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01 Oct, 2022 by Erica
Julia is smart, hard working, reliable, trustworthy, pleasant to work with and extremely flexible with our challenging schedule changes. We feel fortunate to have found her and highly recommend her. We will continue to work with her for years to come.
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09 Jan, 2021 by Paul
Many years ago I had chosen SS&B to help establish the first estate plan for my wife and I. Recently at the passing of my wife, I needed to update all of these plans. Obviously having just lost my wife of almost 40 years and having to pull out all of those documents that we had created together added a bit of stress to a difficult time, added to the stress we had all been facing during the COVID pandemic of 2020. Attorney Abbott and her entire team not only helped direct me through all of the steps need to make my transition to this new estate plan, but also worked with me to be sure all of the questions were asked and answered thoughtfully knowing that my brain had difficulty focusing on almost anything, no less the redoing of my estate plans. Her calm and supporting presence though this made a difficult time bearable. She was working to support me not only to complete this new plan, but also as a person. She would take the time just to talk and not just dive into the needed work on the documents. She was the person, and they were the team that was needed for me to get through this most necessary process. I hope and doubt I may ever have to go through a situation like this in the future, but feel confident that I would immediately reach out to them if the need did arise.
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23 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Abbott was a pleasure to work with during the estate planning process including establishment of a trust. She was very accommodating during this unique time of COVID offering to conduct meetings via Zoom, at her office, or at our home and ensured safety measures were in place when it came time to execute the documents. She was thorough when we needed a deeper understanding of specific items, but did not belabor topics unnecessarily. She was very easy to talk to and offered advice and perspective based on her understanding of our wishes and circumstances. I would highly recommend her services.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Joshua
Jon was professional, a lot more responsive than I had expected after working with other lawyers in the past, handled my legal matter to my satisfaction and was reasonably priced. I highly recommend his for any of your estate planning matters.
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01 Nov, 2017 by Brian
I was faced with a number of issues involving an elderly parent that required immediate action. Atty. Levin immediately understood the critical nature of my needs and initiated an action plan that enabled me to quickly move through a number of legal obstacles. His empathy, professional advice and guidance, willingness to meet at a care facility and vast knowledge on maneuvering through the legal system was greatly appreciated. I did not feel rushed or without a full understanding of the cause/effect of every decision that was necessary. Atty. Levin kept be updated as to where we were every step of the way. He made excellent recommendations and continues to "check-in" to see exactly what obstacles (if any continue) to present themselves. There are still a number of unfinished issues that require attention and I will certainly turn to Atty. Levin with great confidence as these issues require action. I find his knowledge to be vast, his mannerism to be aid-back and welcoming, and his professionalism to be superb. Without a doubt I can certainly recommend his services to family and friends.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Doug
I was referred to Jon by another attorney that I have known for years. Jon and I have never met personally but we communicated via the phone and emails as both of us reside in different states. I found Jon to be very easy to deal with. He always took the time to explain legal procedures and went over strategies as it related to my case. He assisted me with an Estate settlement involving real estate and probate of a very close relative that I contested. His expertise and experience showed as we settled the estate in a fair manner without having to go to court and pay legal fees that would have diminished the estate considerably. He also did not let the case drag on. Jon was not pushy or arrogant. He has a calm demeanor that demonstrates his ability to get the job done by allowing his knowledge and experience to stand out by his work product.
I am very pleased with Jon and would highly recommend him for Real Estate, Probate and Estate work, especially if it is contested. He was always straight forward, honest and willing to share his opinion on the best course of action to take. Jon, also like me, is a family man. He is properly grounded in his values. I highly recommend using him for legal services. Thank you.
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07 Feb, 2017 by Loretta
I was very fortunate to find Lynda Furash after my father passed away in March. Although my duties and responsibilities as personal representative of the estate were pretty clear, Lynda was able to clarify the finer points and help me navigate the process in an informed and thoughtful manner. Most importantly, since I was experiencing significant emotional stress due to a hostile family member, Lynda was able to handle many communications between us in a knowledgeable and professional way that actually defused tensions on both sides. Her ability to present facts, explain points of view and weigh pros and cons while maintaining my best interests at the forefront was comforting and confidence-inspiring.
Lynda's rates were reasonable and she was consistently and accurately able to let me know what to expect at each stage of the process. I am very grateful to her for making the estate process both manageable and stress-free. Moreover, Lynda's manner is pleasant, warm and caring. If working with an attorney can actually be enjoyable, then I believe Lynda achieved that end!
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03 Feb, 2017 by Natalie
Lynda Furash handled my mother's estate in support of me, the Personal Representative, and my siblings. Lynda was assigned to our case at a very, hectic, demanding emotional time of adjustment that follows family loss. Lynda's work is excellent! She and I are both very detailed and as such, we were able to establish a relationship and rapport that made accomplishing difficult, detailed objectives pleasant. Having experienced otherwise, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of working with an attorney whose capabilities I had full confidence in. I do not take this for granted.
I immensely enjoyed working with Lynda Furash to get to the point of complete closure of the estate. I would highly recommend Lynda to anyone who is in need of an attorney who get the job done with excellence.
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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.
