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18 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Alan Cohen is the type of attorney that is very refreshing in this day and age. He talks to you about the law but not at you. He was and is very committed to overall best options for my life, utilizing the law for big picture life, family and business strategizing. I highly recommend Alan Cohen as a lawyer for any needs.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Ernesto
"Mr Allan Cohen was a light of hope in one of the darkest times my family has ever experienced. When our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed almost impossible, not only was he able to defend us from an unjust accusation but his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional support to us.
My wife and I are eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr Allan Cohen without reservation.”
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15 Dec, 2018 by Lidia
Alan Cohen provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details of our Family Trust, Power of Attorney and Will.
Alan gave us the right advice in every step of the process to prevent any future problems. Alan was also available for questions over the phone after the documents were completed. We are very happy with Alan Cohen's job and will recommend his services to our family and friends.
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30 Aug, 2011 by Judy
Mr. Weitkamp is honest as the day is long. He gives every client his complete attention and exemplary advice and guidance. The many contributions he makes as a volunteer for worthy causes throughout the community attests to his deep sense of compassion for those less fortunate. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants an attorney they can truly trust.
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21 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Weitkamp helped me in a time where my husband became almost totally physically impaired. Hedirected us in the course of action to take and he saw us through every step of the way.
We also had him do our Livng trust.
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30 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
John was refered to me by my grandmother when my child was taken from me by the father. john was so fast to act and we got my little girl back in no time.i cant thank john enough and he continues to serve as my lawyer to this day.
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4.9
14 Reviews
18 Feb, 2016 by Paula
We recently were notified by our insurance company that after 25 years our daughter's private duty nursing hours were being reduced. A mom of a special needs child recommended we contact Valerie Powers Smith for help. Valerie had an instant understanding of our problem and immediately took charge of the situation. In just three days she collected and reviewed hundreds of pages of medical information, interviewed pertinent medical personnel, made numerous phone calls and had the insurance company decision overturned. Valerie kept us informed of her progress daily through emails and phone calls. She understood the stress we were under and was always available for questions. I highly recommend Valerie Powers Smith to anyone who is in need of an attorney .
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09 Nov, 2015 by Mary ellen
I am writing for the purpose of recommending, in the strongest possible terms, that anyone who needs legal advice or representation for a special needs family member contact Valerie Powers of Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy and Pinkney.
I have had a very long relationship with Valerie Powers as my special needs brother’s stay at the home he had been living in for 48 of his 50 years had been legally challenged multiple times and Valerie worked tirelessly to make sure he was not moved.
Her care, concern and compassion about some sensitive personal and legal issues made it easy for us to talk openly with her. She went over and above in contacting the appropriate agencies involved and was available very early while practicing from the West Coast, we reside in Connecticut, to weigh in on some very time sensitive issues. We also had the utmost faith that her knowledge of this legal system would ensure us the best possible outcome under the constraints of the law.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Kathleen
I retained Valerie Powers Smith to represent my interests in a trust litigation matter. It was a difficult time for me with very difficult people to deal with. Without a doubt, I would not have made it without her help. She really got every nuance of all the characters and completely understood my position and what I wanted. She guided me through the process legally, and emotionally, explaining the process and my options until I could understand. She supported me, listened and genuinely cared. She is truly a special person and exceptional attorney.
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07 May, 2024 by Joel robbins
Working with Josh Arthur at the J Arthur Law Firm was an absolute game-changer for us. Having relocated to California almost five years ago, we found ourselves in need of updating our estate planning, wills, and other directives. From the moment we engaged with Josh, his grace and depth of knowledge left a lasting impression. What truly set him apart was his calm demeanor, which instantly fostered a strong connection.
Josh's honesty and integrity were evident throughout our interactions, making him exceptionally trustworthy. Unlike our previous experiences with other attorneys, where we felt like mere transactions, Josh genuinely cared about our needs. He wasn't just focused on collecting fees; instead, he prioritized our peace of mind and the integrity of our legal documents.
In contrast to our prior disappointments, Josh made the entire process seamless and stress-free. He took the time to thoroughly review and discuss all necessary items, patiently addressing any questions or concerns we had along the way. The paperwork was completed promptly and efficiently, ensuring that everything was filed correctly and in compliance with all requirements.
Overall, working with Josh Arthur was a breath of fresh air. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine concern for his clients' well-being truly set him apart. We couldn't recommend him and the J Arthur Law Firm highly enough for anyone seeking top-notch legal services in estate planning and beyond.
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03 May, 2024 by Rocky wood
Even as the process with immigration was a long and arduous process; We were happy to have Bolour/ Carl group guiding us along the way. Especially for all the help from Scott Emerick who always was quick to respond to all our questions and concerns.
I would like to thank him again.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Corey mckeown
Fairly rude over the phone. Treated like they couldn't be bothered. Or that they had much better things to do since it wasn't their particular area of expertise . Very short and very curt.
The response to my review that is given here is all the more reason to stay away.
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15 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Do not use this man. He prepared documents for me, which I paid thousands for, and when I called a few years later to inquire about costs to update them, his incompetent assistant told him I was asking him to perform these services for free, which was not true. She flatly refused repeatedly to quote me a price for the VERY simple services I was requesting and insisted I needed to come in and pay for an hour of the lawyer's time in order to find out how much it would cost for me to literally just change one name on a document. Ludicrous way to do business. He then sent a nasty, vitriolic, factually inaccurate letter "firing" me as a client, accusing me of wanting free services, which is a lie. The California Bar advised me to lodge a complaint. Take your business elsewhere. This was the worst experience, most unprofessional experience I've ever had with a law firm. Awful.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Steve
I've worked with Eric to complete our will, and more recently to create our marital trust. He's an exceptional attorney. He and his staff are very organized, with great follow-up on pending items that we needed to provide. He made the process simple and easy to understand. Eric is also very civic minded, and contributes his time and resources to a number of community organizations. I'd highly recommend him.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Archie
I went to Mr. Rudolph because I did not feel that I was getting competent legal advice from my current lawyer. I could not be more satisfied with this decision. Mr. Rudolph and his staff have provided me with 5-star service and competent legal advice. He listens carefully and takes whatever time is necessary to explain all of your options. I feel that my estate planning is in better shape than ever. I have referred several of my friends to Mr. Rudolph and they have all shared their positive experiences with me.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Scott
My partner and I found David E. Jacobs online. During our first telephone conversation, I knew I had found our attorney. We needed an attorney that could advise us on several important items and understand the big picture of our issue. We had our first face to face meeting with Mr. Jacobs and hired him at that time, via retainer. Mr. Jacobs went the extra mile for us and resolved our legal issues. There are not enough good words I can say about how he successfully represented us.
My partner and i highly recommend Mr. Jacobs and we would utilize him for future legal issues.
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27 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Jacobs was recommended. But soon after hiring him I realized that he really did not care what I had to say or what I wanted him to do for me. Like many attorney's, he just wanted the money. He was arrogant. He lacked respect for me and in fact even told me I was spoiled and that I needed to get a job. He did not take the time to research our family situation or me. He never saw the bigger picture just what he wanted to see. He was insulting. His plan failed and he blamed it on me. He kept saying he could not help me because I would not listen to him? Really? He told me I needed to get rid of my animals because they were costing too much. Really? This man is an awful attorney. Unprofessional and condescending. Way out of line. He screwed up and it will have a negative impact on my future.
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21 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I've know David for nine years. His expertise and passion is terrific. He is a dedicated family man. A champion for the rights of others.
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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.
