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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Megan has provided our firm with highly competent and knowledgeable legal counsel and representation for which we are most grateful. She is to be commended for her ability as an attorney and for her maintenance of communication and client relations. It is a pleasure to recommend her both personally and professionally.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Go no further- you’ve found the perfect lawyer! Megan is sharp, strategic, tenacious, detailed, ethical, personable and always accessible. Our family was involved in a complex guardianship case regarding my father. We could not have won the case without her as THE “spearhead”. In alliance with John Barron, Megan gave our dad a new life. He can’t remember when he was this happy. At 89, he is now looking forward to 100! Megan, thank you for the peace of mind.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Megan is a very ethical and solid professional. We were very impressed with her skills and her integrity in regards to our case. From the start, we felt we were in good hands, and the results were very positive and helpful, even though we were clearly the underdog, so to speak. She comes highly recommended!
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23 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Andrea helped us restate our trust and setup an LLC for my husband's business. When my father-in-law passed away, she helped answer questions regarding his estate administration. In our experience, she responded to emails and questions on a timely manner, provided clear instructions and was a pleasure to work with. She is an honest, kind and dedicated attorney.
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27 Apr, 2020 by Al and jean
As we stated in our May 2020 BATSON BULLETIN e-newsletter, it was time for our estate documents to be updated due to family changes and to be certain they were current with Arizona law. We are Realtors who specialize in Seniors (SRES designation/Seniors Real Estate Specialists) so finding Andrea Claus will help many people whose paths we cross.. Andrea came highly recommended; then we were privileged to hear her speak at Pioneer Title/Desert Ridge. She certainly has a handle on how important real estate is to your estate planning. She was delightful to work with in preparing our new documents and came up with so many excellent recommendations. We’re so pleased with Andrea and her staff (especially Jackie Chaney). The process was thorough and efficient and accomplished via telephone/email right up to the date we signed (masked, gloved with our own pens) in the parking lot outside of her office during COVID19. Flawless! We feel so relieved to know our Trust & other documents are in order and she’ll be there when the time comes…hopefully many years from now. Thank you Al and Jean Batson
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23 Jan, 2018 by Rj
Andrea is thoughtful and caring. She took the time to understand our situation and welcomed us as a friend. She answered all of our questions and ensured that weI understood every part of the plans that she created. Her knowledge about the various facets of our plan was impressive. We highly recommend Andrea
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26 Jun, 2015 by Eve
Mr Black has done many cases for myself, my mom and the rest of my family. I would highly recommend him to everyone. He has even came to my house on the weekend to get things done. He is very efficient. He likes to get things done and does them right. Is a matter of fact I am fixing to contact him again about another case. Thanks again Bill for everything that you have donr.
EVE G.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Bill r.
Mr. Black has provided a variety of legal services to my family and me over the last several years. I initially contacted him for advice relating to certain of my business matters, but more sought his services regarding a personal injury accident in which my daughter was involved. She was struck by a negligent driver while she was riding her bike on a city sidewalk. She sustained multiple serious injuries and required extensive hospital treatment and medical follow-up. Her claim against the other driver’s insurance company was resolved much to our satisfaction. Mr. Black has continued to help me with other legal matters and when my inquiries are not in areas in which he regularly practices, he has been very helpful in helping me to connect with other top professionals.
Bill R
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04 Dec, 2012 by Jesus
This is my families injury lawyer. Mr. Black has been handling my case for two years, which is on going. I was rear ended and sustained two herniated disc in my neck. I have MS and this has made my life a hellish nightmare. Having this pain all the time on top of my MS is life ending.
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08 May, 2018 by Mike
In my experience, it has been very tedious and daunting to begin a conversation with an attorney, especially one at a law firm with other partners, etc. That is, usually law firms won't lend an ear, it seems, unless you pay $100-300 initial consulting fee, which is basically a $15 overview of your case and whether they think it's worthwhile$$$.
However, not only was I surprised to see Attorney Rhatz offer a no-cost consultation, but he also kept it "real." He advised me with information that even seemed to work against his assumed interest in profit (i.e., he didn't try to exploit me for money), such as by providing me with self-help research suggestions, and even helped me put together an outline for my case.
He didn't want me to lose more money winning with him (he didn't want me to spend so much money to retain him, that even if winning the case, I'd still be at a net negative dollar-loss).
He gave me his undivided attention, asked questions that showed he actually paid attention, and was very resourceful with directing me towards credible sources of jurisprudence.
What's more, is that he didn't throw me out after 15 minutes, but rather stayed with me until he felt I was sufficiently informed with the material and answers to questions to send me along my way.
This man even read through all my notes and connected with me as a person.
I also appreciated his aggressive, but civil, nature towards vanquishing the countering party. He is strategic, he is prepared to preempt the countering party's legal arguments by first calling them out himself, and sparks reassurance that he is sedulously and astutely on the case.
Obviously, I would recommend attorney R Andrew Rahtz for the aforementioned reasons, despite only meeting with him one time on an preliminary consultation.
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31 Aug, 2017 by Lynn
Wow, i needed some very important question answered about quick clam deed and liability questions and he was right on top of it, great help and a very very very nice guy . Would use him every time, he's the best out there..thanks Lynn in Tonopah
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05 Apr, 2015 by Diane
We started working with Andrew Rahtz 3 years ago as we had enlisted the help of Platt and Westby for a property issue we were having. We noticed from the beginning his willingness to listen, his attention to detail and his professional manner, which was very reassuring to us as this was our first encounter seeking legal assistance. During the many twists and turns of our case, Andrew was always prepared and represented us in a manner that we were proud of: intellectually informed and calm. He answered our many emails and phone calls in a timely manner, which was impressive knowing his other responsibilities were equally demanding of his time. This is an outstanding man that will do his best to seek a good result for your legal problems. We can recommend him to you with total confidence.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Diane
My father passed away in June 2016 and I was appointed the executor of his estate. I live in Minnesota - and my father owned a condo in Arizona. I needed to find a good lawfirm in Arizona that would work with me over the phone & via email. Brent Gunderson and his team were outstanding.
I worked very closely with Selena in their office and Selena's Customer Service was top notch. She was consistently helpful. When I called to ask her questions for the third time, she was positive and extremely informative (taking the time to walk me through exactly what I needed to do). I was extremely impressed by support I received from everyone in this law firm. They completed paperwork ahead of schedule and were very helpful to me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Mary jo
Brent Gunderson was very thorough while handling our estate planning. He was very knowledgeable, patient, and answered any questions that we had. We feel very confident that our estate is set up just the way it needs to be! Although this is a topic that is not easy to discuss let alone take action on, we are thankful ours is done!
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10 Aug, 2016 by Nancy
I highly recommend Gunderson Law Group, P.C.
Brent Gunderson assisted me through the entire process of managing and handling my mother's Trust/Estate.
He and his amazing staff responded to all of my telephone calls, e-mails, and questions in a timely, knowledgable and professional manner. I received solid legal advice and guidance throughout. They are the very best!
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29 Mar, 2013 by Don
I have used attorneys in the past to help with my wills and trusts (estate planning). Never has an attorney taken the time to thoroughly understand my intentions and goals that Matthew Bowles took! I thought I had a good grasp of my will and living trust and the changes needed to update it. I was surprised how much knowledge I lacked and all of the things Matthew Bowles explained that needed addressing. I am very thankful to have such a thorough, in depth and updated will and trust that more than meets my needs and expectations!
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28 Mar, 2013 by Michael
Matthew conveniently came to our home. He is very knowledgeable, thorough and affordable. Due to our family situation, we had to make some difficult decisions. Throughout the whole process, Matthew was patient and willing to give advice. We received our estate plan both in a nice organized binder and as a digital copy. I would recommend anyone who does not yet have a will or a trust to speak with Matthew right away.
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28 Mar, 2013 by Mary
Matthew drafted my estate documents and made the process easy. He clearly explained the different options available to me and the pros/cons of each. He returned correspondence promptly. He was flexible with the location, even coming to my home to complete part of the process. He did excellent work at a fixed fee, with no surprises to the pocketbook. I would recommend him to anyone needing estate planning.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Heather
C.J. was very good at compiling all the docs we needed and explained the process. Very grateful that we now have this in place. We would recommend him to family and friends for sure.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Nate
CJ took care of some estate planning that I had long put off. Not only was the job done quickly, but the price was fair and below my expectations. The trust he created included items I had never considered. He also provided valuable advice and follow up for the implementation of the trust...i never felt lost or like I didn't know what to do.
I sleep better with this work done, and can't recommend CJ strong enough.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Robert
CJ walked us through all of the legalize of what our trust entails - in addition to spending the time with us he also gave us the documents and instructions that we need to move forward with moving our assets into the trust.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Robert kolander
After the birth of our son, we had Libby establish our family trust. She made it very easy, was extremely patient, and answered all of our questions along the way. I would highly recommend Libby for any of your estate/will/probate or other related legal needs.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Robert
Libby handled all the questions and concerns we had about setting up our trust, and presented us with our trust in a professional, bound book complete with digital versions to store in safe places.
A professional experience throughout the entire process - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Libby.
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08 Apr, 2014 by Howard
As an attorney practicing in a different area of law, it is nice to find an attorney that is as compassionate, experienced, knowledgable about probate, wills, and estates. Many people hope for the best when planning their wills. Libby will walk them through the process and make them comfortable thinking about the things that must be done so the family won't be fighting after the fact.
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26 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
After I had discussed my case with several attorneys who each advised that they had little confidence that I would prevail litigating the estate issues that I faced, I hired Gary to represent me. He is a consummate professional. While others viewed it an impossible situation, Gary systematically looked at every possible contingency and developed alternative plans supported by his keen understanding of the law. I can't imagine going through a horrible situation without such a competent attorney. Gary is a great advocate; honest, exacting, knowledgeable, and intellectually gifted. A fantastic lawyer!
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16 Mar, 2016 by Teri
Gary made a very difficult situation much easier. Gary had the knowledge and expertise to help me understand what was happening at every step. He kept me well informed and was always very responsive to all my questions. I will always be thankful for his support during such a difficult and emotional time.
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26 Feb, 2016 by Teresa
Gary is an amazing attorney. He was actually referred to my family from a different attorney who does the same work. When the other attorney heard what we were trying to accomplish, he said we needed to call Gary because he is the best and he is absolutely correct! We were able to quickly get a guardian/conservator in place and he certainly turned a very difficult, stressful situation into a manageable one. He got things done with lightening speed as I'm sure this could been a long drawn out expensive case. It says a lot when another attorney will turn down business to refer you to best. You will not go wrong hiring Gary to represent you and we certainly appreciate and thank him for everything he has done.
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02 May, 2017 by Ray
Dear Sirs: I would like you to know how pleased I was with the legal service supplied to my wife and I during the recent sale of our veterinary business and real estate. Margaret Tritch Buonocore displayed a knowledge of business dealings which was remarkable to say the least. She was always prompt in her replies and explained things clearly. I cannot recommend her highly enough to you.
-Dr. Ray
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20 Feb, 2017 by Pam and sahler
Margaret approached our family trust (documents) planning understanding we knew little about what we asked for. She was clearly professional and competent, and equally empathetic when talking about executing the trust. Margaret's thoroughness and sensitivity extended to reviewing documents and details with our sons so they'd understand the trust intentions, their roles and be able to clarify questions they had.
Margaret provided the trust plans we initially sought; and a comfort headed forward we hadn't expected, and very much appreciate.
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18 Feb, 2017 by Deborah
Margaret has assisted us in a complicated legal matter related to our late father's estate. Margaret has been knowledgeable, responsive and most helpful and I would not hesitate to highly recommend her.
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09 Oct, 2019 by Ryan
Lorenz and Kari were a pleasure to work with. He worked with me on everything in meeting my court room needs even though they were not his normal type of practice. His rates were affordable and he made it convenient to represent my case from the other side of the country (I live in Florida). Their small family operated practice was professional, responsive and easy to talk to. With that being said I hope to never need his services again. ;)
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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This guy is awesome. He came to my house even though I didn't get off work until 6PM. He explained everything to me until I understood what was going on with my case. He didn't talk down to me and didn't make me feel dumb for not understanding. He's young but he's extremely smart. Very detail oriented and he doesn't let anything get passed him.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Joseph
I contacted Lorenz for some business law help. Specifically, I had some questions about a contract and NDA that were being drawn up, and I wanted some answers from a local attorney. It was important for me to understand the language of the contract, and there were a few things that weren't quite making sense. Lorenz provided quick responses, and a no-nonsense translation and explanation of the legal language that I was stuck on, as well as great advice on how to move forward. Not only would I contact Lorenz again for legal help, I would also recommend him to anyone in Show Low, Lakeside, or the surrounding areas. He's a local legal expert who's easy to work with.
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22 Oct, 2014 by Erik
I have worked with Hans for over a year. At all times, Hans remained level-headed among the most trying of situations. He kept focused on what mattered and avoided distractions. We have had enjoyed positive results, and I attribute the outcome to Hans command of the law and willingness to explore and pursue all options instead of just the obvious ones. I am satisfied with my choice as it made a difference and turned my situation around from when I was previously represented by another attorney.
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19 Aug, 2009 by Mike
Did a great job for us on my father's estate. Laid everything out.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Michele
Bryan and Abby are an incredible team! They have and continue to go above and beyond for their clients, myself included! Being in a court room with Bryan by my side always reassures me that I have the best man standing in my corner fighting for me! He always makes sure to take the time to truly explain to me the court process ahead of time and goes over the details in terms anyone not with a law degree can understand. Canavan Law do their job with passion and care! Thank you for all that you have and will continue to do for my family!
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05 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
THOUGH NEW IN TUCSON BRYAN HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB FIGHTING THE DEPLORABLE AND FAMOUSLY ILLICIT DANETTE PAHL AND MY BROTHERS X WHO STOLE EVERY DIME HE HAD AND GOT AWAY WITH IT
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06 Jun, 2015 by Patricio
Kelly is an awesome attorney at law. She puts her clients first and puts all her faith hard work and dedication into her expertise. She is amazing and won't let her clients down. Kelly is trust worthy and knows her business real well. So who ever needs representation, Kelly is the one to hire to fight the good fight and gets the job done. Thank you for all you done for me and my family. Kelly you are truly a blessing.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Stephanie
She worked fast with limited time. She did her best for me and honestly im glad she decided to take my case. Some times an aggressive approach doesnt work. She was very factual without being overly aggressive and i would recommend her.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jason
I needed help with questions for an Arizona probate. Jason responded quickly and was thorough in his explanation. Incredibly helpful and easy to talk to.
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12 Jan, 2021 by Don
Jason did an outstanding job preparing our trust and estate planning documents. We were very happy with the service.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Brian
Craig is a very competent and compassionate attorney. His understanding of the law, combined with his kind and considerate manner, made our recent experience not only productive but enjoyable.
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16 Mar, 2015 by David
For the last two years I have been taking care of a Aunt with dementia. Before she got sick she executed a complete trust package, will, trust, Medical POAs etc. It was a huge help in taking care of her.
My wife and I had always put off getting our "Stuff" in order till I met Craig. He walked us through the whole process and now we are prepared like my Aunt was. Craig answered all of our questions, took his time to make sure both my wife and myself felt very comfortable with our decisions etc. The staff was friendly and professional yet brought some humor into a what could of been a tedious process. I would highly recommend Craig and will use him for all my legal needs.
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30 Sep, 2014 by M&m
Ms. Picarello was a joy to work with during a not so joyous time. She had the answers and the tactics that led us to a suitable resolution to a long and painful situation.
Thank you for everything Kari
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18 May, 2014 by Ryan
Ms Picarello was very professional.
She was very attentive to our needs and added a personal touch.
Often when you need to involve a lawyer, this is an unpleasant event, but Ms Picarello made as easy as possible. She was present at events she didn't have to be at and wasn't always running a tab.
My wife and I appreciated the work she put into our case and were even more pleased that we prevailed. I recommend Ms Picarello for any legal matters you may have.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Eric
Kent was amazing. He excelled in communication, and he was very understanding and listened to or unique situation. He explained everything in detail and was an amazing advocate for what we wanted to do. I would highly recommend him and his services.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Kent and his staff were friendly and very professional. From the first meeting we had a high degree of confidence in their expertise and knee we had landed in the right place. I wouldn't hesitate at all to recommend Phelps Estate Planning to close friends and family members or to complete strangers!
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04 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I was in 2 car accidents within 2 weeks neither I which were my fault
I sustained both personal injury and property damage
Dealing with three insurance companies hospitals and s rental car agency were beyond my capabilities
In addition to guiding me what to do and not to do , Mr Abdo took over dealing with all the various agents and systematically managed all the other
Complexities in my best interests
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23 Feb, 2017 by Iris
I hired Nicholas to review a contract I had with a group home. I believed the quality of care my family member received was extremely poor, and went against what was stated in my contract. Nicholas got me out of my contract, I was issued a refund, and was able to move my family member.
I was so pleased with Nicholas's help that I have since hired him to assist me with a personal injury case. This case is ongoing and Nicholas keeps me informed on a regular basis.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Diana
Jimmy D. Rohde is the best attorney I have ever worked with and I was so fortunate to find him.
I was overwhelmed trying to settle my mother’s estate she died unexpectedly, witout a will. I don't live in Arizona, so I had to find an attorney who could help me “long distance”. After making numerous phone calls, I found that most attorneys either didn’t want to tackle my particular situation, or they wanted money up front before they would talk to me, I found Jimmy Rohde.
My first “meeting” with Jimmy was by phone. I had so many questions to ask i.e. where to start, what can I do and not do etc? He immediately seemed to grasp my situation, and explained things clearly and thoroughly. I never felt rushed, nor did he limit the number of questions I asked.
After the 1st phone call, I knew Jimmy was the person I wanted to consult. When I flew back to Phx. to meet with him, Jimmy took the time to understand the "difficult dynamic" that is my family. He was 100% professional, but exuded a warmth and friendliness, that made me feel totally relaxed during that meeting. He displayed an exceptional level of expertise and provided me with clear explanations. He encouraged me to ask questions, no matter how insignificant or simple I thought they were. Since I'm out of state, I wasn’t sure what papers of my mother’s I needed to keep vs. what to get rid of, so at that 1st meeting I brought a box "filled with folders". Jimmy didn’t say a word, he just looked over the “mounds” of paperwork (most of which he probably didn’t need to see), and gave me sound advice. He asked detailed questions, and then gave me several options on how to proceed. He explained everything in terms I easily understood. I left feeling well informed and having a clearer direction of how best to proceed.
It was clear from the onset that Jimmy was very knowledgeable and truly wanted the best for me. After the estate was "settled", family (from another country) entered into the scene. I was ruffled and emotional. Again, Jimmy was a Godsend. He was calm and empathetic while remaining professional. Jimmy's legal experience, along with his warmth and kindness, gave me hope at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a good resolution seemed next to impossible. He went above and beyond his obligation, and I couldn’t have asked for better advice or services.
I know this is a long review, but it comes from the heart. I would recommend Mr. Jimmy D. Rohde to anyone needing a lawyer for probate and/or trust law without reservation.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Stacy
My case was a contentious guardianship/conservatorship dispute, where some members of the family were trying to block my mother with Alzheimer's from getting memory care. It was a heartbreaking, traumatic, and long-drawn out process. Jimmy literally saved the day, by doing everything legally possible to ensure that my Mom got the care she needed. Throughout it all, he was kind, thoughtful, and committed to seeing the right thing happen for my mother. He is excellent at this work. Very strongly recommended!
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23 Jan, 2021 by Dane
Excellent service and highly experienced. I would recommend Nancy to anyone, and definitely use her again if needed.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Nancy was a life saver when our lives got turned upside down in a ugly real estate battle with a mentally unstable, unethical, crazy woman and her family. I don’t know what we would’ve done if we didn’t have Nancy! We are so grateful to have had her on our side while we went through this terrible situation.
It starts with my husband and I driving through our neighborhood in seeing the most adorable house with a “FOR SALE” sign in the front yard. We love it. We make an offer on it. They except it. We put our current house up for rent, we find a tenant she signs a lease agreement, she’s packing her bags getting ready to move in. We are about 2 1/2 weeks into the escrow process, we receive message from the sellers real estate agent that our seller has decided she doesn’t want to sell her house anymore. Yes, we know that real estate contract is a legally binding contract. Seems like she has to go through with it… Thing is, she simply will not cooperate now. Her mother gets involved calls our loan officer threatens him. The home appraiser needs access into the house, they won’t allow him access. They won’t reschedule. And they won’t give a reason for backing out. And we wanted to be agreeable, we’re reasonable people, but now we have nowhere to live we have already put our other house up for rent the only option for us was to hire an attorney. We end up hiring Nancy, and even though these people are crazy and unreasonable and become nasty she works it out! and we get our “dream house” after all.
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24 Apr, 2012 by Janice
Lauren Garner protected me against assaults on a family trust by exploitative relatives and unscrupulous attorneys. She fought admirably and ethically for six years. It was long and arduous because the opposing, unscrupulous attorneys (one of whom has been reported to the bar multiple times) tied things up in the court with numerous expensive tricks, threats, and maneuverings-- all of which ultimately failed. She always maintained the highest standard of ethics and fought with intelligence. Eventually she was able to negotiate a settlement that was as fair to me as possible given the fraud perpetrated by the other side and bring an end to a battle that had been abusive of me and the memory of my father who had established the trust. Had she not been there for me, nothing would have been left of a trust established by my own father. She is sympathetic, well organized, knowledgeable. I can not speak too highly of her.
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26 May, 2010 by Pam
I can't say enough good things about Lauren Garner as an expert in probate law. My family came to her at a very emotional time to evaluate a very dramatic situation and the advice and counsel she provided in an initial consult brought both legal and emotional clarity and understanding of our situation. This helped us to resolve the issues and move on. I recommend her sound advice and counsel to anyone. I was very impressed with her integrity and her groundedness in dealing with very difficult emotional terrain concerning two deaths.
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30 Dec, 2018 by Matthew
Paul is very knowledgeable and answered every question I needed. Would recommend to everyone who needs a Lawyer.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Marvin h.
When I needed to put an estate plan together, Paul was there for me. He spent all the time I needed answering questions about what I needed to do to put a will together. He is very knowledgeable in his field and extremely patient. I would not hesitate to recommend Paul to anyone who needs estate planning.
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28 Nov, 2017 by Shawn
John represented my family during an unexpected loss. When a third party started making false claims John was able to provide honest, legal and ethical solutions. John proved that he cares about his clients and will do whatever he can to assist. John has shown that he is above reproach and treats his clients as family.
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09 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Handled a several million dollor estate that was left to charities and a $100,000 that was not , equally , with great care and concern. Trust him implisidly.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Catherine assisted me in my Will and Estate planning. I need a revision of the Will, however she has since retired. I consider this a loss as her work was of great help to me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
What a blessing meeting Catherine Leas at a time when I just did not know where to turn. She put my mind at ease when I needed it most. I plan on seeking her advice in the very near future and recommending her to anyone looking for an attorney.
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11 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I met with Rachel to discuss "doing something". I kept hearing that I need a trust. I wasn't sure what that was, or what I should be doing. I met with Rachel and it was great. She is young, extremely sharp and easy to talk to. After going though my financial information and determining what I wanted to do with my "estate" (or lack thereof) Rachel gave me two options. We created a chart, so I could see the pros/cons of each option. I was pleasantly surprised when she encouraged me to take advantage of the lesser-priced option. She wasn't high pressured or salesy. She encouraged me to go home and think about everything discussed before making a decision. I went home and thought... and I emailed her some questions over the weekend. She responded to my emails over the weekend and even offered a follow up phone call. She doesn't bill for every little thing. Not for the emails, not for the phone call. I just paid one fee for everything. When I made my decision, she had everything prepared in a week and reviewed everything with me before I signed my documents. Rachel was fantastic!
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Rachel is a kind, compassionate estate planning and probate attorney. I had a number of questions and she expertly answered each one. She was not high pressured and made me feel very welcome. She made the uncomfortable topic of estate planning comfortable and she helped me realize that by doing this, I am helping my family out in a huge way. I also asked for referrals to other professionals and she had a list of people who she felt confident and personally knew. Thanks!
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13 Apr, 2016 by Carol
I worked with Ryan to create my Living Will and Trust. He truly helped me make sound legal decisions that will help me and my family now and in the future. I highly recommend Ryan! Great Lawyer!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Erica bodie
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Ryan through Dana Law Group. I interviewed 3 local attorneys prior to hiring Dana Law. I was impressed by the amount of time and the thorough explanation of services prior to hire. We opted to create a revocable trust and LLC for our rental properties; we were very happy with the process and professionalism. Ryan was very responsive to e-mails and was prompt to follow-up with documents and our questions. We would definitely recommend Ryan and Dana Law Group for estate planning.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Bill
Listens well, has a nice attractive trust/will/etc package, seems to be very thorough & comprehensive. I highly recommend. I've seen these "spiels" before, but this one was impressive enough to make me a customer... a very happy customer!
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17 Mar, 2020 by Joseph
Jake Carlson and his team at Lifeplan Legal are exceptional. They were able to take us from the initial consult all the way through the hiring process and completed an estate plan that my wife and I are extremely happy with. Jake is a true professional. He was always available to answer and review questions, simplify many legal terms and procedures and help us understand the differences between various powers of attorney. My wife and I were very impressed with his depth of knowledge and his genuine care and concern for his clients. The concept of create an estate plan based on values is also another clever and meaningful approach that really resonated with us. Jake and his team at LifePlan Legal aside from being highly professional and approachable, are also friendly and thorough. We believe that we acquired a wonderful value and give Jake and his team the highest recommendation to anyone looking for a meaningful approach to estate planning. We have great peace of mind knowing that we have secured our assists and our future through using Jake and his team. Thank you again!
Still Very Satisfied,
Joseph and Jordan Lawless
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05 Mar, 2024 by Annette hasten
Awesome folks. So very helpful and very concerned for their customers. I will continue to use them until the day one of us is dead.
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01 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Jacque Mingle beautifully carried through on multiple aspects of her training, as exemplified through her professional expertises: She was instrumental in overseeing the Guardianship Case on behalf of my ill, age-advanced mother (Alzheimer's), where concepts of elder law were at play, forefront and center. Because a contested, complicated Trust was involved, Jacque Mingle's Estate Planning background became invaluable. I would bet that Jacque Mingle has pretty much seen it all. (And she's so humble that, for the longest time, I thought that her specialty only allowed for her to handle Guardianship cases.) Later in the process, when I was erroneously, anonymously accused of elder abuse, much of it related to family dynamics and greed, Jacque Mingle stepped forward with patience and support, quietly leading the way to better days to come. Though Jacque Mingle changed law offices during this lengthy journey, she never missed a beat and kept her eyes on the tasks at hand. Not once did I feel that her personal/professional life had been disrupted during her move toward becoming a Partner, or while changing office locations, coincidentally during the time of Coronavirus... I cannot thank Jacque Mingle enough for always staying on target, while sometimes having to tirelessly engage in job requirements (evenings, laboring from home), particularly when there were time crunches. Jacque Mingle reached out with a kind heart, and was empathetic. She's humble and brilliant, so does not focus on her own star having to shine. I could count on Jacque Mingle's guidance, coupled with her integrity and strong work ethic--she helped me to move this case from a basic nightmare (after my mother fearfully bit a policeman on a hot summer day) to a workable solution, all tailored to my Mom's best interests. Since we live overseas, and have advocated for my mother's long-term best care and considerations, I could never thank Jacque Mingle enough for following through on everything, and then some, which we had discussed during our first consultation together. It's amazing how this all played out: I had contacted my mother's Scottsdale attorney for a referral, after which I ended up seeking counsel in Tucson from a complete stranger, who ended up becoming my new best friend, if even for a relatively short while (roughly 18 months). Should we ever need any further assistance down the road, Jacque Mingle would still be my first choice for legal needs. Jacque Mingle has allowed us to move forward from some very dark days, and she helped us to focus on the rays of sunshine at the end of a cold, narrow tunnel. I will be forever grateful to Jacque Mingle for doing everything right to have thus earned my respect. Jacque Mingle is a great asset to any appropriate legal situation, especially when personal strength, perseverance, and a warm smile are desperately needed in a timely manner. She's a good investment of one's time, energy, funds. Having survived numerous disappointments during the past couple of years, I can honestly say that Jacque Mingle is a positive constant in Tucson, Arizona, who still remains. Thank you, Jacque, for being able to balance your professionalism with your humanity.
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26 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Chip is very knowledgeable, compassionate and caring. He takes the time to listen and applies his expertise to help his clients in the best way possible. I would highly recommend.
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05 Oct, 2018 by Sheldon
Chip was kind, thorough, efficient and knowledgeable in restating our family trust, originally prepared in California in 1987. Our estate is relatively modest, but he helped us ensure that our daughter and special needs son are looked after in a fair and equitable way.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
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What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
