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02 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
My husband and I needed to update our wills and a friend referred us to Susan Bulgawicz. On our initial meeting, she reviewed our previous wills and outlined what needed updating. Subsequently, we met again, she thoroughly reviewed all updates with us prior to our signing the updated wills to be filed in Harris County. We were both very comfortable working with her, she efficiently took care of our legal needs, and we look forward to working with her again in the future.
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23 Jan, 2016 by Lewis
My wife and i attended her "7 threats" seminar. We realized how exposed and under protected we were for the time when we need the correct documents in place. We could not have asked for a better explanations and guidance for our needs. Not only did we feel exceptionally represented but also truely cared for and loved as she crafted our needs and wants into specially created documents.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Jared
Susan was able to walk my wife and me through the process of getting our documents together. She is responsive, knowledgeable, and very genuinely cares about her clients. I trust that if something unfortunate does happen to me; that my family will be in good hands.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Bridget martin
We’ve worked with David and his firm personally as well as referred them to countless clients. Every single instance David and his entire staff were professional, friendly, and most importantly got us exactly what we wanted. Highly recommend!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Kassandra bishop
Had a phone consultation with them about a project we had been working on. They were very informative and knowledgeable with the information given to us! Highly recommend them ☺️
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19 Aug, 2024 by Jackie parker
My business partner and I had a consult with them about a problematic client. They offered some great insight and really helped us. Would definitely recommend Murphy & Associates.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Rascal macmoy
This woman is a theif! She sent me instructions to send my mother a warranty gift deed and several other legal documents and I never heard from them again. Won't return my call. I'm having to file a bar grievance .
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04 Dec, 2023 by Ronda h.
Very thorough and knowledgeable. Will use them again.
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23 Jun, 2022 by Robin tate
Easy to make appointments, Mrs Gallagher is helpful and knowledgeable explained every thing well , excellent staff and service
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25 Aug, 2024 by Polly crawford
Rocky was chosen by the court to represent my daughter Lauren when she was only 15, several years ago by her dad and his wife. I had met the wife briefly only a few times during an exchange so she did not know at all. This had been an ongoing attempt by her dad to alienate my daughter from me just like his own mother did to him and his sisters when they were young from their own father. The only accusation against me was I did not help my daughter with her Type 1 diabetes when in fact within a couple of years of her diagnosis I went back to college to become a Registered Nurse to better care for my daughter. My RN specialty is Diabetes and Hemodialysis which is the end result of patients non-compliance with taking care of their diabetes. Many sleepless nights of having to do 2am-3am blood glucose readings. My daughter’s Child psychologist asked me if she could contact her Pediatrician for a conference which I agreed to not knowing what it was about. The Child psychologist and Pediatrician called me into a meeting to advise me to get a restraining order against her dad because he was causing mental health issues which was directly affecting her health. As a college student single mother I had no way to afford court. I had been in counseling from the mental and emotional abuse from this man for 2 years but I was told I could not bring up the past. Her child psychologist told me I needed to protect because he is a Narcissistic Sociopath. That really blew my mind because as Dr. Phil says, ‘ a good indicator or future behavior is past behavior’. Since my daughter was 3-4 years old and would come home from visits, she would exhibit out-of-control behavior and her daycare or pre-school teachers would always say, she must have seen dad this weekend. He dragged us into court frivolously several times which I always won because I had done nothing wrong. Her dad would call my mother and attack me relentlessly. My dad and brother both had to intervene and tell the dad to stop calling and harassing my mom. The office manager where my mom worked for my dad then my brother intercepted his calls but he still managed to get through. During one court case the Judge had to ask for a chair to be brought in for my mother because she was obviously ill, which we found out later she had a heart attack.
After court my mom told me she overheard the dad’s wife tell him, ‘ I guess she will have to learn the hard way. Fast forward a few years and I was served papers at my dialysis job with a restraining order to not contact my child who was in Texas for a visit. After several months of back and forth to Houston for hearings my mother on Christmas Ever had a massive heart attack and passed away. My mom had told me that my girls gave her a reason to live which is another story.
I lost my job in January after my mom’s funeral and having no money left to fight I gave in. It has now been 7 years since I spoke to my daughter. She refuses to speak to me. We just buried my dad in May and she showed up and when I approached her to talk to her she told me DON’T. Wi to all the court ordered counseling meetings and court ordered parental alienation conferences my daughter never gave a reason for her Alienating me, just it had to be this way. I have missed high school dances, high school graduation, college and sorority functions. Her younger sister was so distraught losing her Nana and sister she attempted to take her own life. She now has 2 baby boys and her sister is not in her life. Thanks Rocky. Maybe study parental alienation and open your eyes to who the real person is alienating the other parent. All because I refused to take him back. I always told people he and I might not get along but he is good to Lauren. Look what that got me.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Dancemonkey2
Rocky is a very neat lawyer, I am happy I was recommended to her, she Has helped me through my child Custody, Divorce, and all the issues that are going on, including, family violence, harassing, etc etc. She does great and she handles the cases well, and has gotten everything we have asked for..... I want to thank Her very much because she gave me something I didn't think I would get back after being with my ex and the things that happened, my pride and joy... I would 100% reccomend her to anyone!!!!!!
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23 Jun, 2021 by Diego b
Some time ago Rocky helped me out writing an amazing contract for a business transaction. I recently called for a similar service and got rejected by the receptionist in less than 1 minute. Whoever picked up the phone had the power to decide whether my business was worth it or not. She made an express legal assessment of her own and said, " Sorry, we don't do that, we do family law "
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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:
-
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.
