Lawyers map
>13
experienced lawyers
Filter by
06 Mar, 2024 by Nicolette j-pownall
The BCLG was instrumental in helping us set up a family trust. Brittany is generous with her knowledge, her time and is deeply passionate about helping her clients protect themselves and future generations from going into probate. Highly highly recommend working with her and her incredible team.
Read more
21 Feb, 2024 by Jaeson wilkins
Brittany's expertise in the area of estate planning and probate representation (and prevention) surpasses that of anyone I know! I've known brittany for almost 5 years and have seen her handle some of the most complex probate methodically and meticulously. She stands up for families in these tough situations and ensures a fair legal process is had. 100% recommend Best Coast Law Group!
Read more
10 Aug, 2022 by Luis fernandez
Very helpful and informative
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Jesika kubeserian
When I needed legal help after my accident, my family and friends reached out to me and told me to talk with Aren. They took the time to explain every detail of my case, making sure I understood my options and the process. Their deep knowledge of personal injury law and their attentive approach made a huge difference. I felt confident and supported throughout, and the outcome was better than I could have hoped for. Aren is a true professional who genuinely cares about their clients.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Rita khechumyan
I can't thank Aren enough for the incredible work on my case. From our very first meeting, I felt truly heard and understood. He took the time to explain everything to me, and I always felt like I was in good hands. He fought tirelessly to get me the compensation I deserved. I highly recommend the team at Avaness Law to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney who genuinely cares about their clients.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Norik khanbabaei
They helped me secure a big fat check for my car accident case. I am extremely happy with their office and everyone on the staff for being extremely communicative with me throughout the process. I will be contacting them for all my injury cases.
Read more
30 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
The best lemon law attorneys. They helped my mom with her car that was defective. It was at the shop too many times and they were able to get her a fair settlement so she could get a new car without problems. Arik and Greg are great at what they do. Thank you so much!
Read more
08 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Trustworthy and caring attorneys. They took care of my accident case and helped me navigate through insurance and doctors during the process. I would highly recommend them to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Nov, 2022 by Fatima
BNG Legal Group exceeded my expectations. I was in so overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start with the insurance company and doctors. I had neck and back pain and didn’t know who to go to. Arik and Greg handled my case from start to finish. They negotiated and got the best settlement possible for my damages. I highly recommend them because they really took the time to get me the best results.
Read more
10 Sep, 2017 by Gail
It is important to Steve that his clients fully understand different ways to structure a trust, so that we are able to make informed decisions. He addresses both the legal and more affective aspects of the trust. He also stresses the importance of regularly revisiting the trust so it remains accurate & up to date. He uses subsequent appointments to continue to educate his clients, and offer criteria for making adjustments given changes in law or family circumstances.
Read more
07 May, 2014 by Violet
From the moment I talked to Steve I was impressed at his promptness to return my call. He listened thoughtfully, I could hear the concern in his voice; it was as though I had been handed a (cup of instant kindness). He even gave me a little boost of much-needed self confidence).
Thank-you, Steve, my friend!
Read more
22 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
I researched a long time before I finally settled with Steven Oakley. He was very professional and had a great presentation and made us so comfortable from the beginning. We trust our estate planning with him and would recommend others to do the same. It takes 3 meetings to get your estate planning done. The first is a free initial meeting where he explains what he does and the pricing options. Then if you do decide to go with him then during the second meeting you provide all your information for your estate planning. You get a DPOA , an advance directive, beneficiaries if you or your spouse dies all set up and more. Then during the third meeting he hands you your estate planning folder with everything in it along with a CD copy and he goes through everything with you. You also receive an Emergency Medical Information Card you can keep in your wallet if ever you get hospitalized. He answered all our questions and everything that I wanted on my checklist for estate planning was marked off because of him. There is a yearly annual review that you must pay for but it is worth it because you need to keep your estate planning updated or else some things might become invalid. The price is on the higher end but you definitely pay what you get for and I wouldn't want to pay cheap when it comes to my family and estate planning. Like he said to us during his presentation, think of it as an investment into your future for you and your loved ones.
Read more
25 Nov, 2015 by Howard
Over the past 15 years while owning residential multifamily and commercial property as well as being involved in multiple tech start-ups, we have engaged Mr. Morin to protect our interests. He has assisted us in extremely complicated real estate and business matters.
Mr. Morin has helped us resolve many complex legal matters throughout our long standing relationship.
His litigation skills are amazing. Mr. Morin goes at it in a very practical way, does not tell you what you want you hear but tells you what’s possible and accomplishable and methodically accomplishes it.
His real estate negotiation skills are exemplary. Again, he works from the point of view of what can be accomplished and in a very practical way goes about accomplishing it.
In the area of real estate counseling, he really excels. We have consulted on every real estate and business purchase and every contract and construction project that we have been involved in. It’s my belief that based on Mr. Morin’s guidance, we have had very few instances over the past 15 years where we needed his litigation skills and in my opinion, that’s extremely valuable to a business because any distraction, especially litigation, takes away from the productivity and growth of the business.
I have found him to be conscientious, highly competent in the subject matter, legal strategies and execution. He is upfront about what’s possible and always keeps in mind what it’s going to cost and the result you will actually get. Mr. Morin has always exceeded our expectations and made difficult situations as workable as possible.
I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of these types of services.
Read more
08 Aug, 2015 by Steve
I am extremely pleased to have an opportunity to recommend Danny Morin to you. I have known Mr. Morin for 8 years, first as a small business Advisor, then as an Attorney, later as a Mentor, and finally as a friend. I know him well and I am confident that he will excel in any legal matter(s) that he is hired to do. I have been fortunate to have a small handful of attorneys to work with. First, patent and trademark law, then general business formation and counseling, and finally legal malpractice. Danny is one of those lawyers and assisted with the latter 2 areas. Even so, he kept a close eye on the patent process to ensure that it was proceeding as planned. He has a creative mind and when the opportunity presented itself, it was a pleasure to assist him when he represented my family in a very difficult legal matter. He is intelligent, highly capable, driven and hard working, self starter, who is fully capable of the most advanced legal challenges. Well trained and well educated, Danny is a strong attorney. His integrity is unmatched and his professionalism is outstanding. A man of character, he is honorable and forthright. He has a winning personality and an outgoing nature.
Danny’s strengths include his communication skills and his legal good judgment. As for weaknesses, in my years of observing him, I saw his weaknesses as being working too hard, caring too much, and expending too much effort.
Sincerely,
Steve
Read more
07 Aug, 2015 by Dennis
Danny Morin was my lawyer in a highly contested real estate litigation matter. His writing, intelligence, discipline and trial skills won the day against dedicated adversaries. He is the lawyer you want in your corner.
Read more
29 Oct, 2014 by Sheila
Shelley Rizzotti represented me and my nonprofit organization on a case that involves contractual, nonprofit, and animal law. She took on our case pro bono and stuck with us from beginning to end. She was very knowledgeable on the statutes pertaining to our case. She was meticulous and thorough in her research. Her letters were all skillfully written, and in the end we prevailed!
Shelley made the entire process easy for us. She assured us that she would be properly handled our case and she told us not to worry. She explained everything to us along the way. She gathered all pertinent documents and evidence; she allowed us to focus on our day-to-day operations rather than dwell on our case. This certainly lifted a huge burden off our shoulders. She gave us regular updates. She was readily available to answer any questions over the phone or by e-mail... even though she had taken on this case pro bono amid her busy schedule!
Shelley is an attorney with compassion, grit, and integrity. She is not one to take on a case if she does not fully believe there will be a positive outcome for her client(s). She will fight for her clients, and she will never back down. When she takes on a case, she comes up with a list of strategies to use to win the case. She has excellent people skills and was professional and firm in her dealings with the other party's attorney.
Overall, we are incredibly grateful to Shelley for her expertise and phenomenal help to our nonprofit organization. We highly recommend Shelley! She is by far one of the most effective lawyers we came across in the 10 years we have been in operation.
Read more
13 Nov, 2012 by Lance
Shelley Rizzotti provided my business partner and I with excellent, detailed service. We were able to avoid a long, difficult case with her assistance. She examined and recommended points on all aspects of the case in a way that showed she was very engaged and extremely competent. She went far beyond our expectations and I am truly grateful to have found her.
Read more
24 Jun, 2011 by Ken
I came to attorney Shelley Rizzotti with a few vague ideas about some kind of estate planning for my future. Shelley was quick to understand the uniqueness of my situation, and skillfully articulated her recommended solution in a way that would make sense to me. Shelley became my ally in developing a detailed, comprehensive, personalized estate strategy which included a trust, an advanced health care directive, a will, and a nomination of conservator. Throughout the process she was impressivley attentive to detail while courteous and patient with my questions. I have entrusted Shelley to oversee my personal legal affairs as such services may be needed. I have made this decision based on my assessment of her as a capable, diligent, compassionate professional who understands both legal and personal matters of importance to her clients.
Read more
22 Mar, 2012 by Marla
I have known and had a business relationship with this lawyer for over 30 years. I last retained her to prepared my parents Estate documents. She is well versed in this area and handles all estate related matters.
Read more
20 Aug, 2015 by Mark p.
School Teachers should contact LiberyBell Law Group "first" ! Forget the union bosses lawyers. When your job is on the line and being threatened by viscous administrators - call LibertyBell Law Group. At LibertyBell Law Group attorney Dave Miller is one hell of an attorney and I would recommend him and this firm hands down to anyone. Dave Miller is very professional, courteous, listens to his client, provides sound recommendations and puts a plan together with you always in the seat to - Win! Thank you Dave Miller....
Read more
27 Apr, 2018 by Judy
James G. Morris and his team at the Burbank Firm, L.C. are not only professional, they are exceptional. They can be relied on in the most difficult of times. My husband and I needed assistance with our estate plan, they listened, were caring and went out of their way to provide expert advice and get our estate plan in order in an expedited manner. We made the perfect choice. Thank you The Burbank Firm, L.C.
Read more
29 Dec, 2023 by Zara pogosyan
25 Oct, 2021 by Talin moughalian
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.
