John Umholtz is the best lawyer I have ever used and met. He listens to your case very well before…read morehe gives any advice. He's extremely intelligent, thorough, and honest. His fees are more than reasonable. I highly recommend John for ANY legal needs whatsoever. I have used attorneys in the past, and John is superior!!

From the owner: When you are facing legal challenges as complex as estate planning, business contracts, or real…read moreestate disputes, the most effective tool you should prepare is an experienced legal advocate. At The Law Offices of John Umholtz, we have been representing Annapolis clients for years in court and out of court. We are deeply knowledgeable about Maryland's contract drafting laws, which enables us to help clients create and negotiate business contracts, real estate contracts, and especially important documents like wills and trusts.

Having my estate planning documents completed is such a relief, and I couldn't have had a better…read moreattorney helping me. Each step forward felt deliberate and carefully guided towards knowing that I'm covered if anything happens. Attorney Smith was thorough and attentive throughout the entire process. She made sure that I understood what each document said, translating confusing legal-ese into English. I loved only having to go to the office once since I could review my drafts through the portal and had my meetings with Attorney Smith virtually.

I have an existing Trust which I wanted reviewed by Attorney Smit. The documents had been prepared…read moreseven years ago . I was very clear with legal assistant, Alexandra Duca that I had NO desire for a new trust. It was implied that my Trust could be reviewed to determine if updates or modifications were needed. To schedule the consultation appointment there was a $400 non refundable fee paid in advance. Per Ms Duca's request I emailed my trust documents as a PDF to her office for Attorney Smith to review prior the Consultation. Ms Duca confirmed the trust had been received and would be reviewed prior to 2pm consultation with Attorney Smith. To my disappointment I was informed by Attorney Smith during the first few minutes of the consultation that she DOES NOT review ANY documents prepared by another attorney's office due to her liability risk. Attorney Smith's legal assistant should know the attorney's policy on this matter. Alexandra Duca knowingly indicated the trust documents would be reviewed to prepare for the consultation. This was a waste of time and money . The $400 fee can easily be replaced with more money. However my time, I can not replace. I had such great excitement to support a female owned black business. However I am disappointed that there was not even an apology for misleading me. Law Office of Elsa Smith and anyone else reading my comments please use my experience to make wise choices. All the parties involved to include myself have a lesson or two to learn going forward.

I emailed them to understand whether my mother needs a trust written up. This was their response…read more Don't bother. Absurd: "There is a $500 initial consultation fee due at the time of the appointment. If you decide to retain our office for estate planning work, then the $500 consultation fee is absorbed into the fee for the preparation of documents."

From the owner: For over 35 years, we have focused on the law of estates and trusts. The firm has developed deep…read moreexperience and expertise in the practice area. "Doing it all" within our practice niche creates a synergy that strengthens our handling of each matter. Our approach to planning, for example, is strengthened by the fact that we administer estates and trusts. Our handling of both planning and administration is informed by the lessons learned from our fiduciary litigation practice. Our fiduciary litigation practice, in turn, benefits from our understanding of the substantive issues that arise during the planning and administration process. Not only does the firm "do it all" within the practice niche, but our professionals do it all as well. The firm culture promotes a deep understanding of the practice area by continually involving the lawyers, accountant, paralegals and other professional staff in all aspects of the practice. This means that knowledge and expertise builds on itself. If you or your loved ones are in need of help sorting their assets, contact our Maryland probate lawyer today.

Victor L was pleasant and helpful. Services requested are his specialty and he was very clear in…read morehis answers. Cost of using this firm is competitive with other local firms

I cannot recommend. My initial appointment for a will/AMD/POA was in May 2023. My recollection is…read morethe attorney said the documents would be ready in July. I contacted the attorney in late September about the status of the documents. Received an apology and a "I am conducting a final review of your draft documents and will have copies of the drafts for your review today." Wow, what a coincidence. I did get them shortly thereafter, along with the bill for the balance of the payment. They did not waste any time generating that! The thing is, the documents were obviously generated by a wills program and there should not have been such a long delay. Moreover, the documents were not complicated. If you are military/retired/entitled to JAG services, go to your JAG office, it will take less time, cost you nothing, and you get the same documents. Due to a recent sizable inheritance, I will need to do a special needs trust and other instruments in the near future but I will be finding a more responsive attorney/firm to handle them.

This lawyer is a fraud!!! Do not hire this law firm at all. She lies too much even for a lawyer…read more She will falsely lead you to believe that she is working on your case, but in fact the court records says that's a lie. She will put you on a rabbit hunt with your own case and also expect you to do all the work after she received your payment. Let's not forget that she don't even have an office!!!! Neither office in Annapolis or somewhere on the eastern shore recognize this location. You can send court official documents and it's sent back to sender. I live in Bowie and shouldn't have to travel to Annapolis or eastern shore looking for my lawyer. Oh yeah, her telephone system is some bogus answering service, once again faking as if this firm actually have an office. You may see the ADs and want to support this firm, but do not and run far far far away because she is taking innocent people money and not providing professional, efficient and adequate service. I'm so disappointed and disgusted by how poor the professionalism is after collecting my hard earn MONEY!!!!!! It's obvious that law degrees are being given out like water.

This law firm took my money and did not do the work!!! PERIOD!!! I had to hire another attorney…read more Which means I paid Carter Firm in FULL and had to hire another attorney in full. I received a letter apologizing that she did not have the TIME to give my case! But she had the time to TAKE my money!!! Please, please, please exercise your right to research lawyers!!! This firm did NOT follow thru on my case. My new attorney explained to me exactly all the things that she did not do and should have done! Do your research!!!!

I hired this attorney via a paid service from my employer, but each time that I reached out to…read moreAttorney Robinson he was either slow to return an email to me or he would not respond promptly. Also, I used his service for several months and I did not get any results from Attorney Robinson. In addition to this, he was not knowledgeable about my case each time we spoke I had to reiterate to him what the case was about and the next steps toward solving my problems and representing me. Finally, all of a sudden he told me that he could no longer represent me, and that was after 5 months of getting nowhere and he only gave me about a week's notice. I would not recommend him and he took an oath like other attorneys to represent a client's best interest.

From the owner: Gregory P. Robinson J.D., LLC is dedicated to seeking lasting results for Maryland residents. Your…read morerights and future matter, and DUI and divorce attorney Greg Robinson will advocate for your best interests, no matter how complex your case may be. He can also assist you with estate planning documents, a personal injury claim, or even a maritime or boating conflict. Contact Greg in Annapolis, Maryland, today to set up a free consultation.

Beth B. Was very good and on top of the process. She definitely knows and understands estate…read moreadministration and showed she cares about the client Recommend her to those needing this service Pricing at this firm is higher than other local firms

Like many other reviewers have commented, they are not helpful at all to heirs executing a…read morerelative's trust. Even if you are a named co-trustee, they will not provide any trust documentation without a court appointed document stating they must. I have never heard of a law firm that refuses to acknowledge a co-trustee's right and fiduciary obligation to carry out the trust. I would give zero stars if I could.