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20 Jan, 2025 by Beth and mike sheridan
A carrying and compassionate professional.
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14 Jan, 2025 by John lohrman
Very thorough and passionate regarding probate law. Highly recommend as a firm for Will & Estates.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Justin fox
These guys helped me through a very difficult estate.These service was great and made everything a lot less stressful even with the harships and roadblocks the league system threw at us.Would recommend them to anyone who asked me for a recommendation.
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24 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Huddleston,
Thank you so much for your quick responded. I really did not have any money to seek a lawyer and I am a senior that need an question answered. Your answer was quick and helpful.
Sincerely,
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20 Nov, 2017 by Rhonda
The legal services provided by Mr. C.L. Huddleston and his staff exceeded my expectations. Not only is Mr. Huddleston customer-oriented and a professional expert in his field, he is personable and caring toward his clients. After taking the time to patiently listen to my questions and goals, Mr. Huddleston provided a thorough and in-depth consultation, to ensure my understanding of the legal and financial options available to me. Paying close attention to detail - re: my personal needs, he developed a legal (and financial plan) which fully addresses my concerns. Mr. Huddleston demonstrated his commitment to recommending - only that which is in my best interests - throughout our attorney/client relationship.
I would be remiss if I did not commend Mr. Huddleston's legal staff, and their prompt and efficient services. For anyone in need of an Outstanding Attorney, I highly recommend the legal services of the C.L. Huddleston Law Group.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Timothy
Honest,Caring,Compassionate,and understanding. A Class Act! Can't say enough kind words.
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02 Mar, 2020 by Michael
Wade Harrison was recommended by a co-worker of my wife. I contacted Mr. Harrison regarding a power of attorney issue I was having with a stock holding company. Not only did he handle the situation in very short order, but gave advice regarding other matters relating to power of attorney. Was very pleased to find that Mr. Harrison was not only professional but actually cares about his clients and their issues.
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30 Apr, 2018 by Susan
Extremely satisfied with service from Mr Harrison. We had a confusing series of deed changes for land that had not been probated for several transfers. Mr Harrison's experience in Real Estate law allowed him to guide our local Probate officials through a lesser used section of the Ohio Real Estate law to make this property end up with the proper owner with no problems. Would definitely use Mr Harrison again, no reservations, and I gladly recommend this attorney to anyone who needs Real Estate guidance in Ohio.
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03 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Wade helped me file a Medicaid application for my husband who is in a nursing home and file for Guardianship. He guided me every step of the way. He was patient, answered my questions and diligently made sure everything was done well. Would ask him to help me again, if needed.
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16 Aug, 2016 by David
Mike is well-versed in the intricacies of estate planning in Ohio. His attention to detail leads to comprehensive and effective plans for asset protection and wealth preservation. Unlike some others, he was very prompt in responding to our communications.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Ryan
When I approached Michael for Ohio trusts and estates advice I found him to be friendly, knowledgeable, and practical. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone with questions about estate planning.
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23 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I went to Mr. Taps for help straightening out poor estate planning by another lawyer. The estate was somewhat complex due to a late-life marriage and a husband who had recently had strokes and been diagnosed with dementia. For 3 1/2 years now, Mr. Taps has been consistently the best lawyer I have ever worked with. Some of the things I value: He is easily accessible and responsive. He has excellent ability to grasp complexity quickly and a phenomenal memory for newly introduced detail. He has allowed me to participate as much or as little as I want. He is willing to educate me (and my son) in addition to advising. I attribute the successful Medicaid appeals he has made on my husband's and my behalf to the depth and excellence of his understanding of the law. In addition, his recommendations are realistic but he still lets me know the range of my options so that I can participate in the decision-making process. He is at all times professional, calm, respectful, firm but not overbearing, and reliable. What is also very impressive is that he is persistent; I feel he not only cares about the outcome but is personally invested in it as if it were his own. In my experience, that is unusual and a real treasure. It is has also been very reassuring. My respect and admiration extend beyond him himself to his staff and associates whom I have met. He maintains outstanding office help and has been capable and willing to refer me to equally competent advisers in other areas as needed. While I look forward to working with Mr. Taps for the foreseeable future, I have no qualms about his giving my heirs excellent assistance when they need it. I have recommended him unreservedly to a number of people. Richard T. Taps is across the board the best!
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17 Oct, 2013 by John
My wife and I were planning a trip out of town by ourselves and realized we had not updated our wills or trust in 20 years (from other state). During that time we had more kids and many changes. Before our trip, we wanted to get all new estate documents done to protect our children.
The trip was three weeks away and I searched for referrals from friends and couldn't find someone who seemed solid and could produce a new trust, wills and other documents that fast. I found Jane on this site and contacted her.
Within two weeks, we were in her office signing the documents that met all of our needs perfectly. She kept in constant touch throughout the process and made changes as we asked specific questions.
Jane was very professional and made it an easy experience.
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26 Jul, 2021 by Chris aichholz
09 Dec, 2024 by Jerimy bell
Been my law firm for 6 years now and they are the best and care the most
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06 Dec, 2024 by Monica barnes
I did not have a great experience with Gregory Williams. Just finalized my probate case after 3 years after the the loss of my mom. He was not a good legal counsel and the only thing he did on my behalf was file the paperwork and set up zoom calls. I could have done all this on my own. My sister and I had our own attorney's because we could not agree on things but when it came to Gregory fighting for me he was never able to come through there was always an excuse. My sister took everything out of our mom's house and never did he discuss with me because I was also co-executor I could remove things as well it was excuse after excuse. In the end my sister's attorney was the winner. I felt like Gregory was only concerned about the $$$ and definitely did not look out for my best interest. With that being said I ended up with nothing BUT attorney fee's. I had to pay for his attorney fee's and his new law firm which he moved there toward end of 2023 and their expenses were more than Gregory and had never spoke with anyone there or agreed to their fees since initially started out with Gregory. What I received from my experience is that moving forward this will NEVER happen to my two daughters. Attorney's care nothing about your loss or your grief. At least this law firm. He never had my back for me! Every request I asked for never honored always dismissed. Gregory ended up being more expensive than my sister's attorney and he did more on this probate than Gregory!! Just a joke overall!
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24 May, 2024 by Tgvs corcoran
Would highly recommend! Quick and painless process, communicative, and highly professional. Would use again.
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17 Jun, 2022 by Olukayode aluko
22 Dec, 2020 by Jeremy davis
Strictly giving them a 1 star because they employ a lying politician in Larry Obhof. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole.
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17 Nov, 2019 by Belinda russell
I love the view from their atrium!!
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17 Jun, 2022 by Olukayode aluko
22 Dec, 2020 by Jeremy davis
Strictly giving them a 1 star because they employ a lying politician in Larry Obhof. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole.
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17 Nov, 2019 by Belinda russell
I love the view from their atrium!!
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23 Feb, 2022 by Linda
Needed to get an attorney asap due to health issues of a family member. Elizabeth worked us in right away. She was professional and answered all of our questions. I even followed up with some email questions and she promptly responded. She is conveniently located. Very satisfied with her service.
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28 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Elizabeth was an absolute pleasure to work with. My family is very glad to have found her. She was extremely patient, thorough and easy to understand. She's a pleasure, and her experience & mastery of estate planning left my family comforted through a difficult time. Highly recommend!
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15 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I contacted attorney Elizabeth Schmitz concerning a guardianship. Ms. Schmitz’s office told me that a doctor would need to examine my family member for the purpose of diagnosis. Ms. Schmitz's office never told me how long the process of obtaining the guardianship would take, but assured me that they would be filing paperwork soon.
Over the next week, I corresponded with Ms. Scmitz's office through email. Over the next two and a half months after that, I waited and waited for updates on my case from Ms. Schmitz's office, occasionally sending an email or calling and leaving a voicemail on her phone. Only once did I get to speak to someone in her office, who told me that a doctor would call me in about four weeks to set up an appointment to conduct the examination. That phone call never came. I then left repeated voicemails and emails at Ms. Schmitz’s office. I never received a reply. Finally, out of exasperation at Ms. Schmitz’s office refusal to communicate with me in any way, I wrote an email to Ms. Schmitz, informing her that I was firing her as my attorney due to her refusal to communicate with me for over a month. In my email, I stated that she never provided me with any proof that any paperwork had ever been filed on my behalf by her office. This time, Ms. Schmitz replied the very next day that she “will close my file on this matter,” along with a pro forma apology. She did not challenge my accusation regarding the absence of any filed paperwork.
I had no idea there are lawyers who treat their clients this way. If an attorney does not wish to represent someone, all they have to do is say so. There is no cause to string someone along and waste their time for three months. I can only take her treatment of me as some sort of running joke at the office that she and her secretaries engaged in. Haha, real funny. You would be better off hiring a used car salesman as your attorney rather than Elizabeth Schmitz.
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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.
