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28 Dec, 2022 by Jelena markovic
10 Sep, 2020 by Michael eisenberg
I used attorney Graham Contatser for a real estate transaction and could not have been happier. He was responsive, professional, and at the end of the day, ensured that a fairly complicated deal got done. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
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22 Apr, 2020 by Andrew skendrovic
16 Nov, 2023 by Royalle brown
Overall not a good experience. Was attempting to file chapter 7 bankruptcy and submitted all required paperwork in October. A month later I still have no updates. On a business aspect it’s never good to tell a consumer you are going to do something and not do it. So I highly would not recommend you to file here if you are looking to file bankruptcy and looking to do it in a timely manner.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Frank scheid
Mr White is great. He will work with you. To me you could not ask for anything more. If you need a lawyer for your bankruptcy need please go to Mr White. He will get it down for you.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Jeremy humpherys
Great firm to handle your Bankruptcy. Highly recommend them!
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21 Sep, 2024 by Dontia seals
I recently had a frustrating experience with my case, primarily due to how it was handled by Muldoon. From the start, I felt I wasn’t adequately represented; my concerns seemed to take a backseat to other priorities. The situation became even more complicated when it was revealed that the third party involved didn’t carry proper insurance. Rather than advocating for my interests, Muldoon appeared more focused on closing the case quickly, which left me feeling sidelined. Overall, I expected a more proactive approach, but instead, I felt dismissed and unsupported throughout the process.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I know nothing about real estate and all of the associated things with sales and buying property. Jason and team were very patient at explaining things to me and I was very pleased with sale of my condo and purchase of a house within 6 months of each other. All of my questions were answered patiently which I greatly appreciated.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Jim schultz
Great attorneys specializing in p.i.
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18 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
She said she would prepare the divorce settle agreement. She didn't. She said she would calculate the monthly child support figure. She didn't. I can go on and on. Ended up using all the other side has prepared. It nothing but do as little as possible and charge thousands of $ for it. Stay Away!
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26 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Caroline after a referral from a friend. She really stepped up and stepped in when things got ugly. Her rapport with the Judges, knowledge and expertise are exemplary. I'm shocked at some of the other reviews. Maybe they are referring to the other Caroline Kaplan, as there are two. This one now has offices in Vernon Hills and I'd hire her again for post settlement matters. She communicates well and is responsive in a timely manner. Excellent attorney!
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23 Jan, 2015 by Serena
My personal experience with Caroline was great. She was an awesome lawyer in my divorce case. She will not settle until you're satisfied. She has great knowledge and has been practicing law for many years. She is very feisty and doesn't mind putting up a fight. I would recommend her to anyone that really needs help. You get what you pay for and I believe her time and effort was worth every bit of money that I put in to hiring her. Thanks lady!
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23 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
If you value attorney client privilege, solid legal advice and want a lawyer who is not self serving and money hungry but rather zealously advocates for you stay clear. My husband and I are both attorneys in another jurisdiction. This crook took advantage of our emotional states.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Steve
Michael guided me through a relatively complex probated estate. Throughout the process I felt that Michael was on my side, took the matter at hand very seriously and was very thorough in everything that he did. I would recommend Michael to anybody needing help with complex estate issues or general estate planning.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Nancy
Michael helped me through a fairly complex estate plan during a recent divorce. He was patient and thorough, and gave me excellent guidance. I feel that the plan I left with will be of great benefit to my children in the future.
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24 May, 2024 by Paula johnson
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Legal. The team made my chapter 7 filing a very smooth process! Great service and great price only $598.00 Don’t hesitate give them a call and get your fresh start.
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23 May, 2024 by Erica hardaway825
Sue has worked on a few cases of mine over the years and she's the best! Always professional, makes sure I understand everything, she's extremely patient, caring and kind!
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08 Mar, 2021 by Jasmine brown
They don’t respond they are terrible it’s truly sad they are out here making your life harder and not easier. I’ve been calling and emailing nonstop since November no call back no email. NOTHING. They moved the office and didn’t even tell me I had to call the trustee to get an address on them. I’m literally sitting here crying because I’m tired of being on the bus with my 3 small children! They won’t return anything to help me get a car or anything! At this point I’m about to report them to EVERYONE I can until I’m done dealing with these low down lying unprofessional people! They played with the right one😃
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24 May, 2024 by Paula johnson
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Legal. The team made my chapter 7 filing a very smooth process! Great service and great price only $598.00 Don’t hesitate give them a call and get your fresh start.
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23 May, 2024 by Erica hardaway825
Sue has worked on a few cases of mine over the years and she's the best! Always professional, makes sure I understand everything, she's extremely patient, caring and kind!
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08 Mar, 2021 by Jasmine brown
They don’t respond they are terrible it’s truly sad they are out here making your life harder and not easier. I’ve been calling and emailing nonstop since November no call back no email. NOTHING. They moved the office and didn’t even tell me I had to call the trustee to get an address on them. I’m literally sitting here crying because I’m tired of being on the bus with my 3 small children! They won’t return anything to help me get a car or anything! At this point I’m about to report them to EVERYONE I can until I’m done dealing with these low down lying unprofessional people! They played with the right one😃
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24 May, 2024 by Paula johnson
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Legal. The team made my chapter 7 filing a very smooth process! Great service and great price only $598.00 Don’t hesitate give them a call and get your fresh start.
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23 May, 2024 by Erica hardaway825
Sue has worked on a few cases of mine over the years and she's the best! Always professional, makes sure I understand everything, she's extremely patient, caring and kind!
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08 Mar, 2021 by Jasmine brown
They don’t respond they are terrible it’s truly sad they are out here making your life harder and not easier. I’ve been calling and emailing nonstop since November no call back no email. NOTHING. They moved the office and didn’t even tell me I had to call the trustee to get an address on them. I’m literally sitting here crying because I’m tired of being on the bus with my 3 small children! They won’t return anything to help me get a car or anything! At this point I’m about to report them to EVERYONE I can until I’m done dealing with these low down lying unprofessional people! They played with the right one😃
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28 Jun, 2024 by Divine anj beneit
I definitely appreciate an awesome attorney. Mr. Abrams and his team always answered my text messages, emails, and returned my phone calls. I never felt gaslighted or ignored by anyone. Mr. Abrams took the time to explain everything to me via over the phone or in-person on the process, hold up, or if they had questions of me. I would recommend him to anyone who ask. Thank you Mr. Abrams and Liz (secretary). Appreciate you.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Ronny reel
Please read and take precaution!!!! Terrible he needs to be put out of business!!!!! I hired Howard Abrams over 5 years ago still no results, unanswered phone calls and emails. Howard Abrams is a fraud, he doesn't do anything . I think he takes all clients money paid out and keeps it. He needs to be reported
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25 Feb, 2024 by Reginald clark
28 May, 2024 by Chris rose
13 May, 2024 by Omar javed
Doesn't even go to voice-mail anymore. Just a busy signal. THE PEOPLE HAVE NOBODY WHO TRULY REPRESENTS THEM. THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE. IM READY TO SEE THE FALL OF ALL YOU FAKE POLITICIANS AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS!
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08 May, 2024 by David chacon
Christopher was very informative to my needs and gave me the info I needed thanks again for your help
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31 Oct, 2019 by Dennis
Pros:
* Seems to bill honestly
* Seems ethical
Cons:
* Was extremely unresponsive to client communications
* Was slow to provide copies of correspondence.
* Has insufficient support staff.
* Seems to have too many open files and too much going on. Spread too thin.
* Ignored direct, specific instructions.
* Seemed reactive as opposed to proactive. Seemed to always be playing defense as opposed to finding and exploiting opportunities to solve problems proactively.
* Failed to timely communicate messages received from opposing counsel.
* Filed pleadings containing numerous spelling and grammatical errors.
In the end, I had to terminate Bielski and have someone else handle the matter for me.
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02 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
My name is Colleen, and I have recommended John Bielski to clients that have hired him and we very pleased with his services. Some people need in depth descriptions of their real estate transaction and John takes time to explain the details. Will continue to recommend him.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Josh
My wife and I have formally used John for three separate items: 1) a residential real estate closing; 2) incorporating my wife's business and developing client contracts; 3) reviewing and negotiating a commercial lease for my business.
He has been amazing to work with, up front with his pricing and willing to go above and beyond to answer questions (I tend to be a demanding client). I refer John to all my friends and family and will continue to do so. Thanks John!
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27 May, 2022 by John
Lacks basic reasoning and logical skills to be qualified as an administrative law judge. Does not listen nor comprehend the simplest of facts. While my ticket was given to me with in the legal 24 hour parking permit time frame, the judge based my case on when I collected my evidence. This is the equivalence of throwing out a defendants evidence because his attorney was not at the scene of the crime. The fact that I took a few days to review the ticket and photograph that the parking permit was valid does not change the fact that I was ticketed wrongly. To make matters worse the ticket should have been thrown out because the meter-maid failed to take legible photograph of my parking permit, which in itself makes disqualifies the evidence of the case. This judge lacks the temperament and basic skills to be a judge of any type.
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27 May, 2021 by Jay
I have no opinion yet about Rodney W. Stewart. I have not yet met him, or spoken to him. He is going to represent my daughter, and I have read the initial letters he sent to my daughter about that, and it is only in that sense that I can truthfully say that I have "consulted" with him. I am reacting solely to the other review (as of this writing, there is only one other review). It has got to be ironic. It is so extreme in its language that it couldn't even be a fake review, planted by one of Mr Stewart's friends, or someone in his family. A fake review would not use that language, because when you say things so extreme, you lose all credibility. It must have been posted as a joke. I wish I could meet the person who posted it, so I could understand the story behind it. I'm Jay Shachter, by the way,
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08 Nov, 2013 by Aldo
I really cannot say enough about this attorney, yes he is knowledgeable but he is a professional and thus I expect that. I think what so overwhelmingly impressed me was his ethics and moral standards. Just a model of behavior that I would wish to instill in my children. Unbelievable for an attorney, he gives them all a good name.
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13 Apr, 2023 by Erik maczko
28 Sep, 2022 by Laith abad
15 Dec, 2023 by Mohammod robi
08 Jan, 2022 by Mike morris
Hi my name is Michael Morris I just want to say thank you to Maria sanchez who has been a awesome individual that helped me navigate through my car accident. She's a very awesome individual I thank you for the experience. And letting me be part of the Warner Family .
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25 Apr, 2018 by Saleem
I worked with Carol regarding my amicable divorce from my partner. We scheduled an appointment Jan 2017 and paid the consultation fee. After the appointment we shopped around, we thought their fee was a little on the high side however felt confident and safe hiring them.
On Oct 2017 I hired Carol, signed the welcome letter and retainer agreement, Paid my deposit. At first they failed to credit the consultation fee, after a reminder they made the correction. The next time I heard from Carol was a month later, only because of my emails to Rachael and Susan wondering what the next step was. She stated we should be completed by the end of the year, so I waited for the next step.
Finally middle Jan 2018 I sent an email, because no one followed up Iasking Carol for an update. At that point and I'm not sure why Carol waited so long but she sent out our Petition for Dissolution which we signed within 24 hours. Carol forgot our case which left us waiting another few weeks for the next step,
However, Come March 2018, I'm still waiting....I called, I emailed...on March 13th Rachael responded and looked into what we are waiting for...she couldnt offer anything besides an apology but assured to me Carol would have a settlement agreement by Friday end of working day. On Friday 7pm, no word. At this point I'm at my wits end, frustrated that my case has been forgotten, on the back burner, and I have had to consistently follow up wondering what the hold up is.....I emailed Carol asked for a refund and wanted to take my business elsewhere. Finally at 9:43pm Carol sent the settlement agreement, she apologized and stated she works late on Fridays.
March 27th we signed final papers, April 4th we picked a court date.
Court Day: I was instructed to arrive at 9:30am, which I did, even a little early because I was nervous. At 9:30am I called the firm I was told she should be there, what are you wearing?, Carol has not arrived. I thought to myself, has she forgotten me again? I checked in with the clerk and waited. Carol arrived (9:37am), it was the longest 7 minutes of my life. When she arrived we stepped outside spoke about what to expect and went back inside. Once inside the clerk stated she needed to get something signed or stamped, I wasn't sure what she was missing but she said the clerk was being difficult and she had to run to do something. I was left sitting, waiting. When Carol returned it was my turn with the judge, everything went smoothly (hence the one star) after that, she emailed me final court documents and we finished.
I'm disappointed with the organization and management of this law firm. It is unacceptable to require the client to follow up with the lawyer and keep tabs on their case. Also, its unacceptable to be late to court, I should have been given a follow up call saying "dont worry I'm running late." I understand court is an everyday event for a lawyer but for me it was a new experience and I was nervous.
Amicable divorces should not take 6-7 months, I know this is true because I have an email from Carol stating we should be completed by end of 2017. (I saved all emails) We were not delayed on my end, anything she needed from us was provided within 48 hours.
At first I felt confident with their abilities, in the end was greatly disappointed. Overall, when hiring this firm I would make sure you are ok with delays and being overlooked or being an after thought. Also, I would ask the firm if they has time for your case, maybe Carol was juggling more than what she could handle. I dont know. For now take a pass on hiring an attorney from this firm.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I engaged Jill Metz for litigation services and was a client of hers. Jill was not able to draft a complaint that the court would accept and required additional extra legal services. Jill did not deliver the level of service nor results she claimed to. I do not recommend Jill Metz be engaged for litigation services.
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09 Jun, 2013 by Local professional
Jill Metz and her team were great in helping us understand what to include in a living will, powers of attorney, and end of life planning. Her consultation also helped us understand the real estate holdings we had and the necessary paperwork updates required to put all our wishes together. Definitely recommend!
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02 Jun, 2021 by Bee
this woman is a man hating, bottom feeding scumbag. bolstering up a 3x dcfs alcoholic loser who starved, neglected and abandoned my children repeatedly. her and her deranged client have kept me in cook county family court for 6 years, and her only aim is to lie her bloated face off to protect a repeated child abuser. literally has the legal skills of an 9 year old, and proves it every time in court.
I URGE YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY MORALITY, CARE ABOUT SOMEONE WHO WOULD BOLSTER UP A CHILD ABUSER, OR HAVE AN OUNCE OF A SOUL DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS SOULESS FREAK!
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27 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Professionalism has decreased over time. Rarely keeps conference call appointments or returns calls. Has client to prepare documentation or research information that is not used in their case with no explanation.
Often felt there was no overall strategy or continuity regarding my case.
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18 Feb, 2015 by Jennie
This far we live how Alia handles and cares about her cares about her clients. She is extremely professional, caring and empathetic. She really roles up her sleeves and fights for her clients.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Rian marquez
My experience with Attorney Curtis Ross was nothing short of a nightmare. From the outset, he displayed a level of rudeness and disrespect that was utterly appalling. When I sought clarification on certain legal matters, he dismissed my concerns with the utmost arrogance, labeling my questions as "idiotic."
Instead of fulfilling his role as a legal advocate, he left me to fend for myself in court, all the while painting a false picture of me as argumentative. His complete lack of support and guidance was both shocking and deeply disappointing.
Save yourself the headache and avoid hiring Curtis Ross at all costs. He is an utter disgrace to the legal profession and will leave you high and dry when you need support the most.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Susan dotson
He's 76 years old and very forgetful. If you're lucky, Curtis Ross will remember to provide zoom information. If he has a bad day he may forget and you could miss court or be very late. He loves to celebrate every holiday and disappear days before court. Do you want him to prepare before court? Do you want to be prepped before court? If the answer is "no" pay his $5,000 retainer and $375.00 an hour.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Ray
14 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Please avoid her. She is very disrespectful of her clients. She needs to take a course in people skills. She might have some psychological problems.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Linda who works in his office is a nightmare to deal with. She sreams and is accusatory, talks over you and is unable to stop yelling long enough to hear what you have to say. I DO NOT recommend using this law office!! Anyone you allows a member of their team to behave the way she did toward their client is not a person I'd recommend. She almost blew up my closing.
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17 Sep, 2015 by India
I am a single mother of 4 and I hired Mr. Clark to assist with child support. I paid him in March 2014 and as of March 2015, he still had not filed the complaint. I told him I had to borrow the money just to pay him and I wanted my money back. He only gave me a portion and stopped returning my phone calls. I repeatedly asked for the balance back because he did not do any work. Then he advised me he would not be giving me all my money back, that was about the only thing he ever advised. So over a year later I still don't have child support, I'm out of my money, and I have to hire another attorney.
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03 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
My wife and I hired Ted Kowalczyk as our legal counsel when we were selling our 6 unit apartment building in Chicago. He failed us. Throughout the entire transaction, my wife and daughter communicated with him informing him we intended to reinvest the money from the sale into other commercial property in Wisconsin. He asked my daughter which 1031 exchange company to use. She instructed him to use a particular company. Unbeknownst to us, Ted did not set anything up with the exchange company. Approximately 30 days after the closing, my daughter emailed Ted to get the contact information for the exchange company. Ted informed us then that he did not set anything up with a 1031 exchange company because he did not know we intended to reinvest the money. What? We had told him numerous times we intended to reinvest. We now can not set anything up with an exchange company because IRS rules say that the exchange company must hold the money from the sale in escrow. We did not know this at the time of closing. We are now forced to pay a ridiculous amount of capital gain tax. We feel deceived, lied to and cheated by Ted Kowalczyk. Stay far away!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Taylor lindstrom
Do not hire this firm or Josh Friedman in particular. They take all your money, play the game of going around and around, petition after petition with no resolution. He does not have your best interests at hand, I would make settlement agreements with my ex-husband and then the attorneys would disagree to disagree and drag it out for months and years! Charging you for every minute. A simple divorce with a very modest middle income family, cost me alone over $200,000 by the time it was finally over. I had to fire him in the middle of the mess and find another attorney.
Absurd and devastating to say the least! Then they file a lien on your home which crushes your credit report. Its enough to go through the divorce let alone be abused by money hungry attorneys who do not care if they force you into bankruptcy. I have tried to make a settlement agreement with this firm and they do not even respond for 5 months, while they continue to add penalties and interest!
"As a divorce lawyer, I look first at my clients' needs and family values before I get into the financial legalities of their case," that is a joke!
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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.
