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26 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Holcomb
Great experience with him.
Amazing lawyer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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01 Sep, 2020 by Thomas
I am absolutely satisfied and grateful for Richard's representation. I would have never been able to accomplish what Richard's has done for me. Highly recommended.
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13 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I was fortunate to have engaged Rick to appeal my prior DUI court conviction, due to the state depriving me of my constitutional rights. Rick was an outstanding legal advocate for me during the entire appeal process. Due to his advocacy, my prior DUI conviction was overturned and the records expunged. Rick is astute, a great lawyer, and the consummate professional.
I highly recommend Richard Holcomb to be your legal counsel on all administrative and court DUI matters.
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02 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Daniel and Rush Moore LLP not only represented me throughout my case but they also supported me more than any other lawyer I’ve worked with. They are honest, hard working, and always there for me. I appreciate their kindness and patience when answering all of my questions and explaining to me what everything meant throughout the process. Even during COVID slowing things down they always showed up and gave me updates on everything. I wouldn’t trust anyone else since they are the ones to got me trust the justice system/lawyers again.
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13 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Forced sale of home and Transference of title. Very competent and professional in handling all aspects of my case. Courteous and helpful and always prompt at returning phone calls and answering questions.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Michael
Mr. Chen impressed me with his experience and communication skills. He took really good care of my case.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Although it was determined after Mr. Sakoda and I communicated by email that I would need Family Law representation for my legal situation, Mr. Sakoda was extremely helpful in offering me advice regarding a Family Trust, very quick to respond during our dialog and a compassionate person.
I am sorry I will not be able to use his services to represent me. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
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10 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
very knowledgeable, good communication, follow up and went the extra mile to help us through the difficult task of settling my Dad's estate. I would highly recommend Richard as an estate attorney.
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03 Jan, 2015 by Roy
Mr. Richard Sakoda is a very hardworking individual that has one goal in mine, and that goal is keeping his clients satisfied going above and beyond the scope of work requirements to ensure all areas of your problems are satisfied. He is knowledgeable of the work he does, trustworthy, excellent communicator who keeps you informed at all times. He discusses all relevant factors about your case, gives you alternatives, and provides advice in making the best decision to your case.
In our family experience, we have gone through three -(3) Lawyers, but we were not satisfied with their work we requested. We needed a legalized Will written to assure others won't have the ability to take away assets and properties that the deceased will leave to the appointed person/caretaker. But each Laywer we went to and paid to write the Will, were not exactly how we explained to them and therefore the Will needed to be rewritten. Instead of having the same Lawyer to redo the Will, we seek another Lawyer. A friend recommended Mr. Richard Sakoda. We met with him, asked questions and he were straight-forward with his answers. We told him our situation and what we wanted done. He immediately commenced working on the issue that we wanted fixed of which previous Lawyers we went to did not do unless we paid additional fee. Mr. Sakoda accomplished the Will the way we exactly wanted it to be done and completed it in a timely manner. We are now releived that no one; especially other family members, will not be able to intrude and be disruptive in making every effort to take-away or be a part owner of properties and assets that the deceased leave behind to the appointed person.
Mr. Sakoda is a good listener with unique combination of intuitive and analytical abilities. I highly recommend Mr. Sakoda to any person seeking assistance in writting a legalized Will as he is a professional and one of the best Lawyers that provides satisfaction guarantee to his clients.
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21 Oct, 2021 by Joel schechter
Very seldom does a person get to deal with a professional who deserves more than 5 stars! Thankfully we were able to find such a person in the sad period after our good friend died in Honolulu, HI.
We needed an estate and probate attorney to discuss and handle the distribution of the estate. We contacted Samuel Suen by email on a Sunday. He responded within a few hours and we set up a conference call for the following morning. Mr. Suen answered all our questions clearly in both a friendly and professional manner.
At the end of an hour-long discussion, for which there was no charge, I asked how we would pay his very reasonable hourly rate. Much to our surprise, he said we shouldn't hire him because there was no need to probate this particular will.
His honesty and forthrightness was amazing! We tried to figure out some reason to hire him but to no avail. Ultimately we wished him a very fond farewell.
Based on our experience, if you need an estate or probate attorney, you can't do better than Samuel Seun.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Matt winfree
Sam was amazing in all aspects of preparing our will, power of attorney, and advance directives. Super flexible during COVID, and incredibly tolerant when we missed our first appointment! Thank you Sam!
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13 Feb, 2020 by Randal yamaguchi
12 Feb, 2021 by Sarah
Sara Jo and her team represented me in my 2.5 year divorce with children, and in subsequent post-decree litigation with controlling ex. She’s exceedingly smart, remembering small personal details and nuances weeks and months later, that I think most people would forget. I really felt she was looking for what was realistically best for me, not what would make her the most money. If you are in the unfortunate situation of getting divorced, Sara Jo is someone you want on your team.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Junior
Sara was able to explain the family court judicial process in a manner that i was able to understand and guided me through the whole ordeal. She displayed great knowledge and understanding of her position and gave me good advice on all aspects of the proceedings. Her assistant ( Christie Gray) who also help me through these proceedings displayed a good understanding and knowledge of my situation and provided additional insight. I was very confident in their abilities and assured that they would help me to retain the one thing that was most important to me during this ordeal "time with my daughter".
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17 Oct, 2017 by Amy
I was referred to Ms. Buehler in February 2015 for a complicated cross-state custody case. Ms. Buehler has consistently provided honest, professional and thorough advice and has navigated my case through some very difficult and convoluted logistics. Her persistence and care with my case has more than earned my trust and esteem; she is an invaluable asset and truly a God-send. I am especially grateful for her accessibility and commitment to me as a client. Having to obtain counsel in another state, I can testify to her rarity. Her respect throughout the judiciary system in Hawai'i is evident in every hearing we've been to (and there has been MANY). I cannot recommend Ms. Buehler enough; she is a phenomenal attorney.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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06 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Lynn did our Will, Trust, etc and provided professional advice on all related matters. She is extremely patient, competent, and detail oriented. I’ve already recommended her service to my parents and 3 of my friends. They are very happy with Lynn.
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28 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Nakashima is thorough and patient. What I like about her is that she speaks and explains at my level of understanding, which I think is an excellent skill to have since people come in all levels of education and background. She understands this. Nothing intimidating in the personality...easy to talk to. She is thorough in her questions and answers and often gives examples for understanding.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Joseph
Mr. Shea accepted by case and from day one, he was on top of it full steam ahead...Very honest and kept me in the loop of things as the case moved forward.
Very professional and courteous. An asset to the community. I would highly recommend Mr. Shea.
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27 Sep, 2016 by James
Patrick was very helpful with my mother and myself to come to a conclusion over a family Property and trust, even though there's still hard feelings in the family we all came out getting what was fair and may not have been equal in the dollar amount but my mom got to stay in her home, that was the main thing.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
15 Aug, 2015 by Bob
Mr Nakamura ' experience and knowledge were of great assistance in executing a very complex estate case. Thanks to his expertise every aspect went smoothly.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Stacey
Our family has been working with Mr Smith for over 2 years on a highly contested and highly emotional matter involving probate, estate, and family law. He has done an amazing job at representing our family, he is always clearly explaining options as well as advising us on the easiest path to take to be able to move forward. He is a caring man who feels like part of the family, not just another attorney. He takes his cases and his clients in on a personal level and works very hard to achieve a desired outcome. He has passion for the law and fairness, but even more so he has a passion for the clients he represents. He has a vast level of experience, and with that he has developed a deep understanding that these legal issues are often emotionally draining on a family. Knowing that he checks in on a personal level with reminders of taking time out to care for ourselves and our own happiness when so much of our time is wrapped up in caring for, and caring about someone else's happiness. More important than anything he helped to make sure that in the end of this highly litigated case, Dad was happy, well taken care of, and he could live a full and happy life surrounded by people he loves, with all the rights and freedoms he deserves. We will always appreciate Mr Smith's approach and his dedication to our family and could never completely explain how much he has helped along the way. We highly recommend Mr Smith and his team, especially if you are looking for knowledgeable yet personal attention.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Ala hgs
We had the pleasure of working with Julie. Her expertise in trust law was evident from the very beginning. She took the time to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable way, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Julie demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to my needs. We highly recommend Julie for anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable guidance in trust and estate planning. Her dedication to providing top-notch service truly sets them apart.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Eric ettestad
Went with Infinity Estate Law Group to set up a Trust and hands down, they were amazing throughout the entire process. Julie explained everything in great detail answering all our questions no matter how trivial. The part we especially appreciated was the no pressure or upselling of services. We were able to take as long as we wanted to figure out what exactly we wanted...entertaining our questions along the way. We're very happy to now have a Trust (vs just a Will) knowing our family and assets will be properly managed if/when needed. Thank you Julie and Infinity Estate Law Group! Lastly, I'd probably guess their rates beat any other Estate Planning agency for the service provided.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Lori brooks
Highly recommend Julie Suen with Infinity Estate Law Group! Julie is professional, knowledgeable and explains your Estate Documents in detail. Thank you Julie :)
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12 Sep, 2023 by Britt tanner
Tyson advised my family through a very sticky legal estate issue. He was incredibly responsive and thorough in answering questions, and gave sound advice. The job ended up being more complicated than anticipated, but the total amount was within the range that he had estimated because he was very clear in explaining "if X, then it could be about $5,000, but if Y and Z happen, it could run up to $15,000-20,000". I appreciated Tyson's calm advice and speedy responses to time sensitive matters. I am so glad we found Tyson to help with our estate issues.
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09 Feb, 2022 by Bernard beck jr
I've had the pleasure of working with Geoff Sogi of Tamashiro Sogi during the past few months.
Following my initial outreach, Geoff was quick to reply to my inquiry, followed up on the commitments that he made, offered excellent advice on how to best proceed with my situation and then handled the necessary filings through to the end.
Their fee's were reasonable and I appreciated the assistance and guidance that Geoff provided.
Geoff has been very professional and I would trust him to handle any future situations that I might encounter.
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27 Jul, 2019 by Tracy m
22 Oct, 2024 by Peter
I will keep it short and sweet. Ofir impressed me from the get-go and continued to up until the end and it wasn't like he was the first person I called; I initially reached out to maybe ten local attorneys on this matter while doing market research. He was easy to talk with, not slimy, didn't have an attitude nor was he condescending (unlike many of his peers), no hidden fees, and always quick to respond / highly communicative which equally is a rarity among lawyers of any sort. No regrets and in fact, I am actually surprisingly satisfied for once with a legal service I paid for. I would highly recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Robert vitro
I can't thank Brian enough for his outstanding work in getting me out of a difficult situation. From the very beginning, he demonstrated exceptional legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and a commitment to my case that went above and beyond. Brian was always available to answer my questions, provided clear and honest guidance, and fought tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome. His expertise and dedication made all the difference, and I highly recommend Brian Kim to anyone in need of a top-notch lawyer. Thank you again for everything!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jhaymarc agustin
best attorney in the island
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22 Oct, 2024 by Peter
I will keep it short and sweet. Ofir impressed me from the get-go and continued to up until the end and it wasn't like he was the first person I called; I initially reached out to maybe ten local attorneys on this matter while doing market research. He was easy to talk with, not slimy, didn't have an attitude nor was he condescending (unlike many of his peers), no hidden fees, and always quick to respond / highly communicative which equally is a rarity among lawyers of any sort. No regrets and in fact, I am actually surprisingly satisfied for once with a legal service I paid for. I would highly recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Robert vitro
I can't thank Brian enough for his outstanding work in getting me out of a difficult situation. From the very beginning, he demonstrated exceptional legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and a commitment to my case that went above and beyond. Brian was always available to answer my questions, provided clear and honest guidance, and fought tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome. His expertise and dedication made all the difference, and I highly recommend Brian Kim to anyone in need of a top-notch lawyer. Thank you again for everything!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jhaymarc agustin
best attorney in the island
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10 Feb, 2018 by Jack
Ron has worked on a wide variety of cases for our many business. His assessments are always well thought out and forthright Once he takes our cases we feel confident that he will do everything necessary to represent our position with the care and consideration necessary to see the case through.
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09 Feb, 2018 by Nick
Mr. Ogomori was very polite and quick when responding to all my questions. He provided easy to understand responses and provided additional information to help with a design project contract.
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09 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Ron Ogomori successfully represented me in collecting debts that had been long over due. He was diligent to stay in contact with, coordinate amounts owing, and causing payment from the delinquent party.
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13 Aug, 2023 by Mr. chavez
I hired Gary, I liked his tremendous knowledge, in foreclosure defense, his associate was on my , Mr O'Meara moved to legal aid
So I moved my case to Maui.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Lisa capeilleres
If you need a brilliant divorce attorney, Tim Luria is the one.
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04 Feb, 2020 by Nestor fabro
08 Oct, 2024 by Lev sahakyan
В первую очередь хочу выразить благодарность Лене и её команде за прекрасно проделанную работу.
Из множества вариантов наш выбор остановился на Лене по рекомендации наших близких знакомых и я им очень благодарен за это.
Высочайший профессионализм,коммуникабельность и тщательная подготовка кейса сделали своё дело - цель достигнута:теперь я могу спокойно въехать на территорию США и получить грин карту. 🇺🇸
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12 Aug, 2024 by Svetlana zheleznova
Хочу выразить благодарность своему адвокату Лене Невской и ее команде ! Это специалисты, высшей категории, которые знают свое дело. Мне очень понравилось с ними работать , ясно и четко ведут свои дела. Если мне или моим близким предстоит снова работа связанная с эмиграцией- Лена Невская- рекомендую !
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12 Aug, 2024 by Vlad knyazev
Для меня Лена сделала практически невозможное. Мой кейс продолжительностью 10 лет. И теперь когда я держу в руках гринкарту, я испытываю огромное уважение и благодарность.
Точно уверен что если бы сразу обратился к Лене по прибытии в США то все бы было намного проще.
Так что если доверяете свою жизнь то доверяйте ее настоящим проверенным профессионалам!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Lev sahakyan
В первую очередь хочу выразить благодарность Лене и её команде за прекрасно проделанную работу.
Из множества вариантов наш выбор остановился на Лене по рекомендации наших близких знакомых и я им очень благодарен за это.
Высочайший профессионализм,коммуникабельность и тщательная подготовка кейса сделали своё дело - цель достигнута:теперь я могу спокойно въехать на территорию США и получить грин карту. 🇺🇸
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12 Aug, 2024 by Svetlana zheleznova
Хочу выразить благодарность своему адвокату Лене Невской и ее команде ! Это специалисты, высшей категории, которые знают свое дело. Мне очень понравилось с ними работать , ясно и четко ведут свои дела. Если мне или моим близким предстоит снова работа связанная с эмиграцией- Лена Невская- рекомендую !
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12 Aug, 2024 by Vlad knyazev
Для меня Лена сделала практически невозможное. Мой кейс продолжительностью 10 лет. И теперь когда я держу в руках гринкарту, я испытываю огромное уважение и благодарность.
Точно уверен что если бы сразу обратился к Лене по прибытии в США то все бы было намного проще.
Так что если доверяете свою жизнь то доверяйте ее настоящим проверенным профессионалам!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Shalondra suto
Mr. Liebenguth was prompt and informative when initially seeking his consultation and service. I appreciate his approach as it’s geared towards understanding what your concerns are and educating you on his services before requesting payment. He is very knowledgeable about Military processes and without him representing me I believe my outcome would have been negative. Having him in my corner gave me so much peace of mind while going through a stressful situation. I strongly recommend hiring Mr. Liebenguth for representation to ensure your process is fair and just.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Kalani makanui
I wish I could provide higher than a five-star rating for Nathan. He is an exceptional lawyer. My family spent 3 years wrapped up with another law firm, caught in an administrative stalemate. I called around to find different lawyers (made 7 separate phone calls). Only 3 law firms called me back, and 2 of them wanted to charge exorbitant rates for what we needed. Nathan called back quickly and provided a detailed, step-by-step explanation of what was needed to complete our property conveyance and handle back taxes/administrative filing. He even encouraged us to take the necessary steps ourselves if we felt comfortable. Nathan took on our case, even though other firms told us it wasn't worth their time - in addition, Nathan handled this work promptly, professionally, and with a great sense of humor and patience. Nathan accomplished in 3 weeks what another firm couldn't complete in 3 years. Thank you to Nathan for singularly stellar service and for effective work at an unbeatable price.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Makena kamakani
I highly recommend Myles for anyone seeking top-notch legal representation. His expertise, professionalism, and commitment to his clients are truly impressive. Myles took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided clear, effective guidance throughout the entire process. His dedication and attention to detail ensured a favorable outcome. If you need a skilled and reliable lawyer, Myles is the one to trust.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Shalondra suto
Mr. Liebenguth was prompt and informative when initially seeking his consultation and service. I appreciate his approach as it’s geared towards understanding what your concerns are and educating you on his services before requesting payment. He is very knowledgeable about Military processes and without him representing me I believe my outcome would have been negative. Having him in my corner gave me so much peace of mind while going through a stressful situation. I strongly recommend hiring Mr. Liebenguth for representation to ensure your process is fair and just.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Kalani makanui
I wish I could provide higher than a five-star rating for Nathan. He is an exceptional lawyer. My family spent 3 years wrapped up with another law firm, caught in an administrative stalemate. I called around to find different lawyers (made 7 separate phone calls). Only 3 law firms called me back, and 2 of them wanted to charge exorbitant rates for what we needed. Nathan called back quickly and provided a detailed, step-by-step explanation of what was needed to complete our property conveyance and handle back taxes/administrative filing. He even encouraged us to take the necessary steps ourselves if we felt comfortable. Nathan took on our case, even though other firms told us it wasn't worth their time - in addition, Nathan handled this work promptly, professionally, and with a great sense of humor and patience. Nathan accomplished in 3 weeks what another firm couldn't complete in 3 years. Thank you to Nathan for singularly stellar service and for effective work at an unbeatable price.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Makena kamakani
I highly recommend Myles for anyone seeking top-notch legal representation. His expertise, professionalism, and commitment to his clients are truly impressive. Myles took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided clear, effective guidance throughout the entire process. His dedication and attention to detail ensured a favorable outcome. If you need a skilled and reliable lawyer, Myles is the one to trust.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Erwin garcia
25 Apr, 2023 by Tom
After eagerly waiting for a response to my complaint, I was informed that whatever discipline they deliver, if any, is confidential. If they won't even share with the wronged party what actions were taken, then what is the purpose of this office!? Absolutely useless!!
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21 Feb, 2023 by Food junkie
Very experienced and detailed
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19 Jul, 2024 by Yoona oh
I was referred to Mr.Sink’s office through HSBA, and just had a phone consultation regards to employment issue I was going through. They got back to me very fast, and everything was really straightforward. I gained lots of clarity and support from him. I decided not to pursue the lawsuit because mine wasn’t going to make a strong case after all. Now I know who to contact if our family need legal advices. Thank you for your service!
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28 May, 2024 by Rich legaspi
Long overdue review! Andrew was first class from start to finish and garnered an outcome we are very much content with. First and foremost, thank you Andrew for even taking us on as your clients.
Very caring individual and made us feel comfortable knowing he is putting all his efforts into each case. He is fair and straightforward. Responses to any questions we had was very quick and exceptional.
We are very much grateful with his work and are happy to know he will continue to have our backs in the future.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Oberle wedding
I can’t say enough good things about Andrew. He has helped my family in multiple situations and truly has the best interests of his clients in mind. Straightforward and beyond fair.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Yoona oh
I was referred to Mr.Sink’s office through HSBA, and just had a phone consultation regards to employment issue I was going through. They got back to me very fast, and everything was really straightforward. I gained lots of clarity and support from him. I decided not to pursue the lawsuit because mine wasn’t going to make a strong case after all. Now I know who to contact if our family need legal advices. Thank you for your service!
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28 May, 2024 by Rich legaspi
Long overdue review! Andrew was first class from start to finish and garnered an outcome we are very much content with. First and foremost, thank you Andrew for even taking us on as your clients.
Very caring individual and made us feel comfortable knowing he is putting all his efforts into each case. He is fair and straightforward. Responses to any questions we had was very quick and exceptional.
We are very much grateful with his work and are happy to know he will continue to have our backs in the future.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Oberle wedding
I can’t say enough good things about Andrew. He has helped my family in multiple situations and truly has the best interests of his clients in mind. Straightforward and beyond fair.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Rishan prasad
30 Jan, 2024 by Roxie slater
Horrible narcissistic firm
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25 Jul, 2023 by Sue i
I am a physician and I had dealings with Kirk Neste at this firm. He seemed to be nice at first, and I, in good faith kept my end of the agreement that we had negotiated. After this, he did not answer my attempts to reach him and did not keep his end of the deal. Basically, he lied to me. Very unprofessional. I do not recommend working with a firm that has lawyers like this.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Rishan prasad
30 Jan, 2024 by Roxie slater
Horrible narcissistic firm
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25 Jul, 2023 by Sue i
I am a physician and I had dealings with Kirk Neste at this firm. He seemed to be nice at first, and I, in good faith kept my end of the agreement that we had negotiated. After this, he did not answer my attempts to reach him and did not keep his end of the deal. Basically, he lied to me. Very unprofessional. I do not recommend working with a firm that has lawyers like this.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Rishan prasad
30 Jan, 2024 by Roxie slater
Horrible narcissistic firm
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25 Jul, 2023 by Sue i
I am a physician and I had dealings with Kirk Neste at this firm. He seemed to be nice at first, and I, in good faith kept my end of the agreement that we had negotiated. After this, he did not answer my attempts to reach him and did not keep his end of the deal. Basically, he lied to me. Very unprofessional. I do not recommend working with a firm that has lawyers like this.
Read more
03 Mar, 2024 by Rishan prasad
30 Jan, 2024 by Roxie slater
Horrible narcissistic firm
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25 Jul, 2023 by Sue i
I am a physician and I had dealings with Kirk Neste at this firm. He seemed to be nice at first, and I, in good faith kept my end of the agreement that we had negotiated. After this, he did not answer my attempts to reach him and did not keep his end of the deal. Basically, he lied to me. Very unprofessional. I do not recommend working with a firm that has lawyers like this.
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What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You
A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.
Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.
When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
- Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
- Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
- Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.
Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.
What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?
A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
- Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
- Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
- Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
- Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
- Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
- Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.
How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?
Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:
- Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
- Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
- Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.
Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer
Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
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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.
