise and she not only offered mindful options but encouraged me to make more mindful decisions as well.
Aimee combines a mindful approach with nimble, legal precision. What more could you want?
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25 Sep, 2019 by Michelle
I hired Aimee as a consulting attorney on my family law case. She was extremely responsive, kind, and most importantly very knowledgeable. I would recommend Aimee to anyone looking to hire a consulting attorney.
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24 Sep, 2019 by Ted
I hired Aimee as a consulting attorney. I was representing myself prose. After being jerked around by over priced attorneys I was almost about to give up. But then I found Aimee. She was the most down to earth easy to talk to attorney I’ve ever met. She wasn’t just an attorney she became a friend. She listened. She never gouged me for ridiculous amounts of money. She walked me through everything and held my hand. Her name says it all. A god damn CHAMPION!!!
Ted
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28 Jan, 2025 by Tyler ball
19 Nov, 2024 by Tracy cramer
I’d recommend ensuring that your staff.. whether a secretary, paralegal, or receptionist... has a clear understanding of basic client-facing information. Prospective clients should be able to quickly obtain answers to foundational questions such as:
1. Consultation Fees: Whether the firm charges for an initial consultation and, if so, the amount.
2. Billing Structure: Whether services are billed on a flat fee, hourly rate, or incrementally
3. Retainer Amount: The cost to retain the attorney’s services and the terms of the retainer agreement.
Equipping your staff with this knowledge fosters efficiency, professionalism, and client trust. A well-prepared team ensures potential clients feel valued and confident in their initial interaction with your firm.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Logan davis
I had a very ugly and contested divorce/custody battle. Kathryn fought hard for me and would recommend her for anyone facing a highly contentious divorce.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Roe jogan
A couple months in and I am getting conflicting information about the status of my case depending on who I talk to. I really hope this doesn't continue down the wrong track. Reserving judgement for now on whether or not I chose the correct firm.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Angela victoria ramos ardila
Excelente 👌 Atención y servicio de Andres Medina
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22 Nov, 2024 by Laurie penny
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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.
