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07 Oct, 2024 by Rob mrozek
Esther, Jordan, Kimberly and Lourdes have provided my family excellent service for will and poa preparation. They were kind, honest, expedient and flexible with their schedules. All provided at a fair price. They were recommended to me and I intern wholeheartedly provided my The Elder and Disability Law Firm.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Carolyn ko
Esther Wang is an outstanding estate attorney. I highly recommend Esther and The Elder and Disability Law Firm. Not all estate attorneys understand and have experience with the complex eligibility rules for Medi-Cal/Medicaid, Medicare and veteran’s benefits. Esther has expertise not only in estate management but also in these areas which many attorneys lack. You can rely on Esther to provide legal guidance that is practical and protects your family’s assets.
I learned about Esther Wang through the California Department of Aging Family Caregiver Resource Centers that provide free benefits to family caregivers. As Trustee of my mom’s estate, I retained Esther as my estate attorney in December, 2023, upon my mom’s passing. Fortunately, I also consulted with her a couple of months before my mom’s unexpected passing to review my mom’s estate documents.
Esther is a highly skilled professional who is extremely smart, knowledgeable, focused, ethical, caring, and organized. An added benefit of retaining Esther and her law firm is that she has an outstanding staff who are knowledgeable, respectful, and customer focused. Esther and her staff are role models for exceptional customer service and communication. Esther created and guided me to meet all the California statute requirements, beneficiary notifications, selling my mom’s house, and obtaining approval of the Final Trust Accounting and releases by the beneficiaries. Due to Esther’s knowledge and experience, she has developed “best practices” she implements and customizes to her clients’ goals.
Consider consulting and retaining Esther for all your estate needs. You will not be disappointed.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Charles mark page
Great knowledgeable service
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21 Jan, 2024 by Cathleen shockley
Ryan has been so patient and so helpful! I have been going through an emotional family matter and he keeps it real and calms me down. He's so knowledgeable and anticipates potential happenings and in so doing helps to avoid unnecessary issues. I'm so grateful for his help and his incredible knowledge!!!
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13 Oct, 2022 by John
Ryan helped us through a rather difficult probate…He was knowledgeable, responsive and well organized…I recommend him to anyone seeking legal assistance.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Brande
I have dealt with lawyers in the past and this was by far the best experience I've had. Ryan was very knowledgeable and took the time to listen to my concerns and went over all my options and all possible outcomes. I would recommend him to anyone.
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27 Sep, 2019 by Ron
I am a tax professional for over 38 years in the area. Jennifer and her staff are the best i have ever experienced. Service was exceptional and Jennifer's Knowledge and listening skills are above any others. I strongly recommend Jennifer Daniel and her staff.
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18 Apr, 2019 by Kelli
My financial planner recommended Jennifer Daniel for estate planning after another local attorney cashed my check and abandoned the process. She has completely exceeded my expectations. Jennifer is bright, articulate, organized, and professional. She spent a considerable amount of time with me in order to individualize the package (will, trust, power of attorney, etc.). This wasn't just a fill-in-the-blank process on a generic template. She took the time to get to know me before she ever generated the documents. All of my concerns were addressed and she helped me understand potential issues to which I had not given adequate - if any - consideration. No one wants to talk about estate planning, but I left our final signing meeting feeling relieved. The process is complete and there should be no questions as to my wishes and intentions. Jennifer has my highest recommendation.
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07 Jul, 2018 by Linda
Based upon two people who referred Attorney Jennifer Daniels to me I decided to make an appointment to obtain information relating to Estate Planning. She took time to answer my questions and go over the checklist paperwork that I need to locate prior to making my next appointment. I intend to hire her because I felt she was patient and I felt I could easily work with her personality. Very Professional, very knowledgable lady.
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21 May, 2020 by Jeanette
Sam and his team of professionals did an excellent job of putting together my Trust and Estate Plan. They were very good about walking me through the whole process, and patient with my hundreds of questions, did everything in a timely manner and the cost was good. Everything was done much to my satisfaction.
Great job
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14 Oct, 2018 by John and kilja
Patience, understanding, complete respect to our individual estate planning situation and desired goals. We just felt really comfortable and confident with Mr. Price throughout the entire process. With all the estate planning lawyers available, using Avvo as our primary research tool, we knew from our very first consultation with Mr. Price that we had selected the right legal consul for our estate planning needs. We do not routinely respond to survey requests or provide reviews, but Mr. Price definitely earned our time to provide him this review. Thank You to Avvo and Thank You to "Sam".
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03 Oct, 2018 by Robert
They were very helpful for a probate case, taking the time to explain everything to us. In the end, we decided not to go through with it. They gave us a full refund of our deposit, not charging us for the time they had spent with us. I would recommend Price Law Firm.
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18 Aug, 2017 by Juli
Paul recently assisted my mother-in-law with drafting a complex trust. Because she is elderly, and I work in the legal field, I helped her navigate the process and brought her to the appointments at Paul's office. We both were incredibly impressed by Paul's skills, knowledge and guidance. He is a very sharp, solution-oriented attorney, and he handled this matter very efficiently while still paying attention to important details and wording. He was patient in fielding her questions, and in explaining the pros and cons of various scenarios. In short, he helped my mother-in-law develop a clear and intelligent will package that she feels conveys all of her wishes, and prevents complications or conflicts in the future. We both give him the absolute highest recommendation!
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09 Jun, 2017 by Barry
Kelly Pexton has given our family continuing support with our family's needs. Wills, trusts, citizenship, and counseling are stellar skills of Kelly's. His warmth and humanity are evident within a minute of meeting him.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Toni wilson
10 Mar, 2023 by Andres monrreal
10 Mar, 2023 by Monkey
After my mother passed This man went over and beyond to help me Get the help I needed with my mothers estate. He is one of the best attorneys I've had the pleasure of meeting he was awesome.
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15 Aug, 2022 by Ph a
Their inability to follow through to support their client was horrific.
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28 Nov, 2019 by Russ caldwell
Mark Edwards was instrumental in helping with a challenging business transaction. He is professional and diligent with regards to my case. Thank you.
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02 Oct, 2019 by J. v. rychman
Look out they like to talk at a very high price.
Whent in for prenups and left after 2 hrs with nothing but hot air. Call in and get their price. If you stop in use an alarm clock to end the talk on time.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Nick
The attorney took the case but refuses to communicate with me and even called the cops on me for nothing he's an absolutely useless uncaring hateful discriminating excuse of an attorney
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09 Nov, 2023 by Elizabeth k.
I was a financial advisor for 17 years in Redlands and Craig Parker is my 'go to' estate planning attorney! When my in-laws had a VERY messy & complicated probate (that other attorneys weren't even interested in helping us with at ANY cost); Craig was extremely professional, efficient, and only charged us a fraction of what he could have. I recommend him whenever I have the chance!
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14 May, 2019 by Zenah upton
I hired Mr. Craig Parker for a probate case and he has simply been exemplary. His attention to detail and the time he takes to explain complex matters are second to none.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Hartnell was hired to remove a trustee, my disappointment actually comes from the lack of communication. He nor his assistant would ever keep me up to date on my case, or whether the emails I sent him were received. I was always kept in the dark, which is my biggest complaint. A simple, " hey I got the docs", or "I received the emails" or I am working on your case, would've helped. I felt like I had to do all the work, and yet he never kept me up to date on what was on going. He if it was negative news, some news is better than no news. I always had to call and follow-up, and push things along to the next step. There was a draft pending and he had questions, but I was not made aware of this till I called in to ask what the hold up was. I hired him so I wouldn't have to stress, and all I did was stress. The process dragged on longer than it should have. My experience with him was not a good one unfortunately.
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16 Sep, 2015 by William
Mr.Hartnell a well adversed conservatorship attorney excellent choice that i would recommend to anyone in need of his services. He really made my situation quite painless and i am grateful he even called me on a sunday afternoon and eased my concerns
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Nelms was hired by my mother with me also representing her as her Attorney-in-Fact. My mother wanted a letter written to my sister to resign as a Co-Trustee of a Trust B, so my mother could resume that position. I was the other Co-Trustee, so in effect, Ms. Nelms represented us both for Trust B. Ms. Nelms agreed after talking with my mother and a $500 retainer was paid. We then received a letter requesting $5,000 from Ms. Nelms. When called about this, it was stated Ms. Nelms had called my sister in lieu of sending a letter as retained to accomplished. A letter was sent Ms. Nelms to just send the letter to my sister asking her to resign as directed. Ms. Nelms then withdrew and sent a billing statement for $1,200. A letter then had to be sent rejecting her requested fees and to refund $400 of the retainer. We were dunned for payment and had to respond once more to file a lawsuit, as the requested payment was denied. The letter Ms. Nelms was retained to send never was sent, so in fact Ms. Nelms did nothing but become a nuisance to both my mother and me.
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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.
