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5.0
190 Reviews
08 Jan, 2025 by Jacqueline f
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding service Sky Law Group has provided throughout my case. From start to finish, professionalism and dedication were evident at every turn.
I am particularly grateful to Rosie, who was truly exceptional in every aspect. She consistently went above and beyond to assist me, always being available to answer my questions and guide me through each step of the process.
The entire team’s expertise and support have made a significant difference, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented and compassionate group of professionals.
Thank you once again for everything. I will certainly recommend your firm to others in need of legal assistance.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Peidong xu
Daniel and his team members are professional and successfully resolved our problems with FTB and IRS. I highly recommend him if you have any tax issues.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Mehrdad esfahani
Caring & understanding attorney. Took the time to answer my questions and give me perspective regarding my legal issue.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Peggy rubel
How do you thank people who truly changed your life? I had been struggling with substantial, life-thwarting tax debt from an ex-husband for over a decade. It was a complicated case that included white collar crime, broken promises from legal aid agencies, and collection abuse by government agencies. Joe and his staff listened carefully, and proceeded with calm diligence, no matter the challenge. We went through an OIC with the IRS successfully, and with the FTB, I was granted relief with an Innocent Spouse appeal. Joe and Jessica did not give up when things weren't right. They were committed to seeing things to a better end.
All paperwork was clear and timely, all filings were correct. They were respectful of time/fees, and always open to discuss any questions. They helped me feel safe in a System that hunted me unjustly for years, and I am deeply grateful. I really cannot say enough good things about honestly, integrity, and diligence.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Tyler collins
Very happy with the tax help I received. I had insurmountable state and federal tax debts from a former company. Went through multiple CPAs and tax professionals but none of them could help. Wilson Tax Law Group reduced my tax liability by 90% and I finally owe nothing to the IRS or state of CA. After 5+ years of fighting, I can't tell you how good that feels.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Wayne j.
I endorse the Wilson Tax Law Group for their outstanding work. This team truly exceeded my hopes in every aspect throughout the situations I had the pleasure of working with them during.
The Wilson Tax Law team is made up of former IRS agents, so they have a thorough understanding of the text of the law. When it comes to negotiating complicated tax concerns and interacting with the IRS, they are extremely competent. Unquestionably, this degree of experience gave me comfort during an existing situation.
But, the Wilson Tax Law team's sincere concern and care for my circumstance stood out to me the most. They were there for me when I needed them and were always willing to talk things out. They went above and above to make sure I was informed and helped at every step of the way.
I can state with certainty that the Wilson Tax Law team is one of the most dependable and trustworthy. They have a genuine commitment to supporting their clients through challenging circumstances and are true authorities in their industry. If you're searching for a group that will provide you with assurance and knowledgeable direction when handling tax-related concerns, you won't be dissatisfied with their services because of their unrivaled professionalism and experience.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.8
128 Reviews
28 Dec, 2024 by Shelley dhillon
26 Nov, 2024 by Claudio hand
When my mother, who lives in California, was sued by a major bank as a guarantor, we initially hired a local Utah attorney since the litigation was filed in Utah. Unfortunately, it became clear that this first attorney was not competent. That’s when we brought in Marianne Dawson-Man, Esq., to assistwith litigation strategy, settlement efforts, and oversight. Marianne quickly identified the gaps in the first attorney’s work and advised us through the process of replacing him with new local counsel.
Since the case was in Utah, we had to engage additional Utah attorneys to manage court filings, procedural compliance, and appearances. Unfortunately, the second Utah attorney we hired proved to be both ineffective and unresponsive, missing key moments and failing to stay on top of important emails and documents. To keep the case on track, we brought in two more Utah attorneys, but they focused more on administrative tasks. Marianne had to guide them to engage strategically with opposing counsel, as they often deferred to the bank’s demands without pushback.
Throughout the process, Marianne provided the litigation strategy and direction that had been missing from the case. Some attorneys discouraged us from pursuing an indemnification agreement—worrying it could complicate negotiations or trigger third-party involvement—but Marianne recognized how essential it was to protect my mother’s interests. She remained persistent and insisted on safeguards to minimize my mother’s liability and ensure her assets were protected.
Marianne also managed aggressive opposing counsel from the bank, along with a third party's legal counsels that aligned with the bank’s efforts to shift the full burden of liability onto my mother. Thanks to her strategic persistence and leadership, we secured a favorable settlement that included an indemnification agreement—a key protection that other attorneys had advised against pursuing.
Not all attorneys are the same. Marianne provided the leadership, strategy, and advocacy we needed to overcome complex challenges and secure the best outcome possible. Without her involvement, I am certain we would not have achieved this result. I highly recommend Marianne Dawson-Man to anyone seeking an attorney who can lead complex cases, anticipate challenges, and deliver real results.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Dora lepe
She is absolutely the best! She listened to me and was very detail oriented. She absolutely knows her stuff! I highly recommend her. I will come to her first if I ever need her services again. She is a little spitfire! In a good way.
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23 Jan, 2020 by Alex palmer
Best FBAR services!!!
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16 Dec, 2018 by Braden smith
16 Dec, 2018 by Stephanie smith
03 Oct, 2024 by Manal mousa
I had a great experience with Sullivan Law and associates. I highly recommend it. Richard Sullivan is the best, he is a very professional attorney that properly represents his clients. Richard is very caring and treat you as family. Steve Ra also has very professional representation. I am so glad that I found this firm, they have done so much for me. They handled my case perfectly, their hard work helped me finish my 5 year case.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Divorce me oc
Wow, anyone need divorce attorney? Checkout Richard Sullivan.
My spouse and attorney was doing everything possible to delay and obstruct the divorce process.
After 3 years and trying couple attorneys, I found Mr Sullivan. He was the only one who got my case moving forward and to the end
I noticed that some attorneys are just pushing papers, which is great for an easy-going divorce. However, reaching a settlement it’s always within your control. And I play that no one has to go through what I have.
But if you have, or just want to avoid it, give Sullivan Law and associates a call. They continued to negotiate up to the last day, to avoid a trial and settle out of court. But Richard Sullivan is a trial attorney and sometimes you need a trial attorney to avoid a trial.
Live well, and be true
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16 Jul, 2024 by Dee greenwalt
They were very caring and prompt to all my needs. They didn't nickel and dime me on everything. They cared about the struggles of attorney costs. I would recommend this firm. You will get a staff that backs you up. It's the one man show attorneys that take advantage of people in need. That you for all you have done.
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16 Feb, 2025 by Zachary waters
Excellent attorneys. Steve, Liam and Mike are top notch!
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02 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Level headed and knowledgeable, extremely responsive and kept me informed. Very dependable.
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5.0
9 Reviews
14 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Yes, I can be a bit dramatic, but let me say it again, WoW! I liked his picture and "ready for a courtroom showdown" so gave him a cold call. He was the most gracious, well mannered attorney I've spoken to. I'm a Paralegal and have a pending probate case so that says a lot! Aside from his excellent manner and professionalism, the guy knows his stuff. I have been through five (thought it was only 3:) probate attorneys for the last 9 years and Mr. Hankin gave me information that was pivotal to the success of my case; information that I should have already been told. I know, where was he 9 years ago! Let me tell you, he would have been my attorney and this case would have come to a conclusion years ago. Thank you again Mr. Hankin, your kindness put my trust back in humanity. ~A
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16 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Needing help with probate court and how to best deal with our trust litigation matter at hand, I was referred to Ted Hankin. We had a family dispute after the passing of my father and his trust, and Ted helped us save a considerable amount of money by taking the right steps. He will answer your questions along the way and keeps you informed of the process.
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25 May, 2017 by Peter piazza
I recently posted a review of this attorney but my review may have been premature, as we were not yet finished completing our exchanges. Since my earlier review Mr. Hankin wrote to me again. He shed tremendous light on the one pressing question that baffled me, and he did so in a professional manner.
My initial aim was to utilize his services in the Appellate Courts, but it appears my case lacks the "teeth" for a successful appeal. If that were not my unfortunate predicament I'd most assuredly hire Mr. Hankin. Sometimes the devil is in the details. He's a details oriented attorney who takes the time to explain matters to his clients and prospective clients.
I can't speak to other areas of his law practice, but for anything pertaining to California Trusts or Probate matters he's the "go-to" attorney!
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11 Aug, 2023 by Rebecca and terry
"We highly recommend that you speak with David L. Crockett before choosing an attorney for any estate or other legal matter.
The trust property we had to deal with had not been maintained and had fallen into severe disrepair. Everything from plumbing to electricity to the building exterior and plant overgrowth was on the list. We worked long hours trying to sort and clear years of clutter and accumulation, make repairs, keep up taxes utilities etc. We kept the records we thought were needed and useful in developing a plan for progress.
“Time went fast, and progress went slow.”
Our struggles dealing with the trust were steadily moving beyond our abilities to resolve; we realized that we definitely needed help. Also we ourselves, as time passed, were contributing to our need for resolution.
It was daunting that we would have to have help from a CPA, a licensed Real Estate Broker/Lawyer and someone who had the ability to communicate direction and legal advice specific to our situation.
Multiple years of accounting and record keeping needed to be adequate and organized for negotiating the path from tax filings, title company closing and any other legal requirements of disclosure and trust distribution fulfillment. We had contacted several lawyers and professionals, but only became more confused actually.
Then, fortunately we contacted David L. Crockett.
David is prepared to guide and represent you in all of those areas. Mr. Crockett’s manner is professional, positive and efficient. Working with David L. Crockett was the best possible decision we could have made."
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29 Mar, 2023 by Jason salis
Mary Beth is the most cooperative, efficient, and valuable attorney I have ever worked with in any area of law. Her advice proved invaluable. She is a tenacious negotiator. Her fees proved to be completely reasonable. Most importantly she got results, where two previous attorneys floundered. Thanks so much.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Tedd saunders
Mary Beth Holloway rarely talked to me about my case. She never took my side and actually fought for me. If you want evidence I will gladly share a photo for you. Please look elsewhere for a family law attorney.
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18 Sep, 2019 by Mykhal
I needed some tax advice for some clients that I was advising on a real estate deal. I reached out to Mr. Clemons and his firm and they really helped out. By far the most comprehensive in terms of quality advice for a reasonable price.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Martha nevin
I had an excellent experience with Richard from my first visit and the following appointment to sign documents. Richard has the knowledge, experience and patience, explaining each section of the living trust and answering questions. Also, Richard is funny and it seems like we've known each other for a long time. I definitely recommend Richard B Rudolph.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Jim burns
My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Richard from our first zoom call to our follow up visit signing our trust documents. He did not rush us and he spent a considerable amount of time answering questions about things we needed to know about our parents trust as well as the one he had written for us. He spent time explaining each part of our trust and what we needed to do to "fund" our trust. I liked his organized way of presenting the trust in sections that were easy to read! Richard is fun and adds humor to his work, we would highly recommend Richard B. Rudolph!!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Bryan rodriguez
Great attorney!! Highly recommend!!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Jenny h
This review is for partner (formerly associate) Michael Jones. I have had the opportunity to work with him on a few legal issues I experienced and to know him as a colleague. Since I am grateful for his help, I am leaving this review to show support for his business.
As an attorney, I would say he is a true believer in the highest form of justice, one who genuinely cares about helping people navigate challenging legal situations, big and small. He was willing to help me with issues that other firms didn't consider worthwhile. I would recommend him as an attorney and I would also say that we need more people like this in the profession.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Jan koren
If I could give negative stars, I would. While it may sound cliché, it is absolutely true in this case. If you are considering hiring Ilona, please take a step I regret not taking: ask around about her reputation at various firms. Doing so could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ilona took 5-6 months to draft a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) based on mediation outcomes, a task that should have taken just a few days. This delay resulted in costs of $50,000 to $60,000 for a poorly executed MSA. This amount does not even cover the majority of her work, which was far from satisfactory.
It’s important to know that there are remedies if you find yourself in a situation with an attorney who appears to intentionally botch work for future financial gain. This experience ranks among the top five worst mistakes I've made in 44 years. I cannot stress enough the importance of asking around before hiring.
Additionally, when I requested her to correct her mistakes, she demanded more money to do so. What other service demands additional payment to fix their own intentional errors? It’s incomprehensible.
Also she uses tactics to fool people with multiple google review pages to spam
Out the bad reviews with 5 star reviews with someone with 1-2 reviews and one happens to be for her. Such deceptive behavior
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30 Jun, 2024 by Kameron peyton
Highly recommend! Exceptional service and stellar results. Best family law firm around.
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16 Feb, 2025 by Tom
I contacted the Vondran Law Firm over 10 days ago. The receptionist was short, seemingly in a hurry, and apparently disinterested in my call. I left my name and number asking for Steve or his assistant to call me back regarding a federal case in California. I never heard back from the firm.
One must ask, why does a law firm like this advertise and post videos on YouTube if when a new client contacts them they never even bother to call back?
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03 Jan, 2025 by Tammy guerrero
Nguyen Law Group answered my questions and working with them was an easy choice. I made clear my need to keep costs down if possible, so they guided me through what I could do for myself throughout the process and I made sure not to be contacting them at every turn. They did their job well, were kind, professional, and helpful! They made the process as easy as possible and were clear at all times. I worked primarily with Neena and I appreciate her so much. I highly recommend Nguyen Law Group. They are compassionate and will help you whether you want a no frills, amicable divorce or whether you need them to pull out all the stops and go to bat for you in a difficult situation. By the way, it was as quick an painless as I could have imagined. We got started in May, filed in June, and it will be final January 3!
I would trust them with any of my legal needs.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Jenna winchester
I had an outstanding experience with Neena Masters as my family law attorney. Navigating the legal process can be daunting, but from our first meeting, Neena provided exceptional guidance and support. She was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely compassionate about my case. Neena listened carefully to all my concerns, offered practical advice, and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small.
Her expertise in family law was evident, and she handled every aspect of my case with professionalism and dedication. Neena fought diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for me and my family, and her negotiation skills were truly impressive. Thanks to her hard work and that of her team at Nguyen Law Groups commitment, I felt confident and well-represented throughout the entire process.
I highly recommend Neena Masters and the Nguyen Law Group to anyone in need of a skilled and caring family law attorney. She made a difficult time much more manageable, and I'm incredibly grateful for her support and expertise.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Sandra marquez
Geoff and his team are amazing. They will tell it to you straight and keep you in the loop every step of the way. If you are looking for someone to have your back he is the lawyer to have. I am truly grateful for his help during this time. The best representation out there. Thank you Geoff and thank you to his Team.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Audrey bonafede
Came across the Soto Law Group when finding a trust/family planning office that was mostly covered by my company's Metlife Legal plan. The team was extremely helpful and DeDe is absolutely lovely. They made it very easy to work through our family planning documents. DeDe did a fantastic job summarizing everything. The end product was well put together and will keep us organized moving forward. Would highly recommend!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Chen ster
I highly recommend contacting Geoff. He is the best in his field and I wouldn't think twice about hiring him. He is the best!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Maranda idoni
Vanessa was assigned to my case and her and her team took care of everything. They made sure to communicate with me at every step and I can't say how much I appreciated it.
My mother ended up getting into a car accident a few years later and I immediately reached out to Vanessa. I can't recommend them enough, they always get the job done!!
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07 May, 2024 by Megan jewell
I would highly recommend Kalfayan Merjanian. They are there for you to help to answer any questions or just check in on how you are feeling. From day one until the closing of your case (5 years in my case) you have someone on your side. Thank you!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Ariana rubin
I was in a bad car accident last year and I was recommended to work with Kalfayan Merjanian and I’m glad I did. Getting into a car accident and all the aftermath of an accident is stressful, but working with this firm it made it all a breeze for me. They helped me find the medical care I needed and made appointments for me. Very communicative throughout the process. It was a pleasure working with everyone from this firm.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Joanne
I have known Mike for more than thirty years. He recently completed his third update of my will and second update of my trust. He is very careful to be sure he is recording exactly what you want and gives excellent advice for how to define your beneficiaries of your various assets.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Peggy rubel
How do you thank people who truly changed your life? I had been struggling with substantial, life-thwarting tax debt from an ex-husband for over a decade. It was a complicated case that included white collar crime, broken promises from legal aid agencies, and collection abuse by government agencies. Joe and his staff listened carefully, and proceeded with calm diligence, no matter the challenge. We went through an OIC with the IRS successfully, and with the FTB, I was granted relief with an Innocent Spouse appeal. Joe and Jessica did not give up when things weren't right. They were committed to seeing things to a better end.
All paperwork was clear and timely, all filings were correct. They were respectful of time/fees, and always open to discuss any questions. They helped me feel safe in a System that hunted me unjustly for years, and I am deeply grateful. I really cannot say enough good things about honestly, integrity, and diligence.
Read more
14 Jun, 2023 by Tyler collins
Very happy with the tax help I received. I had insurmountable state and federal tax debts from a former company. Went through multiple CPAs and tax professionals but none of them could help. Wilson Tax Law Group reduced my tax liability by 90% and I finally owe nothing to the IRS or state of CA. After 5+ years of fighting, I can't tell you how good that feels.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Wayne j.
I endorse the Wilson Tax Law Group for their outstanding work. This team truly exceeded my hopes in every aspect throughout the situations I had the pleasure of working with them during.
The Wilson Tax Law team is made up of former IRS agents, so they have a thorough understanding of the text of the law. When it comes to negotiating complicated tax concerns and interacting with the IRS, they are extremely competent. Unquestionably, this degree of experience gave me comfort during an existing situation.
But, the Wilson Tax Law team's sincere concern and care for my circumstance stood out to me the most. They were there for me when I needed them and were always willing to talk things out. They went above and above to make sure I was informed and helped at every step of the way.
I can state with certainty that the Wilson Tax Law team is one of the most dependable and trustworthy. They have a genuine commitment to supporting their clients through challenging circumstances and are true authorities in their industry. If you're searching for a group that will provide you with assurance and knowledgeable direction when handling tax-related concerns, you won't be dissatisfied with their services because of their unrivaled professionalism and experience.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Kanin asva
11 Sep, 2024 by Samuel adejuwon jr
Reviewing the extensive documentation of a franchise agreement can be daunting, but the expertise of the professionals at Luther Lanard PC made the process exceptionally manageable. We are exceedingly content with the overall result of our collaboration from inception to conclusion. We unequivocally endorse their services to those exploring the realm of franchising and strongly advise undertaking a thorough legal review. We will consistently advocate for the team at Luther Lanard.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Bob mathews
Very thorough and wise in their counsel. We enjoyed working with Krystina Endara. She was timely and always appropriately promoting our best interests while helping us work to a final net positive result.
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12 Jan, 2025 by Jenny h
This review is for partner (formerly associate) Michael Jones. I have had the opportunity to work with him on a few legal issues I experienced and to know him as a colleague. Since I am grateful for his help, I am leaving this review to show support for his business.
As an attorney, I would say he is a true believer in the highest form of justice, one who genuinely cares about helping people navigate challenging legal situations, big and small. He was willing to help me with issues that other firms didn't consider worthwhile. I would recommend him as an attorney and I would also say that we need more people like this in the profession.
Read more
24 Jul, 2024 by Jan koren
If I could give negative stars, I would. While it may sound cliché, it is absolutely true in this case. If you are considering hiring Ilona, please take a step I regret not taking: ask around about her reputation at various firms. Doing so could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ilona took 5-6 months to draft a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) based on mediation outcomes, a task that should have taken just a few days. This delay resulted in costs of $50,000 to $60,000 for a poorly executed MSA. This amount does not even cover the majority of her work, which was far from satisfactory.
It’s important to know that there are remedies if you find yourself in a situation with an attorney who appears to intentionally botch work for future financial gain. This experience ranks among the top five worst mistakes I've made in 44 years. I cannot stress enough the importance of asking around before hiring.
Additionally, when I requested her to correct her mistakes, she demanded more money to do so. What other service demands additional payment to fix their own intentional errors? It’s incomprehensible.
Also she uses tactics to fool people with multiple google review pages to spam
Out the bad reviews with 5 star reviews with someone with 1-2 reviews and one happens to be for her. Such deceptive behavior
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30 Jun, 2024 by Kameron peyton
Highly recommend! Exceptional service and stellar results. Best family law firm around.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Kim h
Dustin Shamburg is an exceedingly hardworking, responsive, and kind man. I contacted his office after receiving a DUI, I was completely overwhelmed by the entire situation and felt completely paralyzed as what to do or what would happen from here. This was my first time ever needing legal counsel.
I knew within a few minutes of our talking that it only made sense to hire this firm. It became obvious that he has an immense amount of knowledge and experience in this arena and I'm so glad I engaged with this firm. He walked me through every step of the way and was extremely responsive every single time I contacted. They are also very flexible on payments, which is very helpful!!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Ronald
I had an excellent experience with this firm. They were competent and reasonably priced. Blaine was excellent and delivered an excellent result.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Derrick stoebe
Blaine was fantastic to work with! He understood what my family was trying to accomplish with our case and his guidance led us to a positive solution. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a personable, high quality firm.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Melissa canchola
The service that was provided to my parents by everyone in the Newport Beach location was excellent. My parents were especially happy and grateful towards Diana Arreola, who was always so professional and patient with them during every step of the living trust process.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Dan fornero
Complete professional and very reasonable pricing.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Joann nicole buckanis
Excellent Living Trust service!
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22 May, 2019 by Heather
If it were at all possible to rate Dan Lively at negative Zero stars I would do so. He took our money, promised helpf to help us with our tax situation and we did not hear from him again. We contacted him every year FOR FIVE YEARS and it was the same answer, "The IRS is backed up due to tax cuts." Little did we know he was making absolutely no attempt to help us. Go elsewhere. You are in danger of losing money, not only to the IRS, but aldo to a greedy, self serving lawyer.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Jillian
I hired Mr. Lively at the Lively Law Group to handle some financial/legal situations during a very difficult time in my life.
Mr. Lively was very knowledgeable in both the financial and legal sides of my situation. He provided excellent and personalized service in expediting my case and resolving my legal issues. Mr. Lively holds a CPA and was notably willing to offer advise in assisting me with creating a stable & more robust financial future. As a result, today my financial outlook is strong and continuously improving. I highly recommend his services for any legal matter needing a complete and quick resolution.
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07 May, 2013 by Chris
I did not think that I would ever get back in the system until I met Mr. Lively. My FTB and IRS matter were handled by Mr. Lively at the same time and now I have my life back. I cannot tell you the weight that this has lifted off my shoulders. Thank-you, Thank-you.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Hector santiago
Wonderful friendly staff and get the job done right
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19 Aug, 2024 by Joseph tash
If you are in need of a Law Firm that will stand with you and fight for a right conclusion whether you are the plaintiff or defendant they will be there for you!
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18 Aug, 2024 by First last
27 Oct, 2024 by Hector santiago
Wonderful friendly staff and get the job done right
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19 Aug, 2024 by Joseph tash
If you are in need of a Law Firm that will stand with you and fight for a right conclusion whether you are the plaintiff or defendant they will be there for you!
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18 Aug, 2024 by First last
26 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. McElfish to evaluate corporate tax issues. We explained that we were on a rigid timeline in order to make decisions concerning an impending liquidity event. He boasted about how socially connected he is. The work product did not address our specific concerns and the tax conclusions were dubious. A significant retainer was eaten up without explanations. Access to McElfish was also difficult.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Tax Lawyer Can Do for You
A tax lawyer specializes in the complex area of tax law, offering legal advice and representation on matters related to tax compliance, disputes with tax authorities, and tax planning. Tax lawyers help individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate the intricacies of federal, state, and local tax laws. They ensure that clients are compliant with tax regulations, minimize tax liabilities, and represent them in audits, appeals, or disputes with tax authorities such as the IRS.
Whether you need assistance with personal taxes, corporate tax strategy, or resolving an audit, a tax lawyer can protect your rights and help you manage your financial responsibilities.
When Should I Hire a Tax Lawyer?
Hiring a tax lawyer is advisable in several situations where tax issues are complicated, disputes arise, or legal strategies are necessary to manage tax liability. Common reasons to hire a tax lawyer include:
- Tax audits or disputes with the IRS: If you are facing an audit or have received a notice of deficiency from the IRS, a tax lawyer can represent you and defend your rights during the process.
- Tax debt relief: If you owe back taxes or face significant tax liabilities, a tax lawyer can help negotiate a payment plan, settlement, or Offer in Compromise with the IRS.
- Tax planning for businesses or individuals: A tax lawyer can advise on strategies to minimize tax liabilities through legal deductions, credits, and other tax-saving mechanisms.
- International tax issues: If you have foreign assets or income, a tax lawyer can help you comply with international tax laws, such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) or Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) requirements.
- Tax fraud or evasion accusations: If you're being investigated or charged with tax fraud or evasion, a tax lawyer can provide a defense and negotiate with the authorities to minimize penalties.
- Corporate tax law compliance: Businesses, especially large corporations, benefit from the expertise of a tax lawyer who can handle complex issues such as mergers and acquisitions, employee benefits, and international tax planning.
- Estate and gift tax planning: A tax lawyer can help you minimize estate taxes and ensure your assets are passed on efficiently through trusts, wills, and other tax-efficient structures.
Hiring a tax lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you are fully compliant with all applicable tax laws.
What Does a Tax Lawyer Do?
A tax lawyer provides a wide range of services to assist clients with tax compliance, tax planning, and legal disputes. Their key responsibilities include:
- Tax planning and advisory: Helping individuals and businesses plan their tax strategies to reduce liability, avoid penalties, and maximize deductions and credits.
- Representing clients in tax disputes: Defending clients in disputes with the IRS or state tax authorities, including audits, appeals, and collections actions.
- Filing Offers in Compromise: Negotiating settlements with the IRS for clients who owe more than they can afford to pay.
- Handling tax litigation: Representing clients in tax court or other legal proceedings if a tax dispute escalates beyond the administrative level.
- Estate and gift tax planning: Advising clients on how to structure their estate to minimize estate and gift taxes, including creating trusts, family partnerships, or charitable giving plans.
- Assisting with tax fraud investigations: Defending clients accused of tax fraud, evasion, or criminal tax offenses.
- International tax compliance: Advising clients with offshore assets on U.S. tax compliance and reporting requirements, including FATCA and FBAR.
How Are Tax Lawyers Paid?
Tax lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the work involved and the nature of the legal assistance required. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many tax lawyers charge by the hour, especially for complex cases or ongoing legal work such as audit defense, tax litigation, or corporate tax planning. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as preparing a legal document, filing an Offer in Compromise, or handling a routine audit, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: For businesses or individuals with ongoing tax needs, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment used to secure the lawyer’s services and billed against as work is completed.
- Contingency fee: In rare cases, particularly when negotiating settlements or resolving tax debts, a lawyer may charge a contingency fee based on the outcome of the case. This means they only get paid if they succeed in reducing your tax liability.
Always ask about the fee structure during the initial consultation to avoid surprises and ensure you understand how the lawyer will charge for their services.
How Much Does a Tax Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a tax lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific services required. Here are some general cost estimates:
- Simple tax issues: For straightforward cases such as filing an Offer in Compromise or handling a routine audit, fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500.
- Complex tax disputes: For more complicated cases, such as defending against tax fraud accusations, handling a significant IRS audit, or resolving international tax issues, costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the time and effort involved.
- Hourly rates: Tax lawyers typically charge between $200 and $600 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases involving high-stakes outcomes.
- Flat fees: For specific services, such as tax planning for an estate or preparing a legal document, a flat fee may range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the task.
Always get a detailed estimate of fees during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Tax Lawyer
Before hiring a tax lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your situation. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with tax law?
Ensure the lawyer has specific experience handling cases or issues similar to yours, whether it’s IRS disputes, corporate tax planning, or estate taxes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the lawyer’s fee structure - whether it’s hourly, flat fee, or retainer - and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your situation and the possible outcomes, such as tax reductions, settlements, or litigation results. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Find out if the lawyer has experience with issues similar to yours, such as international tax compliance, criminal tax defense, or complex estate planning. -
What is the timeline for my case?
Ask how long it will take to resolve your tax issue or dispute, as some tax matters can take months or years to fully settle. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work. Clarify who will be handling your case day-to-day.
How to Check the Credibility of a Tax Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable tax lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for specific tax law expertise: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in tax law and have handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and service.
- Ask for references: A credible tax lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their ability to handle complex tax matters.
- Look for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation or the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) can indicate that the lawyer stays current with tax law developments.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a tax lawyer, it’s essential to come prepared with all relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Tax returns and records: Bring copies of recent tax returns, especially those related to the issue you're facing.
- IRS correspondence: If you’ve received notices from the IRS or state tax authorities, bring all relevant documentation.
- Financial records: Bring records of income, expenses, assets, and any other relevant financial documents that the lawyer may need to understand your tax situation.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the lawyer about your case, the legal process, and the potential outcomes.
- Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any interactions with the IRS or tax authorities, including audits, notices, or payment demands.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and help the lawyer assess your situation effectively, providing you with the best legal advice moving forward.
