Lawyers map
>2.7k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
16 Mar, 2022 by Kevin
This attorney just shrugged me off like my case wasn’t important. Lacking in response and communication ended up choosing another attorney.
Read more
23 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
When a 94-year-old man who obviously lacks the capacity to make decisions for himself wants a will for his caregiver, you have to question whether the lawyer hired to draft the paperwork has the capacity for sound judgement - of any kind.
Read more
28 Sep, 2015 by Britney nguyen
My name is Britney. I saw her ad on Vietnamese television and I called her office to make an appointment. She asked me bring a check $1,000 and write her name on it, then we can talk and she can write some letters to that person, to see how he responses, after that I can decide that I want to go for a law suit or not, it will may cost me up to $50,000. So I came to see her and bring a check $1,000. I didn't know she is a preacher, and she tell me that God said: you shall forgive people not only seven time, but seventy times seven. I watched the movie "Ten Commandments" every year on ABC7 and I heard Rameses said: seven times seven. I have found she is hypocrite and unprofessional, so I change my mind and want half of my money back ($500) But she didn't give me any money back. Please do not come to her office.
Read more
17 Dec, 2013 by Dn
I paid her to do a living trust for me on September 2013. I just found out recently that my properties were never transfer to a trust. I called her office & her staff was saying sorry that they didnt know why my file was putting away without recording. They asked me to give them 2 checks for recording fees but don't know how much I should pay for. They told me to leave it blank. It's another week go by & my checks have not been cashed yet, so that means it may not send over to the county for recording again. Have to call them again tomorrow. Very unproffesional & not trustworthy! Run away from this office!
Read more
06 Dec, 2023 by Angela
My experience with Lisa Fraas in a professional capacity was anything but pleasant. With over a decade in family law as a paralegal, I've encountered numerous personalities, and Lisa stands out as one of those attorneys universally disliked.
Despite not engaging our services or making any payment, she believed we were somehow obligated to file her client's documents.
Subsequently, she engaged in harassing emails when we couldn't accommodate her request. We had to issue a formal cease and desist email due to the nature of her communication and the use of abusive language.
My sympathy extends to anyone relying on her services and opposing counsel tasked with dealing with her. It wouldn't surprise me if her relentless emails were an attempt to deplete her client's retainer, a suspicion that prompted me to share this.
Upon reviewing her state bar records, it becomes evident that her unacceptable behavior aligns with the various suspensions she has received. Proceed with caution.
Read more
30 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Worst ever. Her pernicious effect about thinking she can tell everybody has live lives when it’s not her business is disgusting and if she doesn’t like your lifestyle well hopefully you have enough moxie to put up a fight.
Read more
09 Feb, 2024 by Roma
Tom skinner a lawyer who advocates in tenants and workers. I was referred to him by another well respected attorney at a prestigious law firm. As soon as the call began Skinner became annoyed, disinterested, dismissive and down right condescending. Skinner has absolutely no bedside manners whatsoever and down right does not care about what people are going through nor does he pretend to care. I was just seeking consultation with whether or not if I had a case or not, among another relevant workers case that was ongoing since 2015, and settlement negotiations has started. Now money was not an issue if it would have been a paid consultation which it was not. In fact he was answering his own calls which begs to differ if he even had a secretary. Skinner was by far the Rudest, Disrespectful, Callous, Arrogant, Aggressive, Egocentric, Impatient man that I have seen in my professional experience. This man does not know how to conduct himself around women and clearly Does Not respect women whatsoever, He rushed me off the phone however KEPT asking me which Law Firm referred me to him because he was so obviously offended that SKINNER name was given as a recommendation which was clearly a compliment. I had further things to discuss with him but now I will be taking my business elsewhere. Mr. skinner how you treat someone reflects who you are inside and out. How you treated me was beyond disgusting and unacceptable, karma sir is a beautiful thing that I promise you.
Read more
18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Nelms was hired by my mother with me also representing her as her Attorney-in-Fact. My mother wanted a letter written to my sister to resign as a Co-Trustee of a Trust B, so my mother could resume that position. I was the other Co-Trustee, so in effect, Ms. Nelms represented us both for Trust B. Ms. Nelms agreed after talking with my mother and a $500 retainer was paid. We then received a letter requesting $5,000 from Ms. Nelms. When called about this, it was stated Ms. Nelms had called my sister in lieu of sending a letter as retained to accomplished. A letter was sent Ms. Nelms to just send the letter to my sister asking her to resign as directed. Ms. Nelms then withdrew and sent a billing statement for $1,200. A letter then had to be sent rejecting her requested fees and to refund $400 of the retainer. We were dunned for payment and had to respond once more to file a lawsuit, as the requested payment was denied. The letter Ms. Nelms was retained to send never was sent, so in fact Ms. Nelms did nothing but become a nuisance to both my mother and me.
Read more
17 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Huge mistake hiring paulla mcintire to handle my trust and estate planning. Words can't accurately convey how unimpressed I was with her. She does not come across very well and is highly unrefined in the way she speaks and conducts herself. I will never seek her service again nor will I recommend her under any circumstance. As a matter of fact, I'm telling all of my friends about my experience with her.
Read more
31 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I wish there was a zero star to use. After multiple text, call and confirmation of the firm location w/him by text, he made an appt for 2:00 pm for me yesterday. I arrived 1:50 pm and let him know that I was in his office( no secretary). at 2;00 pm he texted me back "I am on my way, and be there in 20 min. I thought that your appt was in Anaheim office" I took a pic of his personal cell phone text message to me confirming Laguna hills office and sent him along a w/ a text saying that I would leave sharp at 20 min later( I knew it would be min of 55 min from there to the location and didn't like him to play the game of 10 more min constantly w/me till he arrives probably at 3:00 pm. My time is more valuable than he thinks). He replied "then leave ) so I was right he was going to keep me waiting. An hr later he send me a text and apologizing for not being at the appt made by him, himself and offered me a discount which was another trick. He raised the agreed fee up 35% and gave me a 12% discount from the increased fee( very generous of him)! He also asked me how I got his contact b/c I wasn't in his system( third issue, he made the appt for me himself confirmed it and didn't even enter me to his scheduling system). Of course, I did not accept his offer. How could I trust him that the next time he doesn't forget about the appt again? My time was already wasted about an hr and 15 min. How could I believe him that there would be a 20 min wait the next time and not an hr? He didn't even remember while we talked on the phone and communicated by text messages a week ago( selective memory loss of course). In general as a business owner, I never trust anyone( especially an attorney) who didn't keep his word for just once. This issue happened about him multiple times. How a forgetful Estate attorney who can not remember his own words to a client from the last week, could remember her long after her death to execute the will? I kept the entire exchanged text messages in case someone need a proof of my statement.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by Alma
My mother and I hired Charles Des Roches in the fall of 2019 to create a trust for my mom. He did a fantastic job with the trust. We both liked him very much. He would comment on the wonderful relationship my mom and I had. Sadly when things became complicated he failed miserably. I tried to explain the complexities of abusive nature of my family but he did not get it. When my brother insisted on becoming a co-trustee with my mother and I, he blocked that. I thought he would protect me from this crazy family member instead, he delivered my mother right into the abusers hands. Not only did I get removed as a co-trustee (brother accused me of abuse without providing evidence) my brother moved her back to Texas. Des Roches sided with my brother whom he had no interactions with. He ignored the pages and pages of vile abusive emails he sent to me and my mother. And it gets better, he convinced my mother that I did abuse her which added to her confused state of mind. My mother is 85 years old with a history of dementia and trauma!!! My brother has brainwashed my mother to the point that she no longer talks to me. Had this spineless lawyer stood up to my brother to protect my mother, she would still be under my care. I had cared for her for 6 years here in Salinas and it was the happiest I had ever seen her in my life. Now she has a paid fiduciary AND care giver!!! I did all that for her and was happy to do it for 6 YEARS. My brother has now isolated my mother from everyone including her brothers who live in Texas. Please, whatever you do, do not use this law firm. It has taken me over a year to put my life back together and it is trauma is still not over. The abuser will likely fire Chuck and the fiduciary and do what he wants with her estate. Thank you for nothing Chuck.
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
She assists sexual predators in continuing to sexually abuse their children and lies on declarations as she has NO knowledge of reality.
Read more
13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I called to just have an initial consultation (not to hire), and I spoke with Leroy Williams. During the consultation, he was rude and obnoxious. He kept interrupting me and not allowing me to finish my sentences. Leroy Williams doesn’t have common courtesy and talking to him is a waste of time. Do not call him.
I called to consult regarding my case and I regret it because he made me so irate by his misconduct and rude, obnoxious behavior, especially not allowing me to finish my sentences, continuously interrupting me, and assuming that he knows my case. He was bombarding me with questions. When I was trying to answer his questions, then he would interrupt me immediately, not allowing me finish what I wanted to say. This happened several times. When I merely tired to explain what we have gone through, Leroy Williams kept interrupting me and being rude.
Leroy Williams doesn’t have the basic understanding of how to treat a client with respect and courtesy. He is self-centered and speaks generally. He doesn’t have the capacity to understand that each case has its own uniqueness and he shouldn’t generalize.
Leroy Williams is incapable of carrying an amicable conversation. Therefore, I disconnected my conversation with him since it was going nowhere. I couldn’t take his rude behavior and I hung up on him. I would not hire him or recommend him to anybody in a million years. Don’t waste your time. Stay away!
Read more
10 Apr, 2017 by Felicia
How do you write a wrong? By doing what's rightt. Ivy Holden is a dear friend and client of this lawyer He has scheduled hearing that she and her husband had to fly from LA where they reside and did not show up nor have the professional courtesy to notify her, booked flights, hotel states, etc. Donald Fraulov falsely assured Ivy for years he would get a fair settlement., knowing that a check had been issued by Workers compensation 20 years ago??? ivy has 9 surgically implanted screw in her back and has advanced in age. been strung along for more than 20 years. I'm speaking about this because this lawyer told her Worker's Comp. sent her a check for $38,000 in 1997 to the address that I currently live in and have been since 1993. Ivy has never received such a check nor have I she asked this attorney to produce a copy of the check showing where it had been cashed and by whom. He did not do so he told her her case was selling for $1000 and that was the best he could do he was taking 25% of it and he was retiring in a month. From April 4, 2017. He told her in addition to the 1000 settlement amount she was entitled to a mileage check only if she could get all of her information in by the end of April . This lady worked paid her dues paid her insurance fees and was seekink what she believed was the Best in Legal representation. Yet, something is very wrong I personally believe it's not too late to right this wrong . there are numerous unanswered questions that her Worker Comp Adjuater should answer. But they cannot and will not talk to her as long as she has an attorney . This is just wrong. There is still time to correct this.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by Melany antio
She told me to give away my children because I had a DVRO against me which wasn’t tried yet. She also told me to give my ex husband a waiver of alimony. I paid 13 grand for her to give my ex husband everything that’s mine. Two years later my children are still out of state and every other attorney said this was a horrible move.
Read more
07 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
As the result of a mediation conducted by Mr. Madden, I have a statement that I signed that I cannot read because he refused to give me the agreement typed. I agreed verbally to something which I was told was written within the agreement. Now the other party says the statement says something else. This is with regards to getting an outside study done, which by law we can conduct ourselves. The estimated cost that Mr. Madden suggested would be for $450-500. A well-informed real estate lawyer has told me that is an unreasonable estimate and that a reasonable estimate is closer to the $1000 that we are now getting. The other party insists that the agreement says if it is more than $500, we have extra time to do the study. I never wanted to spend the unnecessary $500 and definitely do not want to spend more. I felt bullied into signing an agreement that I could not read and now being expected to fulfill something I never would have agreed to. I would never recommend a lawyer who expects me to sign something handwritten, let alone handwriting that I can not read. I would also never recommend a lawyer who is not competent enough to make suggestions during a mediation that can be accomplished ( a study for $500).
Read more
18 May, 2010 by James
My family consulted Atty John Miller regarding a complicated estate issue. He was very knowledgeable and outlined in our first meeting with him a way to resolve the issue that was satisfactory to all of us. We authorized Mr. Miller to execute the plan. However, he took no action to do so despite repeated phone calls and e-mails over a two month period.
Read more
11 Jun, 2019 by Sivan
Unfortunately I had my worst experience with Ani Avetisyan for my divorce case. She is NOT an experienced attorney as she claims and charges for. Not only I lost all my rights with her, I was being overcharged by Ani Avetisyan; for writing hundred of pages to RFO's (as an essay fees) and charging over 20 hours to prepare a declaration, and talking too much. Yet she couldn't even make the judge hear her. After firing her, she still came to my hearings sat for full day, I believe she doesn't have lots of clients since she can invest all her day siting in the courthouse for a full day for someone (case) who she doesn't even represent. Her office in the Granda Hills was her house garage converted to office. Afterwards I went to LACBA Arbitration with her, And I won the case and confirmed that she did overcharged me with huge amount of $17,552 within two and a half months. She charged me before taking my case; now she's facing a violation of business and Professions code 6148 beside the other violations. She purposely called me to talk on the phone for hours, yet she writes hundred of pages just to charge you. Also she disclosed my private case documents including my settlement to the arbitrator. Still today she didn't refund me my overcharged fees and she's trying to vacate the LACBA's judgment.
This shows how unethical attorney she is. It's so sad that I trusted her yet she takes an advantage of my vulnerable situation. Be Very Cautious before you hire her!!
Read more
31 Jul, 2013 by Bill
I would not recommend using Chuck as an Attorney. Unfortunately I have gone through a sticky divorce and had to use many attorneys for many tasks. Many attorneys are specialist in different areas of the law. I hired Chuck to remove a lien off of my property that was paid in full over 6 year ago. It is a simple legal procedure and should have only taken 6 months tops to clean up. I am currently at the year and a half marker and no response for Chuck. He made a mistake on the paper work and it has cost me an additional 7 months of time. I would strongly suggest using another attorney. He is very unresponsive and will go weeks at a time without returning a call. The only time I get in touch with him is if I use a different phone number when calling him. Legal matters are stressful enough, you don't need your attorney to add to the stress.
Read more
12 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
He didn't do what he said he would do. He knew I needed help and he let me down big time. -
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Melissa
I met with Mr. Diran today and he was extremely unprofessional. My mother speaks limited English and was just ensuring she understood everything Mr. Diran was expressing. He proceeded to raise his voice and yell "Stop!" Extremely unprofessional. When I explained that I did not appreciate how he was speaking to us, he continued to be unprofessional. Had to leave the meeting. If he really, did have a problem with my mother's limited English then why push on attempting to explain the AB Living Trust option.
Read more
07 Jun, 2023 by D
The Firm is only looking out for their own best interest $$$$. Complaining of the work they are being paid to do. Unable to meet deadlines, numerous errors, bad discovery, no depositions, late filing, missed deadlines. These failures ultimately were the firms need to withdraw from my case after three years and after receiving over $100,000 of my hard earned money. Their unexplained, inconsistent, excessive and unreasonable billing was the excuse used to abandon my case and place blame on their client for non-payment....yes after they already billed and were paid over $100,000....my money and time wasted. You are only $$ in their eyes. Don't make the same mistake I did....they will only succeed in making your situation worse, leaving you to pick up the pieces with no remorse!!
Read more
21 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
I was a client of Matthew Wailes Goldsby. I am disabled/special needs in trust, absolutely nothing was done for me and my future. My personal experience is that Mr. Matthew Wailes Goldsby is guilty of unprofessional conduct, derelict of duties , incompetence, and malfeasance.
Read more
01 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I am a broker and have a client who needed to sell her home and she needed to talk with Michael to review her tax consequences. Michael also did her living trust a few years back, and so she needed to consult with him. She called many times without a response. I finally got involved and left a few messages. They never agreed to seeing us and the assistant finally told me to submit a fax with her questions. Even then, Michael did not return our calls and did not send back a written reply. Instead the assistant answered the questions, basically Yes or No. It was very frustrating to get in touch with him. The same lawyer & CPA who needed to be available to guide my client through the hardest time for her was not available and did not make any effort to assist. I would not recommend this person to anybody.
Read more
04 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Run fast from her - terrible attorney who is only concerned about her bottom line. She was hired to protect but all she has done is not listen to her client and distroyed a life.
Read more
20 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
My family hired Mr. Tomohiro to handle my fathers probate case. During this time myself and my sister (who are beneficiaries of my dads will ) have been kept totally in the dark about the progress of the case. He does not return phone calls or emails. When I was finally able to get in touch with him, he was very condescending and insensitive to our family issues. He has offered no guidance to my brother on how to be an effective executor of my dads estate. He has never called a family meeting to explain the steps of probate and to make sure we are all on the same page which has caused many family arguments. It has been 3 years since my dad's passing and there is still no probate close date set.
Read more
25 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Riede handling family estate matters for deceased father. Very dishonest attorney won't provide me with a copy of my father's will or trust fund instructions that I am named in. Agreed to audit of family trust funds do to brothers embezzlement, one acting as sole trustee forced to repay trusts for embezzling nearly 20k caught by family member paid back to trusts to avoid prosecution. More cases of this in family trusts, overwhelming evidence well supported by financial records, all attorneys inolved agreed to provide all parties the audit yet attorney Riede reneged. He threatened me that he would force me to go through all my money in Marin Co. Courts and still wouldn't provide me anything relative to my case. Its working, unfortunately! I can't even provide my family any guarantee that if I die before family estate is settled that she would receive anything.
Also botched up a lot of family estate paperwork, trustee changes, directions to beneficiaries in trusts, etc.. I mean what kind of attorney won't provide an independent fiduciary audit of family trust funds? A dishonest one that's who............good luck!
Read more
28 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Alison demonstrated a complete lack of empathy and understanding towards the opposing party. She seemed solely focused on winning the case at any cost, even if it meant resorting to dishonest tactics. Such behavior is not only morally reprehensible but also a betrayal of the duty attorneys have to their clients, the legal system, and society as a whole.
It is disheartening to witness an attorney knowingly present false information, twist facts, and mislead the court in an attempt to gain an advantage for her client.
Read more
21 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
After a decades-long relationship for my own trust/wills with no problems, I engaged them to monitor/enforce my father’s estate and inheritance. The results were extremely disappointing. Lack of follow-up, lack of digging into details, ignoring pertinent facts and warning signs, months between communications that should have been days. It appeared they either had no interest in enforcement/litigation of estate cases and/or were not interested in anything less than a case worth $100k+ in fees. I am now suffering through $10k’s of legal fees with a new attorney (on top of the $10k’s already invested) unwinding shady maneuvers from the opposing side that could/should have been caught and addressed years ago. Very disappointing – I do not recommend.
Read more
16 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
He has stated that he performed the transfer of a trust from my mother's name into a trust for my name to secure title of property that was transferred with the trust upon my mother's death. He claimed that this was acoomplished when in fact, no action had taken place. I asked him to look into this on three yearly occasions as my property taxes were not addressed to me. Each time , he said that he would take care of it, Upon the third yearly request, he said that it was all do to an account error and that he would address that issue. So, the 4th year roles around.and guess what? Nothing has been done, although his fees were paid in a timely manner!
Read more
29 Jan, 2019 by Jordan hollins
30 Oct, 2018 by Hooman melamed
IF I COILD GIVE NEGATIVE STARS I WOULD. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I have dealt with many law firms but this is probably the absolute most unprofessional and one of the worst law firms I’ve had to deal with. I was referred to this law firm by my wife. I had some collection matter and the main attorney told me that he will take care of it and in fact I had a small claims court which he said to dismiss it and he will take care of it. Now having dismiss my lawsuit and small claims over a month ago it’s been almost 6 weeks since I’ve heard from this attorney. Despite me emailing him and voicing my concern and frustration For not hearing from him he has not bothered to call me back. Save your $ amd time and go somewhere
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Perry
Garen is a disgrace to the legal profession. He gives lawyers a bad name. He is the definition of a rip off lawyer. He will literally knock you over for a penny on the ground. Even if he offers his legal services for free run the other way asap. How did he even become licensed? He does not know anything!! Stay away at all costs. Other reviews look like family members and maybe paid them to write them. This is the first honest review.
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in California - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Los Angeles
-
San Francisco
-
San Diego
-
Sacramento
-
Irvine
-
Oakland
-
San Jose
-
Beverly Hills
-
Newport Beach
-
Palo Alto
-
Pasadena
-
Santa Monica
-
Santa Ana
-
Fresno
-
Walnut Creek
-
Long Beach
-
Glendale
-
Encino
-
Woodland Hills
-
Costa Mesa
-
Riverside
-
Redwood City
-
Santa Rosa
-
Menlo Park
-
Santa Barbara
-
Sherman Oaks
-
Orange
-
Torrance
-
Berkeley
-
Westlake Village
-
Burbank
-
Mountain View
-
Carlsbad
-
San Rafael
-
Bakersfield
-
San Mateo
-
Ventura
-
El Segundo
-
Roseville
-
Santa Clara
-
Calabasas
-
Tustin
-
Culver City
-
Stockton
-
La Jolla
-
Huntington Beach
-
Modesto
-
Pleasanton
-
Manhattan Beach
-
Anaheim
-
San Luis Obispo
-
Santa Cruz
-
Van Nuys
-
Sunnyvale
-
Burlingame
-
Fullerton
-
San Ramon
-
Rancho Cucamonga
-
Ontario
-
Salinas
-
San Bernardino
-
Encinitas
-
Napa
-
Monterey
-
Cupertino
-
Fremont
-
Thousand Oaks
-
West Hollywood
-
Los Gatos
-
Redding
-
Redondo Beach
-
Alameda
-
Monterey Park
-
Palm Desert
-
Cerritos
-
Folsom
-
Agoura Hills
-
Chico
-
Visalia
-
Mission Viejo
-
Marina Del Rey
-
Temecula
-
Oxnard
-
Aliso Viejo
-
Laguna Hills
-
Davis
-
Brea
-
Chula Vista
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in California
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Intellectual Property
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Tax
-
Workers Compensation
-
Civil Rights
-
Insurance
-
Consumer Protection
-
Immigration
-
Government
-
Appeals
-
Probate
-
Trusts
-
Car Accident
-
Mediation
-
Entertainment
-
Class Action
-
Child Custody
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Domestic Violence
-
Wrongful Death
-
Bankruptcy
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Child Support
-
Elder Law
-
Discrimination
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Debt Collection
-
Employment / Labor
-
Copyright Application
-
Divorce
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Federal Crime
-
Sex Crime
-
Foreclosure
-
Adoption
-
DUI / DWI
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Drug Crime
-
Construction
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Constitutional Law
-
Education Law
-
Environmental Law
-
Contracts
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Corporate
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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:
-
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. -
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. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost. -
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. -
How long will it take to set up the trust?
Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents. -
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. -
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.
