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21 Nov, 2024 by Kumar jakkampudi
08 Nov, 2024 by Ravindranath pal
09 Oct, 2024 by Vikas bhadauria
08 Dec, 2024 by Tammy bevan
13 Dec, 2023 by Jessica m garcia
10 Aug, 2023 by Daniel picarsic
My neighbor recommended Alisa Huffman. My family and I were very impressed with how they explained in a way that it was easy to understand the importance of having a good legal advice. I would recommend Alisa Huffman too.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer wood
Ann Margaret and her staff are very professional but still make you feel welcomed and well cared for. They helped us through a very difficult time. Very supportive staff. Highly recommended.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Sa
Be careful of pushy advice to do an emergency custody hearing based on Ann Margaret Alexander's opinions and high fee which she earns with every outcome. Be aware that these hearings are very quick and may be based on falsified documents with no time to make an actual case and she will push to settle and acquiesce under pressure and collude with the other attorney. She makes a lot of money on these quick hearings and doesn't do her clients justice. It's amazing how her opinions change drastically after the hearing- an abusive parent is no longer abusive just the alpha parent (after she collects her fees). Also, be aware that these emergency custody hearings, if there is unfavorable outcome, will ruin any changes of a permanent custody change in the future. Do your research and homework in these situations!
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10 Jul, 2024 by David bass
Andrea Doyle did an excellent job. She was responsive, helped me understand the different procedures, and was able to handle any issues that arose.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Catherine
Amy helped us after my mom passed navigating the state requirements to become an executor for her estate, do what is required for probate, and finally distribute her estate as per her wishes in her will. She is also going to be our estate lawyer after this dust has settled. She's wonderful, and has held our hands throughout the process, carefully answering questions and in this time when a loved one passes, offering her grace and empathy. What we recommend is that EVERYONE AT GLENAIRE meet with her right away, to make sure your estate is in order and your plans are exactly what you want - because she is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FROM YOU. I *thought* my mother's plans were in order but learned they were not after she passed. Please make sure you work with Amy so this doesn't happen to you.
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14 Nov, 2021 by Sherrod & odessa
My wife and I set up a revocable family trust with Privette Legacy Planning.
We set up a consultation meeting with Amy. We felt that Amy had the expertise and great attitude to put together a trust for us. She exhibited a great amount of patience with us as she translated legal terms in our trust to plain English! We’re glad we finally moved ahead with her firm. We felt the price we paid for her services was fair.
Amy’s assistant, Sara, supported us during the entire process. Amy wanted to be sure our documents were set up properly and that our assets were named properly to the trust. This office even assisted us in filling out the paperwork to transfer most of our holdings to the trust. This is quite a process, so this help meant a lot to us. It was a pleasure working with this firm.
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01 Oct, 2021 by Daniel
Amy was the best lawyer I've ever worked with. This is definitely her wheel and she's a master at it. Specifically, Amy was very educational, patient with our questions, only moved forward when we were comfortable and fair with pricing. I would highly recommend her without reservation.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Sean
Steven went above and beyond answering all my questions and putting fears to rest. It's hard enough going through a family loss then having to deal with attorneys doesn't make you smile. Steven made it a nice experience in a difficult time. He's going to be handing all my family's trusts.
I have to give a huge thank you to him.
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18 Jan, 2023 by Andrea szigethy
Zachary provided top notch full service help to my husband and I while setting up our estate plan. He explained everything to us and made it simple to understand. He made it a smooth and easy process and we were able to get this done pretty quickly. Zachary is extremely professional and I highly recommend his services to anyone looking to prepare their wills, estate plans, trusts, and anything that will give you the peace of mind that you prepared your loved ones in the future. He was great and we will definitely call upon him again in the future should we need anything. We now feel very comfortable that we have a folder prepared with all the important documents that our children will need in the future. Thank you so much!
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06 Jan, 2023 by Jared snead
Zack was very knowledgeable and professional. Communication with him was easy and timely. I felt at ease working with him in this process. I feel great about our finished documents. Highly recommend!
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21 Dec, 2022 by Matt searson
We had an excellent experience with Zachary A. Cooper Law. Zach was incredibly easy to talk to, he took great care in explaining his work to us, and his primary goal was to honor our wishes as he helped us with our estate planning. He was gracious to answer our countless, stupid questions and he demonstrated professionalism throughout the whole process.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Biz lorax
Creating a Trust is a long and complex process, but we had a good experience with Carolina Family Estate Planning. Kathy always got back to us quickly with our questions. Sheena was Fantastic! She's the one who actually facilitates the process of putting the assets into the Trust, the final step. Such a relief to have it done!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Terry dail
Absolutely fantastic! Well organized, informative and entertaining at the same time.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Jackie ley
This was an absolutely awesome experience. The entire staff has been so helpful and Kellie couldn’t have been more helpful. We highly recommend the Carolina Family Estate Planning for all your Estate needs.
Mike & Jackie Ley
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09 Dec, 2024 by R d
James is an outstanding attorney. In my experience, during the course of about 12 months, he always had my best interests in mind, always responded promptly to my communications, and was always honest and up-front.
Three things James recommend to me, when we first met for our consultation, and then another thing shortly after, gave me full confidence in him, and achieving a speedy separation/divorce.
First, he recommended to refrain from offering anything I wouldn’t accept myself.
Second, refrain from making unreasonable or unfair requests.
Third, if still in doubt, do not request or offer anything that a judge would’t find reasonable and acceptable.
The other thing James told me, after reviewing all our paperwork and process, was that my ex and I had already completed most of the work, and if everyone was prepared to sit together and be reasonable, we could have everything completed within a few hours.
Unfortunately, reasonable was not in my ex’s attorneys vocabulary. And in the end, not only did my ex failed in all her unreasonable requests, she also wasted a ton of money because she picked an attorney who did not have her best interests in mind, and she lost our house because her attorney went AWOL for multiple days prior to paperwork deadlines (now I have the house even though I gave my ex first option).
Bottom line; James is honest, fair, and professional, and he’ll look after you and your best interests in a fair, honest, and speedy manner.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Gary hatch
I was initially hesitant and even skeptical of asking a lawyer to help us with estate planning. We had only a modest and relatively simple estate. At the urging of my wife, we met with Duffy Palmer who educated us in estate law. His patience and honest answers to our many questions left us with a new appreciation of issues we had never considered. We learned about the costs and legal tangles often encountered in probate, and we did not want to lay these difficulties on our children. Instead, we wanted to pass on our estate to them as efficiently as possible. We became convinced that the cost of creating a revocable living trust, reworking our wills and powers of attorney would be a good investment in the future of our family. The resulting trust and related documents would simplify and eliminate many of hurdles and costs that arise at the time of a death. Mr. Palmer is young and he is honest and stable. His services do not end when the portfolio is completed. The process of crafting the trust required several phone calls and back-and-forth emails with our edits marked in red. We feel very good about the final product. Mr. Palmer patiently worked with us until we had completed all of the necessary actions. We now have an Estate Planning Portfolio that contains the necessary paperwork to cover the many possible complications that can occur upon death. We highly recommend Mr. Duffy Palmer and the estate planning process he expertly performs.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Priscilla garner atwater
Excellent and Speedy Service.
Very Resonable. He does exactly what he tells you. I would definitely call him again if needed.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Tammy bevan
13 Dec, 2023 by Jessica m garcia
10 Aug, 2023 by Daniel picarsic
My neighbor recommended Alisa Huffman. My family and I were very impressed with how they explained in a way that it was easy to understand the importance of having a good legal advice. I would recommend Alisa Huffman too.
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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.
