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30 Nov, 2022 by Joe
I called around and took some recommendations from friends. However, when I called Matthew A. Ferri Estate Planning a young lady named Andrea picked up the phone and I knew while talking to her that this is a company I could trust with my trust. Andrea consulted wife my wife and I and patiently answered all of our questions. She litteraly took us through a very complicated procedure and left us both feeling like we made the right decision.
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12 May, 2022 by Steve and kristy
Matthew and Andrea were extremely well prepared for our goal of building our trusts. They made the process easy, complete, and structured to accomplish the goal quickly. Matthew has incredible insight into personal needs and all of the options available in setting up our legal documents to account for so many options in life. Great experience and we recommend Matthew and Andrea to anyone interested in estate planning!
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14 Apr, 2022 by Joe
Matt is a well-respected and highly accomplished attorney. I have had the pleasure of referring several clients to Matt over the years and he has always exceeded expectations. I trust Matt, and his firm, implicitly. He is leader in his field and delivers exceptional results for his clients.
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26 Jan, 2021 by Doraswamy
I have taken Betsey Rubel services to update and recreate our Trust and Will documents to add our adult son and other family members. Also, she prepare docs on house and power of attorney for our son and parents. She is extremely professional and very personal to client's. She met us for initial meeting to take requirements, prepared docs and reviewed online before she showed up with her husband to witness to sign and complete the job while she was going vacation before Christmas. I appreciate Betsey for her time commitment, clear communication and making customer feel like family. She is too good and highly recommend you to hire her for whatever lawyer services she agrees to provide. Once again, thanks Betsey for your help. Best wishes to you and family.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Julie
Elisabeth did estate planning for our family. She is knowledgeable, professional, and timely. Her fees are reasonable. Returns phone calls promptly, and walked us through the process in a way that we could understand. We have already referred her to other friends and family members.
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24 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Elisabeth is a true professional and a teacher at heart. She is knowledgeable in her work and is able to articulate and answer the questions asked. Most importantly, she is able to explain and teach it so we fully understand what we are getting and so we can customize according to our needs.
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07 May, 2015 by Johnna
2nd marriage, 3 children on one side 1 on the other, a business and real estate - Kirk made the entire estate planning process REAL, EASY, and leaving us feeling confident. He understood our particular needs, he was knowledgeable and full of genuine ideas to manage our estate. I heard him as a speaker which finally hit me on what needed to be done for us as a couple and our children. If you work hard and want to protect what is yours and your family's I highly suggest you contact Kirk.
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04 Dec, 2009 by James studinger
I first met Kirk through a client. She was getting help revising an existing trust. I found his advice very practical, and was fairly priced. He was recommending what was best for her. So I had lunch with Kirk to learn more about him. Since then he's helped a number of my clients, and has done some work personally for my family. Kirk has been an excellent resource. When I come across an interesting estate problem Kirk has always been there, willing to lend professional guidance. As a Financial Advisor, one of the risks in recommending others is that they might do something wrong. Financially there is no direct upside for me, but there could be significant client relationship downside if the other professional makes mistakes or treats my client poorly. If all goes well however, then the bonds I have with clients are strengthened. They know I’m going beyond my job and making sure their estate is in order. And they see me as a resource to help them find the best people. They appreciate that I take the effort, and am looking out for their best interest. I’m very comfortable recommending Kirk. Not only is his attitude positive (greeting with a big smile and pleasant handshake), but also he is very good at his job. I know he’s living up to his reputation when I consistently receive ‘Thank You’ notes from my happy clients.
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02 Dec, 2009 by Gordon
We are very pleased for the opportunity to write this review. Mr. Falvay has been our main attorney for 16 years. With all of our needs including inheritance issues and trusts he has been fair, honest, creative, innovative and prompt. We own a small corporation and he has taken care of our business needs as well. We have had some experience with other law firms both huge and small. Most have been competent but none have ever come close to Mr. Falvay's performance in all areas. Thank you again Mr. Falvay.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Kevin bremer
Jim is great attorney to work with. I highly recommend him.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Cheryl van drie
I've worked with Jim on a few different different issues, and couldn't have been happier to have him on my side. When planning for a trust, he was straightforward and easy to understand, making the normally daunting process simple for us to breakdown and get our paperwork together to begin. I've also had him advise me on a few legal matters and appreciate his honesty and attention to look at the whole picture and explain it from all sides before jumping in. Nobody wants to be in the situation of needing legal advice or services, and I felt assured that Jim advised me in the direction that was best for my needs, not what was best for his pocketbook. His honesty and integrity stand out amongst other lawyers I have used in the past.
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30 Dec, 2022 by Kc ng
Mr. James Hubbert suggested excellent steps for us to arrive at a just resolution in our situation. He is responsive and communicates well.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Ronald
Ken is quick to respond and thorough in detail. I have done a lot of work over the years with Ken and have never been disappointed.
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19 Dec, 2018 by James
He is extremely bright and very meticulous in his preparations. His ethical standards are the highest and his demeanor incredibly balanced. He is a great teacher to his associates and his client's to the nuances within the law.
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04 Jul, 2014 by Kate
This might be a duplicate review... Ken Silver was the third - and final - attorney that I hired to assist me with my father's probate. The first two were clearly working for my adversary more than for me. Ken Silver acted in my best interests and helped me to safeguard my father's assets. He's the BEST!
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04 Mar, 2013 by Art
Jonathon is super knowledgeable, trustworthy and doesn't waste time. His fees are reasonable and doesn't bill unnecessary. I would recommend him without question!
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20 Feb, 2013 by Julie
Mr. Lowe took care of the trust of my in laws before they passed away. My mother-in-law had alzheimers and was unable to manage her affairs. Mr. Lowe did such an excellent job with investments and management that although there were tons of bills to pay (medical and otherwise) we ended up with more money when she passed away than what we began with. When we had questions that needed answers he always returned our calls and was upfront about what we needed to know. I totally trust him and would recommend him to anyone.
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15 Jun, 2018 by Michelle
Eric assisted my grandmother in amending her trust and then assisted me in carrying out those wishes as a trustee. I believe he achieved my grandmother’s wish in that amendment, while protecting those that would carry it out when she passed. Eric is professional, informative, and very patient. I plan on using him for my personal estate planning and would highly recommend him to anyone else in need.
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23 Sep, 2012 by Susan
Eric is working with our family to resolve a complicated marital trust matter for our dear mother who passed away on July 25th. His professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to doing the right thing are so appreciated and respected by all of my family. We have complete faith in his ability and commitment to bringing this matter to a fair and equitable resolution for the sake of our Mom.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Bourjaily is a highly-experienced probate litigator who represented me in a highly contested lawsuit involving my parents’ trust. His aggressive and technical representation proved to be worth every penny as he achieved the best potential result for me. I would recommend Ryan to anyone in need of an ethical and passionate probate specialist in their corner! Thank you, Ryan!
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04 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
They gave me the kind of answer I needed for my case/problem and I greatly appreciate the help they have given me considering my case was important to me and he was the first to review within 2 hours of me posting it.
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03 Mar, 2020 by John
When my mother needed a will and a living trust, I took her to see Mr. Borkowski. He treated her respectfully and answered all questions. He did the worked skillfully and timely. When she passed away, everything went smoothly and easily. I highly recommend Mr. Borkowski.
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21 Mar, 2011 by Mark
David is an artful and incredible negotiator. My situation involved a difficult business breakup between two partners. David was able to negotiate and recommend practical solutions to my situation. While I hope I do not need his services again, I would never hesitate calling upon his skills in the future. Simply a great lawyer.
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28 Aug, 2023 by Wes eddington
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02 Jan, 2022 by R j
Marc, is patient and takes time to explain everything. We are very happy with his service and staff.
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14 Nov, 2020 by Brian swindler
Experienced estate attorney. Makes planning and execution of estate very easy.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Debbie aliotta
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05 Sep, 2024 by Vivian kadbi
I recently had a phone consultation with Sabrina regarding my divorce, and her support was invaluable. She was incredibly compassionate and made me feel truly understood during a challenging time. Sabrina clearly explained the legal terms related to my case and guided me on the best way to move forward. I greatly appreciated her willingness to listen and answer all my questions. I highly recommend her to anyone facing a similar situation.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Alan rivera
Thoroughly pleased with Kimberly Cochrane and her estate planning work with Genesis Family Law. Knowledgeable, professional, efficient and kind, Kimberly truly went above and beyond to navigate and accommodate the particular needs of three generations of our family. Very highly recommend.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Savannah rancour
The team at NK Law is incredibly professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. I could not have asked for a better attorney than Nick, he worked hard and succeeded at getting a settlement I deserved. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone. Thank you Nick and staff for everything!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Thavy anongthep
Friendly. Very approachable. Answers all my questions in a courteous manner. Definitely will recommend to my friends and family.
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13 May, 2024 by Howard dew
I recently had the opportunity to work with Nicholas Kyriakopoulos at NK Law following an accident, and I commend the professionalism and efficiency of both the attorney and his office staff. They handled my case with utmost care and transparency. Their communication was clear and timely, and their guidance was invaluable in navigating the complexities of my case. I highly recommend Nicholas Kyriakopoulos and NK Law to anyone looking for competent and reliable representation.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Daniel koenig
Could not recommend more. I worked specifically with Mark and Emily. Smart, quick, and excellent at their craft. This is a group of winners. While I hope I don’t need their services again, I wouldn’t go with anyone else.
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15 Jul, 2024 by C m
Ms. Emily Hollenberg JD is a dedicated legal professional who holds integrity and professional standards of conduct in high regard. Ms. Hollenberg undertakes professional responsibilities with thoughtfulness and thoroughness, empathy and compassion, demonstrating a natural inclination toward fair and just resolution of divorce and family matters. At the outset, Ms. Hollenberg thoroughly reviews the legal process, all options, and provides guidance toward resolution of individualized client goals. She demonstrates an eagerness to serve as a sounding board in difficult situations. Ms. Hollenberg consistently makes herself available and responds promptly to client requests to matters requiring immediate attention, serving to allay anxiety innate in the process. She exudes an air of confidence, competence, and an unwavering commitment to her clients and families. Ms. Emily Hollenberg JD is an experienced professional whose skills and contributions will undoubtedly benefit those whom she represents without question. I highly recommend Ms. Hollenberg and the firm of Hauer & Snover without hesitation.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Rachael abraham
I couldn't ask for better representation. Very knowledgeable, accessible and overall a great firm to work with. Couldn't ask for better than Marcus and Mark. Have already referred them. They are a great team!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Andre s. kohn
TLDR: Great Lakes employs attorneys that are not only terrible at their job, but who will overbill you and treat you terribly. You are doing yourself a tremendous disservice taking your business to Great Lakes. Kim Browning in particular is the single worst attorney I have ever had to deal with. She is both not very good at the legal aspect of her job, nor the customer service aspect. She ended up billing me 3x higher than her initial estimate despite the fact that the case proceeded exactly as anticipated without any sort of hiccups. What's more, despite the case progressing exactly as anticipated, she never gave me a clear understanding about what the next steps would be. Worst, she WILL NOT RESPOND TO YOU. Despite paying her over $10k, she could not bother to respond to simple "yes" "no" emails without me having to send them to her 3+ times. Please take your business elsewhere. With Great Lakes and Kim, all you'll get is a massive bill and disappointment.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Tik toker
Kimberly Browning and Stephanie Taylor helped me through the hardest thing I had to go through in life. I lost my dad and didn't know what to do next. Kimberly over heard me talking to people at court trying to figure out what to do next and offered to help. They have been amazing the whole year they helped me with my dad's estate. They always answered my questions. And I was always able to get ahold of them which was very important to me. I highly suggest great lakes family & estates!!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Greggory walton
I am very Grateful, and Thankful for Great Lakes Probate! Kimberly, and Stephanie have worked with me, and family diligently. I had so much on my plate as personal Rep, and they were there for direction, and so much support. Never skipped a beat Very Professional. Me, and my family definitely made the right choice when we selected Great Lakes Probate & Estates! Thank You!
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14 Aug, 2024 by Lauren haboosh
Dalia and her staff are absolutely amazing. I switched to her from a previous lawyer and I can't thank them enough for going above and beyond for me. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also truly dedicated to her clients, Dalia is the one to choose. I am incredibly grateful for her support and expertise, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of legal representation.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Lubna sharrak
Thank you Dalia for being my attorney and doing everything good for me to fix my case Dalia is professional , understanding & smart to find solutions in time to any situation that arises because she prepared everything in advance and she knows how to get it done The staff is friendly and treat you like family , my experience is with Samar she talked to me like sister to make feel better God bless you Lubna Sharrak
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13 Jun, 2024 by Carmen hanna
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!! I had hired another lawyer and I was unhappy so I switched to Ms.Kejbou’s office and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Her knowledge and experience resulted in a settlement that encompassed everything I wanted. In addition both Ms. kejbou and her staff supported me emotionally and treated me like family. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND whole heartedly ❤️❤️❤️ 💐💐🌹
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24 May, 2022 by Colleen
We had a fantastic experience with Julie Paquette! Julie helped my future wife and I with our will and estate documents. She was great at explaining the ins and outs and answered all of our questions clearly. Her communication and professionalism were very impressive and made the process efficient and seamless. I'd highly recommend reaching out to her with any estate planning needs.
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21 Dec, 2020 by Susan
Julie was just what I needed at a difficult time. She was honest and very forthcoming about my situation. She helped me navigate through it. Then I hired her again for my estate planning. She has always been kind and helpful, I would recommend her happily to others.
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12 Mar, 2016 by Carolyn
Julie has given me legal advice for estate planning that was very helpful. Additionally, a colleague of mine was in a desperate legal situation with his family and Julie jumped in to help...visiting them at the hospital and making sure their paperwork was in order.
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05 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Marshall Tauber provided professional and astute legal services to me during a challenging and difficult time in my life. His leadership and knowledge of my options made a tough situation much easier to handle. His approach helped me to stay focused on my family and career. I definitely recommend him for legal services to anyone that needs solid professional legal services, without unreasonable cost and meaningless activity.
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17 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I contacted Marshall on a Monday for advice on what to expect with an OWI I received that previous weekend. I was of course frantic and beyond stressed. He first asked me for some detail and helped me understand how it all worked. He really took the time to help me calm down and understand everything during the consultation. It was after that first call that I decided to hire him to represent me. He was by my side through the entire process. I had never been in trouble before and I was so worried as to what was going to happen. Marshall really made me feel comfortable in a situation that is anything but. He always returned my calls quickly with answers to my questions and never left me sitting in the unknown. Not to mention the case he built for me was incredible. I will be turning to Marshall for any legal questions and referring him to anyone I know seeking a lawyer.
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27 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
he was very knowledgeable, he kept me informed of my options and the most likely scenarios gave me peace of mind. he handled my case very professionally and was able to secure a very good deal for me in order to dismiss the charges that were pending against me i definitely recommend him and will continue to use his services as needed im very thankful for this site for helping me find a great lawyer to represent me
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22 Sep, 2024 by Thomas perrin
Went the extra mile to get me a claim
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13 Sep, 2024 by Leon gohler
The Lobb Law Firm is fantastic Brittany was awesome throughout my entire case from start to finish. Thank you guys
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07 Aug, 2024 by Tamara crkovski
My family has been using Lobb Law for over 30 years. The team is friendly, caring and great at communicating. We have had nothing but positive experiences and I highly recommend them.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Doc
The government accused me of phony billing and up billing. I never met a lawyer who knew so much about billing codes - Anjali Prasad gets into the weeds when it comes to insurance billing, and if there is a way to save you, she will. Puts her nose to the grind and finds a way out. She saved my life.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Former client ll
She saved my life. Vigorous and aggressive federal attorney.
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30 Oct, 2023 by P d
Anjali has been extremely helpful with her advise and and paperwork. She was diligent and responsible. Her quick and timely response makes her more approachable from others. I would definitely recommend her.
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23 Mar, 2022 by Aleyciuss ann al-ali
Terrible communication. I hired him and paid him $7500 for my divorce and he barely spoke to me, lied under oath at the mediation and sided with my ex husband. Horrible lawyer.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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