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10 Oct, 2024 by Troy bushlow
Unprepared for almost every appearance. Once used his phone to bring up proceeders and statutes. The judge was not impressed, just annoyed. I lost every appearance in family court. Didn’t defend me or my character to the judge. A total waste of my time and money to loose everything to my ex.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Orville riley
19 Mar, 2024 by Robert p.
First of all, don't pay any attention to the very few negative reviews on this law firm. There are just some people out there who are impossible to satisfy no matter what you do....
Dwain and Jack Downing, and their staff, were wonderful. I hired them to handle probating my father's estate and they walked me through the entire process step-by-step. They were very professional, prompt, thorough, and their fees were very reasonably priced. I will be keeping them on speed dial for any of my future legal needs. Thank you so much for everything!!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Troy bushlow
Unprepared for almost every appearance. Once used his phone to bring up proceeders and statutes. The judge was not impressed, just annoyed. I lost every appearance in family court. Didn’t defend me or my character to the judge. A total waste of my time and money to loose everything to my ex.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Orville riley
19 Mar, 2024 by Robert p.
First of all, don't pay any attention to the very few negative reviews on this law firm. There are just some people out there who are impossible to satisfy no matter what you do....
Dwain and Jack Downing, and their staff, were wonderful. I hired them to handle probating my father's estate and they walked me through the entire process step-by-step. They were very professional, prompt, thorough, and their fees were very reasonably priced. I will be keeping them on speed dial for any of my future legal needs. Thank you so much for everything!!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Christian rainey
23 Nov, 2024 by Rocio reber
08 Oct, 2024 by Cherise perry
If I could give ZERO stars I would. The level of incompetence is UNMATCHED.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Clarity medicine
18 Dec, 2024 by Eddie mcclendon
I am a Texas attorney. When I needed help with an issue that impacted me personally, a trusted lawyer friend advised that I contact Warren Norred. After a quick phone call to Warren's office I was scheduled for a consultation via Zoom. At the consultation, Warren appeared on time and was a pleasure to speak with. I was given legal advice tailored to my specific issue. Warren was able to advise me from a position of great experience in the area where I needed help and because of his advice I was able to see my issue in a new light. Thank you, Warren!
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04 Nov, 2024 by Ashley marcum
Wonderful group to work with, they are very helpful and make the process as smooth as possible. They were always quick to respond when I had any kind of questions, and readily available when I needed to speak with them over the phone or in person. Highly recommend!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Laura skaggs
I have had consultations with Brandy on two separate occasions. Both times, she has been great. She is understanding, helpful, and knowledgeable. She is skilled at getting to the meat of the topic.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Virtual admin
It was horrible - three weeks wasted with no progress, only to be told they wouldn't represent my case anymore. Justin Woods was rude, aware of my desire for a seamless and timely resolution and still procrastinated.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Cheryl stevenson
27 Nov, 2024 by Christian rainey
23 Nov, 2024 by Rocio reber
08 Oct, 2024 by Cherise perry
If I could give ZERO stars I would. The level of incompetence is UNMATCHED.
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05 Sep, 2020 by Skip
Mr. Ash was a valuable asset during my ten years cat Creditwatch, Inc. He served in a variety of areas such as merger acquisition and several real estate closings.
In addition , Jim is also a CPA and has given me excellent tax advice . I highly recommend Jim Ash to any business.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Mzi me
She always requested information at the very last minute and we would have to scramble to get it, even if I was at work, etc. I felt like I did most of the work and she just showed up to court.
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15 Feb, 2023 by Mila shabelle
Karen helped my sisters case and protected her kids from an abusive father. Our case was complex and lasted for several years (pandemic didn't help). She's an honest women who truly cares to help. She was patient and there when we needed help, and we were charged a very fair price. I would absolutely recommend her for family law matters, she's a wonderful lady and amazing human being.
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15 Jul, 2022 by Elizabeth f
Excellent/ fair prices
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30 Sep, 2024 by Justin cotten
I am extremely disappointed with my experience at Shelton Mead and Shelton. Their policy of charging $25 just to view my tax return is unreasonable, especially considering I never received a digital copy in the first place. Additionally, the mismanagement of staff is evident, as they have recently let go of long-time accountants who provided valuable service to loyal customers like myself. It’s disheartening to see such a lack of regard for customer relationships and quality service. I would not recommend this firm based on my experience.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Cathy galloway
Started with Dan on park row Arlington. Been threw blood sweat and tears. Like family.
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20 Jul, 2023 by Cathy alexander
My accountant at this firm is David Eversole, and he is the best! He keeps me on track, and as an added bonus, is very good with Excel spreadsheets! He helps me with all of my business expenses and keeps me coloring "in the lines" as per government requirements. I also have sent several of my clients to David. Great job, David!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Golfboy p.
After getting into my car wreck, I called Jim Ross and his main concern was my well-being. Jim and his group made sure that I had everything that I needed to get better from my injuries and at no cost to me including surgeries. The entire process was made as painless as possible all the way until the end. I am very grateful for what Jim and his team did for me, I know that I couldn't have done it all on my own with our same results.. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Jim Ross for a Personal Injury Attorney. He will fight for his clients, like he fought for me!!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Gentle bear
Very good service. The service I received was great, however, the other attorney for my ex wife dragged things on for nearly a year. My lawyer Stacy Alford kept me informed. I would highly recommend Jim Ross but you best have plenty $$$$. 😃
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04 Jul, 2024 by Nancy martinez
30 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
We have a small real estate company and Mr. Miller's law firm does our legal work. Mostly contracts and evictions and an occasional LLC. Not once has he let us down. Great communication and fair pricing. I would highly recommend.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Jonathan
I used James to mediate the sale of my grandfather's house. Everything was going smoothly but 3 days before closing we ran into some major problems. It seemed that when my grandmother passed 12 years ago she did not explicitly leave her portion of the estate to my grandfather. James spent 12 hours on Saturday and Sunday the weekend before we were supposed to close to work everything out, including getting several of my grandmother's children to agree to give their portion of the house they owned by law to my grandfather so he could sell it. He went above and beyond what anyone could expect from a lawyer and a person and he genuinely cared about us as his clients. He was also at the actual closing going over documents from the real estate company before we had to sign them to make sure everything was ship shape. We could not have done the process without James in our corner and he did an amazing job. His price was very reasonable, especially considering all the extra work that he did near the end working well until past midnight on the weekend before we closed.
I would definitely recommend Mr. Miller to any of my friends and family. He has earned our trust and loyalty for many years to come.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Very professional and knowledgeable. Communication was quick. Mr. Miller was "to the point " and did not waste time---therefore keeping billable hours in line. He was able to negotiate and save money for our matter. Highly recommend this attorney and would use him again!
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26 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Do not use her for family law. She did work with me on payments after a $1500 down payment. She appeared in court twice a total of 3 hours and didn't want to talk to me at all after I lost my first motion. Ignored my emails to appeal then responds 6 weeks later after I had been found in contempt asking for more money to move forward. She talked more about her personal life then mine. In my opinion this attorney ripped me off and did not give me fair due process per her legal oath.
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12 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired services of Andrea to defend me over Family Violence case. After six months of wait the case was finally dismissed on the very first court hearing without any probation or deferred adjudication. Andrea and Karen (Legal Assistant) both are very helpful and prompt in their communication. Andrea not only helped me chose the right course of action but also provided me the moral support that you need in the times of stress and when you can't think clearly. I am glad that I hired her services to represent me and would recommend her undoubtedly.
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21 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
I would recommend Ms. Kelly 100%. I used her on a divorce/child custody case. She was very informative and answered all my questions. I'd been too many lawyers in the DFW area and she is the only one i felt fully comfortable with. I am a mother of 2 small children that came along with me to my consultation and not once did she see them as a problem or "in the way" but interacted with them. She is what i call a TRUE family law attorney.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Please be. Careful and take heed Do not give your money to just anybody ! Do your research ! Do not take referrals from people you barely know ! This lady took our money and didn’t think twice about it . She knew they type of charges brought against our son and she looked us right in the eyes and said she was experienced in criminal matters such as our sons . We put our trust in her The persuasive words she used and all ! We were so emotional
At this time and distressed that we rushed as they all make you feel you have to be in a hurry to hire attorneys so that they collect your money . She Haney done one thing in 5 months to help our child and we are out of $5k she will not refund and informed us that she is filing a motion
To withdraw because her and I do not get along !
Wow look who we have to depend on for representation for the justice systems !!!!
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07 Jul, 2021 by Kipling
Mrs. Edwards helped us with a legal problem twice. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field therefore her expertise covers a wide range of legal matters. Thanks to Mrs. Edwards we successfully won two difficult cases against well established companies including a school district. We will remain forever grateful.
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11 Oct, 2010 by Jessica
Caring, understanding, straight to the point. I had lost custody of my son on Jun 24, 2010 to my son's father. My old attorney did not tell us anything. All he wanted was more money. My husband and I met Ms. Edwards when I was a basket case. She was concern about me. She explained all our options. Rather then charging us a large amount of money she took a really small retainer and let us pay her out in 2 payments. She filed an appeal and a request for a new trial. On Sep 1, 2010, I won my son back. This was all due to Ms. Conswella and her hard work for my husband and myself.
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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:
-
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.
