Richard Michael Cohen

I consulted with Richard M. Cohen on the telephone on behalf of my elderly (although mentally competent) father, who my sister was pressuring to leave his home and move in with her, which he did not want to do. I believed she was financially motivated, and though at the time I knew nothing of POAs, ... I wanted Dad's wishes to go on record, with the idea that there might be something a lawyer could do to ensure that they be respected. Based on Cohen assertions that he would help us, I arranged an appointment at his office. We visited his office as a group, including my sister. Cohen had said the first thing he would do would be to ask my sister and I to leave the room so that he could ask Dad what his wishes were privately. He did not do so, instead standing over us like an authority figure while TELLING, NOT ASKING Dad what to do. At 92, Dad was somewhat frail and intimidated by this behavior. In the meeting, I suggested Dad's accountant of over 40 years as a possible alternative as POA (at the time I was planning on leaving the area, so I was not considered) but was ignored. Apparently, Richard Cohen thought he should be the person to choose Dad's POA, and that the person he should have was the very person who was a threat to him. Ultimately, Dad did not sign Cohen's paperwork, which he had prepaid and never recieved a penny back on when he realized he had been misled by the attorney. I decided to remain in the area to care for Dad and to protect his interests. Dad had the Camden County Legal Aid society prepare the papers for me to be his POA, which they will do at no charge for any elderly person, and signed them. After consulting with Mr Cohen and seeing how dishonestly he behaved, I would not recommend him under any circumstances.

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.