Richard Michael Cohen

My wife and I engaged Mr. Cohen to prepare estate documents for us. He was referred to us by a friend who also happens to be a retired attorney from a similar practice. He was a consummate professional and his explanations of the sometimes arcane details of the law were clear. Although I have no clos...e family to take into consideration my wife does; Mr. Cohen crafted documents which protect both my interests and theirs.

My sister, who posted a complaint on Mr. Cohen's Avo profile, made an appointment for our then 91 year old father. My Dad told me and said he didn't know what it was for- I was already Durable POA for my parents (our mother had passed before our father) and I was already named as Executor on both wi...lls as I have remained reliable and employed for over 20 years at the same agency. My Dad was agreeable that I should attend as well. When we arrived it became clear that my sister wanted to gain financial control. My Dad was a little more capable of standing his ground and when all issues were discussed, he stated very clearly that he wished for me to be POA for both medical and financial (I have a medical social work background which is also helpful). What I didn't realize was that my sister would become so angry that she would start pressuring my Dad, promising him that she would stay with him to the end of his life if he did what she said and threatening him that if he didn't she would leave. She made him believe that he would have to leave his house - something he was thinking of doing before any of us mentioned it. When Mr. Cohen refused to change the paperwork to her wishes, she took our Dad to a free legal clinic in Camden, telling him that it would be best if he signed POA to her and kept it a secret until she returned from a three week jaunt to Europe. She was financially motivated as she does not work and wanted our Dad to continue paying her bills (she spends a great deal on food and vacations). She returned from Europe and went by herself to an unethical attorney who wrote a very unethical letter loaded with undue influence. It was quite a mess, but I have to say that Richard Cohen saw that she was pressuring our Dad and he not only met privately with our Dad, but his office was the last place that our Dad was allowed to speak for himself with no promises, threats or undue influence. I'm clicking hired, but our Dad was the client - in my mind, we were there to make sure that he was able to make a good informed decision.

I hired Mr. Cohen to help with my estate plan. I heard about Mr. Cohen through a friend that he had helped. Mr. Cohen was very knowledgeable and professional. He answered any questions that I had and was able to give me advice about my case, which was unusual since I am with someone, but not marr...ied and have family members outside the U.S. He helped me to make decisions that were otherwise very difficult. I would recommend Mr. Cohen to anyone looking for an attorney who is compassionate and honest.