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11 Oct, 2013 by David k.
I had never had a need for an attorney before, but after mom&dad became ill the need for protection for my sister and I became a reality. Zach (coming to my parents house) helped us create wills/power of attorney that led to a completion of probate upon their passing. While my sister and I grieved and dealt with things(family/funerals) Zach held this family together from behind the scenes(dealing with the court and debtors) doing all the work that I/WE were not prepared for. My sister and I will now always be linked and thankful for the compassion and professionalism we received from Mr. Luce.
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25 Sep, 2013 by Mr. bill
Zach was very responsive in assisiting in the admnistering a will and a trust. He understood what our needs were and address them quickly and accurately. Was glad to have him to handle some of the diffiuclt task that I did not want to undertake. Zach has a very strong moral compass and it always pointed to do it right and upfront. I feel fortunate that we met. I intend to continue to use Zach if the need arise. In life we need to know a good electrcian, plumber, tax accountant and an attorney. So far i have 2 of the 4!
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02 Jun, 2020 by Dawn
I needed assistance with my mother's estate and Eric stepped up and helped me with research, probate law in Oregon and support that was a lifeline in a time of confusion and fear. He knew I would ultimately need to hire an attorney in Oregon, but I have used him as much as possible for his skill and ability to make complicated legal issues easier to understand. You could do no better!!
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14 May, 2020 by Brett
I rely on Eric for advice and counsel when I am faced with complex legal issues. He is an excellent lawyer that can easily identify the key Issues for his clients. As a result, he provides me outstanding guidance and gets tremendous results for his clients.
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19 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Our company, Northwestern Financial Services, Corp. has been using the services and expertise of Bob West for over 20 years. He has proven extremely capable in helping our financial and estate clients with various matter. Personally Mr West has also given us excellent advise in contractual matters as they pertain to real estate, wills, and estate settlement.
Respectfully submitted,
J Cameron Cutler, CTP
Chairman
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05 Nov, 2011 by Jack danner
Bob has represented and/or been my counselor on several issues over the last 12+ years. He has always been professional, thorough, and direct. Over the past 35+ years that I've been a small business man I have worked with several lawyers on several issues and Bob is the attorney I call when I need legal advice now.
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22 Jul, 2021 by Jim
My wife and I had a hard time knowing where to start, but we knew we needed to get our will redone. I got referred to Mike and Moulton through a friend. I started by watching the webinar online and we met with Mike the next week. He was a very friendly guy and not what I was fearing in an attorney, but I had watched the webinar so I had some idea. He helped us put together our Living Trust and I just cannot say enough about the peace of mind that comes with knowing it was done right. I talked with a friend who recently went to a different elder law group and they charged three times as much and they didn't even get a trust. Start with Moulton, you won't be disappointed.
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17 Jan, 2014 by Cheryl
As I have no knowledge of trusts or how to go about the final affairs of my dad passing, my dad always told me to "just call the card in the front of the book and he will tell you what to do!" I will say I have had a lot of questions for Michael Gunning and he is very friendly, informative, and helpful with any question I have either called or emailed! I have been surprised at how swift he answers my emails and his amount of patience he has with explaining in detail how to handle each question or situation I have encountered! I am sure I will have more questions, but he puts me at ease with the knowledge he will take the time to help me through this difficult task! My dad loved him and trusted him with his final affairs and I now understand why!! Michael is a wonderful lawyer with a kindness that I would recommend to anyone who needs to set up a will or trust!
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21 May, 2012 by John
I have known Kam for quite sometime and have used his professional services for our Estate Planning as well my elderly parents and my wife's mother. I have found him to be down to earth and very professional at all times. He has been most helpful for us through some very difficult times.
I highly recommend Kam and his entire staff.
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24 Feb, 2012 by Jeff
Kam Cayce is not only remarkably knowledgable and skilled in his field but also something more rare in the legal profession... trustworthy and honest.
I have retained several lawyers from different firms over the years and have always had mixed feelings about my experiences, however Cayce & Grove is an absolute different world. Kam Cayce makes his clients his absolute first priority. I must admit, I am a bit of a demanding client, but Kam's great communication put me at ease and I always knew that everything was being taking care of. For the first time I felt like I could put my worries aside, knowing that I was being represented by not only a top-notch firm, but by people who really cared about me. I am more than happy to recommend Kam Cayce for anyones legal needs.
Kam is really a breath of fresh air in the legal world.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Lauren
I chose Ryan, Montgomery & Armstrong, INC. after seeing Anne Montgomery work with my brother during his custody battle. I was extremely impressed with her knowledge of Washington Family Law; along with her strong, tactful presence in the courtroom. Anne Montgomery has been gracious and kind with me, yet bold in action. She was able to deliver in every aspect and in court; we received the same parenting plan that we proposed. She has a thorough knowledge of my case and she has been with me every step of the way. Anne and her assistant Nikki respond quickly any time I have a question and they have been able to guide me through each step of the process. Anne has rolled with me through the lies, antics and tomfoolery that my ex has added to our action. She’s helped me stay focused on the facts when it seems the focus of his council is distracting the court with anything other than our daughter’s best interest. I am less anxious about the outcome working with Anne because It’s also important to her that our child will grow up in a loving, nurturing home with emotional and mental stability; feeling loved, wanted, valued and heard instead of a path of possible anguish, or worse. I highly recommend Anne, and her assistant Nikki. Together they are persistent, quick-witted, personable, professional, and on top of every aspect of the case from start to finish and even beyond. They handled my case as if it was their top priority and I couldn’t thank them enough for everything. Trust the process, trust this Attorney.
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07 Jul, 2016 by Brittney
Anne represented me and my children during my divorce. She is the best by far!!!! She was clear in her communication, responsive and made me feel like I was her only client, when I know she had many. She is a 'pitbull' when it comes to representing her clients and their best interest during any legal battle. She adequately advised me on what I needed to do. She was patient and answered all of my questions, even though I'm sure many of them were annoying but she never once made me feel dumb. I have recommended her to several of my friends and my clients. I would highly recommend hiring her if you want the best representation in your legal matters.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Elizabeth has represented me well in a complex matter involving the financial exploitation, medical neglect of a loved one. Elizabeth has been an invaluable teammate. She is a clear, prompt communicator, a smart, level-headed advisor, and a thorough, effective attorney. Additionally, Elizabeth is a good listener. She takes client concerns seriously and genuinely cares.
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08 May, 2017 by Chris
Elizabeth and I worked together at Beresford Booth for almost four years – so when I had a personal estate planning issue that needed to get done, I knew who to call. She did a great job resolving my legal issue quickly, efficiently, and under budget. Her rates are excellent and she has a solid knowledge of WA estate planning law and and I would not hesitate to use her again. I also regularly recommend her to clients seeking estate planning services and all of the feedback I have received has been more than positive.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Angela has handled my family's estate planning and other matters throughout the years with the utmost professionalism. I have always found Angela to be a very knowledgeable and trustworthy advisor and not afraid to think outside the box. She's a reputable attorney and has been wonderful to work with.
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10 Sep, 2010 by Valerie
As my case is still ongoing this review is for the current work that is being done for me right now. Angela has been handling a rather difficult estate case for me. She has been very helpful in this case particularly in keeping me focused and on task when I become frustrated with dealing with my siblings who are my fellow benificaries in the estate.
She has been very good in keeping me up to date on what my duties are as the Trustee of my fathers estate . She is also very good at finding help with problems that are out of her expertise ( which I find very comendable ) and resolving those problems. I would have no problem recommending her as a attorney .
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13 Aug, 2010 by Steve
Fantastic attorney. the other side had a TEAM of specialized lawyers and David was brighter and quicker than each of them.
Cannot recommend David Marks enough.
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21 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
We called upon David's service to incorporate an LLC, which later became a C-Corp, and was acquired by a public company. Throughout the process, I was continually impressed with David's responsiveness (particularly via e-mail, which was remarkable for a lawyer in '95-'99) and reasonable fees. We often made the mistake of calling upon him at the last moment, and he always made time to handle the job.
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14 Apr, 2015 by Tessa
Tim recently assisted my partner and I with filing an S-Corp for our consulting business. We are not very knowledgable about business law, but Tim worked with us every step of the way to make the process go smoothly. He helped us to gain a better understanding of our legal priorities as a business in Washington and made sure to help us complete all of our filing quickly. Thanks so much, Tim!
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12 Apr, 2015 by Amy
Tim is a fantastic lawyer! He truly cares about his clients and knows the law. My business partner and I hired Tim to help us get our new business going...he explained every step of the process in detail and reviewed all the paperwork with us in person so we could ask questions along the way. He was patient, flexible, reliable, and constantly looking out for our best interests. Highly recommended!
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24 Jan, 2018 by Eric
Claudia was great in conducting the probate process with my parents' estate. I had zero knowledge of what the process was, and Claudia was great at explaining each step. Any time I had questions, I received prompt answers. Very patient and understanding of our grieving process as well. Highly recommended for assisting in the probate process!
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04 Nov, 2017 by Nikki
My husband and I hired Claudia Augustine to write our wills- which we had been putting off forever. We were intimidated by the idea of it all, but Claudia put us at ease and talked us through the process. Not only was she thorough, but she made it very easy for us as she came to our home to go over and sign all of the documents. Claudia went over every line on every page, and made sure we understood what was written and helped us make it our own. In addition, she made an unpleasant thing to do (who wants to talk about their death?!) a very comfortable and easy experience.
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20 Dec, 2013 by Patrick
Tom has the knowledge and experience to handle legal matters such as we had. He advised us of our options and explained which way was the best to handle our situation.
We have had Tom handle other matters for us and he did a terrific job. This is why we hired Tom again.
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21 Mar, 2012 by Lynn
Tom has the commitment, knowledge, and performance needed to accomplish goals and meet the needs of our business. He keeps us informed of our options, assesses risks and benefits, and helps us make good decisions for ourselves and others. We have known Tom for over 30 years and his integrity, quality of work, and responsiveness have remained consistent throughout this time.
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24 Feb, 2019 by Michele
Lana really helped my family with my brothers tax situation. He worked in Saudi Arabia and had some difficult tax issues after he passed. She worked very hard with complete diligence to figure out and fix all issues. She was very professional and with empathy for our family. It’s been 8 years and I will always be grateful to her.
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13 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Lana just bailed me out with a huge potential problem with the IRS. She gets results, she tries to keep things affordable for her clients, and she knows the IRS. If you have a problem I would highly recommend this very skilled lawyer.
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13 May, 2013 by Crystal
Patrick McBurney was very helpful and trustworthy in my case. His team is well skilled and worked hard to represent me. I believe he did all he could do, to make thing right in my divorce.
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14 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Pat, is a really great guy, who helped me and my wife out of our really difficult situation with chase bank.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
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15 May, 2017 by Eric
I recently purchased a business, which can be a daunting task. Tim was able to help guide me through the process of reviewing purchase agreements, entity formation, and tax structure. Tim was prompt in all our communication and proved himself to be very skilled and knowledgeable. Highly recommend him for anyone needing assistance navigating the complex nature of business formation and tax law.
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25 May, 2016 by Jim
Sought out Tim for tax advice on a IRA issue. Promptly researched and specific citations provided, along with some sage advice. Also completed will & other directives promptly, completely and well done. Professional and well done by all in the office.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Tina
I recently completed my personal will and estate planning with Alexandra Barron. She was very informative and explained all aspects of our will and supplemental documents in a clear and concise manner. My needs and requests were front and center; no detail was overlooked. I am extremely satisfied in our choice of attorney.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Rick
I have used Lexi to handle both my personal will and my business legal needs. Lexi is helping me to update my LLC and has provided me with timely, and expert guidance as I update my operating agreement. As a business owner I appreciate her follow up and staying on top of changes in Washington State Business Law.
She has also done a great job integrating my business interests with my personal will. She has guided my wife and I in terms of valuing the business, integrating Trusts, and providing specific advice for Washington State. Highly recommended.
Rick - Barker & Associates LLC
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01 Oct, 2024 by Juan
I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Pruzan. From his vast knowledge of complex issues to his passion to justice, he is the attorney you want on your side! My case may not be worth a ton of money, but he is helping me seek justice for my injuries!
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15 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
A fellow attorney referred me to Mr. Pruzan for an issue involving my own child. I was very impressed. Mr. Pruzan conducted a thorough and honest review of our potential claim. Although this did not result in a claim being filed, it helped my wife and I to be confident in our decision not to pursue legal action. Due to his obvious expertise and knowledge and his careful and thorough review of all the facts and documents pertaining to our case, I have no doubt we made the right decision. If you have a child with a birth-related condition, you know how difficult this is to say. I highly recommend Mr. Pruzan.
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11 Oct, 2021 by Steven
I live 3,000 miles away from Friday Harbor and needed a real estate attorney in order to accomplish a complex and esoteric real estate transaction.
Mimi Westphalen Wagner of SanJuanLaw.com was referred to me by my real estate agent.
I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, kind, competent and caring attorney.
The work involved an abundance of potential pitfalls, all of which were totally mitigated by Ms. Wagner.
Although the final goal is still ahead, all of the legal groundwork has been completed, thanks to Ms. Wagner and her phenomenally capable associate, Kyle Hills.
I look forward to referring friends and family to SanJuanLaw.com and Ms. Wagner’s superb work and practice.
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12 Mar, 2017 by John
I contacted Ms. Westphalen (now Wagner I believe) to help me transition from a
Sole proprietor business structure to a corporation. Ms. Wagner was extremely prompt and professional and helped me make this transition. I literally only had to answer a few questions and sign a few forms. The fees for services were entirely reasonable and my corporation was formed quickly and is up and running today.
Mimi seems to care about each of her clients and no matter how busy she is, she makes time for even small clients like me.
I will use her for future business, contract and property legal matters for sure and have recommended her to friends and family.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Kavita
We hired Michael to set up our wills. I had tried doing it myself in the past with online forms but it was too time consuming to do it and I wasn't sure if all grounds were being covered. Michael was great to work with. We met with him for one hour and went over our plans - he made recommendations and guided us to think about options we hadn't considered. Within a few days he had our wills ready for review. We had another meeting scheduled to sign it and that was it. Very easy. It did not take much of our time. And the end result is a will we are comfortable with.
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12 Mar, 2013 by Marty
We own a business and Michael has provided the expertise to keep us on track for 15 years. He also created a living will for my wife and myself. We were so pleased with the document that my father had Michael's office generate one for him.
We can't say enough for the quality and personal attention we receive each time he provides legal assistance.
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04 Oct, 2017 by Kim
Sharon Eldredge was compassionate to my situation and helped me move in the right direction, gave me sound advice and followed up with me on how to resolve my situation, a smart, thorough and professional attorney. Highly recommend her to look after your affairs.
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27 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
This attorney helped me in a short amount of time at the King County Neighborhood clinic. She was professional and friendly and made me feel comfortable giving her information. She was able to answer my questions quickly and get me where I needed to go.
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23 Sep, 2011 by John
I owned a piece of property that I bought when I was young and the taxes on the land were killing me...paying more than the property was worth. I owed a substantial amount in back taxes and sought the help of Sally. She made several calls and straightened the entire mess out. Sally has a great disposition, is very approachable and possesses an excellent knowledge of law. One of the few people in the world that still takes notes with a fountain pen! She listens to you and give great advice, she was a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone with family law issues.
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29 Oct, 2008 by Brian
I used Ms. Lanham to help me through a very difficult divorce. I sufered a brain aneurysm in 2003, and as I result of my brain injury, I can not transfer memories from short term to long term memory. I tried two other attorneys before I found Sally. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and did not mind the same questions time after time. She kept focused (and kept me focused) on the task at hand. She anticipated every move made by my x-wife. I still occasionally rely on Ms. Lanham to help me through issues with the x-wife. I highly recommend Sally!
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05 Aug, 2015 by Ken
I was referred to Sabina through a good friend of mine because I needed help with documentation for a fiance visa. Sabina was very helpful and knew exactly what needed to be done to make sure we have no problems going forward. Once I told her what we needed she began right away on gathering information that we will need to make this a smooth transaction. Within a few days we had all the paperwork together and we were able to submit all the necessary documentation. It was truly a pleasure to work with Sabina and I would definitely be going back if I ever need any legal help in the future, and will definitely recommend her services to others.
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31 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I have had Sabina prepare various legal documents for several occasions. She is always prompt and professional. She will take her time to go over everything to make sure you are fully covered and protected. I always feel supported and respected and I know she has my best interest at heart.
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27 May, 2010 by Anonymous
We went into the bankruptcy process with some trepidation (as anyone would) but Gerry answered all our questions along the way and handled our case diligently, professionally, and effectively. Gerry is very personable - we never once felt like we were being talked down to - and yet, based on our experience, is extremely effective at getting the best possible results for his clients. We wouldn't hesitate to utilize his services again (preferably not for the same reason!) Highly recommended.
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20 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
On both occasions when Mr. Kearney represented me, I was completely satisfied. I highly recommend his legal counsel.
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10 Jul, 2011 by Susan
Lisa Atkinson has been my attorney for several years. She has helped me with my family's estate planning, probate for my step-father and my mother, creating wills and creating the contract, all legalities and set-up for my own SCorp business and then several years later did the same for my second store and partnership. She did all these things in a very timely fashion and kept me in the loop.
She is very friendly, approachable, informative and makes sure I understand all the specifics and answers any questions I may have.
I have great respect for Lisa and her vast knowledge and intellect and kindness. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone.
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29 Jun, 2011 by Celia
Lisa prepared wills and the associated documents for my husband and I, and later helped me set up an LLC for my business. She was very professional and responsive and got the work done quickly and for the quoted price. As a CPA, I have referred her to a number of my clients who needed to update their wills, incorporate their businesses, or needed help handling a parent's estate. I have heard only positive comments. I would absolutely recommend her again.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Ortiz was extremely helpful and diligent during our will updating procedure. He explained items to us that we had not been aware of prior and was also very timely and thorough during this process. We were extremely pleased with our experience dealing with him directly as well as dealing with his office staff. We would definitely use him for any of our future needs and would also highly recommend him.
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30 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
I have used these attorneys as well as referring 3 friends now. All of us have been highly impressed by their professionalism, knowledge and integrity. They do not overcharge and are more than fair with costs and services. Genuine caring!!
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05 Nov, 2019 by Melissa
My review is for the specific purpose of recommending Melissa Storch as a Collaborative attorney . I heard her speak eight years prior to hiring her and was so impressed I wrote her name and phone number in my contacts in case I would ever need her . And when I did need her and hired her I was right away put at ease in the midst of my despair knowing I was in the best of hands . She is highly intelligent and disarmingly equipped to take on what I would consider one of the more complex of cases . While she is a great listener I was impressed with the larger perspective she conveyed to me and I felt secure by her experience , intellect and attention to the matter at hand . Without sounding cryptic , no matter what is going on in your marriage if you decide to get a divorce try Melissa Storch If it is at all possible . A lot of people are not aware of the benefits of this process but it is like the Mayo Clinic of divorce . Melissa Storch has the presence of the consummate professional while at the same time helping you feel like you have the security of sitting with a true friend . Not to discount her education , intellect or experience yet all of this is given to you as a client with an extra comfort . Nothing is harder than going through the divorce process in my experience but if you HAVE to go through it like I did I would recommend Melissa hands down because of my own experience . And it has been five months since I last worked with her and I am still sitting here writing this because of the impact she had in my life .
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03 Mar, 2015 by Erin
I was very lucky that a good friend recommended Melissa Storch's services for assisting me with my divorce. Melissa was an excellent advocate for exploring all avenues in drafting a fair settlement. My sister and a close friend told me that I would end up hating my lawyer when my divorce was final. I can happily state that I feel very satisfied with Melissa's services and heartily recommend her if you want to pursue a cooperative or collaborative divorce.
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14 Jul, 2011 by Quincey
Megan was personable, timely and extremely helpful making our wills. I couldn't recommend her more highly.
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17 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Megan listened to our concerns and thoughtfully advised us on our estate planning needs. She prepared our wills and other estate documents for a flat fee, encouraging us to be open and honest with what we thought she should charge. She timely responded to all phone calls and delivered things when she said that she would. Megan is a very personable and caring lawyer that seems genuinely committed to helping others. We strongly recommend her.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Sean walked us through every step of the estate planning process with skill and patience.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amanda and james
We hired Sean to help us with establishing a will and trust. He was easy to work with, clear in communication (and helped us to understand the legal jargon), prompt, and exceptionally accommodating of our schedules and needs as we coordinated meetings. In areas we were uncertain about, Sean offered suggestions and insight from his professional and personal experience, helping us to make informed decisions that supported our family's needs. We are glad to have worked with Sean and are relieved to have our estate planning complete.
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27 Jun, 2022 by J
I contacted Sean about a will and the proper way to assure my children would be well cared for upon my passing. The free consultation convinced me that I would be able to work with Sean easily. With Sean's guidance, I now have a will and trust that put me at ease about my assets.
We communicated primarily via email. Sean responded quickly and fully to any questions I raised, and changed a few items at my request, no problem. He guided me in several areas with which I wasn't familiar.
I'm pleased to have taken care of this end-of-life planning, and to have used Sean's services.
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04 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Caleb Stewart helped me through the process of settling the estate of a dear family friend. He patiently answered my many questions and offered several options for handling the complexity of the estate. So thankful for his guidance in solutions that made a difficult situation less stressful!!!
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22 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Caleb represented us in a very sensitive and emotional family matter. From day 1, he instilled confidence and peace in us and guided us through the process answering our MANY questions about the status, legal options and future implications of the case which he handled for us.
Ultimately, he achieved the desired outcome as promised and took the entire burden of our situation off our plate and handled it for us.
As much as any legal matter can be low-stress, Caleb went above and beyond.
If you are looking for a reliable, trustworthy attorney who operates aggressively but with integrity, Caleb is your guy!
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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:
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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.
