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13 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Roman Koropey is a caring and experienced attorney. He is generous with his time and advice. I highly recommend him for preparing wills, trusts, or probates. He is trustworthy, professional and well respected.
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19 Dec, 2020 by Steve
I had a million dollar inheritance in 2016. This lawyer billed me $28,000 for two months of misrepresentation which resulted in my illegal eviction from the home which I inherited. Later I received less than 8% of my inheritance while most of it went to the con artists who evicted me to steal the home which I inherited. An eviction lawsuit by those two should have been dismissed as misuse of civil proceedings as that lawsuit was NOT brought by my landlord. I had a lease and my RENT was prepaid for a year. I lost all my clothes and belongings in my home when I was LOCKED OUT by the two plaintiffs. Instead of asking the PA court to dismiss this IMPROPER lawsuit under PA landlord tenant act (1952), Koropey continued the hearings in 2016 only to pad his hourly billings including hotel stays and travel to beach resorts 100 miles away on my dime. Upon eviction I fired him yet he continued to bill me for months after being fired and also added 8% interest which eventually he filed to collect in an OUT OF STATE COURT and never served me notice of that hearing. I lost by default in a Court 106 miles away from the homeless shelter Koropey representation landed me in 2016. He is heartless.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Bob
He has helped us with more than enough situations. He helped us win a delicate lawsuit- with estate paperwork and taxes. Great guy, great rates, great service!!
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18 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I went to him and he said he would represent me and then I never ever heard back from him again.
He could of at least called me or written me to inform me that he could not take my case and given me a reason, he did nothing and that is not professional.
He had promised to write a letter to the company that I worked for that same week and he never did and never contacted me back.
His office is small so he knew who I was, all he had to do was tell me he was not interested instead he kept me on hold for nothing.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Ruth Borland was referred to me by a trustworthy source. She is gracious, well-educated, and seems concerned about one's situation. She has been in business a long time and her firm has a good rep. Most of my contact was by phone; she was available for our appointments. She worked with me on our financial arrangement due to the length of my case. Her admin assistant is very helpful and on the ball.
That being said, when it comes to managing a client's expectations and getting things done in a timely, assertive manner, my review takes a turn. I hired Ms. Borland in Spring 2010 to help me with a challenging estate issue: a family Irrevocable Trust was being mismanaged by the two Trustees (a bank and a family member who was also a beneficiary of said trust). As the only other surviving beneficiary, I was being prevented from accessing funds in my trust account via some questionable practices. Ruth told me I had a very strong case that we could take to trial. When I asked how long this would all take, she could not give me a general timeframe. I hired her on faith, assuming that a few years (2) would be plenty to get this process underway, to court and resolved in my favor.
After 2+ years passed I started relaying to Atty. Borland my frustration and angst about getting this case to trial and resolved while it had "steam". She always left it up to me whether to continue on or not. In spite of an emotionally charged situation involving the other family member/trustee/beneificary, I pressed on.
Fast forward 5+ years: After filing the lawsuit in late 2011, court dates, continuances of court dates for one reason or another, periods of time when nothing seemed to be happening, several unproductive attempts at settlement conducted by Atty. Borland and opposing counsel, I said "enough" and settled Dec 2015 for a unimpressive sum by signing away my rights as beneficiary of the Trust. Not a very favorable outcome, given how the trust was written and intended. When I told Ruth how disappointed I was that it had come to this, she defended herself by saying I did not let her take it to trial. After all that had transpired, time and resources spent, I had lost faith that the case would ever get to court.
"Under promise and over deliver, not the other way around."
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14 Jul, 2015 by Michael
I retained Ruth for a temporary PFA and custody order that I was served with in August 2012. In November 2013 Ruth suggested we file a motion for a change of venue. She got it prepared, and waited another eight months before filing it. Ruth was unable to attend this hearing, and instead sent an associate. He had little to say as we were offered to have the case moved across the street. I was under the impression that we wanted the change of venue in order to move it out of the county where my wife, her attorney, and her law partner are all guardian ad litem attorneys. What really bothered me was when neither counsel thought to object to Judge Corbett's decision to have this hearing without the stenographer.
Finally, December 2014, a hearing is set for the PFA. For the past 15 months Ruth never contacted any of my witnesses. Just three days before the hearing, Ruth could not reach the only witness she called. Then on the following day, one day before the hearing, Ruth takes a trip out of town. At the courthouse on the day of the hearing, Ruth and opposing counsel meet with the judge. The judge's best offer is a no fault PFA for three years. I asked about the 2-1/2 years I was forced to wait for this hearing, shouldn't there be some consideration for that time? The judge said no, it's either this or we have a hearing now. Ruth says, it is better if you take the judge's offer; or we could have the hearing now, if that is what I want. What I want? Go find me an attorney who is ready for trial, and prepared to defend her client. I asked if we could have this hearing continued. Ruth tells me the only way to get this hearing continued was to release her and tell the judge I need time to find alternative counsel. I felt backed into a corner and with no choice, I took her advice and accepted the deal. Soon after I told Ruth that she had failed me, and that I wanted a new hearing. Ruth backed her actions like I've never seen before, I wonder if she defends any of her clients as she would herself?
For those entire 16 months Ruth represented me, she never got me one day of visitation with my son. It is because of that failure, my wife and her attorney have stopped the few visitations I just received; because they filed for a stay of visitation, where they have accused me of having no interest in seeing my son for the past 18 months.
I expected Ruth to do the job she agreed to and with 40 years of experience, it surprised me that she handled my case so poorly. Surely, twenty-something continuances and one hearing in 16 months, is worth a round of applause. Hip hip, no way!
"Try to fail and you will. Greatness is the opposite." MD
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07 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Ruth did an amazing job for me in my divorce. I would and am reccomending her to other people.
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27 Sep, 2019 by Connie
My husband and I have found Attorney Farber to be informative, patient and kind. He is very professional and worked with us a number of times, answering all of our questions and taking his time to make sure we understood everything completely. I would certainly refer a friend to his service.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Two issues: 1. We had our Wills completed by Mr. Farber who failed to tell us that an Executor/Executrix is entitled to a fee in PA unless otherwise stated in the Will. We were not told this and we would have wanted this to be stated (other than normal expenses); and 2. Mr. Farber is an attorney representing the Executor/Estate that I am a Trustee acting on behalf of the Heirs. This is a simple Estate that should have been open/shut a long time ago. The deceased has passed three years ago and still not finalized. He indicated that I no longer e-mail or call him and that I had to write a letter to communicate with him because I kept asking for a distribution to the heirs. Basically, I had to hire an attorney to get a distribution made to the college-aged heirs so that they can at least pay some of their college debt. His duty was also to the Estate in which the deceased indicated that the money go to the heirs for college, etc. which Mr. Farber did not guide the Executor to do so. Instead he threatened me that the Executor can take a fee from the Estate/Heirs. I highly don't recommend this attorney. THINK TWICE
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10 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I was very disappointed with Mr. Farber. His responsiveness to inquiries, both via phone and email, was extremely slow or non-existent, meaning I had to follow up via phone and email numerous times to get a response. I received little explanation as to why matters did not proceed, he misplaced information I had sent him and I had to send it twice. Working with him was very frustrating, and I would not recommend him.
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29 Nov, 2022 by Moms justice
Dan Glasser isn't a good lawyer. I do NOT recommend him. He wasn't prepared for the trial. He yells at his own clients during the trial in front of everyone. He is very arrogant and thus isn't very effective lawyer. When you first talk to him, he presents himself as a very good lawyer but very soon you'll realize that it's just a show and in reality he isn't good.
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17 Mar, 2020 by Connie casne
We got an appointment with Mr. Glasser one week after I called. He was very thorough and told us what to expect as well as how we were going proceed. He took down all the information about the case and told us the cost of his retainer. Once he received the retainer, he got right on the case and everything was filed at courts within a week. He take such good care of their clients.
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03 Dec, 2019 by Jason wolfe
Dan Glasser is a ruthless and atrocious lawyer who seemingly (to me) does not consider the effects on a child in custody litigation. Some people like ruthless and atrocious - if so he is your man. I admire his intellect (his accounting background is valuable), and ability to act (thus 2 stars and not 1 star). But in the end, the ones that suffer are kids...and he (and probably his firm) do not consider the pain caused to kids in my personal opinion. If you care about your kids steer clear. He will pit parties against each other to make money despite the impact on your kids. Email me if you want.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Florence
Chris Kimler did a closing for me 2 months ago at the recommendation of my real estate broker. Things went smoothly. I now want to amend my deed and have placed no less than 6 calls over 2 weeks to the company, leaving messages with the assistant about who i was and what i wanted, with NO return call from Mr. Kimler. I have since hired another attorney to do the work for me. I would never deal with this firm again.
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17 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired this law firm to handle a simple closing. I paid a high rate and was very disappointed in the responsiveness of both Kimler himself as well as the staff. Any contact made (which was rare) was only if something was needed from me. If I needed something or had a question, my inquiries went totally Un-responded to every time. I wish I never hired him. It was a stressful experience. I paid a high rate,all I expected was for them to pick up the phone when I called or at least return the call.
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24 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I did not have a good experience with this attorney. I never spoke to him after the initial consultation. He will not answer his phone and doesn't return phone calls, or emails. He made a stressful experience even worse.
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10 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
What a joke this guy is. We were his client for just a few weeks and saw about five new people at the front desk during that time. You couldn't get him to return a phone call if your life depended on it. My wife called him following up weeks after he promise to figure out a few simple questions any decent attorney would know and when she finally got through to him, he didn't even remember anything he said he would do.
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13 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
She completed IRS tax return incorrectly. Failed to correct, or even to communicate with me, despite having received payment for the task. I was forced to contact my congressman who helped resolve IRS issue--- using taxpayer funds to do so. I hope this review steers people away from hiring her.
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04 Aug, 2016 by Elaine
Hired to settle estate. No response to questions regarding estate matters, emails or letters. Paperwork never completed until last minute. Still waiting for 2015 income taxes to be completed. Does not conduct professional meetings with 3 executors. Allows name calling and accusations during meetings. Treats all three executors differently.
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05 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Been calling writing she won’t get bk to us she was paid never use her she is terrible
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04 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Two of my family members had Patricia re-write their Wills a couple of years ago. I am Executor for both Wills & also Power of Attorney for both of them for financial & health care. I live out of state & recently I have emailed this attorney more than once, have left 4 messages; two on her voice mail & one with her secretary & one with her service. On March 14, 2013 I wrote her a letter with the questions that I needed answered. As of today, 4/4/13, I have not had an answer. I am in the process of talking with my family members to change attorneys but, believe me, if one of them dies before I can accomplish this, this attorney will not be involved in any Probate process for either one of them. Such lack of professionalism is amazing to me. She got our money to draw up the Wills & now we are on our own. Do not use this attorney!
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04 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
NOT IF MY LIFE WAS AT STAKE. CHARGES RIDICULOUS RETAINERS. PRESSURES CLIENTS TO SETTLING FOR LIFE ALTERING RESULTS. HE MAY AS WELL SHOT US IN THE HEART.
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03 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney was not responsive to requests for information about my case. Attorney did not seem to know the facts of my case.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
My mother used Howell, Howell & krause for years. After my mother passed I called their firm to inquire about how I get my mothers home put in my name. They briefly explained about the probate process. I was told to send $500 to get started. They would put an ad in the newspaper to see if she has any outstanding debts and they would gather the numbers, evaluate my mothers worth and then we will go from there. After gathering all the information about my mothers financial worth they completed the tax return and mailed it to me with a $21,000 bill without ever discussing it with me. I had no idea that the work was completed or their Fee. The never discussed, or presented a fee agreement. No contract either written or oral existed . We. Never had a fee agreement or contract. I refused to pay Attorney Howell. They sued me for breach of contract for the $21,000. I had to hire an attorney, then A.J Howell told us even if we win the scheduled arbitration hearing he will keep appealing to make me waste money on attorney fees. I am also disabled and now live in Florida. He also said he will keep making me fly up to Honesdale PA knowing I am disabled and the trip is a physical burden on me. He ultimately is an unethical, greedy man. He is currently being investigated for not having a written fee agreement by a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ethics Investigator. When my attorney told him that he said he doesn't care he has been investigated before and this is how he does business. We had to settle with this man for 15k not to waste any more money on attorney and travel fees.
I also was not able to keep traveling back and forth indefinitely due to being disabled. The trip is literately torturous for me. Which he knew and used to strong arm me into settling out of court. Avoid his law firm at all costs!!!
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31 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Went to a hearing for workers comp. insurance company failed to pay my bills and Miscavige had no idea what to do. He would not confront them, and did not want me to speak.... Lost my case.
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12 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I wouldn't hire this lawyer ever again. He did not keep me informed. He is NOT trustworthy. There are far better firms available to work with in the area.
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12 Sep, 2019 by Don
When meeting with Mrs.Stoned she was very pleasant and friendly. She made my Mother who speaks broken English and had terminal cancer feel very relaxed with her patience and kindness. But we were there for a will to be written and she really let us down by writing it up almost completely wrong. It wasnt such a big deal in that my family us very close and we can work it out no matter what the will said because we were all aware of my mothers wishes and she was still alive to confirm that it was not drawn up correctly.
After explaining her errors to her on the phone she actually disputed the fact that she drew it up wrong saying that she got it right and if we were not happy she could come out to the house and correct it for a fee of 200 dollars. Just a little more stress for a stressed out already family about to come to terms with the death of thier beloved Mother. She is unprofessional at best and in my opinion falls short with her knowledge and most if all charecter. We do not have any recourse except to warn others that there are plenty of highly rated probate lawyers in the area and this is one you should avoid at all cost!
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15 Sep, 2009 by Steve
totally overrated, does not return phone calls
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31 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
He just did not seem to be very straight forward. His suggestions and practices were illogical, and were overall unfair to everyone involved. He never explained his actions, and was not open to suggestion or questions.
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26 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I would give him less than one star. I needed a standard plan. He did not give me a quote. I got a $40,000 bill. When I called him he yelled. He told me "pay whatever you want!" and disconnected the line. I paid the bill and would never use this firm again.
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05 Aug, 2014 by Dawn
We had this lawyer in charge of our sons special needs trust. He is on vacation more then he is at work. Everything we were told when we signed papers was turned around after we los our son over 3 years ago. Our son has been gone 3 years and STILL his trust has not been closed. I have talked with several different lawyers and explained the circumstances as well as show the documents we had. We had purchased a home that could be accessible for our son , we were worried about the payments and being able to afford the payments , we were assured that the payments would be guaranteed from the annuity for 20 years regardless. Our son passed very unexpectedly after have the trust for just over 2 years.................I am now a single mom....We are now told that that basically we will not get anything any further.................This lawyer has been arrogant at times and just down right RUDE. Other lawyers have told me worse case he could have tried to get dpw to agree to at least give us the family allowance from then till now, nope you cant even discuss this with him. A paper that was supposed to be filed originally did not get filed, I would no way never recommend this lawyer.
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24 Mar, 2022 by G b
We hired him for a collection matter - The only collection he managed to get are his fees from us. Very slow on replying to messages with 0 results until we decided to get rid of him
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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.
