Wills, Probate

Trusts, Estate Planning

210 South Beach Street, Suite 202
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 257-3332

Personal Representative

In a time of sadness & grief, I searched the area for an attorney who would work with me and my budget. After the first call with Mrs. Heidi, I knew that I had found someone who truly cared, who was understanding and patient with my circumstances. She knew that I did not know much about the probate court (I felt so lost and defeated) and she went over and above to explain it all to me and what was going to be happening in the upcoming months. Probate court is not something that happens quickly, my family & I were out of our home for months on end and Mrs. Heidi did everything she could to expedite the process of us moving back in. She provided us with all the information, communicated everything with us as she found out and made the (tough) process so smooth. She is super knowledgeable in her scope and works thoroughly on the documents needed. I am very very grateful my family and I chose Heidi and I strongly recommend anyone who needs Estate Planning to inquire with her.
Not to mention, everyone who works in her office and beside of her is equally as amazing as she is. Her office staff was simply dedicated, always pleasant, compassionate, and kindhearted. They made me feel like we've been friends forever. They communicated with me & sympathized with me, they treated me like a person they loved, not just another customer, and they truly cared about how I was doing despite what I was going through at the time. I applaud them and Mrs. Heidi tremendously for everything they have done for us.
There are not enough words that could show my true appreciation and thankfulness for this group of people and this office.

~ Briana L

Heidi is a very client-focused attorney with proven results. Working for Heidi I witnessed first-hand the great rapport she maintained with both other attorneys and the courts, leading to quick and efficient legal satisfaction for her clients. In fact, almost all of our new clients were acquired due to recommendations from other clients or attorneys.

~ Erik M

Red Flags to Look for When Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney

Estate Planning is not black and white or an easy area of law to navigate by yourself without legal counsel. Estate Planning is an area of the law that can have everlasting (and devastating) effects on you and your loved one’s future. As with any legal matter, it is essential to remember to choose a lawyer that specializes in the field that you need assistance. As you would not ask your electrician to fix your broken toilet, selecting a specific attorney in their area of expertise is incredibly important.

Here are some other red flags and things to avoid when you are hiring an estate planning attorney:

Non-Licensed Attorneys

It may seem obvious that when you are making an estate plan, it is essential to seek proper legal advice. Only a licensed attorney can legally give you advice on how to best protect your assets from taxes, probate, and the costs of long-term care. The results of the unauthorized practice of law can be disastrous.

One-Size-Fits-All Planning

There are many general practitioners or legal document websites that can provide you with a basic and non-customized Last Will & Testament for a minimal cost. Be aware that these documents are usually entirely composed of general language and fail to address any individual or state law issues. You are putting yourself in the position to plug in your name and general information and hope for the best. Every family and situation is unique and each estate plan must be customized to account for the differences. Attorneys who truly focus on estate planning can provide an adequately customized plan which specifically addresses your needs and goals based on where you are in life.  

Big Picture Attorney

An extra bonus is an attorney who also does some Probate and/or Trust Administration —now there’s an attorney who actually sees how their [and others] Estate Plans play out.  MOST of the Formal Probates I do are the result of a flawed Estate Plan generated by either a website, a DIYer or what I refer to as a “Will Mill” —a practice that doesn’t give any thought to their client’s individual circumstances or what the practical result of putting a client’s request into their Will will be.

Carefully selecting the right attorney for the job has a monetary and potentially poignant impact down the road. Take the time to research your options and be sure to consult with a professional who is experienced and proficient in the field of Estate Planning. 

 

 

 

 

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