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05 Dec, 2018 by Jeremy
After several years of family dispute regarding inheritance/split ownership of my grandparent’s real estate, I hired Mrs. Shaughnessy to help me with my legal advice and partitioning real estate needs. Even though I live out of state, Mara and staff was always responsive and professional when I reached out for status updates. Very pleased with the final judgement and currently in the process of finalizing everything so I can move forward with its sale. Overall, great experience and highly recommend Shaughnessy Law.
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13 Aug, 2018 by Joe
We have to start off by saying the court system is not fair when it comes to dead beat parents. Child services took my children from their mother for various warranted reasons (drugs, abuse, neglect), things that we didnt even know they were going through because they we to scared to tell anyone. We were appointed a court appointed attorney which was horrible and after my first experience with my last lawyer we were very skeptical about hiring a new lawyer. Mara came recommended to us through a friend and I have to say it was the best choice we've made in this regard over the last 11 years. During this whole process of the court and child services giving their mother chance after chance to reunify, making us feel like we did something wrong, and forcing the kids to talk and see their mother when they didnt want to Mara stayed positive. She was there anytime we had a question, needed a meeting, or advice during this 2 year process. We are grateful to say that finally we have full custody, the kids have completed their therapy, and they are happy and doing well in school.
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25 May, 2018 by Suzanne
Mara was not only professional but also caring. She looked after the best interests of my children. Cannot thank her enough for her diligence to get what was best for all of us.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Ketona
Attorney O’Connor is a very compassionate attorney. She listens to my concerns and the history of my case and grasped a full understanding of what I needed done to move my case forward. She educated me on the legal process and I was always aware of what the next steps were. Her assistant, Chyrl, is very kind and communicative. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case. I would recommend Brandon Law to anyone looking for family/custody issues.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Harland
At the start of the year in 2020 and during the start of the scare of COVID19, I had the added burden of defending a divorce petition. After contacting Attorney O’Connor, I felt I was in good hands.
Having to go through a most challenging and stressful divorce proceeding which lasted almost two years, I became more confident there was no better person to have guided and lawyered me through the ordeal than Attorney O’Connor.
Thanks to her legal guidance and professionalism, I was able to sustain the enormous pressure and instead of caving in, I eventually prevailed in the case.
I highly recommend Attorney Tanya O’Connor for your legal troubles. During a harrowing two-year legal battle, she brought me through it with peace of mind.
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21 Apr, 2021 by Henry
Tanya is truly great. Im thankful for your service. I will definitely call if I you again.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Sophia
You simply can't realize how RIGHT everything that Laurie does until you've been to a lawyer who's done it all wrong. I came to Laurie to assemble a new estate plan after a change in my life. By leaps and bounds, I was so impressed by her passion for what she does, and more especially, her command of the subject matter in which she clearly demonstrates her expertise. I found out that the previous general practice lawyer who put together my older estate plan was a bona fide idiot, who gave me reams of incorrect advice. The detail in which Laurie delves in order to make sure you clearly understand what you're signing, as well as checking your grasp of the documents shows that she truly wants to make sure she's also educating her clients. She's an empowering person to have in my corner to guide me through important life decisions. I can't recommend her enough.
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01 Jul, 2016 by Tom
I am a New Yorker who was appointed executor in my sister's will... she was a Tampa resident. Needless to say, this responsibility was made even more difficult due to the distance involved. Knowing nothing about the Tampa area, I selected Ms. Ohall to assist with probate based upon a friend's recommendation... and I couldn't be more pleased.
Ms. Ohall and her paralegal staff provided clear, timely communications, worked side-by-side with me throughout the entire process, and generally provided outstanding service at a very reasonable fee. This firm gets my highest personal recommendation.
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15 May, 2016 by Robert
We worked with Laurie Ohall on our living trust and she did an outstanding job - from start to finish. She was very professional and thorough. We would highly recommend Laurie to anyone needing assistance with elder law or estate planning.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Galey
Emma was very personable, as well as professional and answered all the questions we had. Our signed Estate Documents were given to us in a legal binder, which was very nice.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Scott
Emma Hemness did estate planning for me and set up a special needs trust for my son. I found her to be kind, compassionate, intelligent and professional. There is much to be considered when leaving behind a child (at whatever age) who can't take care of himself. I have been blessed to have this young man in my life. Ms. Hemness thought of everything. She helped me to create a trust including a special needs trust and put together a living will. She helped me to consider end of life choices and create a power of attorney. The power of attorney will allow a family member an easy transition to administer my estate and help my son at my passing. She did all this while insuring my son would not be deprived of the social safety net that is helping him now. I am more than grateful to her for making something very difficult like this possible. I rest easier knowing I have done the best I can to protect my son.
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15 Jun, 2018 by Veronica joyce
Ms. Hemness has been our attorney for many years. Her integrity, broad knowledge, and dedication to service provides an admirable example to which all lawyers should aspire. If there were more stars, we would include them in our rating!
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10 Sep, 2020 by Rebecca tackett
I know how important reviews are. I know others experiences help at times of great uncertainty and emotional times. I can tell you that when I searched for attorneys at a trying time, I was exhausted and frustrated. The legal system is confusing and at times...never ending. Kristi jumped into my case 2 weeks before a complicated trial and gave everything she had. I always knew I had the best representation. She is smart and compassionate. She is authentic. She is assertive and professional. I always knew where I stood. She is worth every penny and I will ONLY recommend her in the future for needs of my family and friends. I have NEVER seen an attorney work harder. The best decision I ever made in a messy situation...I am more than grateful for her hard work and dedication to my situation. She is simply the best. Period.
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11 Jan, 2018 by Stephen
Kristi has been a pleasure to deal with. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for your family law needs.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Nora
Kristi was referred to me by a good friend when I was searching for the first step on what to do so that my husband could legally adopt my oldest son. My husband had been his Daddy for over 10 years and it seemed only natural to make it official. I asked questions and Kristi answered thoroughly. I cannot express my appreciation for all she did for us. As we are not from this state, we do not have family here, so when I asked her if there was any way we could get started on the paperwork when I could arrange for family to be in town as witnesses, she did not hesitate to accommodate my request. On a Saturday morning, on her day off, she met me and a whole big bunch of strangers at her office for the signing. Kristi was also very patient with us when we ran in to a few hiccups along the way. Those hiccups almost put everything on hold for us, but she was kind and generous to our family and even pushed for an emergency final hearing when my husband received orders to deploy at the last minute.
We are forever in debt to her kindness and professionalism, and aside from what she may think, we can never forget her.
Thank you, Kristi, for everything.
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24 Oct, 2017 by Angela
I really can't say enough good things about Bob and his staff. He was the first lawyer that actually spoke with me over the phone to answer some of my questions, this is practically unheard of in this day and age, and based on this conversation I choose to hire him. I feel very fortunate to have found an attorney that I feel is trust worthy, honest, fair and has my back. He and his staff were very efficient with quick follow up on my legal needs and any questions I had. I only wish I had meet of him sooner since I found out he represents all types of legal issues. I will definitely being using Bob for any legal counsel or needs I might have in the future as well as referring all my friends and family to his office.
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14 Oct, 2016 by Leeann
Having Mr. Zimmerman represent me during a difficult time in my life was a solid decision. He is personable, knowledgeable and reliable. His rates are affordable and he allows payment plans, which I found to be extremely helpful. After consulting with three different attorneys, I am glad I chose Mr. Zimmerman - he brought calm and compassion to a stressful situation. Highly recommend his services.
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24 Feb, 2016 by Steven
Very professional and personable. Any time I called I was able to speak to him directly with any questions and concerns I had. I would recommend him to anyone. I have consulted with him regarding bankruptcy. After reviewing my details he informed me a bankruptcy wasn't in my best interest and gave me alternatives. Never ceases to amaze me. Not the stereotypical lawyer by any means.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Leesa
Lourdes Bernal-Dixon is exactly who you want in your corner for all things that go along with Estate planning, probate, wills and trusts. She has done all our families wills and trust and estate planning. She is very detailed and listens to exactly what you want for your family. Estate planning isn't sometimes the easiest thing to talk about but it is a tremendous gift you give your family after you are gone. I can't recommend Lourdes Bernal-Dixon enough. If you are looking for any estate planning services she is the best in the business.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Veronica
While my husband and I thought we had covered our basis in a previous will that we had done ourselves, we had life changing events that required some changes and updates. We seeked out the guidance of Lourdes and it really drove home the need for someone professional and experienced to handle this and explained everything in terms we could understand. We so appreciated that she was able to draw information from us that we didn't even realize was important to the process. What a great feeling to have "peace of mind" on such an important detail of your life. We could not have done this without Lourdes and we felt so at ease through the entire process.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Susan
Creating a will is not something we like to talk about. It's kind of a downer. However, it is something everyone MUST do. I am so glad we sat down with Lourdes to work out the details of our future. Having only one child I thought it would be simple, give her everything. Not so simple. Lourdes explained what we needed to do and WHY we needed to do it. I highly recommend Lourdes, she answered all of our questions, and there were many.
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09 Dec, 2019 by Jan
I was looking for an ethical, well informed and reasonably priced lawyer and I got all of those things and much more with Ms. Storay. My sister passed away unexpectedly. I live in another state and I had no idea how I would ever be able to handle all the many details of probate, but Ms. Storay was very compassionate and helped me with every detail. Forever grateful to her!
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11 Jan, 2022 by Chris
Intelligent, concerned, honest, fare. She spent months working to provide excellent defense.
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12 Dec, 2019 by Melissa nelson
Mark is the absolute best attorney hands down! He is very reasonable with his retainer fees but also is very honest with you and I absolutely love that about him! He is smart, funny, respectful and family oriented. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for an attorney. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
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12 Dec, 2019 by Melissa nelson
Mark is the absolute best attorney hands down! He is very reasonable with his retainer fees but also is very honest with you and I absolutely love that about him! He is smart, funny, respectful and family oriented. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for an attorney. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Ramy basta
I would like to give my lawyer a 10 stars review and a big thanks. She’s amazing! Going through a divorce isn’t an enjoyable experience. She guided and supported me all the way through and made this process go smoothly. All of my questions were answered and everything was handled professionally. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude. I highly recommend her and her team.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Kim cruz
This is my second time using this firm for a family matter and they did not disappoint either time. They listened to my concerns and gave me the best legal guidance for my situation. Pricing was fair and communication was very timely, typically the same day. In the end, we were successful in what I was seeking to get out of my case.
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23 Jul, 2024 by W. moore
I was told about The Soliman Law Firm after having less than competent service with another law firm. Deena promptly returned my called and clearly explain in the details the approach and steps that would be taken to make my case a success.
Kendall, the lead attorney for my case was in constant contact with me as the case progressed and always wanted to know what my expectations were as the case moved to a new stage. Kendall was able to secure me a very favourable outcome in the case.
I highly recommend The Soliman Law Firm
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28 Oct, 2024 by Cathy starnes
Ms. Askew was incredibly helpful and thorough in assisting me. I would highly recommend her firm.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Isa toledo
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Ms. Askew! I was ready to pay her whatever it took, but she declined and instead provided me with invaluable legal advice. Although my case is complex and falls outside her jurisdiction, her expertise was evident. She is highly professional and incredibly transparent, qualities I truly appreciate. I will highly recommend her.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Unbreakable bre
I called in today to possible set up a consultation. The assistant assume that I called about something concerning my husband. I mean truly jumped to conclusions. After me addressing Shameka she also assumed the same I never mentioned what the situation was or what parties were involved. I advised to Shameka that I don’t know where husband came from she got cocky and asked then wat type of case am I calling about. I mean u r a lawyer y wouldn’t u take time to figure out first why I’m calling instead of assuming. I will not hire this firm nor will I give them out as a referral. Horrible horrible horrible. The last thing someone in need want to hear is someone being cocky or darn near rude when seeking family help
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04 Jan, 2024 by Delta
Mr Gerald hemness jr... Is such a blessing to the Tampa Bay area he really takes the load off your shoulders on tough situations very understandable and courteous to whom ever is reading this and would like to use their services I highly recommend very easy get in contact with give him a try if you are wanting to experience good consultation or higher....
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13 Nov, 2023 by Maura
My father and I worked with Mr. Hemness from another state assisting us with a guardianship case. We all knew that it would have its bumps, but his extensive knowledge of both Florida law and laws in other states, ease in navigating the system, and gentle calming manner brought this process to a conclusion before other lawyers in the area would even give us an appointment for a consultant. He is extremely responsive to both email and telephone calls. I simply could not have asked for anything more. If you have the need for an attorney for guardianship, Mr. Hemness is the attorney you want.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Lorraine and george
Gerald Hemness' education and experience by themselves are an impressive package. He is a well-seasoned attorney in guardianship law.
Gerald can assess your case and give clear, thorough guidance for every step of the way. His patience is unsurpassed, and he promptly answers every question respectfully. He prepares you for success in and out of the courtroom.
We would highly recommend Gerald to anyone who finds themselves at any stage of this process. We were in an urgent situation, and Mr. Hemness went out of his way to take our case. He was like a kind, older brother leading us through every step.
His advice was straightforward, and his charges were reasonable – he's everything you would hope for when utilizing the services of an attorney for this type of case.
Guardianship is a necessary but oftentimes unpleasant step that is required to chart a safe path for a loved one's future, and it can bring up so many emotions. Mr. Hemness successfully helped us gain the custody we sought of our family member.
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02 May, 2024 by Cathy bosek
Very thorough and organized firm.
Highly recommended!
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02 May, 2024 by Hisham khalil
Steve is awesome guy and his team will put some money on ur pockets
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02 May, 2024 by Adrian eșanu
Amazing service from Steve. Thank you all for your help!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Monica ruiz
He failed on all levels 1. Lost paperwork had to resend twice 2. Didn’t listen to me 3. Never replied to my phone calls and never any updates and then had the nerve to call me a liar when I left my honest reviews 4. Told me that it doesn’t cost much to send a letter out and then I got a quote of 10,000. The best judgement is going to be Gods judgement and nobody is going to get away and I won’t be led to continuing supporting dishonest lawyers. One of there workers told me that people rather pay lawyers money when this was coming out of my pocket!! Someone who is disabled! Worst lawyers ever!!!
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07 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for a difficult probate case in Florida, whereas I am out of state. I gave him all relevant information about the case in my initial call, yet he later claimed he had no idea about these very important basic facts. This caused all assets to be seized by elder abusers who had already begun their grift, and led to the loss of my entire inheritance, not to mention the further desecration of my loved one's memory. Very shocked to see reviews mentioning this attorney as "aggressive", as he was the opposite, quite impotent, in my case, and in the end withdrew from the case without even telling me, leaving me utterly flummoxed as to what to do. I guess the elder abusers now get to win, and I get left without legal representation.
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04 Feb, 2022 by Steve
Zoecklein Law helped me during a difficult time after the loss of a loved one. Without hesitation they provided the necessary papers necessary to close out the estate. Wendy was very kind, and Attorney Zoecklein's experience in probate matters is extensive. I can not recommend Zoecklein law in Tampa enough. A+
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13 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired John in March because a neighbor's tree had fallen and was suspended over my fence and shed. The owner was clearing the property and I was concerned it would make the partially fallen tree fall the rest of the way ,smashing my fence and shed and possibly rolling and bringing down other trees causing even more damage. John took a $750 retainer and said he would call the property owner. The neighbor continued clearing and working on the property and, in fact, did not slow down disturbing the tree at all. In April the tree fell further but still had not smashed my shed. I called John again and he said he would call the property owner again. The property owner continued working on the area around the tree and in May the tree then fell, smashing my shed and fence. I contacted John and asked for the retainer back minus an hour for the phone calls he made. John refused to return any money and in fact BILLED ME $300 MORE for my request for an itemized bill. I could have used that $750 to just have the tree removed but John assured me that he could help me. John will take your money, not do the job and charge you MORE.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
-
What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
