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17 Mar, 2021 by Terry
I hired Anne Jorgensen from the firm of Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. for the purposes of an emergency and permanent guardianship hearing. Her office was always responsive and professional. You would not find a more professional office than this law firm. I would highly recommend Anne Jorgensen.
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15 Dec, 2020 by Evon
And gets down to the nitty-gritty as soon as possible. She doesn’t waste my time nor my money she asked for specific questions and will drill you until you give the specific answer. She is spot on and she knows what she’s doing.
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29 Jun, 2015 by Cindy d.
We live in Kansas and a couple of years ago, we contacted Anne Jorgensen for her assistance in settling my father's estate in Colorado. Even though we worked with Anne long distance, she and her staff always responded to our communications and concerns in a very timely manner and kept in touch with us as our case progressed. Anne doesn't hesitate to push other parties involved to get things done. She did a great job for us.
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14 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
We have retained Ann many times to handle complex real estate matters, estate and probate issues, and high level contracts and business assignments. Ann is very knowledgeable, timely, an excellent problem solver and reasonable.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Sam
Ann Hutchison assisted both me and my parents with our estate planning. She is an incredible professional . . . Very compassionate, intuitive, thoughtful, sensitive and totally knowledgeable about every aspect of her profession. She took all the time necessary to complete this complicated process with ease and provided us all with an excellent plan giving us all complete reassurance that every detail was accounted for and specified with total clarity.
I wish that everyone could have such a caring advocate as Ann Hutchison when it comes to completing their estate plans. She is, in my opinion the very best in her profession.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Harold
A very very excellent Attorney, very attentive to her clients, very will to go the 'extra mile', compassionate and understanding easy to talk to & with --- a top notch person.
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18 Jun, 2021 by Pat
Justin is the kind of lawyer who didn't try to sell on us one solution. He took the time to listen to our concerns and personal goals before he laid out our choices and gave advice. For example, he explained the pros and cons of trusts rather than simply say that trusts were the best option. He made sure the letter and spirit of the law applied, so, for example, adding extra safeguards in case we moved so the estate documents would be legal in other states. In addition to helping us with our estate, he also offered support when my stepmother died, did research, and met with our accountants to deal with potential tax issues. He is easy to work with, very detailed-oriented, and it is obvious that he cares.
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14 Nov, 2020 by Michael
Justin is a highly experienced and professional. He explains estate planning law in a way that was clear and easy to understand. I was very impressed with Justin's high level of knowledge and approach. He is also very dedicated and conscientious. I would highly recommend the Bertron Law Firm to anyone needing estate planning services.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Jason
Justin met with my wife and I and we were skeptical about why we needed an estate plan. He talked to us for over an hour and afterwards my wife and I couldn't wait to come up with a plan that would help my family in the event something happened to me. He was very down to earth and didn't just tell us what we wanted to hear. I would recommend him to anyone!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Robert
Paul completely understood our legal situation which involved a bridge loan, and had an associated promissory note, a deed of trust and a borrower's guaranty, all three legal documents were originally drafted by the borrower. Paul provided significant betterments/protections and sagely substituted the Colorado Real Estate Commission form for the deed of trust. He instills confidence, explains issues in layman terms and guided us to a timely and successful closing. He is highly recommended.
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12 Nov, 2018 by Glenn
Mr Durr is a consummate professional. He is an expert negotiator, and has tremendous common sense. Mr Durr has assisted me with trusts, wills, business transactions and contract agreements. Tremendous business lawyer; I highly recommend.
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15 Aug, 2016 by Mike and pam
We needed assistance getting an estate settled where the attorney for the estate was very difficult to work with.
Mr. Durr was excellent at working easily with a contentious person. We were so impressed with him that we had him plan our estate and get our papers in order. A year later Mr. Durr helped us with our Real Estate needs instead of using a realtor. He has always done a great job for us and been more than fair billing us.
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05 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Aryn assisted my best friend's grandmother with water and property rights. When my friend's grandmother passed away last year, all of the details were neatly in place and my friend has experienced no problems administering her grandmother's estate.
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30 May, 2017 by Mary
My husband and I met with Aryn Fitzwater, not knowing what to expect. She was very patient and helpful and took the time to explain things we did not understand. We felt like we were in very good hands. We would recommend Aryn to anyone who has lost a loved one.
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26 May, 2017 by Amy
Aryn handled the probate for my grandmother. She handled the work while I was allowed to grieve. I am appreciative of her help.
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30 Mar, 2016 by Siena
After interviewing and pricing out a few different attorneys, my husband and I felt very confident in hiring Lyndsey and her team to assist us with our estate planning. Lyndsey and Heather made this process so easy for us- we had procrastinated this for years because it seemed so overwhelming, but Lyndsey explained things in terms that made sense, put things in context with helpful anecdotes and metaphors, and guided us though the decision making process like a pro. She is a great listener and seemed to truly have our best interests at heart. We are so grateful for her guidance through this process and and have such peace of mind knowing she is our trusted advisor.
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04 Jul, 2015 by Brian
They took my situation and made it simple and pleasant. Lyndsey's
expertise and personality provided me the confidence I was looking for.
Very convenient and very professional.
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26 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Lyndsey Richard was recommended when we needed legal help in an urgent situation. She was very helpful, even willing to meet our family at our home. She is sensitive, thorough, responsive and smart.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Bradley Frigon is extremely knowledgeable about estate matters including Medicaid. He helped me immensely during a difficult time in my life. His billing practices are very fair and the money spent on probate was well spent. His staff is friendly and helpful, as well. I would highly recommend Mr Frigon and his firm.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Richard
My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in early 2014. When she found out, she was quick to get her will in order with Bradley and his team. I was designated as her Power of Attorney and Executor of the will, and I had no idea what I was doing. In the initial meetings, Bradley explained everything very carefully, and took plenty of time to answer all of our questions. She passed in April of the following year, and everyone at the office was very helpful while I navigated the complicated process of selling her house, managing her finances, and ultimately settling the estate. They were able to communicate quickly and effectively when I needed it, and made the process much easier than it would have been doing it alone. I'm very grateful to Brad, Vicky, and the rest of the team.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Marcus
My mother's wish was to have my sister and I wait one year from her death to split the inheritance 50/50. As the year from her death approached I contacted my sister regarding splitting the inheritance, but she refused planning on keeping all of the money for herself and making her husband full beneficiary. My mother lived and passed away in Denver, Colorado and I live in Kansas City, Missouri. After doing an internet search, I found Mr. Frigon's site very professional, thus I contacted his office for a consultation.
Although my mother made my sister personal representative and full beneficiary on the inheritance, Mr. Frigon was successful in demonstrating my mother's wishes prior to her death to my sister's attorney in the matter. The matter finally resolved in receiving 50% of my mother's inheritance and for each of my sons to receive money towards a down payment on a home. In conclusion, Mr. Frigon and his office demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and kept me apprised of all matters regarding this issue. The cost of resolving this issue was very fair.
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21 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
Tyler Kraemer serves as counsel for our non-profit REALTOR association and is for-profit subsidiary corporation. For more than 10 years, he has skillfully guided us through contractual, IT, real estate and copyright issues. He is deeply involved in all negotiations with a number of major vendors to ensure that we obtain the services necessary for our large customer base. He is well-organized and extremely proffesional in all areas. He always demonstrates outstanding knowledge and expertise and continually hones his skill through extensive research in preparing his professional books. We are extremely fortunate to have Tyler as our legal resource.
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19 Jul, 2011 by Bill
Tyler and his law firm have assisted our bank over the years in writing legal loan documents, amendments to loan documents, reviewing legal documents and assisting the bank in the area of Special Assets. For the Special Assets area he has handled Deeds-in-Lieu, Forbearance Agreements, Judgments and Foreclosure Actions.
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18 Jul, 2011 by Pat becker
Tyler Kraemer had been the key ingredient in our successfully negotiating contracts with our very large and key clients. Our number one goal is to protect our IP while being fair to the client. Tyler has excellent negotiating skills that results in a fair result for both us and our client. Tyler has also been excellent at our general corporate needs and organization.
Tyler is a loyal, brilliant attorney that we enthusiastically endorse.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Naomi
If your looking for a lawyer with a heart and true integrity please call David. I can't song his praises load enough, he has helped me in so many ways and given me hope where before I had none. Thank you David.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Tim & vicky
We used the legal services provided and offered by attorney David Mitchell for 20 years, both in personal matters and also for our property management firm . David Mitchell provided these services with utmost integrity, knowledge and excellent response to all our questions and legal needs . We would recommend David Mitchell for your legal needs, without hesitation.
Tim B & Vicky Fanea-B
Property Management Services & Solutions
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28 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Helped my mom with her divorce. I'm not sure what all the detailes were, but one day she took me in with her so I can see what it's like to talk to a lawyer. He was super nice, and treated me like an adult. He let me look over some paperwork and explained to me what different things ment. His office seemed to run smoothly, and I know her handled her divorce in an effiecient way.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Timothy
I am very pleased with the estate planning services provided by Andrew Bedell. He updated my will and added new documents to meet my needs, making the process quick and easy. He took time to answer my questions and explain the legal requirements. I highly recommend Andrew Bedell for estate planning services.
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19 Aug, 2022 by Mario
It has been a pleasure working with Andrew Bedell . His communication, patience and kind nature is exceeded By his professionalism and ability to take a case full on with motivation and determination to give his client the best outcome . Andrew was very prompt and timely when it came to new Information pending my case .did a great job explaining the details in a cordial and respectful manner . He’s a man of his word … and that’s hard to come by these days . Will definitely acquire his services again In The future .
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14 Jan, 2020 by Marita
Keenan is not only helpful with her knowledge but was wonderfully open and honest with me when I had questions about my mother's affairs. We talked for a long time candidly about everything. I feel very confident in referring her to any one who needs even even the basic of questions asked. She is completely a joy to work with. I would also refer her especially to any of my LGBTQIA folx who need estate planning and all that entails. She is sensitive to our needs and is a huge ally.
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11 Nov, 2019 by Alex
Keenan was wonderful to work with - professional, communicative and very detail oriented. She skillfully helped my wife and I complete an estate plan, guiding us through the process efficiently. I feel a lot better having it in place, and I'm sure our kids will be thankful for it too!
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06 Feb, 2017 by Suzi
Travis Perry assisted us with establishing a living trust, estate, and succession planning. He is always accessible and responsive to our specific situations, extremely proficient. Mr. Perry has been incredibly helpful during the transition after a death on our family, ensuring that the proper documentation was updated and administrative tasks were completed.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Kirk
Travis has worked diligently on my parents and my estate planning. Having that combined knowledge has helped us move forward in a positive and proactive manner. I applaud his attention to detail, forward thinking and ability to listen and explain when things get complicated.
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14 Jul, 2022 by Andrew
We used Cameron for some Estate Planning issues and we were very happy with the work he did. Professional and prompt. We would recommend him to anyone.
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14 Jul, 2022 by Ramsey
Cameron did a fantastic job! He made the process so smooth and easy, explaining all the complicated legal mumbo jumbo in terms I could understand and made sure my family was taken care of. I couldn't imagine a better experience or a more trustworthy attorney to work with. 10/10 would highly recommend!
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04 Nov, 2016 by Amy
Paul has in-depth knowledge of the German legal system and culture, and excellent German language skills. He also has significant experience in cross-border deals with other countries. You'll enjoy his sense of humor and calm demeanor!
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16 Apr, 2014 by Alena
Paul Maricle has been legal counsel of Wasson-ECE Instrumentation over 5 years. During that time he has assisted us with various corporate matters, contract issues, and he assisted us in forming a wholly-owned subsidiary in Singapore. Paul has been very responsive to our needs and I can recommend him without hesitation.
Alena Hruskova, Controller
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16 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Our family was facing a Medicaid and later estate matter concerning the family matriarch. We were dealing with an unpleasant, stressful, and often bewildering legal and family situation. Ms Mitchell helped navigate and manage.
When I first searched for an attorney in the needed specialty, I contacted about 4 or 5 lawyers and firms. Ms Mitchell was the only one who returned my call and then made herself efficiently available for an intake phone call. She and her staff made the initial outreach easy and pleasant. I cannot say the same about others I contacted.
Ms Mitchell’s and her firm’s professionalism continued to shine after the family hired her and as she helped us through the difficult matter. She did what was needed to be done, pleasantly, effectively, efficiently, and with utmost respect. Her competence and that of her staff in this particular area of law is complete. Having this level of competence provided additional assurance in a time of turmoil. The family could trust her, and that means a lot in times of distress. The situation was tough. Without her assistance, it would have been impossible.
I have been and will continue to recommend Ms Mitchell to anyone who is asking for lawyer referrals. In the very near future, when my own family is getting ready for estate planning matters, we will hire her. No need to shop around any further.
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26 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Beth is a wonderful Estate Planner. She has great listening skills. She was also wonderful in assisting my mother with her Estate Plan. We would highly recommend her to anyone with a complicated estate portfolio.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Kaaran
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Tracy Tirey. Tracy was my mother's lawyer who put together her will. When my mother no longer could speak for herself Tracy made sure my mother's final wishes were carried out. Tracy was there when everyone else failed. She will fight for you and win. I can't begin to thank you enough. Your staff and commitment to your clients goes above and beyond what we expected. I am so grateful you were my mother's lawyer.
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22 Dec, 2015 by Lyndsey
Wonderful experience. Tracy is knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and willing to answer any questions that come up. Kristine, at the front desk, is wonderful also.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Jim
Catherine has been our Lawyer (my brother and I) for the last 6 months or so and our relationship has been excellent. She helped us through a very sticky Guardianship case and continuous to provide needed legal advice and support. Catherine's understanding of the legal system is one of the best I've seen. We will continue to use her services to the maximum extent possible.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Ken
Catherine's expertise and confidence in Elder Law was extremely helpful in this emotionally trying situation. She was able to hit the ground running and was able to negotiate several situations with the opposing lawyer and reach an acceptable settlement that will help my father's future needs.
Catherine also negotiated with the other lawyers to find a Conservator that I feel is trustworthy in handling my father's money.
As a Guardian is something new to me I have asked Catherine to stay on as my lawyer and help guide me through the upcoming year. This is a big comfort knowing I have somebody that cares and understands my needs.
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23 Dec, 2023 by Sherry guthrie
An amazing, kind, helpful attorney.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Don harris
I have used Linda McMillan for 2 estates and my personal needs and have always been happy with her service. She is completely caring, honest, and thoughtful. I highly recommend her as well as BKS Law. You can't go wrong with them.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Clinton keith
Exceptional experience - Lynne and her staff crafted an immaculate and details estate plan and living will for me. The process of gathering information was straight forward and she patiently educated me on how to make the best decisions. Her staff was professional and very responsive.
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28 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Lynne assisted with Trust issues and impressed not only myself but the rest of the legal team as well. She is a brilliant lawyer with great insight and attention to detail. I am grateful to have her on my attorney team.
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16 May, 2019 by Sari
Mark is very well versed and is understanding and compassionate. He cares a great deal about his clients and is very forward thinking. He is involved in his community and cares about outcomes.
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25 May, 2015 by Michele
Mark and his great team have been our families trusted attorney for many years. His firm has always gone above and beyond in understanding and meeting our legal needs. Mark Fischer is respected by everyone in the community as an attorney, in business and also as a person. I would highly recommend him to anyone no matter what the issue. His knowledge and experience sets him above and beyond the competition!
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23 Jul, 2023 by Leemont lollar
13 Sep, 2020 by Mark francis
Great Guy...Rich...👍👍👍
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09 Dec, 2023 by Maureen macias
Best lawyer I ever had Victor Moss my hero
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17 May, 2022 by Mj vallejo
After having retained different lawyers I have found long time Pueblo Lawyer Victor
Moss to among the very best if not the best and that's all the Attorneys on t.v. as well. Great person to talk to about business.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Karen lamprey
Elizabeth helped me with my father-in-law's probate. She was great at explaining the process, and was there for all of our questions with empathy and expertise.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Justin davis
Super helpful, and great to work with, thank you!
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27 Jan, 2015 by Steve
I remember Howard Bittman defending me on a few occasions some years back. (20+ plus years ago)I was charged with 8 felonies. Yes, 8 felonies all at the same time. This man saved my life. He was able to get 6 of the felony charges dismissed. I did 60 days home detention and payed some restitution for my last 2 . My friends have used him over the years with awesome results. I thank him for being there when I needed him most. He is the best attorney in Boulder County by far!
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18 Dec, 2012 by Micheala
Helped me legally acquire funds that were unclaimed . Money wired to my account the other day! Very reliable, responsible and straightforward!
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07 Oct, 2010 by Jim
A few years ago, Jeremy helped my wife and me form our construction and consulting companies. He walked us through every aspect of the process, including the tax ramifications of our options. To this day, I can e-mail him a contract in the morning and he has comments for me by lunch. Also, due to my work schedule, on many occasions, Jeremy has worked with me on the weekends or late at night.
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22 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Jarod. I hired him to represent me in a trust litigation case against a family member that decided to sue me in attempt to take all family assets from a trust. He is one of the smartest people I have had the opportunity to work with in my 20 year business career. Having him on my side and in my corner gave me a ton of confidence that I was on the right side of things. He ended up getting the case dismissed without even having to go to court.
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17 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Though Matthew is a younger attorney, he is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He replied to all of my voice messages or emails promptly and always made me feel like my case was a priority. I was dealing with my siblings who were trying to sue me as the personal representative for my father's estate, and Matthew did an excellent job of guiding me through this process. Our outcome was successful and I would recommend him to anyone that needs a good attorney.
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22 May, 2020 by Ben
I needed a name change and Heidi was able to get everything handled quickly. Even with the Covid-19 crisis Heidi was always communicative and kept me up to date as things progressed. She was professional and friendly through out the entire process. There is no doubt that in the future if I need legal help I will be asking Heidi for guidance.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Law is a clear, personable communicator. She understands probate law and is able to explain client's rights so that the client can make decisions with full information. She shows that she values client's time by being prompt for in person appointments and phone discussions. She makes exemplary use of email and text. As a client, I feel that I have a partner who is working with me to guarantee that my best interests are served.
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04 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Susan helped us with all our needs. Strongly recommend her!
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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:
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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.
