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5.0
7 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
08 Nov, 2020 by Wayne claiborne
07 Mar, 2020 by Sarah
My parents have had Ms. McLamb as their attorney since the mid nineties and she probated their estates. My parents said many times that they could not have done it without her assistance and expertise. Now Ms. McLamb is helping me with trust administration. I am so thankful to be in good hands!
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04 Sep, 2015 by Katie
Janet is prompt and professional at all times. She helped me and my family when a crisis arose and was there for all of us. Janet puts her clients first
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09 Feb, 2022 by Melissa
Jason was incredibly helpful and patient as we updated our decade-old will & trust and POAs. He answered all of our questions and guided us expertly through the process. Highly recommend!
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25 Dec, 2021 by Steve and noa
Jason is unique. His extremely warm personal manner and style of guidance is something that we feel that anyone seeking legal services in estate planning would seek and appreciate. He truly embraces a collaberative approach and takes the time to navigate sensitive issues. We could not be more pleased with our outcome and highly recommend Jason for all estate planning and related legal needs.
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09 Dec, 2021 by Deborah
Jason was able to handle our estate needs in a professional and efficient manner.His fees were reasonable and he was very knowledgeable and helpful.
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03 Aug, 2020 by Paul
I couldn't be happier with the experience of putting my trust together with Duffy Palmer’s firm. I found the firm to be knowledgeable, responsive, professional, and thorough. His firm answered all of my questions promptly and anticipated most of them. Although trusts can be complicated the firm process and knowledge crisply led me through the steps while addressing my specific needs. I never felt rushed as I determined our best options. Duffy Palmer was the attorney but the support staff all contributed to the effort. The trust process doesn't end with writing documents. The funding phase where your legal entities are transferred to the trust was also clearly defined. I was provided a package with detailed instructions, forms, and a discussion to answer any questions. I thought the price was fair for the amount of work performed and would strongly recommend Duffy Palmer for any of his service offerings.
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17 Mar, 2020 by Veaney
Duffy worked with me to do estate planning for both myself and my father. He was extremely easy to work with, professional, responsive and caring. When specific challenges arose unique to either of our situations he worked diligently to find solutions that fit. I highly recommend his services. It made estate planning a much more pleasant and easy experience than I had expected.
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24 Feb, 2020 by Andrea
I engaged Duffy Palmer to prepare my estate plan after attending his estate planning seminar held at Manning’s Restaurant in April 2019. I was very impressed by his professionalism, breadth of knowledge, ability to answer the attendees’ questions, and pleasant and friendly demeanor. During our initial conference, he explained all aspects of the plan which was tailored to my specific financial needs, and made plenty of time available for addressing my questions and concerns. Everything we discussed was in clear, easy to understand language. He drafted the documents promptly, and after incorporating some minor changes, we met again for review and sign-off. In our final meeting, he turned over the completed official plan in a binder, and went over the additional steps I would need to take to complete the process, all of which were clearly documented in a checklist included in the package.
I also reached out to Duffy recently for advice on purchasing a long-term care policy. He researched and provided me with very thorough responses to my questions about how tax-qualified and partnership long- term care benefits are addressed in North Carolina estate and Medicaid law, and his advice was instrumental in my decision on which type of policy to obtain.
Duffy has impressive expertise in estate law and is extremely pleasant to work with. I highly recommend his services.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Andrew
We had a business contact us and try to fraudulently steal money from our company. Scott got right on the case for us and made the crooks go away and leave us alone. Very informative and knowledgeable throughout the process.
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05 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Kristin reviewed my disabled mother's unlawful POA without bias against my sister and myself when no one else cared in North Carolina.
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02 Mar, 2024 by Alex verjovsky
Great people! Knowledgeable, fair and available!
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16 Feb, 2020 by Lauren brown
Amy Cagle helped my husband and I navigate what I was anticipating would be a long, confusing, time consuming and complicated process with efficiency and ease. This was relieving for me especially because we chose to take care of our estate at a time when I was pregnant with #3, already tired 100% of the time and with a brain that was functioning at 10% capacity. She is professional, knowledgeable, kind, funny, logical and makes the entire estate planning process approachable. My parents also had an incredibly positive experience with Amy and we have recommended her many times to others looking for estate planning services. Thank you, Amy! 😊
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16 Feb, 2020 by Andrea shaw
A good friend recommended Amy Cagle for creating a trust, will, and Durable Power of Attorney. I worked with Amy and I couldn’t have been more pleased. She’s knowledgeable, bright, professional, funny, and thoughtful. Plus she pointed out a way I could save money by informing me that I didn’t need a new Medical Power of Attorney, that my previous one was fine. She said something similar to friends I referred to her. To me they said that she was honest and refreshing; they had the feeling that she was interested in helping them, not out for every last nickel. My cost was half the price of another attorney I had previously interviewed for this work. A close friend who is an attorney accompanied me to the meetings with Amy. He, too, was impressed. I’m picky about choosing professionals to help me, but once I find a good one, and she is that, I stay. And I recommend.
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5.0
10 Reviews
4.8
44 Reviews
03 Sep, 2024 by Betsy bickel
They were extremely knowledgable, efficient and friendly and we felt well taken care of.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Taco van hengel
Thorough and professional legal advice. Would use them again and again.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Walt grabowski
My wife and I had a trust created by Clarity legal and are extremely pleased and satisfied. The attention to detail, obvious competence, and Marks good humor were all a breath of fresh air. Excellence like the Clarity group demonstrates has become very rare and, to have found it still exists in the world even if rarely, has restored some of my hope for civilization. Great job Clarity Legal!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Betsy bickel
They were extremely knowledgable, efficient and friendly and we felt well taken care of.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Taco van hengel
Thorough and professional legal advice. Would use them again and again.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Walt grabowski
My wife and I had a trust created by Clarity legal and are extremely pleased and satisfied. The attention to detail, obvious competence, and Marks good humor were all a breath of fresh air. Excellence like the Clarity group demonstrates has become very rare and, to have found it still exists in the world even if rarely, has restored some of my hope for civilization. Great job Clarity Legal!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Jessie mcleod
27 May, 2024 by Robin strickland
30 Mar, 2024 by Bethany fitzsimmons
First of all, I would like to make clear that we did not chose to work with Ms. Nance at Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. She was chosen by the buyers of our home in Durham, and we had no choice but to work with her.
Upon receipt of our estimated closing documents, we informed Ms. Nance that the payoff amount was incorrect (too high). When we pointed this out, we were met with the condescending reply that we simply did not understand how to read out mortgage documents. The next day, when we presented Ms. Nance with the correct payoff amount in the form of an email with a pdf from our lender attached, we were accused of "borderline harassment" for having pointed out her careless mistake. The closing documents were corrected.
Later, while we were signing closing documents, we were informed by our neighbor that there were people trespassing on our property. The timing of the trespassers seemed quite suspicious to us because the only people who knew we would not be at home were myself and my partner, our realtor, a mobile notary, and Ms. Nance's office. As we had not approved of anyone entering the property, and because we suspected that they may have been under the direction of Ms. Nance, we informed her that we were not aware of not did we approve any requests for people to come onto our property, especially as the Due Diligence period had closed. Her response was that it was the survey her office had ordered to be done during the Due Diligence period, which had been delayed, and said that he had no legal right to deny them. I am not an attorney, however I believe I would have been fully in my rights to have called the police on the trespassers onto our private property given the Due Diligence period had been closed and we were never notified that a survey was going to be done.
Our final grievance with Ms. Nance concerns her preparation of our tax documents. We first received one 1099-S form from Ms. Nance's office containing only the social security number (SSN) of my partner. As we are unmarried, we file our taxes singly and so I requested that we be sent two 1099-S forms, one for myself and one for my partner. Though we never consented to electronic documents, we were emailed pdfs of our 1099-S forms however this time Ms. Nance had switched our SSNs so that my SSN was on Jason's form and vice versa. Her response was she just put them in the order they were in on another form (and didn't bother to check that they were correct). I replied asking the corms to be corrected, again, and to be mailed. We then received copies of the 1099-S forms in the mail which had our incorrect SSNs. Upon notification, Ms. Nance re-sent the pdfs of the corrected 1099-S forms. I have once again requested hard copies be mailed as we never consented to electronic delivery of these documents.
While preparation of all these documents may be rote to Ms. Nance, they are extremely important to us and have significant impact on our finances. The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional. While everyone should be double and triple checking any document they sign, it is easy as a first time home seller to be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of paperwork that goes into selling a home. One should be able to trust that the parties preparing such important documents (and collecting payment accordingly) would have the ability to prepare them correctly and with care. I am glad that we reviewed everything carefully and am sorry for those who have unknowingly been victims of Ms. Nance's carelessness and unprofessionalism.
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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.
