Charles E Coates III, Estate Planning Attorney in Greenwich, Connecticut
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Partner
Greenwich, CT
Practicing estate planning in Greenwich since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Charles E Coates III?
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Quick answer
Charles E Coates III is a partner based in Greenwich, CT. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Charles has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Greenwich, CT
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Estate Tax · General
- Handles Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General matters from Greenwich, CT.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Charles E Coates III: Charles E Coates III is a partner based in Greenwich, CT. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Charles has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Charles takes on
Charles concentrates on estate planning, estate tax, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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General
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Zoning
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Estate Planning cases in Greenwich, Connecticut
Charles takes estate planning matters in Greenwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Greenwich, Connecticut
Charles takes estate tax matters in Greenwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
General cases in Greenwich, Connecticut
Charles takes general matters in Greenwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Greenwich, Connecticut
Charles takes probate matters in Greenwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Greenwich, Connecticut
Charles takes tax matters in Greenwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Charles E Coates III — estate planning lawyer in Greenwich
Charles E Coates III is a partner based in Greenwich, CT. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Charles has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Charles E Coates III is a lawyer practicing estate planning and administration, land use law, estate and gift taxation law and 4 other areas of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Charles practices in Greenwich, CT.
Charles's approach to estate planning cases
Charles E Coates III is a lawyer practicing estate planning and administration, land use law, estate and gift taxation law and 4 other areas of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Charles practices in Greenwich, CT.
Clients Charles works with
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, estate tax, and general matters in Greenwich and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard University
J.D. · 1974
Harvard University
B.A. American · 1970
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
New York
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1974 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. American in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. American in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Charles E Coates III's office in Greenwich
Charles's primary office is at 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT, 06830-6086. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles E Coates III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Greenwich.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles E Coates III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Charles E Coates III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Greenwich, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles E Coates III
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Greenwich?
Charles is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Greenwich, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
Charles handles estate planning matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Connecticut
If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Greenwich handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





