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14 Jun, 2019 by Dhaarna
Graig helped us with our deal to buy a home in Hopewell. He is very thorough with his knowledge and gave us inputs throughout the process of Attorney Review, Inspection & Contingencies and Closing. He explained us all documentation very well at the time of closing before we actually signed anything. The experience was very smooth and friendly. Would highly recommend Graig for his services.
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29 Sep, 2015 by Anne
I had a very sticky situation ~ but Mr Corveleyn was on top of everything & did an excellent job. Very knowledgeable, dedicated & compassionate. I would HIGHLY recommend him to everyone!
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27 Mar, 2015 by Charlie
I am a business & financial planning consultant. I work pretty much nationwide. I was sued for "fraudulent transfer" in a New Jersey bankruptcy court by one of my best former clients---one for whom I had worked five years and actually done pretty well. But this guy (my former client) was a big talker and a dreamer, and he landed himself in a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, represented by a lawyer who was positively legendary (I found out) in New Jersey).
It all started last summer at a moment when I was particularly short on cash. I must have spoken to three dozen lawyers all over New Jersey. On hearing the name of the lawyer who was representing my former client, every one of these lawyers said, "OH NO."
Now, I knew that my former client's case was not only frivolous on the merits but time-barred. So I had to start off by representing myself pro se. I got ONE count knocked out on the first motion to dismiss, so I did "OK" on my own, but couldn't get the case to go away completely, and I knew I couldn't possibly represent myself in Court, go to trial on my own, or anything like that---"anyone who represents himself in Court has a fool for a lawyer," right?
So I continued talked to even more lawyers in New Jersey.
Somehow, someway, I found (this is going to sound so corny, but I believe it): somehow God sent me to Graig Corveleyn.
Graig Corveleyn not only accepted my case on what I can only call very reasonable terms, he showed no "fear, shock or awe" at the idea of defending me against this very senior, very prestigious, New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer who was, like I say, to every other lawyer in the state, some kind of "Legend of Superman."
Even in our initial interviews, I could tell that Mr. Corveleyn knew the Bankruptcy Courts and the applicable law backwards and forwards. He took my case, even though he knew he was fighting this "Superhero Super-lawyer" on the other side....
As I say, I work nationwide, so I have literally dealt with lawyers everywhere from Boston, Mass, and Bangor, Maine, to Wasilla, Alaska, and Waikiki, Hawaii.
I normally have a rather dim view of lawyers---they are conformists who cannot think outside the box or imagine anything that is new, different, or outside whatever there cookie-cutter specialty is.
In Graig Corveleyn, I found someone who actually COULD see the forest and the trees, and notice that there was smut on the bark and rot inside of even on some of the oldest and biggest growths in the whole forest.
And he could see the justice on my side---even though I'm a very unusual case.
Did you read that, folks, "he could see justice....even in a very unusual case."
THAT is really unusual in a lawyer, and it makes Graig Corveleyn a real hero---not a legend because he's been around forever and had really big clients in the past (that was my opponent's lawyer), but because Graig Corveleyn has eyes to see and ears to hear, a discerning mind and a heart to sympathize.
As of this moment, my case isn't over yet. Graig has not waivered, not dropped the ball, not showed any sign of quitting....even though the flow of money has been more regularly in the negative than in the positive towards him. That's because he has a brain and a heart to see a winnable case even in an unusual and difficult situation.
I expect Graig Corveleyn will one day be a legend himself. Not because of my case (although who knows? The other side is strangely persistent in the face of one defeat and setback after another), but because of who he is and how he does what he does.
Graig Corveleyn has worked inside the system with the U.S. Trustee's office---I don't quite understand how all that works in Bankruptcy Court, but that's why we need lawyers, right? He knows all the Judges and what's normal, abnormal, and downright crazy/fruity.
Bankruptcy Courts are Courts of equity and I would have to say, Graig Coveleyn's sense of equity and fairness is almost unparalleled in any lawyer I have ever met.
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03 Dec, 2019 by David hines
14 Aug, 2019 by John smith
20 Jul, 2016 by Maher khalil
12 Oct, 2017 by Roberta
Ms. Marshall handle the closing of my house and she was phenomenal! An unexpected last minute title issue did arise but Ms. Marshall handled it with grace and ease. We didn’t have to worry about anything!
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11 Oct, 2017 by Q
I retained Rachel in reference to a unique landlord tenant issue. This issue was caused because the initial landlord accepted tenants rent but neglected to pay mortgage on leased property. The rented property the went into foreclosure and the bank wanted the tenants to vacate as there wasn’t a current written lease agreement. Rachel was able to negotiate with the banks Attorney and prove the tenant had the legal rights to remain in property. She was able to maintain a high level of professionalism during this process all the while showing grace and genuine concern for her my well being. I would like to say thank you Rachel Marshall Esq. for what you were able to accomplish for my family.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Brownstone properties, llc
I would highly recommend Rachel Y. Marshall law offices. Her office has always performed above & beyond expectations. All matters are handled professionally and in a timely manner. Great job!
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03 Dec, 2019 by David hines
14 Aug, 2019 by John smith
20 Jul, 2016 by Maher khalil
01 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Jessica is the consummate professional! She provided outstanding legal services with a constantly kind/friendly demeanor, and was willing to take the time to explain every detail and answer every question. We would recommend Jessica to anyone seeking to have a will/estate planning done the right way...she is a credit to the legal profession.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Jose
We hired Jessica to guide us on our Estate Planning. Jessica is patient, flexible, professional, and knowledgeable, and it was pleasure and delight to work with her. We did not have much knowledge on Estate Planning (Will/Trust/Power of Attorney), but Jessica took the time to explain everything and answered all the questions we had - (we had a lot of questions). We recommend Jessica Sauer, and anyone that hires Jessica will not be disappointed.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Jessica prepared a new will and trust for me at a reasonable fee. She was well spoken, efficient and explained the process and resulting work very clearly. I would recommend her to anyone who needs will and estate planning work.
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08 Apr, 2022 by Stosh diacogiannis
He represented me with many different cases. From Landlord tenant to DMV . His billing is fare and the results are exception never promises more than what he can deliver. He will always tell you straight forward his opinion and not lead you into the darkness just to make a few bucks . Highly recommended
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05 Feb, 2018 by Victoria
Constantine has helped me on several matters including eviction process of a non-paying tenant, squatting in my house.
He's great to work with, very knowledgeable and gets results. His staff is fantastic at keeping the communication flowing between client and attorney.
I would highly recommend Constantine. Not only is he an attorney, but a gentleman. What a refreshing combination!
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15 Jul, 2021 by Jungmin
If you are looking for an attorney for a legal matter, look no further. Mr. Janel is THE attorney and I am going to share with you why.
I was having a dispute over a return of security deposit with my previous landlord. I initially retained a different attorney (yes, my fault), but he was not only not knowledgeable in this area but also indifferent. I received an impression that he wasn’t taking my case seriously but using it just to squeeze easy money out of me. I was actually stressed out with him more than the litigation itself.
Then, I found Mr. Janel. He was patient with me during my initial consultation, devoted time to really understand the situation, and even reviewed my docket on the spot. My case was unnecessarily more tangled than it was supposed to be, because my previous attorney messed up my complaint. Mr. Janel walked me through all different scenarios and his strategies and even volunteered to talk with my wife who was basically disgusted with the whole litigation situation. I felt much more at ease emotionally after speaking with him. Plus, the fact that he has been practicing for nearly 30 years and that he gives lectures to other attorneys on tenant/landlord cases made him the perfect attorney for my case.
After retaining Mr. Janel, everything was a breeze. I just handed my supporting docs to him and he handled everything thereafter. I sometimes wondered why he wasn’t asking any questions before my trial, because my understanding of client-attorney communications was only from movies where an attorney coaches his/her client on every little thing. But in retrospect, it wasn’t necessary for him because he understood my case better than I did myself. Why do I say this? Because we won on every claim in the trial and Mr. Janel’s examination questions constantly revealed the landlord’s perjuries one after another. The result of the trial? Exactly what he told me in the initial consultation.
You might still be thinking there are other competent attorneys out there. But what I can tell you is Mr. Janel is not only competent but also compassionate and wholeheartedly works for your best interest. I say this, because I did work with a different attorney and know exactly what it feels like to be treated like an annoying wallet. I highly recommend Mr. Janel as an attorney. You won’t regret contacting him.
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24 May, 2010 by Andrew
I had a DUI charge that ended up at the Superior Court level when it really should have stayed at the municipal level. With hardly any hassle, he was able to bring it back to the municipal courts and I ended up with the best case scenario in terms of punishment. Real nice guy, won't BS you, but also is sympathetic to your case and stress that comes along with it.
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26 Feb, 2022 by Sandra
Matt is an excellent lawyer. Whenever I call him or email him he always get back to me within 24 hours. He will answer and explain all my questions over and over again. When I ask Matt for a meeting there is always time for me. He as helped me so much with my mother. I would recommend Matt to everyone.
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23 Feb, 2022 by Elaine
Matt is the lawyer that you want to help you always! He knows what he is talking about and explains whatever resolution or answer to you so that you understand everything. He is a courteous, knowledgeable and honest gentleman. He has helped us with a number of hard things that we would not have been able to deal with on our own. He always gets back to you and always is there when you need him.
Also Bratton Law Group is the finest Law firm in our opinion.
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03 Dec, 2016 by Katie
Rekha Rao is the best attorney to handle your estate planning. She is kind, thorough and took the time to answer every question we had. She goes above and beyond in her service where other attorneys don't go. I am so happy she was referred to us by a friend and highly recommend her to anyone. We didn't just gain an attorney, we gained a true and honest friend!!!
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17 Nov, 2016 by Gil
Rekha review our financial situation and recommended the transfer of assets to a trust. Also, Rekha transferred our house into a separate trust which allows us to continue living in our home.
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27 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Barbara Martin's adroitness and forthwith attitude when addressing sensitive issues has been a welcome relief over the past few years that I've been utilizing her services. She makes herself available for Q&A and handles inquiries tactfully and responsibly.
She gets involved; you're not a "number" but a person, one with concerns and questions, and Barbara makes you her priority. I look at her not just as my attorney, but as a person who cares beyond the surface. She continues to provide above-par service offerings and overall effective outcomes.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Michele
Assisted my family with dealing with various elder care and estate planning and ultimately estate administration. Was well-versed on many topics from the power of attorney, to estate plans and probate. Helped us compassionately during a very difficult time. Easy to reach and understanding.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Colleen
Have worked with Adam Dubeck, Esq for some years now...time and time again. Wills/End-of-Life Docs/POs across 4 family members. Witnessing of docs when professional certification required. Extremely conscientious...a subject-matter expert that has always come through no matter how large or small our ask/need. Thank Adam for your sound legal counsel and pull-through.
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06 Nov, 2013 by Carol
Adam Dubeck handled my"new" will and living will. After going through a lengthy and difficult divorce, Adam did an excellent job in providing me with the guidance that I needed. My will is not a "boiler plate" document. Adam made sure that I had all that I needed to cover myself.
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19 Sep, 2019 by Sergio
This lawyer exceeded my expectations. I've gone through a long custody battle prior to hiring Raul. We went into court today with little expectation and he hit it out of the park. I couldn't be more grateful or happier with the way the case turned out. I would not hesitate to hire Raul in the future
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11 Dec, 2014 by Carolyn
I have already recommended Raul to my closest friends and family. He handled my needs with care and I could not have been more pleased with his efficiency and attention to every detail! Some of my family have already used him after my recommendation and have been equally pleased.
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04 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Marie provided very good counsel when I was considering my will. She knew the right questions to ask and cautioned me against some of the thoughts I had. I now feel very secure if anything should happen to me. She obviously knows her stuff.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I have known Ms Greenberg since December 2012 when I needed a lawyer to advise me about wills and trusts.
She has taken the time and trouble to spend a couple of meetings to explain to me every detail involved, making sure I understood the concepts. In addition Ms Greenberg has been very patient when I approached her with questions or when I needed a few months before making my decision.
I have had fine dealings with her and feel comfortable recommending Ms Alyssa Greenberg.
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27 Feb, 2015 by Adam
My wife and I worked with Mary Browning on our estate planning. We have a complicated set of assets including businesses, real estate and various types of accounts.
The process was very new and scary for us. Mary was patient in walking us through the process. She helped us to translate our plans for our children into a set of trusts that reflected our objectives.
Mary communicated effectively. Every meeting was followed by a detailed memo accurately reflecting what we had discussed. She worked quickly to develop several trusts to meet our needs. She filed the corporate filings, developed a Will for our remaining estate, wrote our health care proxy and power of attorney. She made the process educational and meaningful
While nobody enjoys talking about death and estate planning. Mary Browning made the process comfortable. She is a true professional. Use her! The highest rating possible.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Laura
I have great admiration and respect for Craig Weinstein with whom we worked on estate planning in a fairly complex situation, involving a second marriage and grown children. He recommended strategies that were appropriate, wrote our wills, set up a special trust for one of us and created our advance directives -- living wills, health care proxies and durable powers of attorney. I found his work flawless. He is a consummate professional -- caring, careful, considerate and so smart. He is the kind of lawyer everyone should have -- who thinks about the things you don't and does everything necessary to protect your interests in a timely and efficient manner. I couldn't recommend him more highly.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Michael
Beth has an exceptional command on elder law and Medicaid Planning issues. Attorneys, including myself, regularly refer our valuable clients to her for Medicaid Planning and related issues because we know that Beth has the expertise to provide top quality advice during a critical phase of life.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Paul
I am a NJ attorney in a different practice area -- and a happy elder law client of Bob Brogan. Bob has ably represented my aging parents for the past five years with very practical and insightful advice primarily relating to Medicaid planning, asset preservation, disability law and the establishment of a Special Needs Trust for the benefit of my disabled sibling. Bob is quite adept at facilitating strategic and decision-based family discussions involving multiple variables -- factual, legal, financial and temporal -- that would be very difficult for folks outside NJ elder law circles to navigate. He is also flexible enough to change course, if necessary, based on changing facts and circumstances that inevitably occur with family life (and changing NJ laws) over time. To boot, Bob is a genuinely nice person with very good diplomatic skills, which is unfortunately not as common as it should be in our profession. I highly recommend him.
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26 Jan, 2014 by Michael
Mary has taken care of my mother's estate with grate care and skill. She has shown compassion at a difficult time and provided comfort with her knowledge of the legal system. Previously she had prepared wills and other estate planning to my parents. These documents enabled us to get through probate with great ease. She has also handled the sale of a home for me.
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15 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Solomon in regards to an estate issue, and he was the best I could have asked for. He was attentive and patient, and he's clearly very intelligent, which his educational background reveals quickly, but he's humble. I'm very happy with the service he provided and I would recommend him highly.
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12 May, 2018 by Mary
Collen Clark was wonderful. She answered all my questions, no matter how many times I called or e-mailed. Everyone was always very pleasant and helpful. I hired her to set up a Special Needs Trust for my son. I will be going back for her to do my estate planning, and would absolutely recommend Ms. Clark.
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07 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
We would highly recommend John for anyone who needs estate planning. My wife and I were very impressed by his professionalism and knowledge of the area. My brother also used John when he sold his business several years ago and could not have been happier with John's great service.
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13 Sep, 2017 by John and cindy
A family member was the executor of my Mom's will and we felt there were some dishonest things going on. Another attorney recommended Robert Knee. We found Robert to have great experience in dealing with our issues and gave us a lot of confidence throughout the process. We had to go to trial and were satisfied with the result.
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25 Dec, 2011 by Lynn
Al is a bright, caring excellent attorney. I am so glad that I met him and that he has handled all of my legal work.
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30 Dec, 2020 by Jerry
Mr. Frunzi is extremely professional and knowledgeable.
He strove to bring my issues to a rapid conclusion while working diligently in my behalf.
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18 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
What a great place to walk into. John was great using metaphors to translate the legal language, but not reducing it to useless pieces. I felt like I was important to creating the plan and could really speak to the fine points of the strategies used when I had completed all my documents. Thanks a for a highly personal and professional experience!
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06 Feb, 2021 by Anthony sussman
24 Mar, 2008 by Anonymous
Sammy is not only a great lawyer, he is a nice and fair man
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15 Dec, 2015 by Ken
Kevin Pollock did a great job of setting up our Wills and recently when we needed to make some simple changes he reviewed the entire package and made some smart suggestions for changes.
He is an expert on Estates, Trusts for families with children with disabilities and he even is fluent in Jananese.
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13 May, 2017 by Steve
Russell is an old time family attorney with a keen understanding of today's complicated estate planning issues. I found his demeanor to be friendly and educational and his expertise to be unmatched. He made a difficult process easy and helped the whole family understand their future security. Thank you Russ.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
