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14 May, 2020 by Audrey
I retained Mr. Jowanna's services in 2017 through 2020 to represent us in a lawsuit. He and his staff are so down to earth. He breaks it all down in terms in which the average individual understands. He seems so laid back but don't let that fool you he is a bulldog when he represents you. He doesn't talk to his clients in a condescending manner like so many other attorneys. He looks out for the financial aspect trying to save his clients from exorbitant attorney fees. He actually listens to what you are telling him and then he consults with you on his plan of strategy. And if you still have trouble understanding what he is trying to get a cross to you then he goes to the drawing board so that he can present it to you visually. He and his staff respond quickly to any and all request. You can tell that he has a passion for the law. I can't express enough how highly I think of him and his staff.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Tom
I contacted Matthew Jowanna about an issue in terms of establishing a trust for my daughter. It turned out that given that she does not live in FL although I do, it was not possible for him to be of assistance.
Another attorney at his office worked with me on this. They are responsive and professional. I would unhesitatingly use them in the future based on my limited experience with them.
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10 Jan, 2015 by Lloyd
I live in Land O' Lakes and was looking for a lawyer that was both close and excellent. I didn't want to have to go to downtown Tampa or Orlando to find a big time lawyer. So, I Googled and Googled. Luckily, I found Mr. Jowanna's website. Most lawyers I saw on the Internet (even in the big fancy and expensive law firms) did not even come close to Mr. Jowanna's experience and qualifications. So, I made an appointment. I met personally with Mr. Jowanna and his Office Manager, Andrea. They took the time to listen to everything I had to say. They were very down to earth and casual, which made me less nervous and put me at ease. But, Mr. Jowanna immediately knew the answer to every question I had. And, they didn't charge me anything. Go talk to your doctor for half an hour and see if that's free! It was the best of both worlds. I hired a big league qualified lawyer that was courteous, friendly, very down to earth and professional. I would reccomend Mr. Jowanna's office to everyone. But, do your own homework. You won't find anyone in the area with credentinals that even come close. Everyone in the office was more like a law family instead of some stuffy and stiff law firm.
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07 Nov, 2024 by J p
Denise Welter was thorough, efficient and answered all our questions. She made getting our family trust completed an easy process and we have a great piece of mind now knowing everything is taken care of for our family.
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08 Oct, 2024 by George lindor
Truly a professional law office. They were able to address all my needs and concerns. Thank you for all that you do. I am truly a satisfied customer
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04 Oct, 2024 by Mark burton
We had the privilege of working with Attorney Denise Welter, a truly exceptional family estate attorney who went above and beyond in every aspect of our experience. Faced with the urgent need to prepare my living will on very short notice, Attorney Welter stepped in with unparalleled professionalism and genuine care for our family’s well-being and prepared the documents on the same day as I contacted her law office.
Most recently, the preparation of our family trust and my husband’s living will were executed with the highest level of expertise, and the final documents were completed both professionally and in a remarkably timely manner.
From the moment we reached out, Attorney Welter demonstrated a remarkable commitment to not only addressing our immediate legal needs but also ensuring that every detail was handled with the utmost precision. Attorney Welter made a potentially stressful situation much more manageable, providing clarity and support every step of the way.
If you need a family estate attorney who combines professionalism with genuine compassion, I can guarantee you will not find a more exceptional law firm that will provide a more heartfelt commitment to helping families!
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05 Jan, 2025 by Carla kilgo
God bless you, my request to your office was fulfilled so quickly and efficiently. The cost was much lower than anything I was quoted by any other firm and I am now at peace thanks to you.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Jean josephson
Mr.Monsanto did a great job guiding us with our estate planning. Highly recommend!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Mary smiley
28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
***CAUTION!!! DO NOT RECOMMEND***
North Tampa Law Group (Brian Arrighi) was hired to serve as the closing agent on the sale of my property in 2023. I recv'd an email from Mr. Arrighi on 04/23/2023 stating he completed my title search & there were TWO mortgages that needed cared for - he further emailed me a copy of the FHA partial claim mortgage document. I completed & returned the required form to Mr. Arrighi authorizing him to pull the payoff information for EACH mortgage loan from said providers. The final closing documents received however, apparently only included ONE mortgage (it failed to include the FHA partial claim mortgage) .
I only learned this when I received a letter from HUD stating that I owed them approx $13K. If the amount was not paid in full w/in 90 days I would be charged 32% interest (total now over $18K).
After spending months trying to sort out the issue with HUD, & the mortgage companies it was determined the error was w/Mr. Arrighi. I reached out multiple times requesting we discuss the matter to reach a resolution to this extraordinary error that shows a clear failure of due diligence in financial matters. Mr. Arrighi told me there was nothing he could do, he was busy & ended our call. I contacted another law group & confirmed this was a failure to verify required tasks per the role assigned North Tampa law.
Additionally, I received an email from Mr. Arrighi that was intended for another client of his that contained the PCI DSS financial tranx information for THREE INDIVIDUALS/CLIENTS.
This firm has a serious pattern of failure to exercise diligence in client financial matters.
I've continued to attempt to resolve this matter with this office only to have Mr. Arrighi accuse me of hanging up on him (this never happened). This office takes zero ownership of their mistakes.
This issue has destroyed my good credit score amongst other significant and unrecoverable events.
It is inexcusable for a title company of legal profession to conduct business in this manner and place their clients in jeopardous situations.
I would not recommend using them.
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What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
