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11 Sep, 2024 by Dom j. choate
Very fast trustworthy service. I had a dangerous speeding ticket in a strict city, that would have spiked my insurance. thankfully David helped me very fast courteous process lifesaver🙏
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04 Sep, 2024 by David dawood
Great job, handled my case professionally. Will do business again in the future and referring.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Delman young
I can’t recommend Michael Sulaka and his team highly enough. From our very first interaction, it was clear that Michael is not only a skilled lawyer but also genuinely cares about his clients. His expertise and dedication to providing top-notch legal services have made a significant difference in my case.
The professionalism and commitment to excellence displayed by Michael and his staff are truly commendable. If you’re looking for a reliable and passionate attorney, look no further than Michael Sulaka. He is a fantastic advocate and a wonderful person to work with!
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03 May, 2024 by Rosemary wilson
Had a great chat with Ryan who helped me with all my questions relating to filing for an LLC for the first time!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Doug kaminsky
Mark made the real estate purchase a breeze.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Aaron williams
Great Products and Great Service!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Susan
When our mom passed, we contacted Bill. He had set up a trust for our parents. But they went to another attorney after that who revised the trust and left it in a real mess. Bill helped us navigate that and other legal tasks that needed to be addressed. He was kind and straightforward, guiding us to do what we could on our own and stepping in as we needed or wanted. We really appreciated his support during a difficult time.
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25 Sep, 2024 by George
Bill is extremely patient and thorough. He followed up with my wife and I and also with our financial institutions. He is also beginning to be proficient in international estate issues.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Christopher
Bill exceeded my expectations on my father’s estate planning. It was a very difficult time for me, Bill took the time to walk me through the process. He was very knowledgeable, professional and most important responsive.
Billing was accurate, precise and reasonable.
I will be using Bill for all of my future estate and legal business matters moving forward. I consider him a friend.
-Christopher Maiberger
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04 Apr, 2022 by Justin
Stephen is *the* expert on how the US taxes foreign accounts. He has substantial public commentary on questions such as the US filing requirements for UK pension accounts, which shows both (a) that he knows what he's talking about and (b) that he's happy to share his knowledge.
I didn't end up needing to hire Stephen, but that's only because he had a quick and easy answer for my situation that he was happy to provide. I would have hired him in a heartbeat if the situation had more complexity, and I plan to do so if the need arises. I would recommend him to anyone paying US taxes who has overseas accounts that they aren't sure how to handle.
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05 Aug, 2021 by Ricky
First consulted with Stephen on the phone and he explained everything during our first conversation and how he would handle my case. Once hired, he dealt with my matter in a timely manner and kept me up to date throughout.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I asked for Steve's help since I wanted my family to be updated on offshore taxes. After seeing all the fear mongering online, I am very glad I made a call to Steve. I did not know at that time that Steve had written a book on offshore taxes, and had been practicing in this field for decades. He assured me that there was no need to worry. There were many people like me who were in this position.
He helped us with offshore taxes, which consisted primarily of inheritance. There were many complicated scenarios in the distribution of my inheritance. He was a very careful listener and was very prompt with answering my questions.
Steve should be one of the first people you should call if you have issues with offshore tax.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Patricia freund
Andrew Byers is extremely knowledgeable, pleasant, and reliable. He helped us navigate a very complicated issue and we are so happy with the outcome. It would be wise to contact Andrew Byers if you are looking for someone who can easily explain difficult elder law terms. Thank you, Andrew! You helped my family so much!
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19 Sep, 2018 by Neil
We hired Andrew to create a trust for my aging parents. He took the time to make my Mother comfortable with the process. He answered all my calls and gave me clear answers on how to proceed. He also provided help with the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of these services.
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31 May, 2018 by Alan
In support of my 94 year old Mother-in-Law I needed the services of an Elder Law Attorney that could construct an asset protection trust structure compliant with the requirements of the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance benefit. Selecting a professional in any area can be difficult. In my career I worked with several attorneys specializing in international technology licensing and supply agreements and recognized that in any discipline skill levels vary. To narrow the field in this selection process I met with a past President of the Michigan Elder Law Attorney Association for guidance and then two attorneys specializing in this area. I judged Mr. Byers to be the better candidate and through his work the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit was granted. He also provided the full spectrum of Estate Planning documents. The VA process was an "ordeal." Mr. Byers was persistent. He determined the basis for the initial unfavorable VA decision and worked the appeal process to gain the full benefit. He is the highly qualified specialist needed to develop the complex elder law structures that comply with the requirements of our legal systems.
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30 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I have worked with Mr. Smrtka for several years and have always received personal and dedicated care and service. Mr. Smrtka has worked with me in several areas of law related to estate planning and in the operation of my business. George has earned my trust and continues to do so. I highly recommend Mr. Smrtka.
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10 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Smrtka is a caring person who ensures that his client is well informed. He explains each situation in layman's terms so that his client feels confident in their decisions. I would definitely recommend Mr. Smrtka to any family member or friend.
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06 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
George was wonderful!
He worked through everything we needed to set up for my mother's trust / will.
He explained everything in terms we could understand and helped guide us through the process of protecting her interests. George took the time to make sure she was comfortable with everything and showed us all her options.
His kindness and gentle handling made things flow smoothly.
I would highly recommend him to anyone...
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15 Nov, 2016 by Tom
My wife and I used David for estate planning for our 2 young children and we are very happy that we did. He took estate planning and other complex topics and made them easy to understand. He was patient with our questions but also very thoughtful on how to help us with some of our unique circumstances. Not only that but as other questions have come up he has made himself available and willing to answer those as well. I have recommended David to a number of people and they all have had a similar outstanding experience. David prides himself on his professionalism and it shows in his work and interactions.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Steve
My wife and I had an estate plan drawn up by another lawyer about 8 years ago. When it was time to update it, our original lawyer had retired so we need to find a new lawyer. This site was actually one of several source we used to select David. It has turned out to be a wise decision as David has proved to be very proficient in the area of estate planning with a wealth of experience to draw on. I attribute this in large part because he has a sincere passion for this area of law and interest in providing his client the highest levels of satisfaction. He certainly made the process as easy as possible. Although our original plan was sufficient, there were items that David addressed in our updated version that will definitely add value. We are grateful for those who left their reviews and are happy to add our feedback as well.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Paul
David helped us develop a trust and living will. He was a pleasure to work with and always very prompt when we had questions. I would highly recommend David and his team to friends and family.
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20 May, 2018 by David
My parents, after years of thinking, wanted to have an estate plan set up. After a lengthy research process, I found Mark's law firm. After reaching out to Mark and learning about his decades of estate planning expertise, I felt very comfortable setting up a consultation for my parents with Mark. After my parents met with Mark and his team, they were also very impressed with Mark's legal knowledge as he was able to address each and every questions they had. Overall, Mark and his team, (especially Nicole who the made signing process a breeze), made the entire process of getting an estate plan and putting it into a place very easy and stress free. We wholeheartedly recommend Mark and Nicole to anyone or any family thinking about getting an estate plan in place.
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28 Aug, 2016 by Agnes
After thoroughly updating my husband's and my will, power of attorney, etc, I asked Mark to provide me some background on a matter I had to make a decision on soon. I was so pleased to have a clear, instructive response in several days. He was very thorough, giving me legal background and the current rules pertaining to my concern. Very pleased with all his work.
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27 Aug, 2016 by Carol
Mark executed multiple legal transactions on my behalf after the sudden death of my spouse in a timely , efficient & compassionate manner. I appreciate the fact that he is very accessible by phone or email. He always takes the time to explain everything thoroughly to enable me to make informed decisions. He recently assisted me in the sale of my home, purchase of a condo, transferring property into a trust, & locating legal representation for the sale of out of state property. Very grateful for his trusted counsel & friendship.
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30 Jan, 2014 by Jss
Professional and caring. Took the time to make sure I was happy with what he was going to do for me. A solid follow up to make sure anything extra after the case was needed. Hope to never need an attorney again, but if I do Mr. Lubyansky will be my guy.
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28 Jan, 2014 by Will
We had been trying to collect from a customer for almost two years with out any results. After contacting Mr. Lubyansky and telling him our situation he asked if we were prepared to go to court if we needed to. We said if that is what it will take, then yes. Mr. Lubyansky contacted our customer on our behalf and was able to negotiate a deal that would get us paid over an 8 month time, with the customer accepting penalties if he defaulted from the contract.
We will continue to use his legal services when needed, and I would recommend him 100%.
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28 Jan, 2014 by Ruth
Mr Lubyansky assisted me with registering LLC and filing all paperwork with the State, he is very reliable, efficient, knowledgeable and honest attorney, explained all tax details related to corporation, advised on financial matters, members obligations.He is very direct, true to his word, charges very reasonable fee. Would definitely use his services in the future if need arises
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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I am a licensed attorney in Florida. I needed an attorney to handle a contested probate matter in Michigan. I came across Jonathan’s profile and based on an opinion I read on one of his cases I wanted a consult with him. From the moment I first spoke with him on the phone I knew I had the right attorney. Jonathan’s passion and knowledge of his area of law was evident from the start. The passing of a loved one is an extremely stressful and emotional time, having Jonathan on board to guide me through the inevitable legal matters was invaluable. The probate matter required significant briefing and trial work. Jonathan is an excellent legal writer as well as a trial lawyer. I personally observed Jonathan during trial and he was inspiring. He was well prepared and had a thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence. Jonathan is quick witted and has a keen legal instinct. His selected strategy for the case was successful and we won a significant victory. In addition to his legal skills, Jonathan is highly personable, down to earth and very responsive which was necessary for me when dealing with a remote legal relationship. I could rest knowing he was in charge. I highly recommend Jonathan Coleman. He is a top notch attorney at the top of his game and worth every penny.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Laurette
From the very start of our case, (regarding an Estate) Jonathan was on top of things and two steps ahead in every turn of the situation. His knowledge and understanding of the case were impressive, as were his keen observations and proactivity. Jonathan is very intelligent, quick-witted, and misses nothing. Jonathon also has a healthy dose of tenacity, (which we needed in our case) he was prompt, incredibly prepared, and fought hard to win our case. (and we did!) He assissted us every step of the way. Never once did he lose sight of us, and his communication was outstanding. What really struck us as remarkable, was that Jonathan was so personable, as were all of the staff of whom he counts on. His personality was always that of a gentleman, and he was always courteous and respectful, and returned all calls and addressed our concerns immediately. To us, this is no small thing when dealing with a stressful situation regarding an Estate. We are thankful that we had such an Attorney that was willing to go the extra mile for us, and we'd highly reccommend Jonathan M. Coleman and his team to anyone who needs help and expects excellence. -Mrs. L.LeMieux-Clemens
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11 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I have been having a very difficult time dealing with the new health care laws and my practice was dealing with so many issues I just could not handle anymore. I am so glad a friend told me about Serene. She recognized what was causing all the practice problems and made everything work so much better. Relief!
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07 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
She truly helped me with my estate planning needs. I happen to be a physician and have retained her to help me with my practice. I have been extremely happy with the way she reviewed my office compliance and has instituted measures to help us with all the new health care laws. I am so happy with my legal services!
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15 Oct, 2012 by June
Barb has been a great friend to me for many years. She is kind, generous and full of knowledge. If she doesn't know the answer to a question, she will research the subject and get back to you promptly. She has handled my divorce, a criminal case and house closings for me. Barb is a wonderful attorney
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15 Sep, 2011 by Lee
I found Barbara after working with a divorce lawyer for about 3 months. She did more in 1 day than the previous lawyer had did in 3 months. She is absolutely awesome. She is your voice and when going through a difficult time such as divorce, it is nice to have someone being the voice of reason. Barbara is very thorough and most certainly pursues what is is in the best interest of her clients. I was very fortunate that my brother had referred her to me. I can't say enough good things about my experience and am very grateful that I had selected Barbara to represent me in this trying time.
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18 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Dadich over the last year.
He saved my IRA from being taxed up to 70% and will
allow my assets to go where I want them to on my own terms
when I pass on.
His IRA B.R.A.T. system is very unique and the 3 other attorney's
I spoke with just wanted to place my IRA into a traditional Trust.
Mr. Dadich explained the differences with his IRA Trust and
how the tradtional trust does not accomplish my goals.
I would highly recommend him to every family that has an estate plan
or needs to update their plan.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Steve helped me through a difficult family dispute, with professionalism and kept me on track. He always responded in a timely fashion and kept me updated along the way. I would recommend Steve to anyone in need of an attorney.
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06 Dec, 2009 by Al
Mr. Stieper handled my revocable trust. It was a pleasure to deal with him. He took the time to undestand my situations and my needs. He promptly pepared the necessary documents, explained everything to my satisfaction, and efficiently completed the task. He is very respnsive and extremely thustworthy. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Mike
We used Neil Barnett for our business and personal legal matters for almost a decade and had wonderful experiences with him. He's very responsive and knowledgeable in his trade. We would recommend him unconditionally to anyone.
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15 Jun, 2010 by Sandra
Mr. Giarmarco and his staff were extremely professional, knowledgeable and personable. Mr. Giarmarco answered all of my questions in a way that was easily understood, which enabled me to make informed decisions for my estate planning neds.
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23 Mar, 2015 by Dawn
Kelly provided excellent legal representation in the area of estate planning, and I would definitely use her again if need be.
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02 May, 2014 by Deborah
Mr Salyers is a very kind considerate lawyer I needed an attorney and he was there immediately. My son was going overseas in 1 day and we needed some legal assistance, the JAG attorney on base was not available and Mr Salyers offered his assistant, being a military man himself he understood the need for legal assistant in this situation. My son was deploying to Korea for a year. I could not ask for a more pleasant and understanding attorney in my time of need. I was already so upset with my son leaving and now this. Mr Salyers did not even know me or my son but took us in and did the paperwork that very day. Along with some very comforting words. I felt so much better after leaving his office, that's all I could do is thank God there are still special people like Mr Salyers around !
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19 Sep, 2024 by Salil sahu
04 Aug, 2024 by Fatima nahhal
He’s a great lawyer. He handled my case great will definitely recommend to other people.
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16 May, 2024 by Shawn hamilton
I hired Todd for a very serious charge pertaining to operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. This was a Felony matter and the possibility of an extend jail sentence was real and highly probable. From the first visit with him in Oakland county Jail he was honest and upfront with me on what he felt he could bring to the table. I couldn’t be happier with his services from the day of retention all the way through to sentencing. He was always very responsive and fought hard against the prosecutor when they tried to make a case for a harsher punishment. Todd was also very fairly priced for the experience and knowledge of the Judges and Prosecutors in Oakland county. I truly believe he got me the best possible outcome in a situation that could have turned out very ugly. Great guy and a great lawyer – worth every penny!!
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11 Apr, 2024 by Geoff batzold
Arrived to develop a living trust/will for our family. Victor and Mike made the process painless. Everything was explained in depth and left us with no questions. When all was said and done, we knew we had come to the right place as they indicated they are available down the road should we need help or have questions. The service and professionalism they displayed is not found often these days in any business. We would refer them to anyone in a heartbeat. Well done gentlemen.
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12 May, 2022 by Cynthia drouse
This company was amazing. Not sure how things will work out after I’m dead but I believe they did an amazing job. Keep up the good work
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11 May, 2022 by Daniel holloway
Great team working together to help facilitate a positive experience during times that are critical.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Mike p
You could ask for no one better to be in your corner. Great communication, smart, thorough, and tough. Liz is an amazing attorney and human being.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Lion heart
Liz is sharp and attentive and very caring. She is willing to help her clients and go above and beyond the call of duty.
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08 Jun, 2024 by Emily ogilvie
If you are looking for someone who will give you honest, heartfelt advice and guidance, look no further. Elizabeth is professional and direct while getting to the root of the issue and guiding you through it. Cannot recommend enough.
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19 Oct, 2020 by R s
I simply cannot speak highly enough of Mr. Tomaszycki. He helped me and my husband (who was also an attorney) at the end of my husband's life with some complex issues. He is not just a consummate professional, he is a compassionate and honorable man.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Rose oliveira
“I had a very complicated divorce case. As an immigrant married to an abusive American, was hard to find someone that will take my case. What I can say is that I was represented better than I could have ever imagined for Mr. Christopher Tomaszicky. His office was highly professional and responsive. My needs were put first and were treated as a friend rather than just a client. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My emails always answered in no time and I can't remember any occasion that I called him and he could not talk to me. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. He did walk me through depositions, questionnaires and everything else.
Sometimes little people that don't have money don't receive so much attention from their attorneys, but in my case (and I am sure this happens with each of his customers) Mr. Christopher Tomaszicky and his team fought hard for me.
He always took a pragmatic approach to law and don't over complicate things unnecessarily. With that said, if a matter is complex they are very capable of handling it with success. He went above and beyond with very good strategies and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm or attorney.
If you ever need someone that has decades of experience and can handle your case with maximum competence I will say call Mr. Christopher Tomaszicky office and schedule a consultation.
Thank you so much, guys. You are the best!!!”
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20 Feb, 2017 by Jonatan davi
06 Oct, 2019 by Margaret linnell
31 Mar, 2018 by Daniels const
20 Sep, 2024 by Gerard
Very informative and quick service. Had a consultation within an hour and the process was explained in great detail and easy to understand!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Janine
Super friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended. They were able to calm my thoughts and my worries.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Karen
I spoke to Nicholaus Klaus for a consultation and he definitely helped me feel relieved and guided me in the right direction. I would recommend this attorney to others.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Erin cain
Matt was extremely detail-oriented, compassionate and dedicated to helping me receive the best outcome. He communicated with me throughout the entire process. It was very nice to know that he truly listened to my concerns and utilized that information to settle my case that fit MY needs!
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18 Jun, 2024 by Bill wagner
I had a fraudulent debt matter that had dragged on for years. Matt was able to get it dismissed in four weeks. Great job!
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18 Jun, 2024 by Brad jackson
Matt and the team are extremely great to work with. Very responsive, affordable and straightforward advice!!
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08 Sep, 2024 by Jordan gallo
Very helpful and dealt w my legal issues in a professional way. Made it a super easy process
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dan ibrahim
Ms. Carrah Crofton is an amazing Immigration lawyer. She is just, fair, and honest. I am from Jordan and had a long battle with Immigration and was facing deportation. Ms. Crofton stepped in, helped me win my case and got me the derived citizenship. Communication was great and she followed through with her plan and succeed in just a couple of months. I would recommend her to anyone with any immigration issues especially citizenship. My family and I could not be more pleased and grateful.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jaime hurtado
CARRAH CROFTON is an outstanding immigration lawyer.She is professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated!
If you are looking for a great immigration lawyer - please, look no further! Carrah is truly amazing. Not only she is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in immigration field - she is super attentive and dedicated and will treat your case as her own. She is always available via email or phone, answers all the questions in details, and during meetings - she is always prepared and will spend extra time with you. She will not just collect your money and forget about your case she will be in touch, guiding your thru the whole process until full success.I am very glad I chose Carrah as my lawyer and highly recommend to use her services if you need help in your immigration process.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Joseph sitto
I recently had the pleasure of working with AJ, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service and results provided. From the very beginning, AJ demonstrated exceptional knowledge, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to my case. He took the time to explain every step of the legal process, ensuring I felt informed and confident throughout. His strategic approach, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly set him apart. If you're looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also compassionate and supportive, I highly recommend AJ. He's a true advocate for his clients and goes above and beyond to ensure their success.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Chris hogarty
PHENOMENAL LAWYER. If you are able to have the pleasure of being represented by Mr. Freeman I strongly recommend doing so. John and his team were very responsive, punctual, and understanding of my own independent situation. Also, special shout out to his assistant Madison! She was able to shine some light on a dark situation for me, she has extensive knowledge and experience within her line of work and it shows! John Freeman will have my business if need be in the future. 6 stars if it was an option!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Harry goddard-realtor, psa
They went above and beyond
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01 Oct, 2024 by Javad alavi
Mani is truly the best lawyer to work with. I would definitely recommend Mani to anyone in need of any legal assistance. He is the best around!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Vishnu kp
I had a deeply disappointing experience with KL Law. We recently consulted them for immigration-related questions and found the service to be severely lacking in professionalism and organization.
Our appointment was scheduled for 4 PM, but we did not receive a call until we followed up with the front desk. To our frustration, the call was then delayed until 4:20 PM, despite our repeated reminders about the timing issue, reminded 4 times before the appointment to front desk staff.
The consultation was further marred by confusion and poor communication. Although we were scheduled to meet with Mani Khavajian, we were informed by the front desk staff that he would not be handling our case and that another attorney would step in. This change was never communicated to us beforehand, leaving us baffled.
The attorney we spoke with provided explanations that were both contradictory and unclear. Given that our case involves a relatively straightforward process—changing status from H1B to H4 and back to H1B—we expected a higher level of clarity and expertise.
We have already informed Mani Khavajian via email about our dissatisfaction and requested a resolution, but we have yet to receive any response. This lack of follow-up has prompted me to leave this review in hopes of bringing attention to the issues we faced. Overall, our experience with KL Law has been unsatisfactory, and I would not recommend their services for work visa related support.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Mitchell p
Mani is a great attorney. He is very knowledgeable about criminal law and is an expert in immigration law. He cares very much about his clients and is passionate about what he does.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Keyanni
My attorney was amazing she helped me out when I really needed it. I appreciate her so much I am so thankful. She absolutely worked above and beyond for me. So thankful.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Antonio asmar
I had Hillary over look a few contracts for me and she was professional , friendly, charged me a very fair rate and her feedback was amazing. I highly recommend
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sheila nichols
Hillary is a stellar attorney. She is knowledgeable, responsive and caring. She handled my son’s case professionally and achieved a great outcome … better than we thought possible. I highly recommend HB Law PLLC. Hillary gets the results you want!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
