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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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19 Aug, 2018 by Mark makhail
06 Feb, 2025 by Melissa sidoti
Husain Gatlin is probably one of the best attorneys I have ever retained and I can’t thank him enough for being so hands on with our case. He did everything he said he was going to do and he is well worth every cent you spend!! As I have told Husain previously, I admire him and I don’t like lawyers! 🤣
I think that explains it all!! Thank you 😎
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04 Feb, 2025 by Wade smith
I highly recommend Mr. Gatlin services to all my family, friends, an associates. His office staff was a pleasure to work with, they were very professional an detailed. Mr. Gatlin made sure all my questions were answered an kept me informed every step of the way. I didnt have to ask any questions, he was on top of it. I would recommend anyone that need professional legal representation to seek Mr Gatlin. I really appreciate his assistance and i want to say THANK YOU Mr. Gatlin for your excellent professional assistance and the outcome.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Matthew streeter
I paid Husain A. Gatlin $2,500 to represent me in a simple civil dispute. From the beginning, he was difficult to get a hold of, and even though I only reached out with legitimate questions, Gatlin only communicated through a document uploading website, through which it took several days to get a response.
Communication got so bad with Gatlin that another lawyer of mine attempted to contact him regarding vital matters- he and I still got no response for weeks.
Gatlin made it clear to me -by actually telling me- that he was tired of this case and had no interest in continuing it. It was such a relatively minor case (albeit very important to me) that he simply lost interest when it started taking just a little longer than expected to reach a resolution.
WORSE OF ALL, I didn’t find out until trial commenced (with a new lawyer) that a major point of contention between the other party and me was caused by Gatlin’s carelessness.
Part of my countersuit against the other party was for trespassing. It didn’t come out until the trial, when opposing counsel brought it to my attention while I was on the witness stand, that unbeknownst to me, Gatlin had given the go-ahead to the other party to enter my property WITHOUT CONSULTING ME, OR EVEN TELLING ME AFTER HE DID IT. Police were called, charges were filed, trial took place, all because Gatlin, knowing I would never allow the trespass FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN, took it upon himself to let the other party enter my property without even telling me he’d done it.
As a trial date approached, when he should have been the most interactive, Gatlin completely fell off the face of the planet. Neither I nor my other attorney could reach him at all. Weeks later, I fired him and hired another attorney.
Since Gatlin did nothing the entire ten months he “represented” me (other than wear his pretty little bow ties), I filed for fee arbitration to recoup at least a portion of the $2,500 I paid. During the fee arbitration hearing, he blatantly lied several times, and when I proved he was lying, he resorted to insults.
If your case isn’t as sexy and exciting as a murder, this is the kind of service you can expect from Husain A. Gatlin.
---------UPDATE, IN RESPONSE TO COMPANY'S COMMENT------------
The panel's questionable decision aside, there's no denying the fact that your carelessness put my children in danger and caused unnecessary litigation. And it's no coincidence that other negative reviews of you have common denominators- your carelessness, quickness to lose interest in cases you're paid to see through to the end, and petulant refusal to communicate with clients.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
