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20 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Philip assisted us with the changes to the trust and power of attorney due my my mothers Alzheimer condition. He was very helpful and patient during this difficult time.
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11 Nov, 2016 by Ronald d
He was very professional ,efficient & very easy with whom to communicate .
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08 Oct, 2016 by Domingo & natividad
We met with Atty. Philip Sousa who explained to us the importance and advantages of creating a trust. We have talked with other trust attorneys before but when we met Atty. Sousa, we immediately trusted his knowledge and professionalism. He is friendly and courteous & was thorough in answering all our questions during meetings prior to the creation & signing of the trust 2 weeks later.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Faith
I absolutely recommend Ellen Cookman for both estate planning and special needs. I originally came to Ellen for Special Needs Trusts, but quickly discovered that these Trusts impact my estate planning. In addition to tax considerations, Ellen helped me deal with various family members’ planning issues, as well as the various kinds of assets in my estate. Ellen’s expertise is clear plus she is very easy to work with.
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06 Dec, 2015 by Patricia
Ellen has a warm personality and is terrific at explaining complex estate planning concepts and strategies in simple terms. She has a sharp legal mind. Although she is already a certified specialist and a leader in her field, she never stops seeking further education in order to provide her clients with the best and most current legal advice.
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07 Sep, 2015 by Karen
We retained Ellen Cookman to do our estate planning, set up trusts, and write wills. We have two children and were eager to make arrangements for them for best and worst case scenarios. Ellen worked diligently and efficiently to set everything up for us, listened carefully to all our needs and wants, and produced an excellent set of documents and directives for our family. She maintained professional discretion and treated our family with great care and respect. She has followed up regularly to ensure our needs are met as time goes on, and has been an excellent resource for advice on other matters as well.
Ellen is clearly dedicated to her work and demonstrates unimpeachable integrity. I recommend her highly; I have recommended her multiple times to friends and colleagues entering into estate planning.
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29 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
In our initial meeting with Gadi, he reviewed each of the subjects necessary for us to make the right decisions. His full attention was toward us and the questions we had for him. He and his office team were very responsive in providing us draft documents to review and provide him further clarifications on specific points.
Gadi conducted the signing process in a timely manner including providing the signed documents via mail and electronic means.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Lutz
We have been clients of Gilfix & La Poll since 2007. Our living trust (created in 1989) needed to be updated since our family dynamic had changed considerably. Our fist meeting with Michael Gilfix was most pleasant. Our questions and concerns were addressed in a professional, competent, and "easy to understand English" manner. We left the office convinced that our affairs are in very good hands. All the people in the office are friendly, polite, and very professional. We highly recommend to consult the Gilfix & La Poll Law Firm for all your living trusts needs
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08 Oct, 2022 by Ed
Mark And Mike Gilfix Are The Best
We would like to share a few words of praise about our recent meeting with Gilfix & La Poll Associates. Our adult family had a recent zoom meeting with Mark to discuss estate plans, trusts, and special needs trusts. Mark’s knowledge, expertise, experience, friendly manner & attentiveness regarding each & every one of our concerns provided the safety net we were searching for. Mark can be depended on to truly connect, communicate & facilitate plans with his clients. Now, for one example, money left for our special needs child is protected. Of tremendous continuing value has been his recent book, SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST, CREATION AND MANAGEMENT GLUIDE, by Mark & Mike. We are confident that with Mark & the resources he manages we have developed plans that respects and honors our wishes.
Ed
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23 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I've had a great experience over the past three years with Mark and his team at Gilfix & La Poll Associates, and have no doubt that I will continue to use his services in the years to come. He has helped me countless times to fluidly navigate what otherwise would have been a tangle of legal jargon and details. He's an exceptional listener and problem solver, and has a knack for simplifying the convoluted.
I have recommended family and two friends to their firm already.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Mark is the lawyer you wish for. He is an excellent listener, he understands things quickly, and he knows how to efficiently, and effectively put a course of action into place. He is also easy to spend time with because he is so personable and friendly.
I have gone to Mark multiple times with my legal questions, and he is always able to answer in a way that makes sense. In other words, he speaks in plain English! I love it. I always walk away feeling as though my issues have been mindfully and completely addressed. I have full confidence in Mark and the entire team at Gilfix & La Poll Associates.
It is Easy to recommend Mark and his entire firm. In fact, I have already referred many friends to them.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Esmeralda maldonado
31 Jul, 2022 by Richard jones
A top notch law firm offering superior levels of insight, acumen, and service. The lawyers are excellent and the resources available to them equally so. Their connection to government regulatory bodies is top notch, and the litigation department is what you would want for a “bet the company” litigation. A wise pick for start ups and more substantial companies.
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09 Mar, 2021 by Neel iyer
20 May, 2022 by Jalena bingham
From one attorney to another, John Parsons is my go-to real estate guy. Practical, smart, a great strategic thinker and a more than fair biller. Highly recommend!
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05 Apr, 2020 by Dean birinyi
Jon has helped me quickly, and easily resolve two challenges in the past twelve months.
He’s great.
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23 Nov, 2019 by Diane
I had reached out to Kendra because my Trust was over 20 years old and my life had changed so I felt sure my Trust should too.
After reviewing my old Trust, she provided me with an easy to follow workbook. Throughout the process, I appreciated how she made herself available to answer my questions and when it was completed met me in person to review and notarize.
I am very pleased with Kendra's service and would recommend her to help anyone with the critical and somewhat emotional preparation of a Trust and Will.
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10 Nov, 2013 by Lisa
I worked with Jan to create my will and trust after my divorce. She was matter of fact and very thorough in the process. Since I have known Jan for many years I can attest to her honesty and diligence to the law, and willingness to tell someone when they are wrong. Like many, I can be biased by my own ideas. Jan has solid legal perspective and always kept my goals in mind, talking me through the facts and legal issues to make a good decision.
I’m glad I worked with Jan. She covered all the angles, from how my assets were registered with my financial company to ensuring the legal language fit with the changing relationships of family members and everything else. Thanks, Jan!
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09 Nov, 2013 by Nancy
Jan did an outstanding in reviewing and preparing both my parents estate plan and then my own. She prepared a Special Needs Estate Plan for my parents which was very complex and involved very sensitive and emotional family issues. She not only handled the legal aspects, but counseled us in a very personal way which enabled us to move forward and make some very necessary provisions.
After having worked with Jan through the process of creating my parent's plan, I immediately contacted her after my parent's plan was complete to review my own trust and estate plan which was enacted after my husband passed away. Jan immediately spotted some issues which needed to be taken care of, and we worked together to create a new plan which protects both me and my 13 year old daughter in a much more effective way.
Having worked with two other law firms in the creation of both my parent's first estate plan and my own first trust and estate plan, the difference with Jan is MORE than apparent. She brings a personal approach to estate law that is sadly missing from other firms. She takes the time to truly get to know her clients and create a personal relationship with them. She isn't just the attorney that created my trust - she is part of my support system and I know I can reach out at any time with questions.
I could not have been more pleased with Jan. She is the BEST of the best. I wholeheartedly recommend her!!!!!
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08 Nov, 2013 by Renee
During this past year, Jan has been a tremendous help to me. After the death of my husband in January, I appreciated that she not only had the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the estate, but also was someone I could trust to keep my best interests in mind. I did not know Jan before entering into this business relationship with her, and I feel fortunate to have found her.
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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.
