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19 Dec, 2024 by Joe goosby
I had an amazing experience with ChasenBoscolo. I want to send out a special thanks to Heather Gardner, Krista Desmyter and Carla Tapia along with the rest of the staff.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Haley parler
Jennifer is a pleasure to work with. She is super knowledgeable in her space. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a personal injury or accident lawyer in the Fairfax and Northern Virginia space.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Kenneth young
22 Jul, 2024 by Peggy
Lisa Brown's advising and solving my legal matter was great. The attention to detail, effective communication, and expediency was so appreciated because timing was very important to me. Lisa was kind and respectful. It is great to know that I can depend on her for future representation when needed.
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23 Sep, 2023 by Myra
Please be advised Attorney Brown provided excellent Professional Service with my case. I am completely satisfied. Attorney Brown was punctual in responding to my call and office visits. Attorney Brown is knowledgeable of Trust, Wills, Living Wills,and Probate.
Without reservation, I highly recommend anyone to her.
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25 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
We went to court for custody. Lisa prepared a thorough case against my children's mother. This custody battle was 4 years in the making. In court she painted a picture of the facts while protecting me. We won primary custody of my two daughters. I could not be happier. Also, Mr. Brown was a great help in teaching me how to cope with how you need to treat the other parent as you go through this difficult situation. I can not wait to start the school year with my two bright little girls. Happy Girl Dad!
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21 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Johnson helped prevent me having to do jail time by coming to an agreement with the defense attorney. Which in result I plead no contest to one of my charges and plead guilty to the other.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Pamela
Mr. Johnson was able to get my reckless driving ticket reduced down to an infraction. I was very pleased with the outcome!
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25 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This lawyer was no help on my court case. He did not explain the law or case in detail. James Johnson did not want to help me with my appeal case. He just took my money. When it was time to go to court for my appeal I did not know he did not want to help me. Less than a week before my case he left a message. My pending case was Reckless driving. He did not speak or contact me after my court appearance. Haven’t emailed me either. I would not recommend this lawyer or it’s firm at all.
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09 May, 2024 by Kathy nemeth
Great people. Professional and knowledgeable
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12 Apr, 2024 by Patricia mullins
22 Nov, 2023 by Mark seidel
This is the best law firm in the Roanoke valley SW Virginia when it comes to " Special Needs Trusts." Call them to get the best on your team !
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05 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I called Mr. laster and told him my issues with the trust. He said to email him my questions which I did. Then called him and asked him if he could help me with it. He said to come to his office which i did. He spent time or wasted time asking my name and address and beneficiary s name all the information that i had given him in writing. He went on talking around without talking about the trust. After 30 minutes he said, he was sorry he could not help me because he was too busy to take another client and gave me a few attorneys ' name. And he said since he did not spend full hour, instead of $750.00 he was willing to charge me $500.00 which he did and which I paid.
He has no knowledge about Special Need Trust. Watch out! There are some attorneys say they can help you with Special Need Trust just to take your money. You are better off by learning on internet and fill a form and printed. It may cost $59 and you can add want you want. If beneficiary is recipient of SSI then you must watch out want you allow the trust to pay. Avoid this attorney if you need Special Need Trust.
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26 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
We hired John Laster to put together our first set of estate planning documents (wills; powers of attorney; health/ HIPPA, financial and incapacity agent designations). The interview was aided by a helpful client data sheet that we filled out and emailed back, and a fee schedule that let us know what we would be charged up front, depending on the complexity of what we ultimately wanted done. Mr. Laster provided us with excellent guidance, minimizing unnecessary costs, based on our interview. He was very personable and easy to talk with, which put us at ease. We would recommend Mr. Laster to anyone seeking these services.
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19 Jan, 2012 by Roger
John Laster was highly recommended to me. My partner and I find his legal services on a continuing basis excellent. He very carefully considered our overall family needs and personal interests in developing our estate plans and legal directives. Subsequent events have verified his health care recommendations.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Maria sarikaya
08 Sep, 2023 by Cathy bryant
Unless you want to spend money you don't have to - go elsewhere. What a rip off this guy is
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02 Apr, 2022 by Mitch r.
06 Nov, 2023 by Debra burrell
Top notch law firm. Very generous with the use of its meeting rooms.
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01 Jun, 2023 by Bill w
Excellent service, they are calm in stressful situations.
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05 Jan, 2023 by James wiseman
Awesome people work there and are an asset to the company.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Hugh head
Outstanding attention to the full history, context and details of the matter by Samantha in the firm. Very patient with me explaining the best options to resolve a contentious estate situation that had gone on for 3 years previously where another very strong firm was on the other side using "low-ball, then delay then obfuscate, then avoid" tactics with my prior counsel. Once formally engaged on the case, Samantha resolved the entire matter w/in approx 4 months for a reasonable fee as well considering the amount of time invested in the process (Expect it to be a process of back and forth and attrition BTW!). I couldn't be more pleased with the firm, Samantha and Kara's professionalism, teamwork or the positive results for my family's future!
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10 Nov, 2022 by Richard hayden
They want money $400/he upfront for anything with no assurances that they can even handle your case; sketchy
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29 Aug, 2022 by Grant deffibaugh
GREAT firm! I highly recommend this firm to anyone for anything from divorce to estate issues.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Sheri holzel
20 Aug, 2024 by Eric davidofsky
12 Aug, 2024 by Stephen fischer
Seamless experience! Their team is exceptionally thorough.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Mrhis2ry
30 Mar, 2021 by J. mark davison
Smart and hardworking attorneys, and Betty is awesome!
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25 Jan, 2020 by Peggy birdsall
Bad
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23 Feb, 2024 by Gabriel jalil
A bit lacking on customer service and manners. Every time I call them my "hellos", "good mornings" and "have a nice day" are greeted with silence, a hang up click or some snarky response.
Do they know they're talking to paying customers? I wonder....
Call me old fashion, but I do appreciate a respectful exchange and greeting. Especially if I am paying top dollar for boilerplate templates I could potentially fill out myself.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous client
Bottom Line - Colleen Haddow is the BEST attorney I could have ever wished for --my only regret is that I didn't start with her from the beginning.
Ms. Colleen Haddow came as a recommendation from my previous law firm following failed mediation in a highly complex, contentious, and financially draining divorce and custody case. The opposing counsel - whose professional reputation precedes her as a person devoid of ethics and civility, made finding a willing, capable, and affordable replacement daunting. Colleen personally and immediately took my call for an intake interview. When I opened by informing her of who opposing counsel was, she simply laughed with complete confidence, accepted my case, and immediately got my case moving on the right track.
Unlike opposing counsel in this case, Colleen is a legal professional with impeccable integrity and ethics; but not to be confused with someone who submits to bully tactics or shies away from confrontation in or out of the courtroom. In contrast, Ms. Haddow is emotionally intelligent and well versed in the rules of the court to effectively persuade and, if need be, compel cooperation from even the most difficult of personalities. In doing so, she also remained a steadfast, approachable, and responsive attorney (often responding to me within minutes), who consistently addressed my concerns, provided objective perspective, and gave absolute sound guidance amidst the evolving challenges within the case. In short, she kept me sane and grounded in arguably the most stressful and emotionally draining period of my life.
In addition to her superior soft skills, Colleen also demonstrated unmatched expertise and experience in distilling and framing the key issues of my case (fully explaining the legalities), to include those I hadn't initially seen, understood, or considered. She proved invaluable in interpreting and exposing financial information, indiscretions, and activities. She was also proactive, strategic, anticipatory, and prepared always and on all fronts. I am convinced that she and her abilities alone are the REASON that ultimately resulted in my case outcome far surpassing my initial expectations from failed mediation, and resulting in a final settlement that exceeded my best-case scenario in court (albeit that she was fully prepared and willing to execute).
Colleen saved me thousands in legal expenses, but more importantly, she helped me overcome a series of short-term losses in exchange for an overwhelming long-term gain in my journey to a new and better life.
In the strongest terms possible, I highly recommend Colleen Haddow for all family litigation.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Mike dinwoodie
Colleen Haddow came recommend from a family member. She is very personable and was able to provide sound advice for my difficult situation.
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28 Jan, 2021 by Paul
Wrote to several people and only got a response after two weeks. I responded immediately asking for a meeting - and no response to that. Quite rude, no?
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03 Nov, 2014 by Michael
Ms. Morini was engaged by us to update a prior trust based on a recommendation we received from our former trust attorney and, independently, our financial advisor. Her knowledge of the evolution of elder law, estate planning, and the exigencies of trust crafting in an era of shifting tax laws and jurisdictional regulations is nothing short of superb. She is extraordinarily intelligent, professional, courteous, and "actively listens, hears, and understands" client needs--in our own case, impacting three generations of family. From a value perspective, Yahne's worth exceeds her billing rates/fees. From a trust perspective, it is difficult to quantify the credibility and comfort factor beyond saying that her integrity is unquestioned and greatly appreciated. Ms. Miorini's dynamism is evident in everything she does; which further translates into impressive results marked by "on time" performance, timely feedback and communications, and ultimately, complete confidence that we are in good hands and well-positioned for whatever legal matter eventuates in terms of our trusts.
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13 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Don't waste your money. I've gotten charged up the nose with no results. I would have liked to have been told that he couldn't do anything else if he knew he couldn't do. I feel completely let down, overcharged and not given good advise. A very sorry day for me. Do not hire this one if you have a fight on your hands. I'm devastated over what this lawyer has failed to do.
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30 May, 2013 by Robyn jones
I have been working with Mr. Johnson for a couple of months now and would like to say that he is professional, courteous, efficient, knowledgeable and very competent. He keeps me informed and communication with him is very good. He is well versed in Probate Law and gives me peace of mind in dealing with the estate case I have hired him for. I look forward to a speedy end to the administration of my case and feel that I came to the right man for the job. Thank you Mr. Johnson.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Larry is a straight forward attorney providing no-BS assessments and recommendations. He represented me on a DUI, clearly explained my situation, and worked diligently and successfully to have the charges dropped. I recommend him to friends and family as the need arises.
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01 Jul, 2014 by William
In direct apposition to the previous review, I would like to offer my opinion of Mr Johnson. I am a 'card carrying' member of the VFW and do as much of business with veterans as possible, in the hopes of meeting a man like Larry Johnson. If you are looking for no nonsense, no bullshit, straight to the point legal advice, there is no better place to go than Larry Johnson. If you are looking for a shoulder to cry on or someone to change your diaper, you will be as unhappy as the previous poster, be warned.
I am especially heartened by his frequent admonitions to 'Get to the point', when I wander from my $300/hr purpose, a habit of his that saves me money. He provides his advice to the best of his ability, rather than supporting whatever legal fantasies you may have in your head, a hard pill to swallow, but much cheaper in the long run.
As someone who has worked in the legal field with a few relatives who currently practice law, I would have no problem recommending Mr Johnson for any issue he feels he can competently handle, given the above caveats regarding his taciturn nature and mission oriented approach. I find him to be really funny, but you have to speak 'military' to get most of the jokes, lol.
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03 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Would not recommend this attorney for anything. A most disagreeable man. Thinks he is "god" because he is an attorney...everyone else is mere mortal...and he won't mind telling you so. He is exceptionally difficult to get along with and I would never ever take an elder to him for his services.
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12 Jun, 2022 by Nancy
Mr. Grossman wrote a trust to cover my own needs and a second Supplemental Needs Trust for the care of a family member. I knew very little about trusts in general and nothing at all about Supplemental Needs Trusts. He explained both to me in careful detail so that I know that my estate will be used as I intend. During the process there were several major changes in my family which necessitated multiple revisions of the Trust. He helped me look at the various ways to construct the trust so that I could make well informed decisions. He provided witnesses and a notary for the signing of both trusts.
A few weeks after my trust was completed I realized that I had made a mistake in some information that I had provided. It required a rewrite of one of the trusts and another witnessed signing and notarization. Again, he provided all persons required for this process.
He is a very pleasant person who made a complex process easy and comprehensible. I can recommend him without reservation.
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26 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Grossman was hired to assist my family with trust and estate planning. When we were presented with the documents, neither of the witnesses information was correct. We had provided him this information on several instances, per his request, and we were extremely frustrated to find none of the information had been updated given we planned this meeting with out of town family specifically for this purpose. When asked about the incorrect information, he refused to acknowledge his error and was unapologetic. His competence is questionable at best and his arrogance is unparalleled—I would not recommend him to anyone as it was a complete waste of time and money.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Documents needed were completed but aggressive communicator. Tough to weigh value v. cost
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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18 Oct, 2019 by James newberry
My experiences with this law firm were bad. First, my parents set a trust up through them, but they failed to ensure they signed all the paperwork, which required us to go through probate. (This isn't all their fault for sure, but I've gone through all of my dad's papers and I never came across any reminders.) Because of their familiarity with the estate , we hired the Seidl firm but worked almost exclusively with a paralegal who was unavailable whenever we called, but she required us to drop everything when she needed us. We were unhappy with her service but wanted to put the probate ordeal behind us. That became more difficult when we got a letter in the mail informing us we had been dropped by the law firm after paying about $10K. To add insult to injury, I asked them by email and by phone to send me bill documentation, which my CPA requested, but they haven't produced this yet either. It's possible you will have a better experience if you work with another paralegal -- or Mr. Seidl directly, who was kind when I talked to him -- but I would recommend you look elsewhere for estate services. They made a difficult situation worse.
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08 Dec, 2017 by Phil jaderborg
Seidl Law is the best. We have been working with them for some time now and feel compelled to let everyone know how awesome it has been. They have the nicest staff and are extremely professional in every aspect. I can't say enough good about the guys and girls at Seidl Law.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Miracle parish
Terribly rude assistant answered the phone. Would not recommend this company.
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07 Oct, 2022 by John mcbride
A true group of lying criminals. Presented false evidence to the fairfax court was a direct cause of me being beaten half to death. Is why I am homeless and disabled. Also due to this firm I stand a very high risk of losing my leg and possibly my life from being forced to live outside for a year.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Nina snodgrass
07 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Absolutely terrible. Pay up front and promised everything. Did not represent well at all. Failed to represent the best interest of my children and this has caused me to have more court hearings to correct what he did or failed to do. Do not make the mistake of thinking his flat rates are good and that you will be adequately represented.
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19 Apr, 2015 by Joshua
My family memebr and I sought out the services of Mike Massey. This was a terrible decision. My family member was charged with the possession of child pornography. My family member was an idiot with computers and had a porn addiction, however it was NOT with child porn. Long story-short, my family member was using a program, like Kazaa, on his computer to download loads of porn. The user is unable to really know what they are downloading until they have it and open up the video to view it. By this time, you have commited a crime already especially if you are caught with the hot potato. The family member and I disclosed this information to Mike Massey. He came across as a Savior that would invest his time, efforts, and energy in a respectful way to prove the innocence of my family member to this horrible misunderstanding. Yes, my family member did have a porn problem and needed help, but the pron problem that he had was with LEGAL porn! Although, many times a begged and pleaded with Mr. Massey and even shared my outright disgust for his lack of presentation of the truth, he strong armed my family member and I into plead guilty to these horrible charges. I say strongarmed us because he manipulated us be saying to trust him and his council. Since he was the one with the law degree, we felt like we should go against our gut feelings AND the truth and have my family member do as Mike guided and pleaded guilty versus going in and explaining that my family member ignorantly downloaded porn in bulk and have zero clue what it truly was that he was downloading. My family member is sitting in jail with 2 years to pull and a lifetime status as a sex offender to which is not justice. If we could do it all over again, we would NOT choose his services again. After Mike received our money, his tune changed, he bbecame less involved, took forever to respond to phone calls, and was ultimately very wrong with his unwise council. Take it from us, choose someone else ..or sticm with a Public Defender!
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26 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Dishonest attorney -avoid her.Acts against client interests and only in her own interests.I do not recommend this attorney.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for a probate issue and I can tell you with no reservations he is absolutely the worst attorney I’ve ever encountered even worse than LL Bean , attorney in Sterling , Virginia which I had also. Mr. Brown did everything he could to get out of my case in my opinion it was do to his fear of reprisal with Other colleagues In the judicial system and , I later found out after getting my documents from his office he was doing everything he could to get out of my case Behind my back. In my opinion this attorney should do three things learn how to be honest to his client, be worthy of belief and go back to lawyer School and learn how to be an attorney Of good character because as far as I’m concerned he is absolutely the worst attorney that I have ever had or ever Hire again .
I learned a lot from this guy And about attorneys and my advice to you is to really research attorneys starting with a call to the disciplinary board to see if they Had any violations against them also check them out on the Internet .
Good luck
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17 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
She attempeted to present falsified documentation in my case. Later she said it was a mistake but it is not the first time that these mistakes happen. Ditch her and got somebody with a soul.
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16 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
I had the chance to fdeal with mrs Diaz, there several issues with her.
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10 May, 2017 by Randy
Unreliable, bad communication, misleading, over charge, loses easy cases, unprepared for hearing, and strategically sabotages your case if she doesn't side with you or if you fire her. Well connected which can work for you or against you in the courts. Definitely find a lawyer who will not waste your time or money.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
She did a will for me. She was not very good or attentive in my opinion. Only after my money in my opinion.
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05 May, 2021 by Ms. b
I find this attorney, Shirley A. Norman-Taylor extremely unethical. She was appointed to me, I contacted her, shared details about my case that if used against me could be detrimental to the outcome of my situation.
She stated she had no time to take on new cases, I told her I would wait until she could, instead she took my-out-of-state estranged brother as a client who is opposing me on a family matter.
My entire family will not speak to my brother and his girlfriend who are out to financially gain out of a pandemic crises I found myself in.
This attorney took them on as new clients completely throwing me under the bus. Family lawyers are already shady characters, why choose this dishonest one? She holds no loyalty and is lacking with integrity and is far from trust-worthy. I’ve asked her to remove herself in form of email, attorneys have asked her to remove herself and she refuses.
Save yourself the future horror I’m about to face in court. I filed a bar complaint on her this morning. She won’t be able to erase that. If you need further details or would like to share your experience please contact me...
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05 May, 2021 by B. a.m
This attorney was appointed to me. I spoke to her about my case, later she comes to me saying she has no time to take on new cases, but decides to take on my opposing party who happens to be my estranged brother and his money seeking girlfriend.. These are people no one in my family associates with for obvious reasons. They are around to financially gain from our pandemic crises. I told Shirley Norman-Taylor things that she could use against me. I find her highly unethical, an opportunist who will throw her own clients under the bus. Most family attorneys are already shady characters to begin with why hire one you already know has a track record of disloyalty. I filed a complaint on her this morning with the Virgina bar.
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03 Oct, 2017 by Andy scales
Phone number listed is a regional jail
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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:
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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.
