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18 Jun, 2024 by Mike goulet
For anyone who needs a personal injury attorney, this is the firm for you! Attorney Christina Hanna and her team work diligently in providing you with individualized service and receiving a fair settlement! I wish I could give them more than five stars! Highly recommend them!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Pedro delgado
It's been a stressful and ongoing experience but the storm is finally calm. To the wonderful team of Christina Hanna, Daniel Brill, Sheila Parker and Kimberly the receptionist I'm truly grateful and thankful for all of your hard work, tenacity and integrity in helping with my situation and for blessing me this Christmas 2023. Again,thank you from the bottom of my heart. Best law firm in Connecticut ðŸ‘💯
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02 Nov, 2023 by Jose dias
I can't say enough good things about Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers. They've been an invaluable source of support and expertise during a challenging time. From the moment I walked through their doors, I was greeted with professionalism and compassion.
The team at Berkowitz Hanna truly goes the extra mile to ensure you're well-informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the legal process. They have a deep understanding of malpractice and injury cases and have a proven track record of success.
What I appreciate most is their dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, answer all your questions, and keep you updated every step of the way. It's not just about winning cases; it's about advocating for your rights and well-being.
I wholeheartedly recommend Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers to anyone seeking experienced, compassionate legal representation. They are the go-to firm for anyone navigating challenging medical malpractice or injury claims. Thank you, Berkowitz Hanna, for being the support I needed during a difficult time.
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18 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Several circumstances from a divorce required immediate solutions to both my personal finances and my business, which would have created financial exposure that was otherwise preventable.
Stuart Ratner's competency is only exceeded by his extensive knowledge of the law and ability to create optimal, swift, advantageous solutions adeptly. I have had much experience with attorneys over 25 years in business in New York and Stuart is in a league all his own, because he knows how to keep it simple and bring resolution that is optimal, and efficient.
Stuart's knowledge, and exceptional professionalism provided me with security and solutions that made a major positive impact for me, for which I am immensely grateful, and that allowed me to focus on my new life and business with assurance.
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16 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I am a small business owner in Greenwich, CT. I hired Attorney Stuart Ratner to help my company with an IRS issue. Immediately at my consultation with him I was relieved and knew I had to have him on my side. His extensive knowledge of the Law paired with his professionalism got me thru a 7 month long ordeal that I never would have wanted to go thru without him. I have recommended Attorney Stuart Ratner to many other business owners all of which have had similiar positive experiences. When put in a situation beyond your control you want only the Best and that is exactly what you will get with Attorney Stuart Ratner.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Greg
Laura helped me w/ my divorce. She was insightful and persistent in persuing my my goals for the case. I found her to be true to her word. I have and will continue to recommend her.
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23 Jul, 2014 by Daniela
Came highly recommended and more than lived up to those recommendations. Very hard worker. Intelligent, diligent, analytical, and knowledgeable lawyer. Asked good questions that revealed critical information that I had not considered. Displays great attention to detail and knows how to emphasize and pull out the most important points of your case. Excellent with figures. Does not waste your money. Caring and respectful of her client and their family. A pro at handling herself in the deposition as well as in the court room!
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09 Sep, 2014 by Eric
Repeat client.
Great attorney.
Quick service, with good business skills, and in-depth knowledge of business strategies/analysis.
Eric H, VP of Real Estate Firm
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31 Oct, 2013 by Eric h. (vp of real estate firm)
Handled extensive real estate legal disclosures for contracts pertaining to the sale of both land and residential real estate. Expert knowledge and very helpful. Thank you!
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21 Feb, 2013 by Alex
Neal and his office has provided estate and will services for my husband and I, as well as recently representing us for the purchase and sale of our homes. He does excellent work and him and his staff are responsive and professional. I would highly recommend.
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21 Feb, 2013 by Gina
When starting to prepare for putting a will together, there are so many things to consider. Some things that I never even realized I had to give thought to. Before starting the process, Neal patiently met with me and my husband to discuss specifics of what it means to have a will and all the pieces that go with it, and why it's important. We left his office with the knowledge and understanding of why it's really smart to take those steps, and we were better able to have an honest discussion about all the items required to make the documents effective. Discussing end-of-life issues is never fun or glamorous, but leaving your loved ones without properly preparing for your passing is a burden that you don't want to leave with the people most important to you at a time that will be so difficult. I can't thank Neal enough for making this process much smoother than I thought it could be.
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25 Jan, 2019 by Anna
Attorney Rebeca is very pleasant and honest and as a client you know she is on your side !! Extremely competent and respectful. Great knowledge , very smart lawyer . I was lucky to find her !
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01 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Hajosy is a very personable and capeable lawyer. She has handled several legal issues for our family and has been exceptional in all regards. I recommend her without reservation.
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16 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Sophia Shaikh guided us through the Probate Court, explaining each step along the way in simple, easily understood terms. If we had any questions or concerns, she was always prompt in returning calls, etc. Any and all documents she filed with the court on our behalf, were done in a timely manner. We were kept updated and informed at all times making us feel confident with her knowledge, insight, and experience. She has a lovely optimistic personality, always willing to accommodate us in any way possible. We felt lucky to have her represent us. RFK & CMK
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08 Jan, 2018 by David
Attorney Shaikh handled a sensitive, embarrassing financial situation (relative without a will/bickering relatives prolonging the matter) with a manner that was friendly, pragmatic and professional. She really came across non judgmental and was truly an advocate for me. She truly knew her probate stuff and was pretty impressive. I'm very happy with her.
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05 Aug, 2016 by John
Mr. McCann provided my wife and I legal consultation associated with the preparation of a family trust, last will and testament, health directive, and estate planning. Though we entered into these meetings feeling that we were well versed, and well prepared, Mr. McCann presented us with a series of thought-provoking questions that assisted us in identifying a number of important issues that we had not previously considered. His communication skills were excellent and his attention to detail was impressive. He clearly has a strong grasp of the subject matter. We felt confident in his guidance and that he was genuinely working toward our best interest. We would not hesitate to continue doing business with Mr. McCann or to recommend him to our friends. All-in-all, a very positive experience.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Janine and arthur
My husband and I utilized Attorney John McCann regarding asset protection. He provided us with compassion and excellent service towards a successful resolution.
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11 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Ramos was incredibly professional and knowledgeable during my divorce. she wasnt about getting nasty and screwing iver the opponent and she appreciated that all i wanted was a fair resolution. I also didnt feel as though i was ripped off as some people feel after dealing with lawyers. Overall i def made the best decision going with Krystal.
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22 Sep, 2015 by Maryann
Attorney Ramos is a fine example of what all attorneys should be. She knows what she's doing, but she doesn't lose sight of what's important in life. I would hire her again, and I cannot give her a better recommendation. Elle Woods from Legally Blonde has met her match.
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31 May, 2023 by Ann
Look no further than Ms. Messick if it is time to do your Trust. She worked diligently with us to secure one that met our needs. She gave us options and made sure we understood the legal jargon. The Trust was tailored for our family.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Valquiria
Jean Messick was able to help me during a very difficult time. She held my hand throughout the whole process. She is wonderful. Knowledgeable and trustworthy. Will always use her services from now on.
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05 Dec, 2009 by Candee
Attorney Barrett represented me in a Workers' Compensation case that was not an ordinary case but one that was unique and complex. He always took the time to answer all my question, listen to and address my concerns, and returned my calls in a timely manner. I found him to be caring, compassionate, and very understanding as to what I was going through due to my injury. Over the years I also used him for various other legal matters with the same results. Attorney Barrett is truly a lawyer and a man of intregrity.
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03 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Attorney Barrett helped with the closing on my home - it was a bit of a tricky case because the property is on a town line, and needed to be recorded in two towns - but Attorney Barrett and his team was right there to explain all my questions and to help ensure it was handled properly.
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28 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
this attorney was spot on with his advice! He got back to me within a short time and responded to more of my questions.
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24 Mar, 2014 by Michael
I greatly appreciate the advice and assistance Scott was able to provide after my mother had an accident and couldn't live at home anymore. It was difficult situation as I am often, and he was able to make sure my mother received quality care. He put together all the vendors to get her house ready for sale and sold. He worked with us on finding the best place for my mother to live, and did the medicaid application when it was time, but he helped us to make sure she had everything she needed and found a way to set aside a fair amount of money for my sister and I. He even looked at copies of my mother's medical chart and suggested some changes in her care we should request.
I am very satisfied with Scott's legal services, but what my sister and I really appreciated was his being on top of things and available. I've had other attorneys where that just wasn't the case. The process of getting my mother placed with benefits took almost two years, and even when there wasn't something specific going on legally he would check in a couple times a month, and if we called him he answered his own phone, or he might call back after dinner or the next morning.
I would recommend attorney Rosenberg to anyone who needs help applying for Medicaid or transitioning a parent to any kind of assisted living placement.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Oral
I was introduce to attorney Edward Capozziello, for my residential property last year and I have no regrets he's very informative returns calls, work hard to help me with my situation, listen to my concerns, gives me the best answers to my questions. Attorney Capozziello is very professional in what he does, he takes his time to make sure you understand everything in detail.
I highly recommend
Thank you so much Edward
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16 May, 2021 by Tracey
I hired Attorney Capozziello for a residential real estate buy/sell on the advice of my broker. He generated a contract on short notice and even picked up on errors in documents drafted by a prior attorney. He was responsive, helpful and available to explain details. I would recommend him highly for any real estate matter. He exceeded expectations in every way. Tracey
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18 Oct, 2017 by Jessica
I found Attourney Delia through an online search, initially I was intrigued by his credentials in the type of law I was needing assistance with. After our first consultation I was not only satisfied with his vast knowledge in probate law, which speaks volumes alone. More so I was impressed by his genuine disposition. Attourney Delia took several hours out of his busy schedule to consult with me regarding a case that had been troubling me for many years. He was kind and patient , he went over every document I have regarding my parents estate ( which was quite lengthy and involved). Mr.Delia explained everything to me fully, so that I was able to understand what was executed over the years. I would more than highly recommend Attourney Anselmo M. Delia to anyone in search of any of his listed areas of expertise of the law. I was comforted with Attourney Delias in depth knowledge of different aspects of the law in addition to his graciousness. To find both of these in an Attourney is quite rare as I'm sure many of us are aware. I am more than grateful to Attourney Delia for helping me find some peace by confirming certain questions to issues, that had burdened my concious for many years. I look forward to working with him in the near future.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Ginny
From my very first meeting with Attorney Delia, he took a genuine interest in my family's estate case. In what turned out to be a very stressful lawsuit involving my mother's estate, he was always supportive and confident. He is honest and very knowledgeable about estates, which gave me great confidence in his ability to fight for us. When our case took unexpected turns and then headed to trial, he also turned out to be a skilled negotiator. I felt Attorney Delia had our best interests in mind at all times. Working with him gave me peace of mind and that really helped me know that we had chosen the right attorney to help us for mother's estate. I would highly recommend him.
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10 Feb, 2011 by Victoria
When I had my accident at work a friend of mind recommended Atty. Truppa just to consult with for some information. It was a bad time in my life I was in pain out of work..etc. She was so understanding of my situation like she really wanted to help. She told me that she thought I had a valid claim so I decided to ask her to represent me.
There was months of Doctors appointments, physical therapy and so on..This attorney was there every step of the way. I'd call the office with a question and was always received so professionally. If she was out of the office when I called she always got back to me within a reasonable amount of time. After my treatment was done Attorney Truppa managed to get me a very generous settlement. I was so pleased with my dealings with her I've since used her for some other matters and remain pleased with eash encounter.
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10 Feb, 2011 by Albert
I needed to find someone who could help me with my closing on my condo.This lawyer I found in the yellow pages. After I contacted her she told me just what I needed to do, the realtors and banks don't inform you of much, you really need a lawyer, trust me. Well all I can say is my closing went off with out any problems. It was reassuring to know she kept me in the loop. We are using her again for our office building closing.
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12 Apr, 2021 by Joseph
Attorney Roberson not only did an excellent job handling my case but was very patient, informative and especially kind and understanding throughout the entire process. He respected my wishes and I am very grateful for his expertise and demeanor. Highly recommended.
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22 Mar, 2013 by Taylor
My experience with Attorney Roberson was satisfactory. Dale had the knowledge, and expertise I expected as a frantic client with a pressing issue. He gave me the reassurance and strategized for a perfect win! Need I say more?!
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29 Oct, 2019 by Lisa
I had a very positive experience when I consulted with Attorney Barocas. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful regarding estate planning.
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06 Dec, 2018 by Tom l- darien
Morris went out of his way to help me find someone when he couldn’t take my case. He was a real gentleman who gave me 15 minutes of his time and good advice with no expectations. Thanks!
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23 Sep, 2015 by Maryann
You won't find an attorney that is kinder, more patient or more knowledgeable than Mark Korotash. He took care of my closing, and he prepared my will and advanced directives. He explained everything, he listened well, and he made me feel like he had all the time in the world for me, even though he wasn't charging by the hour. I highly recommend Attorney Mark Korotash. He is a remarkable man, and a remarkable attorney.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Bob
Always did what was explained to us-And was very professional-Bob Jarvis
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22 Jun, 2016 by Dina berrios-fischer
I researched Tax Lawyers on Avvo and found Eric’s information. I emailed Eric and asked him if his initial consultation was free. Despite the fact that he was out of the office, he responded to my email and then called me to answer a Tax Liability, negotiation point, question with regards to my divorce. He did this at no charge! He’s a saint…No one does that in this day and age! I wish there were more lawyers with his good heart and not always out to make a buck but instead helping out his fellow man, or in this case woman! Thank you Eric!
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11 Oct, 2009 by Robert
Atty Brown kept me informed of all the procedures and had an excellent outcome.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Rob
Dan has helped me for years and would never think of using anyone else. He's one of the best
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03 May, 2018 by Carrie
I met Nicole at a networking event. I had been procrastinating putting my estate plan together for several years, not only because it's simply not a pleasant thing to talk about but also because I just never found someone I was comfortable talking to about...let's face it; death. Nicole, was immediately warm, friendly and most of all reassuring. She walked me through every aspect of the process and made the planning painless and easy. I am now comfortable knowing that in the event that should anything happen to me, my family will clearly know my intentions on how everything is to be handled right down to my funeral services. Nicole is truly a professional and I would not hesitate to use her services again should they be need.
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31 Aug, 2018 by Kim
Kate has gone above and beyond. Our transaction was anything but smooth. Although the people on our team were amazing and worked diligently to
make sure things on our end were covered, the other parties involved did not have the same support. Kate communicated consistently, addressed our concerns and made sure our paperwork was done and our needs were met. She continues to do so after the fact as we hit another bump due to no fault of hers. We will definitely continue to utilize her services in the future.
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28 Sep, 2021 by Noel
Linda and Robin provided dependable confidence that my mother's Medicaid application for her nursing home care would be correctly and diligently prepared. Their organized foresight of what additional forms and statements the Medicaid reviewer might seek helped to expedite the approval, while also instilling a calmness in me throughout the process.
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03 May, 2019 by Anonymous
My husband and I are in our lated 60s. It was important to us to put an estate plan in place and avoid probate. Jim Young was highly recommended by our financial advisor. Our initial consultation with Jim was very informative and we felt comfortable hiring him as our estate planning lawyer. We met Jim several times, had many discussions, and Jim presented us with several options to met our specific needs. Because this was a second marriage for my husband and I and we each had children and grandchildren from a previous marriage, our circumstances presented a more complex plan. Jim navigated us through this conversation and process with patience and thoughtfulness.
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20 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I live in Maryland and inherited a property in CT when my mother passed. A friend at work used to live in Gales Ferry and recommend Hoops and Assoc. I have been very happy with the way Joseph St. Rock has handled all the paperwork and the follow up that has been necessary to finalized the transfer of property.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Elaine
Attorney Mangan has led our family through a complicated process of applying for Title 19/Medicaid for my mother and probate for the death of my father. She was instrumental in resolving major issues with the state and continually advised us on how to handle expenditures and paperwork. We have greatly appreciated her knowledge and guidance.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Veronica
Excellent lawyer. She is amazing doing her job. She has been representing our daughter and has done a phenomenal job. She is very dependable.
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03 Sep, 2012 by William
We have used Attorney Burns for contracts and estate planning. His advice has always been straightforward and accurate. He is always professional in both appearance and demeanor. He is very detailed in his research and explanation of what he advises, but remains open to questions and discussion on these issues. His trustworthyness is unquestionable.
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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.
