FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Create comprehensive estate plans, represent trustees and personal representatives in the administration of wills and trusts, and counsel business owners on transactions.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
No matter what area of the law, check to see how responsive the attorney will be. Attorneys are notorious for being difficult to reach, but when it comes to their fees they are quick to call you. I provide my clients a commitment that I will respond to every phone call and every e-mail by the end of the business day. It is not easy to do, but it is important. In terms of estate planning, ask how your trust will provide for your incapacity. Does it create a disability panel? Ask to read common provisions their trust provides regarding incapacity. Unfortunately, the likelihood of becoming incapacitated are high, but few trusts adequately address this issue. My estate plans provide peace of mind at death and incapacity. Also ask if your attorney provides a maintance plan. I offer my clients continued representation after the creation of their estate plan. This means they have 24/7 access to their documents online, can call me any time without charge and have an annual update meeting to review their circumstances. Every estate plan needs amending as laws and the clients circumstances change. However, few attorneys help their clients after the creation of their estate plan. In terms of probate, ask if the attorney has ever had a parent or sibling pass away. Empathy and understanding is needed. It is a difficult time and most attorneys do not understand the emotions and anxiety their clients face because they have never walked in their clients' shoes before. I personally have experienced what my clients are going through having administered my mother's and sister's estates. Business owners need to find an attorney who has done more than be a lawyer. Most lawyers do not understand business. Find an attorney who has been an entrepreneur and has experience outside of law. Without this experience, attorneys tend to offer static advice provided in a vacuum without understanding the full context of a business. I have owned companies in the real estate development, consulting, and internet industries. I understand the stress of operating a business. I personally know the demands of meeting payroll, generating revenue, and growing a business. In addition, my MBA and audit experience helps me to see a bigger picture of my client's needs.