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30 Dec, 2024 by Enrique
Joseph was very helpful with us on getting our security deposit back from our landlord. Gave us all the information we needed and what to expect when it comes to settlements and court cases if needed. He was very helpful in answering our questions we had about certain legal things we didn’t understand properly. He was very kind and he’s Law firm was helpful and very kind from the beginning when filing the settlement. He was very successful on getting our claim settlement settled with the landlords. We ended up recovering x3 more than what our security deposit was. I highly recommend Jospeh for any legal Issues you may have or if anyone you know has legal issues. He is very successful on getting the work accomplished, very kind and very responsive and always keeps you up to date with your legal issue. He gets the job done!
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21 Sep, 2024 by Brian
It was great working with Andy to get my issue resolved. Thank you for your responsiveness, and willingness to help me not only understand, but teach me through the process. And finally, thank you for helping me get the best outcome!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rikita junious
My husband & I had a really great experience with Brabrander Law. Andy is very knowledgeable. I learned so much about laws & our rights just by doing business with him. He really will fight for you until the end. The communication was excellent from beginning to end. Most of the communication was through phone/email which was perfect for working parents with 2 little ones. We called so many firms and carefully read all reviews for each & we are so lucky to have chosen Brabrander Law. I don’t believe we would’ve had an experience as great as this one anywhere else. Thanks Andy!!
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13 Feb, 2023 by Stuart and jodi
We worked with Ryan Gardner and his team at Howard & Howard to redo from scratch our previous estate plan. The original plan had been created more than 10 years ago with a different firm, and although that firm came highly recommended, we were disappointed with its people, their process, and ultimately the plan. In stark contrast, Ryan and his team generously provided us with the care, expertise, and guidance we needed. The end result for us was creation of a strong estate plan that we understand so we have confidence it meets our family’s needs.
Here’s what Ryan and his team gave us that the other prominent firm did not:
• A robust initial call to get acquainted, to understand our goals and needs, to explain estate planning concepts in simple terms, and to identify the process and people with whom we’d be working; we couldn’t believe how much time we were given on this call.
• An engagement letter so the process and pricing were formalized and understood up-front. It gave us comfort and confidence to proceed. There were no silly or hidden costs.
• Accessibility to Ryan, the attorney/counselor, not a conduit, as often as needed (within reason) for follow-up questions. Brief calls were provided at no additional cost. These calls were never rushed and were always long enough to meet our needs at no additional cost.
• Prompt and reliable support. Ryan’s team was dependable. Document drafts were always accurate to the finest detail, and were provided in advance so we could read (and re-read) them to establish confidence in the content and its meaning.
• Practical guidance. When asked, Ryan provided examples from his personal estate plan. Hearing what he did and why helped us to understand our options and make better decisions.
Working with Ryan felt to us like working with a family member or trusted friend. Securing our family’s estate seemed as important to him and his team as it was to us. What a huge sense of relief to complete this critical task with full confidence.
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07 Dec, 2022 by K b
Ryan combines the world-class expertise you need with a good personality. He's easy to talk to. He knows about the best tools for every problem I've handed him. He explains complex issues well. I interviewed four attorneys in my selection process and I chose him. I recommend him without reservation.
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07 Dec, 2022 by Marvin
We hired Ryan and his team for our estate planning. Ryan was very clear, kind, and thorough in explaining the estate planning process, the timing, and the cost. Professional and accommodating to any changes that you need along the way, and willing to wait as long as it takes to ensure everything is in order. I cannot express how deeply grateful I am to him, as well as the team a Howard & Howard. Thank you so much for everything.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
28 Feb, 2025 by Victor rivera
I cannot recommend this car accident lawyer firm enough! From the very beginning, they were incredibly attentive and truly customer-oriented. Their professionalism and dedication were evident at every step of the process. They maintained excellent communication throughout, always keeping me informed and answering all my questions promptly.
What impressed me the most was how seamlessly they handled my case. They provided top-notch representation in court, and thanks to their expertise, my case was dismissed without any hassle or negative impact on my record. They made what could have been a stressful experience completely painless.
If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares about their clients and delivers outstanding results, this is the one. Thank you so much for everything!
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26 Feb, 2025 by Torrance long
20 Feb, 2025 by Elbert montoya
Called them 1 week before my court, they took my case and Kelly Moore represented me. Had both cases dismissed, i would highly recommend them to friends and family members. I was stressing all month long and now feel very relieved.
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28 Feb, 2025 by Victor rivera
I cannot recommend this car accident lawyer firm enough! From the very beginning, they were incredibly attentive and truly customer-oriented. Their professionalism and dedication were evident at every step of the process. They maintained excellent communication throughout, always keeping me informed and answering all my questions promptly.
What impressed me the most was how seamlessly they handled my case. They provided top-notch representation in court, and thanks to their expertise, my case was dismissed without any hassle or negative impact on my record. They made what could have been a stressful experience completely painless.
If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares about their clients and delivers outstanding results, this is the one. Thank you so much for everything!
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26 Feb, 2025 by Torrance long
20 Feb, 2025 by Elbert montoya
Called them 1 week before my court, they took my case and Kelly Moore represented me. Had both cases dismissed, i would highly recommend them to friends and family members. I was stressing all month long and now feel very relieved.
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18 Jan, 2025 by David saylo
15 Jan, 2025 by Jason friedlander
I've referred a number or friends to John Kay over the years. He is professional, attentive to his clients and most importantly, knowledgeable and caring. I will continue to refer to him for years to come!!!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Izabela roman
I am posting this on behalf of my sister, Krystyna.
I had the privilege of working with Mr. Brian Hurst and his partner, Ms. Olga Allen, for the past eight years. I hired them to handle a very contentious divorce, and it was the best decision I ever made. After experiencing frustration with two ineffective and non-transparent lawyers, working with Olga and Brian restored my faith that lawyers can be trusted, compassionate, and genuinely committed to their clients' best interests rather than financial gain.
Ms. Allen carefully prepared the documents for our numerous court appearances, while Mr. Hurst presented and litigated the case. Their work was exemplary—organized, thorough, and meticulously detailed. Mr. Hurst's presentations to the judges (even through several changes) were clear, data-driven, convincing, eloquent, and highly effective.
When the first court decision was appealed by the opposing side, Mr. Hurst and Ms. Allen once again collected relevant facts, prepared detailed written presentations, and engaged in skillful court negotiations, resulting in a favorable judgment from the Appeal Court. Their proficiency in multiple languages was an additional benefit, as it helped me overcome my limitations in spoken English, especially during stressful court questioning.
I highly recommend Mr. Hurst and Ms. Allen to anyone, particularly those who feel their case is hopeless or that lawyers are taking advantage of them. You will be pleasantly surprised by their dedication and effectiveness.
At the end of this painful divorce process, I feel that Olga and Brian are not just my saviors but also dear friends.
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06 Jul, 2024 by ~1teachu2~
Out of the three lawyers I consulted, Karen Porter made me feel the most comfortable in obtaining her services on filing bankruptcy. She immediately turned her focus on what my specific needs were and clearly wanted to figure out the root of my debt problems; she explained that she not only just file bankruptcy cases, but try to assist in preventing re-occurrence of future debt trouble. I would highly recommend Karen Porter's services, for she is very attentive towards her client's needs.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Taylor family
Karen is a Excellent Lawyer very professional and tactful in her approach to our case she was very strategic in how she handled our case we are well pleased hire Karen porter you will not be disappointed.
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17 Feb, 2023 by Steven
She was knowledgeable and helpful. She took the time and effort to understand my situation.
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02 May, 2024 by 911 volts
I had the pleasure of working with Kathy on my recent house purchase in Prospect Heights, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. Kathy is a consummate professional, highly knowledgeable, and exceptionally attentive to detail. She guided me through the entire process with patience and clarity, ensuring all legal aspects were handled seamlessly. Her expertise and proactive communication gave me confidence every step of the way. I highly recommend Kathy to anyone needing a reliable and skilled real estate attorney.
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24 Jan, 2024 by P s
Kathy was fantastic to work with in our recent real estate sale and buys. At every twist and turn in our journey, Kathy went above and beyond to help and advices. She cares about client for Kathy most important thing is you as a client she will do everything to meet your needs. I wish we have more people like an attorney Kathy she knows what she is doing, so professional at everything what she do.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Lory m
Kathy was fantastic to work with in our recent real estate sale. At every twist and turn in our journey, Kathy went above and beyond to help and advice. She was always available to answer our questions and spent time not only explaining us but listening to us as well.
I will be recommending Kathy to everyone I know who’s looking to buy or sell a house.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Decrick wallace
Megan,help me out ,done a perfect job with my case's,need more attorneys like her, thanks again, Megan.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Joseph campbell
Best lawyers,real down to earth people.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Darrell vanderbilt
Great experience with CTM legal regarding my debt collection case. Attorney Rohail Salman in particular, was knowledgeable and attentive and negotiated a great settlement for me!
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21 Oct, 2019 by Anne
I am 80 years old and met with Mollie Whitehead to update my Will as well as review my other Trust documents. I also wanted to have Powers of Attorney set up. Mollie was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. She provided a great analysis, answered my questions on estate planning & I agreed she should send me a draft of the items we agreed upon. That process took very little time & with a minimum of editing, we finalized & formally signed all the documents.
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07 Oct, 2018 by Bob
Mollie provided all of the documents and expertise needed to complete our estate planning. We hired her to develop wills, healthcare power of attorneys, and business power of attorneys. She recommended me establish a family trust and provided all of the documents and took care of transferring our real estate to the trust. We found Molly to be very knowledgeable, thorough, and efficient. She answered all of our questions and provided clear explanations for all the documents. We wholeheartedly recommend her.
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14 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mollie answered my questions super fast! She helped me tremendously. Highly recommended! Thanks again.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Tina
Elizabeth is beyond wonderful!!! She is very knowledgeable and her fee structure is reasonable. I feel very safe and secure with her practice and help with my Estate planning needs.
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04 Jun, 2023 by Pam
Working with Elizabeth Fink for an estate closing was an outstanding experience. Even though this was a difficult time for me and my family, she made the process as smooth as possible with kindness and compassion. She walked us through the process step-by-step in the most cost efficient way possible. Even when more questions arose after the work was completed, she was still very responsive and helpful.
She will be our legal consultant from now on.
I highly recommend her to my friends!!!
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30 May, 2023 by Diana
Thank you again Elizabeth for everything you did for me. You real don't know how much you and your staff helped me. Keep up the great work you are doing. GIRL POWER!
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01 Jun, 2023 by Kristen resendiz
Highly recommend The Law Offices of George M. Sanders. I worked directly with Mr. Sanders and he was extremely knowledgeable and very professional. He had my best interest in mind the entire time and made sure he wasn't wasting my time or money. Under the circumstances, I felt like I was in good hands with Mr. Sanders.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Ward hamdan
11 Feb, 2025 by Rose avery
11 Feb, 2025 by Debbie ho ho
06 Jan, 2025 by Norm neal
Great attorney!! He worked hard and diligently to get me the best possible deal. Thanx a lot Ray!!
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30 May, 2024 by Michael joseph
Awesome, everything was handled promptly and professionally.
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01 May, 2024 by Paula mcguire - rowe
I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal representation provided by Peter Lorenz and Ray Asher. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my workers' compensation case were truly exceptional. From the moment I reached out to them, I felt reassured and supported throughout the entire process. Peter and Ray fought tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of justice. Thanks to their hard work and perseverance, we achieved a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. I am profoundly grateful for their professionalism, compassion, and relentless advocacy. I highly recommend Peter Lorenz and Ray Asher to anyone seeking top-notch legal representation. They are truly a remarkable team who will go above and beyond to ensure the best possible results for their clients. Thank you, Peter and Ray, for making a significant difference in my life!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Andrew
JoAnne Bruzgal contacted me about a case at the last minute. I put in a lot of work for her and her client, including testifying in court as an expert. Her client stiffed me on payment and JoAnne has done nothing to help me collect the money that I am owed by her client. I will not be working with her again.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Jessica
I worked with JoAnne regarding extensive damages to my condo due to negligence from the HOA. She was great to work with, super attentive, detailed and organized. We worked together for more than 2 years in order to settle with the board. In the end, she was able to negotiate a great deal that helped me extensively. I would highly recommend her for any real estate consulting or legal work.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Dave
I was trying to find help for my brother regarding a child support case. He had waited until the last minute and was completely unprepared for his court appearance, which was only a couple days away. I contacted the Chicago Bar and was referred to Joanne Bruzgul.
I was a little surprised when I actually reached someone on a Friday afternoon, and after explaining my situation to her Associate, I was told that Joanne would review the information, and I would get a call back if she was able to help. Amazingly, I got a call back that same day (after 5pm), and we spent a good half hour going over my brother's case.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my brother to commit to using her services, but I was extremely grateful for the generous amount of time Joanne took to go through his options with me. Overall, I found Joanne to be professional, patient and very helpful.I was trying to find help for my brother regarding a child support case. He had waited until the last minute and was completely unprepared for his court appearance, which was only a couple days away. I contacted the Chicago Bar and was referred to Joanne Bruzgul.
I was a little surprised when I actually reached someone on a Friday afternoon, and after explaining my situation to her Associate, I was told that Joanne would review the information, and I would get a call back if she was able to help. Amazingly, I got a call back that same day (after 5pm), and we spent a good half hour going over my brother's case.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my brother to commit to using her services, but I was extremely grateful for the generous amount of time Joanne took to go through his options with me. Overall, I found Joanne to be professional, patient and very helpful.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Burke moser
Highly recommend Adam and his team for any real estate closing needs!
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21 Feb, 2025 by Justin thomas
18 Feb, 2025 by Gary hahn
After my dad passed away in April 2024, my mom and I filed for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) through the VA. Despite working with a VA liaison and following up for 10 months, we received no real updates—just that the claim was still pending. Then, my mom received a notice from the VA, which she mistakenly believed was a denial of the DIC claim. Unfortunately, even the local VA liaison misinterpreted it, causing a lot of confusion. Given that my dad’s passing was clearly linked to his disability, we realized we needed legal representation and turned to James Comerford.
From our first conversation, James took the time to listen, understand our situation, and guide us through the process. Initially, we thought we needed to file a rebuttal, but after investigating, he discovered the VA had actually misinformed us—the claim was still being processed. He assured us he would follow up, and shortly after, he called with the great news: the claim had been approved. Not only did he get us answers, but he also knew exactly when my mom would receive her benefits, including back pay.
When I asked James what we owed him, he refused payment—he was simply happy my mom received what she deserved. Even after I insisted, he suggested we make a donation to a charity instead, which we did. His generosity, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients truly set him apart.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate attorney who will fight for you and keep you informed every step of the way, I highly recommend James Comerford. He’s not just a great lawyer—he’s a good person who truly cares
-Gary Hahn
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13 Dec, 2024 by Giyu tomioka
Can’t say enough about Lindsey, one of the kindest most professional people that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I hope i don’t get injured again, but if so, I definitely know who I’m calling.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Brett kennett
Lindsey was clear about what she was going to do and what I should do in my case. She answered all questions about health and employment and everything went smoothly to get where I am today. Thanks Lindsey.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Alex dykas
The Sheppard Law Firm is one of the best law firms in Chicago from my personal experiences. Mr. Sheppard has defended me two times with previous cases and both times I've been extremely satisfied with the results. Mr. Sheppard does everything he can to protect your freedom get the results you please. I highly recommend Sheppard law firm to anyone who needs an amazing lawyer that can help turn your whole situation around. He truly is one of the best!
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16 Feb, 2025 by Patrick lange
I recently used Michael and his firm to help my client who was acquiring a heating and air company. They were incredibly thorough and handled this acquisition immediately. I would highly recommend him and his team.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Maria isabel lara vargas
Phillip Turner es el mejor abogado que he podido conocer. Gracias!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Delaney hockey
We are a not for profit organization. It is a hockey school for deaf and hard of hearing players.
Marcus & Boxerman has been very helpful within our organization. The firm is professional, attentive and resourceful. Emails and phone calls are returned right away and the personal attention from the firm is appreciated. Marcus & Boxerman has helped us with a large scope of projects from waivers to updating our bylaws. Great firm to partner with for your business/organization!
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16 Feb, 2025 by Patrick lange
I recently used Michael and his firm to help my client who was acquiring a heating and air company. They were incredibly thorough and handled this acquisition immediately. I would highly recommend him and his team.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Maria isabel lara vargas
Phillip Turner es el mejor abogado que he podido conocer. Gracias!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Delaney hockey
We are a not for profit organization. It is a hockey school for deaf and hard of hearing players.
Marcus & Boxerman has been very helpful within our organization. The firm is professional, attentive and resourceful. Emails and phone calls are returned right away and the personal attention from the firm is appreciated. Marcus & Boxerman has helped us with a large scope of projects from waivers to updating our bylaws. Great firm to partner with for your business/organization!
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26 Feb, 2025 by Burke moser
Highly recommend Adam and his team for any real estate closing needs!
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21 Feb, 2025 by Justin thomas
18 Feb, 2025 by Gary hahn
After my dad passed away in April 2024, my mom and I filed for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) through the VA. Despite working with a VA liaison and following up for 10 months, we received no real updates—just that the claim was still pending. Then, my mom received a notice from the VA, which she mistakenly believed was a denial of the DIC claim. Unfortunately, even the local VA liaison misinterpreted it, causing a lot of confusion. Given that my dad’s passing was clearly linked to his disability, we realized we needed legal representation and turned to James Comerford.
From our first conversation, James took the time to listen, understand our situation, and guide us through the process. Initially, we thought we needed to file a rebuttal, but after investigating, he discovered the VA had actually misinformed us—the claim was still being processed. He assured us he would follow up, and shortly after, he called with the great news: the claim had been approved. Not only did he get us answers, but he also knew exactly when my mom would receive her benefits, including back pay.
When I asked James what we owed him, he refused payment—he was simply happy my mom received what she deserved. Even after I insisted, he suggested we make a donation to a charity instead, which we did. His generosity, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients truly set him apart.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate attorney who will fight for you and keep you informed every step of the way, I highly recommend James Comerford. He’s not just a great lawyer—he’s a good person who truly cares
-Gary Hahn
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16 Dec, 2024 by Robert montoya
Such a great experience, I really appreciated the attentiveness and knowledge that Bailey Street had for me during the duration of time she spent handling my case. Glad I decided to use Davis and associates definitely recommend.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Aaron haley
02 Oct, 2024 by Heather hartman
Top notch, impeccable, supportive, caring, honestly the list can go on and on when it comes to Angela and Emily. They took a bad situation and charged headon in to the storm. Cant believe it finally happened, the case has finally closed in the best way possible. Thank you for everything you both have done. I 100% recommend and will be recommending.
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01 Jul, 2021 by Mrs. johnson
Attorney London was a God-send! He really did a great job of assisting my mother & father getting their affairs in order. His office is beautiful, the staff is professional & the location was convenient. I highly recommend his office for legal services.
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29 Sep, 2020 by Kevin
Attorney London and his staff are wonderful and very professional. He assisted my family with Estate Planning & Health and Property Power of Attorney. We’re very thankful for his services and recommend him to all families. Thanks and God Bless.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Paul
Mr. London was a total professional, made our visit very easy. Mr. London explained every step with us,made sure we understood everything. He was a pleasure to work with.
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30 Mar, 2022 by Sonja
My husband and I agreed that Maribeth gave us excellent guidance in re-vamping our wills (trusts, actually) now that we have reached the empty-nest/near-retirement stage of life. We have a plan in place that will make the dispensation of our assets as clear and simple for our beneficiaries to navigate when the time comes while also providing us our peace of mind today. Win-win! Highly recommend Mari to anyone who needs help to identify the best way to protect their assets, think of "safe-guards" to address and mitigate future concerns, and to ensure a smooth process for the future when it matters most. The fact that Mari and her staff are also so pleasant is the bonus.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Vikram & benita shah
We were extremely happy with Maribeth, Nina Neuber and Kabbe Law firm team. From the initial appointment through our schedule constrains, they accommodate our timeframe and completed our estate planning on time. Mari was very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. She took all the time we needed to explain our situations. There was no time pressure and Kabbe Law firm team provided an excellent service. We felt very comfortable and at ease with our estate planning and glad that we used them for our services. I would strongly recommend using them for your estate planning. THANK YOU!!
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05 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
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03 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
He is honest, knowledgeable, fair, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. He represented me well and helped advocate for me when I wanted to make legal changes to a lease. Highly recommend!
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27 Mar, 2023 by Tejah
Mr.Wilson was the best . He did everything in his power to help me beat my case and it was successful. He communicated with me all the time and gave me the best advice. I will definitely recommend him to everyone.
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01 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Wilson did an excellent job in a tenant/property owner issue. He did an fantastic job working on my behalf and negotiated a settlement that I am very happy with. I highly recommend Mr. Wilson to anyone looking for an attorney to represent their interests.
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26 Dec, 2022 by John
My brother and I needed a lawyer to handle our cousin’s estate, who lived in Cook County and died without a will or any direct descendants. Sheni was recommended to us based upon another cousin’s prior experience. For our initial meeting, Sheni agreed to meet at a location convenient to the heirs and we came prepared to summarize our basic understanding of the scope of our cousin’s estate. After only a single meeting with all five heirs, we immediately agreed to hire Sheni to handle his more complicated estate….with NO regrets!
During that initial meeting Sheni listened carefully to understand our unique situation and during that same session proposed what she thought would be necessary for this estate, along with offering two different payment options for her services. Sheni was extremely professional and communicated in a way were all heirs quickly felt comfortable in understanding the work necessary and was through yet efficient with everyone’s time. My brother and I were selected as co-administrators and worked closely with Sheni over the next 16 months to have our cousin’s probate estate opened and successfully closed.
While we didn’t consider this estate extremely complicated, it had some unusual aspects and issues that arose but Sheni was always available to answer our questions quickly or guide us through our options. If she couldn’t answer them quickly she would always respond to acknowledge she received the request and when she would be able to get back to use, which was always greatly appreciated!
There were a few unexpected and sometime frustrating delay’s caused by COVID restrictions and the Cook County court system but Sheni always provided reassurance along the way. Even when we encountered a difference of opinion over closing the estate, a quick conference call and discussion quickly resolved any remaining concerns/issues. While we have little experience working with estate lawyers based upon this one experience, we couldn’t have asked for a better person than Sheni to work with to handle our cousin’s estate in a professional way and very effectively!
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06 May, 2021 by Karen and james mccarty
Sheni did a great job. She bent over backwards to help us. We would recommend her to anyone who needs an estate done. Thank you for being so helpful.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Diana
Was referred to Sheni by my tax preparer. I was trying to organize my paperwork in case of death. She answered all of my questions, explained the complexities, and did the work in a timely manner. When she said it would be done by this date, it was done. Would use her again.
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19 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Thank you for everything You and your firm did to help me and straighten out the problems. I wish I would have known of your firm from the beginning. Using your help from the beginning would not change the problems I had but, I believe I would have been better informed from the start. Your support and knowledge helped me deal with a horrible situation. I will recommend you to anyone who needs an elder law attorney
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02 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I wanted to take this opportunity to once again say "Thank You" to Helen Mesoloras for meeting with us and presenting the process that will take place with my loved one going forward. It was very informative and understandable for each step in the process.
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13 Jan, 2016 by Kathleen
Thank you so much for all of your legal understandings and excellent advise. Your support was a great comfort to me.
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22 Aug, 2019 by Joneta
Mr. Eason will fight for you every step of the way. He calls back whenever you call and will make an appearance whenever you need him with no hesitation!!
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01 Aug, 2019 by Tiffany
Mr. Eason was extremely professional and returned calls in a timely manner. He kept me informed of the process in selling my mom's home and made the transaction less stressful. Mr. Eason answered all of my questions thoroughly and made me feel so comfortable that I allowed him to represent me at the closing and did not attend. He is honest, hard working and worth every dime!
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14 Jul, 2019 by Oscar
Attorney Marcus Easson was truly professional in all areas my case! He was punctual to time sensitive material! Very explicit to all court ordered documents!
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29 Apr, 2015 by Carol
Alan Sohn has addressed our family's legal needs for over a decade. His approachable, calm, and knowledgeable manner suited our family's requirements for estate services. Mr. Sohn is completely trustworthy and honorable; we never doubted his confidentiality. He receives our family's highest recommendation.
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03 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
We have recently updated our estate planning with Mr. Sohn for my family. His expertise and experience made this process very easy to understand and I was comfortable with the speed and accuracy in which everything was performed. Understanding the process was something that I did NOT do the 1st time I attempted to set up my estate, but this time I have a better understanding of not only what we are doing, but also why we are structuring the estate planning the way in which it was done. I would highly recommend Mr. Alan Sohn for this type of work as well as the legal business matters he has also successfully assisted me with over the years.
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21 May, 2011 by Lawrence
I have known Alan for over 5 years and his integrity and knowledge of the law are second to none. Alan is precise and leaves nothing to chance.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Brian
I had the pleasure of working with John on some significant estate issues. He was thoughtful, diligent, worked hard, and was an absolute professional! It was a real pleasure, and I would highly recommend him...a 10 out of 10!
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05 Jan, 2015 by Karen
John Ashenden has provided exceptional legal services for a client that needed strong estate planning skills, including real estate and trust expertise. John continues to add value to the management team working with his client.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Suzanne
After my dad passed away in 2005, I needed help with probate
proceedings in Cook County, IL.
John Ashenden came highly recommended to me by a
financial advisor. I was not familiar with legal issues
concerning estates. John helped me through this
devastating time in my life. John was very knowledgeable
and made the process seamless for me. I am very
grateful for his expertise and friendship. John's
professional, down to earth nature comforted me
when I needed it most. I knew I was in capable hands.
I would highly recommend John from my previous
business experience with him.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
My sister and I wanted to take a moment and thank your firm for the outstanding service and support we have received regarding estate planning for our parents. Helen Mesoloras, Melissa LaPointe and Erin Vogt have provided guidance and their expertise while also displaying genuine care, concern and compassion.
When my father suffered a massive stroke in October '15, we were left overwhelmed and lost as to what to do next regarding his care. After being referred to your firm by in NY (where I live) I spoke to Erin who listened and right away assured us your firm could help not only in estate planning but with the medicaid process as well.
From our first meeting with Helen and Melissa, we felt confident and secure we were not alone, and that we would have someone helping us advocate for my dad in the nursing home he was at. As for the medicaid process, being that I do not live in town, the idea of my mom and sister having to do the medicaid application alone was not an option. Had it not been for your team organizing everything and informing us when items were still needed I honestly think we would still be knee deep in paperwork today.
Another turning point happened in December when I was talking to Erin regarding my dad's overall health. He was extremely depressed and not eating at the time. She suggested that maybe palliative care could help us. While initially on palliative care, since February he had been on hospice care. But had it not been for Erin we never would have known about these services.
While unfortunately our father passed away recently, we continue to work with your team regarding my mother's estate planning. We feel great solace in knowing that dad would want us to make sure mom is taken care of and protected in every way. Thank you again for all your support.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
We were referred us to Melissa LaPointe. Melissa is amazing. She has been our guide throughout. She is professional, smart and incredibly responsive. We would NEVER have been able to do this without her. I have learned so much from her. I had to force my husband to go to an Elder Law Attorney. He did not understand the need and did not want to spend the money. Now he would tell you that the service we received and the final result was more than worth it.”
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11 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
There are few words that can truly describe the depths of my gratefulness and appreciation for the support and peace of mind that was bestowed on my family from attorney, Melissa LaPointe with Dutton and Casey. She was responsive to our family in a time of crisis and expeditiously handled our legal matter with utmost professionalism and compassion. Thank You Melissa, for being our light of hope.
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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.
