Client Care Membership Programs – Names, Concepts and Useful Links for Estate and Elder Law

April 19, 2024

Some of the names of and links to client care programs for estate and life care planning from firms we know or found online are listed below.  (Also know Premier can provide a firm branded web based ‘client app’ that is a great addition to any paid or unpaid client care, continuing relationship program. see info and image below}

Membership Program names carry a concept.  For example, the ‘Poyner Plan’ the unique service from the firm.  ‘A good physician practices preventative medicine. At the Poyner Law Firm, we practice preventative law. Our job is to anticipate problems and have the legal mechanisms to resolve them in place before the IRS, disappointed relatives, and trial attorneys begin to circle your estate.’

Poyner Plan – Poyner Law Firm Los Gatos, CA   link  only available to protected clients https://poynerlaw.com/protected-clients-only/

Continuing Legal Care Plan  – Johnson, McGinnis TN https://www.tn-elderlaw.com/continuing-legal-care-plan

R-way – Wilson law firm in Madison, WI https://wilsonlawgroup.com/rway-trust-care-program/

Life Bridge – Weatherby & Associates Hartford, CT https://weatherby-associates.com/lifebridge-program

POM’s  Vincent Russo New York    https://vjrussolaw.com/peace-of-mind/

PALMS – Lou Pierro, NY,NJ MA FL  https://www.pierrolaw.com/?alb_elements=palms

Life Plan John Preston  San Diego CA https://www.prestonestateplanning.com/create-maintain-administer/

Yourlawyers4life Victor Medina Pennington, NJ https://www.jerseyestateplanning.com/why-estate-plans-fail/

Family Care Program – John Heck Alexandria, VA https://www.legacylawyers.org/FCP

Auto-Pilot Planning  Joshua Dorcey FL https://www.dorceylaw.com/practice-areas/auto-pilot-planning-program/

SAVeT™ –  Vincent E. Bonazzoli Lynfield, MA –  https://www.feplg.com/resources/savet-system/

TLC – David Zumpano – NY  https://eplawcenter.com/abTut-estate-planning-law-center/tlc-maintenance-program/

I learned the most about continuing estate and client care programs from Roger Poyner of the Poyner Law Firm in Los Gatos, CA

The Poyner Plan is the firms unique offering deveoped organically and active for over 40 years.The Poyner Plan Retainer Program started organically in 1978  A proprietary link is for ‘protected clients only’  When I worked with Roger he had 1400 clients on his retainer system.  Retainer because the emphasis is to retain the relationship with your attorney and not just maintaining documents. The system he invented and we further developed could produce in one day of processing, a package for of his each of 1400 clients. This consisted of an Annual Update Letter,  a multi-page ‘Exhibit A’ and a client invoice for the upcoming year.  The clients ‘Exhibit A’ identified people, their roles and a schedule of assets with appropriate legal language . Also provided are instructions on how to update and sign their Exhibit A’.

If ever needed the updated and signed Exhibit A was useful in support of a California Heggstad petition – used in California probate and trusts to transfer property into a trust after the death of the trust creator. It’s also known as an 850 petition, and is named after a 1993 California court case. The petition is used when a deceased person’s Living Trust doesn’t include a real property or asset, which can happen if the title of the property or asset isn’t legally transferred to the Living Trust.

Additional Resource Links

Vincent E. Bonazzoli Lynfield, MA –  https://www.clientcareacademy.com/

 Victor medina – https://premiersoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4.-ABA-Article-by-Victor-J-Medina-law-practice-today-not-your-fathers-law-firm.pdf  “This Isn’t Your Father’s Law Firm”—But Maybe It Should Be By Victor J. Medina July 2010 law practice today magazine.

 

Premier Software’s Estate and Life Care ‘Client App’

LIFE CARE CLIENT APP 1 PAGE INTRO

 

 

Client Connect – The App for Your Estate and Elder Care Clients

April 24, 2023
  CLIENT CONNECT (2 min video)
A better, faster and more affordable way to support all of your clients during their lifetime.

 

Online Practice Management – Update ZolaSuite – Scheduled Reports

June 16, 2021
A good idea is timeless and often the product of common sense.

ZolaSuite now provides for their standard reports to be scheduled and delivered to responsible staff automatically. Think about this for a moment, it is simple, brilliant and long overdue. Not all firms are blessed with management that does what is should when it should.  Scheduled reports are a great way to enable coherent structure to the way you manage your firm.

Over the years off-site service bureau billing, on-site Mini Computer, PC, Network, and now Online Service legal systems have all benefited from implementation of the same good idea.  I know this well because over a 40 year period I have witnessed software development on different platforms. Starting fresh out of college, I worked at a company that provided 100’s of east coasts largest law firms with their  ‘Monthly’ Reports.  The law firms lived and died on getting the right set of billing and management reports to the right people and Only One Chance to Get It Right Every 30 Days.  The good aspect of this is the forced discipline it provided.

So add this to your required features and if you use ZolaSuite be sure to implement scheduled reports ...now!

The Importance of Being Able to Read Your Clouds

February 18, 2021

Right now there is a flood of private equity flowing into ‘cloud’ providers, especially law practice management clouds. As a result there is an overabundance of online advertisements.

Whether you are a pilot, sailor or business owner it is important to know how to read your clouds, because not all clouds are the same.

In the photo one of the two cloud types is telling you that there is an approaching weather front, 300 miles away and in which direction.  I know that because my Navy pilot brother shared that knowledge years ago. Some simple rules of the road can be very beneficial.

When I see the word ‘cloud’ used in legal tech promotions it drives me little crazy.  My point is, decision makers need to understand the differences of varying types of cloud options.

The category of Online Forms is one good example.  Online forms are not ‘exclusive’ legal technology. In fact the most capable online forms are not made available from legal tech vendors.

Of course, most any online forms options from a law tech vendor can capture the contact information of a new lead. The fact they integrate to their exclusive, made for purpose legal billing is an advantage..

However, If you need best in category form features for a comprehensive intake, then one cloud option choice will work and another may well not. 

Case in Point
Our estate planning law firm clients want a better soluttion for client intake. Better for their law firm and their clients.  Furthermore, a firm with a vision of offering a yearly client care program will certainly need the best in class features found only in dedicated online forms systems.

In fact we have found more options such asintegration with both Zapier and MS Power Automate which opens a whloe new ‘dataverse’ of options for automated workflow.      

The surprise is the dedicated online vendor has greater scale and their pricing is lower for the more advanced online forms.  

Just as the utility company says ‘call before you dig’, I say ‘know before you go’ to the cloud.  

To learn more start here

 

Attention: To the Curious Incident of Your Law Firm on the Internet

August 5, 2020

update 2024, – five years ago you could likely get into the google serach 3 pack on page one with only a few 5 star online reviews, whereas today firms are targeting a minimum of 200-300 online reviews for page one results. Yes keep after great reviews, but also consider organic marketing thru an active client care program and use of our firm branded, mobile first ‘client app’. 

 

orig post from 2020

If your firm isn’t ranked as prominently as it could be, perhaps the mystery can be solved with an assist from Sherlock Holmes’ famous observation of  ‘the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.” Adventure of Silver Blaze

To paraphrase:
Gregory (Scotland Yard detective): Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?
Holmes: To the curious incident of the clients on the internet (dog in the night-time).
Gregory: The clients did nothing on the internet (dog did nothing in the night-time).
Holmes: That was the curious incident.

The most powerful marketing is a satisfied client who speaks enthusiastically on your behalf.  Highly satisfied clients may be easily guided to ‘pay it forward’ to others in the form of online reviews.  Nothing is more compelling, just read recent reviews below from July for firms we support.

These reviews stand out with the quality of client descriptions of their experience and speak to the quality, speed, value, control and peace of mind that your services provide to your clients. During the fours years we have offered review generation and management support we have learned what to say when and how to best ask for and receive high quality reviews.

We would be pleased to provide a FREE ASSESSMENT of your firms current review and reputation status along with suggestions on you cam improve your online status.

Simply drop us an email or call and we will provide a comprehensive report within 24 hours. Reduce or eliminate your spend on Google Ads and let your best clients speak for you. We can show you how.
Tel 856.429-3010 or Contact or Schedule an Appointment

Clients can best attest to the quality, speed, value, control and peace of mind thay obtained by working their attorney – Read below  A Few July 2020 Google Reviews of Lawyers We Support:

Where do I begin ? This firm is not just a law firm , its like having an extended family that has your back every step of the way ! I have never met anyone that has worked harder than the incredible people at H&D ! Your health and safety are put first before anything. They are always there when you need some reassuring that everything will be ok . Im thankful for them everyday !
On a personal note thank you Christine ! You and your team are amazing ! The way you all go out of your way to make sure everything is taken care of is not something that you see much anymore . Thank you !

  • – – –

ALL staff members were courteous, prompt with call-backs and also knowledgeable. I felt that I was thoroughly guided through procedures. I contacted The Elder Law Firm 4 years ago, in the midst of my elderly, mobility-weak Mother’s fall that resulted in major surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Unsure of Mother’s future needs and of the challenges in establishing a plan to meeting them, I contacted The Elder Law Firm. I received timely, compassionate and personalized guidance, with viable options for Mother and me to consider. My anxiety was calmed and we succeeded in establishing a plan that carried us successfully through her ever-changing next 4 years, prior to her passing at 94 years old. I extend a shout-out of thanks to Dennis, Donna, Carolyn, Elizabeth and Lauren!

  • – – –

 In late February, 2020, I needed to file from out of state for successor Letters Testamentary in Harris County for my father’s estate. The attorney I used, Ryan Cook, returned my call promptly, gave me the option of hourly or flat rate fee, explained what would be involved, then let his paralegal and other staff handle most of the contact with me. I worked with Kendall and Crystal. Both were very responsive and tech savvy. As the pandemic hit and communication everywhere was getting difficult and the probate court had limited access, these women continued to stay in touch and help me through the process, with us all working remotely. We were all experiencing a new way of being in the world and all three of them handled it with grace, humanity and efficiency. « less

Business response on Google Aug 03, 2020 10:10 PM (PST)

Louisa, thank you for such a nice review. COVID-19 certainly has changed a few things but we’re glad we were able to still assist you out of state. Stay well!

  • – – –

Elder Law of East Tennessee and most importantly, Attorney Bailey Schiermeyer, had been a valuable resource for my husband and I in the past and again, most recently, with the unexpected passing of my husband. All our end of life decisions/Power of Attorney/Trusts were expertly handled in their office with a very attentive caring staff. All steps in the process were explained in detail. Recently Ms Schiermeyer helped me again after my husband’s death. She was very helpful and compassionate and was able to give me peace of mind during the process. Highly recommend this firm AND Ms. Schiermeyer.

  • – – –

We have been clients of attorney Joseph Hoffman, Sr. and his associates for over 20 years now. Mr. Hoffman takes the time to get to know you and doesn’t mind using his time to counsel teen and young adults in order to help them have a better understanding of the law. Mr. Hoffman, like his associates, help make clients feel at ease and explain everything in detail so you understand the process. No matter what legal problems we have encountered, the firm has been able to get us fair results in cases. During the last 11 months, we faced a very grim legal matter. Two months ago, we were able to avoid trial altogether. Thanks to the tenacity of our most recent lawyer, Vicente Campo , my family member’s outcome was more than what we expected. Also, while we went through this ordeal, every time we needed to speak to Vince whether by phone or in person, he was always available. Jody Sheneman, his assistant, treated us with compassion and understanding. She answered our questions, even if for the 3rd or 4th time, and eased our anxieties with patience and kindness. When we call, we never have to wait on the line for a real person to answer and if we have to leave a message, they get returned within the hour if not, the same day. No matter which location we have gone to, the reception area is inviting and peaceful. The employees are friendly and accommodating. We have always felt treated like family. If we call with questions of small legal matters, they take the time to answer them as a courtesy right over the phone. My family and I can’t imagen going through any legal situations without Hoffman & DiMuzio’s firm. As long as we live in New Jersey, they will always be our firm. You cannot go wrong ever choosing them to represent you. Mr. Joseph Hoffman has a saying which I will paraphrase: “you (the client) are the boss, if you are not happy, we make it right

 

Your Free Review Status Report and to Learn More Tel.  856.429-3010
Contact or schedule an appt. https://premiersoftware.com/contact-us/   

 

Add-in to Word: Reads PDF and Writes to HotDocs

July 31, 2019

Client Data Integration for your Adobe PDF, WORD, HotDocs

A few new features to an established WORD add-in can now read pdf form client data into Word, and further send it to HotDocs answer files.

Your existing PDF forms may be easily modifed to send form data to WORD and HotDocs (Wealthdocx/Elderdocx). It is fast, flexible and easy to use. No monthly subscription is required.

Tom Caffrey of Premier Software has been recently working closely with attorney Roy Lasris the owner developer of Pathagoras on simple yet powerful features that can streamline and how law firm process client data. Say good bye to initial and redundant data entry and those annoying typos.

Rather than talking about it we have created a couple very short videos to show you.

  1. Watch how we can read client data from a PDF intake into WORD.
  2. Watch as we assemble a 26 page document set in WORD assisted by the simple yet powerful Pathagoras add-in.
  3. Watch as we read, modify and write HotDocs answer files in WORD again as assisted by Pathagoras.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW or Call for a demo or send us an email and we will send you the link to the videos. Send us your pdf based client intake form and we will use it in our demo.

Call 856.429.3010 or email (support at premiersoftware com)

https://me.touchcast.com/s/ntm8qjj0r5

Wave Widget – For a beach near you.

July 5, 2019

More Detailed Surf Conditions & Webcams for Ocean City – 8th Street at surf-forecast.com.

It’s summer and you may be headed to the beach. Here’s a wave widget for your favorite beach
http://www.surf-forecast.com/pages/configure_widget

Virtuous Circle vs Vicious Cycle – Two Ways to Measure and Manage

December 5, 2018

If your firm’s business engine is not firing on all cylinders (or battery cells), perhaps your client process needs tuning. Here are two ways to improve your client process and create a virtuous circle for new clients. 

Your Process for Success:  Two Ways to Measure and Manage

         NPS Scoring

        Online Reviews

   au·then·tic   adj.     – of undisputed origin; genuine

   in·au·then·tic  adj. – not in fact what it is said to be

How do you ask your clients for feedback? You really don’t know how you are doing unless you ask.

Many larger companies ask a simple question, ‘How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or collegue?’ The answer on a scale of 1-10 allows calculation of NPS, Net Promoter Scoring. The simple number tells you if the client experience is getting better or worse.

Online reviews are a second way to measure client satisfaction. The bottom line, online reviews need to be natural and authentic. Google algorithms monitor and manage review publication. How then can you obtain feedback and reviews that honestly reflect the experience future clients can expect if they select your firm?  How can you best manage, even have removed, that one bad review that sooner or later may be posted against your online reputation?

Some violations cause reviews to be deleted by Google.
Anyone can alert Google and report a business [1] if they see a fake review scheme or offensive review. Here are our tips, followed by sample links to a pdf and web based feedback and survey forms:

Do Not

  1. Do not be passive, that results in your worst client writing your online reputation
  2. Do not get all reviews on a single review platform, that’s not natural and organic.
  3. Do not get reviews from one device at your location
  4. Do not ever pay, in any way, for online reviews
  5. Do not get reviews from anyone that did not directly use your service,

such as from family, friends, employees or peers from outside your area

  1. Do not place a false review onto a competing business site
  2. Do not make a review that violates Google terms of service, such as ‘gating’[2]
  3. Do not go online and post or respond to reviews in a contentious or repetitive manner

 Do

  1. Do ask for feedback and encourage reviews from all clients
    NPS Scoring webform http://bit.ly/Your_Opinion_Counts
    Client Survey pdf  http://bit.ly/Client_Satisfaction_Survey2
  2. Do make it easy to provide feedback and to get to your review pages
  3. Do monitor and respond promptly ‘response by the business owner’, a simple thank you message or offer how can we help
  4. Do tell people ‘ These reviews are to help others, so they can understand the need for expert guidance, and to share the story of their unique experience working with the firm’
  5. Do consider new web based and mobile friendly tools to facilitate and manage reviews

Recently a long-time law firm client had a negative review removed by Google. The review Google removed was from a person involved in an estate dispute, but not a client of the firm. The negative review had been posted many times over several months.  Google suppressed all but one of the redundant reviews and eventually even deleted all seven review postings, all by the same unhappy person (who was not a client).

The negative review was frustrating and annoying, but fortunately, this firm has over 200 very positive reviews and the negative review caused only a momentary blip in their online status.

Actions  to Consider
Use web-based, mobile friendly tools to conduct surveys and acquire and manage online reviews

  • Learn techniques for applying modern tools for maximum online results
  • Start asking the one simple and essential question needed to calculate your NPS[3] score
  • Conduct online client surveys and follow-up with review requests

Our team can assist you in understanding and integrating these digital tools into your client interactions. To learn more about how to activate one or more of these tools or techniques contact us.

 

About Premier
Premier Software provides technology and techniques that enable law firms to become more efficient, manage more effectively and enable a better experience for the law firm and its clients.

Tele 856.429.3010
Website www.premiersoftware.com
Email support@premiersoftware.com
Online appointment https://premiersoftware.com/online-meetings-webinars/

 

[1] GMB: https://twitter.com/googlemybiz or Facebook: https://facebook.com/googlemybusiness e

[2] Gating, refers to pre-checking sentiment before asking for reviews.

[3] NPS score is a calculation of promoters less detractors based on a single question, ‘How likely are you to refer us
to family or friends?’ (scale of 0-10)

Reputation Management Explained Using Six Words and an Eye Test

November 16, 2018

Click Here –> Reputation Management Explained Using Six words and an Eye Test

What’s More Clear, Left or Right?

Click Here to Learn How to Assess and Understand Your Reputation Management 

Advanced PDF Forms for Key Steps in Estate and Elder Care

November 8, 2018

What effect can a well designed PDF form have on your practice?

Developed With Leading Estate/Elder Care Firms:

  1. Streamline your Client Intake click! for VIDEO
    Make Initial Consults far more productive
  2. Form for Meetings Notes click!  for VIDEO
    and     Assign Tasks
  3. Client Satisfaction Surve click! for VIDEO
    complete the missing step of your client
    engagement process, gain insight and referrals;
    let us show how to take client feedback and have it
    appear in an Google, AVVO, Facebook review

All PDF-FX forms can do for you is:
 – save time, reduce errors
– look more professional
– improve the experience for you and your client
CLICK HERE’ https://premiersoftware.com/pdf-fx/

The Effects (FX) are significant.
There is no risk.
Try PDF-FX for free.

Your form is ready.
We’ve invested the time so you don’t have to.
Contact us to learn more:
Tel. 856.429.3010
Email support@premiersoftware.com