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05 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Hobbs & his team were excellent in giving advice regarding my estate planning as well as completing the job in a very timely manner.
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29 Aug, 2023 by R sauers
24 Aug, 2023 by Steven
Chester and his group were very professional with many ideas for us to consider. They made things easy to understand. My family uses their services and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Rachel bridgeman
28 Jul, 2020 by William goode
09 May, 2020 by Shereé tilley
12 May, 2020 by Anonymous
My mother had passed, and I needed advice on how to proceed with closing her estate. I had to use a phone consult because of our covid stay-at-home orders. Victor was excellent - very precise and professional. He gave some great advice on what to look out for and what we needed to do. He did not try to sell more services than what we needed with her simple estate. I appreciated and followed his advice.
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13 Jul, 2019 by Srs
Victor and the entire SinclairProsser staff were very professional and responsive in handling the estate of our father. We were carefully guided and kept well informed through the entire process which was essential given that we live out of state. We are grateful for the excellent service that we received.
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27 Aug, 2017 by Laudine c
From the very first meeting with Victor Lembo & assistant staff was always responsive to my many questions as the widow -- especially questions of “ what happens next?”. Responsiveness was especially important while I was living in both Maryland & Florida.
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23 Sep, 2011 by Joe
As a result of the excellent legal advice, guidance, empathy and compassion I received from Kimberly Battaglia and her paralegal, Ricky, I was able to obtain the 24/7 nursing care my mother was in desperate need of within a few short months. This may sound "routine" but it certainly is not. Our family of numerous siblings had tried and failed for four years to provide needed care for Mom at home while trying to cut through the legal, financial & government red tape of Medicare & Medicaid on our own. Without adequate knowledge, this proved to be one of the most time consuming and frustrating experiences of our lives. The ongoing & overwhelming stress was destroying our family from within. From the outset, Kim & Ricky assured me they would help us obtain the quality care we were seeking for Mom and just as importantly, relieve our family of the huge financial burden, and yes fear, of what we faced without obtaining Medicaid approval. Kim successfully accomplished all she had promised. Without Kim's concern and expert legal guidance, my lifetime retirement savings would have been lost in order to pay for private nursing care for Mom. Do yourself and your family a favor by retaining Kim to lead you out of the legal elder care wilderness and into the sunshine of peace of mind, relief and happiness that comes with knowing your loved one is being properly cared for while also protecting you from certain financial disaster.
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22 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
With Ms. Battaglia's assistance I was able to successfully apply for Long Term Care Medical Assistance for my father back in February 2011. I was also able to allocate my father's income to my mother, which was truly the best part of the plan Ms. Battaglia laid out for me. Now my father is being taken care of at the care facility and my mother can still maintain her lifestyle at home. We also worked with a paralegal who helped coordinate the information Ms. Battaglia needed to process the application for benefits. They worked together as a team, which helped to keep the costs down. The entire process went very smoothly and the cost for all of the legal services were less than one month of paying the facility privately!
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14 May, 2009 by Anonymous
very compassionate, knowledgeable and prompt
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26 Aug, 2024 by Robert grant
Great service
Very attentive
Will always use them
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22 Aug, 2024 by Laura wood
Anthony and his staff worked extremely hard to assist with a difficult case. I am impressed by their perseverance and professionalism. Andrew provided timely updates and was always courteous. This team helped to ensure that I received fair compensation.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Eric boyce
Excellent and fast work! I am more then pleased with this team and will be look forward to future work!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Pratap rikka
This attorneys office is very knowledgeable. Mr Henslee is personably and will help you in every step of the process.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Elizabeth bosse
Mr Carr has represented myself and my family for over 10 years. He is always there when you need him. From car accident assistance to representation for criminal cases, his extensive knowledge of the law can help in any situation. I give him and his law firm 10 stars!!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Nichole beyer
Was a pleasure working with him considering the circumstances. Would recommend him to anyone and use him again if needed. Did exactly what was expected and got everything handled. Thank you so much!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Pratap rikka
This attorneys office is very knowledgeable. Mr Henslee is personably and will help you in every step of the process.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Elizabeth bosse
Mr Carr has represented myself and my family for over 10 years. He is always there when you need him. From car accident assistance to representation for criminal cases, his extensive knowledge of the law can help in any situation. I give him and his law firm 10 stars!!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Nichole beyer
Was a pleasure working with him considering the circumstances. Would recommend him to anyone and use him again if needed. Did exactly what was expected and got everything handled. Thank you so much!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Diane foy
Jerry Tarud is the utmost professional lawyer, he was referred to me by my brother's friend and I cannot thank Jerry enough for the work he did surrounding my court case. He was able to keep my calm and through his discovery and work my charges were dismissed! I would recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Hannah miller
Jerry is very personable with his clients and always has your best interests in mind. He stays in contact and is very good at what he does!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Cortez young
Jerry is hands down one of the best lawyers I’ve had. I am extremely pleased with the services he provided. Very professional and knowledgeable of all aspects of the business. He gave me peace of mind telling the best possible outcome or the worst possible outcome, so I wasn’t blindsided in the courtroom. 10/10 would recommend!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Kobie johnson
Very helpful during my time of need. He provided me with insightful information about how the insurance claims process works when I needed help.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Jennifer alford
I would highly recommend contacting Mr.Leppler, I reached out to his office after I was involved in a accident, Barbara from his office called me back immediately and then I received a call from Mr.Leppler as well right after that. I spoke with him and let me tell you I think he was the most honest and upfront attorney I ever met, I work for attorneys but in a different field of law. He even gave me advice on what to do and how to handle my situation even though he said I would not need him. Mr.Leppler then told me if I have any questions or need help I could even reach back out to him. He obviously cares about the person and situation and not about just the money. I felt such a weight lifted off of me after our conversation. I would highly recommend contacting his office if you want someone who is going to have your best interests in mind and that goes above what he has to and who is very honest.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Herb lee
17 Oct, 2024 by Kobie johnson
Very helpful during my time of need. He provided me with insightful information about how the insurance claims process works when I needed help.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Jennifer alford
I would highly recommend contacting Mr.Leppler, I reached out to his office after I was involved in a accident, Barbara from his office called me back immediately and then I received a call from Mr.Leppler as well right after that. I spoke with him and let me tell you I think he was the most honest and upfront attorney I ever met, I work for attorneys but in a different field of law. He even gave me advice on what to do and how to handle my situation even though he said I would not need him. Mr.Leppler then told me if I have any questions or need help I could even reach back out to him. He obviously cares about the person and situation and not about just the money. I felt such a weight lifted off of me after our conversation. I would highly recommend contacting his office if you want someone who is going to have your best interests in mind and that goes above what he has to and who is very honest.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Herb lee
29 Oct, 2024 by Dean colatrella
Robbie was very helpful and very clear in what needed to be done to best help him with the case. I thank him and Leonard & McCliggott for their swift relaying of information, and their hard work in helping me resolve my issue to the best of their ability.
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29 Oct, 2024 by A'lan close
Personable attorney. Far exceeded expectations. #CaseDismissed
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25 Oct, 2024 by Michael calhoun
Robbie was incredible! He made me feel comfortable, safe, and in good hands. He was always responsive via text and email and knowledgeable and answered all my questions. He was also very flexible with my schedule and supportive throughout the legal process. I highly recommend Robbie as you’e attorney at law. He’s also very handsome and funny. If that matters!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Mustafa tubeone pali
el mejor servicio respetuoso dando la bienvenida a todos y saben atender a los clientes haciendo el mejor corte y limpieza del cabello gracias habibi
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15 Mar, 2024 by Danny g
Extremely happy with my choice of going with this law firm and the outcome of my case. My attorney and their team did everything they could to render me a successful outcome with what could have been a complicated situation. Especially when it comes down to dealing with insurance companies. Not only that but they were very friendly and professional. Thankyou all so much! Highly, highly recommended.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Kimberly garland
I loved working with Steve and Bru. Everyone was very professional, including the office staff. I would recommend this law firm. They will work to your advantage 100%. Thumbs up and I appreciate the law firm for representing me.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Robin griffin
The staff that I worked with were very professional and did a great job assisting me with my estate matters. The retainer requested was more than was originally quoted but other than that, I was overall very satisfied with the work they did for me and would recommend them to others.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Lindsay hill
13 Feb, 2024 by Gary wah
My parents and I have dealt with HFF Legal for about 30 years. Always valuable and sound advise.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Robin griffin
The staff that I worked with were very professional and did a great job assisting me with my estate matters. The retainer requested was more than was originally quoted but other than that, I was overall very satisfied with the work they did for me and would recommend them to others.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Lindsay hill
13 Feb, 2024 by Gary wah
My parents and I have dealt with HFF Legal for about 30 years. Always valuable and sound advise.
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24 Jul, 2024 by The prolific maryland kid
12 Jul, 2024 by Shelley-rose moghrabi
That won't happen to me, I said. I am not of that race, nationality, or ethnicity, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I don’t practice that religion, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I’m not of that sexual orientation, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I’m not part of that income bracket, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I don’t have that disability, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, until it was physically in my face, had me backed into a corner, and was spewing utter vitriol at me. That won't happen to me, I said, he'd never lay a hand on me, until one day the physical aggression caused me physical pain and injury. That won’t happen to me, I said, until thirteen months ago, when I found myself on the phone with a domestic violence hotline. That won’t happen to me, I said, until thirteen months ago, when I found myself hurriedly packing a bag and fleeing my home, and boarding an aircraft out of state, because I feared for my life and safety. Fifty years ago, when my mother and her family escaped their war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their backs and one bag per person due to religious persecution, I never imagined that one day, fifty years into the future, that I too would one day find myself following in her footsteps, quite literally.
I never imagined that I would one day find myself fleeing my home with nothing but the clothes on my back and one small carry-on bag, and boarding a same-day aircraft bound for 1,000+ miles away, because I too feared for my life and safety. Thirteen months ago, when I found myself on the phone with a local domestic violence agency in my state, I never imagined that the proverbial door would get slammed in my face, on the basis that I earned too much money to qualify for any help or support. Since I was born and raised abroad, and with my own family still living halfway around the world, it was in that moment that I truly realized, and that it genuinely sunk in, that I was going to be completely and entirely alone in the process of escaping the cycle of violence.
In 1848, divorce was practically unheard of. Most states had fault-based divorce laws outlining the requirements and criteria permitting divorce: lunacy, adultery, desertion, or cruelty. This meant that couples could only pursue divorce IF they could prove, in a court of law, that one or the other had committed one of these offenses. However, given the laws (or lack thereof) governing women's rights and freedoms at the time, divorce was far more complex for women, as they remained at risk of being unable to regain their last names, unable to retain property acquired prior to their marriage, or unable to obtain custody of their children. These fault-based grounds are in stark contrast to the no-fault system that exists across most states today. Today, after decades of tireless advocacy, and thanks to incredible attorneys like Laurie Wasserman and Virginia Yeoman, people are no longer required to remain shackled to their spouses, and have the freedom to escape the cycle of violence. Thanks to the fabulous support of Laurie and Virginia, I've not only been able to survive, but I am slowly on my way to thriving again. The words "happiness" and "divorce" are the last two words you'd expect to see in the same sentence, but that is exactly what Virginia and Laurie have facilitated for me.
For anyone considering engaging the services of Laurie Wasserman and her team, from the bottom of my heart, I wholeheartedly recommend them and their entire office. They'll not only save your life, but they will also help re-unlock your door to freedom, health, independence, and joy again.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Sandy beres
Before I hired Martha, I was working with another attorney for my divorce process, and I just didn't feel like they were on my side and looking out for my best interests. Someone referred me to Martha White, and once I met with her, I made the decision to end my retainer agreement with my current attorney and hire Martha White. Martha White listened to me and to my concerns and what I wanted out of dissolving my marriage. She was always responsive to my calls or emails and took the time to explain things to me, so that I understood all of terms and possible outcomes of this process. I feel that she helped me reach a fair settlement and I was happy with the final settlement agreement. I wish I would have hired her in the first place. She didn't drag the process out any longer than it needed to be. I was very pleased with her representation of me in my divorce case. If I ever would have another family law issue, she would be the first attorney I would contact. You can't go wrong having Martha White as your attorney.
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24 Jul, 2024 by The prolific maryland kid
12 Jul, 2024 by Shelley-rose moghrabi
That won't happen to me, I said. I am not of that race, nationality, or ethnicity, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I don’t practice that religion, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I’m not of that sexual orientation, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I’m not part of that income bracket, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I don’t have that disability, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, until it was physically in my face, had me backed into a corner, and was spewing utter vitriol at me. That won't happen to me, I said, he'd never lay a hand on me, until one day the physical aggression caused me physical pain and injury. That won’t happen to me, I said, until thirteen months ago, when I found myself on the phone with a domestic violence hotline. That won’t happen to me, I said, until thirteen months ago, when I found myself hurriedly packing a bag and fleeing my home, and boarding an aircraft out of state, because I feared for my life and safety. Fifty years ago, when my mother and her family escaped their war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their backs and one bag per person due to religious persecution, I never imagined that one day, fifty years into the future, that I too would one day find myself following in her footsteps, quite literally.
I never imagined that I would one day find myself fleeing my home with nothing but the clothes on my back and one small carry-on bag, and boarding a same-day aircraft bound for 1,000+ miles away, because I too feared for my life and safety. Thirteen months ago, when I found myself on the phone with a local domestic violence agency in my state, I never imagined that the proverbial door would get slammed in my face, on the basis that I earned too much money to qualify for any help or support. Since I was born and raised abroad, and with my own family still living halfway around the world, it was in that moment that I truly realized, and that it genuinely sunk in, that I was going to be completely and entirely alone in the process of escaping the cycle of violence.
In 1848, divorce was practically unheard of. Most states had fault-based divorce laws outlining the requirements and criteria permitting divorce: lunacy, adultery, desertion, or cruelty. This meant that couples could only pursue divorce IF they could prove, in a court of law, that one or the other had committed one of these offenses. However, given the laws (or lack thereof) governing women's rights and freedoms at the time, divorce was far more complex for women, as they remained at risk of being unable to regain their last names, unable to retain property acquired prior to their marriage, or unable to obtain custody of their children. These fault-based grounds are in stark contrast to the no-fault system that exists across most states today. Today, after decades of tireless advocacy, and thanks to incredible attorneys like Laurie Wasserman and Virginia Yeoman, people are no longer required to remain shackled to their spouses, and have the freedom to escape the cycle of violence. Thanks to the fabulous support of Laurie and Virginia, I've not only been able to survive, but I am slowly on my way to thriving again. The words "happiness" and "divorce" are the last two words you'd expect to see in the same sentence, but that is exactly what Virginia and Laurie have facilitated for me.
For anyone considering engaging the services of Laurie Wasserman and her team, from the bottom of my heart, I wholeheartedly recommend them and their entire office. They'll not only save your life, but they will also help re-unlock your door to freedom, health, independence, and joy again.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Sandy beres
Before I hired Martha, I was working with another attorney for my divorce process, and I just didn't feel like they were on my side and looking out for my best interests. Someone referred me to Martha White, and once I met with her, I made the decision to end my retainer agreement with my current attorney and hire Martha White. Martha White listened to me and to my concerns and what I wanted out of dissolving my marriage. She was always responsive to my calls or emails and took the time to explain things to me, so that I understood all of terms and possible outcomes of this process. I feel that she helped me reach a fair settlement and I was happy with the final settlement agreement. I wish I would have hired her in the first place. She didn't drag the process out any longer than it needed to be. I was very pleased with her representation of me in my divorce case. If I ever would have another family law issue, she would be the first attorney I would contact. You can't go wrong having Martha White as your attorney.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Karen thickman
Waste of time! Called to speak with someone about setting up an trust for my elderly parent, and was told I had to make an appointment and bring them in. Picked them up, drove 35 minutes to the appointment only to be told we had to attend a free informational session before they would assist (!!!!) They couldn’t tell me this over the phone? What a waste of time and complete disregard for an elderly person’s wellbeing. Needless to say, we will find someone else.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Ann walls
Run.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Vanessa rogal
It was necessary (for me at least) to have a lawyer/legal team to help guide me thru the estate process, and it made sense to use the firm that drew up my mom's estate docs. There were definitely issues (aside from the fact one of her investments was set up incorrectly - don't know if she didn't understand the instructions they gave or if they were just wrong). At the start of the process Stouffer said contact them with any questions, but I found it difficult to actually get timely (or sometimes any) answers. I would always get an email response (for billing purposes), but rarely get an answer. Sometimes they'd ask about me email on one of our scheduled calls, but those were often weeks afterwards and not timely. The biggest issue occurred when they were preparing the documents to present to the court to close the estate...there were some individual stocks discovered late in the process. I had received paperwork from the Transfer Agent that I asked if they needed; the lawyer said no -the judge doesn't usually look at that stuff. Well, this judgemdid want it and he rejected the filing. It delayed the pour-over of the estate for an additional 2 months, and Stouffer had to update the filing documents and reschedule the court date - it ONLY cost me (the estate) an additional $2000 (yes, for their error). Another note - the letters or emails accompanying their billing statements are extremely aggressive (borderline nasty). I always paid with a check from the estate promptly, and the threatening nature was uncalled for. One time a lawyer I'd never dealt with called ostensibly to ask how things were going, then quickly transitioned into asking for a credit card to pay my latest bill, which I hadn't even seen yet. (I get there are people who don't settle their bills promptly, but save the knee capping for them.) There were a couple other issues, but those above were the primary. I don't live in MD, so wouldn't have occasion to use them again, but would advise family members to look elsewhere if asked.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Karen thickman
Waste of time! Called to speak with someone about setting up an trust for my elderly parent, and was told I had to make an appointment and bring them in. Picked them up, drove 35 minutes to the appointment only to be told we had to attend a free informational session before they would assist (!!!!) They couldn’t tell me this over the phone? What a waste of time and complete disregard for an elderly person’s wellbeing. Needless to say, we will find someone else.
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Ann walls
Run.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Vanessa rogal
It was necessary (for me at least) to have a lawyer/legal team to help guide me thru the estate process, and it made sense to use the firm that drew up my mom's estate docs. There were definitely issues (aside from the fact one of her investments was set up incorrectly - don't know if she didn't understand the instructions they gave or if they were just wrong). At the start of the process Stouffer said contact them with any questions, but I found it difficult to actually get timely (or sometimes any) answers. I would always get an email response (for billing purposes), but rarely get an answer. Sometimes they'd ask about me email on one of our scheduled calls, but those were often weeks afterwards and not timely. The biggest issue occurred when they were preparing the documents to present to the court to close the estate...there were some individual stocks discovered late in the process. I had received paperwork from the Transfer Agent that I asked if they needed; the lawyer said no -the judge doesn't usually look at that stuff. Well, this judgemdid want it and he rejected the filing. It delayed the pour-over of the estate for an additional 2 months, and Stouffer had to update the filing documents and reschedule the court date - it ONLY cost me (the estate) an additional $2000 (yes, for their error). Another note - the letters or emails accompanying their billing statements are extremely aggressive (borderline nasty). I always paid with a check from the estate promptly, and the threatening nature was uncalled for. One time a lawyer I'd never dealt with called ostensibly to ask how things were going, then quickly transitioned into asking for a credit card to pay my latest bill, which I hadn't even seen yet. (I get there are people who don't settle their bills promptly, but save the knee capping for them.) There were a couple other issues, but those above were the primary. I don't live in MD, so wouldn't have occasion to use them again, but would advise family members to look elsewhere if asked.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Roland cavell
1st class. Knows exactly what to do and explains it to you on your level. Highly recommended 👌
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23 Jan, 2024 by John standiford
25 Jan, 2023 by Nichole keemer
18 Aug, 2024 by Roland cavell
1st class. Knows exactly what to do and explains it to you on your level. Highly recommended 👌
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23 Jan, 2024 by John standiford
25 Jan, 2023 by Nichole keemer
18 Aug, 2024 by Roland cavell
1st class. Knows exactly what to do and explains it to you on your level. Highly recommended 👌
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23 Jan, 2024 by John standiford
25 Jan, 2023 by Nichole keemer
18 Aug, 2024 by Roland cavell
1st class. Knows exactly what to do and explains it to you on your level. Highly recommended 👌
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23 Jan, 2024 by John standiford
25 Jan, 2023 by Nichole keemer
25 Sep, 2023 by Jonathan
John Robinson and Felicia were absolutely fantastic to work with and I highly recommend them!
John was very honest, knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to fully understand my situation and patiently answer all my questions. I felt I was in good hands with John and he took care of my situation promptly.
I really can’t say enough good things about my experience with John and his team.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Brian s
11 Mar, 2023 by Kimberly holland
John Robinson helped my family clear up 2 Florida trusts containing Maryland property. To say it was complicated, is putting it mildly. John never padded his bill, working very quickly to come to a favorable solution. This is the second time I have retained Sims & Campbell, particularly John Robinson l. I highly recommend this firm.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Austin
i wouldn't recommend her. i reach out about hiring her she replied with "i cannot offer to assist you with your matter. I cannot see what meaningful help I could lend under these circumstances" an it was a basic WRONGFUL TERMINATION CASE. which is her thing. didn't wanna help other then giving me a 1 800 number
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dw
I went through a few lawyers who gave me questionable advices before I came across Kathleen. First of all, she's working directly on my case, not other junior assistants. Second, Kathleen is not only very experienced and knowledgeable about the law, but most importantly, she's consultative and able to advice each step along the way. What's the strategy? What to say/do in what situation? You simply do not get this level of attention and support in other places.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Maria herndon
Kathleen Cahill is super professional and is highly knowledgeable in Employment Law. She assisted me with understanding my severance agreement and made sure the language was sufficient before I signed it. I would recommend her to anyone needing help.
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19 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I met with her to discuss how to set up my estate so as to minimize the expense and difficulty to my heirs of distributing it after my death. She pushed me away from establishing a living trust (from the start of the interview, without fully understanding my situation; when that's exactly what such a trust is for). She encouraged me to put all my assets into the will rather than simply designating beneficiaries where possible, such as for mutual fund accounts, using the argument that it would be easier to modify the will if I needed to change the beneficiary designations (which would require a lawyer) than to manage the beneficiary designations which would only require about 20 minutes for me to log on to the various web sites and would cost me nothing. From my own later research, I believe the fee for handling the estate would be capped at a certain percentage of the value of the estate, so that by distributing assets directly, an estate lawyer's potential fee would be significantly reduced. Finally (and notwithstanding an hour spent with me to understand my situation and goals), she refused to estimate a range of costs for handling the estate. She first answered my question on cost by quoting only the court fees for probate. When I asked whether those included lawyer's fees and was told no, she said "there's no way to know" what the fee would be. I suspect that when one does estate planning for a living and is holding in one's hand a list of the assets that comprise the estate, then yes, it is in fact possible to estimate a range of costs. So in all I got very little value out of the several hundred dollars charged for the consultation.
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FAQs
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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:
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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.
