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25 Nov, 2024 by Oscar figueroa
Excellent lawyers absolutely 👍 1000%
Thanks Erick Puente
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25 Nov, 2024 by Luis santos
This firm is great, helped my family and I set a Trust of Deed for our mother. The very thorough in explaining how the process works and what all it would cover. Answered every question we had with professionalism.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Emily villanueva
Excellent criminal defense attorney and a true professional.
I highly recommend to anyone in need of a skilled defense attorney, especially for Spanish-speaking clients who want clear and compassionate guidance.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Ruth rivera
Gracias sinceramente por el excelente apoyo legal que nos brindó.Stephanie Rhima Su hábil defensa y equipo de trabajo su atento asesoramiento fueron indispensables durante el proceso judicial. Su experiencia y preparación minuciosa se hicieron evidentes, lo que dio como resultado una resolución exitosa que ha impactado enormemente mi vida para mejor. Muchas gracias bendiciones
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24 Dec, 2024 by Ashraf osman
Excellent law firm to do business with I am extremely happy with the service that I received highly recommended
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24 Dec, 2024 by Madelline morales
Stephanie Rhima is a ROCKSTAR! Super helpful, Super efficient and Super Kind; you can really tell she cares about everyone she represents. 10 OUT OF 10, you won't be disappointed!
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28 Dec, 2024 by J m
Muy bueno , me gusto mucho
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28 Dec, 2024 by Ariya roy
Thank you for helping me a lot. I would highly recommend.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Dionne hackney
I cannot express enough gratitude for Hassan Shad's exceptional service. After my car accident, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to go ahead. From our first meeting, Hassan Shah proved a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to my case. Hassan Shah was incredibly responsive throughout the process, always informing me and addressing my questions. Their ability and attention to detail were evident at every step. They fought tirelessly to ensure I received justice and compensation. I deserved. What truly sets Hassan Shah apart is their compassionate approach. They took the time to understand my situation, providing legal support and emotional reassurance during a difficult time. Their dedication and professionalism were unwavering, and I always felt like a priority. Thanks to Hasan Shah, I could confidently navigate the complexities of my case and achieve a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Hassan Shah to anyone in need of legal aid. They are true client advocates and a beacon of hope in challenging times.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Marilyn coats
Very pleased with his style of communication and he is effectively trained to handle a variety of issues.
Well worth the price...you should never be a miser when it comes who represents you in court!
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01 Nov, 2024 by Michele delsignore
When an attorney DEFENDING you states “it is difficult to prove a negative” in a PAS case.. RUN from these attorneys
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26 Sep, 2024 by Nuh baskın
I’ve had a divorce case and i met with Michael Granata. He was very very helpful and took care of my case professionally. If yall any concern or questions, i highly recommended him! I got divorce so easly and i was very comfortable with him.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Robert roberto
Esos abogados no sirven para nada después de un año me dejaron tirado mi cap no lleven sus casos con ellos no se los recomiendo
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sherry wilson
20 Jan, 2025 by Della etheridge
I had a very pleasant experience with Wolf Law PLLC, thanks to Daniel Jimenez. He was very professional, very informative, diligent in his duties. I was referred to this office for the professional and knowledgeable team for my case. As a person that had no experiences with such, Mr Jimenez confidently guided me through the process. I am very confident that my best interest was their top priority. I would recommend Wolf Law PLLC for the best of services to anyone. I cannot express my gratitude for your help and time. I'm tremendously, indubitably, unequivocally, and abundantly grateful for the positive results in the end.
Kind regards,
Della (Etheridge) Madison
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06 Feb, 2024 by Aric asplund
We've been partnering with Underwood Perkins for several years now for business legal matters, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, their team has demonstrated an understanding of our needs and provided advice that has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of our industry. The professionalism, diligence, and expertise shown by everyone at Underwood Perkins, especially Brandon, have not only resulted in outstanding work on our behalf but have also contributed to our company's success and peace of mind.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Peggy
Since I have never been the executor of an estate or gone through the probate process, I was clueless as to where to begin or what pitfalls to watch out for. A friend recommended Lindsey Tanner to me, and I am so glad she did. Lindsey was professional from start to finish, always ready to answer my 'dumb' questions, and returned calls and emails in a timely manner. Throughout the probate process, she gave me wise counsel. I am so glad I hired Lindsey and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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15 Mar, 2022 by Taylor touma
Paulette Mueller made my grandmothers estate go broke, made her delinquent on her taxes (simply did not file) cancelled our homeowners insurance and accepted only roughly 8k on a full coverage 250k+ policy which has led to black mold growing in the home my grandparents built by hand making my baby very sick. Made disgusting remarks about our home upon inspection in regards to a guardianship proceeding while we remained polite and courteous despite the situation, and now, at the ripe age of 21 I am in therapy full time over the horrific consequences she and (others involved) caused that have now fallen upon my shoulders. I am utterly disappointed, and heartbroken. I will never be the same. My grandmother died in vain, under ungodly amounts of stress. May God guide Paulette to have a heart full of empathy and compassion towards her future victims. Only the Lord knows the amount of trauma and havoc she reaped on my beautiful grandmother. May God guide her to remain in a mindset of kindness, and fairness, as I wouldn’t wish this turmoil on anyone. But as my grandmother would want me to live, I forgive her. I only hope for her growth and progress in a positive direction for the future. I. Will. Never. Be. The. Same. I am gone. At the age of 21, I am now a shell of who I once was. The person that raised me from diapers, put me into college, got my first car, carried herself in such a generous and Godly manner, died in vain. May God rest her beautiful soul, because now her pain and stressors have become an everyday part of my life. The only human beings that loved me unconditionally, my grandparents(parents), are now dead and gone forever, and I am alone in this scary world. I hope Paulette can see my review as more than a mere critique but an insight to my new reality, and hopefully, some of what I said will invite a new presence of good faith to her future clients, not only for the benefit of them, but for her conscious as well. I was just a kid. God, what did we do to deserve this?
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23 Dec, 2024 by Lili hsu
28 Oct, 2024 by 희철
법인설립과 관련해서 기업들의 모든 지원을 종합적으로 지원해주는 로펌입니다.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Jose luis lopez
I scheduled and paid for a Zoom consultation meeting, but nobody showed up, and they didn’t even contact me to reschedule. I called the intake contact but received no answer. When I called the office, the person who answered seemed to be in a rush.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Terrie walles
22 Dec, 2024 by Anthony devictoria
Great team. Completely satisfied.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Karla castillo
31 Dec, 2024 by Alejandro lopez
Thank you for making the process hassle free
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25 Dec, 2024 by Dairon suarez
Muy buen servicio
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11 Dec, 2024 by Adisney quiroga
The best ticket cleaner lawyer. Excellent communication and job. I recommend 100%.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Gail
03 Dec, 2024 by Katrina “meechie” haywood
Sandy actually fought for me. Honestly really fought for 6 months to have my name cleared. She was always pleasant to speak with and went beyond and above for me. I am forever greatful. I really appreciate your hard work and dedication.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Maria hernandez
Kobby and Sandy took great care of us and resolved our legal problem quickly and efficiently. Our family is greatly appreciative of their awesome service.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn
Charlotte Key provided great, knowledgeable service with a generous helping of kindness. She answered my questions in a manner which made me feel at ease and confident that I was doing the right thing. Thank you so much, Mrs. Key, for your top of the line service.
Carolyn M.
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02 Dec, 2015 by Patricia
Charlotte is an amazing attorney. She is brilliant and caring. She is my new hero. She is a very professional and lovely lady. She has taken care of my legal issues in a timely and extremely gracious manner.
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29 Sep, 2015 by Julia price
I received excellent service. When I didn't fully understand, she was there to provide the answers I needed. I will hire her for more business advice.
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30 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
This is only attorney who called in response to my message. Even though she couldn't take my case, she took the time to call and explain why she couldn't help me and suggested where I needed to look instead.
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10 Aug, 2011 by J.j.
Lori is an attorney our firm goes to when we are dealing with issues outside of our expertise in the fields of complex probate matters and guardianship. We gladly have recommended her to our clients that we cannot assist. She has certainly the respect of the probate bar and the others in the legal profession.
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05 Jul, 2011 by Hicks
Lori has handled both mental health and estate planning matters for our family. She is smart, empathetic and passionate in her advice and her advocacy. I am also an attorney, and I have recommended and continue to recommend Lori to anyone needing a guardianship or a will or trust.
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26 Jul, 2023 by David
Brett has been a mentor and counselor to me for over 20 years. He is very skilled at what he does and has provided many benefits for our family. I would very highly recommend him. In addition, he once referred us to another lawyer to resolve a workers comp claim. He set up our LLC and has provided estate counsel.
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21 Dec, 2015 by Kevin
Brett has been my attorney for many years. Over the years he has completed corporations, LLC, and my own personal will. I have found his office to be honest, trustworthy, and efficient in all my legal matters. I will be using him in the future.
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26 Jun, 2021 by Tiffany
Working with this law firm has been the biggest blessing a girl could ask for! Mr. Praeger is highly intelligent, knows family law and fought hard for this client. He was tough on me so that I would toughen up and realize that I needed to stand up for myself and fight for myself and my kids. I cannot say enough good things about his integrity, work ethic and the dedication that he put into my case.
Ms. Deb’s time and effort in coordinating my case did not go unnoticed, either! If you put in the work and give her the necessary tools to coordinate your case, she does so at the top level. She kept the lines of communication open at all times and was very responsive. She was kind, supportive and the shoulder I needed when times were tough. She did not let me give up and encouraged me to fight hard!
Mr. Praeger and Ms. Deb made the most stressful, emotional, and mentally tough times in my life a lot easier to manage. Having them in my corner gave me the best feeling of security and when all was said and done, a sigh of relief and a great outlook moving forward. Thank you so very much for all your hard work, Mr. Praeger and Ms. Deb, I am truly grateful!
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19 Jan, 2011 by Kim
Mr. Hofheinz did a great job taking care of my family's estate planning and probate needs. He sets things up to minimize any possible conflict or disagreement down the road.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Emily wilson
Great personal service!
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29 Apr, 2021 by Shelby borden
After a death, the last thing you want to do is worry about someone liquidating your fathers assets. This is what my sisters and I had to face a week after burying our dad. Due to him not having a will things where really complicated and his wife tried to take advantage of the situation. A family friend referred us to Bill and he has been a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. Her attorney has been procrastinating the entire time and Bill has been on him like white on rice! Bill is very much to the point- no BS so if you want to be coddled then this one isn't for you. But, if you want the facts and someone that is going to give it to you straight while fighting for what's right then Bill is your guy. I highly recommend his team to anyone going through probate or a family settlement agreement. He's expensive but well worth the money I promise!
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30 Sep, 2020 by Chã©rie green deyoung
There are few things as personal as a family dispute. There are even fewer people with integrity that will ethically represent you during an extremely difficult time. I interviewed many firms, as it was not only important to me that a positive outcome occurred, I also wished for someone that understood my plight and had character throughout the process. Bill was professional, thorough and honest from the start. He pointed out facts that no one else did as he had a grasp of the intricacies of our family trust and the law. He advised me openly along the way and I am grateful that he got an extremely positive outcome in a relatively short timeframe and at a fair fee. Highly recommend Houser Law Firm.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Purdy basra
06 Aug, 2019 by Pat mcneil
21 Oct, 2018 by Marcus rabi
13 Jun, 2024 by Nena's finds
One of my friends works for this law firm it’s well established. It’s a great place to work the location is near downtown Dallas.
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02 May, 2023 by Eric mccutchan
28 Jul, 2022 by Chiraag limaye
30 Oct, 2024 by Justin miller
They were able to get us compensation that otherwise for sure would not have received dealing directly with the manufacturer. It was helpful to have representation to navigate this issue. We would use again if we had a problem.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Ray raymond
Excellent service.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Nicholas hughes
04 Dec, 2024 by Rowdy mccurley
Anytime I call he picks up! He always helps me with questions I have and how to go about situations in the best way. He is honest with me and doesn’t try to just take your money. I will always use Andrew.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Taylor johnson
Andrew is a truly impressive attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients. His professionalism, sharp legal skills, and dedication is always apparent. If you’re looking for someone you can trust with high-stakes cases, Andrew won't let you down!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Martin garcia
Good communication, good professionalism, and will recommend to anyone to Andrew.
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21 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Handled a matter with the State of TN for me that initially we got a bad ruling on but he handled an appeal to 2 levels. Did a great job, won the case, was good at communicating back to me and let me have input to the decisions.
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13 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Rick, worked a very difficult probate case for me after my parent passed. I don't want to say too many details of my case, but I have to say he navigated us through this effectively, efficiently and with the up most professionalism during a difficult time. I would totally recommend him to a friend looking for an Estate lawyer. We will be back to have a will written in the future.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Trey austin
Scott Chase, with Farrow-Gillespie Heath Witter, is one of the best attorneys we have ever worked with. He is clear and concise in his communication, he does not do busy work just to charge you billable hours, what you see is what you get! I would recommend this firm to anyone.
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21 Sep, 2020 by Ashley carter
I have been working with this company for a few years now and they are truly professional. Scott Chase has been very helpful for me and answers all of my questions. I recommend this law firm over any other firm in the area!
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30 Aug, 2020 by Annaliese peterson
This is an excellent firm that has been a constant source of support, professionalism, and agility to adapt to our business needs, from long-term strategic to short-term urgent support. I have also used them for a very broad range of legal services, and can speak to the high degree of performance and delivery across the board in all facets. Highly suggest you make FGHW a partner in your business' needs.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Ken snell
McClure Law Group completed a child custody and support case for my daughter and granddaughter. Their professionalism, knowledge of the law and standing up for what is right achieved an extreme positive out come for her case. They were very understanding of her situation and did all they could to make a bad situation a very good situation. Highly recommend their services.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Usman mughni
07 Dec, 2024 by Sean festag
When I first was served with divorce papers, I read how my wife was being very aggressive which left me very confused and worried. After I met with Brandon and Sean, I truly felt I had someone who understood and would stand up for my rights. Every meeting with them was very personal and helpful. I would highly recommend them and the firm to anyone who felt helpless and confused. They are a great team.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Tri nguyen
Receptionist was so rude I never wanna work with a law firm like this.
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01 Nov, 2022 by Robert
First Class, professional, and top notch don’t even begin to describe Sarah and her approach to my case. She has represented me, and more importantly, the wishes of my loved one with integrity and grit. As an attorney, she has approached this case with a perspective that truly made me realize that she cares about making sure the right things get accomplished…every time. She is an absolute professional in her field and helps to advise, empathize, and compete for her clients. I am certainly glad that she and Mark provided me with the representation that I needed during a very emotional time. Their guidance and leadership throughout this process have been pillars of support for me and the voices of reason towards what I hope is not just a successful outcome but also a fair and just new beginning to the always tough situation of carrying out a person’s final wishes.
She’s been an amazing and trusted advisor in navigating unfamiliar situations and I have very much appreciated her willingness to go the extra mile.
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16 Oct, 2022 by Lee
We were fortunate to have Sarah come alongside our lawyer, Mark Caldwell when our case went to mediation. She and Mark were the perfect team, Sarah was so well prepared and was determined to discover all the facts needed to support our case in the documents that were turned over to us at the very last minute and even some that weren't revealed until our day of mediation. Sarah was focused on what was fact and tenacious in not letting any relevant fact left unsaid. She brought to light some very damaging evidence that in the end caused the other side to surrender and acknowledge defeat giving our case a very favorable settlement. Definitely the one you want on your team when you go to battle!
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16 Jan, 2025 by T n
Casey Erick was a great help and straight shooter. Highly recommended!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Cathy
Tony Barbieri is very professional and gets the job done right!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Ryan wright
I have used this firm numerous and have been very happy with the results. Bryon Romine and Joe Collins have been great.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Tri nguyen
Receptionist was so rude I never wanna work with a law firm like this.
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01 Nov, 2022 by Robert
Mark came into my case as a referral by a trusted friend. I quickly realized that he possesses a natural talent of being able to sift through the nonsense and is able to really identify the areas that need to be addressed. He did this with such finesse and all the while demonstrated his understanding my goals of just making sure the right things were done and final wishes carried out. I truly appreciate his willingness to understand and relate to the struggles of all parties involved. He was able to represent me with a tenacity that I’d hoped for, all the while being able to understand that my case was based as much around principle as it was competing. He helped me sift through keeping first things first and guided me so that I could keep these things at the forefront, as those would be the wishes of my loved one as well.
His willingness to be real, personal, and professional showed me how much he cares about his clients and their cases. He made my case….his case…because I believe that he works for what is right and just.
I have zero doubt that we will/have reached the correct outcome because of Mark and Sarah. They have been a beacon for me in an emotional situation and have helped to carry out the final wishes of someone who is no longer here to represent themself. For that….I am absolutely grateful….
Thank you to these professionals.
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15 Oct, 2022 by Lee
Mark has been such a wonderful lawyer for us and we are so grateful he was referred to us. We needed a lawyer in Texas to handle a trust gone bad! The first successor trustee who was the nephew of the deceased ran off with over $400,000 in trust assets before he subsequently died. It has been a long process but Mark has been so good at keeping us informed of the situation and being thorough in all his dealings. Thankfully we were able to reach a very favorable settlement in mediation which was 100% because of Mark's diligent work and tenacity. Mark is a incredibly hard worker and will not drop the ball, he will get the job done!
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16 Jan, 2025 by T n
Casey Erick was a great help and straight shooter. Highly recommended!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Cathy
Tony Barbieri is very professional and gets the job done right!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Ryan wright
I have used this firm numerous and have been very happy with the results. Bryon Romine and Joe Collins have been great.
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16 Jan, 2025 by T n
Casey Erick was a great help and straight shooter. Highly recommended!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Cathy
Tony Barbieri is very professional and gets the job done right!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Ryan wright
I have used this firm numerous and have been very happy with the results. Bryon Romine and Joe Collins have been great.
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12 Nov, 2020 by Kryslyn burks
Elliott Burdette and his team assisted us with our estate planning needs earlier this year. We were extremely pleased with their responsiveness, patience and guidance in helping us understand our options and advising us how best to handle our affairs. Additionally, we did this all during COVID-19 and he and his team were verying accomodating and respectful of social distancing requirements. We would highly recommend him!
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18 Oct, 2019 by Robin tolbert
Elliott took time answering all of our questions and comments. It was a good experience.
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19 Dec, 2018 by Joyce collie
Mr. Burdette helped my husband and me understand the difference between a will and a living trust. He answered all our questions-and we had a lot of them! We were especially pleased with the prompt service we received and we are very appreciative of Elliott's clever ideas to help us accomplish our estate planning goals.We would recommend him highly.
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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.
