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30 Jan, 2024 by Sam jones
We are contemplating a move back to Washington state where we lived for many years. Without proper estate planning we would potentially be subject to the Washington estate tax. n our initial contacts with the firm, we clearly identified that we were residents in another state. We were instructed to provide our detailed financial picture as well as our current estate planning documents which we provided promptly and told that our information would be forwarded to the attorneys for evaluation. The following is the email response.
“Thank you for filling out and returning your Questionnaire.
I will forward your information to our attorneys for review. Once they have completed their review, I will be back in touch with you regarding a quote for services and the next steps for scheduling.”
Well over a month went by with no word back from STIB. I finally contacted them by email requesting a status update. Within minutes, I received the following reply.
“Thank you very much for contacting our firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on your case. Our firm does not advise out-of-state residents on tax issues. Our focus is estate planning and long term care planning.”
The STIB website clearly tax issues as part of estate planning. I also found no restrictions on attorneys in Washington state providing consultation to out-of-state residents considering residency in Washington.
Needless to say, I was astounded by what I consider to extremely poor communication and timely follow-up. If it is indeed not their policy to advise out-of-state residents on tax issues, I would have expected to have been informed of that policy up front thus saving us the time of compiling and sending detailed and confidential financial and estate planning information. In my opinion, this represents incompetent and totally unprofessional behavior.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Michelle tanco
As someone who has no experience with wills or lawyers and doesn’t understand the process, this was a bad fit. It’s quite possible that if you know what to ask or what’s happening that they will be great for you, but for me I ended up with a $120 invoice for two emails I didn’t understand what to do with, going to look for someone else to help us setup out family will.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Michael o'connell
06 Aug, 2023 by Am
We worked with Derek to set up a living family trust and found him to be an affable, knowledgable and very patient attorney. He explained various tax state and federal laws in a simple enough way for us to understand what the trust structure would be. He was able to set up a trust in such a way to protect our family from high state and federal taxes esp. around inheritance and estate taxes. Would strongly recommend him for tax and estate planning. He does appear to be quite busy, so it helps if you contact his PA/staff occasionally to make sure the planning meetings are arranged as discussed. But that was not a major hassle, given how nice our experience was with Derek.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Robert
My wife and I met with Derek for initial consolation for estate planning. The meeting was great and it seemed clear that Derek knows his stuff. We left that meeting with a plan that Derek would provide a quote and a timeline for the work that needed to be done. Unfortunately, that was the last productive contact that we had. It's been about 6 weeks since that meeting, and despite multiple requests, we have not received a quote or an estimate of when we would get one... Not sure what's going on.. Dereks Admin is Rosalie. She is nice, but keeps giving me non-commital run-around. I said that if Derek just does not want to do this work, just let us know, but all we get is "I'll check with Derek and get back to you" ?? Strange..... We are really disappointed because we have been searching for an estate lawyer that we felt good about... Thought we had found one.
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26 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr Jensen was able to help me sort out the details of my fathers convoluted Sestate and establish power of attorney services. The advise was accurate and extremely helpful.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
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05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
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11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
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05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
Read more
11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
Read more
05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
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26 Apr, 2023 by Gene
I had hired Mr. Kirkevold on retainer in Jan 2022 in an effort to prevent my siblings from stealing my inheritance. My siblings were successful, so lobg as the property remains unsold I am denied my inheritance and as long as my brothers continue to live their, the the property will degrade. They ignored him essentially.
My attorney did not stick up for me. I was charged well above market prices. In fact, because He charged so much and always unprepared for when I had conversations with him, half of my retainer was cobsumed with nothing really to show for it.
Mr Kirkevold FAILED to live up to his firms mission statement of,
"Our Mission
We provide trusted advice and formidable advocacy for our clients. Our core responsibilities include understanding our clients’ goals, aspirations, and challenges, and using those insights to deliver the highest standard of personalized services in a timely and efficient manner. " This did not happen for me and this experience has made me even less mistrustful of lawyer in general. I deplore the terrible service and lack of attention and comittment to me since I was paying top dollar for his service.
He is a nice enough person, but he failed me.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
If you want the best possible legal defense in the Seattle area and beyond, look no further. Kameron Kirkevold is your man. When Kameron represents you, he will deliver a world-class defense on your behalf, while establishing a strong rapport with you, ensuring you will not face a serious legal challenge alone.
Kameron fiercely defended me from start to finish, culminating in a settlement —at least ten times smaller than what was demanded by the opposing attorney. With great attention and expertise, Kameron analyzed my case to determine that my former attorney would need to serve as a witness on my behalf. Kameron contacted my former attorney and convinced him to provide a detailed declaration in support of my case. Kameron directed a member of his team—another attorney—to reach out to other key witnesses who agreed to provide additional critical declarations. These actions by Kameron and his team turned the case around 180 degrees in less than one month. Instead of facing the real possibility of being drug into court by the opposing party, Kameron pulled together a brilliant legal defense and negotiated a small settlement that was significantly reduced from the original demand. I was blown away by Kameron’s legal defense of me and his personal characteristics.
Based on my experience as his client, I believe Kameron’s illustrious legal career is built in no small measure on a foundation of extraordinary personal characteristics and professional competencies. Paramount among all others is that Kameron is TRUSTWORTHY. Kameron builds trust by standing by you steadfastly throughout the challenging legal process and its aftermath; patiently explaining the entire legal process ahead including the potential risks, exposure, and scenarios; and answering every question forthrightly without being dismissive or impatient.
Kameron has many other admirable qualities: fierceness, brilliance, authenticity, steadfastness, attentiveness, compassion, honorable, and humbleness; in addition, he possesses deep legal knowledge and acumen, phenomenal writing skills, and exquisite listening skills.
For the first time in my life, with Kameron’s representation, I felt the full force of a highly competent legal defense and witnessed what a truly talented attorney is capable of. I am deeply grateful to Kameron and his team for their stellar representation and life-changing outcome. Over the course of the last year and a half, I have come to know Kameron to be someone with the highest integrity who embraces his humanity. Kameron stood by me steadfastly during a very painful time in my life, and he continues to provide me with legal advice. I wholeheartedly recommend Kameron to others who need the absolute best possible legal advice and defense. Kameron Kirkevold is among the very best, as an attorney and human being.
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04 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
We were referred to Ms Redinger by a friend who had already used her services and was satisfied. We hired her to set up wills and estate planning. Things started quite well, but then she abruptly dropped us as clients when we asked a basic question she had difficulty answering.
We're not confident in an attorney who is unable to provide clear answers about something (in this case a Trust) they're supposedly very familiar with. And we're put off by an attorney who quits when the first snag comes up.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I spoke to Denise Redinger on the phone on a Friday afternoon about getting help with real estate-related paperwork that had to be completed before I could sell my house. She said she could help and told me she could prepare the forms over that weekend. I paid for the service then in good faith.
Two weeks passed, and I hadn't received the forms in the mail or heard from her (although I did receive an invoice for the charges to my credit card).
I called her office twice after that to request status and was told both times that she wasn't available but that she would be given the messages. She never returned my calls. The third time I called, I was told that Denise had said to this person that if I called, to tell me that she would have the forms done that day. I said that since she told me she would have them completed by a certain date and hadn’t, and I hadn't heard from her, I couldn't really believe what she said, and I requested a refund.
When I received a copy of the refund transaction from one of her employees via email (who had copied her on the email), I replied and relayed my disappointment. Denise replied and claimed there had been a series of misunderstandings (I don't know what they were; she didn't say), then lied and said that when I called the third time, I was actually told that the paperwork was done but that I said I didn't want it.
She also claimed she would email me the forms for free and never did. Instead, she mailed them, and they were incomplete. I had to wait three weeks to find out that the service I'd paid for wasn't performed, thus delaying a real estate transaction I needed to complete. This lawyer also lied and didn't think it was necessary to explain why she had given me a completion date but failed to meet it.
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17 Nov, 2015 by Robert
Things that are important to ones soul sometimes require legal representation and this can be problematic because law and the representation of the law do not always have the finesse, heart and honest purpose that are required to resolve difficult and familial issues, so I feel particularly blessed to have found such a capable and professional legal representative.
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14 May, 2019 by Nancy
Bruce McDermott is a brilliant and effective attorney. He took over my case and brought it to a conclusion with a more favorable outcome than I had imagined was possible. He fought doggedly for my interests and never failed to communicate directly and personally with me to keep me updated about my case. I cannot say enough about the level of expert personal service I received from Mr. McDermott.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Talks a good game. Has lots of experience. But from my experience as his client, he doesn't do much of the work himself and has the peons do the work. That's OK on some level, but when push comes to shove he doesn't know your case and all he really cares about is billable hours. For $400+ an hour I'm quite sure you can find somebody significantly better.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Eric
I had a disappointing experience with this lawyer. Communication was poor, and I often felt neglected during my case. Important details were overlooked, leading to unnecessary complications. Despite my attempts to clarify issues, responses were slow and unhelpful. The billing seemed excessive for the level of service provided. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this lawyer if you're seeking a diligent and attentive legal representative. There are more competent options available that prioritize their clients’ needs.
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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.
