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18 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
While organized and aware, he makes very little time for a client who cannot offer him a lot. He will also nickel and dime you to death. Doesn't seem like the kind of professional who would ever do anything out of kindness or decency.
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29 Apr, 2023 by Michael
I was appointed this idiot in orange county family court and unfortunately he still representing me. I’m in the process of trying to find a lawyer that knows what he or she doing. He does not return calls he does not go through the case with you he can’t even remember my name, he is totally worthless ……stay far far away from this attorney.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Unprepared, doesn't return calls, unfamiliar with family law. Would not recommend to anyone who needs an experienced on their side.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Amanda nodine
Poor work ethic, lack of communication. Poor values
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29 Dec, 2022 by Deborah wood
Very unprofessional! Called to speak with her and she was very short and basically shut me down before I could say a word. Guess she doesn't want clients. She wont get clients treating people like that! If it would let me give no stars I would!
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24 Aug, 2022 by Michael graf
It is without malice or prejudice that I emphasize that I could not more empathetically NOT recommend this so-called "Law Guardian." While it is sad that court appointed attorneys are simply overworked and underpaid, they are regardless, custodians of the Law. To keep a caring and loving mother from her child WITHOUT CAUSE & without the ability to find a parent "unfit" as defined by law, is absurd. Shame on this cowardly so-called attorney. She should be disbarred from practicing family law. She's a stain on the very fabric of what the law is supposed to represent. Shame also on the institution that has given her unprecedented leeway to do as she pleases without both reason and rebuke.
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08 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Extremely unhelpful - would not return calls emails answer questions regarding my family’s will. Secretary hung up because she couldn’t answer my questions- only dealt with other office staff never lawyer himself. Took months longer than should !!!! Absolutely horrible and made a bad situation even worse! They also were incompetent when it came to certain legal documents and couldn’t explain logical reasoning ... Please do not use this attorney!!!!!
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28 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
My family went to Kramer to create a Will. After their death, probate was required and not ONCE did I ever speak to Mr. Kramer. I always dealt with paralegals who took forever to respond to my questions and sometimes did not respond at all. Many times when I did get to talk to them, they spoke down to me. Very unorganized (they were unable to find paperwork on file) and gave wrong information to me at times! Very unhappy with this firm and I would never refer anyone there or do business with them again!
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21 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
As the title suggests, a very nice, friendly free 'presentation' provided, followed by establishment of documents for a healthy fee. This all provided with the assured verbiage of personal service after the fact, directly suggesting that when the elder party(parties) pass, that he himself would be there to answer all procedural questions, give advice, etc.
Our experience in our time of that need subsequent to parent's death was anything but what was proffered at the time of documents provided and payment to him in full. Our repeated phone calls went mostly un-returned, and never was he himself 'available'. Finally a junior underling with a very dismissive attitude 'accepted' a call or two, and when we stated that we had questions and needed information that he said to come to him with at our initial meeting, she set up an appointment time. We went, and she told us that she would sit with us, not him. She was detached, and gave little consideration to our facts and questions, and this meeting was much more of her attempt to get an up-sell for a few thousand more, without good explanation of what this would provide us. And with that sales job, she still didn't grasp or care what we had come for. I'm certain that she was acting in concert with the company's instruction.
After considering this thinly veiled attempt to get us for the up-sell, we left. Following calls were met with callous dismissal, and the statement that our files were located in another building, and would not be gotten for review.
We had to ultimately go elsewhere for professional service that was to come with what we had contracted.
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19 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Went to this lawyer recently regarding a assault case and he knew nothing about what he was talking about! Recommended completely obscure objections.
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06 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Be sure to post the information you have about him to the anti child abuse groups on Facebook and reddit. There's plenty of bikers that have been talking about him and his daughter as well. Just a matter of time before they sit down and talk nicely.
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29 Jun, 2022 by Justice
His daughter assaulted her small child because she had snapped a photo of herself and her boyfriends affairs daughter. She repeatedly hit her and screamed into her face while pulling her hair. This guy called his friends in high places so that her assault would only be treated as a misdemeanor. I would never ever want a person like this as my attorney.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Purnota hasan
Horrible, rude and entitled
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29 Apr, 2023 by Gummy bear
Mean and corrupt
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09 Feb, 2023 by Nick b
10 Apr, 2015 by Melissa
I worked with Josh for the preparation of my prenup and then subsequently for the preparation of a postnup. I severed the relationship the 2nd time around due to my dissatisfaction with his representation. At our first meeting to discuss my postnup he stated, “I haven't reviewed your prenup” and then tried to advise me on the issues from memory (it had been 5 years since he drafted my prenup). It struck me as extremely odd that before the meeting my lawyer wouldn't have come 100% prepared by reviewing the material provisions of my contract. Needless to say, when advising based on memory, he advised me incorrectly. When my own lawyer is too busy to review my contract, I know I've hired the wrong lawyer. Future clients be forewarned.
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28 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
This lawyer is not aware of procedure changes in the court system. Cancels court dates on you. Rude and can not handle himself in the court room. Charges $20,000.00 for a 20 page document. Do NOT hire this Lawyer or Firm. Unless you have Major Money to Burn. Meaning a net worth of over $500, 000.00 MM. A 1 page document will cost you over $5,000.00 . And, He is very rude and uncaring. Stay Away !!!
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04 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
He handled my auto injury claim in 2001 and took the majority of my winnings and left me broke.
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20 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I expected Chris to speak for me when i could not. He failed at this. He was very slow to act, in fact he had to file for an extention to bring the suit as he drug his feet for literally 3 plus years. Had I not been so incapacitated I would have been more on top of him, but this is why i needed him, I was not at my best. He seemed very tenatious at the inception of our lawyer client relationship but that wained. He did very little with me to prepare for the trial and did not tell me about the defendants witnesses that were to be called until the day before the trial. He kept me in the dark. His performance in court can only be as good as his preparation, and that is where he failed. He did not have all the facts. I would not recommend him!
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06 Aug, 2022 by John
I would advise to steer clear of Gary and Donna. Having used their services after a loved ones passing, my siblings and I often think back to their misdirection and exorbitant fees. Time has passed since our last interaction with this firm and we are still uncovering items that had not been executed on our behalf (although they were paid to do so).
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23 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer failed to look after my rights as an appointed executor. He communicated with another relative about the case even though I told him to stop. He even advised me to take an action against my interests. I fear his misrepresentation may have caused me to lose my inheritance.
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17 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I met and liked this lawyer, everything was going well, but now she hasn't responded to call, emails, texts, or a letter in 3 months! My case is in limbo and this is not acceptable nor professional.
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20 May, 2018 by Patricia
This lawyer has been extremely unprofessional. We hired her 2 and half years ago to settle our parents estate. As of today nothing has been done. We call her daily and have not heard back from her in 9 months. We need this settled and are at our witts end.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Marks kept me hanging for 5 months while he was supposed to be probating my aunt's will. He did NOTHING during that 5-month period. Kept telling me we were "close" whatever that meant. Charged a fee, which I will try to get refunded to me. He was totally useless! I have now hired a trusts & estates attorney with years of experience and that attorney is and was immediately on top of what needed to be done.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Vincent for legal services and was not impressed with the end result. He did not keep me updated on case proceedings and due to lack of communication the case was ultimately lost.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Iris Bikel is either criminally incompetent, or just criminal. Demands large retainer up front then does the absolute minimum she can get away with. Iris Bikel should be disbarred for ripping off the elderly.
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03 Feb, 2019 by Cobie walker
21 Nov, 2017 by Gene
Ira was only interested in his fees & not my family's legal interests . He even gave us unexplained & unrequested legal documents that proved to be antithetical to our goals or mutual discussions . I strongly don't recommend him or his firm..
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13 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
We were not satisfied with our experience with Ms. Cavanagh. We did not feel that she explained options clearly and her services were expensive.
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05 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Had my mother pull out of her trust w/my father when she was on her death bed and mistakingly made incorrect changes. He was not willing to
admit his errors. Therefore my deceased parent's estate has never been settled and are in the process of being lost to back property taxes,
because we could not afford to fight him and are unable to find a lawyer to help us.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Michael b
Sought Jay's office seeking a PAID HOURLY attorney to assist with a educational disabilities consultation. Never returned call when secretary told me attorney was available at his desk. Called again next day was told I was being transferred to a lawyer, when I connected with the woman she told me she wasn't a lawyer but another administrator.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Unreachable, my case has been pending from almost a decade. Him and his staff don’t care about the clients.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Had supper supper bad experience
We hired him to sell our house & he lied & lied over and over I can’t believe he actually is licensed lawyer. Will be filling a complaint with proper department
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12 Apr, 2017 by Bob
This woman was my mothers lawyer till a little before she died. I was the only blood relative avail, and was listed as executor of her will. Nichole withheld important information after being hired by my Uncle who was backup guardian when my mother was hospitalized permanently. I had a meeting discussing why I shouldn't or want to be executor. My uncle stated that he had everything done down to a phone bill and all assets sold and all cash, and he could execute the will promptly. I was told it wasn't worth me doing it, maybe $5,000 and a lot of trouble. Well I decided to do it out of principal because at our meeting her and my uncle took advantage of my grief and thought they had it locked in. I wasn't told my mothers belongings including 2 cars belonged to me upon her death, moreso, upon her death ALL money goes to the other family. On the day of our meeting I went to my mothers house. All her thnigs laid out for sale the next day. I was told it was the best thing for me to do. There was not much left anyway, but out of respect I left everything there. Then I went to meet Nichole. I was never told that after everythng my mother had was sold, that money would go to the other family. I could have taken anything I wanted on that day. I live in Atlanta so It's a rare trip. I didn't receive as much as a button from my mothers possessions. THEN, since I was now acting as executor, and hired a lawfirm that was happy to do it. Nichole advised me nobody really wanted the case. It took her and Dan over a year!!!!!!, to transfer the proper things. I sat and listened to Dan tell her everythng was wrapped up. TAXES, THE WHOLE ESTATE LIQUIDATED, everything down to a phone bill. This was one of the hardest times of my life, and was the blood son of this woman that other people decided they would do what they saw fit. So, there's one more lawyer that's better at the bottom of the sea. Thanks Nichole and Dan. I did my part and served my mothers last wishes. Too bad I didn't get what was due to me. Memories of her. I didn't want money. Oh and by the way, my executor check was over $10,000. Another lie.
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14 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Leonardi is shrewd about covering his butt so that he may receive payment for doing nothing. Professional conduct requires he turn over a case he is incompetent to represent to an attorney who is competent; he failed to do so. He refused to turn my file over to a new attorney to handle. I have already filed a grievance and am taking the steps to sue him and have disciplinary action taken against him. He likes to travel abroad when your case is up for court appearance, and he apparently likes to miss statutes as well. Proceed at your own risk.
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16 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Does not give good advice as a counselor should and is not easily accessible when needed. Does not truly care about the client, just looking to make a quick fee.
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16 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
My main issue with this lawyer was that he was not responsive to me when I tried to contact him. On several occasions I called him and left messages, and I never heard back from him. Finally, after more than a month he answered his phone and seemed very puzzled and was not aware of much that was going on in my case. I would have switched in a second, but it was too late in the process.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired her a year ago and she has done almost nothing. I have communicated with her numerous times with nothing of substance done. She has not taken the actions she said she would. She took my retainer and I feel like I was ripped off. I am going to report her to the bar association I am so frustrated at this point. Stay away.
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01 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Had far more important clients. Overbilled and overcharged and refused to correct until discharged. Let evidence grow stale. In New York, it is said you either dislike Harvey and are glad he is on your side, or you dislike him. Yes. No. Yes.
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20 Nov, 2021 by Brian
Attorney Servodidio made multiple mistakes while handling a probate matter for myself and family. Documents were also misplaced. I do not recommend using him under any circumstances. This review is based on first hand knowledge and personal experience. In addition, to making many mistakes Attorney Servodidio does not return phone calls or emails in a timely manor. He has also been known to cancel appointments five minutes before they are supposed to start by leaving vague messages on our home phone.-- Not our cell phone-- which means we were forced to drive all the way to his house/ office only to be met with a locked door and no one answering the door. This is not professional behavior nor is it fair to working families who have children and have to take time off from work.
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28 Jun, 2015 by Leticia
Katharine Wilson Conroy, Esq., of Counsel to the Firm of Bertine Hugnagel, et al, in Scaarsdale, New York, was appointed as trustee by my late father to handle a trust that he lef to met. Right from the outset, Mrs. Conroy informed this beneficiary that she (Mrs. Conroy) was going to handle the trust as she saw fit. As a result, I was forced to hire legal counsel (at great expense) to get her to comply with the terms of the trust. Essentially, Attorney Conroy failed to discharge her fiduciary duties by failing to meet the terms of the trust as written.
To being with, Attorney Conroy failed to work with this beneficiary to develop a budge which made it impossible for her to comply with the provisions of the Trust. She ignored this beneficiary when I suggested that she help me develop a budget. She sent the beneficiary many deeming e-mails, including telling the beneficiary that she was being "silly" when I complained that she was preventing me from getting my money under the Trust. she caused me unnecessary hardship since under the provisions of SECOND: I, (ii) she had the ability to use trust income and principal to reimburse me for dental, medical and drug expenses. She refused to pay these expenses and continued to ignore my e-mails.
Mrs. Conroy also ignored my earlier e-mails for quarterly payments, despite the fact that my attorney pointed out to her that she should have been making certain payments to me from the trust after certain conditions were met and she had the power to invade principal. When Mrs. Conroy agreed to resign her commission as Trustee, despite the fact that it was not a relatively large and complicated trust, it took Attorney Conroy 3 YEARS to prepare a Petition that the Surrogate's Court would accept. Mrs. Conryo's attitude throughout her entire tenure was one of arrogance and rudeness and her behavior towards the beneficiary was extremely unprofessional. My opinion: Do not hire Katharine Wilson Conroy as your attorney for any legal issues that may arise in your family.
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20 Feb, 2012 by Leticia
I had spoken to Mr. Metrick on the phone regarding a consult for a trust that I felt was not being properly administered by the trust attorney appointed to handle my trust.
Initially, when I spoke to Mr. Metrick over the telephone to set up an appointment, he was very gracious. However, when I arrived at his office, his demeanor was totally out of line.
He made a comment about where I had seated myself at the conference table. He paced the room opposite where I was seated and finally, after he sat down to my left, he leaned across, looked me in the eye, and asked "are you some kind of nut?"
You can imagine my surprise. He skimmed through the papers I had brought him (the trust and my parents' wills), all the while muttering to himself and to me in a most ungracious tone.
I finally decided to leave and upon my exit, he again was most ungracious.
I can only surmise that possibly he had received a telephone call from the trust attorney with whom I was at odds with in her handling of the trust (since I had e-mailed her 2 days before my appointment with Mr. Metrick to say that I was going to see him) and Mr. Metrick had spoken to her and had taken the trust attorney at her word regarding my complaint with her. Whatever the situation be, I would NEVER RECOMMEND MR. METRICK OR HIS FIRM TO ANYONE!!
'
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07 Nov, 2017 by Maher hussein
I have a case against a real estate company owned by a devious millionaire who would do anything to get his way. My attorney WILLIAM J ROBB, ESQ asked me not to go to court. Then he entered into a settlement without my authorization or knowledge, robbing me of all my merits. Then he claimed it was a mistake. Please do not hire this lawyer. He has no ethics.
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You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
