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27 Jul, 2020 by Dawn
My ex-husband passed last month, and lived in AZ. Our children live in Hawaii, and they had no idea what do do upon hearing about the passing of their father. We have been told that no Will was left, so we knew we needed to talk to an attorney to help us with this process. On the recommendation of another law firm, I was put in contact with Mr. Struse. We spend an hour long Zoom conference call with Mr. Struse and we all felt confident that he was the correct attorney to speak to about our concerns and helping us navigate our next direction. He answered all our questions, listening patiently, giving us ethical / straight forward advise. We left the conversation with the knowledge of how probate works and knowing how we need / want to move forward. Thank you Mr. Struse so much for helping us, especially with the distance problem (Hawaii - Arizona) and having no Will in place. Mr. Stuse is extremely east to talk to, answers your questions, helps you understand the process explaining in plain English, and was genuinely empathetic to our situation. I also need to add, Andrea, his paralegal, was wonderful to talk to and did a fantastic job setting up our Zoom appointment and doing the intake of information before our appointment. I truly wish I could find a law firm like this in Hawaii.
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10 Sep, 2012 by Guy
I've used the services of Slosser Law Firm's, Timothy Struse, in the past when he deftly sorted out my deceased mother's property holdings and got my sister and I on track to transfer the property title. The property had been taken out of the Trust to be refinanced when my mother was still alive, but was mistakenly not put back in the Trust. So when it came time to make sure the remaining properties were in order to sell and sign off on the escrow documents with only one Trustee instead of two, hiring Timothy Struse again was a no-brainer. Timothy made the process easier and saved my sister and I a lot of time and effort. He's affordable, fast, pleasant and knows what he's doing. You can interview other attorneys like I did prior to hiring him the first time, but I guarantee you I am most happy with Timothy and can't recommend him highly enough.
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09 May, 2010 by Jim
Tim Struse handled our case of Trust settlement. My sister and I had been working with another lawyer for 6 months to obtain our rightful inheritance after the death of our father, but the trustee of my father's Trust (his second wife) chose to interpret the documents to give herself all the income from the Trust assets for life even though our father had made it clear in the last amendment he signed before his death that she was to receive a lump sum and his children were to receive the remainder. We were getting nowhere until we hired Tim Struse who promptly drew up a Trust Distribution Agreement which all parties felt was equitable. Throughout the process, Tim kept us informed of progress, answered all our emails (sometimes within minutes) and made us feel like we had a powerful ally. I would highly recommend Tim Struse to anyone with Trust or Estate problems.
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13 Jul, 2017 by T barnes
It seems unfathomable that an honest individual’s hard work and smart investment decisions can become their emotionally imprisoning liabilities. However, this is exactly what can result from the individual’s naivety and via an unfair “justice” system and I experienced it firsthand. I found Doug’s website as a result and he and his staff's skill, compassion, and attention to detail gave me the assurance I needed in safeguarding my unprotected investments. Doug developed a protection plan tailored to my unique situation, significantly minimizing the threat exposure of my unprotected investments and increasing the likelihood of their availability to beneficiaries I select. If you are fortunate enough to personally own any assets other than a homesteaded property and/or a retirement account, don’t take that ownership for granted. Instead, ensure your continual control of those assets by putting a solid protection strategy in place developed by the best there is- call Doug Lodmell.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Linda jean sampson
If you are looking to protect your assets from potential creditors, predators, overzealous attorneys or incessant government regulations, you must take decisive action before a problem begins. The best solution is to retain the law firm of Lodmell & Lodmell. Their firm concentrates on asset protection and takes it very seriously. Lodmell & Lodmell have decades of experience in handling asset protection matters and thousands of satisfied clients. They have a proven method for protecting assets. What more can you ask for? I have an excellent, comprehensive asset protection plan tailored to my specific needs provided to me by Lodmell & Lodmell. They are excellent attorneys doing a fantastic job of protecting people’s assets.
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12 May, 2014 by John
Without a doubt if you are looking into purchasing an asset protection trust, Mr. Lodmell is your answer. As a professional in the healthcare industry, one is always unsure of all of the hidden land mines that one encounters on a daily basis. From the predatory attorneys, the employee's of your practice, the non stop governmental regulations, and the day to day risk of working on patients, asset protection is a must in this day and age I did a ton of research before deciding on choosing Mr. Lodmell. I too was skeptical on picking an attorney who lived in a different state, but after talking with Mr. Lodmell several times ,and personally hearing from several of his current clients, it was clear that I had found my asset protection attorney. Mr. Lodmell has always been there to take my phone calls, and too answer any questions that have arisen throughout the years. He is highly respected from not only his peers in the legal field, but in the healthcare field as well. The piece of mind that one has after obtaining an asset protection trust through Doug has been priceless, and should not be overlooked. Not having to look over your shoulder or constantly worrying about people trying to take what you have worked hard for during your career has been one of the most valuable features of his trusts. Don't be fooled by people who are offering asset protection trusts that are lower in price. Remember, you get what you pay for. I wanted a family insurance policy to protect my family ,so I only wanted the best. Doug is the best of the best, and I highly recommend him to my fellow healthcare providers.
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08 Jan, 2020 by Renee
Steven met my brother and was hired by him to construct his last will and testament. My brother named me as his personal representative of his estate. After my brother's passing, Steven was there to help. The case turned out to be a difficult and complicated one. Steven was extremely good at listening to me and communicated with me often. It was clearly obvious to me that he genuinely cared about my case. He continuously went above and beyond to help me in any way he could to get me through the process. I would HIGHLY recommend him to others in my similar situation. I was confident in his experience and knowledge and would definitely hire his services in the future.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Melissa
Steve helped my husband and I with our wills, power of attorney and trusts. He was extremely thorough and explained how to avoid probate. I'm pleased with all the information provided since we both had questions when we walked in. He took the time out of his busy schedule to help out our family. We will be forever grateful for the energy and time he put into bringing assurance and peace of mind for us. We were able to walk away more knowlegable and having a great plan.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Justin
Mr. Jackson was very helpful in assisting me with a probate matter. I was unsure of what steps to take with regard to my specific situation as I had never dealt with any probate matters before. Mr. Jackson not only guided me where I needed to go, but took the extra time and effort to consult with one of his colleagues so I would not make a misstep. I can not recommend him enough thanks to his helpfulness and kindness during this process.
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22 Jan, 2021 by Ian
Nat is a sharp, diligent and DEDICATED attorney. He gave me a very quick history on precedents of my legal issue, gave me some options, made recommendations and came up with a plan. He was instrumental in not only resolving a frustrating experience with my HOA.....but also set the scenario up so that if they *didn't* acquiesce, then we would be in a particularly advantageous position, legally speaking. Fortunately, that never had to play out, but he was ready to be there. If you want a lawyer who will listen, take your side, tell you your options and potential/likely outcomes, and is thinking multiple steps ahead of your adversary, and it willing to be generous and judicious with your/his time....then, hire him.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Andrea jenkins
Attorney Nickele has done a wonderful job for us! He not only listened intently in our initial interview, but explained different courses of actions and the costs for each. He made himself available to us each step of the way. He is thorough, kind, shrewd and capable. I would hire him again, for any legal action in the future.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Nat truly goes above and beyond for his clients. He not only works diligently to take care of your actual needs but also provides special attention to your potential needs. He is a well rounded individual who establishes a solid rapport with his client. I highly recommend him!
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23 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Andrea helped us restate our trust and setup an LLC for my husband's business. When my father-in-law passed away, she helped answer questions regarding his estate administration. In our experience, she responded to emails and questions on a timely manner, provided clear instructions and was a pleasure to work with. She is an honest, kind and dedicated attorney.
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27 Apr, 2020 by Al and jean
As we stated in our May 2020 BATSON BULLETIN e-newsletter, it was time for our estate documents to be updated due to family changes and to be certain they were current with Arizona law. We are Realtors who specialize in Seniors (SRES designation/Seniors Real Estate Specialists) so finding Andrea Claus will help many people whose paths we cross.. Andrea came highly recommended; then we were privileged to hear her speak at Pioneer Title/Desert Ridge. She certainly has a handle on how important real estate is to your estate planning. She was delightful to work with in preparing our new documents and came up with so many excellent recommendations. We’re so pleased with Andrea and her staff (especially Jackie Chaney). The process was thorough and efficient and accomplished via telephone/email right up to the date we signed (masked, gloved with our own pens) in the parking lot outside of her office during COVID19. Flawless! We feel so relieved to know our Trust & other documents are in order and she’ll be there when the time comes…hopefully many years from now. Thank you Al and Jean Batson
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23 Jan, 2018 by Rj
Andrea is thoughtful and caring. She took the time to understand our situation and welcomed us as a friend. She answered all of our questions and ensured that weI understood every part of the plans that she created. Her knowledge about the various facets of our plan was impressive. We highly recommend Andrea
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05 Jul, 2019 by Cory
At every turn, Blake has been available to discuss immediate-need items and also, when necessary, thorough, accurate and communicative on all long-term strategy legal matters as they effect my business. We have been thrilled with the outcome of several legal matters and Blake's efforts have been at the heart of those outcomes. I would highly encourage anyone in need of legal advice to consult with Blake/Goodson Law and Legacies before making any critical legal decisions.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Mike
Every time and item we have asked Mr Moscatello to do has been completed efficiently and accurately. An excellent Lawyer.
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02 Jul, 2019 by Brian
Blake has been very proactive, in both document work for myself and our firm and for our clientele. He is very thorough, and consults with other professionals when it is called for.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Diane
My father passed away in June 2016 and I was appointed the executor of his estate. I live in Minnesota - and my father owned a condo in Arizona. I needed to find a good lawfirm in Arizona that would work with me over the phone & via email. Brent Gunderson and his team were outstanding. I worked very closely with Selena in their office and Selena's Customer Service was top notch. She was consistently helpful. When I called to ask her questions for the third time, she was positive and extremely informative (taking the time to walk me through exactly what I needed to do). I was extremely impressed by support I received from everyone in this law firm. They completed paperwork ahead of schedule and were very helpful to me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Mary jo
Brent Gunderson was very thorough while handling our estate planning. He was very knowledgeable, patient, and answered any questions that we had. We feel very confident that our estate is set up just the way it needs to be! Although this is a topic that is not easy to discuss let alone take action on, we are thankful ours is done!
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10 Aug, 2016 by Nancy
I highly recommend Gunderson Law Group, P.C. Brent Gunderson assisted me through the entire process of managing and handling my mother's Trust/Estate. He and his amazing staff responded to all of my telephone calls, e-mails, and questions in a timely, knowledgable and professional manner. I received solid legal advice and guidance throughout. They are the very best!
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29 Mar, 2013 by Don
I have used attorneys in the past to help with my wills and trusts (estate planning). Never has an attorney taken the time to thoroughly understand my intentions and goals that Matthew Bowles took! I thought I had a good grasp of my will and living trust and the changes needed to update it. I was surprised how much knowledge I lacked and all of the things Matthew Bowles explained that needed addressing. I am very thankful to have such a thorough, in depth and updated will and trust that more than meets my needs and expectations!
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28 Mar, 2013 by Michael
Matthew conveniently came to our home. He is very knowledgeable, thorough and affordable. Due to our family situation, we had to make some difficult decisions. Throughout the whole process, Matthew was patient and willing to give advice. We received our estate plan both in a nice organized binder and as a digital copy. I would recommend anyone who does not yet have a will or a trust to speak with Matthew right away.
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28 Mar, 2013 by Mary
Matthew drafted my estate documents and made the process easy. He clearly explained the different options available to me and the pros/cons of each. He returned correspondence promptly. He was flexible with the location, even coming to my home to complete part of the process. He did excellent work at a fixed fee, with no surprises to the pocketbook. I would recommend him to anyone needing estate planning.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Robert kolander
After the birth of our son, we had Libby establish our family trust. She made it very easy, was extremely patient, and answered all of our questions along the way. I would highly recommend Libby for any of your estate/will/probate or other related legal needs.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Robert
Libby handled all the questions and concerns we had about setting up our trust, and presented us with our trust in a professional, bound book complete with digital versions to store in safe places. A professional experience throughout the entire process - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Libby.
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08 Apr, 2014 by Howard
As an attorney practicing in a different area of law, it is nice to find an attorney that is as compassionate, experienced, knowledgable about probate, wills, and estates. Many people hope for the best when planning their wills. Libby will walk them through the process and make them comfortable thinking about the things that must be done so the family won't be fighting after the fact.
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09 Oct, 2019 by Ryan
Lorenz and Kari were a pleasure to work with. He worked with me on everything in meeting my court room needs even though they were not his normal type of practice. His rates were affordable and he made it convenient to represent my case from the other side of the country (I live in Florida). Their small family operated practice was professional, responsive and easy to talk to. With that being said I hope to never need his services again. ;)
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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This guy is awesome. He came to my house even though I didn't get off work until 6PM. He explained everything to me until I understood what was going on with my case. He didn't talk down to me and didn't make me feel dumb for not understanding. He's young but he's extremely smart. Very detail oriented and he doesn't let anything get passed him.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Joseph
I contacted Lorenz for some business law help. Specifically, I had some questions about a contract and NDA that were being drawn up, and I wanted some answers from a local attorney. It was important for me to understand the language of the contract, and there were a few things that weren't quite making sense. Lorenz provided quick responses, and a no-nonsense translation and explanation of the legal language that I was stuck on, as well as great advice on how to move forward. Not only would I contact Lorenz again for legal help, I would also recommend him to anyone in Show Low, Lakeside, or the surrounding areas. He's a local legal expert who's easy to work with.
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22 Oct, 2014 by Erik
I have worked with Hans for over a year. At all times, Hans remained level-headed among the most trying of situations. He kept focused on what mattered and avoided distractions. We have had enjoyed positive results, and I attribute the outcome to Hans command of the law and willingness to explore and pursue all options instead of just the obvious ones. I am satisfied with my choice as it made a difference and turned my situation around from when I was previously represented by another attorney.
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19 Aug, 2009 by Mike
Did a great job for us on my father's estate. Laid everything out.
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06 Jun, 2015 by Patricio
Kelly is an awesome attorney at law. She puts her clients first and puts all her faith hard work and dedication into her expertise. She is amazing and won't let her clients down. Kelly is trust worthy and knows her business real well. So who ever needs representation, Kelly is the one to hire to fight the good fight and gets the job done. Thank you for all you done for me and my family. Kelly you are truly a blessing.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Stephanie
She worked fast with limited time. She did her best for me and honestly im glad she decided to take my case. Some times an aggressive approach doesnt work. She was very factual without being overly aggressive and i would recommend her.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jason
I needed help with questions for an Arizona probate. Jason responded quickly and was thorough in his explanation. Incredibly helpful and easy to talk to.
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12 Jan, 2021 by Don
Jason did an outstanding job preparing our trust and estate planning documents. We were very happy with the service.
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09 Jul, 2018 by Robert
I highly recommend Catherine for your Trust/Will requirements. Very professional and knowledgeable.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Craig
Catherine assisted my parents in setting up a new "Living Trust". She and her staff were responsive to our questions and very knowledgeable regarding trusts. She was able to identify numerous "holes" in my parents current paperwork and made sure that all documents were up to date and correct. In doing so, she was able to give my parents the peace of mind they needed regarding their wishes once they pass on.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Brian
Craig is a very competent and compassionate attorney. His understanding of the law, combined with his kind and considerate manner, made our recent experience not only productive but enjoyable.
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16 Mar, 2015 by David
For the last two years I have been taking care of a Aunt with dementia. Before she got sick she executed a complete trust package, will, trust, Medical POAs etc. It was a huge help in taking care of her. My wife and I had always put off getting our "Stuff" in order till I met Craig. He walked us through the whole process and now we are prepared like my Aunt was. Craig answered all of our questions, took his time to make sure both my wife and myself felt very comfortable with our decisions etc. The staff was friendly and professional yet brought some humor into a what could of been a tedious process. I would highly recommend Craig and will use him for all my legal needs.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Eric
Kent was amazing. He excelled in communication, and he was very understanding and listened to or unique situation. He explained everything in detail and was an amazing advocate for what we wanted to do. I would highly recommend him and his services.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Kent and his staff were friendly and very professional. From the first meeting we had a high degree of confidence in their expertise and knee we had landed in the right place. I wouldn't hesitate at all to recommend Phelps Estate Planning to close friends and family members or to complete strangers!
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06 Feb, 2024 by Diana
Jimmy D. Rohde is the best attorney I have ever worked with and I was so fortunate to find him. I was overwhelmed trying to settle my mother’s estate she died unexpectedly, witout a will. I don't live in Arizona, so I had to find an attorney who could help me “long distance”. After making numerous phone calls, I found that most attorneys either didn’t want to tackle my particular situation, or they wanted money up front before they would talk to me, I found Jimmy Rohde. My first “meeting” with Jimmy was by phone. I had so many questions to ask i.e. where to start, what can I do and not do etc? He immediately seemed to grasp my situation, and explained things clearly and thoroughly. I never felt rushed, nor did he limit the number of questions I asked. After the 1st phone call, I knew Jimmy was the person I wanted to consult. When I flew back to Phx. to meet with him, Jimmy took the time to understand the "difficult dynamic" that is my family. He was 100% professional, but exuded a warmth and friendliness, that made me feel totally relaxed during that meeting. He displayed an exceptional level of expertise and provided me with clear explanations. He encouraged me to ask questions, no matter how insignificant or simple I thought they were. Since I'm out of state, I wasn’t sure what papers of my mother’s I needed to keep vs. what to get rid of, so at that 1st meeting I brought a box "filled with folders". Jimmy didn’t say a word, he just looked over the “mounds” of paperwork (most of which he probably didn’t need to see), and gave me sound advice. He asked detailed questions, and then gave me several options on how to proceed. He explained everything in terms I easily understood. I left feeling well informed and having a clearer direction of how best to proceed. It was clear from the onset that Jimmy was very knowledgeable and truly wanted the best for me. After the estate was "settled", family (from another country) entered into the scene. I was ruffled and emotional. Again, Jimmy was a Godsend. He was calm and empathetic while remaining professional. Jimmy's legal experience, along with his warmth and kindness, gave me hope at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a good resolution seemed next to impossible. He went above and beyond his obligation, and I couldn’t have asked for better advice or services. I know this is a long review, but it comes from the heart. I would recommend Mr. Jimmy D. Rohde to anyone needing a lawyer for probate and/or trust law without reservation.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Stacy
My case was a contentious guardianship/conservatorship dispute, where some members of the family were trying to block my mother with Alzheimer's from getting memory care. It was a heartbreaking, traumatic, and long-drawn out process. Jimmy literally saved the day, by doing everything legally possible to ensure that my Mom got the care she needed. Throughout it all, he was kind, thoughtful, and committed to seeing the right thing happen for my mother. He is excellent at this work. Very strongly recommended!
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24 Apr, 2012 by Janice
Lauren Garner protected me against assaults on a family trust by exploitative relatives and unscrupulous attorneys. She fought admirably and ethically for six years. It was long and arduous because the opposing, unscrupulous attorneys (one of whom has been reported to the bar multiple times) tied things up in the court with numerous expensive tricks, threats, and maneuverings-- all of which ultimately failed. She always maintained the highest standard of ethics and fought with intelligence. Eventually she was able to negotiate a settlement that was as fair to me as possible given the fraud perpetrated by the other side and bring an end to a battle that had been abusive of me and the memory of my father who had established the trust. Had she not been there for me, nothing would have been left of a trust established by my own father. She is sympathetic, well organized, knowledgeable. I can not speak too highly of her.
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26 May, 2010 by Pam
I can't say enough good things about Lauren Garner as an expert in probate law. My family came to her at a very emotional time to evaluate a very dramatic situation and the advice and counsel she provided in an initial consult brought both legal and emotional clarity and understanding of our situation. This helped us to resolve the issues and move on. I recommend her sound advice and counsel to anyone. I was very impressed with her integrity and her groundedness in dealing with very difficult emotional terrain concerning two deaths.
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28 Nov, 2017 by Shawn
John represented my family during an unexpected loss. When a third party started making false claims John was able to provide honest, legal and ethical solutions. John proved that he cares about his clients and will do whatever he can to assist. John has shown that he is above reproach and treats his clients as family.
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09 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Handled a several million dollor estate that was left to charities and a $100,000 that was not , equally , with great care and concern. Trust him implisidly.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Catherine assisted me in my Will and Estate planning. I need a revision of the Will, however she has since retired. I consider this a loss as her work was of great help to me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
What a blessing meeting Catherine Leas at a time when I just did not know where to turn. She put my mind at ease when I needed it most. I plan on seeking her advice in the very near future and recommending her to anyone looking for an attorney.
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11 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I met with Rachel to discuss "doing something". I kept hearing that I need a trust. I wasn't sure what that was, or what I should be doing. I met with Rachel and it was great. She is young, extremely sharp and easy to talk to. After going though my financial information and determining what I wanted to do with my "estate" (or lack thereof) Rachel gave me two options. We created a chart, so I could see the pros/cons of each option. I was pleasantly surprised when she encouraged me to take advantage of the lesser-priced option. She wasn't high pressured or salesy. She encouraged me to go home and think about everything discussed before making a decision. I went home and thought... and I emailed her some questions over the weekend. She responded to my emails over the weekend and even offered a follow up phone call. She doesn't bill for every little thing. Not for the emails, not for the phone call. I just paid one fee for everything. When I made my decision, she had everything prepared in a week and reviewed everything with me before I signed my documents. Rachel was fantastic!
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Rachel is a kind, compassionate estate planning and probate attorney. I had a number of questions and she expertly answered each one. She was not high pressured and made me feel very welcome. She made the uncomfortable topic of estate planning comfortable and she helped me realize that by doing this, I am helping my family out in a huge way. I also asked for referrals to other professionals and she had a list of people who she felt confident and personally knew. Thanks!
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13 Apr, 2016 by Carol
I worked with Ryan to create my Living Will and Trust. He truly helped me make sound legal decisions that will help me and my family now and in the future. I highly recommend Ryan! Great Lawyer!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Erica bodie
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Ryan through Dana Law Group. I interviewed 3 local attorneys prior to hiring Dana Law. I was impressed by the amount of time and the thorough explanation of services prior to hire. We opted to create a revocable trust and LLC for our rental properties; we were very happy with the process and professionalism. Ryan was very responsive to e-mails and was prompt to follow-up with documents and our questions. We would definitely recommend Ryan and Dana Law Group for estate planning.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Bill
Listens well, has a nice attractive trust/will/etc package, seems to be very thorough & comprehensive. I highly recommend. I've seen these "spiels" before, but this one was impressive enough to make me a customer... a very happy customer!
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17 Mar, 2020 by Joseph
Jake Carlson and his team at Lifeplan Legal are exceptional. They were able to take us from the initial consult all the way through the hiring process and completed an estate plan that my wife and I are extremely happy with. Jake is a true professional. He was always available to answer and review questions, simplify many legal terms and procedures and help us understand the differences between various powers of attorney. My wife and I were very impressed with his depth of knowledge and his genuine care and concern for his clients. The concept of create an estate plan based on values is also another clever and meaningful approach that really resonated with us. Jake and his team at LifePlan Legal aside from being highly professional and approachable, are also friendly and thorough. We believe that we acquired a wonderful value and give Jake and his team the highest recommendation to anyone looking for a meaningful approach to estate planning. We have great peace of mind knowing that we have secured our assists and our future through using Jake and his team. Thank you again! Still Very Satisfied, Joseph and Jordan Lawless
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05 Mar, 2024 by Annette hasten
Awesome folks. So very helpful and very concerned for their customers. I will continue to use them until the day one of us is dead.
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01 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Jacque Mingle beautifully carried through on multiple aspects of her training, as exemplified through her professional expertises: She was instrumental in overseeing the Guardianship Case on behalf of my ill, age-advanced mother (Alzheimer's), where concepts of elder law were at play, forefront and center. Because a contested, complicated Trust was involved, Jacque Mingle's Estate Planning background became invaluable. I would bet that Jacque Mingle has pretty much seen it all. (And she's so humble that, for the longest time, I thought that her specialty only allowed for her to handle Guardianship cases.) Later in the process, when I was erroneously, anonymously accused of elder abuse, much of it related to family dynamics and greed, Jacque Mingle stepped forward with patience and support, quietly leading the way to better days to come. Though Jacque Mingle changed law offices during this lengthy journey, she never missed a beat and kept her eyes on the tasks at hand. Not once did I feel that her personal/professional life had been disrupted during her move toward becoming a Partner, or while changing office locations, coincidentally during the time of Coronavirus... I cannot thank Jacque Mingle enough for always staying on target, while sometimes having to tirelessly engage in job requirements (evenings, laboring from home), particularly when there were time crunches. Jacque Mingle reached out with a kind heart, and was empathetic. She's humble and brilliant, so does not focus on her own star having to shine. I could count on Jacque Mingle's guidance, coupled with her integrity and strong work ethic--she helped me to move this case from a basic nightmare (after my mother fearfully bit a policeman on a hot summer day) to a workable solution, all tailored to my Mom's best interests. Since we live overseas, and have advocated for my mother's long-term best care and considerations, I could never thank Jacque Mingle enough for following through on everything, and then some, which we had discussed during our first consultation together. It's amazing how this all played out: I had contacted my mother's Scottsdale attorney for a referral, after which I ended up seeking counsel in Tucson from a complete stranger, who ended up becoming my new best friend, if even for a relatively short while (roughly 18 months). Should we ever need any further assistance down the road, Jacque Mingle would still be my first choice for legal needs. Jacque Mingle has allowed us to move forward from some very dark days, and she helped us to focus on the rays of sunshine at the end of a cold, narrow tunnel. I will be forever grateful to Jacque Mingle for doing everything right to have thus earned my respect. Jacque Mingle is a great asset to any appropriate legal situation, especially when personal strength, perseverance, and a warm smile are desperately needed in a timely manner. She's a good investment of one's time, energy, funds. Having survived numerous disappointments during the past couple of years, I can honestly say that Jacque Mingle is a positive constant in Tucson, Arizona, who still remains. Thank you, Jacque, for being able to balance your professionalism with your humanity.
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26 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Chip is very knowledgeable, compassionate and caring. He takes the time to listen and applies his expertise to help his clients in the best way possible. I would highly recommend.
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05 Oct, 2018 by Sheldon
Chip was kind, thorough, efficient and knowledgeable in restating our family trust, originally prepared in California in 1987. Our estate is relatively modest, but he helped us ensure that our daughter and special needs son are looked after in a fair and equitable way.
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17 Dec, 2019 by Anne d.
Mr. Gerszewski did the Estate Planning for our family, he is amazing to work with. He is so knowledge but at the same time so patient. He has the ability to look at an estate planning from different points of views. He developed a strategy that was unique to our family and we are very pleased. He is also a tax attorney so he was able to help us minimize our taxes with the correct estate planning strategy. We strongly recommend him to family and friends.
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11 Mar, 2016 by David
Aaron and his team took care of all of our estate planning needs as well as legal consultation when I purchased equity in a business. He has a unique balance of professionalism and approachability. Above all, I trust him implicitly.
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06 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Took the time to explain details of each option - very much appreciated. Process painless and professional. I would very much much recommend Bernard!
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23 Jul, 2010 by Rebecca
I consider myself very fortunate to have found Mr. Sherr to represent me in a family dispute. He does his homework, is very prompt and thorough in his responses and has kept me well informed throughout the process. He is exceptionally bright and conscientious. I have felt confident in Mr. Sherrs' efforts on my behalf and would certainly use his services in the future.
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03 Sep, 2021 by Alan
I had my trust reviewed. Ron Compton did the review and rewriting. He is one of the most efficient and professional people I ever known. I will never use another attorney for my estate work.
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What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You

A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.

Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.

When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:

  • Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
  • Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
  • Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
  • Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
  • Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
  • Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.

Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.

What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?

A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
  • Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
  • Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
  • Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
  • Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
  • Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
  • Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.

How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?

Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:

  • Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
  • Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.

Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.

How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:

  • Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
  • Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
  • Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
  • Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.

Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer

Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with creating trusts?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience drafting trusts and managing trust administration for clients with similar goals or asset structures.
  2. What types of trusts do you recommend for my situation?
    Ask the lawyer to explain the different types of trusts available and which ones best suit your needs.
  3. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost.
  4. What are the tax implications of the trust?
    Ensure the lawyer can explain how the trust will affect your taxes and strategies to minimize tax liability.
  5. How long will it take to set up the trust?
    Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents.
  6. Will you handle the trust administration?
    If ongoing management is required, inquire whether the lawyer will assist with trust administration or if you'll need a separate trustee.
  7. Can you help resolve disputes if they arise?
    Ask about the lawyer's experience in resolving trust disputes.

How to Check the Credibility of a Trusts Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable trusts lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
  • Look for trust law experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in estate planning and trusts.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
  • Ask for references: Request references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications such as Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) or memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a trusts lawyer, bring the following:

  • List of assets: Prepare a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
  • List of beneficiaries: Provide names and contact information of individuals or organizations you want to name as beneficiaries.
  • Existing estate planning documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
  • Financial information: Bring financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant financial documentation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions about the trust creation process, fees, and how the trust will protect your assets and beneficiaries.
  • Goals for the trust: Clearly outline your objectives, such as asset protection, tax minimization, or provisions for beneficiaries, so the lawyer can tailor the trust to your needs.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible legal advice for creating and managing your trust.

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