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24 Jul, 2018 by Marcia & harold
When we changed our residency from NYS to Florida it was suggested that we update our Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Directives, etc. While we were looking to choose an attorney, Greg was recommended by a friend.
We found him to be extremely knowledgeable and very helpful as we went through the process. He knew the right questions to ask us and his suggestions were excellent. In addition he was patient as we kept going over the details and he easily answered our follow up questions. What's more he was always dependable, discreet and cooperative by getting everything done within our time limit. If all that was not enough, we found him to be very personable and have already recommended him to someone.
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05 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Greg is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Anna
I hired Deborah Valentino to take care of my Sister' Will.
She took care of all my needs at a very stressful time in my life.I really appreciate her & all she did .
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19 Jun, 2018 by Steven
Deborah L. Valentino has been absolutely the best attorney I've ever hired. She was instrumental in setting up my Will, my Living Will and Power of Attorney.
When ever I had legal questions, she was always very prompt getting the answers for me in a very expedient manor. She is very intelligent, and a great communicator. "She Cares" I would definitely recommend her to anyone.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Angel
I would just like to say that we are so thankful we found Mr. Charles Ray when we had no hope left. It is nearly impossible to win a will contest in probate litigation from what I hear, but Mr, Ray pulled through and saved our family home for us in an undue influence case. I as well as my sister and all our family will always be grateful to this man for helping us, he was a fire cracker in court saying all the right things when they needed to be said and helping the judge see exactly what had actually transpired.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Jessica
Mr. Ray is an excellent lawyer, who won my case for me. He is very knowledgable, trustworthy, and cares about his clients. I would highly recommend him for your probate litigation needs.
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04 Dec, 2022 by Kevin lu
I retained Rob Beste of this firm to represent me in litigating a Delaware corporate case. I certainly vouch for Rob's professionalism and highly recommend Mr. Beste.
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17 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I engaged him when my father had passed away years ago and again when my mother passed away recently. It also involved international estate planning. Some of the forms he had done for me when my father passed away did not reap immediate benefits (quite honestly at that time, I was questioning it). However, several years later after my mom passed away, I saved a significant amount of cap gains tax because I decided to follow his advice (even if I did not completely understand his rationale at that time). He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and pleasant to deal with. Would hghly recommend him (already referred two of my friends to him).
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30 Jun, 2021 by Grace
My husband and I were in need of a will, as terrible as that sounds. However, Scott was so helpful and patient and offered very reasonable prices. He was also always there when we needed advice, his phone never went to voicemail! VERY HAPPY with Scotts work overall, I will absolutely refer him to all my friends!
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13 May, 2021 by Roger
My wife and I met Scott for a free consultation at his office 2 weeks ago. He was very kind and knowledgeable. Scott brought up some concerns we had never previously thought to address. Scott had our documents finished two days after we told him that we wanted a trust. Our financial advisor said that our new estate planning portfolio is one of the best that he has seen.
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22 Sep, 2016 by Barbara
Pursuing a claim against our financial advisor was something we were not eager to pursue, but with the passage of time the clarity of how badly we were wronged was undeniable. We contacted an attorney who, after reviewing our case, felt the extensive experience of Mr. Zuckerbrod would best serve us. It was a long and laborious process that included a mediation designed for the two parties to come together and agree on a settlement. There was no agreement because the broker was not interested in what we would have considered a fair settlement. The next step was for a panel of FINRA arbitrators to hear the case and make a final, binding decision. The FINRA panel’s decision resulted in an unsuitable trading and negligence judgment against the broker and an award to us. The arbitration was an exhausting 9-10 day hearing. Mr. Zuckerbrod’s ability to remember details was nothing short of amazing. His background and understanding of FINRA rules was absolutely crucial to the presentation of our case. We feel very, very fortunate to have had someone of his caliber advocating on our behalf. He was always professional, supportive, and patient, and he always stressed honesty above all else. That was just more reassurance for us that we were working with the right person.
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19 May, 2015 by Jorge
I hired Todd to represent me in a case involving litigation against one of the largest companies in the planet. Todd was aggressive in litigating my case and refused to back down or be intimidated by opposing counsels. At a mediation, I was floored when I saw how Todd not only stood up for my case, but also intimidated the opposing side with his conviction and firm manner of litigating. He challenged individuals in positions of authority at FINRA and the Securities and Exchange Commission whenever they failed to follow the law. Todd fears no one! Personally, Todd is very trustworthy and professional. He didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me the truth. The outcome of his representation was above expectation and the giant company dropped the action against me. I strongly recommend Todd for all matters involving securities litigation, FINRA arbitration, etc.
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23 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
They were always there to answer any questions I had about my case and kept me updated every step of the way. I couldn't have asked for a better team to be on my case. I highly recommend them!
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19 Feb, 2016 by At
Mr Fleece is a highly professional and skilled lawyer who handles his cases in the best way possible He can be trusted to respond promptly and honestly. He represented me in a case that was emotionally charged and in high conflict. Mr Fleece was instrumental in resolving the case.
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24 Apr, 2012 by Janice
Lauren Garner protected me against assaults on a family trust by exploitative relatives and unscrupulous attorneys. She fought admirably and ethically for six years. It was long and arduous because the opposing, unscrupulous attorneys (one of whom has been reported to the bar multiple times) tied things up in the court with numerous expensive tricks, threats, and maneuverings-- all of which ultimately failed. She always maintained the highest standard of ethics and fought with intelligence. Eventually she was able to negotiate a settlement that was as fair to me as possible given the fraud perpetrated by the other side and bring an end to a battle that had been abusive of me and the memory of my father who had established the trust. Had she not been there for me, nothing would have been left of a trust established by my own father. She is sympathetic, well organized, knowledgeable. I can not speak too highly of her.
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26 May, 2010 by Pam
I can't say enough good things about Lauren Garner as an expert in probate law. My family came to her at a very emotional time to evaluate a very dramatic situation and the advice and counsel she provided in an initial consult brought both legal and emotional clarity and understanding of our situation. This helped us to resolve the issues and move on. I recommend her sound advice and counsel to anyone. I was very impressed with her integrity and her groundedness in dealing with very difficult emotional terrain concerning two deaths.
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03 Jul, 2012 by Phyllis
Alice! I can't say enough about this lawyer. I was going through a very rough patch in my life, both of my parents were declining, our funds were running out, everything was in disarray, I was ready to give up. I didn't know what to do. In comes Alice Reiter Feld and her team! The very first phone call helped ease some of my worry. Everything was taken care of and she kept me in the loop the entire way. If any other issues in my family pop up, god forbid, I will be giving Alice a call.Thanks!
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19 Aug, 2011 by Carol ann
Alice Reiter Feld and her very knowledgeable professional staff helped me relocate my 94-yr old grandmother from a nursing home in New York to Fort Lauderdale. Not only did they take care of the difficult process of closing out her NY Medicaid and applying for it in Florida, they identified and facilitated her entry into a 5-star skilled nursing facility nearby my home. Everything went seemlessly and quickly and I was very impressed with this firm!
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14 Jan, 2011 by Katie w
Very reasonable fee's-we needed a quick settlement and they worked with our bank to accomodate. very friendly staff
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16 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Perry Seaman. Mr. Seaman was extremely responsive, knowledgeable, and kept me well informed of everything regarding our probate case. He and his support staff were courteous, friendly, and always took the time to answer any questions I had during the process. Having someone with the confidence and professionalism Mr. Seaman possesses made an extremely difficult situation much easier and for that I will always be grateful!
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16 Nov, 2018 by Kayeleen
Jonathan Barlow was recommended to me for help with setting up a charitable organization. He is very knowledgeable and helpful. We'll be able to make the necessary changes to our organization to continue to grown and be successful. He is also very personable and easy to relate to. He makes things easy to understand so that we can get things done in a timely manner.
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15 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I have relied on Jonathan multiple times for simple advice to complex legal situations. He was always willing to help, offer his genuine feedback, and give effective direction. He has advised me on my estate and helped us set up a non-profit.
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27 May, 2016 by Fritz
I've gone through estate planning 3 times with 3 different attorneys and Brooks was by far the best. He is clearly smart and knowledgeable but what makes him so good is his ability to make things easy to understand and very clear. In addition, Brooks makes the whole process relatively fast and easy. I trust that we are in good hands with Brooks and I'm happy to recommend him to anyone looking for a good attorney in his areas of expertise.
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06 Feb, 2016 by Robert
Brooks Mackintosh worked with us to create all the documents necessary for our estate-planning situation. This included wills, powers of attorney, advance directives for health care, HIPPA authorization, and other related documents. After contacting Brooks to schedule an initial appointment he sent us a questionnaire to gather the necessary personal, financial, and other information to start the estate planning process. We returned the questionnaire prior to our first meeting. During the first meeting Brooks reviewed the information with us and asked several questions for clarification of our current state of affairs. Brooks first provided an overview of the estate planning process and then talked about the various options and levels of estate planning and what he recommended for our situation. Going into the meeting, I had some experience with estate planning but my wife had none. Brook explained the estate planning process in a clear, concise, and thoughtful way that was understandable to both of us. His recommendation was in line with our expectations for estate planning.
Brooks then walked us through and explained in layman’s terms each of the documents and options we needed to consider. After going through all the documents he provided us with planning copies so we could consider the information he provided and which options we wanted to select. This closed the first meeting. We considered our options and sent the planning sheets back to Brooks so he could prepare the documents for our next meeting.
At the second meeting Brooks had all the documents prepared for review and signatures. He took the time to once again go through all the documents, explain the options, and noted our selections. While reviewing all the documents we decided to make one last minute change to our selections. Brooks quickly updated that document and we were then ready to sign the documents. During the signing process Brooks managed the documents with proficiency, as the signing of the documents required different people signing depending on the document. Brooks’ office staff was able to provide the notary service and witness to the documents.
Brooks provided our completed documents in a professional looking and well-organized binder along with instructions on which documents need to be distributed to executor, medical professionals, and people who will act on your behalf should the situation require. Overall Brooks made it an easy and very positive experience. Thanks Brooks!
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09 Oct, 2017 by David
Adrian was great to work with and helped me figure out the issue with my current trust. I really recommend seeking Adrian for any advice on estate planning. Keep up the good work.
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30 Aug, 2017 by Vanessa
We went through the our home buying process and Adrian made everything run smooth. I did not have to worry about what was going on with the closing because he made sure to keep us in the loop with everything constantly. He made us feel confident in our purchase and answered any question or concern immediately. I would recommend him to anyone buying or selling a home.
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02 Oct, 2021 by Cheryl
Erik provided much needed letters in a timely fashion to settle two disputes related to my notary public business. A good attorney letter goes a long way putting an immediate halt to those going down a path of ignorance who need clarification of sorts.
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17 Sep, 2020 by Bernd
Had a car problem with a dealership. They could not decide what VIN number was mine. Erik stept in and solved it excellent!
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28 Nov, 2017 by Shawn
John represented my family during an unexpected loss. When a third party started making false claims John was able to provide honest, legal and ethical solutions. John proved that he cares about his clients and will do whatever he can to assist. John has shown that he is above reproach and treats his clients as family.
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09 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Handled a several million dollor estate that was left to charities and a $100,000 that was not , equally , with great care and concern. Trust him implisidly.
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20 Dec, 2017 by Christine
We are so pleased with the highly efficient and thorough services provided by A. Michael Wargon. We went for a review and consult initially and decided to hire him without reservation. It turned out to be such a wise decision and now have peace of mind. He picked up on 3 very serious issues that were overlooked in our previous arrangements and he was diligent in accurately providing what we needed in our best interest. We are truly grateful for the recommendation to consult with him and so happy that we hired him for a job well-done!
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31 Oct, 2017 by Arlene
We worked with attorney A. Michael Wargon on developing our wills and trusts in accordance with Florida law and in protecting our estate from unnecessary tax burdens. He was very knowledgeable, provided clear information and was responsive to our needs and goals. I would recommend him highly.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Mastercarver27
This attorney was very thorough and helpful and kind in helping
us set up a living trust. My dad had worked
With her in the past and we are thankful we
Chose her office for our own estate planning.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Beth
This office was so very helpful in setting up a Living Revocable Trust for us. They were very knowledgeable in this field. All of our questions were answered and things that we didn't think of were offered. We are so very pleased with Susan Wideman and her office staff. We will definitely recommend her to everyone.
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12 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Craig Gerard assisted our family with finally getting our estate plan in place. It was a project that we delayed due to the fear of difficulty and expense involved. To our delight, Craig made the process easy and the fee we were charged seemed a little less than what other local attorneys quoted us. We will continued to use his services and recommend The Gallagher Law Firm to our family and friends.
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23 Aug, 2012 by William
Craig Gerard is detailed in his work and will deliver results on time and within budget. Having engaged Craig in both estate and family law matters I can wholeheartedly and without reservation endorse Craig and the Gallagher Law Firm for these types of matters. He is the ultimate professional. His skills and knowledge reduce the tensions that accompany these matters and his full service attitude makes sure that the matters are completed. Craig Gerard is one great attorney!
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5.0
2 Reviews
02 May, 2023 by Joe
I presented Belinda with a very challenging case after discovering some unclaimed funds in Florida. It took some very good lawyering to figure out a complicated set of circumstances regarding beneficiaries, and there was an error in my uncle's will to boot. She steered around probate and protected me from any specious claims that could have arisen. This all required Belinda to apply some creative thinking, but she figured out a way to get to the result my uncle would have wanted. Since I am out of state, I found her via the Florida Bar Association, and I could not be more happy that the fates led me to Belinda France.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Pamela
Ms. France has a vast depth of knowledge and years of experience in many areas of law. What sets her apart from the rest is her personal commitment to her clients. She makes you feel like she is a member of your family and will do whatever it takes to do the very best job for you, with the utmost attention to detail. She never made me feel like I was just another $$ per hour, she made me feel like a person she really cared about.
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12 Oct, 2012 by Arlene
When my mom had a stroke, and unfortunately due to her diabetes needed to be moved full time to a nursing home, I needed to qualify her for Medicaid, as the cost of proper care is prohibitive. Myrna Fawcett and her team at Fawcett & Fawcett Law did an outstanding job, helping to reallocate my mom's assets and we were able to quickly qualify her for Medicaid benefits. It would be almost impossible for the typical person to get through this process in such a short period of time. Their experience and expertise in dealing with these matters was a godsend for my brother and I. We owe a debt of gratitude to Ms.Fawcett and her team for making this happen in such a timely fashion. Durning this time of great duress for us they helped accomplish everything needed for us as a family. I'd highly recommend Ms. Fawcett to anyone facing a similar situation such as ours.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Joe
Ms. Fawcett recently handled setting up my parents estate so they could equally distribute their assets to all eight of their surviving children including myself. Both parents are now in thier eighties and my father is in increasingly poor health. Ms. Fawcett divised a way for my parents so start dividing and distributing that estate while both of my parents were still living. This allowed them the satisfaction of knowing they were able to help each of their children, and in some cases their grandchildren, realize some of their lifelong aspirations.
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27 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Barbara Martin's adroitness and forthwith attitude when addressing sensitive issues has been a welcome relief over the past few years that I've been utilizing her services. She makes herself available for Q&A and handles inquiries tactfully and responsibly.
She gets involved; you're not a "number" but a person, one with concerns and questions, and Barbara makes you her priority. I look at her not just as my attorney, but as a person who cares beyond the surface. She continues to provide above-par service offerings and overall effective outcomes.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Michele
Assisted my family with dealing with various elder care and estate planning and ultimately estate administration. Was well-versed on many topics from the power of attorney, to estate plans and probate. Helped us compassionately during a very difficult time. Easy to reach and understanding.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Valeria kowalski
He's a Great Lawyer 👍 I would Recommend his Service to anyone 😀
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30 Aug, 2019 by Sheena myers
07 Mar, 2017 by Paul
I called Christopher Wintter for a consultation. Mr. Wintter was not the first attorney I had spoken to. I had spoken to several others. After he reviewed my mothers will and trust, he actually gave me unexpected advice, and relieved the terrible pressure I had thinking that litigation was imminent. All other lawyers l had spoken to were pushing me to litigate. Christopher Wintter spent over an hour on the phone patiently explaining to me that things weren't as bad as I was thinking. He translated and clearly explained the legal language of the will and trust. All of this was done prior to me retaining him for anything. I felt incredibly grateful and I'm writing this letter to show my gratitude of having the luck to run into this honest attorney If you're looking for someone that's not going to take advantage of their advantage, and actually seems to have compassion and integrity, I highly recommend this gentleman. I am sure he saved me a great deal of hardship.
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22 Jun, 2016 by Mike
I highly recommend Christopher Wintter and his law firm. I was referred to Mr. Wintter by word of mouth as he is well regarded in Probate and Estate Litigation. I had a rather difficult estate issue and on my first contact with Mr. Wintter he gave me excellent legal advice while putting me at ease and giving me hope during a difficult time.
He made his fees clear to me and approached our consultation with a very practical perspective that made
it easier for me to understand the circumstances.
After retaining Mr. Wintter and his firm I found that he and his associates were very professional and knowledgeable in the practice of Estate Law. Being specialists in this area of law turned out to be a great advantage to me and I was extremely satisfied with the outcome of my case. I wish I would have found Mr. Wintter’s firm sooner as it would have saved me a good deal of time and effort.
I highly recommend this firm and I will use Christopher Wintter and Associates again in the future.
Sincerely,
Michael.N
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Brinson is a professional and skilled attorney who made me feel comfortable and informed throughout the legal process. He provided me all of my options and explained everything to me so that I could make the best possible decision for my case. He is personable and not your normal stuffy lawyer. I highly recommend Mr. Brinson for your legal needs.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
My wife and I hired Kemp to assist with a complex business dispute that had been in litigation for two years. He succeeded where my previous attorney failed at a fraction of the cost. I could not possibly recommend Kemp highly enough.
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16 May, 2019 by Sari
Mark is very well versed and is understanding and compassionate. He cares a great deal about his clients and is very forward thinking. He is involved in his community and cares about outcomes.
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25 May, 2015 by Michele
Mark and his great team have been our families trusted attorney for many years. His firm has always gone above and beyond in understanding and meeting our legal needs. Mark Fischer is respected by everyone in the community as an attorney, in business and also as a person. I would highly recommend him to anyone no matter what the issue. His knowledge and experience sets him above and beyond the competition!
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04 Feb, 2016 by Peter c
Stacy is a rising star in Probate and Guardianship law in all 3 counties in South Florida. She's an excellent listener to her clients, she asks the right questions, advocates and creates positive outcomes for all parties involved. I highly suggest anyone with estate planning needs or estate litigation needs speaks with Stacy Rubel, Esq.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Michael d powers
Stacy is the consummate expert in probate and estate matters. No matter what the intricacy, in the State of Florida she either knows the answer or will perform her due diligence to get it. Do not trust your hard-earned assets to an unknown; instead, hire Stacy Rubel to make sure you and your loved ones are protected. It will be one of the best investments you have ever made.
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09 Dec, 2015 by Judith
I have spoken to clients who have used her as their attorney and I have used her as well. She was very knowledgable, able to answer all questions, easy to communicate with and easy to reach.
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19 Jul, 2014 by Jaine
Stacey came to our home and the hospital. She guided us in getting what was needed on paper.
Other professionals who have seen documents praised the detail and width of items covered.
She asked us about items we had never thought about.
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15 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I've worked with Mark on several conservation easement projects and he is an excellent attorney. He is quick on the analysis and sound/solid in the drafting of legal documents. He has won the dedication of a wide range of clients in Northwest Connecticut because of his
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19 Jun, 2012 by Teresa
I have gone to Attorney Capecelatro for various reasons and each time he has sat down with me and explained every aspect and the possible legal ramification my decision could entail .
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23 May, 2017 by Mika
My husband and I worked with William Sauls to establish our family trust. He was very knowledgeable and professional and answered all of our questions and concerns. He made the process effortless. We are so pleased with his services and highly recommend William Sauls and his firm to our family and friends.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I am a retired attorney and needed to update my estate plan. Bill was very efficient and did a super job.
He is very professional and knows a great deal about this area of the law. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Lisa
I worked with Jennifer on my estate plan. She was careful in addressing my priorities and concerns and ultimately helped me implement a plan that I know will take great care of my family.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Andje
My husband and I had Jennifer prepare our estate plan and trust. She is very thorough and thoughtful. Jennifer understood that my time is limited and she made the process seamless and required very little from me. I would highly recommend her for any of your estate planning needs.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You
A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.
Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.
When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
- Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
- Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
- Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.
Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.
What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?
A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
- Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
- Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
- Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
- Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
- Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
- Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.
How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?
Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:
- Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
- Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
- Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.
Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer
Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
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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.
