FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Most estate planning & business planning matters are billed on a flat-fee basis.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Estate, Business, & Asset Protection Planning Process: What to Expect STEP 1: Our Initial Meeting During our initial consultation, we will get to know one another and discuss your current situation, current planning (if applicable), your concerns, and goals. We are happy to review any estate planning/corporate documents that you may have during this meeting. In order to customize your plan, we ask you to give us the background information requested in the Estate Planning/Business Planning Intake Worksheet. It is best if you can complete this information and return it to us three days before our initial meeting so we have time to review your information prior to meeting. STEP 2: Plan Design After we meet, we will spend time creating a custom tailored plan to meet your individual family, business, financial, and long-term goals and objectives. As (98%) of our plans are billed on the basis of “flat-fees”, we will give you a fee quote with your Plan Design, so you’ll know the costs associated with your plan. Along with your Plan Design, you’ll receive an expected timeline to complete your project. You can always ask us questions about our plan design and we can make changes in accordance with your wishes. STEP 3: Plan Review & Signing Ceremony Some clients wish to review their documents electronically prior to their Signing Ceremony, where others wish to review their plan during the Signing Ceremony meeting. In either instance, we will make as many revisions needed to ensure you have the exact plan that fits your goals and objectives. During our Signing Ceremony meeting, you will legally execute your plan documents, have opportunities to review and ask questions, and we will begin to discuss the Funding Process. STEP 4: Plan Funding Process We want you to feel confident that your estate/business plan will be effective and work the way it’s supposed to! The #1 reason why estate plans do not work is that they are not properly funded. Funding is the process of legally transferring your assets into the appropriate entity (trust/company/etc.). We are here for you during the Funding Process. We will work with you and your other advisers (financial/tax advisers and bankers) to assist you in transferring assets into their proper place per your Plan Design. STEP 5: Plan Maintenance- The Phillips Ballenger Concierge Plan Both Estate and Business Planning clients are eligible to participate in our optional Concierge Plan, which is a continuation of the personal service you've received during your Plan Design & implementation. Our Concierge Plan provides you, at an affordable cost, with annual plan reviews and communication with your attorney & our staff, without the fear of getting billed by the hour. This helps you, the client, and us, your Personal Family & Business Attorney, keep in touch throughout the years as things change in the law, in your life, and in your situation.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education: University of San Francisco, School of Law, Juris Doctor 2007 - Arthur Zief Scholarship Recipient - Editor, Maritime Law Journal - Editor, The Forum - Chair, International Law Society - Chair, Women's Law Society - University of California, Santa Barbara, B.A., 2003, Dean's List Bar Admissions: - State Bar of California, 2007 - State Bar of Nevada, 2008 Awards/Media: - Selected to the "Super Lawyers- Rising Stars" list, Super Lawyers , 2015, 2016, 2017 - Featured Legal Analyst, Fox News Channel - "Legal Elite: Nevada's Top Attorneys" by attorney peer review, Nevada Business Magazine, 2015 and 2016 - Named as one of the "Top Lawyers in Nevada" by the Legal Network, 2015 and 2016 - Recognized in Desert Companion Magazine's "Top Lawyers List", 2014 - 2015 - Client’s Choice Award- Estate Planning Attorney, Avvo, 2013 through 2015 - Martindale-Hubbell- Overall Client Rating- 5.0 out of 5.0 - Avvo Rating- 10 out of 10 Publications: - “FGM: Legal and Non-Legal Approaches to Eradication”, Journal of Law and Social Challenges, Spring 2008 - “Foreclosure and Loan Workout Procedures”, National Business Institute, 2013 Memberships/Boards: - Member: Wealth Counsel, 2007- Present - Member: State Bar of Nevada, Wills, Estates, Estate Planning & Probate Section - Member: American Bar Association - Appointed by the Supreme Court of Nevada: Homeowner Attorney Representative, Foreclosure Mediation Program Advisory Committee (2012-2014)