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29 Jul, 2023 by Ashley
I had a complicated legal situation and went to David Harris. It was my first time working with a lawyer and he made the experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
David is skilled, kind, responsive, and understanding. He helped me navigate the situation with patience and explained everything to ensure I knew what to expect.
If you have any tax- or bankruptcy-related legal matters, I highly recommend David Harris.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Robert
David was EXCELLENT to do deal with, we used him for a real estate transaction, I would HIGHLY recommend and I would certainly use his services again. Dave -Thank You Again
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02 Jan, 2021 by Joseph
attn Harris was straightforward. understanding and always available for me pleaseresened everything clearly and understanding in agway that i could follow
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02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Jerrytone gave me my life back. He is truly passionate about his career and genuine. He is very clever and knowledgeable, and most importantly dedicated to his clients. I am very grateful for his help. He cares more about helping people, which sets him apart from other attorneys. I trust him, which is important when you need someone in your corner. Life can throw curves balls your way, and when you need someone on your side, someone to speak up for you when you can not formulate words, you need Mr. Jerrytone. He is a stand-up guy and a voice for the people.
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16 Dec, 2014 by K. patricia
Attorney Jerrytone helped my family and I get through a rough time. He was very attentive and effective. I highly recommend
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15 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
It was excellent. Attorney Jospeh was very kind and understanding in helping me understand my options!
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26 Aug, 2021 by Brenda
Stacey Acri, Esq. did a very thorough, exceptional job preparing and handling my husband's Estate, in a time frame less than had been originally projected. Very knowledgeable and precise with document preparations, and explanations to myself in layman's terms. She was caring and very safety conscious (Covid precautions well maintained) throughout the entire process. I am very happy I chose her to represent my family through this trying time.
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28 May, 2021 by Bernie
Attorney Acri and Kate her assistant did an outstanding job filing and assisting in the administration of our mother's final will. I feel confident everything was done in accordance with Mom's intentions and in accordance with legal rules.
From the very start, Attorney Acri explained what her firm would do and options to simplify the administration of the estate. Mom's was not a complicated estate so the hourly fee structure offered worked out much better for us.
And this was done while enduring the constraints of COVID-19 restrictions. Attorney Acri or Kate promptly replied to every email and phone call.
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04 Mar, 2021 by Deborah
I utilized Miss Acri's services to transfer a deed from one family member to another. Miss Acri answered all my questions thoroughly and made the transfer easy for all involved. I highly recommend Miss Acri should you need an estate planner.
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05 Sep, 2012 by Eric
Megan Anderson Is a very smart and friendly person. I love having her there for me when I need her most.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Ruth Borland was referred to me by a trustworthy source. She is gracious, well-educated, and seems concerned about one's situation. She has been in business a long time and her firm has a good rep. Most of my contact was by phone; she was available for our appointments. She worked with me on our financial arrangement due to the length of my case. Her admin assistant is very helpful and on the ball.
That being said, when it comes to managing a client's expectations and getting things done in a timely, assertive manner, my review takes a turn. I hired Ms. Borland in Spring 2010 to help me with a challenging estate issue: a family Irrevocable Trust was being mismanaged by the two Trustees (a bank and a family member who was also a beneficiary of said trust). As the only other surviving beneficiary, I was being prevented from accessing funds in my trust account via some questionable practices. Ruth told me I had a very strong case that we could take to trial. When I asked how long this would all take, she could not give me a general timeframe. I hired her on faith, assuming that a few years (2) would be plenty to get this process underway, to court and resolved in my favor.
After 2+ years passed I started relaying to Atty. Borland my frustration and angst about getting this case to trial and resolved while it had "steam". She always left it up to me whether to continue on or not. In spite of an emotionally charged situation involving the other family member/trustee/beneificary, I pressed on.
Fast forward 5+ years: After filing the lawsuit in late 2011, court dates, continuances of court dates for one reason or another, periods of time when nothing seemed to be happening, several unproductive attempts at settlement conducted by Atty. Borland and opposing counsel, I said "enough" and settled Dec 2015 for a unimpressive sum by signing away my rights as beneficiary of the Trust. Not a very favorable outcome, given how the trust was written and intended. When I told Ruth how disappointed I was that it had come to this, she defended herself by saying I did not let her take it to trial. After all that had transpired, time and resources spent, I had lost faith that the case would ever get to court.
"Under promise and over deliver, not the other way around."
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14 Jul, 2015 by Michael
I retained Ruth for a temporary PFA and custody order that I was served with in August 2012. In November 2013 Ruth suggested we file a motion for a change of venue. She got it prepared, and waited another eight months before filing it. Ruth was unable to attend this hearing, and instead sent an associate. He had little to say as we were offered to have the case moved across the street. I was under the impression that we wanted the change of venue in order to move it out of the county where my wife, her attorney, and her law partner are all guardian ad litem attorneys. What really bothered me was when neither counsel thought to object to Judge Corbett's decision to have this hearing without the stenographer.
Finally, December 2014, a hearing is set for the PFA. For the past 15 months Ruth never contacted any of my witnesses. Just three days before the hearing, Ruth could not reach the only witness she called. Then on the following day, one day before the hearing, Ruth takes a trip out of town. At the courthouse on the day of the hearing, Ruth and opposing counsel meet with the judge. The judge's best offer is a no fault PFA for three years. I asked about the 2-1/2 years I was forced to wait for this hearing, shouldn't there be some consideration for that time? The judge said no, it's either this or we have a hearing now. Ruth says, it is better if you take the judge's offer; or we could have the hearing now, if that is what I want. What I want? Go find me an attorney who is ready for trial, and prepared to defend her client. I asked if we could have this hearing continued. Ruth tells me the only way to get this hearing continued was to release her and tell the judge I need time to find alternative counsel. I felt backed into a corner and with no choice, I took her advice and accepted the deal. Soon after I told Ruth that she had failed me, and that I wanted a new hearing. Ruth backed her actions like I've never seen before, I wonder if she defends any of her clients as she would herself?
For those entire 16 months Ruth represented me, she never got me one day of visitation with my son. It is because of that failure, my wife and her attorney have stopped the few visitations I just received; because they filed for a stay of visitation, where they have accused me of having no interest in seeing my son for the past 18 months.
I expected Ruth to do the job she agreed to and with 40 years of experience, it surprised me that she handled my case so poorly. Surely, twenty-something continuances and one hearing in 16 months, is worth a round of applause. Hip hip, no way!
"Try to fail and you will. Greatness is the opposite." MD
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07 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Ruth did an amazing job for me in my divorce. I would and am reccomending her to other people.
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21 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Brian was hired for a custody matter which he has no knowledge of. He lied to us, failed to do the work that he should have been done to protect a 2 yr old from being abused continually. 1 comment was that he doesn't believe in PFA's?!?!?! He raked us dry and drug out the process that didn't need to be. His brother was in trouble with the Supreme Court for lying...I guess it runs in the family!!
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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.
