Lawyers map
>180
experienced lawyers
Filter by
31 Jan, 2025 by Supa psych
31 Jan, 2025 by Franckly cherilus
I can’t thank Marci Ball’s law firm enough for their incredible support after my car accident. From day one, they were professional, compassionate, and dedicated to my case. The team kept me informed every step of the way and fought tirelessly to ensure I received the best outcome possible. Their attention to detail and expertise made a stressful situation much more manageable. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to represent me. Highly recommend to anyone in need of top-notch legal assistance!
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Randy ritchie
My wife saw one of the best Personal Injury Attorneys, Jeff Martz. Jeff was attentive to my wife’s needs and showed confidence in her case. Not only did he help us get what we deserved but it was more than we expected. We would highly recommend him to our family and friends.
Randy R
Read more
31 Jan, 2025 by Supa psych
31 Jan, 2025 by Franckly cherilus
I can’t thank Marci Ball’s law firm enough for their incredible support after my car accident. From day one, they were professional, compassionate, and dedicated to my case. The team kept me informed every step of the way and fought tirelessly to ensure I received the best outcome possible. Their attention to detail and expertise made a stressful situation much more manageable. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to represent me. Highly recommend to anyone in need of top-notch legal assistance!
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Randy ritchie
My wife saw one of the best Personal Injury Attorneys, Jeff Martz. Jeff was attentive to my wife’s needs and showed confidence in her case. Not only did he help us get what we deserved but it was more than we expected. We would highly recommend him to our family and friends.
Randy R
Read more
27 Feb, 2025 by Todd kniffen
19 Feb, 2025 by Russell castaneda
Regarding a matter that involves a family cabin that was taken into consideration during the process of estate planning, Morgan Legal Group did a wonderful job with the case to deal with the situation.
Furthermore, they consistently demonstrated a high level of sensitivity towards any queries or concerns that were brought up during the process. From the very beginning to the very finish of whatever was being done, this ensured that everything went off without a hitch and that everything occurred without any problems.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Richard mcintyre
During the process of estate planning, Andrew did an excellent job of leading us through each phase of the process. He accomplished this by walking us through the process step by step. Not only was he extraordinarily comprehensive and well-organized, but he was also able to explain everything in a way that ensured it was easy to comprehend. He was a master of communication. I found this to be a very beneficial resource for those persons who had no prior experience working in the legal sector.
Read more
27 Feb, 2025 by Todd kniffen
19 Feb, 2025 by Russell castaneda
Regarding a matter that involves a family cabin that was taken into consideration during the process of estate planning, Morgan Legal Group did a wonderful job with the case to deal with the situation.
Furthermore, they consistently demonstrated a high level of sensitivity towards any queries or concerns that were brought up during the process. From the very beginning to the very finish of whatever was being done, this ensured that everything went off without a hitch and that everything occurred without any problems.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Richard mcintyre
During the process of estate planning, Andrew did an excellent job of leading us through each phase of the process. He accomplished this by walking us through the process step by step. Not only was he extraordinarily comprehensive and well-organized, but he was also able to explain everything in a way that ensured it was easy to comprehend. He was a master of communication. I found this to be a very beneficial resource for those persons who had no prior experience working in the legal sector.
Read more
27 Feb, 2025 by Todd kniffen
19 Feb, 2025 by Russell castaneda
Regarding a matter that involves a family cabin that was taken into consideration during the process of estate planning, Morgan Legal Group did a wonderful job with the case to deal with the situation.
Furthermore, they consistently demonstrated a high level of sensitivity towards any queries or concerns that were brought up during the process. From the very beginning to the very finish of whatever was being done, this ensured that everything went off without a hitch and that everything occurred without any problems.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Richard mcintyre
During the process of estate planning, Andrew did an excellent job of leading us through each phase of the process. He accomplished this by walking us through the process step by step. Not only was he extraordinarily comprehensive and well-organized, but he was also able to explain everything in a way that ensured it was easy to comprehend. He was a master of communication. I found this to be a very beneficial resource for those persons who had no prior experience working in the legal sector.
Read more
27 Feb, 2025 by Todd kniffen
19 Feb, 2025 by Russell castaneda
Regarding a matter that involves a family cabin that was taken into consideration during the process of estate planning, Morgan Legal Group did a wonderful job with the case to deal with the situation.
Furthermore, they consistently demonstrated a high level of sensitivity towards any queries or concerns that were brought up during the process. From the very beginning to the very finish of whatever was being done, this ensured that everything went off without a hitch and that everything occurred without any problems.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Richard mcintyre
During the process of estate planning, Andrew did an excellent job of leading us through each phase of the process. He accomplished this by walking us through the process step by step. Not only was he extraordinarily comprehensive and well-organized, but he was also able to explain everything in a way that ensured it was easy to comprehend. He was a master of communication. I found this to be a very beneficial resource for those persons who had no prior experience working in the legal sector.
Read more
06 Dec, 2024 by Bruce noeske
I met Attorney Douglas Rudman and Rudman Law Group through a solid recommendation from a trusted friend who is intimately familiar with the legal process. This was my first experience with the law so I was nervous about what to expect. Doug and his staff met with me, fully prepared to discuss my situation as they had reviewed my previous court documents in the matter before I ever set foot in his office. After Doug’s thorough (and patient!) explanation of how I could expect the case to proceed, he agreed to take the case and offered me a very fair price, which I readily accepted. Doug and his team guided me every step of the way, which required a number of court appearances, either by his representing me or by me tagging along to face the judge in person. Doug and Ross kept me well-informed by sending regular status updates and by answering my numerous questions, either in person or via email or phone. Doug’s courtroom demeanor and professional rapport with all court personnel were outstanding and allowed my case to proceed smoothly. He kept me (relatively) relaxed during each court appearance, and the case was decided with a favorable outcome in a reasonable length of time. I am truly grateful for the kindness, understanding, and support provided by the entire Rudman Law Group.
I have read all the reviews presented on Doug’s website, and I wholeheartedly agree with all the positive statements. I have an issue with the few low ratings, as in my opinion they do not reflect Doug or his performance in any way. I know that my responsibility as a client is to be completely honest and upfront with my attorney, as he was with me. I was given the opportunity to present any concerns at the conclusion of my case and had only positive things to say. I wholeheartedly endorse The Rudman Law Group and would certainly return to them in the future!
Read more
01 Dec, 2024 by S j
Communicative, friendly, and knowledgeable.
Read more
08 Nov, 2024 by Milyn odierna
Doug Rudman was a pleasure to deal with. He returned my call and set me at ease within minutes. Thank you Mr. Rudman
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by C m
I worked with Andrew Schwartz and his legal team, on a renouncement of a co-executorship. The situation was highly emotional for me, but Andy and Sunny really helped me to understand what was being asked of me and what my options could potentially be. They made me feel like my case - and my feelings - mattered.
They were professional, approachable, and handled the challenges - and my emotions - with skill and confidence. I am so thankful to have had their help and guidance. If you want legal team who knows their stuff and genuinely cares, look no further!
Read more
04 Apr, 2024 by Laura purroy
“I would like to thank Ashton Malkin and his team at Ellis Group for their excellent work, professionalism, kindness and understanding. At a time when things were very stressful and anxious (my late mother's probate), Ashton was very undertanding and provided excelent advise, which was very much appreciated. I would highly recommend Ellis Group and would definitely use them again in the future. Many many thanks again for everything, you were brilliant”
Read more
28 Mar, 2024 by Linda newsom
I recently had a probate issue in Florida and Ellis Law Group was recommended to me by my Maryland attorney. I worked with Ashton Malkin on the case. He was always professional, kept me up to date on what needed to be done, and completed our business in a very timely manner. All of the paperwork was clearly labeled and explained to me throughout the process. As I do not live in Florida, it was nice to have someone there who looked after my case without my having to prompt him. I highly recommend Ellis Law Group and Mr. Malkin in particular.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Vivian torres
Divorce is never easy, but Shamy, El Fadel & Mahone law group was absolutely awesome!
My Lawyer Tina El Fadel and her Paralegal Darian were absolutely amazing, communication was #1 here.
I absolutely recommend them!!!!!
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Caden gates
I called on an inquiry unrelated to the business, and their desk attendant was present and kind and courteous. I have always believed that a business can either have patches of good near the top like bubbles on water; or they are good all the way through like a bar of soap. I usually find that those good bubbles pop at the slightest inconveniences. this business was kind and courteous when they didn't need to be. thank you. I hope this helps.
Read more
10 Oct, 2024 by Nitsa photiades
Tina helped me with my divorce and I am very pleased with the results as well as her support during the entire process. This was my first (hopefully only :)) divorce so I had a ton of questions throughout the time that I worked with her, and she was always very responsive whenever I reached out, keeping me well informed along the way.
Tina and her team are very professional, helpful, and supportive so everything went smoothly and I am very happy with the outcome, since I was able to get everything I wanted out of the divorce and more.
Read more
28 Jan, 2021 by Paul
Robert navigated us through our home sale and helped us avoid complications with contractors. He frequently emailed us updates and worked tirelessly to ensure the transaction closed on the scheduled date, despite delays out of our control. Robert was one of the only sure things we could count on in a complicated transaction with too many moving parts.
Read more
28 Dec, 2017 by Denise
I hired Attorney Feldman in Dec. 2017 to help with with a unique and sensitive rental property dispute. The whole situation was extremely stressful for me (especially around the holidays) but Attorney Feldman kept his cool, managed a very tense and adversarial dispute between me and the other party, and ultimately got me the desired result (refund) within a matter of approximately one week. He even responded to some of my emails after hours around the holidays when I wasn’t expecting it (I was amazed). Atty. Feldman, if you’re seeing this, thank you so much for everything you did to help bring my matter to a positive end result. You were immensely helpful when I was pulling my hair out...lol. Next time I sign any lease I’m going to hire you to at least give it a once over and advise me accordingly-it would totally be worth it to avoid future rental debacles.
Read more
22 Mar, 2017 by Amy
I received Mr. Feldman's name after contacting ACAP. I called ACAP because I felt suspicious of the lawyer I hired as my personal representative attorney who was one in the same my dad hired to do his will.
I hired Robert to assist me after our initial telephone consultation. I gave him may areas in which I needed clarification and promised my speed to get through the probate process.
My brother subsequently hired Robert for a real estate closing.
Robert educated me on the various steps of probate, answered layperson questions and was quick to respond to calls and emails.
Read more
29 Oct, 2019 by Lynn
We hired Mindy to assist my Mom in getting her husband on Medicaid. When we hired Mindy we were faced with several challenges financially, emotionally and unknowns. She was very helpful through-out the process working above and beyond to get my step-dad on Medicaid. She continues to be very responsive to our questions.
Read more
23 Oct, 2019 by Neil
My son was in an accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Mindy drew up a Special Needs trust for me and gave me excellent advise on how to qualify for Medicaid. I found her services very caring and professional. I would strongly recommend her.
Read more
21 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Never use this Lawyer
First meeting after we paid retainer she was over one hour late. Did not have us meet in her office, actually her office was less the five minutes to the Starbucks she designated for us to all meet.
Very unprofessional.
Only met once and the rest was mostly text and email.
Read more
29 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Shipe gets a bad rap for a filing error but he is ethical and well l versed in the law. He is very careful, he doesn't waste your money and he helped our family keep our parents safe.
Read more
25 Dec, 2024 by Sean
Highly recommend ! !
They handled our case quickly and effectively.
Always returned calls and email in a timely manner.
Everything went as planned .
Very impressive .
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Bob benevides
Excellent law group who works with you every step of the way. I highly recommend this group. Kunal A. Mirchandani was the lawyer I delt with and he was professional and cordial throughout.
Read more
10 Jul, 2024 by M s
Great legal team that was able to work my case quickly. They were supportive, answered all my questions and gave me the best representation that I could ask for.
Read more
01 Feb, 2021 by Brian
Was referred to Mark in regard to questions I had in dealing with issues relating to my recently deceased sister's estate. Returned my call promptly, and gave me almost an hour of his time, free of charge. Answered all questions I had. Would highly recommend.
Read more
03 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Mark is an experienced, thoughtful, skilled and caring attorney who took his time with my wife and I to properly guide us through the estate planning process. I would highly recommend him.
Read more
02 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Went for a consult. I was of course nervous as I know nothing about Estate Planning. As a layman, I assumed Mr. Gotlieb did. I was asking him many questions as this is an important thing in one's life. To make sure after you die, things go right. I could see he was getting annoyed by my questions. He never asked me about my assets. How much money I had in my accounts. Nothing. He wrote nothing down and could not wait for me ti leave. He even said I think you should use the law firm I used to work at. Are you kidding me. Do what you want but I would not waste my time seeing this attorney. He was useless
Read more
27 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
incompetent and less than honest. The worst attorney I have ever seen. Because I was in a different state and she was recommended by someone competent, I used her. I did not think she could make things worse and believed the truth would prevail. She made things worse.
Read more
24 Mar, 2016 by Claudia
Ms. Hollingshead is both extremely professional and deeply knowledgeable. I hired her initially to draft estate planning documents (will, living will, power of attorney, health care surrogate, etc) for myself and my husband. Then when we separated, she advised me in how to update the documents to reflect my changed situation. Since that time, I've engaged her to advise me on a number of topics, including business strategy & real property acquisition. She has invariably given me sound advice, and correctly, completely, and quickly drafted and filed any and all documentation required. I would unhesitatingly recommend Ms. Hollingshead as a first rate attorney in all these areas.
Read more
01 Feb, 2016 by Egilmez
Agnes represented me in format of the USCIS officer. She was
a great emotional support as well as legal support. I couldn't have achieved to resolve my problem without her advice.
She also set up all the trust fund for my family.
She is the greatest attorney.
Read more
07 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Don’t walk but run away from this attorney. Should have trusted my instincts when the mistakes and important files were misplaced. I am shocked he is still able to practice. He is the complete opposite of a warrior.
Read more
27 Sep, 2015 by Joannajkent
This Lawyer was my warrior. He was the best I could of ever hoped for and much more then I could imagine.
He assisted the original lawyer who had my case. That lawyer was having a substantial amount of trouble and difficulty. In my opinion, he did not have the powerful skills to resolve my case.
CLIFF HARK to my rescue. He took my case on and took over. He broke the person I was suing for probate in the deposition. Saving me thousands of dollars by not going to court. He caught the defendant in the deposition in every lie, false testimony and played the roughest game of hard ball I ever saw. Opposing counsel was no match for him either. They were useless to their client when Cliff poured it on.
Cliff was just a steamroller to the other side. I witnessed opposing counsel and the person i had to sue crumble under his relentless, intense questioning.
This is the man you want in your corner. ON YOUR SIDE.
A fair settlement was awarded to me.
As for the person I was suing, they got the tar beat out of them by Cliff. He is my hero!!!!!!.
I have recommended him to many people over the last 2 years. And will continue to do so.
His staff of fellow Attorneys and paralegals were wonderful as well. They are professional, courteous, and extremely helpful. Thank you Cliff Hark and his staff for your EXCELLENCE.
I highly recommend Cliff Hark as he is awesome.
The best of the best!!!!,
Read more
22 Mar, 2017 by Lee
alan is a fabulous lawyer he has a great tempermant and demeanor he was highly recommended by my fathers accountant and he did not disappoint he has handled many different things for my parents and I am highly pleased to have him as our lawyer
Read more
04 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Alan was hired on recommendation to handle the liquidation of my parent's trust following my mother's death. He was well aware of certain family dynamics although he couldn't have cared less. He was unprofessional, uncommunicative and beyond slow. He did not return phone calls and there were interminable waits before we could reach him to discuss serious issues. I could go on and on. But suffice it to say, I would never, never recommend him. I have dealt with many attorneys in my life, some good--some average, but this one is just indifferent to the point of bad. More often than not, he sluffed us off to paralegals. His bill was exceedingly high but there was zero value for money.
Read more
06 Dec, 2024 by Veronica
I am very grateful to attorney Raymond Paparella for his professionalism and sincerity throughout my case. I was especially impressed by his knowledge and litigation expertise in civil matters. His exceptional representation helped me achieve an efficient favorable outcome. Mr. Paparella is a true litigator and I highly recommend his services.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Raymond Paparella pleaded guilty after being charged with an alleged fraud lasting 15 years. They are accused of forging works of art (by artists like George Ault and Ralston Crawford) and the signatures of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Cy Young on sports memorabilia. (Chicago)
Read more
10 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
We retained the services of The Law Firm of Raymond Paparella to determine if a “Will” and “Trust” could be contested. Mr. Paparella informed us that he had 11 years of experience in the field, his demeanor was friendly, and he was eager to help us resolve our issue. We chose him because he was flexible in his terms to accommodate us financially, due to our very limited financial means. After our conversations, I became concerned that I had taken on more of a brainstorming role with Mr. Paparella instead of being reassured that his experience had already determined a clear cut course of action to resolve the matter. Mr. Paparella wrote two (2) letters on our behalf; one was approximately 250 words in length to a probate attorney, and another was approximately 160 words in length to a realtor. The response from the probate attorney concluded that the Will and Trust in question could not be contested. Mr. Paparella recommended that we proceed no further and that he would provide a refund from the $5,800 retainer. We received an $800 refund by check by mail but there was no accounting at all for the $5,000 billed (approx. 11.7 hours) and the retainer rate of $425 per hour equates to a bit more than $7 per minute. The previous legal services we retained included meticulously detailed records of activities and time spent on them. Due to the value of the Trust, we had no option other than to attempt to question it. Needless to say, we were very unhappy and disappointed that the two letters and any other undocumented and unaccounted work performed added up to a very round and convenient number of $5,000. To be exact-- $5,000 at the rate of $425 per hour equates to 11.7647 hours or 705.882 minutes. We could understand any round number in relation to time spent, but, in my opinion, the likelihood of 11.7647 hours of undocumented time is highly questionable. Due to this aspect, which we consider to be highly unprofessional, we cannot recommend the services of The Law Firm of Raymond Paparella.
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Dara via Proskauer back when her name was Dara Factor, prior to marriage when it changed to Dara Howard. She is basically a decent and intelligence person, though incentivized by her firm to bill with extreme prejudice. A "the client is always wrong" attitude came to prevail and I did not feel represented, but instead felt that our objectives were never the same, so much so that we became in opposition: she and her firm wanted my money and so did I, and every dollar that I retained meant a dollar less for them. I fell into the "sunk cost fallacy" which is that having spent so much money on them I could not admit that the money was gone, that it was lost, and that I needed to accept that. I have put two stars above as a review because there is always hope and room for anyone to improve, but I must emphasize the relationship was not a good one.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
