The National Association Against Consumer Fraud





	Attorneys What to look for when selecting an ethical Wills, Estates, Probate & Trusts Attorney: Remember, when you hire an attorney you are paying for a service and you should be satisfied with the quality of that service. They should return your phone calls promptly, communicate with you personally and keep you updated on the status of your case. The attorney should also discuss the terms of your contract, including fees, up front. If you believe your attorney's performance is less than stellar, realize that you can replace them at your own discretion. Interview them to decide which attorney you would like to handle your case. This interview takes place at an initial consultation. Don't expect your case to be solved during this visit. Consultations usually last 30 minutes so be prepared. Here are a few tips to get you ready. Write down your story, in your own words before your meeting to organize all of your thoughts; Make sure to bring copies of any documents that may affect your case; Give your attorney any names or dates that affect your case so the attorney has an idea of who is involved; Be prepared to answer all the attorney's questions; the attorney knows which questions to ask to help you; Always tell the truth even if you think some details may hurt your case. Don't lie or exaggerate the facts; Avoid becoming too emotional; Make sure you feel comfortable before leaving the attorney office. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Questions to ask an attorney: How long have you been in business? Do I need legal representation for my problem? Have you handled cases like mine in the past? What have results been on my type of case? Will you be handling my case personally? If not, what kind of work will you be doing and who will be doing the rest of the work? How available are you for meetings and phone calls? How do you handle fees? Get a written retainer including: Charges: Do you charge by the hour, a flat rate or contingency? Services that are included Extra fees that will be assessed How you will be billed What are the possible outcomes in cases such as this? How long do you expect this matter to take? What are my alternatives? Do you recommend arbitration or mediation? Important Consumer information for Wills, Estates, Probate & Trusts Law: WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY A WILL? You Decide who gets your property. You may name the personal representative. You may make gifts. You decide who bears any tax burden. You decide a guardian for your minor children. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS NO WILL? If you die without a will, your property will be distributed to our heirs according to a formula fixed by law. PRE-NEED DOCUMENTS Living Will - This document directs the instructions in event of a terminal illness. Health Care Surrogate: Appoint a designate authority to make all health care decisions during any period of incapacity. HIPPA Release: Provision for your health care surrogate to have access to your medical records in order to make informed decisions. Preneed Guardian: Designates the person you wish the court to appoint as guardian of your property and person if you become incapacitated. Durable Power of Attorney: Designates the person who will be your agent to handle your business affairs in your place. PROBATE; Florida Law establishes either a Formal Administration or a summary Administration.	After interviewing and running an extensive background check the National Association Against Consumer Fraud has awarded the following business a listing in The Business A-List: Law Offices of David Maxwell 538 E. Washington St. Orlando, FL 32801 Phone (407) 420-1707 www.lawyers.com/affordableadvocacy.com Law Offices of David Maxwell, P.A. is located on beautiful Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando. Areas of practice include Family Law; Divorce; Immigration; Bankruptcy; Wills, Pre - need documents; Trust and Estates; Estate Planning; and Probate.Attorneys: David Maxwell has been in practice for over 35 years and is recognized among his peers as a very ethical and knowledgeable attorney. Admitted: 1967, Florida; 1990, District of Columbia; U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, Middle, Northern and Southern District Courts of Florida and U.S. Court of Military Appeals. Law School: University of Florida, Juris Doctorate, 1967 College: Florida State University, B.A., 1964 Member: The Florida Bar; The District of Columbia Bar; Orange County Bar Association. Military: Judge Advocate, JAG United States Air Force 1970-72 Born: Atlanta, Georgia Janine Van Dusen, Associate Admitted: 2007, Florida Law School: Florida A & M College of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2007 College: Florida State University, B.S. , 2002 Member: The Florida Bar ; Orange County Bar Association; Brevard County Bar Association; Native American Bar Association. Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.


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