Joel Skapinker, Estate Planning Attorney in the United States
Over 61 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Probate
Practicing estate planning since 1965.
- 61+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joel Skapinker?
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Quick answer
Joel Skapinker is an attorney based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Probate. Joel has over 61 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Toronto, ON
- Experience
- over 61 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Family Law · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning, Family Law, and Probate matters from Toronto, ON.
- Over 61 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Joel Skapinker: Joel Skapinker is an attorney based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Probate. Joel has over 61 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joel takes on
Joel concentrates on estate planning, family law, probate, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Family Law
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Probate
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Wills
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Estate Planning cases nationwide
Joel takes estate planning matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases nationwide
Joel takes family law matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Probate cases nationwide
Joel takes probate matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Wills cases nationwide
Joel takes wills matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joel Skapinker — estate planning lawyer in the U.S.
Joel Skapinker is an attorney based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Probate. Joel has over 61 years of legal experience.
Joel Skapinker is a lawyer practicing family, wills, estates and 1 other area of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of Witwatersrand in 1973, and has been licensed for 61 years. Joel practices in Toronto, ON.
Joel's approach to estate planning cases
Joel Skapinker is a lawyer practicing family, wills, estates and 1 other area of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of Witwatersrand in 1973, and has been licensed for 61 years. Joel practices in Toronto, ON.
Clients Joel works with
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, family law, and probate matters in the United States.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
McGill University
LL.B. McGill · 1979
University of Witwatersrand
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
Ontario
1983 · ACTIVE
South Africa
1965 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at LL.B. McGill in McGill University and B.A. in University of Witwatersrand.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed LL.B. McGill in McGill University and B.A. in University of Witwatersrand. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Joel Skapinker's office in Toronto
Joel's primary office is at 201-40 Scollard St., Toronto, ON, M5R 3S1. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joel Skapinker
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Joel Skapinker — 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 Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel'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; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in your state
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 Joel
Joel 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. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel'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 Joel Skapinker
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in this state 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. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside the area?
Joel evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Joel's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joel?
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. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Joel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.