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03 Oct, 2024 by Steven bamberger
I am so glad that my wife and I chose the Meier Law Firm to handle our family Trust. Laura Meier and her entire staff were absolutely amazing and a pleasure to work with. Their professionalism and experience was evident throughout the entire trust development process and the white glove customer service they delivered.
I highly recommend the Meier Law Firm to all my family and friends for their trust needs.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Sabryna gilson
My husband and I feel so grateful that Meier Law helped us get ourselves organized and safeguard our assets and children.. knowing that our kids will be taken care of in an emergency gives us peace at heart. The law firm was very accommodating and patient with us through every step!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Steven m
Thank you Joshua. You helped my family tremendously. Anyone who asks me if I know of anyone, I will send them your way.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Steven bamberger
I am so glad that my wife and I chose the Meier Law Firm to handle our family Trust. Laura Meier and her entire staff were absolutely amazing and a pleasure to work with. Their professionalism and experience was evident throughout the entire trust development process and the white glove customer service they delivered.
I highly recommend the Meier Law Firm to all my family and friends for their trust needs.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Sabryna gilson
My husband and I feel so grateful that Meier Law helped us get ourselves organized and safeguard our assets and children.. knowing that our kids will be taken care of in an emergency gives us peace at heart. The law firm was very accommodating and patient with us through every step!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Steven m
Thank you Joshua. You helped my family tremendously. Anyone who asks me if I know of anyone, I will send them your way.
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5.0
2 Reviews
5.0
192 Reviews
03 Oct, 2024 by Steven bamberger
I am so glad that my wife and I chose the Meier Law Firm to handle our family Trust. Laura Meier and her entire staff were absolutely amazing and a pleasure to work with. Their professionalism and experience was evident throughout the entire trust development process and the white glove customer service they delivered.
I highly recommend the Meier Law Firm to all my family and friends for their trust needs.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Sabryna gilson
My husband and I feel so grateful that Meier Law helped us get ourselves organized and safeguard our assets and children.. knowing that our kids will be taken care of in an emergency gives us peace at heart. The law firm was very accommodating and patient with us through every step!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Steven m
Thank you Joshua. You helped my family tremendously. Anyone who asks me if I know of anyone, I will send them your way.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Steven bamberger
I am so glad that my wife and I chose the Meier Law Firm to handle our family Trust. Laura Meier and her entire staff were absolutely amazing and a pleasure to work with. Their professionalism and experience was evident throughout the entire trust development process and the white glove customer service they delivered.
I highly recommend the Meier Law Firm to all my family and friends for their trust needs.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Sabryna gilson
My husband and I feel so grateful that Meier Law helped us get ourselves organized and safeguard our assets and children.. knowing that our kids will be taken care of in an emergency gives us peace at heart. The law firm was very accommodating and patient with us through every step!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Steven m
Thank you Joshua. You helped my family tremendously. Anyone who asks me if I know of anyone, I will send them your way.
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4.9
15 Reviews
5.0
23 Reviews
09 Apr, 2024 by Bryan rodriguez
Great attorney!! Highly recommend!!
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29 Sep, 2023 by Rhonda marenburg
Through the years I have used Richard Rudolph's legal expertise for many of my legal needs. One of the most important has been my Living Trust. Richard understood what I wanted, advised me and walked me through the process. What really made me feel comfortable about working with Richard was when he said, if any of the people noted in the trust have questions they should always feel comfortable in calling him. He would always be available for them.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Robert casagrand
I am fortunate to have a knowledgeable attorney who can break down the components in lay-mans terms and properly guide you through the process. A great resource and person and glad to have him as a friend as well!! Highly recommend his services.
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09 May, 2023 by Mark
I am pleased to provide my highest recommendation to the Soto Law Group. SLG made the complex task of estate planning easy. DeDe Soto and her team were both knowledgeable and professional. They walked my wife and I through every step of the process answering our questions along the way. My wife and I are very pleased with the resulting Family Trust. Our experience with SLG was exceptional.
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11 Dec, 2022 by Jay
DeDe and her team did a great job providing a customized and thorough estate plan to fit our exact needs at this point in our lives. We were able to accomplish all of our goals in just a few easy to understand steps at a very reasonable price
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03 Dec, 2022 by Marc
DeDe and her team were extremely good by guiding me through the trust process. This applies to my trust and the special needs trust fory son. She was very patient as this was a long process and happy with the current versions. I would encourage others to seek her services.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Harry represented me in a 18 month divorce. He was always prompt answering my questions and gave me careful and helpful explanations in every step of the process. I highly recommend him!
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18 Nov, 2019 by Cherie
HMA Law represented me in a long drawn out divorce. HMA came in after my initial attorney quit. Harry took the case and continued on with little repetition. All of my inquiry's were answered quickly and thoroughly. I never felt like I was being talked down to. I was kept informed of every step and my options were presented in a manner that allowed me to make the best choice for me. Dealing with a life changing event is never easy. HMA Law did an excellent job in making sure that the process was as simple and stress-free as possible.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Walter.
When I was served with Divorce papers, I was in a state of shock and needed to find a Great Lawyer quickly. I was referred to several lawyers in my area from my Employers provided legal service. After speaking to several Attorneys, I called HMA Law Group and spoke to Attorney Harry Mirchandaney. I immediately felt reassured. Mr. Mirchandaney explained the process, and was straightforward with telling me what to expect. He listened to my concerns and was candid in telling me if what I was asking for was reasonable. I normally don’t write reviews but after three years of working with Attorney Harry Mirchandaney I felt it was the least I could do.
If you need to find a Good Lawyer, I would definitely recommend Attorney Harry Mirchandaney, with HMA Law Group.
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5.0
9 Reviews
14 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Yes, I can be a bit dramatic, but let me say it again, WoW! I liked his picture and "ready for a courtroom showdown" so gave him a cold call. He was the most gracious, well mannered attorney I've spoken to. I'm a Paralegal and have a pending probate case so that says a lot! Aside from his excellent manner and professionalism, the guy knows his stuff. I have been through five (thought it was only 3:) probate attorneys for the last 9 years and Mr. Hankin gave me information that was pivotal to the success of my case; information that I should have already been told. I know, where was he 9 years ago! Let me tell you, he would have been my attorney and this case would have come to a conclusion years ago. Thank you again Mr. Hankin, your kindness put my trust back in humanity. ~A
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16 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Needing help with probate court and how to best deal with our trust litigation matter at hand, I was referred to Ted Hankin. We had a family dispute after the passing of my father and his trust, and Ted helped us save a considerable amount of money by taking the right steps. He will answer your questions along the way and keeps you informed of the process.
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25 May, 2017 by Peter piazza
I recently posted a review of this attorney but my review may have been premature, as we were not yet finished completing our exchanges. Since my earlier review Mr. Hankin wrote to me again. He shed tremendous light on the one pressing question that baffled me, and he did so in a professional manner.
My initial aim was to utilize his services in the Appellate Courts, but it appears my case lacks the "teeth" for a successful appeal. If that were not my unfortunate predicament I'd most assuredly hire Mr. Hankin. Sometimes the devil is in the details. He's a details oriented attorney who takes the time to explain matters to his clients and prospective clients.
I can't speak to other areas of his law practice, but for anything pertaining to California Trusts or Probate matters he's the "go-to" attorney!
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04 Mar, 2018 by Kent
Bob was referred to me by a dear trusted friend. I purchased a commercial property in 2013 along with 3 other individuals. Those 3 individuals were related to each other, not to me. 3 years later 2 of the 3 individuals approached me about selling my interest to them for $30,000. We had each invested $25,000. I declined their offers. Little did I know my 3 partners had already consulted with realtors, it turned out the property had over a half a million dollars in equity on an initial $100,000 joint investment. I found out months later the property was in escrow and I was never consulted or advised of the sale. These two brothers and their father intended to keep my initial investment and my more than $100,000 profit. You see one of the brothers is an attorney who thinks he is always the smartest guy in the room. It turns out that "Dim Bulb" attorney was no match for Bob Bright. Bob's last name is an incredible accurate adjective for who he is. Bob had 4 business days to effectively secure a temporary restraining order on escrow from the civil court. Escrow closed as scheduled all of the liens and third parties were satisfied and over a half a million dollars remained in the possession of the court. Litigation went on for an entire year. Bob was 10 steps ahead of my conspiring ex-partners at every stage. Bob's research on case law was amazing. My ex-partner, the attorney, was completely out matched. Bob ultimately negotiated a settlement prior to trial. I am not allowed to disclose the terms of the settlement. What I can disclose is that after Bob's fees were paid, my proceeds were far beyond what I would have received had my partners included me in the sale proceedings and not tried to abscond my investment and profit. The bad news is that my ex-partner the attorney will get to keep his law license for now. Bob Bright is beyond honest and he is always accessible.
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18 Apr, 2014 by Mark
I first met Bob, went he became our Company's Attorney. Bob, actually was much much more. He assisted us with Marketing, Research, Counsel, actually Bob was involved and gave counsel in every part of our business. It's not easy to separate your Business from your personal Relationship. with him.
Bob, was always responsive, willing to help, and gave very valued advice.
I can tell you that he is a highly knowledgeable lawyer, who if he doesn't know the answer will get it quickly. He works 24/7. I've spoken with him late at night, early in the morning, and when he was attending a friend's wedding.
I've worked with many Lawyers, and no one comes close to this man as a partner in your business. I could not give him a higher recommendation.
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18 Apr, 2014 by Ron baker
Bob Bright helped me and my family through the rough task of loan modafacation. He was professonal and most of all stood firm with the bank . I would highly recommend Bob to handle any and all leagal affairs a person has!!! His professionalism is a 10 in my book ... Thanks Bob !!!!
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11 Aug, 2019 by Duc
I have to honor to met Jason from my family prefers to me, I will come to him with a serious personal injury case, he was a great help to me and guide me to my journey to finding the right attorney every step he had put in above and beyond to help me reach my goal. I recommend him to my friends and my family thanks, Jason.
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04 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
AFTER CONSULTING MY LAWYER, I FOLLOWED ALL I WAS TOLD, AND SINCE HE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE, EVERYTHING END UP EXACTLY AS HE SAID IT WILL AND THAT ALONE TOLD ME THAT HE IS WELL EXPERIENCED AND FURTHER MORE WITH HIS WISDOM HE TOKE EVEN BETTER STEP AND MANAGED WITH HIS GOOD INTENTION AND EXPERIENCE TO SAVED ME AND MY FAMILY BEING SAVED BY MEDIATION SO WE DON'T HAVE TO RISK OF BEING EVICTED AND LOSE OUR SECTION 8 HOUSING AND THROUGH THE MEDIATION BY USING HIS HIGH LEVEL OF SKILLS, HE MANAGED GET A VERY SATISFACTORY RESULT WHICH WAS EVEN BETTER THAN I WAS HOPED FOR AND THAT'S WHY ME AND MY FAMILY ARE VERY PLEASED OF THE OUTCOME AND HE CAME TO ME FOR INTERVIEW AND OTHER NEEDED STEPS TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS UNDER HIS CONTROL AND ALL OF HIS EFFORTS AND GOOD FAITH PAID OFF BY COMING OUT OFF THE CASE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULT, HE IS THE BEST AND WE ALWAYS ARE GREAT FULL TO HIM, AND RECOMMEND HIM AS A VERY HIGH CLASS LAWYER.
GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY AS HE SAVED US FROM BEING A HOMELESS FAMILY AND EVEN LOSE OUR SECTION 8 HOUSING.
HE GAVE US A NEW LIFE AND NEW BEGINNING.
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19 May, 2016 by Jennifer
Very knowledgeable and personal. Didn't talk over my head and brought it to our level of understanding. Did all the notary works at the same time and save trip to notarized documents. Highly recommend!!
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25 May, 2017 by Carol
Bryce redid our Will and Trust for my husband and me. He was professional, understanding, kind and bright. Most of all, he made it very easy on us and it was an overall enjoyable experience. We had a few complications with our Trust and Bryce knew exactly how to handle it. Thanks, Bryce, for a job VERY well done.
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02 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
The legal profession has thousands of attorneys, and it is difficult to know who the right one for you is. I have been fortunate to have found a competent, credible attorney, Bryce Letterman. He specializes in estate planning, and preparation of wills and trusts. I have been his client for several years and appreciate his professionalism, honesty and sincerity. He is respectful and patient; and makes you feel like you are his most important client. I have the highest regard for him.
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06 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Letterman is a superior attorney. He not only knows the law, but has extensive business experience. This gives him special insight in advising us on matters affecting our corporation. We have found him to be very helpful in helping us to formulate business strategy. Where other attorneys often are "deal breakers", Mr. Letterman excels at articulating the potential risks, tempered by his perception of the business opportunities under consideration.
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09 Aug, 2015 by James and nancy
Ms. Barrett is the consummate professional. We received excellent advice and speedy service.
She always checked with us to make sure she understood out wishes. We couldn't have had a better experience!
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08 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Years ago, a trusted Financial Planner recommended Cheryl Barrett as an expert in estate planning. Cheryl won us over with her preparation, knowledge and cheerful demeanor. She prepared a revocable trust for us. Recently, we contacted Cheryl to revise and update the documents.
It’s easy to talk with Cheryl. She listens to our concerns and responds in easily understood language -- no legalese here. She provides sound advice and her recommendations are spot on, especially as we work through numerous changes that affect beneficiaries and trustees. Cheryl is accessible and responds to calls/inquiries in a timely manner. We trust her and she makes us feel as if we are valued clients.
We are pleased with the revised trust and will gladly recommend her services to others. If she were to be rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, Cheryl would receive 5+. She is definitely an expert in her field and we highly recommend her services.
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17 Aug, 2015 by Bahati devane
Mia assisted me during one of the toughest times of my life. She was very prompt, professional and got the point. Thank u Mia you're the best! Bahati Devane
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06 Jun, 2013 by Eddie
GREAT LAWYER VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND GREAT AT KEEPING ME INFORMED.
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02 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
We own several income properties and have no children to leave it to. We needed an experienced trust attorney to advise us on all the different options to minimize taxes. Mr. Perkins is very knowledgeable and spend a lot of time with us at a very reasonable set fee. He also made several changes for us at no extra fee.
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20 Aug, 2013 by Chrristina
We have used Kevin Perkins for a rather complicated trust since my wife was not an american citizen at the time. We had to make several changes since, and Mr. Perkins has never billed us for the changes. He is very knowledgeable, trustworthy and one of the best in the field.
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06 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Danielle helped guide me through the confusing process of probate.
We are very glad to have found her.
She is a very intelligent attorney with a great work ethic.
Recommended!
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24 Jan, 2023 by Madeleine
Jasmine Gomez did a great job on my case. She is an excellent attorney, very knowledgeable about the law, a good listener. She’s very professional, reliable, passionate for her job and has a great communication skills.
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14 Jul, 2021 by Terry
We used Michael to settle a small estate when my Father-In-Law passed away in June, 2020. He explained everything clearly and printed all the paperwork we needed to finalize his legal affairs. I would strongly recommend him.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Joanne
I have known Mike for more than thirty years. He recently completed his third update of my will and second update of my trust. He is very careful to be sure he is recording exactly what you want and gives excellent advice for how to define your beneficiaries of your various assets.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Ecnaidra fotografia
Johnson Attorneys Group ensures that clients in Newport Beach are kept informed throughout every step of the legal process. They provide exceptional care and respect, making sure every client's needs are addressed. It’s no wonder they're regarded as a leading law firm in Newport Beach.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Mikey
By far the best personal injury law firm in town! I cannot recommend Johnson Attorneys Group enough! They are very compassionate, caring, and professional. They fight hard to help their clients get their lives back on track, assisting them through difficult times. Highly recommend!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Nick newton
Made a terrible situation easy to resolve. Extremely thorough and knowledgeable.
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18 Sep, 2024 by F. m&a
I had a very positive experience with Roberts Jeandron and his team handling my injury case. Jeff Roberts, my attorney, was extremely responsive and guided me through the paperwork and litigation process, which allowed me to focus on my recovery. The case manager, was incredibly kind, conscientious, and caring. Their professionalism and personal approach made all the difference. I’m very happy with my decision to have them represent me.
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27 Aug, 2024 by David brantley
Jeff Roberts and his team were smart and professional in handling our case. Moreover, they were persistent, collaborative and open to exploring all strategies, which ultimately translated to favorable settlement. Jeff is a great listener and explains legal topics clearly and thoroughly to facilitate decision-making. Billing and financial tracking were straight forward - no surprises. Jeff also kept us updated regularly and would invite meetings either in person, or remotely, as appropriate. We appreciated the flexibility to touch base remotely for quick decisions that needed to be made throughout the process. We definitely would recommend Roberts-Jeandron Law.
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18 May, 2024 by Aba
She didn’t show up to my Court date. I lost 4000. She then told me she went to the wrong court house. I needed this case and now my record is messed up. Really embarrassed and defeated after this experience. Go somewhere else.
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20 Jan, 2022 by Brandon
Peter is great! He not only is a great attorney but a great man. I was injured in an auto accident and he took the best care of my case and got me to the best doctors to help me with my injuries.
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25 Jul, 2019 by Susan young
Mr Pfund stepped in for my sons attorney who was unable to be at a hearing. I would recommend him if you are looking for a professional and informative lawyer.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Steve
I have known Peter for 30 years. He is by far the most honest and ethical attorney I have ever known. But beyond that, he is very knowledgeable in the area of personal injury, wills and trusts, business litigation and admiralty law. Peter takes great pride in the work he does. He is methodical and wastes very little time and money. I have personally hired Peter on three occasions to represent me in legal matters - that is how confident I am in his abilities. I hold Peter in the highest regard. I have recommended him in the past to many people and never have I heard any negative feed-back. I too can attest to his excellent work, fair pricing and knowledge of the law.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Rebecca and terry
"We highly recommend that you speak with David L. Crockett before choosing an attorney for any estate or other legal matter.
The trust property we had to deal with had not been maintained and had fallen into severe disrepair. Everything from plumbing to electricity to the building exterior and plant overgrowth was on the list. We worked long hours trying to sort and clear years of clutter and accumulation, make repairs, keep up taxes utilities etc. We kept the records we thought were needed and useful in developing a plan for progress.
“Time went fast, and progress went slow.”
Our struggles dealing with the trust were steadily moving beyond our abilities to resolve; we realized that we definitely needed help. Also we ourselves, as time passed, were contributing to our need for resolution.
It was daunting that we would have to have help from a CPA, a licensed Real Estate Broker/Lawyer and someone who had the ability to communicate direction and legal advice specific to our situation.
Multiple years of accounting and record keeping needed to be adequate and organized for negotiating the path from tax filings, title company closing and any other legal requirements of disclosure and trust distribution fulfillment. We had contacted several lawyers and professionals, but only became more confused actually.
Then, fortunately we contacted David L. Crockett.
David is prepared to guide and represent you in all of those areas. Mr. Crockett’s manner is professional, positive and efficient. Working with David L. Crockett was the best possible decision we could have made."
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29 Mar, 2023 by Jason salis
Mary Beth is the most cooperative, efficient, and valuable attorney I have ever worked with in any area of law. Her advice proved invaluable. She is a tenacious negotiator. Her fees proved to be completely reasonable. Most importantly she got results, where two previous attorneys floundered. Thanks so much.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Tedd saunders
Mary Beth Holloway rarely talked to me about my case. She never took my side and actually fought for me. If you want evidence I will gladly share a photo for you. Please look elsewhere for a family law attorney.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Ray cebrian
I thought that the price to update my trust was kind of high but I still went to Estate Lawyers. Amy Gostanian took all our info and make us understand all the pro and cons in making a trust, paralegal Diane Davis was the go too and she took all info that we agreed during the meeting, she went above and behind to treat us the best way possible, she is a very good hearted person.
Cassidy Russell she was the lawyer that checked the whole trust and make sure that we had all our wishes.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Greg martin
Very disappointed.
Reply to reply. Your firm is still on the service list of documents to this day. We had an agreement where, in lieu of a discount to the total bill, you would continue to represent me on the loose ends at no charge. You then immediately, without notice, filed to be removed as my council.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Jill bartholome
Amy was very kind, helpful and knowledgeable. And, she is fair and reasonable.
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05 Mar, 2017 by Russ
I have used Michael Walsh for several years. He is very professional and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Laura
Mr. Walsh is an excellent attorney and extremely knowledgeable in the realm of estate planning. I personally have consulted with Mr. Walsh and I recommend him to my clients looking to obtain a Wills & Trust attorney.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mike's thoughtful approach to understanding my situation and his attention to detail while asking good questions that I never even thought about is what made my experience working with him a good experience.
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4.3
36 Reviews
15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
All communication goes through her paralegal. She has incorrect or zero knowledge of our case when attending hearings. Does not inform clients of upcoming hearings. Dishonest to both judges and other lawyers. Absolutely destroyed my son’s estate due to repeated accounting mistakes. After my son suddenly and tragically lost his dad and I lost my husband, she destroyed our financial future. Beware.
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13 Dec, 2016 by Carmen
I have no words to say how thankful we are to Darlynn and Karen that made the process so much simpler and easily understood. As stressed as I was I was able to get an amazing trust done and I know the process has given my husband and I peace of mind, thank you for your kindness, compassion and wuickbturn around with the whole process. Thank you for explaining everything and thank you for being there to help us. We will be forever grateful!
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17 Sep, 2009 by Becky
Just prior to leaving on an international trip, my husband and I realized that we had to seriously look at our affairs by updating our very outdated estate planning papers. We called on Morgan Law Group and were immediately ushered into a professional and timely sequence of meetings that gently guided us in gathering our varied financial assets and coordinating them on one document so we could move effortlessly through a series of questions that would achieve our estate planning goals. We are more than satisfied with the result of our time with Darlynn Morgan and her team—we feel secure and prepared for the future. We highly recommend the estate planning services of Morgan Law Group.
Sincerely, Becky T. Corona Del Mar, CA
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24 Apr, 2024 by Barbara
They canceled appointment the night before it was scheduled. Said they sent an email prior which I never received. Had my information for over a week before they said they couldn’t handle it. Very unprofessional. Waste of time!
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23 Oct, 2020 by Zhanneta babayan-fisher
After passing my husband, Suzan A Katzen helped me with our trust, and with all paperwork.
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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:
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What experience do you have with creating trusts?
Ensure the lawyer has experience drafting trusts and managing trust administration for clients with similar goals or asset structures. -
What types of trusts do you recommend for my situation?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different types of trusts available and which ones best suit your needs. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost. -
What are the tax implications of the trust?
Ensure the lawyer can explain how the trust will affect your taxes and strategies to minimize tax liability. -
How long will it take to set up the trust?
Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents. -
Will you handle the trust administration?
If ongoing management is required, inquire whether the lawyer will assist with trust administration or if you'll need a separate trustee. -
Can you help resolve disputes if they arise?
Ask about the lawyer's experience in resolving trust disputes.
How to Check the Credibility of a Trusts Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable trusts lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
- Look for trust law experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in estate planning and trusts.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications such as Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) or memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a trusts lawyer, bring the following:
- List of assets: Prepare a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
- List of beneficiaries: Provide names and contact information of individuals or organizations you want to name as beneficiaries.
- Existing estate planning documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
- Financial information: Bring financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant financial documentation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions about the trust creation process, fees, and how the trust will protect your assets and beneficiaries.
- Goals for the trust: Clearly outline your objectives, such as asset protection, tax minimization, or provisions for beneficiaries, so the lawyer can tailor the trust to your needs.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible legal advice for creating and managing your trust.
