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12 Aug, 2022 by Mitanette
Mr. Kevin Hanbury was assigned to me as the attorney for my Dad's estate by the Probate Judge and oversaw the 2 year process from start to finish. I had no knowledge of handling the cumbersome task as Guardian of the estate, but Thanks to Mr. Hanbury, I had someone to walk beside me and guide me through the process, putting my mind at ease. I would give 10 stars if I could. Mr. Hanbury's overall professionalism, communication, organizational skills and education reguarding the entire estate process are stellar. Mr. Hanbury will get the job done and can be relied upon.......A true asset to anyone that decides to utilize his services. I highly recommend this attorney.
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14 Nov, 2020 by June
Kevin was the BEST lawyer EVER!!! He assisted me in getting appointed as my sister guardian. For that I will forever be GRATEFUL!!!
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23 May, 2020 by Rene
After the passing of our mother, my family had to contend with some tedious and complexed legal issues ,where ownership of property was at stake. By referral from a family friend we were connected to Attorney Kevin Hanbury. He was thorough and always available to answer our questions. He was very polite and definitely had our interest at heart. I highly recommend ( without hesitation) this attorney. He is one of the best I have encountered for our family issue. I will definitely be calling upon his expertise again.
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16 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I am most fortunate to have Ms. Duda as a strong and caring advocate for my loved one for a number of years.
Her vast knowledge of the laws involved, and her ceaseless efforts, which are always enveloped in compassion and empathy, are truly a gift to all those who are fortunate to have her on their team, both as a talented attorney and a caring human being.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the guardian of a mentally disabled family member. Some years ago I was embroiled in a long-standing, complex dispute with care providers that could have resulted in devastating and dangerous consequences for my ward. Lara entered my legal case at this point, and assisted in bringing the situation under control in just a few months. Her wisdom, knowledge, patience, calmness and exceptional skills as a negotiator and counselor helped to bring about a solution that was better than anything I had hoped for. Since then, I have continued to work with Lara as my attorney for all guardianship issues, which fortunately, have been relatively routine since that early crisis. Lara has such a passion for protecting and serving the disabled. Her compassion is boundless, yet she is like a rock when she takes a stand for what is needed, and she cannot be manipulated. Her knowledge is extensive, yet she is also guided by intuition. Her ability to be impartial, and to understand (and explain) the differing perspectives of difficult people is, and was so valuable in my personal situation. I learned much from her that still serves me well in my continuing relationships with my ward's present care providers. I would highly recommend Lara as an advocate and a resource to any disabled person, or to anyone who takes care of a disabled person.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the owner of a medical case management and guardianship company in Chicago and have had the priviledge of working with Attorney Lara Duda on numerous occasions over the past five years. Lara stands out among attorneys that I work with in many ways, but this is mostly evidenced by her passion to serve disabled and elderly clients and assist in protecting them when they do not have a voice of their own. Lara is extremely knowledgeable in the Elder Law and Probate Law arena and goes above and beyond to ensure that my clients come first.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Richard
David is an excellent attorney who puts the concerns and needs of his clients above everything else. I trust him implicitly to make the best decisions. He is pragmatic and approachable and simply knows what he is doing. I recommend him highly.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Michelle
David Inlander has represented me for the past four years in ongoing issues arising from a contentious divorce . I only wish he had been my lawyer in its early stages. I realized immediately that David is both a great listener and recognizes the issues with great insight. His advice has been both practical and reassuring. Many of the issues that arose were significant as they related to the best interests of my child as well as complicated financial issues . We prevailed in every instance. David's fees for the time spent were reasonable, appropriate and manageable. David's generous spirit in answering my calls and e mails was invaluable in giving me peace of mind and I never saw that time on my monthly statement. I would urge anybody managing a divorce and all that accompanies it to hire David Inlander as your Advocate.
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02 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
David Inlander handled all aspects of my divorce case with attention to the details and always responded to my calls/emails promptly. I felt that my best interests were reflected in the work done by him and his office. I will definitely go to him for future legal matters.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Brian
Matt was great to work with throughout the entire contract review and close process. He called me whenever he had a something for me to review and thoroughly explained every step of the process. He reviewed all the numbers and even taking the extra few minutes to figure out where the extra $8 the closing document came from.
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22 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Matthew Huff is an excellent attorney whose attention to detail is unparalleled. Throughout his representation of us for the purchase of our new home, Matthew was attentive and communicative and always promptly answered all of our questions.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Charlotte
My husband and I used Matthew's services to buy our house. Matthew was professional, knowledgeble and easy to work with. When the seller's attorney was wildly unprofessional, Matthew handled the situation with ease and tact. Matthew is very organized and communicated with us clearly. I felt confident in Matthew's ability to manage the legal side of our transaction.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Dave
Cara was phenomenal to work with. My wife and I had to see our way through several stressful situations in trying to buy/sell our home and Cara gracefully guided us through all of it, which we are very thankful for. She was organized, thoughtful, patient, supportive, and many more positive things for us. She went out of her way to help us throughout the entire process. In summary, I would highly recommend working with Cara!
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17 Oct, 2022 by Sari
Cara was wonderful. Very responsive and always got back to me very promptly which was very important to me. I had an ex and his attorney who were very uncooperative and lazy and she had to take the "bull by the horn" to get stuff done. Very personable but so professional!
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28 Sep, 2022 by Jodi
Cara Gaziano at Kalcheim Haber was instrumental in guiding me through my divorce. There were multiple layers of complexity in my divorce that Cara handled seamlessly. Cara was efficient and reliable while approaching a mirage of hurdles. She was not only an efficient and reliable professional, but also provided emotional support during a difficult time. The guidance I received allowed me to make the best choices for my well being and future. I would strongly recommend Cara to any individual seeking an honest and dependable divorce lawyer.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Roberta
Kathryn Crow Casey is the attorney I recommend to my family, friends and associates. Kathryn demonstrated an extremely knowledgeable understanding of estate planning for Eldercare. We discussed a Will. powers of health and finance and several aspects related to long term care. My list of concerns and questions were quite extensive when we worked together, Kathryn patiently listened and thoroughly answered my questions. The way she explained everything was in ways that were very understandable. I feel confident that I understand the many aspects I need questioned with an additional understanding of several legal concerns.
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28 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Hi Kathryn, now that this process seems to be about over, I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you for your help, knowledge, and professionalism. I’ve been on a big learning curve throughout this process and you’ve done a great job explaining things and getting me up to speed. If I ever have a friend going through something like this, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. I really appreciate that there was never a touch of arrogance on your part, and that you could explain things in a way that was simple to understand
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24 Jun, 2014 by Chuck
Puneet does an outstanding job representing my family in estate planning matters. Puneet is very patient and thorough. His advice is practical. I highly value his guidance and approach.
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17 Jun, 2014 by Jason
For over a decade, Puneet has been the 1st person I consult with for every legal or business need that arises. He has been a trusted addition to my team and has allowed me to have a wise legal professional I can consult with for a variety of my personal and professional legal needs. He personally has handled my estate plan and the details to start a business; but also has referred me to wonderful colleagues who have taken care of real estate and immigration legal needs. I highly recommend Puneet to anyone looking for an attorney.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. DeBlasio for two separate, unrelated issues and he provided excellent advice and representation both times. In addition to finding an ingenious legal angle that assured our victory in court, he was empathetic to the stress the entire situation caused and was supportive and caring throughout the process. I highly recommend Antonio DeBlasio.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
As General Counsel, I hired Tony to represent my company with regard to an important piece of litigation. Tony immediately stepped in to quickly learn not only the legal issues, but the manufacturing business itself which was vital to the successful settlement. He relied on my internal expertise to ensure that his litigation strategy was solid and that his representation would be cost effective as well as excellent. I highly recommend Tony for business litigation matters.
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24 Mar, 2014 by Gregg
Leslie Rosen is one of the finest attorneys with whom I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and working. She took on my very important case after it had been mismanaged by several others who nearly destroyed it. Her skill at quickly grasping matters at the very core and then organizing and presenting facts simply and brilliantly - cutting out the unnecessary - immediately added a voice and clarity to what had been muted. The result: a really bad decision was reversed on appeal. We won! This would never have happened if I hadn't hired Leslie Rosen.
What I appreciated even more than anything was Leslie's honesty and candor, and that she listened to what I told her and took it to heart. She was completely up front with me about the situation in which I found myself. She was firm, but she genuinely cared: the best advocate you could ever hope to have.
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31 Jul, 2011 by Candymann
Always creative and the best attorney I have had. The only one who never lied to me. A credit to her profession
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10 Dec, 2024 by Anith swamy guna
Dear Team,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the remarkable service and dedication provided by the Law Offices of Mary Kennedy. From the outset, Mary Kennedy played a pivotal role in introducing me to the EB-5 process and elaborating on its complexities with exceptional clarity and expertise. Her leadership and in-depth knowledge ensured that I had a strong understanding of every step involved, setting the foundation for a smooth and confident journey.
Charu also provided outstanding support in breaking down the EB-5 process into clear and understandable steps. Her thorough explanations and attention to detail were invaluable in helping me navigate this complex path with ease.
Mathew’s guidance in the investment process was equally remarkable. His insights into the investment model, particularly in Pecan Villas Granbay, demonstrated a deep understanding of safe and secure investment options. The model he presented stood out as an extraordinarily safe approach, instilling confidence in the decision-making process and aligning perfectly with my goals.
Rebecca, along with the entire team, provided exceptional support in handling my child’s H4 visa process. Her prompt communication, clear guidance, and diligent follow-ups ensured this critical aspect was managed efficiently and effectively.
What truly stood out was the firm’s collaborative effort, attention to detail, and client-centered approach. Mary Kennedy, Charu, Mathew, and Rebecca each brought their expertise to the table, creating a seamless and positive experience throughout.
I deeply appreciate the patience, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by the entire team. From addressing every question with clarity to ensuring that every detail was handled meticulously, you made what could have been an overwhelming journey feel effortless.
To Mary Kennedy, Charu, Mathew, Rebecca, and the entire team: thank you for your exceptional support and dedication. For anyone seeking legal expertise, insightful investment guidance, and a client-focused approach, I cannot recommend the Law Offices of Mary Kennedy highly enough.
Warm regards,
Anith Swamy Guna
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03 Oct, 2024 by Mahendran v shanmugam
Excellent service by Mary and her ability to understand the situation and concerns to provide all the options available to you to choose the best.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Muthukumaran vembuli
I recently worked with the Law Office of Mary Kennedy to transfer my H1B visa to a new employer and to file for my wife's H4 EAD. The entire process was smooth, and I was impressed by the professionalism of the team. A special thanks to Radhiga, who was always responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the process. The team is providing clear guidance and ensuring everything was done in a timely manner. I highly recommend this firm for anyone looking for reliable and efficient immigration services!
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23 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Buck to send a collection letter for me in order to collect on money owed to me from a former friend. Ms. Buck was professional & efficient. She had the letter sent out & the matter settled in no time. Her fees are reasonable & I highly recommend her. She will be the attorney I go to first, should I need any additional legal assistance.
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08 Aug, 2007 by Anonymous
Having worked with countless lawyers in my career, many from some of the country's top firms, I was very surprised at Jay's accessibility. He answers his own phone! He's very knowledgeable and experienced, and didn't hesitate to explain things clearly so that I could make informed, educated decisions.
I found Jay's demeanor to be very calming, with his down-to-earth personality and reasoned approach making it significantly easier to deal with my challenging project. He is very well-versed in his practice areas--I've dealth with him regarding both Employee Benefits and Estate Planning.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Neal is very realistic. From the initial consultation, she explicitly told me what to expect and not expect. She prefers to negotiate outside of court to keep client fees lower, but she was able to win my motions in court as well. Compared to other expensive divorce attorneys, Attorney Neal completed my case with haste while offering flat-rate legal fees. She was a pleasure to work with. She was not only my attorney but also a positive friend throughout the process. I highly recommend Attorney Chlece Neal to handle any family law matters.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Dr. rose lee
Attorney Tyson is experienced and she worked with my situation until it was resolved. She gave me advice and I felt that she really cared about what I was going through. I would recommend her services to anyone who wants a caring knowledgable attorney.
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05 Aug, 2016 by Robin n.
We hired Michael for our wills and estate work he was very attentive to our needs and did a wonderful job explaining all steps of the process. I highly recommend him!
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02 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
We found that Linda did an excellent job helping us understand trusts and setting them up in ways that could best serve our family's needs and objectives. She was also very sensitive in handling a pre-nuptual agreement for one of our children, and helping the newlyweds set up their own trusts to plan their future together.
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26 Jun, 2018 by Richard
Mr. Hays was able to work with both myself and very challenging family members during three probate cases simultaneously. Highest recommendation and respect for him and his firm.
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04 Mar, 2014 by Lynn
I worked with Abosede to get my parent's estate planning affairs in order. She was very patient and diligent with them, explaining the various options they had when it came to their affairs. She included me and my sister to determine who best to be the POA for my parents and ensured all documents were executed timely and without delay. She made herself available for any questions of my parents even after the regularly scheduled appointment and communicated any updated to me and my sister in a very timely manner. She was well-knowledgeable about the law and pending changes to the law and used this to help effectively develop an estate plan that fit the needs of my parents. I highly recommend Abosede if you are looking for a well-qualified, very thoughtful and diligent attorney for your estate planning needs.
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19 Apr, 2019 by Jaime
She is accessible, with a fast turn-around for tax prep info and docs, clear and concise with her instruction, dependable and reliable for years.
Thank you
jaime el helw (client of Harrison& Held LLP, 5 years)
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08 Dec, 2016 by Gloryann
I can't thank you enough for taking care of my issue FAST & at a very fair rate!
Sincerely Grateful,
Mrs. Fox
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17 May, 2017 by Garrett
Wayne is a true professional, really does a great job! I'm always a little weary of taking on new attorney's but Wayne was a great find. He was quick and attentive to detail so I was able to evict much faster than anticipated. I really like that he has a very knowledgable staff to help you at a moments notice. Paulette is great too. Highly recommend!
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24 Dec, 2016 by Aj
Graham has been an invaluable resource not only for my business, but also for my sanity. He's professional, concise, and incredibly sharp. Graham represented me for my home purchase and has also advised me on landlord/tenant law. As a first time homeowner and landlord, it's been a really challenging and oftentimes stressful experience, but Graham's legal counsel and guidance has been invaluable and has been crucial in my decision making for my business.
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03 Apr, 2015 by Mary
Mr. Henry Dixon worked with me to settle issues with a tenant/ property owner situation.
He worked professionally as an intermediary to quickly resolve the recurring problems.
He offered solid advice & helpful suggestions. He communicated with all parties involved in writing and in person to resolve problems in a timely manner.
We have new lease agreements, new payment schedule and a new attitude!
I highly recommend Henry Dixon Law.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Larisa olson
Beyond impressed. Andy Arons was referred to me by a Winnetka business owner. I was in a time crunch on a commercial lease and he swooped in and got it all worked out & and executed so swiftly. I felt that I was in really good hands. So thorough. And even saw it through over the weekend. They just don’t make ‘em like Andy. Great firm.
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01 Sep, 2020 by Shelley c. williams
11 Jun, 2019 by Steve martay
Mr. Heimlich and the attorneys at this firm do a great job representing their clients. I would highly recommend hiring them for a claim.
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16 May, 2019 by Michelle evans
Loved it
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
17 Oct, 2023 by Nick dijoseph
Nicholas Dijoseph
Staub Anderson
Can not express how grateful to have a law firm that has your personal welfare in mind.
From my personal business legalities
State and government regulations.
Eric Anderson has went to the greatest extent to make shure my family was protected as well.
You will not find a more experienced lawyer that can provide you with services you would call your best asset.
Thank You Eric D Anderson from my heart.
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10 Dec, 2021 by Mike smith
They represented me a couple of times and were a complete LIFESAVER! I could not be more pleased with every facet of working with Staub Anderson, and in particular with David Dale who could not have been more fair, honest, accommodating, and an all around good person(and incredible attorney). I would not hesitate to use them and I would recommend them to my family and friends if they were in need of services!
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13 Oct, 2019 by Martin bakowski
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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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.
