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08 Apr, 2022 by Stosh diacogiannis
He represented me with many different cases. From Landlord tenant to DMV . His billing is fare and the results are exception never promises more than what he can deliver. He will always tell you straight forward his opinion and not lead you into the darkness just to make a few bucks . Highly recommended
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05 Feb, 2018 by Victoria
Constantine has helped me on several matters including eviction process of a non-paying tenant, squatting in my house.
He's great to work with, very knowledgeable and gets results. His staff is fantastic at keeping the communication flowing between client and attorney.
I would highly recommend Constantine. Not only is he an attorney, but a gentleman. What a refreshing combination!
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31 Jul, 2013 by Frances
We have had several dealings over the last ten years or so with Debra. She is very knowledgeable, a true professional and a wonderful advisor who is not out to gouge you with high fees. She is an extremely ethical person. Several family members and friends have used her services over the years. Everyone I know would highly recommend her.
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08 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Debra Hallauer has worked with our family to draw up trusts and wills. She has always been capable, knowledgable, and quite pleasant. She was available when questions arose, even after quite a long time, and over time our trust in her has grown. We highly recommend Debra Hallauer.
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11 Aug, 2018 by Bob and linda
Several years ago we hired Stephen Hall to write the documents for our estate. Since then we have retained him for counsel regarding gift-giving and other items throughout the years with the latest issue being the distribution of our father’s estate. When our father died with full blown dementia he left control of his sizable estate and a portion of his holdings to an unlicensed caregiver who had being living with him for a few years. Mr. Hall immediately petitioned the court to have the person removed as trustee. In the courtroom we found Stephen to be an experienced and well prepared negotiator, he sited where the State of California form to leave an inheritance to a caregiver had not been filled out and past cases where abuse occurred; he then met our objective to have the estate put safely in the hands of a fiduciary. Stephen was confident, authoritative and direct. When we met with the caregiver in mediation to resolve the issue of their inheritance Stephen sized up the possible outcomes as new information came to light and counseled us on our options. It came to the point where we had to make a pretty tough decision. Stephen was professional and supportive as he counseled us on the monetary, emotional and time costs to us if we went to trial. This was helpful in making our decision. Stephen Hall is a man who open and above board in every aspect of his dealings. His high moral fiber comes to surface as you work through a process with him. He is committed to giving his clients the best service from himself as well as from his staff.
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26 Mar, 2017 by Randy
When my aging parents needed help with their estate planning I set out to interview attorneys for the job of reviewing and updating their existing trust. I gathered recommendations from other professionals in the community, and Stephen Hall was one of three that I met with for initial consultation. While the other two attorneys I met with were more than competent to handle the job, Mr. Hall stood head and shoulders above them both. Mr. Hall's in-depth knowledge of not only the law, but of estate tax issues as well, is a combination that I have not found with any other attorney. He asked questions none of the other attorneys asked, and provided ideas that none of the other attorneys offered either. It was a crystal clear decision to hire Mr. Hall. Since the initial work with my parent's trust, we have had him work on our own family trust, as well as my wife's parents. I have recommended him to anyone who asks, and without exception people have been profoundly pleased with the work of this office. Not only is Mr. Hall one of the most knowledgeable attorneys I've ever worked with, but his staff are all highly professional, competent, and responsive. I cannot recommend this team highly enough.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Ann
Cristy did not hesitate to get involved in handling my father's estate during a very emotional time for my family. She needed to familiarize herself with a great deal of complicated information very quickly and did so. She was very thorough and clear in her questions and requests for additional information . She has been extremely patient with my mother and myself in her explanation of legal terms and proceedings knowing this is an unfamiliar area for us. She gave us a very educational overview of estate planning and is working with my mom to get all her financial affairs in order now so she can rest easy knowing Cristy's got her covered. Cristy is very professional but is also very empathetic and compassionate; a perfect combination when dealing with such an emotionally charged subject matter.
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16 Feb, 2015 by Nicole
Cristy and her team helped us update our estate plan making sure we had adequately planned for our young child. She was very knowledgeable and helped us craft a plan that was sensitive to our needs and our budget.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Barnett was very attentive in my case, when it was the littlest thing I was concerned with, she still listened and gave great advice. I will only ever use Barnett Law Firm. I have been a repeat client and love the feel of the smaller office, very welcoming and you feel like family when you are there.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained her to help us with an adoption. Very caring, compassionate attorney, who communicates clearly with us. Was there each step of the way. Would use her again if I needed an attorney.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Julie
David has helped our family for years with our daughter and her disability. David has taken the time to speak with specialists, he has invested more time in getting to know our daughter and our family than any attorney we have ever dealt with. David is irreplaceable, and one of the most caring attorneys we have ever worked with. If he doesn’t know an answer or something about a topic firsthand you can bet he will make it his priority to do so. Anyone that hires David can be reassured he has nothing but the best intentions and growth for your child in his heart and mind. Words truly cannot describe the investment you make when you hire David to advocate for your child and your family.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
David Roston has worked for us and helped us in many aspects. David has always been extremely ethical, honest and gives every individual the benefit of the doubt. Our family could not have come across a nicer, kinder or more thoughtful attorney within his field of practice. David Roston always puts the child first in his area of expertise.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Erin
Rebecca Hobbs was hired to do our Last Will and Testimant. We were very pleased with her professionalism and expertise. She was able to answer all of our questions and walk us comfortable through each step of the process.
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14 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Hobbs helped my wife and I set up our Wills and created Trusts for our children in case of a tragedy. She walked us through ALL of our options and assisted us in making the best decisions according to our situation. She always displayed a professional and genuinely kind demeanor. We have referred our parents, neighbors, and friends, and EVERY one of them have been THRILLED with their experiences! Choosing the right attorney for legal matters is one of the most important decisions we ever had to make, and we definitely made the right decision by going with Attorney Hobbs!
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16 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
He has been on top of everything. He has succeeded in helping me when other attorneys neglected my case.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Chris
Jason has been doing my taxes for several years. He's thorough, kind, accommodating, easy to work with, and extremely ethical. He always works with our schedule and has good suggestions for saving money. I myself am an attorney, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for him.
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01 Nov, 2021 by Vlade
I've been a client of Ms. Perreault in two cases--probate and civil. With her expertise and passion to fight for justice I’ve accomplished more in a shorter period of time than with my previous two lawyers. Hopefully, I won’t need legal services anymore but if I do I feel safe to have Ms. Perreault on my side!
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Perreault is highly knowledgeable and informative in the areas of Conservatorships, Estates and Trusts. She helped me to understand all the legal matters concerning my elderly parents, their assets and transfers to different trusts. Extremely helpful.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Leslea
Ms. Shoup was great at walking me through the process and answered all my questions. She was professional and very patient during all the steps. I would recommend her to everyone who hasn't established an estate plan for their family. I feel so much better now knowing my family will be taken care of after my passing.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Priscilla daniels
Andrea and her team helped me and my husband with our Estate Planning. At first we felt the process would be very complicated since we both have our own businesses and a blended family with 4 kids. Andrea made the process simple and timely. We have a peace of mind and great confidence in the documents that were prepared, but mostly for the peace of mind and comfort that we have in knowing our family's future is protected.
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23 Oct, 2010 by Lindsay
Stephanie Lord did an outstanding job handling our estate planning (and all of the related documents) both immediately before and following the birth of our son. I HIGHLY recommend her and her firm's legal staff. We were initially intimidated by what seemed like a complicated process to set up our will and trust and all of the healthcare directives, etc. before our son's birth. We wanted to make sure everything was in order in the event of an emergency during labor or an unforeseen event during our son's adolescence. Stephanie explained the complicated rules and documents in CLEAR terms and took care of everything for us. We had one brief meeting to sign documents before our son was born, and then another brief meeting to sign our will and trust documentation following his birth. Stephanie also provided information and simple instructions outside of those meetings to help us prepare. We were blown away by how smooth the process was once we arrived at Stephanie's office. ALL of the documents were prepared and ready for signature and a paralegal was standing by to make copies following our signatures. Stephanie was present at both meetings to explain everything we were signing. We left with a user-friendly binder containing copies of all documents, a very clear understanding of how our estate was set up according to our wishes, and simple steps for how to transfer our existing assets to the trust. Several months later, Stephanie also stepped in to handle the purchase of our home in the name of our trust. If you are looking for an easy process, quick and understandable responses to all of your questions, and the perfect estate plan for your needs, call Stephanie! The added bonus is that her rates are also very reasonable!
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04 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Stephanie to prepare my will and trust. This was during an unusually stressful time of my life. Stephanie handled the preparation of my trust in the most professional manner with a sensitivity to my issues.She was always available for my questions and responed very quickly with any requests I had. I am extreemly happpy with my trust and would recommond her to anyone he needs a excellent lawyer
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25 Jun, 2016 by Stephanie
We did our family trust before our boys were born. Once they were born we realized that some of the plans we had made if something happened to us needed to be changed. We were referred to Lucas to review our trust. He helped us amend our trust and do new documents. He was professional and knowledgeable. We are glad we met him and appreciate his help with our documents.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Melissa
I was Attorney Woodward 's first client when he was fresh out of law school. He protected me, my inheritance and stopped opposing counsel harassment.
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29 Nov, 2017 by David
I had an issue with a contractor who had done some work incorrectly that needed to be repaired. They clearly let me know that they were not financially responsible for the issue. Scott was in contact with the company and helped them see their responsibility. Within a week of his contacting them, I had a check for the repairs. I would highly recommend Scott for his knowledge and expertise.
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18 Sep, 2015 by William
I was referred to Scott for some corporate legal work and he has done an excellent job. I am so impressed with him I am expanding the representation to include all my personal legal affairs. He is very knowledgeable, honest, cost effective and has a great support staff. Well done Scott...
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10 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
My family and I have been associated with Steve Beres for almost 15 years. During that time we have consistently benefited from the high level of service he provides. Steve is extremely articulate and professional and has the rare ability to take complicated issues, clarify them and create understandable plans of action. He is objective and focused resulting in superb advice. We feel so fortunate to have access to his excellent legal services.
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07 Oct, 2013 by Bill
Steve presents himself with a relaxed patient demeanor that works very well when discussing estate and end of life decisions. He knows his subject and is very good in explaining options and issues that one might face.
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07 Feb, 2017 by Loretta
I was very fortunate to find Lynda Furash after my father passed away in March. Although my duties and responsibilities as personal representative of the estate were pretty clear, Lynda was able to clarify the finer points and help me navigate the process in an informed and thoughtful manner. Most importantly, since I was experiencing significant emotional stress due to a hostile family member, Lynda was able to handle many communications between us in a knowledgeable and professional way that actually defused tensions on both sides. Her ability to present facts, explain points of view and weigh pros and cons while maintaining my best interests at the forefront was comforting and confidence-inspiring.
Lynda's rates were reasonable and she was consistently and accurately able to let me know what to expect at each stage of the process. I am very grateful to her for making the estate process both manageable and stress-free. Moreover, Lynda's manner is pleasant, warm and caring. If working with an attorney can actually be enjoyable, then I believe Lynda achieved that end!
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03 Feb, 2017 by Natalie
Lynda Furash handled my mother's estate in support of me, the Personal Representative, and my siblings. Lynda was assigned to our case at a very, hectic, demanding emotional time of adjustment that follows family loss. Lynda's work is excellent! She and I are both very detailed and as such, we were able to establish a relationship and rapport that made accomplishing difficult, detailed objectives pleasant. Having experienced otherwise, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of working with an attorney whose capabilities I had full confidence in. I do not take this for granted.
I immensely enjoyed working with Lynda Furash to get to the point of complete closure of the estate. I would highly recommend Lynda to anyone who is in need of an attorney who get the job done with excellence.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Professional, straight-forward, and trustworthy. Couldn't have been more pleased.
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03 Nov, 2011 by Jeff
Mr. MIller is more than competent and very professional. Even thou my needs were mundane, I think he would be a great attorney to have in your corner when the gloves came off.
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03 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Stacy was and continues to be a trusted woman that I can share private thoughts with. If she doesn't know something she tells me she will check on it and it's done. She does her job well.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Joel
Stacey could not be more professional or supportive during the whole process of taking care or my dad's estate. She is a trusted counselor and I have recommended her to several family members who are going through the same family issues. She is prompt, professional and complete making sure all i's are dotted and t's are crossed.
Compassionate attorney... Felt like she was family taking care of the details. Very thankful my dad selected her.
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09 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired attorney Moylan, based on her good reviews, to draft a complex contract for my business. She exceeded my expectations. She was very professional, knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely recommend attorney Moylan for any individual or business owner looking for a reliable attorney to handle their legal needs.
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17 Mar, 2015 by Sofia
Constance was great helping me out with my case. Kept me informed. Very professional and walked me through the process. She is trust worthy and will tell you from the first meeting if she can or can't do the case.
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05 Mar, 2016 by Steve
I have used the services of Attorney John Widdison to setup my mother's house in a trust, close on a loan & also provide legal help buying a building for my company. He is very professional and does everything in a timely manner.
I recommend John to all my friends and clients.
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02 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I was introduced to Attorney Widdison in 1996 through a mutual friend. In 2002 I opened a real estate office in West Boylston, MA. I asked John to handle some of the legal details for my firm. The next day he was at my office, documents prepared and everything signed and sent off to the proper agencies. He has handled most of my real estate closings for my family, clients and buyers. I have recommended him to several lenders and we have all been very pleased with his performance, knowledge and ability to get the job done in a timely manner without any delays. He has always kept all parties informed of where we are in the process and on those few occasions where we hit bumps in the road, he has managed to calm the title and still get us to the closing table on time. Recently I asked him to handle my aunts estate. He found blatant abuse and had a new trustee assigned, funds accounted for and she finally had access to her money. He is honest and a very talented attorney.Â
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04 Mar, 2013 by Art
Jonathon is super knowledgeable, trustworthy and doesn't waste time. His fees are reasonable and doesn't bill unnecessary. I would recommend him without question!
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20 Feb, 2013 by Julie
Mr. Lowe took care of the trust of my in laws before they passed away. My mother-in-law had alzheimers and was unable to manage her affairs. Mr. Lowe did such an excellent job with investments and management that although there were tons of bills to pay (medical and otherwise) we ended up with more money when she passed away than what we began with. When we had questions that needed answers he always returned our calls and was upfront about what we needed to know. I totally trust him and would recommend him to anyone.
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15 Jun, 2018 by Michelle
Eric assisted my grandmother in amending her trust and then assisted me in carrying out those wishes as a trustee. I believe he achieved my grandmother’s wish in that amendment, while protecting those that would carry it out when she passed. Eric is professional, informative, and very patient. I plan on using him for my personal estate planning and would highly recommend him to anyone else in need.
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23 Sep, 2012 by Susan
Eric is working with our family to resolve a complicated marital trust matter for our dear mother who passed away on July 25th. His professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to doing the right thing are so appreciated and respected by all of my family. We have complete faith in his ability and commitment to bringing this matter to a fair and equitable resolution for the sake of our Mom.
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15 Jul, 2021 by Jungmin
If you are looking for an attorney for a legal matter, look no further. Mr. Janel is THE attorney and I am going to share with you why.
I was having a dispute over a return of security deposit with my previous landlord. I initially retained a different attorney (yes, my fault), but he was not only not knowledgeable in this area but also indifferent. I received an impression that he wasn’t taking my case seriously but using it just to squeeze easy money out of me. I was actually stressed out with him more than the litigation itself.
Then, I found Mr. Janel. He was patient with me during my initial consultation, devoted time to really understand the situation, and even reviewed my docket on the spot. My case was unnecessarily more tangled than it was supposed to be, because my previous attorney messed up my complaint. Mr. Janel walked me through all different scenarios and his strategies and even volunteered to talk with my wife who was basically disgusted with the whole litigation situation. I felt much more at ease emotionally after speaking with him. Plus, the fact that he has been practicing for nearly 30 years and that he gives lectures to other attorneys on tenant/landlord cases made him the perfect attorney for my case.
After retaining Mr. Janel, everything was a breeze. I just handed my supporting docs to him and he handled everything thereafter. I sometimes wondered why he wasn’t asking any questions before my trial, because my understanding of client-attorney communications was only from movies where an attorney coaches his/her client on every little thing. But in retrospect, it wasn’t necessary for him because he understood my case better than I did myself. Why do I say this? Because we won on every claim in the trial and Mr. Janel’s examination questions constantly revealed the landlord’s perjuries one after another. The result of the trial? Exactly what he told me in the initial consultation.
You might still be thinking there are other competent attorneys out there. But what I can tell you is Mr. Janel is not only competent but also compassionate and wholeheartedly works for your best interest. I say this, because I did work with a different attorney and know exactly what it feels like to be treated like an annoying wallet. I highly recommend Mr. Janel as an attorney. You won’t regret contacting him.
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24 May, 2010 by Andrew
I had a DUI charge that ended up at the Superior Court level when it really should have stayed at the municipal level. With hardly any hassle, he was able to bring it back to the municipal courts and I ended up with the best case scenario in terms of punishment. Real nice guy, won't BS you, but also is sympathetic to your case and stress that comes along with it.
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26 Feb, 2022 by Sandra
Matt is an excellent lawyer. Whenever I call him or email him he always get back to me within 24 hours. He will answer and explain all my questions over and over again. When I ask Matt for a meeting there is always time for me. He as helped me so much with my mother. I would recommend Matt to everyone.
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23 Feb, 2022 by Elaine
Matt is the lawyer that you want to help you always! He knows what he is talking about and explains whatever resolution or answer to you so that you understand everything. He is a courteous, knowledgeable and honest gentleman. He has helped us with a number of hard things that we would not have been able to deal with on our own. He always gets back to you and always is there when you need him.
Also Bratton Law Group is the finest Law firm in our opinion.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Ryan
I consulted with Alex about a real estate deal I had in mind. He was very prompt and apprised me of different issues I hadn't thought of.
Alex has also helped me and my mother by explaining and interpreting a trust document in which my mom is successor trustee. We spoke over the phone and I appreciate his ability to cut through the legalese. He answered all of my questions and made sure that I understood his responses.
I feel good knowing I have someone to go to for my legal issues.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Valerie
I called Alex Biddle as a referral from my nephew since my family was looking for an attorney to review of my parents Living Trust. At the time, we were very anxious to get this done as soon as possible. Alex was very prompt at returning my call and immediately set up a time to give him copies of the trust. However, the next day my family instructed me to hold off on the review. He was very understanding of my request even though he had already spent several hours of his time. Despite my willingness to pay him, he waived his fees and also spend time scanning the lengthy documents back. When my family decides to have the trust reviewed, I will not hesitate to use his services again. It was a pleasure to work with Alex even though it was short lived. He showed his promptness and professionalism to my needs. I will have no problem recommend his services to any of my family and friends that need estate planning assistance.
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22 Oct, 2014 by Erik
I have worked with Hans for over a year. At all times, Hans remained level-headed among the most trying of situations. He kept focused on what mattered and avoided distractions. We have had enjoyed positive results, and I attribute the outcome to Hans command of the law and willingness to explore and pursue all options instead of just the obvious ones. I am satisfied with my choice as it made a difference and turned my situation around from when I was previously represented by another attorney.
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19 Aug, 2009 by Mike
Did a great job for us on my father's estate. Laid everything out.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Or if you want more details... my husband and I were involved in a probate case several hours away from our home. We were able to scan anything relevant from our full filing cabinet of docs, and Jeanne selected just what we needed for our case, she did additional research at the local courthouse saving us several long trips, she worked well with the other probate attorney, filed the paperwork with the courts well in advance of our case, and when we traveled up for the hearing, our portion was settled in our favor in a matter of minutes. We're so appreciative of her careful and thorough work, how little time it cost us despite travel time, her rates are reasonable, she is incredibly responsive, and she's flexible and so pleasant to work with. And gave us a fabulous resto recommendation in Ukiah before our travels home. We can't recommend Jeanne highly enough!
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27 May, 2017 by Joan
We were in need of a local attorney to create the will, advanced directives and trust documents for an older relative living in the area. We are from the east coast and just took a flying computer-generated chance with Ms. DeJong and we could not be happier. She is personable, patient, extremely knowledgeable and thorough. She was able to explain everything...not just to her client, our relative, but also to us. She was also able to help with some side issues and helped us to plan for some future eventualities.She took the time needed to get the job done and we never felt rushed or like we were "on the clock"
It is difficult to choose a professional from across the country with nothing to go on, but I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms Dejong to all near and far.
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15 Sep, 2021 by Rachel
Gary seriously had our best interest in his heart and mind and helped us through a very stressful situation. Our company had been dragged into a construction dispute in which we had no responsibility. He guided us through the beginning procedures and made recommendations that turned out to be the best outcome for us. He truly cares about his clients.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Skye
I was in a rollover car accident. He won close to the highest award possible. He had creative and intelligent ways to approach my case. I don’t think I’d have won with a different lawyer.
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06 Jun, 2015 by Patricio
Kelly is an awesome attorney at law. She puts her clients first and puts all her faith hard work and dedication into her expertise. She is amazing and won't let her clients down. Kelly is trust worthy and knows her business real well. So who ever needs representation, Kelly is the one to hire to fight the good fight and gets the job done. Thank you for all you done for me and my family. Kelly you are truly a blessing.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Stephanie
She worked fast with limited time. She did her best for me and honestly im glad she decided to take my case. Some times an aggressive approach doesnt work. She was very factual without being overly aggressive and i would recommend her.
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13 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Hiring Yuen and Yuen and working with Erika and Frank Yuen to help us settle our parents’ complex estate was the best decision my brother and I made. We found Erika and Frank to be very knowledgeable, easy to work with and available to us for in-person meetings and phone consultants throughout every step of the process. We couldn’t have settled the trust without their help. Thank you Erika and Frank!
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23 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Erika in 2014 and the ongoing legal relationship has continued to this day. Our Probate was VERY complex and sensitive, involving interactions with additional litigators in different fields. As a former Assistant DA, Erika has experience and contacts outside the Probate arena, which proved helpful to our situation. She is professional and knowledgeable, along with the stamina to 'get the job done' for you. Most importantly, she is sincere about your personal well-being during this difficult process. Our highest recommendation.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jason
I needed help with questions for an Arizona probate. Jason responded quickly and was thorough in his explanation. Incredibly helpful and easy to talk to.
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12 Jan, 2021 by Don
Jason did an outstanding job preparing our trust and estate planning documents. We were very happy with the service.
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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.
