Lawyers map
>80
experienced lawyers
Filter by
29 Sep, 2024 by Lynn belding
Hiring David Lehr Was the biggest mistake I ever made. He took my life savings and completely ignored my case
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by A lee
Look no further! David Lehr's Law team is THE ONE you've been looking for! It is a breeze talking with anyone from the office at any time. I spoke with Tanner many times whom was very knowledgeable and always available. I did speak with Mr. Lehr which I realized immediately he CARES and is here for all the right reasons! All these other reviews here don't lie. I will keep David Lehr's Law group saved on my phone for a lifetime. Thanks Again Tanner & David.
Read more
13 Apr, 2024 by Juan alvarez
Had something troubling me so called and spoke to someone who said they would return my call when an attorney was available. Since it was the weekend I was expecting to receive a call Monday or after but not even 5 minutes later my call was returned. Spoke about my situation and agreed to meet me in less than 30 minutes. Went above and beyond to address all my concerns. If I were to ever get into any legal issues they would be my first call.
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Todd jason
We spend a lot of time picking out a firm to take our case and we picked Christopher because he reviewed the case from court, offered a zoom (lasted over 2 hours) provided a strategy at the end and even brought up ideas we never thought of. He thinks out side the box to accomplish our goals. Greatexperience
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Thomas
Christopher is an incredible litigation attorney he looks for varies ways to leverage advantages for his clients. Highly recommend.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Bryan
He was supposed to do a writ of execution but never did he say he handed the paperwork to a paralegal who’s not answering and at this point probably not a real person, struggling to get him to the job that’ll probably take gim 5 minutes and it’s been two months now
Read more
30 May, 2024 by Ryan abundis
Scam artist
Didn’t tell me his previous client was angelique friend
He got 22.5k cash from me and another 50k was given to him by af probate services
He was hired to dissolve the trust and in mediation was told “well that isn’t happening angelique isn’t giving up her job”
He is a weirdo too and has represented many criminals who he knows how and witch strings to pull.
He is one of the worst kind of human beings on earth. With no morality and will manipulate and lie to get his way.
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Sofia makaryan
Probably this was one of my best choices I made with professionals. I had to evict my tenant who were not paying their rent from February. Due to their prompt work and professionalism they were able to evict those tenants in 3 months. Kept very quick and good communication with me too taking me through all the steps of the way. Highly recommending their services
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Monique moore
RIco.......XoXo
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Gail bray
Amy Van Sickle was commissioner on my RTO case. She was unethical, showed prejudice, unethical with zoom practices and demonstrated emotional
Mental behavior. Was unfair with danction of atty fees on 2 cases. Wld never recommend Amy as a atty or commissioner
Read more
30 Oct, 2023 by Lindsay schepers
Jeremy and Jamal changed my life! They were the best attorneys anyone could ever ask for! They won my case and bettered my entire life. They cared about me as a person not just a client and I will never ever use another attorney. Thank you Arianna, Jeremy and Jay! You guys are the best!
Read more
11 Apr, 2023 by Sprinkles dog
13 Jun, 2022 by Margarita
Oscar is the worst. His contract don’t make sense nor does his sense of morals. Oh my gosh if he gives you a referral don’t take it your better off looking through the phone book. Idk this guy seems like he has a stick up somewhere and he needs help getting it out.
Read more
11 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent to work with. Very professional, informative and responsive. My case was very small (but still very imporant to me) which I thought he would not be interested in taking and if he did I wasn't sure if he would actually respond to me in a timely manner. I was wrong. I was very impressed with him and would recommend him to everyone!
Read more
17 Nov, 2020 by Rebecca
I had made a review and I was mistaken. I missed an email from Mr Liss. He handled it professionally and I am adding an additional 5 star review after receiving my paperwork. He has helped me tremendously.
Read more
16 Nov, 2020 by Rebecca
Mr Liss was paid $500 as a retainer for my probate matter. He made several broken promises. He had promised me paperwork to file and never provided it. A week later I email Mr Liss for the paperwork and he never responded. I then called him and he also never answered Two weeks after the promised paperwork to file he avoided my calls so I called from an alternate number. And guess what he answered! He couldn’t grasp his words when he answered and then again promised me the paperwork that weekend. Once again he failed on his word to provide it to me. So I wrote Mr Liss today and told him moving forward I am hiring someone new because this matter is very important to me. I basically got a letter sent to the other party for $500. Don’t waste your money.
Read more
24 Dec, 2019 by Victoria richardt
I have been a client of Jeff liss since Aug.2019
After paying him 500.00 to file some papers with the courts he has seem to disappear not returning my calls or messages I've sent him. I don't recommend this attorney to anyone.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Karen
TERRIBLE! Samuel Huestis has done nothing for my case. It has been 5 months and he hasn't filed discovery, notices of pendency or anything other than the initial petition and objections. The court has nothing from us which tells our side of the story.
He doesn't return calls or emails (except from opposing counsel) and refuses to explain why he is not doing anything.
The case is so damaged that other attorneys are saying they can't represent me because of liability.
DO NOT USE SAM HUESTIS!
Read more
11 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr Huestis completely detached himself from me as a client by refusing to return any of my emails and phone calls over a critical 3 week period of time regarding our opposing counsel's new legal challenge to our case. I finally decided that I had no other options left but to hire another attorney to replace him. Then on the very same day that he received the substitution of attorney agreement from my new attorney, Mr Huestis decided to record several more billable hours to a sum total exceeding my initial retainer by several hundred more dollars while retroactively claiming complete ignorance that I now wanted him off the case. He was totally apathetic until it came to his fees.
Read more
30 Apr, 2019 by Rr
I have worked with Sam Huestis since 2018. He is an EXTREMELY ethical, honest, fair, & trustworthy trust litigation lawyer who is an outstanding advocate! After my Mom passed, I greatly resisted hiring a lawyer to represent me; consequently, I suffered a great deal of blatant unfairness and animosity from a combative & extremely expensive trust litigation law firm whose legal bills rapidly depleted tens of thousands of dollars from my Mom's trust. Ironically, this other firm is exactly why my Mom, and many others in this world, abhor dealing with lawyers. Getting burned by the other expensive & arrogant trust litigation law firm reinforced my distrust of lawyers. When I interviewed trust lawyers in Ventura County, I learned few are "trust litigation" lawyers. Sam is a "trust litigation" lawyer. This means he can go the full distance to trial, if necessary, which avoids the added cost of hiring a 2nd lawyer if things must go to trial. When I hired Sam, I was a deep cynic of both trust litigation lawyers and the trust laws that seem to protect unethical successor trustees at the expense of the rights of beneficiaries. Sam put an immediate stop to the abuse I suffered from the opposing arrogant law firm; he leveled the playing field. Sam also billed fairly and protected my money by doing things in the most cost effective manner. There are very few words that properly convey my PROFOUND sense of appreciation for Sam Huestis, an extremely rare, fair, honest, ethical, and talented lawyer! Sam Huestis is the antithesis of the worst types of lawyers; this is why Sam Huestis was/is my knight in shining armor. I consider myself terribly blessed to have found Sam. I am forever grateful to him for all he did to protect my best interests with my Mom's trust....and for transforming me from a deep cynic....to someone who is forever deeply grateful. My heartfelt thanks for all you did to create justice and fairness for me Sam!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
