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William J. Benz
also known as Benz Law Firm
About William
Biography
Began practicing with a general practice law firm in 1980 in Philadelphia. A seasoned attorney named David Karabel gave me great advice back then: to write as many wills as I could. For the past 30 years I have followed that advice. Have written over 2,000 wills, and counting.
In 2006 I became a Magisterial District Judge, a position that I continue to hold. My current term of office expires in 2018. Under court rules we are able to practice law woth certain limitations as to practice area.
Over the years I litigated hundreds of cases in civil court, represented dozens of businesses, performed hundreds of real estate and business transactions, represented Nextel, and land developers in zoning and land development matters, represented Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. Represented Kimco Corporation in commercial evictions. So I've had a very extensive experience as an attorney and made the most of my education and abilities.
But I have to admit that the biggest thrill that I get from the practice of law is helping people plan their estates and helping families wind up their loved ones' estates. I love meeting and getting to know new people. I find their stories and their circumstances compelling. I am truly, deeply motivated to help people to improve their circumstances. That is why I went to law school: to use my skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others. I am at your service.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
25%
45 years | 2,000 cases
Probate
25%
12 years | 200 cases
Real Estate
25%
45 years | 1,000 cases
Wills and Living Wills
25%
45 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 175-350 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 45 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of William J. Benz
307 Lakeside Drive, Southampton, PA, 18966-4050
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William J. Benz's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 5, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consultation
When making your appointment, be sure to ask about his policy on free consultations. Mr. Benz seemed very knowledgeable in his field, however, there were certain areas where I realized he would not be a good fit for my specific case. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until after I met with him. ...
Posted by Joseph | September 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Professional
Mr.Benz has been doing a wonderful job helping to settle my mother's estate.Very helpful and the lady Joanne who is his right arm is extremely helpful as I work a long time involving profession and am able to correspond between my hours of work. I would highly recommend Mr.Benz and Joanne to ALL the...
Posted by Marc | April 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommended
I retained Bill to help me as the executor of my mom’s estate through the probate and estate process. Bill and his staff were great throughout the process. Not only did Bill prove to be very knowledgeable in this area, he was also very adept at working through some complicated issues that arose alon...
Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent and thorough attorney
Mr. Benz is an excellent attorney and very thorough. He has done some excellent estate planning, real estate and litigation work for myself and family members.
Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2015
Pay up front.
I called and scheduled an appointment with Mr. Benz for a consultation regarding a Trust estate issue. I drove to his office a week ahead of my appointment and dropped off my documents. When I arrived at my appointment Mr. Benz had not even looked at my documents. His statement" well I am not going t...
William Benz
Replied last April 18, 2016I do not require payment up front. This is a misleading thing to publish on the internet. This person came in for a consultation and did not retain my services and so this person never became a client. The requirement of confidentiality prohibits me from completely addressing this comment. Suffice it to say my version of the facts would vary in such a way as to give rise to questioning the motivation behind this person's dissatisfaction.
William J. Benz's Lawyer Endorsements
"William is an exceptional attorney. I strongly endorse him and would refer him without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"From reading Mr. Benz's comments and answers on Avvo, it is clear that he is a knowledgeable and experienced wills and estate attorney. I endorse him without reservation."
"Attorney Benz has an excellent rating on AVVO and is a credit to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He goes the extra mile for his clients!"
"William Benz is an excellent attorney. He is experienced, knowledgeable and looks out for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"William Benz has been practicing in the area of Wills and Trusts for 30 years. He is an exceptionally good attorney with great "people" skills. What makes his experience unique is that he is also a District Justice, and has a way of accessing legal complexities from both sides of the bench."
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Experience
Honors
2013
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Citation for Community Service, PA House of Representatives
2012
William J. Whelan Service Award, LaSalle College High School Alumni Board
2002
Man of the Year 2002, Feasterville Business Association
Work Experience
1987 - Present
Managing Attorney, Benz Law Firm
1981 - 1987
Attorney, Lipsky and Brandt, P.C.
Associations
2012 - Present
American Inns of CourtMaster
2009 - Present
Miracle League of NorthamptonBoard of Directors
2006 - Present
Bucks County Special Judges AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Special Court Judges Association of PennsylvaniaMember
2006 - Present
Northampton Business and Professional AssociationMember
1986 - Present
LaSalle College High SchoolAlumni Board of Directors
1986 - Present
Feasterville Business AssociationLifetime Member
1980 - Present
Bucks County Bar AssociationMember
1993 - 1999
Northampton Township Board of SupervisorsFormer Chairman
1990 - 1993
Northampton Township Zoning Hearing BoardPast Chairman
Sample of Legal Cases
LeFevre v Harrison Bakery
$370,000 jury verdict for Plaintiff
Motor Vehicle Accident Personal Injury
Settled one day prior to trial: 1,100,000.
Estate Litigation
Settlement
Construction Accident Personal Injury
$450,000.00 combined settlement on eve of trial in Federal Court
Education
1979
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2014
Drafting Effective Wills and Trusts
Advance Healthcare Directives
2014
Bucks County Paralegal Association
Powers of Attorney
2013
Bucks County Bench-Bar Conference
Municipal Law in Magisterial District Court
2013
Bucks County Bar Association, CLE Committee
Handling Cases Before Magisterial District Judge
2013
Bucks County American Inn of Court
Spousal Privilege in Criminal Casese In PA
2012
Bucks County American Inn of Court
Ethics for Attorneys
2005
Legal Ethics Seminar
Ethics for the Solo Practitioner
Publications
2014
Drafting Effective Wills and Trusts (CLE)
Planning Methods to Control Medical Treatment
2013
Bucks County American Inns of Court (CLE)
Spousal Privilege in Pennsylvania
2013
Practicing Municipal Law in the Magisterial District Court (CLE)
Municipal Law in the Magisterial District Court
2013
Bucks County Bar Association Seminar (CLE)
Practice Before the Magisterial District Court
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to get the house in my name
29 Mar 2021
Q&A
I am the executor of my father’s estate and my sister and I are beneficiaries.
04 Mar 2021
Q&A
What is the criteria for common law marriage? We started living together in approximately 1980?
04 Feb 2021