Estate Planning Testimonials

Marian's Estate Planning Testimonial (Transcript) I saw in the paper that there was a work shop at DeLoach and Hofstra. So I thought ... I said to my niece, "Come with me. Let's just go and see what it's about." So we came and Rep was there and he was wonderful. So from then on I just came here and got my will changed to a trust. I met Christine, it was just her first year I think, 2017 and I've been happy ever since. My dear, I've been alone for 10 years. I don't know how I did it. My husband did everything. I did not have any clue about any money, bills, accounts, nothing. So when he passed we just did what we had to do. And when I came here I was frustrated and scared to death. It was the biggest decision I ever made alone. And it became so easy. Really. I must say, if it hadn't been for Christine and your gentleness and kindness that I've received, I would have been insane. I know I can call her, I can call here anytime. And like I said, they know the answer right away. They seem to have my papers right there. So they're very prepared to take care of us. She takes her time, listens and she answers right away, no matter what it is. Her thoroughness and her knowledge, she's excellent. And personally, she's a very good person. Very, very good, kind person. And I've sent a lot of my friends here already. I have told them about you and Christine. And the receptionists are marvelous. You know, its these little things that means so much that people overlook. It's just a gentle little hi, or smile, or cup of coffee you know? They make you feel so comfortable. Yeah. I would tell anybody to join this firm, yes.  

Marian

Eva's Estate Planning Testimonial (Transcript) I think that Monica referred me to Christine, and of course I learned about her because the law firm provides that service as well. I don’t really have an estate but I didn’t have a last will and testament either so I thought I should be more responsible. What happens when I’m not longer here? But she made a very, very good impression on me, very, very informative. Very patient and transparent as well. And I was appreciative that she explained everything to me, took the time to answer my questions to customize to my needs.  And that’s one thing I think that’s very, very important that she would customize their services and the goal for my needs. But it takes an insane amount of professionalism to be able to handle that. To make the right decisions and I think that was very, very valuable.  So that was so important that she was accessible and explained everything. And Best of course as well, she had the patience and through the time I didn’t feel like I was pressured, not “time’s up!” And that to me basically it’s very, very important that I can ask questions, and re-ask the questions and no matter what she’s accessible and I can call her. Again, I felt very, very comfortable. I felt they truly were there invested in me at that time. I was important to them. My needs were important. And they did their best to inform me to the best of their ability, and that made me feel very valued. To me that speaks priceless volumes. Everything was taken care of and put together and presented to me. I think they did a wonderful job. I could not have been more impressed by that.

Eva

Ron's Estate Planning Testimonial (Transcript) Dad and I actually talked about what I needed to do, you know, as far as getting an estate plan set up. I got a little nephew and niece, very young. And decided that, what I needed to do and then I came in and talked to Rep about it, is to get an estate plan setup. I came in because I wanted to make sure that this thing was ironclad. Rep recommended that we do a trust and that way we could set up the trust, as far as what my wishes were, and I wanted it to be such that nobody could challenge it.  So, didn't really know anyone, really, that I trusted to be the trustee. Rep said he could be the trustee, and then if something were to happen to him, another law partner could be the trustee. I knew how important it was to have a trust and have estate planning because we had that for dad. So that when I pass away, just like when dad passed away, there was no probate. That condo went right into my name. He had it all taken care of for us.  Rep... you know I came in and talked to him first, and I explained to him what I was trying to do, and I wanted it set up, my estate set up with a trust, so that with my nephew and my niece, that it would be all settled. That my nephew would get half of the estate, my niece would get half of the estate. My nephew would get the Condo, similar to the way I got the Condo left to me.  I used my ace in the hole, so that I'm making sure that those kids are taken care of.  Rep explained everything to me. He had suggestions on how we should do it, things that I would have never thought of. I mean, mine was a little bit different than dads, but having that setup, having the estate setup like that, and having the Condo set up the way we've done, just... at the time that you lose someone, you're not thinking good. When my dad and mom passed away, I wasn't in too good a shape. Not for a long time. The worse thing to do is try to make business decisions right after you've lost your loved one. So why not go ahead and have that all set up ahead of time?  You need someone that understands the law, you need someone that cares. If you don't have someone that cares, no telling what you're gonna get. I couldn't recommend anybody better than Rep. I firmly believe he's the best elder care lawyer that there is, in this area. There's no one else that you need to go to. You need to come here and let him assist you because he does know the ins and outs. He does care, he will go ahead and make sure that your wishes are carried out, he will listen. I've been through it with my mom and my dad. Now, I've done it for myself and I firmly believe that when it's time, my sister will be coming here for the same thing because it's so important. So many people need to do it that aren't doing it and this is the place to come.

Ron

David and Charlann's Estate Planning Testimonial (Transcript) Charlann: We were looking for an attorney and we were driving up Seminole Boulevard and he was the first to notice. He looked and said, "There's an attorney right here, not too far from where we live in Seminole."    David: I knew where the place was just because I'm cognizant of where we're driving. I said, "We're using a guy up in Clearwater." I said, "We don't need to go up there, let's go in this place right here on the corner." We drive by it every day. That's how we ended up in here.   It was interesting. I like your service probably in many different ways than my wife. The primary one, the reason I like coming here is because she's comfortable.    Charlann: It's the most incredible experience I've ever had. I've never had to worry about how many questions I asked. Rep would answer very patient, very kind. A great educator and he did a fantastic job on all of our documents and if I need to call with a question or send him an email, you get an answer right away.    David: I think Rep is great. I love talking with him and I love dealing with all the people that are here. As she says, you feel comfortable. I knew that five minutes after I came in here. Especially talking to him because he's so outgoing and he's kind of laid back and stuff. We kidded right off and I had a good time. It was an easy rapport right up front.    Charlann: I mean, what else do you want? It's a perfect scenario. it's the perfect, this is the perfect law firm. With your perfect attorney and I can't say enough about what a good experience anybody would have using Rep. He's board certified in elder law.    David: We don't give birthday cards to everybody. On his birthday, we came in and not only gave him a card but we sang Happy Birthday to him.    Charlann: Every year.    David: ​It floored him.    Charlann: He was coming down the hall and we had this birthday card you open it up and it sings to you. It's one of those musical cards. The birthday card opens up with this crinkly paper type thing and he walked by and he says, "It's my birthday, isn't it?"    David: Got a question? Call Rep, they'll take care of you. Everybody will take care of you. That's the way it should be. That's family.    Charlann: Working with Rep and with Tammy, I'd like to say a couple of words about Tammy, the first thing you want to do when I see Tammy, is give her a hug. The hugs go around a lot with her and with both of us.    David: Yeah.    Charlann: Tammy is wonderful. We love her. She's very talented. She's very good. She is very thorough and it's just an enjoyable experience all the way around. We thank everybody for all they've done for us, for both of us.    David: Mm-hmm (affirmative). Good stuff.    Charlann: Good stuff.    David: Yeah. 

Vicki's Trust Planning Testimonial (Transcript) My mom died six years ago. We had a will, we lost the will. And my whole family came down from Michigan, my uncle and his wife, and my cousin and her husband, and we loaded your conference room.  There were ten of us all talking about my uncle, my other uncle, who is in a nursing home down here.  Five years later I’m walking in trying to get all this taken care of, and I sat down with Rep and I told him “I have this big ball of yarn that’s all tangled. There are so many ends and I don’t know where to go.” We have a family trust that my mom was the head of and then my other uncle took it on, so we needed to get the trust redone since my mom had died. And so Rep set up the trust, and we got that all worked out, running it and he helped answer all the questions. He met with all of us and answered all of our questions regarding what was best for my uncle here. I mean when he first went in it was every day I was there and making sure and staying on top. Medical issues constantly… we almost lost him a couple months ago. But now I have somebody that I know that is staying on top of it and will answer my questions, and will help me get to the bottom of some of the issues that we’ve had. All I have to do is make a phone call if there is a problem instead of getting up and getting there and stomping my feet. On top of all that I’ve had Rep do my trust with the money that I got from the sale. So much burden has been lifted from me. I almost feel like a new person. It’s so nice to find places that think outside the box, and really want to make sure that it’s the best plan for your family and for what your needs are going to be… with actual care behind it, and love behind it.  And I just feel like the whole firm has just been a blessing to our family.

Vicki

Once again I find myself in the position of giving you a VERY Heartfelt Thank-you for allowing Tammy and Donna to go out and assist my mom this morning. I spoke with Tammy and she said it was a productive meeting, but heart-wrenching. I must say, I do not think I could have done it, and if I had been there would not have been much help. Please tell Donna , "Thank you " as well. I am sure it was not the most pleasant start to her day ever. She too is appreciated!

Diane W.

Greetings!  My family and I have been a client of DeLoach and Hofstra, Elder Care Service Group, for almost a year.  As this 1 year anniversary approaches, and with Father's Day, this weekend, as the founder of the Law Offices of DeLoach and Hofstra, I wanted to tell you personally how very much Rep, and Tammy, have helped my family. When we first met Rep, in July 2011, my dad was hospitalized, and in and out of a nursing home.  My mother was alone with my mentally retarded brother.  If dad died, she would no longer receive a pension.  If the nursing home consumed all off her "nest egg,” she would be destitute.  In short, it was a dire situation.  Rep and Tammy provided the expertise to get my mother's financial and legal affairs in order.  It was completed efficiently and effectively, with Medicaid being approved!  My dad was moved, from [another facility] (which I thought was an awful place), to Tierra Pines. He has received excellent care.  It is a great comfort to know that you are available when needed to help insure my dad continues to receive the best possible care. My brother Peter became a client of DeLoach and Hofstra in January, 2012.   Tammy and Rep assisted in working through the maze associated with APD to procure a residential placement with PARC.  In short, the APD system is a Nightmare!!  This was no easy task!!  Tammy attended several meetings with my mother and APD which were highly emotional, and handled them with the utmost professionalism.  I cannot thank Tammy and Rep enough for helping to get Peter placed. Now, as the 2 major crises have been handled, my mom has become one of your clients.   Rep is assisting once again, so that all is in order, and there will be no crises, as mom ages. I am sending this e-mail, because I am sure any dad would want to know what a great job their son has done!  Rep has a GREAT Team!  They all, Tammy, Donna, and Gail, are hard working, respect Rep, and are caring individuals.  I feel very fortunate to have been referred to your Law Firm.  It has been an experience vastly surpassed by any expectations! Hope you have a great Father's Day!  And thank you for raising such a caring son, who has also become an excellent attorney!

Diane W.

Mr. DeLoach, Thank you for your prompt action in procuring a copy of the Warranty Deed for our property. This document is exactly what we needed, and all related matters are now satisfied. I appreciate the professional courtesy you have shown. If any future needs arise, I will not hesitate to contact you or recommend your firm.

Larry C.

Dear Mr. DeLoach, On behalf of my family, I would like to extend a sincere thanks for the prompt and professional way you handled my brother Brendan’s estate. You and Judy Matthews helped make a difficult time much easier than it might have been. Your efforts on our behalf are sincerely appreciated.

Paul C.

We have used DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis for legal work, mostly real estate related with Peter Hofstra, since 2000, and we have been pleased with their work on our behalf. When I received the latest Navigator, and saw that Rep had written a book on estate planning, I immediately ordered a copy. My career was in the CPA profession and then as the person in charge of a family office, so I was involved in estate planning for others often through the years. I know from experience, it should be done by someone who is up to date with all the areas - legal, tax, and other. My reaction to Rep's book was that it was very well done - and very timely for us as we need some help with these matters, including our own estate planning update coming up. Rep made it an easy read and the examples were great for illustrating the points. I highly recommend the book to those who need to start or update their estate plans and related documents. And, from my experience - don't put it off!

Jerry S., Retired CPA