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25 Sep, 2024 by J g
A±±+ Sold my property in Roslindale, never imagined it could be so painless.
Ali's team was professional, prompt, thorough and walked me through every step of the process. I live out of state but they handled the closing for me, I didn't even have to attend. Very reasonable fee was a great value just in the time they saved me, no question.
Highly recommended for real estate transactions! Call them!
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13 Apr, 2024 by Ameya raje
Ali and his team are great people to work with. We were recommended to him via our realtor and couldn't have been happier.
In the initial conversation, he explained all services they'd offer and an estimate of the costs. They worked with our lender very efficiently and kept us in the loop at all times. They were responsive in answering all questions in every step. Closing (which was mentioned as a stressful event by friends) was very smooth and stress free.
Definitely recommend Ali and his team to anyone who's looking for real estate attorney services. We'll be working with them in the future again for sure.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Valentino palmieri
Highly recommend George! During my Boston home purchase, he identified and resolved a critical 20-year-old title issue. Thanks to his expertise, closing went smoothly.
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25 Sep, 2024 by J g
A±±+ Sold my property in Roslindale, never imagined it could be so painless.
Ali's team was professional, prompt, thorough and walked me through every step of the process. I live out of state but they handled the closing for me, I didn't even have to attend. Very reasonable fee was a great value just in the time they saved me, no question.
Highly recommended for real estate transactions! Call them!
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13 Apr, 2024 by Ameya raje
Ali and his team are great people to work with. We were recommended to him via our realtor and couldn't have been happier.
In the initial conversation, he explained all services they'd offer and an estimate of the costs. They worked with our lender very efficiently and kept us in the loop at all times. They were responsive in answering all questions in every step. Closing (which was mentioned as a stressful event by friends) was very smooth and stress free.
Definitely recommend Ali and his team to anyone who's looking for real estate attorney services. We'll be working with them in the future again for sure.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Valentino palmieri
Highly recommend George! During my Boston home purchase, he identified and resolved a critical 20-year-old title issue. Thanks to his expertise, closing went smoothly.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Maurene
When my parents first hired Attorney Tricia Shumaker to prepare their estate plan, they had no idea they were running out of time and on the precipice of needing far more than estate planning. Within a few weeks of working with Tricia, unexpectantly, my father became gravely ill. Fortunately, they picked the right attorney! Tricia came to the house for the convenience of my 90+ year old parents. She patiently and compassionately listened to my parents’ wishes, asking questions, attending to all the details, and making sure that she fully understood my parents’ goals and that they understood her role. She explained to my parents all the financial issues they were faced with and provided prudent guidance through these complicated decisions. Tricia and her team went into immediate action, creating all legal documents, including wills, power of attorneys, health care proxies, trust and all the legal work behind these documents, all completed in record time. Goal accomplished!
Tricia’s command of Elder Law, Estate Planning and the Massachusetts legal and Medicaid health systems is second to none.
Then, when my mother could no longer remain at home alone, Tricia worked her magic again, successfully navigating the Massachusetts legal and medical systems with huge success. Throughout the entire complex process, Tricia explained each detail/nuance, of which there were many, making sure I fully understood each step. This was a difficult time for us, yet she was stalwart, persistent, professional, and successful in settling our mother in an appropriate nursing facility. Another goal accomplished!
Tricia is very precise, professional, thoughtful, compassionate, and thorough. She is a brilliant elder law and estate planning attorney. I have 1000% trust and confidence in Tricia and 1000% recommend her services.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I would first like to express my gratitude to Tricia and her team who worked very hard in on an extremely time sensitive deadline to get my family's situation sorted out. Tricia created a comprehensive package of wills and trusts for my parents in an incredibly professional manner. Her attention to detail and response time were fantastic and I highly recommend her services.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Susan
After attending seminars for quite awhile, I decided, over 4 years ago, to shop for an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney. A friend recommended Attorney Shumaker. When I called her, she offered me a free consultation. The moment I met her, I was struck by her knowledge and also her kindness and patience. I knew she was the attorney that I should chose to help me navigate the world of estate planning and guide me through many difficult decisions.
It has been a pleasure to work with Attorney Shumaker over these last 4 years. She is a gifted attorney. Her knowledge of the complex field of Elder Law and Estate Planning is impressive. But she is always able to break down the complexity in an easy understandable way. In addition, she is quick to respond to any question I have, she gives me confidence and peace of mind. She is always calm. I am very thankful I have Patricia Shumaker as my attorney and I envision our relationship to continue through the many years ahead.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Carolyn
Attorney Joshua Bearce gave me a wonderful consultation of key questions to ask related to the estate of my deceased relative, before considering legal action. He also provided tactics that could be explored to support a case of "undue influence," if I were to pursue a legal action. Appreciate all the insights provided!
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09 Sep, 2020 by Marianne
I hired Atty Bearce for what I thought going in would be a fairly simple, straightforward divorce with most things agreed upon up front. I liked that he had trial experience as well, but never expected it to be necessary in mine.
The situation evolved and got a lot more complicated unfortunately. I was very glad to have an experienced attorney, who saw several things coming that I frankly did not. He was always respectful of what I wanted to file for as an outcome, while providing advice on why different things would be a good idea or how they could backfire, while always leaving it ultimately up to me on how to proceed.
I could not be more grateful for both the ultimate outcome of the case, or for the professionalism and helpfulness of Atty Bearce throughout the process. He was always on top of things, reachable, and able to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and easy manner. The support staff at the office was equally friendly and helpful.
Made a difficult process that much easier.
Some specifics involved in my case: a more complicated division of assets, custody division and uniform support orders, discussing a real estate disposition that was definitely non standard, and ultimately having to file for a default judgement when the other party refused to participate in the proceedings. We tried formal mediation but the case was ultimately decided at a trial hearing, something I never expected it to come to at the outset.
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09 Jun, 2020 by Debora
I highly recommend attorney, Joshua Bearce. As my attorney he obtained favorable results in my case. If you are looking for an attorney that will work for you and deliver results contact Joshua.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Jhon arias
Excelente
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10 Jun, 2018 by Gabriela
Very professional, expert in his field, and such a wonderful person. I felt extremly lucky to have Gary representing me. Highly respected attorney that has profound knogledge and experience. He guided me and was there for me in every step of my divorce. Highly recommended
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29 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Compassionate. Easy to talk to. Direct. Extremely well informed and connected. This is not the guy lawyer jokes are written about. This is an honest, calm, reasonable person who advocates tirelessly for the truth. A valuable member of our MA legal system.
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09 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Mr. Smith after being involved in an auto accident that left us with long-term effects sustained from head injuries. We were impressed by his thorough, strategic, approach to our case, and particularly with his experience on TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injuries).
We deeply appreciate Mr. Smith's professionalism and the personal consideration he showed to us. He has helped us make the best of bad situation. We strongly recommend him.
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29 Aug, 2015 by Fred
Attorney Smith represented me for several years in an unfriendly corporation breakup which included, among other things, the disposition of Intellectual Property. He proved to be a quick study. We were opposed by a well known Boston law firm, now defunct. Better them than us. He brings a wealth of experience which lets him present you with a range of options, but he won't try to decide for you what you have to decide for yourself. Obviously, I was a happy client.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I was sued for breach of contract by a shady character looking for a shakedown payment. Attorney Smith calmed me down, analyzed the documents and won the case on a summary judgment motion.
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19 Nov, 2017 by David k. bastian
Nik is an incredibly passionate attorney who always goes the extra mile on behalf of his clients. Nik has a superior understanding of the nuances of the law related to estate planning and small business structure and succession planning. I would recommend Nik enthusiastically to anyone seeking legal advice in the areas in which he practices.
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12 Nov, 2017 by Mike
I used Nik to assist me with setting up a will and establishing trusts. He was very professional to work with and set the proper expectations where he gave me various options on services that he could provide me. When I told him what I wanted he gave me breakdown of all fee's associated with his level of service. I was 100% satisfied with the services that he provided me and I would absolutely recommend Nik to family and friends.
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31 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Nikolaus Schuttauf handled our real estate closing. All legal matters were taken care of quickly and efficiently. We were always able to reach him to discuss matters and was encouraged to call or email with any questions. I would recommend him to friends and family.
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06 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Nancy Parchesky of Personal College Advising would like to thank Jen Taddeo of Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.S., for helping her boys with their health proxys. Parents need to be aware of the law concerning their children eighteen and over (especially those who have a child going away to college): once a child is 18 hospitals do not need to include the Parent's wishes in the decision
making process. Jen is running a special program just for this situation, and I, for one, sleep better knowing my boys decisions will not be left to the insurance company. My children, also feel better knowing they have a lawyer they know and can contact if need be.
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16 May, 2011 by Greg
My wife and I had put off doing any estate planning for a long time. In fact it was the only open item in our financial plan. Part of the issue was that my wife and I were being a bit irrational and just wanted to avoid the topic. Jen made the process easy and painless, and a little fun. My wife, Jen and I laughed our way through the process. Jen's pre-first meeting checklist and final meeting "flowchart" made us feel extremely comfortable that everything that was supposed to be covered was and that we understood all the contingencies. As we left the final (signing) meeting, my wife said to me, "she's really good and make this stuff easy and comfortable, you should refer her to everyone you know". So, I will do that as well as endorse Jen wholeheartedly here in a public forum.
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12 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Jennifer is an Estate Planning Attorney with outstanding legal acumen, and a great passion for her area of expertise. Composing an estate plan is a daunting and emotional task but with Jennifer's guidance and compassion, the process ensued without anxiety. She is a very creative individual who helped us condense our wishes into a detailed and executable legal document, while ensuring we were comfortable with the results. As a non-attorney, I found Jennifer very patient and unassuming as she explained each section and the related implications to our heirs and estate. I recommend Jennifer's work with the utmost regard to anyone in need of a thorough and high-quality estate plan.
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30 May, 2017 by Christie
Claire represented me in both the sale of my condo and the purchase of my new home. Her prices were fair and she was both thorough and prompt in her work. During a somewhat stressful time, Claire was quick to respond and was thoughtful in her responses, explaining everything carefully and completely. Claire made this a smooth process and made me feel at ease the entire time. I would use her again and would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Claire helped me negotiate a lease in the North End with my current landlord who was represented by a difficult broker. Claire was able to convince the landlord to incorporate terms my roommate and I were looking for, and do so in a cost effective manner. I will definitely be calling Claire again when I am ready to buy my first home!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Laura
Attorney McClintock helped my husband and me purchase our first home - a very daunting process! As first time home buyers, we had many questions and Claire was always available by email and phone to answer even the smallest question. She explained everything thoroughly but in a way we could understand. She responded promptly to ensure the process moved along quickly and smoothly.
Even after we moved in, she happily helped with details we forgot (like were our real estate taxes pre-paid to the town). Claire is very friendly and knowledgeable so we knew we were in good hands! I would highly recommend her to anyone buying or selling a home!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Jon
The nature of estate planning is intimate and personal. If you do it right, your estate planning attorney will have to be invited into the intimate dynamics of your family. After meeting Scott and his team, my partner and I had no hesitation in doing that. But neither of us had ever previously worked with any professional - attorney or otherwise - who made us feel so intimately a part of their professional family as well. After working with Scott and his team for the past six years, we feel a part of their family - they know who we are as people and we know who they are as people. They "get us" and we "get them." It is a relationship that far surpasses anything I conceived of as an attorney-client relationship before or since. We feel incredibly lucky to have Scott on our team.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Kara
I did a lot of research in selecting an attorney to build my estate plan. Having already lost a spouse to death, I have a great appreciate for how important solid estate planning is to family members left behind. Scott and his staff are the best one could hope for. Their process is very personal and shows that the firm cares deeply about your family and your wishes to protect them. I hired Scott to prepare an estate plan for my blended family with an unmarried partnership just before the birth of my youngest daughter. Scott's years of experience and expertise allowed him to easily manage the complexities of both an unmarried partnership and children from a previous relationship. He and his staff kindly took the time to explain to me anything I did not understand and then made a few revisions at no additional cost. I will continue to turn to Scott for all of my estate planning needs and recommend him to family and friends.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Wendy
Scott worked with my husband and I to create our wills and other complementary planning documents after the birth of our son. It was painless and we felt that we were in good hands. We would highly recommend Squillace & Associates, P.C. to anyone looking to plan for their life, estate, or business needs.
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08 May, 2020 by Joanne
Attorney Spaulding was highly professional and very knowledgeable about Massachusetts estate law as well as the laws and regulations pertaining to nursing homes, Medicaid and Medicare payments. An invaluable resource, she brought so much to bear in this case and saved us tens of thousands of dollars! Thank you so much for providing me so much support during a difficult time in our lives.
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04 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Carolyn is wonderful to work with. I cannot express how impressed I have been with the job she has done for my family and I. She helped us through a time of need and now has become a trusted advisor for my family.
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28 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Thoughtful, caring and intelligent attorney. Commited to helping our family through a difficult time.
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07 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Timothy without having ever met face to face to facilitate my same sex divorce in Mass while I lived in a distant state. Of the five attorneys I spoke to by phone, Timothy was, by far, the one I felt most comfortable with. He asks good questions and answered most of mine before I was able to get them out. He worked quickly and I am more than happy with the outcome and Timothy's service
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06 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Tim represented my family member in divorce and property settlement. I appreciated his kindness and compassion in making the process as stress-free as possible. He was knowledgable and accessible and achieved the hoped- for outcome
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Tim helped my wife and I as we started our family. As two women, there were many factors to consider, and Tim helped us understand the legal parameters for each type of donor, as well as outlined the steps we would take for second parent adoption. The paperwork could be a bit confusing, but Tim talked us through all of our questions and personally filed our case. Tim regularly checked in with the court on our application, and walked us through the adoption reading with the judge. He is thorough in his communication and candid about the legal options available. He also provides sage advice about next steps. We have recommended his services to several friends and colleagues.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Hether started working with my attorney at about the two year mark of a length dispute over an estate. She is very easy to communicate with and clearly explains what is going on. She is supportive in her suggestions for appropriate action and responds quickly to questions. I think her skill as communicator is very helpful when you are in the midst of an emotional situation.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Marcy
Hether Cahill has been wonderful to work with. She is always professional, informed, and prepared. At the same time, she is friendly and sensitive to your needs, and has the ability to make you feel comfortable because she keeps you informed at all times of the situation . If I should ever need professional help again, I will not hesitate to call Hether Cahill.
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15 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Cahill is very smart. She wrote excellent briefs for my case. She was very attentive to detail, analyzed facts cogently, and presented them persuasively.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Pat
I am a Teamsters local 25 member and was connected with Attorney Melissa Tobin through my union. I had a harassment order filed against me by someone I have never met. It was such a short notice my hearing was a week away. She was super easy to communicate with. She gathered all the information I had (which wasn’t much) and started to build a defense. Her strategy and knowledge with these proceedings was impressive. In fact, after presenting only one piece of evidence the judge stopped her and said he needs to hear nothing further from our defense. Also, the court officer even acknowledged in his 30 years in the system that was the fastest hearing he’s seen. Needless to say my harassment order was denied and the complainants credibility was completely destroyed.I highly recommend Ms Tobin she’s a rockstar.
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05 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
RE: Melissa Tobin, Esq - PiltserCowan Law, LLC
This matter, involving an altercation that took place at a food and beverage business establishment. Because the altercation involved several persons, and alcohol was involved, the police were called, and I was taken into custody. It was determined that no physical injuries to any other persons occurred as a result of any of my actions, but I was charged with: (1) Felony Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon & Misdemeanor Malicious Destruction of Property. With my professional life and emotional well-being at stake, and upon recommendation of people I trust, I contacted PiltserCowan Law, who assigned Melissa Tobin, Esq. to take my case. One of the extra benefits of retaining Melissa Tobin at PiltserCowan Law, was her around-the-clock support team of hardworking, responsive, tactical, caring, and down-to-earth associates.
Facing charges that would certainly threaten my livelihood, Melissa’s strategic approach, negotiation skills, and zealous advocacy, in and outside of court, ultimately compelled the Prosecutor’s office to dismiss all charges prior to arraignment. Facing resistance from other parties involved, Melissa engaged in difficult negotiations with the prosecutor’s office, and other third parties to the matter.
She is a fantastic lawyer, but also a genuinely good-person with a big heart, who comes in swinging in the face of an uphill battle. When she speaks, people listen. Instead of a trial, and both misdemeanor and felony charges, I was able to move on with my life. During months leading up to the incident, I had been struggling with alcohol abuse and depression. Melissa was aware, and ensured the conditions were also a benefit to me personally. In doing so, so the pretrial probation agreement included AA meetings, reasonable restitution payments, apology letters, and medical appointments. Melissa fought for a pre-trail probation agreement, rarely awarded, which saved my reputation, and gave rise to improvements in my physical and emotional health. I have since remained sober from alcohol, and my life has improved. I wasn’t just any defendant; I was represented by Melissa Tobin, and that made the difference.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney Tobin was great to work with. She has been very responsive during the time she represented me, as well as after my case was dismissed. I could not have achieved the best possible outcome without her representation (pretrial diversion). I would highly recommend hiring her
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08 Dec, 2021 by Ian
Eric was referred to me in November 2013, and I am very thankful for the recommendation. Eric achieved a result where it seemed no result would be possible. It took 8 years of patience, grind and frustration but the result finally came. Distance proved to be no barrier (other than the time change between East Coast and Australia).
Over that 8 years there were long periods when nothing happened, but when it did, Eric kept me up-to-date and informed. My sincerest thanks for the time and effort you put in on my behalf Eric.
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12 Jul, 2021 by Mark
On two occasions, Counselor Finamore "saved my chestnuts" from the fire. Both times all he did was to make a phone call - just a phone call. But it was to the right person at the right time.
On one occasion, I sent Mr. Finamore a retainer check. He located important information which he conveyed to me quickly and efficiently.
Then . . . GET THIS . . . he returned my retainer! He helped me greatly and charged me not a farthing. INTEGRITY. Something missing in parts of America today. It is so refreshing to find a lawyer with great integrity who performs as he is asked.
My recommendation: 100%.
As they say in Maine, "Finest Kind".
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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Choosing an attorney can be daunting, however, after selecting Attorney Finamore and witnessing his compassion and perseverance, we did not regret our decision. He was up front from the start about informing us of the lengthy judicial process and parts of the case that would be difficult. He is well versed in the legal system and thought outside the box, which resulted in us receiving compensation from a difficult and unusual case. He was very supportive and went the extra mile until the very end.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Nikki
I will forever be grateful to Catharine Blake. She helped me navigate the most painful time of my life: a three-year-long high-conflict divorce. My case ended up settling. Cate is extraordinarily professional, level-headed, practical, direct in her communication, ethical, and extremely knowledgeable about the law. She is also very kind, and I always felt that she cared about me and my two young children. I never questioned Cate’s judgment or the soundness of her reasoning—and I have a standard for comparison because I worked with two family law attorneys (Cate was the second). It’s clear to me that Cate has the highest and most admirable motivation to do this work: to serve people well at an extremely complex and difficult time in their lives, and to advocate for children in the process. I recommend Cate highly and warmly.
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11 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
If you google the firm Atwood and Cherny you would see an experienced firm with attorneys who represented some high profile cases. One of the cases being the Richard Sharpe case in which the firm represented a Mrs. Karen Sharpe. When we went to the firm for our "consultation" we expected it to be hopeless considering the divorce predicament we had fallen into. Cate was the attorney assigned to our case and through the entire proceedings has been professional, reasonable and encouraging to avoid court rather then go to court. Her knowledge of the court system and her experience with the probate courts made the modification process extremely easy. She not only handled the paper work but her unbiased perspective helped ease tensions from the very unprofessional opposing counsel at the Law Offices of Nicastro in Roslindale. As the opposing counsel purposely avoided Cate in order to up their own clients fees and fired up their client rather than diffuse their clients anger Catharine stayed poised and professional with every contact. One of the most challenging things about being an attorney must be having to deal with opposing counsel and Cate did it in a way that other attorneys would admire. When the bill came it was always a shock, but for the positive. I expected with the amount of emailing, contacting and back and forths from the opposing counsel that the bill would be much higher. Cate and her firm were fair in their minutes and hours. The opposing counsel would send 4 page letters which Im sure would cost the other side hundreds and yet, Cate would merely reply with 1-2 page letters that ignored the he/said she said and stuck to the points at hand. At one point we emailed Cate a long lengthy letter and rather then draft something imeediately that she knew would anger the opposing counsel she asked us to think about our actions and understand the consequences. Once we thought about things we changed a few decisions which resulted in larger gains. We first went to Cate because our previous attorney was a complete fraud and had cost us thousands in damages. Cate, not only made sure the damage didnt get worse but she remedied some of the most important issues we had with the opposing counsel. Because of Cate and Atwood and Cherny's counsel we ended a 6 month battle that would have resulted in thousands of attorney fees and endless court battles. We cannot thank the firm and Cate enough for their patience and courage. I am amazed that this firm was exactly as they had advertised. They are by far an amazing firm and although I cannot post what my final bill was I can definitely tell you, it was nothing compared to what we thought it would be.
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28 Jan, 2016 by William
Kelly is very professional and responsive. She did a superb job of taking a highly contentious and complex divorce and bringing it to a successfully resolved mediation. I really can't thank her enough for helping me navigate an enormously difficult process.
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01 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Kelly is a great attorney whose primary focus, I believe, is divorce law. As a favor to me she assisted me with a business dispute where a lawsuit had been filed against me. She successfully filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff's complaint within 3 days of my being served with the complaint and the Plaintiff's motion for an attachment. The complaint was dismissed with prejudice on her motion (which was opposed by two attorneys hired by the plaintiff).
I contacted Kelly because more than one of her clients had told me she was an excellant attorney.
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19 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I worked with the Tony for several years on an extended settlement case in both court and arbitration. He was very knowledgeable, smart, effective, fair. He provided excellent advice on difficult situations regarding what was wrong but not worth pursuing. He listens, works with you to decide a strategy, then effectively carries it through. He is funny which helps in a long case, does not over charge and he is just top of line. I highly recommend him for divorce, for post divorce, for any issue he covers. You will be very happy with his representation. He is a rare person.
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12 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Tony is always cool, calm and collected. He was quite responsive and knowledgeable with respect to my complex divorce. I am happy to recommend him.
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14 Aug, 2013 by Christopher
I was first referred to Donna Turley and Glickman-Turley by my now deceased partner during the sale of my condo in Boston, in January, 2012. As a result of some of life's "unexpected twists and turns", we were prompted to consequently sell the townhouse that we had purchased together, and so we naturally called upon Donna and Company to execute that transaction, as well. During the course of that sale, in November 2012, several personal challenges ensued, including the untimely death of my partner, a job change, and a relocation for me to the West Coast. Throughout it all, Donna Turley and Kristine Grimes (Office Manager, Paralegal) were concrete in their resolve to successfully navigate this process for me, even in my absence, and to provide the necessary professional (and in my case, a very personal) support to close on the sale on schedule. Aside from the expected outcomes above, this dynamic duo also uncovered a complex and confusing lot-line abnormality on the second property, and are still in the process of correcting a mis-filed poperty loan pay-off by another attorney from the purchase of my first home back in 1999.
After having hired Donna and Kristine's services for 2 consecutive home sales, I can honestly relate that they provide a level of attention FAR ABOVE AND BEYOND the norm, and that their excellent customer focus really stands out, especially in this day and age when service lapses and impersonal practices are commonplace by many companies. I am prompted to shout their praises load and clear on this forum, and will most certainly recommend their services to prospective clients whenever possible. Thank You.
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07 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
I have been using Atty. Turley since 1997. She is excellent. Very intelligent, knowledgeable, VERY honest and trustworthy.
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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I consider myself fortunate to have found Matthew Moore - after having worked with many other lawyers he is by far the easiest to work with. For the first time, I felt I was understood. He really works with you and for you. He is also very pleasant - I would recommend him to anyone.
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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
My wife and I could not be more pleased with Mr. Moore's services. We asked Mr. Moore to create family trusts, wills etc. for estate planning purposes. We found Mr. Moore to be knowledgable, experienced and above all, patient with us. Being novices, Mr. Moore took the time to breakdown the applicable state and federal laws in order to fully explain our different options as well as the pros and cons of each option. Mr. Moore allowed us to control the process. Instead of just being told what we should do, Mr. Moore utilized his experience and expertise to educate and guide us. We will continue to call upon Mr. Moore for all of our estate planning needs.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Anna
We were happy to have Dan Wilson working with us on our preparation for the employment based GC interview and to complete the interview at the USCIS office with him. He was very attentive, well prepared, preventive and supportive.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Zuheir
I have been referred to Dan back in 2011 when I was on a student visa and was trying to change my status.
Dan worked with me explaining my options and each's success chances we had a few long sessions in his office he did not charge me for any time I had to reach out for a quick question or some clarifications either phone call or quick visit. very attentive to details and close to my case dates I assume he would be the same with other clients, as for me he would personally call me ahead of time reminding me of important dates that requires my attention and that is something I dearly appreciate. currently I have temporary residency and working toward a permanent residency.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Nicole
Julie Gallup Esq., did an amazing job of my custody case, which was extremely stressful for me. She kept in touch and on track at all times! Julie is very compassionate, and empathetic to any situation. I would highly recommend her.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Karen
Atty Julie Gallup did an amazing job getting my paperwork ready and reponding to my court case. She was very understanding on my financial situation and I do believe she went above and beyond to help me. I will recommend her to everyone that I said in need of legal device regarding divorce and family law.
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21 Mar, 2017 by John
After paying another attorney from Worcester over $10,000.00 over a period of 8 months to amend my divorce decree and getting nowhere, I hired Jim to handle my case . He was easy to work with , quick on his feet, and expertly negotiated a fair agreement in no time at all . He was just plain fantastic. I would give 10 stars if it were allowed. Cant say enough good things. Wish I had met him the first time!
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21 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Jim was willing and capable of negotiating a settlement between myself, my now ex- wife, and her attorney. Jim steered me away from personal actions and communications that may have hurt the chances for a negotiated settlement. My particular situation could have been lucrative for him to litigate as it was complex and there was much discovery that would have accompanied a court battle. However he kept my best interest in mind , avoided litigation, protected my interest as well as possible, and treated my ex - wife with respect. He was bright and really understood the issues which really helped my case. We were able to settle in an very short time compared to stories I have heard from others.
I also believe that negotiation saved both my ex-wife and myself considerable costs. Most importantly it was easier emotionally for the entire family, including our adult children.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Sean
Rob has helped me on several legal matter and is a tremendous lawyer. I would suggest him for anyone
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29 Jan, 2014 by David
Robb has provided me counsel on numerous legal issues related to my wealth management, and trust & estate issues for my family members. He listened to precisely what I wanted to accomplish and he provided a terrific end product in little time. I enjoyed working with Robb and feel confident in his work on important issues relating to my family's future needs.
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31 May, 2016 by Kathy
Chris helped me draft a contract related to joint ownership of real estate and all the documents related to my estate plan. He is incredibly experienced and knowledgable about the law. He is also detail oriented and makes sure his clients understand the details. He is great at translating the technical details into basic language that non-experts can understand. I highly recommend him without reservation.
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10 May, 2011 by Anonymous
We hired Jeff when we needed legal services for my ailing father. He was very helpful in the estate planning process. He also helped us navigate through the Medicaid and nursing home process. We would use his services again and have recommended him to many friends and family.
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03 Aug, 2016 by Catherine
I have known Attorney Erica DiBona professionally and personally for over ten years. Attorney DiBona is a skilled attorney who possesses the knowledge and know-how to assist with her clients in all matters including estate planning, probate and real estate legal issues. She represented my family handling several complex estate planning matters for us, making the entire process a positive one. She helped us navigate the seemingly complex estate planning process with patience and professionalism every step of the way. Attorney DiBona also possesses top-notch listening skills to ensure her client's needs are met at every juncture. She is a talented attorney who will work her hardest for clients to achieve their legal goals. This knowledge comes from both my professional observations as Attorney DiBona's former colleague and as a client of Attorney DiBona's as well.
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25 Oct, 2012 by Paul
I'm a client of Attorney Dzialo who just had a civil matter resolved with the assistance of Attorney Dzialo. This lady is a rising star in the legal domain and should prove to be a prominent attorney nation-wide very soon if not already. Her style is to be very matter of fact and knowledgeable with a keen, perceptive ear for percieving information regarding facts which only a sharp attorney might pick out. Her friendly, attractive demeanor is only the icing on the cake, and in my final communication to her I have indicated for her to not go anywhere without telling me first. I certainly want Ms. Dzialo on my side should I ever need an attorney again.
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08 Apr, 2019 by Amy
Elisabeth’s intelligence, steady approach, and passion for her work made her an unbelievable asset and support during my divorce process. Her balanced viewpoint and researched approach kept things in perspective during turbulent times, eventually guiding us to an equitable settlement, which would not have been accomplished without her diligence. I cannot overemphasize how highly I recommend her.
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19 Sep, 2018 by Scott
As a lawyer, with over 30 years of experience, I've come to know what a good lawyer looks like and I can tell you it includes the likes of Mary Schmidt and her team. Every once and awhile, a lawyer needs his or her own lawyer to represent them. When I needed a lawyer for a tricky probate litigation matter, there was no question but to seek advice and counsel from Mary Schmidt and her team. She is smart; capable and available, not to mention, extraordinarily hard working and good judgment and common sense. It was a bonus that both the Judge and clerks of the court knew and respected her. I recommend her without reservation.
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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.
