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24 Reviews
03 Oct, 2024 by Dawn
Jamie is extremely knowledgeable and explains to you everything you need to know. She is kind and patient and we never felt rushed. She has extremely good communication skills that enable you to understand what she is trying to explain, whether or not you already have knowledge of the subject. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Diane
Jamie is quite the professional with a personal touch. It was a pleasure to work with her. She had a great team working with her.
My experience was so positive, I have recommended her to others.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Tom
Jamie was very professional while also being understanding to our questions and concerns.
Very pleasant to work with.
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09 Oct, 2024 by David and stephanie
We have dealt with Doug and his very capable staff over 14 years, and have very high regard for his knowledge and recommendations. Doug has the ability to translate complicated issues into clear and understandable language, and he has protected our estate plans.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Bernice
I would n have recommended Jaime n the whole team to help so many with wills, estate wills . They all are knowledgeable, compassionate n responsive to all your concerns!! It was a relief to know that I could call any time with any questions . For me it was a relief knowing that everyone was there to help us to get thru a long process and we are finally finished n we can now move on. Thank you for all your advice and patience's thru our family wills!!
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24 Feb, 2024 by Rochelle
I was thoroughly pleased with the professional way I was advised by my lawyer. His staff was both pleasant and thorough in preparing my documents. I would highly recommend Doug Fredrick to anyone who needed legal advice regarding Elder Care or who needed help with their Will. His help in these areas was priceless.
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21 Jul, 2019 by Paula w .
Hiring Scott Counsel was the best decision we made! I could not have imagined the could have made such a process as seamless as they did while also helping understand my mother's care at every turn. I would urge anyone in similar circumstances to seek out Justin Scott .They are excellent!
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18 Jul, 2019 by Edward s.
When my mom just passed the team at Scott Counsel helped us the whole way. Now they are helping with the estate work. Special thank you to Clare, one of the paralegals for her extensive contributions.
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16 Jul, 2019 by Bob donahue
When my wife came was diagnosed with dementia and I had talked to a person that said I would have to spend down most of our money on care for her and didn't really offer an alternatives that would work. Justin was able to help us get good care for my wife and protect the money for me.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I actually smiled as I left Rachel’s office I was so glad I had chosen her to do our Trust …she listened to everything we had to say was very patient and gave us great advice …I will definitely use her again and I highly recommend her.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a great experience with her and she helped me make my will. She told me how to make my will with what I wanted. I would refer her to anyone.
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23 Mar, 2024 by Jim
Rachel was awesome!!! She helped us with our wills and power of attorney. Very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
Would definitely recommend.
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08 Oct, 2023 by Jean
Thanks to Madeline I now have a plan in place to make things easier for my family when the time comes. I thought it would be complicated because of some issues but with Madeline's help, it really wasn't. Totally appreciate her knowledge, understanding and work on my behalf.
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15 Oct, 2022 by Roxanne
Excellent walked us through this very confusing process step by step and explained everything in layman’s terms
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10 Oct, 2022 by Janice
My lawyer helped me update my will and answered any question that I had concerns with. offered some suggestions to help understand what I was reading in different sections of the will's content.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Greg
Hello, Pam is one of the best lawyers in South Jersey. She'll work with you to the end and has plenty of patience to help you resolve your difficult problems. All you have to do is Lay back and allow her to work her magic. Pam will work hard on your case 100% always keeping you in the loop. In my book she is a 10.
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02 Jun, 2015 by Gene
I have been working with all levels of attorneys for over 45 years.
Pam is at top of list.
Excellent professionalism,knowledge and most importantly the ability to understand and communicate the most difficult of legal issues and options.
Most unique in today's world
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02 Jun, 2015 by Salvatore
Two relatives of mine, both sisters, had strokes within weeks of each other, after discharge from a hospital they were placed in an undesirable nursing home for rehab, which eventually turned into a long-term care situation. I was at a loss on how to get them out of this place & what to do next. That's when I called Rice Elder Law and spoke to Pam Quattrone, who immediately stepped in, made me POA, found us a wonderful facility. She also gave us information on what to do about any assets, and tirelessly worked to get them both on Medicaid. She has been there for any and all questions and has made all our lives so much better. Pam really knows her business and we would highly recommend her for any elder care situation.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Carol
I was power of attorney and then executrix for my husband's godfather, who passed away after his 100th birthday. Brittany helped me handle the insolvent estate, from the filing of requisite documents to handling dunning letters from creditors for which there were no funds to pay under $5,000 in debts. I found her to be knowledgeable, professional and caring and would recommend her without reservation.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Chad
My elderly aunt, who lived at home by herself, began displaying signs of dementia, while recovering from a fall. It became quickly apparent that I would not be able to handle my aunts' estates and also help her apply for Medicaid, so I needed assistance. From the moment I spoke on the phone with Brittany, I knew I was in good hands. Brittany and her team kept me updated through the entire process and I am forever grateful to them.
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22 Oct, 2020 by Cindy
Loved working with Brittany. Over the years, found her knowledgeable and very patient with me. All the details were handled as we were guided through the process. We were very happy with the outcome. Would not hesitate to use her again if needed, or to recommend her.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Michael
Chris and his team have been great at not only helping my wife amd I set up our estate but also helping us review on a periodic basis to ensure it is up to date
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18 Jan, 2021 by Steve b
We had put off our Will preparation and POA designations forever and a day. After research into credentials, we went with Bratton Law...this was the right choice! Chris is super knowledgeable, is a common presenter on estate planning and elder law (clearly knows his stuff), and made our process worry free while answering all of our questions. They also have several offices, one of which was nearby and made meeting logistically easy. I would highly recommend, and will likely be using professional services from Bratton in the future.
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21 May, 2020 by Marty
Excellent lawyer very professional .explains details in laymen’s terms.the staff I dealt with,Tina and Dani were super helpful.classey firm.
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29 Mar, 2018 by James
I have had estate plans written several times in the past. My experience with Bradley Cohen was the best that I have ever encountered. I contacted Brad to discuss updating wills, etc for my wife and me. At our first meeting, Brad collected information and clarified our specific wishes for our estate and end of life medical intervention. At our subsequent meeting, I was impressed that Brad had captured all of our wishes clearly and completely in a thorough estate plan that included wills, trusts and medical directives. His recommendations demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a compassion that is rarely found today.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Bryan
I used Brad for assistance with my estate planning documents. Brad took the time to review my financial information and explain all available options. Brad also answered my tax questions and educated me on the relevant tax laws. I highly recommend Brad's services.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Marc
Mr Whelihan helped our family with the transfer of a family business and a NY state sales tax issue.
He clearly explained our responsibilities and laid out our options. He promptly returned phone calls and kept us informed of our ongoing status. We appreciated his attention to detail.
We highly recommend Thomas Whelihan.
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24 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Tom is an excellent attorney, very knowledgeable and responsive to requests by carriers.
He was very effective in all of my cases
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01 Apr, 2023 by Carol
My husband and I had our "simple" will written by Michael in 2013. When my husband died recently I had to have the will probated. It cost me a fortune since it was 79 pages long. My husband and i have been married 56 years, we have 1 child, and own 1 house. The Surrogate said she had never seen a will with this many pages.
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03 Dec, 2014 by Lorraine & david
My husband and I attended one of Michael Bonfrisco's Seminars last year and were impressed with the way he conducted the seminar, and with his professionalism and knowledge of Estate Planning. We set up an appointment with Michael quickly thereafter. He was easy to talk to, easy to understand, and with his guidance and expertise we planned our estate. Our main concern was protecting our assests from excessive taxes and preserving them as much as possible for our children and grandchildren. Needless to say, Michael helped us accomplish that. My daughter attended the last seminar in November with us and she said it really got her thinking about it, especially since she has 3 children. I have recommend Michael to my family and friends and three of them plan to seek his expertise with their estate planning in the near future. I would love to add one other thing.......Michael makes you feel like your Family!!!
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24 Nov, 2014 by Diane
for 10 or more years I had been trying to get my husband to agree to go to any estate planning lawyer to have a will/trust prepared. we knew very little about the whys & hows of estate planning. I had even been cutting out newspaper articles about the process for us to read but to no avail. we did attend one seminar during that period but while we learned a little more @ the process, it would be another few years before he finally took action. he had seen a notice in the newspaper for an upcoming seminar @ estate planning presented by a lawyer named Michael bonfrisco. he was finally motivated to attend another seminar. we attended that seminar in mar of 2013. he made his presentation so interesting and realistic that it felt like he was talking about us (& probably many of the other attendees). we could relate to the family in his presentation. my husband was so impressed that he scheduled a consultation (free) with him immediately after the seminar ended. when we met with him a couple of weeks later we explained exactly what we wanted to accomplish. he took us step by step through the process and provided us with a timeline. he listened to and understood our concerns, explained basic info to us, and then advised us to how he would proceed to protect our financial & personal interests by eliminating probate, excessive taxes ,& preserving our assets for our immediate family members. he explained what financial and personal info he would need b/f he could proceed. we met with him a few weeks later and fine tuned every aspect of the document to assure that it accomplished just what we wanted. two months later, by may 2013, we had signed our trust document with mr bonfrisco. over the past 20 months we have received numerous e-mail notices with updates and other seminars. we've also had need to ask several questions and have always received a quick response (w/o charge) from himself or one of his very knowledgeable staff members. we attended "our" 1st annual family legacy seminar on nov 15 and enjoyed it immensely. after the seminar he took time to answer questions on a 1 to 1 basis from the attendees. he truly takes a personal interest in all his old clients & any prospective clients. I would highly recommend Michael Bonfrisco to any of my family or friends.
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21 Dec, 2021 by Mike
Richard has been trusted with our family affairs for years now. He is always careful to guide us in the right direction with our be interests at heart. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of family trust or estate matters.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Rich Cohen was our lawyer regarding estate issues. At first, I thought he knew what he was doing. However, as the case progressed, motions were not filed in a timely manner and we were charged hourly rates for legal work that was not completed or followed through with the court. He also failed to send our family copies of court filings, yet we were charged. We ended up hiring another attorney who was way more familiar with the law. I do not recommend him as he does not follow through yet he runs up your bill. Our issues were never resolved by Mr. Cohen and I cannot recommend him for any type of estate work as it ended up being a very costly mistake for our family by hiring Richard Cohen.
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03 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Cohen handled my family legal dispute that involved a will, and many assets and was able to retrieve and/or receive a judgment on ALL assets that had been stolen and commingled or misappropriated. He was also able to quickly have the executrix of the estate removed from any authoritative position so that further damage could not be done. It was a long rigorous process that ended with trial and a large judgment in my favor however, there were also many other victories along the way.
Mr. Cohen went above and beyond with my case, picking me up when I didn't have a ride, dealing with my less than respectful family, and much more. I am now happy that I can call him a friend. If you are looking for a smart lawyer who is willing to go the extra mile, and implement creative tactics to help you reach your end game, I would recommend Mr. Cohen to anyone.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
He overbills for every little thing he does. I found myself with exorbitant bills and very little to show for it. Seemed like nothing was being done on my case to justify it. As someone else said here, very little communication. The work was shoddy in my opinion, just reflecting a general lack of care.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Fiore Bucci only answers your calls until you give him your retainer. After that don't expect a call back or an email. I've left 3 or 4 calls and emails and no answer. And when you do get him on a phone for his lack of responding he charges you for it. I had to get a new lawyer and start over after I paid him close to $1,600 and almost nothing was done. When you do press him to do something, he promises it and days go by and nothing is done. When he says he'll have something for you on a certain day, don't expect him to do what he commits to. I think he is the wrong profession.
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20 Jun, 2021 by Ann marie
Would definitely recommend. Was quick to respond, retain, and get to work. Results were faster than expected and communication was maintained throughout the whole process.
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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.
