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13 Nov, 2024 by Laura davis slocum
I should have written this review earlier, but today couldn't be a more appropriate day because today is the 1 year anniversary that the Salines-Mondello Law Firm helped me win sole guardianship of my parents! They helped me protect my parents from my siblings, who were taking advantage of them! I can't say enough good things about this law firm, Lisa Salines-Mondello, everyone that works there, and especially Attorney Brenna Ragghianti! I've learned thru this that, sadly, children taking advantage of their parents isn't that unusual. Not only was I dealing with trying to protect my parents, but to top if off I was being maliciously harassed by my siblings and their significant others! Attorney Ragghianti went above and beyond the calling of attorney duties during this tumultuous time!! I have 100% confidence in her and this law firm!! If you need help, reach out to them, and be certain that you have the BEST helping protect you and the ones that you love!!!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Charles miller
There are some who think that they may not be able to afford legal services, but I am proof that you cannot afford to be without them. Brenna Ragghianti and Lisa Rheuby were there every step of the way during a very difficult time in my life. If you want the best legal services to settle estate matters, then look no further. I will be using them in the future for other matters and have 1000% confidence that the Salines-Mondello Law Firm will deliver the highest level of sound legal advice available.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth bradley
We recently had a terrific experience working with the team at Salines-Mondello resulting in full Estate Planning as well as a successful outcome for elder-care planning. There were many moving parts, including inter- state logistics and personal considerations that required a strategic and systematic approach to solving. Everything was handled with utmost expertise, professionalism and kindness. We deeply appreciate LIsa Mondello's clear vision & leadership along with the hard work & commitment of Aimee, Tiffany, William, Tasia, Elaine and the rest of the excellent team. We highly recommend the firm and are forever grateful for the guidance & support they provided to our family.
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16 Jan, 2024 by Dave broderick
The best in the business always willing to help
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20 Sep, 2023 by Jeff and tenna stacy
Abby is absolutely amazing!!! She is not only an expert in her field, she is compassionate and caring at the same time. She was a God send to our family at one of the toughest times of our lives. She went way above & beyond any call of duty - simply because she cares. We first met as “clients” & now we consider her “family”.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Jim reeves
22 Nov, 2024 by Luis chacon
Michelle Sparrow and her staff were a pleasure to work with. We were able to handle most matters via email, which I greatly appreciated for the convenience and flexibility. They were professional throughout the process and played a key role in achieving a favorable outcome. I highly recommend their services.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Linda adcock
Becky was so nice and spent alot of time over the phone answering my questions
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19 Nov, 2024 by Gary w
0/10 - Would not recommend.
Ms. Sparrow showed up late and didn't seem to be prepared for our case. My abuser was caught dead to rights on a DVPO violation. When the subpoenas for security footage and witnesses went ignored (these were vital to proving what my abuser had done), Ms. Sparrow decided to go forward with the hearing anyway. Needless to say, we lost.
It feels like I paid Ms. Sparrow almost $6k just to empower my abuser. If your case is anything more serious than a parking ticket, I would strongly recommend you look elsewhere for representation.
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09 May, 2024 by Travis ray
To keep a long story short, Randall Hoose saved me from insurmountable amounts of headache. You're more than just a dollar sign to him, and you can tell he genuinely gives a damn about his clients. Would recommend, 100%.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Toni
I retained Nick in 2016 for family law matters with an out-of-state ex, i,e., cat and mouse game
that lasted almost 4 years. Nick worked hard for my children and myself. He is ethical, professional, hard-working & has sound advice. He plays 0 games, tells it like it is. Now, he is retained again in 2023 for a different issue because I could not think of anyone else to represent my senior mother. You need a straight-shooter who is humble and knows law inside & out.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Jeff blake
I hired Nick as an defense attorney recently and initially we had a consultation first. He seemed to be mostly on the same page as me his potential client at this time. Two weeks later after hiring him and only having one (1 hour and 15 minute) phone call and just a few emails that we sent back and forth. He talked to me like he was working for the plantiff. Also I feel that I was taking complete advantage of by the outrageous charges for his very brief time spent on my case before I removed him as counsel for me.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Dan ashworth
Emily is a true professional! She handled my case promptly and efficiently and got the best case scenario outcome! I highly recommend using Burney and Jones for your legal needs!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Jack kadnar
Speedy, easy, and very enjoyable firm to work with. Would/will recommend to anyone need a great representative in the future.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Jeffrey polanco
They are always on the A game they try everything to assist you I just became a client of the organization and I put my trust in them .
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04 Apr, 2024 by Dwayne
After years of stress and worry not being able to get ahead things got bad! Buying groceries on credit etc.. James Price and Pam relieved so much stress off of me, I wondered why I did not do this sooner! The laws are there to use for our benefit, but most people don’t realize it! Mr Price and Pam have been great to work with! Mr Price and Pam answered every concern with patience and concern! I worried them too death I’m sure but they never showed it! They were quick to ease my concerns! Bankruptcy is nothing to be taken lightly but when it’s necessary it can give you a lot of peace! The stress I had caused myself was overwhelming! Finally after several years of fighting with the humiliation of what I had gotten myself into, Mr Price and Pam were a “God” send! Very understanding and easy to work with! These are the lawyers you need if your back is against the wall and you see no relief in sight! I cannot thank them for their expertise and time enough! Ease your concerns if you find yourself in a no ending situation with your creditors and let them help you to find the relief that we all need in life!
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17 Sep, 2021 by Carol
Jim represented my son during a bout of bad traffic violations. He has given great advice and counsel and because of his help, was able to save my son a world of HURT. My son luckily has listened to his advice about slowing down. He actually took the time to speak to my son man to man and it helped! Jim also redid our wills and power of attorney. He was patient! I asked a million questions. He is a great attorney but a solid, kind human being!!
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24 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Filing bankruptcy is clearly not an easy decision, however, Jim and Pam helped soften the blow and put our minds at ease... My father and My business took a hit that we could not survive during COVID-19 and could not have picked a better attorney to help us with the process. From our first conversation, Jim made sure we were comfortable and understood that “these things happen to good people all the time” and that “we were going to be ok”. Not only are Jim and Pam an absolute pleasure to work with, they are also highly and thoroughly responsive in answering any and all questions (and there have been many) that we have had through this process. Jim loves his job, and you can really tell. I honestly feel like Jim and Pam actually care about us and our future moving forward. I finally feel safe and protected with them on our side. As the title states, I really can not say enough good things about this firm. If you are looking for a team to assist you through this very difficult time, stop now and call/email them. You will NOT be disappointed.
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14 Aug, 2020 by John
Great guy to work with. Professional and positive with business or estate planning and many other legal concerns or questions.
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27 Feb, 2017 by Chris sharkey (thesharksden)
I have worked with Greg Katzman for the last 4 years (since 2012) with multiple business and personal transactions. He has assisted in multiple company acquisitions (from 2 employees to 100+ employees), business and personal litigation and then just recently in 2017. Greg is always my go to person when I need legal advise and help. He is very professional and trustworthy and always helps me know where I am at in a situation and what I need to do to get to where I want to be.
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16 Mar, 2015 by Ryan
I have had the pleasure of working with Greg both personally and professionally for over a year now. There is no situation too big or too small for Greg to handle. Greg's wide breadth of knowledge, professional demeanor, and unrivaled work ethic make him stand out from amongst the crowd. Greg's services have become an invaluable part of our company and I will highly recommend him moving forward.
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27 Mar, 2016 by Sooryudu
Helped me close a beach property
Excellent communication can reach the attorney directly
High quality work at reasonable cost
Highly recommend for all your real estate transactions
Get your own high quality representation - do not go by your realtor recommendation - always get your own closing attorney who will represent YOUR interests
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11 Dec, 2014 by Phil
My wife and I have had the pleasure of Ryan representing us for multiple transactions. From purchasing a buisness to selling one. In addition to handling the purchase and closing of our home. We are now moving on to a new venture with Ryan by our side every step of the way. Always available !!
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04 Dec, 2014 by Nicole
Ryan is definitely one of the most thorough attorneys I've worked with in the last several years. He is extremely detailed and his review process is 5 stars plus! He goes above & beyond by digging deeper to make sure all T's are crossed and I's are dotted. His concern for his clients is apparent in the clean work he produces, his amazing accessibility & quick response time. Ryan's excellent work ethic & top notch customer service makes my job easier!
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14 Mar, 2019 by Eric
My wife and I were recommended to Kara to help us rewrite our wills and estate documents. By the end of our consultation, we knew Kara was the lawyer we wanted and hired her right then.
Kara patiently listened to our wishes and desires and had great ideas on how to verbalize these wishes in a manner that made sense and kept things simple. She was extremely prompt with getting us copies to review and worked diligently with us to tweak and adjust where needed. At no time did we feel left out of the process.
I highly recommend that anyone looking for a professional, friendly, and caring lawyer to give Kara an opportunity. You will not regret it.
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25 Jul, 2018 by Bonnie
In the spring of 2018 I met Ms. Gansmann to have a new will and related documents prepared. I was warmly greeted and Ms. Gansmann was professional and knowledgeable. She completed all of the documents in a timely manner, provided guidance and I would highly recommend her. In addition, the staff at this practice were exceptionally friendly and professional making the visit a pleasure.
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25 Mar, 2018 by Alan
I was very impressed by Ms. Gansmann’s legal knowledge of elder law and estate planning. She was at all times a very personable, pleasant and accommodating person to meet and work with. I was pleased that my existing revocable trust did not need to be completely redone and instead could be restated which did not require re-funding of accounts and assets. I would highly recommend her.
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05 Nov, 2017 by Laurie
Susan was an amazing "guiding light" throughout the complex estate settlement and home sale after my mother's passing. She responded to an on-line inquiry to her firm and continued to handle all facets of this process most efficiently. I would recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice and counsel in her area(s) of expertise; a pleasure to work with as well.
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04 Feb, 2015 by John
Susan helped settle our mother's estate. It was a difficult time and she guided us through the process with amazing compassion and clarity. She handled all the details and explained the process of probate, notice to creditors, etc. She really helped with the burden of our mothers passing. If you're looking for help with a loved one's estate, call Ms. Hill.
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19 Apr, 2016 by Marc
I used JC Hearne for my house real estate closing and it was a painless, smooth experience. He took his time to explain everything to me. I would highly recommend him.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Tony craig
A wonderful person. She takes pride in what she does and cares about people. Honest reliable. Tony and Kirt Coastal Cleaner interior and exterior cleaning. 4547007
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09 May, 2024 by Travis ray
To keep a long story short, Randall Hoose saved me from insurmountable amounts of headache. You're more than just a dollar sign to him, and you can tell he genuinely gives a damn about his clients. Would recommend, 100%.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Jeff blake
I hired Nick as an defense attorney recently and initially we had a consultation first. He seemed to be mostly on the same page as me his potential client at this time. Two weeks later after hiring him and only having one (1 hour and 15 minute) phone call and just a few emails that we sent back and forth. He talked to me like he was working for the plantiff. Also I feel that I was taking complete advantage of by the outrageous charges for his very brief time spent on my case before I removed him as counsel for me.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Aaron broderson
When I called with a couple questions, Susan went above and beyond to help me even though they did not charge me for the time she spent helping me! Unbelievable and unselfish customer service! Would highly recommend Susan and Atlanta Coast Law to anybody!😊
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22 Nov, 2024 by Luis chacon
Michelle Sparrow and her staff were a pleasure to work with. We were able to handle most matters via email, which I greatly appreciated for the convenience and flexibility. They were professional throughout the process and played a key role in achieving a favorable outcome. I highly recommend their services.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Linda adcock
Becky was so nice and spent alot of time over the phone answering my questions
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19 Nov, 2024 by Gary w
0/10 - Would not recommend.
Ms. Sparrow showed up late and didn't seem to be prepared for our case. My abuser was caught dead to rights on a DVPO violation. When the subpoenas for security footage and witnesses went ignored (these were vital to proving what my abuser had done), Ms. Sparrow decided to go forward with the hearing anyway. Needless to say, we lost.
It feels like I paid Ms. Sparrow almost $6k just to empower my abuser. If your case is anything more serious than a parking ticket, I would strongly recommend you look elsewhere for representation.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Jimm girdler (slim)
17 Feb, 2022 by Stanley godwin
Great lawyers!! Patti Jenkins the best
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30 Nov, 2021 by Danehitchcock@gmail.com danigabi11
i was in the hospital twice - both times this firm fired me even though I paid them.in advance. in two instances while I was in the care of my Doctor I received inappropriate phone calls from my assigned attorney asking where I was and what was going on. Lastly, I told my attorney to stop work.... well he kept working and billing. Theft is theft, and inappropriate contact with my doctors violate HIPA Laws.The refuse to send my refund back to me!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Robby collins
Great attorneys and a pleasure to work with.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Whitney harrison
James is knowledgeable, honest, and so helpful. Appreciative to have him in our corner and look forward to continue working with him in the future.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Gloria macdonald
They advertise ‘estate probate’. Asked me several questions. Advised “at this point can’t help you”, call attorney that drafted your mom’s will’. It’s very hard to have a parent pass, adding on the loss of a sibling communicating, the estate probate closed. When does this office assist ??? My brief experience is that what they advertise as a service is not what they do or they have plenty of work and helping to right a wrong is not on the list of ‘to do’. It would have been professional to at least say why he couldn’t do anything.
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12 Jan, 2018 by Albert
I broke my back on a boat driven by Jim Hinds of Grand Slam Yacht Sales there in Morehead City. I hired Clark, Newton & Evans, PA (Don Evans and Seth Buskirk) to represent me in my maritime personal injury case. I had already been through 2 other firms, who basically dropped my case because they thought there was no insurance coverage (it had been denied by the main insurance company). I was a little bit reluctant at first because they are mainly a transportation law “defense” firm, but since they came highly recommended, I decided to try them. They didn’t have a conflict, reviewed my case, and said they hated to see me get screwed, so they agreed to take it. It was a knock-down, drag-out fight from the beginning, and it was four years before I got anything. There were four lawyers on the other side, who tried every trick in the book, but these guys stuck it out, won all of the legal battles, and the other side finally coughed up 7 figures after 3 mediations, on the courthouse steps of a federal trial. Even after we settled, they went out after 2 other parties and got me even more money. I cannot say enough to recommend these guys, especially for admiralty cases, as they were the only lawyers in the case that apparently understood it. If they don’t have a conflict, you should hire them.
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02 May, 2016 by Anonymous
We used Don for both our buying and selling process. Buying process went smoothly. For the selling process, we had issues with the buyer's attorney and Don went above and beyond to dispute invalid charges on the closing statement. We didn't expect him to be so responsive but he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone looking for real estate closing attorney for buying or selling side.
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08 Mar, 2013 by Jane
Don did an excellent job at a reconsideration hearing for a small practice at DHHS in response to a DMA Integrity Unit review that resulted in no pay-backs.
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10 May, 2022 by Dave
We went in to review/update our will. He. Listened to our wishes and crafted our estate and medical/healthcare documents. There is quite a few. He took the time to answer our questions thoroughly.
It was a good experience and I feel better knowing my wishes will be followed and even more importantly I have made it easier for my heirs to close out my estate when that time comes.
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13 Aug, 2019 by Elizabeth
I was extremely pleased at how knowledgeable he was related to wills and trusts and late stage planning.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Jerry
Rob helped us with so many aspects that we had not thought of and we have recommended him to family and friends. He has helped us with real estate questions and closings for twenty plus years. His firm is small and personal. He always has time for his clients.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Neven vrbetić
I can wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Gint when it comes to legal representation. He distinguished himself with such a high level of professionalism and empathy guiding me through the process every step of the way as well as quickly answering my emails and returning my phone calls. If you have any legal issues I can attest that your money will be well spent here.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Hayden durr
Had a great experience working with Gint Krulikas. He was professional, knowledgable, and made the entire process smooth and stress free. Highly recommended his services for anyone requiring legal help!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Robert mann
I was part of a group effort this morning to help a Brunswick County NC gentleman have his drivers license restored by the DMV.
The application was well managed by Monica/Law. The attorney that represented us was G. K. Krulikas esquire
I was very impressed with how our attorney made everyone comfortable and accomplished getting the motor vehicle license restored .
Job well done, keep up the good work
Robert Mann
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10 Feb, 2012 by Steve
I am very satisfied with Attorney D. Robert Williams. Rob is professional, thorough and confident. Rob is meticulous in his transactional work, professional in communicating with clients, and well experiences in various areas of the law. Rob has assisted me with both real estate and probate matters. I will continue to use Rob when legal matters arise.
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15 Oct, 2019 by Ray
We had a 10 year old living will, that served as a living will, will, and pre-nup. The kids and grown older, so had we and we were now in North Carolina. Kevin spend enough time with us to fully understand our needs and desires and outlined some changes he thought we should make and a few things that had to be changed because this is North Carolina. A couple of weeks and not a lot of money and we're set for another 5-7 years. Even if you're just thinking about Estate Planning see Kevin and pick his brains. You'll be glad you did. Ray F
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19 Jun, 2024 by Kyle card
Highly recommend!
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16 May, 2024 by Brittany kelly
Highly recommend! Prompt, professional, and compassionate.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Christen hanson
Staring a business in the alcohol/beverage industry in this state (NC) can be pretty overwhelming and Brian Akers, at Roundtree Losee LLP, made the experience so much better! He was able to explain the laws in terms I could understand and inform me exactly what services our company could offer, while making sure that we stay in complete compliance with the ABC laws. He got back to me quickly and made the whole process very streamlined. He was also always very responsive whenever I had additional questions. If you’re looking for an attorney who is dependable and knowledgable in many areas of law, I highly recommend working with Brian!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Beverly gillette
Mr hosford is the best at what he does
very kind man do all he can for people
thank you Mr Hosford for your help
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18 Oct, 2024 by Hayley braswell
He is beyond the best! Goes hard for his clients and his office staffs stands strong as well. They always do as they say in a fast timely manner.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
14 Nov, 2024 by Beverly gillette
Mr hosford is the best at what he does
very kind man do all he can for people
thank you Mr Hosford for your help
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18 Oct, 2024 by Hayley braswell
He is beyond the best! Goes hard for his clients and his office staffs stands strong as well. They always do as they say in a fast timely manner.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
10 Nov, 2024 by J y
Repeat customer, satisfied with communications and efficiency in real estate transactions. Great staff and it shows!
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24 Jun, 2023 by Leeza thornco
Treated well and short wait.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Patrick adams
07 Jan, 2025 by Michael stanley
13 Dec, 2024 by Glenn schoonover
Brittany Hall handled my child support hearing. I am leaving 2 stars because the ultimate agreement was fair and was settled ahead of seeing a judge; however the initial agreement sent to me was full of basic calculation errors that you wouldn't expect from a professional. I ultimately pointed out the mistakes, and once the correct numbers were used in the calculator, she sent me an accurate proposal. I could have accomplished that myself. After the agreement was reached, I received a letter from the other party's state child support office indicating that they were not going to respect the agreement we had reached. Brittany refused to take my call.
The outcome was satisfactory. However, I believe given the entire experience, there are better options for the money.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Allison walker
Brittany Hall represented me in my child custody case and she was AMAZING! She answered all of my questions in a timely manner, was thoughtful in her responses, was extremely well prepared when we had to go to court, and was a force to be reckoned with in the court room. I would absolutely recommend Brittany to anyone looking for a trustworthy and tough attorney!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Bobby zimmerman
Jillian is an ace! Perfect execution, very supportive, extremely efficient!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Danny dahl
I have had a fortunate working relationship with Shipman and Wright for over 10yrs now. I can't recommend this law firm enough. The number one thing any client can ask for is communication and Shipman and Wright provides this. Most recently we have worked with Jennifer Scott and her work ethic is unmatched for her clients. I never hesitate to refer a client to them for any legal need.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian mccorkle
Jillian with Shipman & Wright has been an incredible asset to our business. We have years of experience with their office. Jillian is incredibly responsive, talented and we have complete trust in their office to handle all our legal needs. I highly recommend them!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Beverly gillette
Mr hosford is the best at what he does
very kind man do all he can for people
thank you Mr Hosford for your help
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18 Oct, 2024 by Hayley braswell
He is beyond the best! Goes hard for his clients and his office staffs stands strong as well. They always do as they say in a fast timely manner.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
26 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
He is representing a woman that allows her children to be abused, wished death on a Marine Vet & also her husband k!lled their puppy. Be careful if this is who he works for.
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03 Apr, 2020 by Bryan
I reached out to Brandon about a traffic ticket. We had a quick chat over the phone and he was friendly and honest about what he could do for me. He came through and met the expectations. I would use him and his firm again.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Shayne
Brandon’s GREAT!! Not sure why but I must stick out like a sore toe on the roads. 80 is legal isn’t it?? 62 in a 35 isn’t speeding, it’s getting there faster. Brandon definitely saved my A*#!!!!
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate.
Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well.
Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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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.
