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26 Oct, 2024 by Eugene
Madeline wrote our original Will a while ago. We just had her update it. She was, as before, responsive and professional. She advised us without bias while expressing her objective perspective.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Madeline helped us reevaluate our estate needs and determined that rewriting our old trust was not optimal. She then presented us with better and simpler options for our current situation. The process was done easily, efficiently, and with clear communication.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Dawei wang
I highly recommend Ken in need of legal representation. He helped me successfully fight a traffic violation ticket. I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Tammy quichocho
I don't even know where to begin. It's now been a little over a year since my husband and I made the call to Hallaq Law. It was the BEST decision we made and a huge burden was lifted! It was the end of 2022 and we were in so much debt after going from a 2 income household to 1 due to the pandemic. We thought we'd be able to catch up on paying our bills that was accumulated but we were stuck. I vividly remember googling Law Firms in my area and Hallaq Law was at the top of the list. After reading the reviews, my husband and I discussed our options and made the call. It took us a while to finally get the ball rolling, but Brian and Diem walked us through the whole process and was always available when we had questions. It's long over due, but I wanted to THANK Brian and Diem for their guidance during the whole process. Look no further, Brian and Diem are the best and we can't thank them enough.
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23 Dec, 2023 by Jennifer lund
A genuinely good person and an outstanding, highly knowledgable attorney. Brian has your back from the very begining. He is absolutely worth your time, you won’t need another attorney!
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13 Nov, 2023 by Sylvia wang
I have to say that working with Brian and Diem is the best decision that I have ever made. I am so happy that I don't have to worry about getting sued by collection company anymore. They acted fast and got my paper filed right away. They are my heroes.
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28 May, 2014 by Arthur
Attorney Palmer was referred to me by an attorney here in Connecticut that I work closely with. I needed an attorney familiar with Elder Care & Trust issues as well as someone who could be trusted to work with me from a distance since the action took place in Seattle & I live in CT.
John went out of his way to keep me informed prior to our mediation hearing on an ongoing basis. He reviewed volumes of documents and was instrumental in helping me formulate an informed decision on what path I should follow during our mediation hearing. John worked diligently throughout the 14 hour process discussing options with the other 4 parties attorneys. With his help a settlement was reached that was agreeable to all parties and one that was very close to my preferred outcome. I would highly recommend Attorney John Palmer!
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12 May, 2014 by Susan
John Palmer came to my family's rescue on handling and updating guardianship paperwork. He and his staff assisted in coordinating paperwork and legal documents between a couple of states. John was very knowledgeable. He revealed gray areas and made certain our documentation was airtight in the best interest of both parties. I highly recommend John Palmer.
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27 Mar, 2014 by Norm
John set up our will and trust, as well as my mother's trust. He did a excellent job, was easy to work with and followed through with everything he said he would do. Any advice or documents I've needed he has provided to me in a very timely manor. I highly recommend him.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Daniel
Wow! An attorney who is responsive, highly competent, professional, and economical. Doris is a purple unicorn. She helped me with a complex real estate transaction with ease and low cost. If you need a real estate attorney with integrity who knows her stuff, hire Doris.
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24 Nov, 2020 by Maria gonzalez
I am so fortunate to have been represented by Doris in our immigration case. My family went through many complicated steps to achieve my spouses permanent residency. Nevertheless Doris was very meticulous in her work and was prepared for all obstacles. I have a great appreciation for all her knowledge not only in immigration law, but also in real estate law, which was very beneficial to our situation. We have so much gratitude toward Doris for helping us reunite our family. I highly recommend Doris to anyone who needs a lawyer they can trust.
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19 Jul, 2018 by David
Ms. Eslinger helped me with my estate planning documents a few years ago, including a will and power of attorney documents. During our first meeting, she explained about the probate process, we discussed about the appointment of guardians, executors, and trustees for testamentary trusts. She explained that it was not necessary for me to have a living trust even though she could have collected higher fees for a living trust. She was thorough and professional. She recently also updated my documents for me. I highly recommend her service.
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05 Feb, 2023 by Celisa
Mr. Jason Giesler helped me with both of my parents probate etc some years ago and he was nothing but ethical and decent. I was impressed as he was highly competent and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend him to anyone- during your most vulnerable time- he doesn’t take advantage or act shady. He truly was a godsend, as my parents died within months of each other. I have nothing but good things to say about him. Total respect. If I need another attorney for these matters- I will definitely hire him again.
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10 Nov, 2022 by Td
Jason was excellent in helping us with a deed transfer. He explained the process very clearly and was very accommodating. Thank you!
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03 Feb, 2022 by John
I had engaged with an attorney to help with my father's estate. She strung me along for two months, telling me filings had been made, documents "in the mail". Deadlines were coming to transfer assets and discovered she had done nothing at all. I called Jason and Madeline and they jumped in right away. They got what they needed from the prior attorney and had my court docs for me the next day so I could move forward with a property sale. Jason is responsive and educated me on the probate process, walking me through every step. Truly saved the day, and I cannot thank them enough. You want to hire these people, without hesitation.
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16 Nov, 2014 by Aaron
Most helpful and knowledgeable attorney, period! Dennis went the extra mile for me with several trust issues. He expertly navigated those legal waters dealing in compliance with government regulations that are technical and difficult. He understands personal issues, showing a "humanity" that other lawyers seem to have lost in their practices. Providing for family in the future via a trust and protecting my assets is a point of expertise that Dennis commands that covered all aspects of my requirements. Check him out.
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27 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Dennis Brislawn is an exceptional lawyer. He is very professional and he helped me with a difficult problem I was having with a suppressor I bought while I was living in Washington state. I purchased the Bronze level trust of the GUNDOCX Trust system (which Mr. Brislawn created ) in November of 2012 and was approved by the BATFE and received my stamp in May 2013. My husband took a job transfer to Texas and we moved before I could get my suppressor so I applied for a form 20 to transport the suppressor. Things became more difficult for me when the dealer I bought the item from lost their FFL. For several months I tried to get the matter taken care of and it became more difficult since the dealer could not help me . I could do nothing on my own. Then I contacted Dennis around April of this year to see if he could help. He made phone calls and advised me on how he could handle things. He also updated my trust from the Bronze level to a Silver level since I now reside in Texas. I flew to Washington state this June and I was finally able to get my suppressor. Dennis was able to accomplish so much in a short period of time. He is very thorough and he gets the job done
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12 Apr, 2014 by Will
Without Dennis Brislawn, I wouldn't have been able to fulfill a childhood dream of owning a suppressor. I put the wheels in motion back in February of 2013 when I created a trust and applied for the stamp. About 10 months later, the ATF finally approved it and I raced down to my local dealership to pick it up. Unfortunately, during those 10 months, I fulfilled another childhood dream of changing my legal name and this barred me from getting the suppressor since it was for the trust with my former name. I had zero legal experience and no idea what to do. I even considered just eating the cost of the stamp, getting my money back, and abandoning this goal from my bucketlist. Thankfully, I got in touch with Dennis who walked me through the whole process. He knew all the right people to contact, all the forms that needed to be filled out, and he kept me in the loop the entire time. Today, I finally got to thread the suppressor onto my pistol and the smile hasn't left my face since!
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24 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Received help reviewing a family partnership and a power of attorney document to determine if I understood what each document said as there were multiple family members involved with differing points of view. The discussions were very contentious and so it was important that I correctly understand the options available to me. There were and remain delicate issues as family matters involving property and aging parents often are. The family partnership document was particularly challenging. Diane reviewed both documents carefully and then laid out the information in a way that a non-lawyer could understand. Phone calls were productive and her turn around time in summarizing the call and the information was nothing short of amazing. She is highly skilled, knowledgeable in her field and straightforward and honest in her assessment of the situation as spelled out in the documents. She is also kind and takes to time to get to know you. I felt that I was a person and that I mattered. I would absolutely recommend her.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Margaret
Diana has helped me navigate difficult family situations with straight forward strategies and solutions, allowing us to avoid a number of problems. She is highly skilled and experienced and I have been grateful for her wise counsel. Finally, she brings a calm, friendly manner that makes working with her a joy.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Winnie
I have known Diana and used her ‘excellent’ professional services for 17 years. During this time, my current husband and I have used her services for 12 years. She also, for the past 9 years, has provided professional services in my managing the financial and health care decisions for my incapacitated father, and now, his Estate due to his death. She has always demonstrated to be knowledgeable, compassionate, positive, an effective communicator, dependable, trustworthy, friendly, and confident. There is no one like her!
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24 Jan, 2021 by Eve
Mr. Vander Wel is very responsible, very reliable. He answered my questions timely and clearly, even for some of my minor questions, he provided me background knowledge out of his busy schedule. And his pricing is very reasonable, similar to the real estate lawyer I used in New Jersey. So when I called another Bellevue lawyer I was surprised that law office gave me much higher quote. I'm grateful that I called Mr. Vander Wel first. I would highly recommend Mr. Vander Wel.
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02 Feb, 2020 by Megan
I was awarded legal fees after an investment LLC filed a frivolous lien on my property. The owner of the LLC was upset by this ruling and refused to pay, counting on the fact that I had spent my limited resources fighting him in the aforementioned court battle. It wasn’t a large sum that was owed to me, at least for this company, under $10,000, but it was enough to make a difference in the life of a single mom, which I am. When I reached out to Theo, I explained my case to him and that I felt like I had no options for how to proceed as I couldn’t afford the retainer that most lawyers charged for such things. Theo worked with me to create a win-win situation for he and I both and then successfully settled the issue in a very short amount of time without having to go to court. He was easy and a pleasure to work with, and I felt valued as a person, not just another case. I highly recommend working with Theo.
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24 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Theo was professional, resourceful and timely in addressing my legal questions and resolving the issue at hand. He was my advocate and mouthpiece at a time when I had exhausted every other opportunity for resolution. Theo came highly recommended and I can see why! I hope to never need legal advice in the future, however, should I need it, will again reach for his advice and legal acumen!
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01 Dec, 2016 by Jack and mary
We felt he was very thorough and professional. We are extremely happy with the way they put together our living will and trust and would recommend him to anyone.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Stephan Waltar is very knowledgeable and experienced in estate planning. He is the author of two books on the subject, both of which I read and found to be clearly written and very helpful. I felt that he wrote these books because he truly cared about people being well protected and informed.
He and his staff were easy to communicate with, any questions were answered fully and we received prompt responses to any emails.
We were provided with a 3" binder made personal for us that clearly organized all of our info and documents on our estate planning, medical directives, power of attorney, ect. A digital copy is kept securely as well.
We felt like it was money well spent to have our estate set up by a legal expert rather than a one size fits all computer program. it is complicated and it is essential that it be done properly. When we were at our bank to transfer our account, the manager had to call the legal department to walk her thru the process, as even for someone who works in the financial field it was complicated. One our side we had been provided by Mr. Waltar's office with all the correct legal documents and it was easy.
In the future as laws change it is also good to know that we have a legal expert to confer with who will keep us updated and our plans on track.
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10 Oct, 2010 by Arty
Stephen and his staff made our Estate Planning an easy task. This is something that my wife and I put off for years; and Stephen made it painless. Don't put off your Estate Planning anymore - help your loved ones to stay out of probate court!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Wendy
I have consulted professionally with Natasha for common clients and also worked with Natasha as opposing counsel. Every interaction with her has impressed me with her depth of knowledge as well as the zeal with which she advocates for her clients. I would recommend her wholeheartedly.
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27 Aug, 2024 by J.
My late wife engaged Natasha to handle creating her will and estate planning relating to her impending death. I am writing as the person who actually had to use the output of her skills. Everything I needed was in the packet we had from Natasha. Estate closed successfully. Her will contained contingencies in case something happened to me as well so our kids were always going to be covered. During times where my late wife was incapacitated, I had the documents needed in that packet. I recommend her for her skills and knowledge.
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26 Aug, 2024 by J
I really enjoyed working with Natasha - she made the whole process painless. She was very patient while I made decisions and she answered all my questions in a way that I could understand. Her fee was very reasonable for the services she provided. I recommend her to all my friends.
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25 Mar, 2019 by Paul
As a financial advisor that works with many clients in an attempt to have them complete their planning, we are constantly working to find competent and caring professionals to help then care for their planning future.
Tom Lofton is not only highly competent on important business and estate planning issues, he is one of the few attorneys who has said the words, "I want to delight our clients".
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28 Aug, 2018 by Laurie
We have just begun to work with Tom, but I can already see it is going to be a great relationship. He's taken my calls twice, and not charged me for these preliminary talks. He has already helped me see how we can save money by using his services for estate planning and creating an LLC. I'm delighted to have been connected with Tom and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. BTW, the fees Tom quoted seem fair and reasonable.
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26 Oct, 2012 by Blaine
Tom is extremely sharp and knows the technical aspects of the law extremely well. But he is also very focused on developing a relationship with his clients so he can offer additional connections to other professionals in a variety of areas. He understands estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate issues exceptionally well and can put them in a language you can understand. He is extremely personable and is passionate about getting you the best solution possible for whatever the need. He is extremely ethical and someone you can trust implicitly with your legal needs. Bottom line is "he cares" and that is a great think to combine with exceptional knowledge of the law.
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29 Jun, 2015 by Tonya
Jennifer is incredibly knowledgeable and very accommodating! I had procrastinated on making a will, but finally decided to get it done. I was going in for surgery in a week, and I asked Jennifer if she could complete it before the surgery...and she delivered! Within days, she had the first drafts ready for me to review. Jennifer pointed out potential problems with how I had named beneficiaries in my life insurance policy and produced forms for me to send to my insurance representative to correct the issues. She was very attentive and thorough. It was a pleasure working with her, and I highly recommend Jennifer. She is - by far- the best Attorney I've had the experience of working with!
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22 May, 2015 by Mike
When my sister who lived in the Seattle area was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I called a friend who recommended Jennifer to do the estate planning that was needed as soon as possible. Jennifer understood the critical timing of what was going on and was not only extremely professional, but very compassionate and went beyond what most attorneys would ever do. She actually came to the hospital bed to facilitate gathering the wishes of my sister and to execute the necessary documents. She was able to structure the documents for the best interest of the family in every way. Jennifer and her team followed through for the months after my sister's death to help with the complicated settling of the estate. Our entire family strongly recommends Jennifer as an honest, trustworthy, compassionate and service oriented legal professional.
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11 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Jennifer made our will and estate planning effortless! She was a delight to deal with as well as intelligent and timely. For most people these matters are very complicated but Jennifer and her staff made things easy to undersand and painless. I would definitely use her again and tell anyone looking for a top notch attorney to call her.
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27 Feb, 2018 by Kirsten
Seth did our Will and Trust. He was professional, friendly and took the time to explain the process to us. He has been responsive when we have had questions. He has provided advice to us on multiple occasions.
I would recommend Seth for your Estate planning needs.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Keri
My husband and I worked with Seth on our Estate Planning and were amazed at how easy the process was. By asking all of the right questions and explaining every step to us Seth was able to extract all of the information needed to give us the best plan for our family. I only wish we had met with Seth 10 years ago!
I would highly recommend him as a kind, trustworthy and dedicated resource.
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14 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Great experience! Like most, I was very hesitant to pull the trigger to hire an attorney to draft a Will and supplemental documents. Seth made the process very easy, his prices were great, and he was super responsive. I highly recommend his services.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Ned
Chris did a wondeful job in handling my divorce and went out of his way to do some follow up advice for free just recently and it was 20 years later.
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28 May, 2014 by Anonymous
He helped us with my mothers estate. There were no hidden costs and fees, he was very up front regarding what it would take and how we needed to go about it from the get go. I new NOTHING about estate planning before I met him and he took the time to make sure I understood what I want, and also what I didn't. He didn't speek to me in lawyer language, he spoke to me simply and directly so that I could understand everything that was being done. All though it was not cheap, but what lawyer ever is, he made it as painless as possible for our family.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Owen
It was many years ago Chris represented me and I see he hasn't gotten reviews yet on this site. That's a shame, because he's one of the best, most honest and caring attorneys I've ever had the pleasure to know. I felt like he was my "partner" in my legal efforts, he truly had my best interests at heart.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Melissa
My review is for the specific purpose of recommending Melissa Storch as a Collaborative attorney . I heard her speak eight years prior to hiring her and was so impressed I wrote her name and phone number in my contacts in case I would ever need her . And when I did need her and hired her I was right away put at ease in the midst of my despair knowing I was in the best of hands . She is highly intelligent and disarmingly equipped to take on what I would consider one of the more complex of cases . While she is a great listener I was impressed with the larger perspective she conveyed to me and I felt secure by her experience , intellect and attention to the matter at hand . Without sounding cryptic , no matter what is going on in your marriage if you decide to get a divorce try Melissa Storch If it is at all possible . A lot of people are not aware of the benefits of this process but it is like the Mayo Clinic of divorce . Melissa Storch has the presence of the consummate professional while at the same time helping you feel like you have the security of sitting with a true friend . Not to discount her education , intellect or experience yet all of this is given to you as a client with an extra comfort . Nothing is harder than going through the divorce process in my experience but if you HAVE to go through it like I did I would recommend Melissa hands down because of my own experience . And it has been five months since I last worked with her and I am still sitting here writing this because of the impact she had in my life .
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03 Mar, 2015 by Erin
I was very lucky that a good friend recommended Melissa Storch's services for assisting me with my divorce. Melissa was an excellent advocate for exploring all avenues in drafting a fair settlement. My sister and a close friend told me that I would end up hating my lawyer when my divorce was final. I can happily state that I feel very satisfied with Melissa's services and heartily recommend her if you want to pursue a cooperative or collaborative divorce.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Geoff and Tom created our estate plans. They took the time (over 6 months) to answer all of our questions patiently and guided us very smoothly and pleasantly through a complex process. Our estate is large and has a a high degree of complexity.They devised a clever and creative solution.
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06 Jul, 2010 by Bruce
My relationship with Geoff began in the final weeks before the death of my dad. As a college professor, I'm a professional but not in the way of being a Successor Trustee. That loomed large as a serious undertaking. That's where Geoff came in. I was able to do all the footwork, which was enormous and time-consuming, but at every turn I was able to count on Geoff guiding me through the thicket. Amazingly, he was always responsive...never a time he failed to return my call expediently.
Initially, I was apprehensive about meeting with Geoff because of previous encounters with attorneys, but we connected immediately.
I liked this man! He was gracious, friendly, professional, easy to understand, and came across as a man sincerely eager to help me through the legal exercise he knew I faced at a time I was emotionally strained by my father's demise.
I especially want to note that where other professionals were all business, I was so impressed that Geoff stepped out of that role for a moment to be human enough in my first moment of grief to be one of the only professionals to quickly offer his condolences to me. That was kind and thoughtful. I wasn't just a client, I was a fellow pilgrim on this dusty journey called life, and he wanted to share my pain, my loss.
I should also note that his fees were incredibly fair, far less than I expected.
Bottom line, I would rate Geoff a 10 +... off the charts, really! So if you need an attorney, especially on estate matters, let me encourage you to employ the services of Geoff Garrett. I'm truly confident that you will soon sing his praises as much as I am doing here. Feel free to contact me for further verbal confirmation of all that I have outlined above.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Mike
We were referred to Craig from our corporate law firm. He was very responsive in returning our call. He spent a generous amount of time on the initial consult and was clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter. If a friend were to ask me for a reference to an elder law attorney, I would be comfortable suggesting they call Craig.
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06 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
My family received Craig's name from 3 different sources. We needed a very experienced lawyer to handle a complicated guardianship. We ended up finding a lawyer for life. Craig was thorough, available, compassionate and did an outstanding job. He is a true professional, and an asset to his field. I couldn't recommend him more highly.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Emma
We met Steve in his beautiful office conveniently located off the 405 in downtown Bellevue. We had no idea what to expect but Steve walked us through our estate planning making sure we had all of our options explained carefully and considerately. He made it a pleasure extending hospitality with a glass of champagne which helped break the awkwardness of talking about delicate subjects. Thank you Steve we do appreciate your help and guidance.
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24 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I recommended Steve for estate planning. I had a very simple "estate" but a lot of questions. I felt he was prepared, considerate and brought up interesting questions to planning my documents. I highly recommend the experience and Steve.
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04 Nov, 2020 by Evan
Doug is the most caring, thoughful, experienced in his field than anyone can imagine. He is a pillar and a deacon. Fair, honest, and just a real nice person.
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18 May, 2015 by Judith
i appreciate how Mrs. Merrill listened to my concerns and made sure that they were incorporated into my documents. She is very empathetic and it was easy to talk to her. I will highly recommend Mrs. Merrill.
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17 Aug, 2023 by Claire
We retained Mr Yoke in 2020 to represent us in a Will contest with a family member. We found him to be very thoughtful and organized in his presentation and would highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance as to a will!
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Bob was very helpful and accessible. He was patient and worked closely with me to attain an excellent result. My will was concise and covered everything I wanted. I recommend him highly.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Tammy quichocho
I don't even know where to begin. It's now been a little over a year since my husband and I made the call to Hallaq Law. It was the BEST decision we made and a huge burden was lifted! It was the end of 2022 and we were in so much debt after going from a 2 income household to 1 due to the pandemic. We thought we'd be able to catch up on paying our bills that was accumulated but we were stuck. I vividly remember googling Law Firms in my area and Hallaq Law was at the top of the list. After reading the reviews, my husband and I discussed our options and made the call. It took us a while to finally get the ball rolling, but Brian and Diem walked us through the whole process and was always available when we had questions. It's long over due, but I wanted to THANK Brian and Diem for their guidance during the whole process. Look no further, Brian and Diem are the best and we can't thank them enough.
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23 Dec, 2023 by Jennifer lund
A genuinely good person and an outstanding, highly knowledgable attorney. Brian has your back from the very begining. He is absolutely worth your time, you won’t need another attorney!
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13 Nov, 2023 by Sylvia wang
I have to say that working with Brian and Diem is the best decision that I have ever made. I am so happy that I don't have to worry about getting sued by collection company anymore. They acted fast and got my paper filed right away. They are my heroes.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Nicola
Jerry helped us with a real estate purchase and updating a deed on another home. He was thorough, responsive, and clearly explained everything when we had questions. Overall he was great to work with!
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22 Oct, 2022 by David
Most lawyers I've worked with do the minimum (if any) work to just mark the task as "done". However, Jerry goes above and beyond. He offers suggestions that definitely make his life more difficult, to help the customer, without extra compensation. He works very hard and deserves every penny he earns.
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09 Jan, 2022 by Brenda
Jerry has helped us on real estate questions; research and guided us. Would definitely recommend him.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Jeff
Scott was an outstanding resource as we produced estate and will documents for the first time. He was generous with his time, common sense about explaining terms and scenarios for our understanding, and communicative so that our time together was well-spent and efficient. Scott is a very pleasant individual, so the interactions never seems strained or formal. I would also comment on his excellent follow-up and after-the-fact communications to ensure our docs were stored well, that we had access to the digital files, and provide ongoing guidance about any potential revision based on purchases we had made or changes in income status. I highly recommend Scott Beetham for personal legal work.
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13 Aug, 2014 by Zafar
I worked with Scott for my will preparation and he was very helpful and easy to work with. He explained us things to make it easy for us and kept us informed through the whole process. I would definitely recommend him.
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28 Jul, 2014 by Charles
My wife and I had no idea where to start our estate planning. Mr. Beetham was extremely patient, thoughtful and helpful. He knew all the right questions to ask and guided us to an estate plan that far exceeded our expectations for thoroughness and completeness. There is no doubt he would be my first choice for professional and friendly legal advice.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Lina gedbudiene
During a challenging time when I didn’t know where to start, I interviewed several attorneys. Mr. Lotzkar was the only one who provided me with a sense of security by requesting that the court hold my then-husband responsible for my attorney's fees. He gave me peace of mind and reassurance that everything would be okay.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Diana budrevich
I had a great experience working with the Lotzkar Law Firm. Very quick at responding to any questions. The team is excellent at what they do, highly recommend.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Jalel levy
I felt compelled to write a recommendation of The Lotzkar Law Firm as an exceptional team. I have had the pleasure of working with Gordon Lotzkar for over 8 years, closer to 10 now. During this time, I’ve been consistently impressed by the lever of expertise, responsiveness, dedication and professionalism.
Gordon has demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He possesses excellent analytical skills, think critically, strategically and still show empathy which is a rare combination.
Over the years I’ve had to seek out Gordon and his teams and work through not just the divorce but ultimately how to best collaborate with my child’s father when he was unable to responsibly care for our son on multiple occasions. Gordon help me to prepare the right type of parental guards within the courts to temporarily suspend custodial rights while seeking mental and medical support and getting to a place of stability.
It’s a difficult situation to understand and yet be able to explain but Gordon and his team of legal experts have always acted in the best interest of our son and provided sound guidance and counsel.
I have witnessed Gordon in action in court and have always been impressed with his ability to work with integrity and strong moral character while navigating complex legal situations and work tirelessly to ensure our rights and interests were always protected.
I trust The Lotzkar Firm and wouldn’t hesitate to bring him in again if needed.
Please consider this when looking for the absolute best!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Kierra wilcox
Did great with all my cases
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17 Apr, 2024 by Lydia lauver
I hired Andrew May at Envision Family Law after interviewing several attorneys. He was rated very highly on the Super Lawyer website and Andrew has lived up to all his reviews. He is highly skilled, precise, and most importantly Andrew is very ethical and his integrity.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Alex harrison
Chellie Anderson has been an absolute cornerstone in my experience with legal support, working alongside attorney Joshua Bruner with a level of expertise and reliability that's both impressive and deeply reassuring. She feels like a second lawyer on the legal team.
Since taking over for Donna, Chellie has been incredibly prompt, utterly professional, and someone who embodies the highest standards of what top-of-the-line legal assistance should be. If you'll click over to read my review of Donna, you'll see that replacing her was an incredibly high bar to live up to. Chellie's success in matching Donna's performance as a paralegal to Joshua Bruner makes me wonder if it isn't the strength of the paralegal team, and not the attorneys, at Envision Family Law that makes the firm so successful.
That isn't to knock attorney Joshua Bruner, who has been nothing short of magnificent. Flawless. Compelling. Powerful. An expert crafter of legal writing, interviewer, and declaration writer.
And deeply empathic to boot. He's been beyond-the-beyond good.
It's just that, in settling on Envision, we interviewed countless other firms, including all the top firms in Washington, and even paid an $8000 retainer at one, only to have it completely refunded because of the sheer complexity of our case. We experienced countless paralegal's assistance and communication through that process.
EACH of the paralegals we worked with at Envision - Donna & Chellie - are an order of magnitude better than ANY of the dozen paralegals we worked with at other firms.
Chellie's approach isn't just about being thorough - and she is remarkably thorough - it's about bringing a personal understanding to her work that genuinely makes a difference.
Josh trusts Chellie implicitly, and it's easy to see why. Her capacity to handle complex legal tasks with a calm and efficient demeanor has not only won my complete trust but also my respect. She operates with a clarity and precision that ensures everything is managed smoothly, which is something I've come to rely on.
What stands out to me about Chellie is not just her professionalism but also her genuine dedication to her clients. She responds quickly, making sure that I'm always in the loop and fully informed, while respecting our budget. This level of communication and care is something I've found to be exceptional. Chellie doesn't just meet the high standards set by the legal profession; she surpasses them, making the often daunting world of legal proceedings far more navigable and less stressful.
Working with Chellie, I've felt a strong sense of confidence in our ongoing legal matters. Her ability to work seamlessly with Joshua Bruner enhances their legal services tremendously, providing a level of support that I truly value. It's not just about the legal tasks at hand. It's about knowing there's someone as capable as Chellie looking out for your best interests, while you're out taking care of your own business and family matters.
For anyone in need of exceptional legal support, my experience says you'll be in very good hands with Chellie. She very obviously enhances the effectiveness of an already powerhouse attorney in Joshua Bruner.
Now having more than 6 months of experience with Envision, Chellie, Donna, and Bruner, I genuinely feel sorry for anyone who has to go against them in court. They are by FAR the most prepared - and talented - legal team in the courtroom, every single time. It's not even close. If you need a legal team that is going to win, even when they "shouldn't," I currently put my money - literally - on Envision, because of industry-leading performance by paralegal's like Chellie. That performance appears to just be par for the course for all parties at Envision. Deeply impressive. Easiest 5-star review ever.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Kierra wilcox
Did great with all my cases
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17 Apr, 2024 by Lydia lauver
I hired Andrew May at Envision Family Law after interviewing several attorneys. He was rated very highly on the Super Lawyer website and Andrew has lived up to all his reviews. He is highly skilled, precise, and most importantly Andrew is very ethical and his integrity.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Alex harrison
Chellie Anderson has been an absolute cornerstone in my experience with legal support, working alongside attorney Joshua Bruner with a level of expertise and reliability that's both impressive and deeply reassuring. She feels like a second lawyer on the legal team.
Since taking over for Donna, Chellie has been incredibly prompt, utterly professional, and someone who embodies the highest standards of what top-of-the-line legal assistance should be. If you'll click over to read my review of Donna, you'll see that replacing her was an incredibly high bar to live up to. Chellie's success in matching Donna's performance as a paralegal to Joshua Bruner makes me wonder if it isn't the strength of the paralegal team, and not the attorneys, at Envision Family Law that makes the firm so successful.
That isn't to knock attorney Joshua Bruner, who has been nothing short of magnificent. Flawless. Compelling. Powerful. An expert crafter of legal writing, interviewer, and declaration writer.
And deeply empathic to boot. He's been beyond-the-beyond good.
It's just that, in settling on Envision, we interviewed countless other firms, including all the top firms in Washington, and even paid an $8000 retainer at one, only to have it completely refunded because of the sheer complexity of our case. We experienced countless paralegal's assistance and communication through that process.
EACH of the paralegals we worked with at Envision - Donna & Chellie - are an order of magnitude better than ANY of the dozen paralegals we worked with at other firms.
Chellie's approach isn't just about being thorough - and she is remarkably thorough - it's about bringing a personal understanding to her work that genuinely makes a difference.
Josh trusts Chellie implicitly, and it's easy to see why. Her capacity to handle complex legal tasks with a calm and efficient demeanor has not only won my complete trust but also my respect. She operates with a clarity and precision that ensures everything is managed smoothly, which is something I've come to rely on.
What stands out to me about Chellie is not just her professionalism but also her genuine dedication to her clients. She responds quickly, making sure that I'm always in the loop and fully informed, while respecting our budget. This level of communication and care is something I've found to be exceptional. Chellie doesn't just meet the high standards set by the legal profession; she surpasses them, making the often daunting world of legal proceedings far more navigable and less stressful.
Working with Chellie, I've felt a strong sense of confidence in our ongoing legal matters. Her ability to work seamlessly with Joshua Bruner enhances their legal services tremendously, providing a level of support that I truly value. It's not just about the legal tasks at hand. It's about knowing there's someone as capable as Chellie looking out for your best interests, while you're out taking care of your own business and family matters.
For anyone in need of exceptional legal support, my experience says you'll be in very good hands with Chellie. She very obviously enhances the effectiveness of an already powerhouse attorney in Joshua Bruner.
Now having more than 6 months of experience with Envision, Chellie, Donna, and Bruner, I genuinely feel sorry for anyone who has to go against them in court. They are by FAR the most prepared - and talented - legal team in the courtroom, every single time. It's not even close. If you need a legal team that is going to win, even when they "shouldn't," I currently put my money - literally - on Envision, because of industry-leading performance by paralegal's like Chellie. That performance appears to just be par for the course for all parties at Envision. Deeply impressive. Easiest 5-star review ever.
Read more
08 Sep, 2017 by Sara
As a family with dual citizenship, minor legal issues always seem to pop up. I found Kristin to be very helpful in dealing with my questions, flexible on meeting times and professional in her demeanor and approach. Kristin was very efficient and excellent value for the money I paid. I appreciate her assistance.
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12 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
Kristin made the process of estate planning painless. It's something we had been putting off for years but with her guidance and recommendations we were able to complete the process quickly. I feel she informed me of industry standards and helped narrow down our options.
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09 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Ms. Reeder assisted me and my family with some tough issues regarding medicaid planning for my parents. She is knowledgeable, trustworthy and keeps up to date on relevant laws and regulations in this area. I highly recommend her.
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06 May, 2020 by Anonymous
We have worked with Irving for our estate planning on two occasions. He is very thorough, flexible to our needs, and questions what we need -- he is not just taking a cookie cutter approach for estate planning but a partner in our overall plan. He gives good insight about the pros and cons of certain options we proposed. On top of that, he's very nice to talk to. highly recommended!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Kedar
Irv did my will and a real estate transaction for us. He has an excellent grasp of legal issues in both areas. He took a 20 year view rather than just the current situation. He walked patiently through various cases. He worked on Christmas weekend since we were in a time-crunch. He notarized our documents in a short order. He is a wonderful human being with great legal expertise.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Bill
Mr. Sonkin took time to provide specific interesting information that applied for my unusual circumstances!
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What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
-
What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
