Handler & Levine, LLC

For residents across Maryland, particularly those in the Bethesda area, navigating legal matters can often feel complex and, at times, sensitive. This is especially true when it comes to planning for the future, such as revising an estate plan or dealing with significant life changes. In Bethesda, Maryland, Handler & Levine, LLC stands as a well-regarded law firm, known for providing professional and capable legal advice. With a focus on comprehensive service, they aim to make potentially daunting legal processes, like estate planning, as painless and efficient as possible for the local community.

Handler & Levine, LLC is a legal practice built on a foundation of providing solid legal counsel and preparing essential documents with precision. The firm, notably led by Marc Levine, and supported by a capable staff, understands that legal matters, especially those related to personal and family futures, require a thoughtful and detailed approach. They strive to offer comprehensive service that not only addresses the immediate legal needs but also considers the long-term implications for their clients. While experiences can vary, the firm's overall aim is to deliver value and expertise, ensuring that Marylanders receive thorough and professional guidance for their legal concerns.

Handler & Levine, LLC is conveniently located at 4520 East-West Hwy #700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. This address places the firm in a prime and highly accessible location within Bethesda, a bustling urban center in Montgomery County, Maryland. East-West Highway is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for clients traveling from various parts of Bethesda and surrounding Maryland communities. The office is situated within a professional building, with their suite on the 7th floor, which offers a private and conducive environment for confidential legal discussions. For those driving, Bethesda generally offers numerous parking garages and meter parking options within walking distance of prominent commercial buildings, ensuring convenience. Furthermore, the area is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, with Metro bus stops nearby and the Bethesda Metro station (Red Line) being readily accessible. This strategic location underscores the firm’s commitment to being a convenient and accessible legal resource for the Maryland populace.

Handler & Levine, LLC appears to specialize significantly in estate planning and related documentation, as highlighted by client reviews. Based on the provided information, their services primarily include:

• Estate Plan Revision: Assisting clients in updating and revising existing estate plans to conform to current family situations, legal changes, or personal wishes.
• Last Will & Testament Preparation: Drafting legally sound wills to ensure assets are distributed according to client desires and family interests are protected.
• Maryland Healthcare Directive Preparation: Creating documents that outline clients' wishes regarding medical treatment and healthcare decisions, particularly important for end-of-life planning.
• Trust Creation (Home Trust, Family Trust): Developing various types of trusts to manage and protect assets, facilitate efficient transfer of wealth, and achieve specific financial or familial goals.
• Comprehensive Document Preparation Service: Providing thorough and precise preparation of a range of legal documents related to estate planning and other related legal fields.
• Legal Advice and Guidance: Offering professional advice on estate planning strategies and other legal matters to ensure clients make informed decisions.

While the focus is clearly on estate planning, a firm of this caliber may also handle other related areas of law, such as probate administration, elder law, or certain aspects of family law that intersect with estate planning, though these are not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews.

Handler & Levine, LLC exhibits several key features and highlights that are evident from the provided client feedback, showcasing their approach to legal service. These attributes reveal both strengths and areas where client experiences may differ:

• Professional and Capable Support Staff: Clients specifically commend the "very professional and capable support staff," indicating a well-organized team that contributes positively to the overall client experience.
• Patience and Understanding: The firm is noted for being "patient in dealing with our own delays and inertia" regarding estate planning, acknowledging the often-difficult nature of these topics and providing a supportive environment.
• Streamlined Process: For estate planning, the firm is credited with making the process "painless," suggesting an efficient and client-friendly approach to complex legal document preparation.
• Reasonable Fees and Value: One client found Handler & Levine's fees to be "reasonable considering the comprehensive service we received," stating they "got great value for the price we paid." This indicates a perception of good cost-effectiveness.
• Commitment to Safety Guidelines (during pandemic): The firm demonstrated "sensitivity and precision that complied with every guideline and best practice" regarding pandemic-related safety concerns during office visits, showing attention to client well-being beyond legal matters.
• Direct Attorney Involvement (initially): Mr. Marc Levine met personally with a client for initial consultations, offering direct engagement and expertise at the outset of the legal process.
• Specialization in Estate Planning: The firm's repeated involvement in preparing and updating wills, trusts, and healthcare directives highlights a strong specialization in this vital area of law.

However, one review also points to a challenge regarding client communication and case management:

• Lack of Notification for Attorney Transition: A client expressed concern about a case being turned over to a junior attorney "without any heads up from Mr. Levine," highlighting a potential area for improved professional courtesy and communication regarding case handler changes, especially given the fee charged and the personal nature of the legal matter.
• Inconsistent Document Drafting: The same client noted "multiple versions did not reflect my directions" regarding a "not complex" will, suggesting potential issues with attention to detail or consistent communication of client instructions in later stages.

While the provided information does not detail specific ongoing public promotions or special offers from Handler & Levine, LLC, it is a common practice for law firms specializing in areas like estate planning to offer initial consultations. This allows prospective clients to discuss their needs and learn about the firm's services without an immediate financial commitment for the full scope of work. During such an initial meeting, you can inquire about the firm’s fee structure, which for estate planning can sometimes involve flat fees for certain document packages, or hourly rates for more complex situations. It is always recommended to directly contact Handler & Levine, LLC to ask about their policy on initial consultations, any associated fees, and to get a clear understanding of the costs involved for preparing or updating your estate plan. This proactive step ensures transparency and helps you make an informed decision regarding your legal representation.

To connect with Handler & Levine, LLC and discuss your estate planning or other legal needs, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 4520 East-West Hwy #700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
• Phone: (301) 961-6464
• Mobile Phone: +1 301-961-6464

Calling the main phone number is the most direct way to reach their office. Based on client reviews, you can expect a professional interaction, and their support staff are noted as being capable. When you call, you can inquire about scheduling an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs, particularly if you are considering estate planning services. This direct communication will allow you to assess their suitability for your case and clarify any questions you may have about their processes and fees.

In conclusion, for locals across Maryland, particularly those in the Bethesda area, Handler & Levine, LLC offers a valuable resource for legal services, with a strong emphasis on estate planning. Their convenient location on East-West Highway makes them easily accessible. Clients highlight their professional and capable support staff, patience in dealing with sensitive topics like estate planning, and a process that strives to be "painless." They are perceived as providing good value for their comprehensive services. While one review did point to a lapse in communication regarding attorney transitions and document consistency, the overall sentiment points to a firm that delivers essential estate planning services effectively. For Marylanders looking for legal guidance in preparing or revising their wills, trusts, and healthcare directives, Handler & Levine, LLC provides a professional option, encouraging direct communication to ensure their services align with individual expectations and needs.