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15 Apr, 2024 by Gabby renteria
Randall possesses an innate ability to alleviate the apprehension that comes with legal consultation. His approach seamlessly combines accessibility with extensive expertise. His meticulous attention to detail and decisiveness not only streamline processes but also yield resolutions that are comprehensive and definitive, minimizing financial expenditures for his clients. Entrusting Randall with my business as well as my personal matters has been the best decision by far as he has since evolved into an invaluable confidant and advisor for my husband and I. Without hesitation, I extend my highest recommendation to the Cohen Law Firm, a bastion of unparalleled proficiency and integrity.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Brendon garcia
Randall is amazing. It can be intimidating to reach out to an attorney and Randall makes it easy. Not only that, he's thorough and decisive, which saves time and money since he solves issues the first time and for good. I engaged Randall for my business formation and he's continued to be a trusted advisor. I can highly recommend Cohen Law Firm.
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22 Jul, 2022 by Daisy
Being my first time ever needing a lawyer, Mr.Trolard went above and beyond to answer any questions I had throughout my case. His patience and way of explaining things to me was clear and I am very happy to have hired him as my lawyer! :)
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09 Jan, 2020 by Migdalia alvarez-morales
Nadel & Associates is the best firm, hands down. If you want an exceptional Lawyer or legal team to assist you with legal matters, DO NOT look further!
They represented me years ago in 1990, and I will never look for other representation, although I no longer reside in Cali.
Give them your case, and leave it up to them. You will NOT be dissapointed, ever.
I sincerely love Mr. Russell Nadel, and how he will do everything to help you always. Thanks for your professional advice and assistance, Mr. Nadel!
The world needs more law firms like yours!
An old and satisfied customer,
Migdalia Alvarez-Morales
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14 Oct, 2019 by Lady 805
Mr. Nadel is an exceptional lawyer! His professionalism and active listening can make any divorce less stressful than it already is. He is responsive, caring and, diligent. He handles it quickly and looks out for your best interest! I highly recommend Mr. Nadel! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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25 Jul, 2019 by Douglas kopf
My wife was divorced from her first husband. There was some clean up that needed to happen with each of their retirement plans. These people were very helpful in helping us not make a mistake that could have cost us more money than it should have.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Wais achak
I recently had the pleasure of working with John Faucher at Faucher Law, P.C., and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. From the outset, John demonstrated exceptional honesty and a deep understanding of the law. He provided me with the best consultation tailored to my specific case, offering insights that were both valuable and reassuring. His expertise and straightforward approach made the entire process seamless and stress-free. I am grateful for his guidance and highly recommend Faucher Law, P.C. to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Lindsey b lopez
John was super helpful when I reached out to him for a few questions. He advised me over the phone with a free consultation regarding sons bankruptcy questions I had. I called because my co-parent is looking to file bankruptcy but he also has ownership in a family cabin my parents and I own. John was able to advise on all our options plus he gave his professional opinion as to what would he best for us. His advice had a major impact on our decision and we will absolutely work with him in the future. I highly recommend him for any bankruptcy and tax related questions. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. 10 out of 10 I recommend!
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18 Aug, 2024 by Francesca doeding
We contacted Faucher Law for a second opinion after having a bad experience with a tax attorney. I was immediately taken aback by how friendly and pleasant our interactions were over the phone/zoom with John and his secretary. John helped us confidently address complicated tax issues we didn’t know how to manage. We are relieved to have someone so friendly and knowledgeable to call on for advice. If you need help, call their office. He is quick to respond and get you the help you need. Friendly, efficient, professional.
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07 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
In a time of great uncertainty, Nikki listened to all of my concerns, addressed them with care, and offered her knowledge and expertise in a thorough and calm manner to help sift through the complexities of the issue at hand. Of every lawyer I’ve spoken to, she is by far the one I would invest my confidence into.
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5.0
1 Reviews
14 Feb, 2022 by Richard
Randy and his team are top notch. Always available to help with any questions. Legal minds and strategies are superb. A great law firm
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
96 Reviews
26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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22 Jan, 2025 by Augusto luimbo
I was going through a really hard time in 2023 until decided to look for a lawyer. I contacted felder law office in 2023. I explained my immigration situation to Victoria felder. She was so supportive and professional throughout the process. I certainly recommend this law office to any one in need to sort their immigration status out.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Zohreh rahimi
I was referred to Yazdanyar's office by a friend, and I must say, it was the best referral ever. Ms. Yazdanyar and her amazing staff - Sanna, Bahar, Negar, Dara, and Nazanin- were incredibly responsive and informative throughout the entire process. As a team, they handled my case with professionalism and efficiency, making everything smooth and flawless in less than three months from start to finish. I can't thank them enough for their exceptional service and highly recommend their office to anyone in need of expert assistance with OFAC regulations.
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04 Nov, 2024 by John oviedo
Victoria was an absolute joy to work with on my Estate plan! She presented all the different routes and options i had, and guided me along towards my decision. I had been wanting to get a living trust established for years, and was glad i found Victoria to help me get it setup! Do not hesitate using Felder Law for your estate planning needs!
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15 Mar, 2024 by Bambi
I just worked with Pederson Law Offices to update my estate documents and the entire team was amazing. Grant, Sereth and Jake were all so helpful throughout the entire process. They were thorough, professional and are all kind people to work with. Grant explained everything in detail and really helped me to understand different aspects of estate planning that I wouldn't have even considered. I highly recommend Pederson Law Offices to anyone looking for an excellent estate planning firm, because on top of everything else, they gave me peace of mind.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Gary
Grant was fantastic! He took the time to walk us through everything and made the process easier then expected. He is very knowledgeable and willing to spend the time with his clients. Would strongly suggest using him to all my friends and family!
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15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Grant has helped my family with our estate planning needs over the past several years. There are many things I like about working with Grant, but honesty is at the top of my list. Grant is always up front about costs of services, and what he can and can’t deliver. I never feel pressured when working with Grant. He takes the time to answer my questions – all of them. I’m one of those people who actually reads everything, so I can be very detail oriented in what I want. Grant carefully explains the “legalese” to me, as well as pros and cons of the choices I have at my disposal, making it easy to make estate decisions. Grant really knows his stuff.
Grant and his office staff are friendly, available, and professional, making the decision to continue use Pederson Law Offices a no-brainer.
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04 Feb, 2017 by Geneva
I am very thankful to have Mr. Matisoff as my attorney. My divorce was challenging as it not only impacted us the adults, it also involved my son who was nine at the time. The first time I met him for my consultation, I knew he was the best attorney anyone could have. His focus was my son's best interest, which is the most important thing to me as a mother. He is very knowledgeable, experience attorney with integrity. The most important thing that is hard to come by for a lot of people, is that he CARES. I am forever grateful and thankful to have Mr. Matisoff as my attorney. With this tough experience in life, I gained hope from him that life would be good in the long run.
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12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Look, divorce is not a pleasant thing to have to deal with, but the last thing you need is an attorney that you have to wonder about.
Upon my first meeting with Ed, I instantly knew I was in great hands. His knowledge of the legal system in California regarding divorce proceedings is exemplary, and he instilled confidence and peace of mind at a time when I really needed it.
The things that impressed me the most about Ed were his quick response to my seemingly endless questions and the fact that his pricing was extremely reasonable; this is not a guy who will try to gouge you or take advantage of your emotional state. To the contrary, his wise counsel was a source of relief and peace of mind, and he got everything squared away with a livable support agreement in what I consider to be record time.
I also consider him to be a true friend now.
If you need your situation handled efficiently and cost effectively, find his number and make that call right now. You'll be glad you did... :)
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05 Mar, 2015 by Dbc
Mr. Matisoff agreed to take over my divorce case a few months ago. He sees discrepancies and knows what actions need to be taken immediately. At my first consultation, I told him I was looking for an attorney with integrity that would assist with a fair settlement for me and my kids in a high conflict divorce. I did not want to have to worry about questioning what I was being told or be left out of the conversation. He told me to meet with my then attorney first to see if a resolution could be found with the current support issue and try to get back on the same page with that attorney. I did as Mr. Matisoff suggested and realized I got more clarity from a brief phone conversation with Mr. Matisoff than I had in a 2 hour face-to-face with my then attorney. My experience with Mr. Matisoff thus far has been unlike that with my former attorneys. I received my monthly invoice today and I am shocked that his billing is more than reasonable. Had I started with Mr. Matisoff, my divorce would have been final long ago, less money would have been wasted and some peace might have been preserved. I don't know that mediation would have ever been possible with my spouse, but I don't think things would have dragged on or gotten out of control. Highly recommended.
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04 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Berger was able to take care of my estate after I did not address my deadlines as the executor of the estate. She has a staff that made everything easy and always kept me informed on my billing. I have recommended her to other friends and she has always done a good job...
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04 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I am an artist with NO idea how the law works. Goldy Berger walked me through ever step of the process, was very clear about my options and never pressured me to make choices I was uncomfortable with. She cultivated realistc expectations while being honest and professional! I Highly recommend her.
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07 Aug, 2012 by Richard
I had a difficult legal issue with my business and panicked when I received the lawsuit. Ms. Berger helped me understand the issues and kept me informed every step of the way.
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14 Oct, 2014 by Hoori
Ms. Nazarbekian continues to provide professional, trustworthy legal representation for our family-operated business, including developing and managing contracts with domestic and international customers. We appreciate her detail-oriented approach, prompt attention, and clear communication.
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01 Oct, 2014 by Diko
Marina formed my new organization and prepare client agreements. Her experience to navigate the complexities of incorporating made it an easy process for me and her thoroughness was evident as she prepared my client agreements in a manner to minimize any unforeseeable risks. She is very reliable and has always responded to my requests in a timely manner. I have had a very positive experience.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Jose
Marina helped me draw up contracts for my photography business. I was really impressed by her level of professionalism and knowledge. I will definitely be using her services again!
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11 Mar, 2016 by Kenneth
A few months ago I had Ester Hopkins review my Trust. She immediately went through my trust and updated and added all documents that were needed. She is an excellent attorney, very friendly and knows how to treat people right. In a very short period of time she had the trust completed and beautifully bound. Recently my wife passed away, and the trust needed to be updated. within a week or so, the trust was completed updated and ready to go once again. I would certainly recommend this attorney (Esther Hopkins) to anyone that needed any kind of estate planning, she is very knowledgeable and does an excellent job.
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04 Mar, 2016 by Jen
Esther is an amazing attorney! She is smart, personable, helpful, responsive, and wonderful to work with. She knows the ins and outs of estate planning. We have a child with special needs and she has been invaluable with setting up our trust, educating us, and helping us with a special needs trust as well as our main trust. She worked with us and was sensitive to our thoughts and needs for the future. We feel so much better knowing we have a plan for our children when we are gone. Also, that we have our advanced directives spelled out (we are physicians and have strong feelings about end of life issues). She was wonderful to work with and I recommend her without reservation - just the best!
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07 Nov, 2023 by Damon
Met with Mary once so far with a tangled up trust situation also I was so upset about it all I could barely get the words out she caught on right away to what was going on. Very attentive and preceptive also very reasonable fees. Highly recommend.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Marina
Mary took over my case in a very difficult probate situation and solved it to my entire satisfaction. I can honestly say that she saved my share of the family estate. She is knowledgeable, supportive and an excellent strategist in probate matters.
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09 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Karl produced prompt and impeccable legal documents that were instrumental in successfully navigating a very tricky real estate issue among family members. Not only did he accomplish what we needed he also provided valuable insight about other potential areas of concern that might arise that none of us had imagined. I highly recommend Karl and am so glad to have such an intelligent and caring lawyer onboard.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Roya is an excellent attorney who was always there for us during the legal matter. She explained the whole process for us and made sure we understand all the pros and cons. She always answered all of our e-mails on time and treaded us like her family. We are extremely happy with her legal services to our family.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Hope
Having never gone through estate planning before, we were a bit unprepared. Mr. Engle sent us a worksheet to help us get organized. From there he was so helpful to make sure we were covered for all aspects of our estate. I would highly recommend Joe Engle for Estate Planning.
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22 May, 2013 by Steve
Bill is just plain great at what he does. He knows his profession and understands how to handle sensetive issues. He is creative and worked with me to address some very complicated situations. His fore thought and experience helped me address things I never would have thought about or considered. He has become a very tursted advisor and a friend.
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30 May, 2021 by Scott
Jeff worked with us on creation and update of several Estate plan trusts and related documents, including a Special Needs trust and IRA trusts. We found Jeff to be knowledgeable and professional as well as personable. He was exceptionally patient with my never-ending detailed questions and clearly explained laws, tradeoffs and options throughout the process.
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25 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Sniderman is an excellent attorney who helps our company with all of our legal needs as well as my person estate planning. He is knowledgeable and always helpful as well as reasonable.
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12 Feb, 2025 by Anonymous
My husband and I met Marisha through a family members recommendation. We had a complicated family Trust which included one of us residing in a different state, and several real estate properties in two different states. Marisha, Raquel, and Becky made it a very easy process! I highly recommend this firm.
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28 Feb, 2025 by Vanessa lopez
I'm so glad Oak Crest Law Group helped my grandfather with his trust. He lives in California and owns property in Nevada and they were still able to help him!
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27 Feb, 2025 by Danielle cruz
Ed Cainglit and his team at Oak Crest Law Group are truly the best! They are extremely knowledgable, accurate, thorough and great people to work with. They know their trade so well that it makes the overwhelming living trust process feel so easy. There are so many people out there advertising wills and trusts that you never know what you are going to get. With Ed and his team, I know exactly what I am going to get and always know that my family and our assets are in good hands when working with them.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Christian norman
My wife and I were referred to Ed and his team at Oak Crest Law Group to set up our living trust. Rachel answered all of our pre-meeting questions and organized/scheduled our appointments. Ed himself was very professional and also answered our questions (even proposing questions we didn't know we should be asking). My wife and I feel very well taken care of and we look forward to working with their team. I would recommend working with Ed and his group without any reservations.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Charles palmer
I recommend Flaig Law Firm for setting up your estate plan and trust needs. I found them to be very easy to work with. They are professional, friendly, efficient and completed my plan as promised! They also follow up to make sure you complete the tasks to make your plan effective.
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31 Jan, 2022 by Marcella bentley
I highly recommend The Flaig Law Firm for creating a Trust.
Donnie updated my Trust and made the process easy to understand.
Morgan was very helpful and professional in handling my questions.
I am very pleased that my friend recommended him.
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01 Nov, 2021 by Rafael calderon
Very professional, courteous and understanding.
Explained every detail in PLAIN ordinary words, Thank you from:
Rafael and Jeannette from: Simi Valley.
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4.7
96 Reviews
26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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27 Jan, 2025 by Cathy way
We came to the right place in July of 1993 for a Trust Account. Couldn't be more pleased than I am today. Our attorney, Todd and staff are exceptionally easy to work with and I highly recommend them to anyone.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Michael thomas
After the passing of my father, everything legal was easily navigated as my position as executor of the estate with their help and expertise. They staff made the entire process quite easy. Without question, I’ll have them do my trust and will.
Michael
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12 Nov, 2024 by Larry turner
We appreciate the professionalism and time dedicated to explain key issues. I have recommended the firm to family and friends.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Cathy way
We came to the right place in July of 1993 for a Trust Account. Couldn't be more pleased than I am today. Our attorney, Todd and staff are exceptionally easy to work with and I highly recommend them to anyone.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Michael thomas
After the passing of my father, everything legal was easily navigated as my position as executor of the estate with their help and expertise. They staff made the entire process quite easy. Without question, I’ll have them do my trust and will.
Michael
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12 Nov, 2024 by Larry turner
We appreciate the professionalism and time dedicated to explain key issues. I have recommended the firm to family and friends.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Houston callen
The best lawyer for wrongful termination cases is Scott Miller! His strategic approach guarantees the best possible outcome, and his legal expertise is unmatched. During such a trying time, I couldn't have asked for a more informed and encouraging advocate.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Anika salazar
GREAT WORK I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK YOU AND YOUR TEAM DID FOR ME THANKS SO.MUCH YOU THE BEST
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07 Dec, 2024 by Brennan dominguez
Rob was great! From the moment I contacted him to wrapping up my case. This took well over two years, but he was able to get me the best possible outcome.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.7
40 Reviews
23 Oct, 2024 by Kim lugo
I have hired this law firm for my discrination and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking a lawyer in this field, the call backs and emails are on in a timely manner never have me waiting, thank you Nick and Matt for all your hard and satisfying work.
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18 May, 2024 by Pablo lau
Great service, fast, and honest. I am customer for life.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Alexandra welsh
I cannot recommend Matt highly enough! He provided exceptional legal representation and went above and beyond for me every step of the way. From the beginning, Matt was extremely responsive and easy to communicate with. He kept me informed about the status of my case and made sure I understood every step of the process.
Not only was Matt an excellent legal advocate, but he also provided invaluable guidance and advice throughout the entire process. He took the time to thoroughly explain my options, assess the strengths and weaknesses of my case, and develop a strategic plan of action. Matt's depth of knowledge and experience in employment law was evident from our very first meeting. He was able to quickly identify the key issues and provide clear recommendations on the best path forward.
When it came time to negotiate, Matt was an aggressive and skilled advocate who fought tirelessly to get me the best possible outcome. He truly had my best interests at heart and made sure I was treated fairly. One of the things that impressed me most about working with Matt was his genuine care and concern for my wellbeing. He understood that this was a stressful and emotional situation, and he went out of his way to provide moral support and ensure I was doing okay, not just focusing on the legal aspects.
Matt's team was also incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire ordeal. I am so grateful to Matt for his hard work and dedication. He made a very stressful situation much more manageable, and I'm thrilled with the final result. If you are facing any kind of employment dispute or issue, I cannot recommend Matt highly enough. He is a true professional who will fight tirelessly on your behalf, while also providing the personal touch and support you need during a difficult time. I am forever grateful for his exceptional service.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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06 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Tracy Kitzman really explained the entire process thoroughly to us. She made a difficult process much easier. We are very grateful to have her as our attorney.
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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.
