FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Yes. Continuing Education is not only extremely important, it is required for people that provide income tax preparation services and for attorneys/lawyers. Attending continuing education classes and seminars is one of the very best ways to keep up with any changes in that particular professional field. This is also an excellent networking opportunity. Making connections with other professionals is an excellent way to stay informed and educated. Many times another professional would be a better fit for a particular client due to their skill set.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Mr. Grossman focuses his legal practice on Comprehensive Estate Planning. Having personally experienced numerous issues related to the health and financial care of people going through significant illness and even death, Tom strongly believes in the importance of excellent Estate Planning. Tom prepares: Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Will, Living Revocable Trust, Living Will, and Memorial Plan. "Do-it-yourself kits" should only be used as a guide in preparing to meet with an Estate Planning attorney. Tom's background as a Clinician with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology enables him to provide great compassion and understanding to all people and families. In other words, Mr. Grossman has excellent "bedside manner." Tom does not charge people to simply meet and consult with him. Furthermore, Mr. Grossman strongly believes in fully educating and informing his clients so that they are able to make the best informed decision that meets their particular needs. A very common misperception is the belief that any type of Estate Planning is only for those that are rich or wealthy. This is simply a myth and is completely untrue. One of the very best ways to alleviate family stress, anxiety, frustration, mistrust, and anger is to create a Comprehensive Estate Plan (including all of the forms mentioned above). Mr. Grossman has also worked with people on Family Law matters. More specifically, he has assisted people with Child Custody Modifications. Mr. Grossman has also assisted clients with Employment Law issues in the past. For example, Tom has helped people recover unpaid wages from a former or current employer. Tax Law and Income Tax preparation is one of Mr. Grossman's focus areas. One common misperception is that a person like Tom who is an attorney will charge a large sum of money for income tax preparation. This is simply not true whatsoever.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
If you are in need of an estate planning attorney, I strongly recommend that you find out if there is a charge for the initial consultation. Grossman Law (Mr. Thomas E. Grossman III) does not charge for the initial consultation. Additionally, ask the estate planning attorney if he/she charges a "flat rate" or an "hourly rate." Lastly, do your best to get a feel for how much time your attorney will spend advising, counseling, and educating you (the client). If you contact an estate planning attorney and state, "I would like to have a Will completed." Then that attorney states, "Sure. Come to my office on Tuesday at 2:00PM. Oh, and be sure to bring your address book with you too." Then you show up and sit down with your "estate planning" attorney and he/she merely goes over the requisite information to complete your Will and after about an hour or so you are done and the attorney says, "I'll give you a call soon to let you know when it is all done." RUN!! RUN FOR THE HILLS!! This above-scenario is NOT advising, counseling and educating your client. I have completed a great number of comprehensive estate plans for families that already had estate plans done some time in the past and when they meet with me and listen to me, they are often times beyond irritated at their prior attorney for not "advising" them about certain issues pertaining to estate planning, tax consequences/implications, etc.