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02 Oct, 2024 by Ciara singleton
I am extremely pleased with the services that the Tom Nagel firm has offered me. Tom consistently communicated with me throughout the course of this case. (Post Covid, it was drawn out for much longer than it should have). I’m appreciative of the favourable outcome. Thank you, Tom.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Google user
Great!!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Bella alcantar
Mejor firma de Georgia!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Lindsey baisden
I highly recommend giving James and his team a call if you are ever in need of support and representation. They represented my son and I in a car accident and ensured we were taken care of throughout the entire process. Katie, the paralegal and expert assistant to James kept tabs on all of our next steps, kept me informed and had a big hand in maximizing our compensation. Even if you are unsure if you need support/representation, give them a call for a consultation. It never hurts to get professional advice, especially by friendly, knowledgeable and experienced lawyers like this team! Also, their office is centrally located by the Perimeter area - lovely office! Bradford was also a super helpful lawyer who personally worked on my case and he explained paperwork, documents, etc. in a way I could understand. Thank you Ponton law!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Al burnett
I was very pleased with the service I received from James .T. Ponton law. Bradford Patterson was my personal attorney and went above and beyond to make sure I had a great settlement. I strongly recommend there services to anyone in need of help. Thanks a million Ponton Law.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Ben shapiro
Had a great and quick experience with Bradford and team!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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07 Aug, 2023 by Tiffany
JMG Law Firm is amazing. Thank you so much for your continued service, support and wonderful work ethic. Attorney Graham is kind, consistent and timely. Teairia Gibbs is the best senior paralegal. She answers all my questions, stays in the loop on every case. She gets results quickly and swiftly. I will be forever thankful to you both. Thank you for being diligent in all your efforts. I will continue to refer others to your firm.
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13 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
There’s one thing about having a good attorney , but a great attorney with an amazing team is hard to find ! Jessica and Zenia were really a power team . They were knowledgeable, always kept me updated and Zenia spoke Spanish ! Communication never lacked and I will definitely be using them again if needed as well as recommending them. Thank you ladies !
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12 Mar, 2022 by Eric
Jessica did a well done job on helping me get my 5 sons back and getting physical full sole custody. Very professional and very dependable.
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30 Jun, 2023 by Mary o.
Atty. Kearse was unable to help me, but took the time to refer me to another well qualified lawyer. Thank you , Atty. Kearse, you are the best!
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25 Oct, 2022 by Rick
This was the second time using Bernard law firm and the second time I experienced excellent services. Attorney Mary Lou Morris was very focused on customer services, explained the process clearly, and provided timely feedback and thoughful consultation. I would recommend Kearse to anyone looking for a Will or estate planning services.
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14 Oct, 2022 by Artis and michael
This was my 2nd time using Mr. Kearse's firm to prepare wills, power of attorney and medical directives for me and my husband. And just like the first time, we were very satisfied with the level of customer service. We worked with Mary Lou Morris who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Mary Lou asked all the right questions and helped us immensely.
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18 Dec, 2009 by Julie
Mr. Van Cise listens well and is responsive to the needs presented by way of suggestion and solution. His suggestions were reasonable and with the comfort of the client in mind; but were also problem solving oriented. I would recommend him.
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25 Sep, 2009 by Beverly
We were referred to Michael and were extremely satisfied with his services and knowledge in rewriting our wills and taking into consideration future issues that need to be considered so the wills can easily be amended if need be.
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20 Sep, 2009 by Ryan
I highly recommend Michael for the generation of Wills and POAs. He was very thorough, knowledgeable and helpful. I look forward to working with him in the future with the maintenance of these documents and other estate planning needs.
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04 Mar, 2017 by Stephen
We have been working with Everett Morris for a few months now. He is an exemplary attorney, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate about our affairs. We recommend him to all of our colleagues.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Caroline
The best attorney I've been privileged to have manage and help me in Mama's Estate and taxes. Everett calls back and answer questions in terms easy to understand this complex estate process. Everett is extremely professional yet kind; am not sure how I could have survived the nonstop obstacles without Everett's help. I highly recommend Mr. Everett Morris for estate, financial planning and tax preparation. He is a certified financial planner and IRS tax preparer. I trust Everett, an attorney who has his clients best interest. Best attorney ever!
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11 Nov, 2016 by Ohnow
Everett helped me understand and avoid possible tax consequences to an insurance settlement I was going to receive. Everett is extremely knowledgeable but has no problems communicating when he needs to research something. He is professional but communicates legalese in layman's terms. He is very customer focused and communicates when he says he will which is very timely. I will hire Everett to complete my taxes this year and probably create various wills and power of attorney for family members. I highly recommend him!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Ajahna wilson
Ann is extremely friendly, professional and knowledgeable. She gave excellent advice and was straight to the point. Highly recommend.
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02 Dec, 2021 by Sally
I can not thank Ann enough for all her hard work and patience! The only regret I have is not hiring Ann from the start!
She really has been such a delight and a relief for me, more than you could know. Ann went beyond her professionalism and experience, she honestly cared and wanted to help me get out of this huge mess. Ann went beyond just practicing Law to applying her heart in your work.This is why I will forever recommend her!
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02 Mar, 2018 by Charlotte
Ann did an amazing job making the will process simple and straightforward. Her turn around time was quick which is unheard of these days! No one wants to think about dying, but Ann makes the process painless.
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27 Aug, 2019 by Brandon
I consulted with Esquire Libby this August about preventing a conservator from blocking the sale of our family home of over 50 years. His depth of knowledge and experience is deep. I found him to be quite amiable as well.
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15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Attorney Libby worked on a case for me, and I found him to be very competent ,and highly effective legal professional.Mr Libby is a legal genius.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Suzanne
I highly recommend Kasey Libby with Libby Law Firm. Mr. Libby has a thorough knowledge of the law and is excellent in explaining all options, possible outcomes and consequences available in terms that are readily understandable. He is very personable but can also be very firm when needed in getting action. Mr. Libby was an adamant representative for my rights and stood up to aggressive tactics from opposing counsel. I was extremely with my representation by Mr. Libby.
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20 Sep, 2015 by Susan
Paul was recommended to me when I took my sorority sister to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist for hallucinations. She lived two hours away, had no family and had never been to any doctors, so there was no one to catch the problem early . I looked at the Doctor and said, "ok what do I do now?". He handed me Paul's card and said that he thought I should call him.
Well, this was a Godsend. After talking with Paul, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I now have full responsibility for her and he has been with me the whole way from getting her diagnosed with dementia, to helping with all of the legal paperwork and consolidating the finances (after having to find all of them first!) and getting her moved in to an assisted living home where she is getting topnotch care. If you need a responsive and caring lawyer, hire Paul!!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Stacey
Paul does an excellent job of making a connection with his clients. He becomes invested in meeting the needs of his clients. He is helpful, friendly and has lots of knowledge about trusts, wills, etc. It is easy to get in touch with Paul and he makes a point of staying in touch with you. He is willing to meet at your convenience. I really like that he is still willing to answer questions almost a year after he completed my trusts. Great experience all the way around.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Alice jane
It is difficult to ascertain what attorney if any to trust Mr. Black has come highly recommended by several people. Mr. Black took an extraordinary amount of time and preparation with my husband and myself to prepare our Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Advance Directive. I compared prices for the same services and feel that I was given a very fair fee for the work that was done for us. I would highly recommend Paul Black.
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11 Feb, 2019 by Charlotte
I've been working with Kathleen over the past several months to redo my will. I learned so much from her during our first hour long consultation.
Kathleen drilled down into the details of exactly what I was trying to account for financially for my heirs. I had some "out of the box" things I wanted to do with my will and she listened and advised. Never realized that the last lawyer that did my will didn't even ask me to designate who would manage my grandchildren's trusts. Secondly, I had never considered that leaving my 401k and pension plan to the estate would be taxed vs. leaving directly to my kids would allow them the option to rollover the money for their retirements.
The devil is in the details when it comes to a will and Kathleen will cover ever detail with you.
I highly recommend Kathleen.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Linda r.
We hired Ms. Womack to draw up our living wills, power of attorney's, and our directive for health care. The process could not have been made easier and she asked very pertinent questions to make sure everything was included. It was refreshing that not only was she very knowledgeable, she was also personable. I'd go to her again and would recommend her to any of our family and friends.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Nivia
ms Womack really saved me by helping me from start to fininsh with my separation from my partner. I could never thank her enough. I recommend anyone with a legal problem to call her.
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24 Feb, 2021 by Nermin
She responded to my questions really quickly, she didn't judge me and was very professional and super nice. I appreciate your help and answering my questions regarding my matter.
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19 Oct, 2019 by Harsh
We're glad to have received the responses from Dana. She was very thorough and explained details above and beyond the expectations. I would highly recommend her.
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31 Aug, 2019 by David and carolina
Ms. Dana Shaffner is thorough while still providing clear on point answers to your questions. The information she gives while working with you allows you to gain a strong understanding of where you currently stand and even more importantly to understand clearly what is necessary to move towards a well thought out resolution to your situation by looking at all available strategies. Then once each strategy is thoroughly reviewed choosing the strategic plan that produces the very best resolution efficiently and effectively. She has a wealth of knowledge based on her many years of experience. She is also very direct and to the point and will let you know right away where you stand. We highly recommend Ms. Dana Shaffner.
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28 Aug, 2015 by Kris
Steve was a great blessing to our family during a difficult time in our lives. He was very gracious, patient, always available and helped us understand all the legalese of preparing a will as well as other necessary documents. Very professional.
Highly recommend.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Nathaniel
Despite my mother and father leaving a well written and organized estate plan, the recent death of my father, after mother's death in October 2008, my need for legal guidance on the probation of my father's will was overwellming. Initially, I sought-out the assistance of their estate attorney in Florida. But because my father died as a resident of Georgia, to probate his estate, I needed an attorney in Georgia. This is where attorney Stephen Carley helped tremendously. After being referred to me by my parents' Florida Attorney, Steve wiped out all of my anixeties in probating my father's estate. He listened, planned, agreed, and he implemented our agreement with a very high degree of professionalism. I highly recommend attorney Stephen Carley.
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01 Aug, 2015 by Jay
Steve Carley is a top-notch attorney. It has been my pleasure and honor to collaborate on cases with him. Steve knows the law; he has the experience to use it to his clients' best interests; and he has the compassion to truly understand each client's individual needs. Steve Carley is my #1 recommendation in Atlanta for clients who need estate planning, probate and estate administration assistance, and help with guardianships or conservatorships.
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20 Oct, 2017 by Mikey
Chris Brannon of Brannon + Black has provided excellent legal advice and support for my family for many years. He is extremely knowledgeable of the many nuances that arise when planning for family specific needs, and has always been willing to take the time fully understand my family’s situation. Chris helped me navigate appearances in probate court and cooperated with attorneys from other practices. During these interactions, he always provided information which was helpful for me to understand and plan for the various possible outcomes, and was always able to provide the final result which was best for my family. Chris was a wonderful asset during a difficult time.
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25 Aug, 2016 by Cam
Chris did a great job representing my father as we applied for his veterans pension. As a result of Chris's work, my dad's application was approved and he was able to move into the assisted living facility he preferred. After my dad's death, Chris represented the estate in filing for probate and he and his staff did a very efficient job of filing and then completing probate. All of these activities were done under a very fair, fixed fee so we knew our costs right up front and there were no surprises. I recommend Chris wholeheartedly to anyone needing elder care legal services.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
When writing my families will, Chris Brannon was extremely professional. He helped explain the details and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend his firm.
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09 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
My Landlord/Tenant case was not easy and wound up dragging on for what seemed like forever. Mr. Cannon was compassionate, sensitive and extremely knowledgeable through out the entire process. I never felt pressured and was always well aware of the status of my case. Mr. Cannon was always one step ahead of the other party involved and we won! I would highly recommend Mr. Cannon for any legal matter.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
I neglected to take the time to let you know how overly satisfied I was with the work of Ned Cannon. What an asset to your firm. He expedited my small case and was able to get SunTrust to come to the table and accept an offer much less than what was owed. The relief I feel can only be attributed to his hard work on my account. Many thanks for your firm taking this on and “Winning”. Tell Ned, I still owe him dinner at Bones.
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11 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I had occasion to need advice from Mr. Cannon on a rather complex property title matter. While I was very angry about this situation and wanted to pursue it diligently, Mr. Cannon suggested I turn take some time to let my anger subside, see the problem clearly, and make an unemotional decision. I followed Mr. Cannon’s advice and he was right on the money. Having said this, he likely saved me quite a few dollars as well.
- A
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04 Dec, 2018 by Cynthia
I consulted with Ms Rowen about a complex employment issue. She listened carefully and asked the right questions to allow me to decide whether to take action. She also was comfortable reaching out to another colleague for expertise. I elected not to proceed with the case, in part based on Ms Rowen's candor in describing the pros and cons. I appreciated that she genuinely wanted me to make the decision that would be best for me. I wouldn't consider retaining any other attorney for a complex issue such as this.
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24 Oct, 2014 by Shmi
Sharon Rowen, the Probate Lawyer in Atlanta is a saint. Her consultation was thoughtful and backed with experience and insight. She eased my worry almost immediately. The entire litigation process was just as easy.
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03 Apr, 2014 by Calvin
Sharon has helped me on three occasions and each one has been a great experience. She explained everything so that I understood and I thought went above and beyond the call of duty to help and meet me at MY convenience.
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31 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Luther knows the law and quotes the case laws like the back of her hand. She is extremely knowledgeable, organized and thorough. I was facing the option of having to appeal a ruling or petitioning for the judge to vacate their ruling and grant a new case. In my case, the judge imediately vacated their ruling and granted a new case. Attorney Luther did more than I thought was possible. She was realistic with me about my options and the potential outcomes and I felt confident having her on my team. She was effective in arguing my case after only having a short amount of time to prepare. She located and subpoenad information that my previous attorney did not obtain and appears to be very respected by the courts. She has over 2 decades of experience and I pity the attorney that opposes her if they don't have their work done. I would hire her again and again and again should the need ever arise but hopefully the need doesn't arise.
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11 Jan, 2013 by Jflutherfan
I would absolutely recommend Attorney Luther and her staff. She came as a recommendation from a close family friend whom has used her in the past. She is an amazing no nonsense type of lawyer with a great personality and supporting staff to match! Be prepared! You have expectations of her as a lawyer, and she has expectations of you as a client. If you are wanting her to work on your behalf, you need to be able to provide whatever she asks her within the deadline she has given to you
I hired Attorney Luther to handle my child custody/legitimization case. I was sued by my NCP. Both the NCP and I were originally filed as Pro Se until the NCP retained counsel. I didn't think much about retaining counsel due to financial reasons and my supporting documents to substantiate my case. But upon NCP obtaining counsel, the filing changed. My case went from the NCP trying to establish visitation to him wanting to take full custody of our child. I had to retain her at the last minute, and it was one best decisions I made in regards to this legal matter. She IMMEDIATELY went to work on my case! She filed motions within the 2 hours of being retained. With that being said, her 25 years of experience and good reputation with Judges was a determining factor in the judge allowing for a Continuance while I prepare with my attorney; the judge definitely made that known.
Attorney Luther is very upfront and direct and detailed. She works very hard for you but she also expects the same from her client. As a client, help her to help you! Communicate thoroughly your needs, wants and expectations and she will be very honest with you and work hard to achieve the requests of her clients.
She came to court prepared and ready! Every time opposing counsel tried to submit evidence that was not reviewed, lead a witness or imply negligent wrongdoing without supporting documentation and proof - Attorney Luther was on point to stop the opposing counsel dead in their tracks! I was very proud of her performance in Court and the overall outcome of the case. Her opening and closing arguments were phenomenal. The way she thoroughly questioned the witnesses and opposing parties were impressive.
My advice: Be prepared! You have expectations of her as a lawyer, and she has expectations of you as a client. If you are wanting her to work on your behalf, you need to be able to provide whatever she asks her within the deadline she has given to you. I had retained her at truly the last minute possible and therefore I had to beat feet and get her everything within a very tight deadline. But because I am thorough and detailed myself, I brought most of that information with me when I retained her. But I still had more to do. She explained that her deadlines are to allow her and her staff time to comply with her deadlines to file motions and submit requests and such with the court.
There is nothing negative that I can say about Attorney Luther or her staff. I would recommend her to anyone! I know that if I never hired her, that my case would not have come out the way that it did.
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10 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Attny Luther was a Godsent to me in my time of need. I have to say that she is extremely thorough and gets down to the meat of things. I will definately refer others in similar situations to her!
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08 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Tavis help me with an horrible case ....this man is so determine. ..caring and professional. ..may the Lord bless you for what you did for me.After my apartment burned down I had no one to turned to...but tavis took the time to meet with me...to listen...and care....it's was not easy for me being for a foreign country...continent. ..had a really strong accent. ..but yes he was there for me....Great lawyer
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15 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Tavis worked very hard to get my case out of my life. He was very responsive to all my phone calls, and was very kind to answer all of my questions.
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13 Oct, 2018 by Karen
Danielle is thorough and very knowledgeable. She was responsive to my issues and helped me understand exactly what we needed to deal with. She helped me see the big picture and brought the problem to a good resolution. She made every effort to do this efficiently and in timely manner. She is a pleasure to work with.
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27 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
She answered all of my questions, encouraged me, and I was able to phone her for follow up questions. She is kind, compassionate and knowledgeable!!
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09 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Amy took the time to walk us through very complicated processes and ideas. Our case was particularly twisted due to our mixed-immigration-status family. She not only provided us information based on our current situation, but on what may happen in the future with US citizenship. She really went above and beyond and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney in this area. Thank you!
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08 Dec, 2010 by Megan
Amy is a consummate professional when it comes to business relationships. She took the time to listen to my concerns regarding estate planning and followed up by email with forms and informational documents I could review. She is attentive to her client's needs and wishes, while also providing the explanation behind what can at times be a very confusing legal process. She is sharp as a tack and detail-oriented, which is especially helpful when you have complex questions and issues. Amy is the type of lawyer who will double check things to make certain you receive the best information and advice.
While I hope it is a long time before I need Amy's help probating an estate or will, I know that she will provide a good blend of sympathy and dedication to someone during that difficult time.
I happily recommend Amy to my own friends, family, and personal acquaintances.
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24 Jul, 2023 by Summer
John Killeen has handled my high conflict divorce case for the past 4 years, dealing with issues of contempt, guardian ad litem, child custody, and financial issues. John always fights for the truth, and he does not back down from challenging issues nor personalities. I know my family is safe with Mr. Killeen’s legal expertise, which at times can be like detective work. I highly recommend John Killeen to guide you through the complex and delicate issues of divorce.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Does everything he says and more thanks for all your help if you want all the questions answered and get the job done right the first time call John Killeen
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19 Nov, 2015 by Julie
Raina initially wrote our wills and living will after the birth of our first child and subsequently updated them after the birth of our second. She was professional, efficient, and understanding. She was able to guide us through the process, making it effortless for us. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Daniel
Raina helped us prepare a will and living will. She was patient and listened to our needs throughout the process. In the end, the final products exceeded our expectations and we used her again to update our will after our second child was born.
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06 Apr, 2023 by Ted
Katrenia has deep understanding of wills, which was my primary area of focus. Her knowledge, abilities and willingness to advise me, I found to be outstanding and very helpful. I highly recommend her.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Constance
Excellent service provided. Everything was done with fidelity and to my expectations. In addition, all services were rendered in a timely fashion.
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25 May, 2011 by Rj
Emerson helped my daughter when she was clocked doing 85 mph on 285. He knew the Asst. DA and the judge. He was able to get the speed dropped to 72 which allowed her to still be able to retain her license. He is very plugged in to the Atlanta/Dekalb network.
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20 Oct, 2009 by Cheryl
Attorney Carey was very knowledgeable about my situation and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would use him again.
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01 May, 2024 by Natacha denis
Excellent client service, understanding of the law, and critical thinking abilities.
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14 Dec, 2019 by Ted haw
Wonderful attorneys and friendly staff
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05 Mar, 2018 by Jeb
My wife and I worked with Kim Hoipkemier on our wills, medical directives, and powers of attorney. She was FANTASTIC. I would recommend Kim to anyone. She's caring, smart, responsive, and always on time. I am a lawyer myself so I appreciate good attorneys, and she is a great one.
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18 Feb, 2018 by Dave
I was looking for an estate planning lawyer in Atlanta to provide advice and draw up my Will. I contacted Ginger Arnold and received good initial advice, an understanding of what options i had, and a competitive price for the work. When i visited the offices on the agreed date everything was explained clearly and all my questions answered. I am very happy with the service provided and have no hesitation in recommended Ginger Arnold. Thank you.
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15 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Reynolds provided a comprehensive estate plan for me which included will and trusts, tax advice and charitable planning. In addition to being an expert in trust and estate law and taxation, he is a creative thinker and can provide an overall business plan for multiple generations of a family. I found him to be a consummate professional and easy to work with. He also offers expertise in asset protection, both domestic and offshore, which I may consider in the future. I would not hesitate to highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal counsel in estate planning.
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11 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
As corporate counsel for a large financial institution headquartered in Atlanta, I retained Ms. Ashby to handle several trust termination and/or modification petitions with the Fulton County Court. Ms. Ashby did an excellent job at a very reasonable rate. She is knowledgeable, easy to work with and delivers results within a reasonable time. She has excellent academic credentials having attended the University of Virginia Law School, a top ten law school. Her work history is also impressive. Generally when hiring outside counsel, I consider all of these factors. I was very pleased with her services.
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18 Aug, 2016 by Josh
We reached out to Daniel on the recommendation of others that have used his services and were very happy and I couldn't agree more. He handled our estate planning end to end taking the time to answer all of our questions thoroughly (and not using confusing legal jargon to do so) and the end result were documents that covered all contingencies for myself and my family in a way that represented our intentions. Will definitely use Daniel in the future for legal needs. He's also great with kids. We had to take our daughter to his office and he made sure she was happy, smiling and gave her a lollypop...so she approves of him as well!
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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.
