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19 Sep, 2024 by Jgarshon
I would highly recommend Gary for any real estate transaction or related work. I have worked with Gary on several transactions and he has been excellent. He even caught an error by the title company that saved me a considerable amount of money. He is a pleasure to communicate with and a real gentleman.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Denise gutierrez
Enjoyed working w/ Christina at Legacy Law Firm. She kept in touch till my Will was completed.
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20 Aug, 2024 by John daly
I have used Gary Landau to handle three of my real estate transactions and also to set-up my Revocable Trust, and Living Will. On all matters, he is extremely knowledge and professional, and is very easy to communicate with. I keep going back to him, and have referred others to him and do so without hesitation. I also find his fees to be fair and reasonable.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Michael lewis
My property insurance notified me 3 months before canceling my policy telling me I was no longer eligible for reinsurance, so having
never filed a claim and paying years of premium the worst happen a thunder damaged my roof to which I filed a claim and was denied 3 times I just wanted my roof fixed then a friend recommended Dianne Grant law firm. Dianne comforting assurance
and prompt action gave me a new roof. Thank you Dianne Grant Law.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Silvia garcia
My experience with The Law Offices of Isabel Castillo changed my family’s life. Thanks to her and her team my husband is finally a permanent resident. Isabel was kind, courteous, and made me feel confident that my husband’s case would one day come to a close and it did. I cannot thank her enough for helping us make our dream a reality. If you are looking for an experienced attorney to handle your immigration needs, Isabel is the lawyer for you.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Gokul chand
Isabel put together a comprehensive Green Card application for me. Her approach was extremely detailed. When USCIS requested additional information, she promptly responded. As a result of her representation, I was awarded my GC. I plan to hire Isabel again when it is time for me to apply for citizenship.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Towels4less
I have brought up a tough case to almost 20 realestate and forclosure attorney's in the past week to get an advice , Margery Ellen Golant was the ONLY attorney who took time to look at this issue, and answered every issue arising from this difficult matter, even all other attorney turned away from such case.I will definitly recomend her to anyone seeking excelence and dedication to their issue.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Alice
If you truly want to save your home from foreclosure, you need Margery Golant on your side. Her wealth of knowledge about the mortgage industry is incredible and she will fight for you with every bit of that knowledge. I do not think we would still be in our home today had it not been for Ms. Golant’s tenacity and the fact that she cares deeply about her clients and their ability to remain in their homes. I cannot put into words how much I admire and appreciate her. I would most highly recommend her.
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24 Aug, 2022 by Bob m
Many, many nights laying there next to my wife, shaking instead of sleeping.
The feeling of abject failure and the loss of so many years of work and dreams.
My initial mind set when I got behind on my mortgage was “I didn’t pay and I deserve to get foreclosed”. It certainly is a pretty straight line to that opinion. And you can rest assured that the so called judges in the Foreclosure Court, who are appointed, not elected, by and large believe this is true too. The long process of defending ourselves from the loss of our family home, which was the repository of every bit of our income (beyond consumables) for most of our lives, was an eye opening experience and some hard lessons about the law and in particular lawyers.
Lots of lawyers will line up to take your money, and as much of it up front as they can get you to pay. I have more than several acquaintances who paid eight thousand, ten thousand dollar retainers. This was quickly burned up on ticky tack back and forth with the bank/servicer and then they lost their homes. One leader in my scout troop found out she was going to auction 7 days before it happened and her family of 5 had to move in with her mother in law.
I’m here to tell you what you need is a Knight. On a Crusade. And that is who Margery Golant is to her clients. When she says: “I am personally disturbed to see consumers being taken advantage of…” she really means it and I have seen it many times in our long and SUCCESSFUL battle to not be foreclosed. Ms Golant had 3 judges disqualified from our case for public comments they had made that clearly showed the bias so prevalent in Foreclosure Court. She had our case removed from the Foreclosure division and put in Civil, where the judges answer to the voters, and care that the decisions they make are legally valid. She had the Service of the foreclosure thrown out 6 times. She fought a brilliant war of counter tactics and strategy that went on for well over 9 years. It seems crazy looking at it written here. Meanwhile my kids grew up in their home and thrived. Words can’t express our gratitude and if you are in this terrible situation, believe a survivor that this is your best choice for representation.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Ginenne
Thank you so much for your support, dedication and extremely challenging efforts
you made on our behalf! We appreciate all you’ve done. I appreciate your willingness and understanding when things got difficult. You are an amazing attorney with a passionate heart along with your knowledge and dedication. Thank you on behalf of Sawyer who is the biggest beneficiary for all you’ve done for him!
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18 Mar, 2022 by Jc
I'm a middle aged guy. I only mention that because no matter how optimistic your point of view, the margin of error for mistakes in judgement shrinks as you get older. It's like a pilot who couldn't successfully get out of a stahl, just because he was too close to the ground. He knew what to do, but there just wasn't enough time to recover (I fly a Cesna 152).
I recently signed a contract to sell my house. In the weeks prior to the closing date, I got a sobering understanding of the state of the real estate market. Houses were absurdly expensive. Sure I sold my house for good money. But now what ? Too late though, I signed a binding contract. Can't get out of this stahl, not this time. The buyer was paying cash, and already had $250K in the escrow. This is as a done deal, right ? As it turns out on the day of closing, there was a discrepancy or misunderstanding on the buyers side, which my very astute escrow attorney pointed out. I was referred to attorney Richard Gaines. Since time was of the essence, he was communicating with my escrow agent and buyers attorney within the hour. That same day, he wrote a detailed email complete with contractual references. The buyers attorney had our very well written position within a couple of hours the day of the closing. I was impressed with my attorneys swift analysis, strategy and execution. By the end of the week, I was released from the contract and got my house back ! I highly recommend Richard Gaines as a skilled and effective advocate in time of need.
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17 Jan, 2022 by Sal
Mr Gaines handled our case from beginning to end in a professional manner. His staff and him were responsive and had a strong sense of urgency in handling any needs we had. Thank you!
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21 Jan, 2016 by Robert
Gary Landau is an excellent real estate attorney. He is very knowledgeable. We were the buyers of a condominium and there were some problems but he helped resolve some of them. Also, Gary answers your questions fairly promptly even on weekends. I would recommend him without a doubt.
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13 Jan, 2016 by Rose
Gary is the only Attorney that I have had the pleasure and privilege to work with. Gary has kept me informed and by far a wonderful person as well as Attorney. I would never go to anyone else and recommend Gary to anyone and everyone. If you are looking for a great Attorney and wonderful person then Gary Landau is the person you need. He has become what I consider a Friend.
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24 Sep, 2015 by Denise
We had the pleasure of working with Gary as our closing attorney for our new home purchase. I couldn't have imagined a more pleasurable experience.
We had a closing scheduled for Monday. The prior Wednesday, I received a call from Gary informing me that he was still waiting on an item that he had requested and that was needed in order to close on time. He kept me up to date on the situation, all the way through until it arrived in his office in time for closing. Gary even provided me with his personal cell phone number and urged me to call him over the weekend if we had any questions prior to closing.
During our final walk through of the home we were about to purchase, we found some additional items that were not up to par as they previously were during inspection. Gary was able to negotiate with the seller on our behalf so we could close as scheduled.
When we arrived for closing and met Gary in person for the first time, I was not surprised to find he was one of the friendliest, kindest, most down-to-earth people I've met. Without a doubt, I will recommend Gary to anyone that needs a real estate attorney. Five stars are not enough!
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29 Jan, 2020 by Sam
Crissy and her team are wonderful. I hired her for a case and she was able to help me very quickly. She was precise and detailed and I will continue to hire her on other matters. She was very easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable. Look no further if you'd like a hard working and compassionate attorney!
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11 Feb, 2019 by Stephen
As an attorney myself, it's easy for me to see when colleagues are doing things the right way - or the wrong way. My wife and I hired Christine to do some estate planning and were very impressed with her professionalism. She gave us the attention and guidance we needed to develop an estate plan that suited our specific needs, and we could not have been happier with her firm's service. She worked tirelessly to accomplish our goals on a very tight timeline, even delivering documents by hand, after hours, so we could personally execute them and finalize the process. I would highly recommend Christine and her firm to anyone in need of estate planning and probate services.
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01 Feb, 2018 by Jennifer
Crissy was a pleasure to work with. She is very professional and easy to speak with. Crissy was very detailed and always made sure we understood the process. I would highly recommend her!
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16 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Reinfeld is an excellent attorney who is very knowledgeable in the areas of estate planning and probate and has a lot of emphathy with his clients. He is always willing and eager to help.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Alan Reinfeld not only helped me with my mother's probate, he laid out the process step by step. He got me threw the most difficult time in my life and i highly recommend Mr. Alan to anyone.
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06 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I have had the pleasure of working alongside Alan both in a academic capacity and professionally and as result, I can fully attest that Alan is dedicated, talented and extremely diligent. I would highly recommend him and his law firm, Reinfeld & Cabrera for any of your legal and business needs! You will not be disappointed at all!
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08 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Abby was quick to act, and her work was flawless. She has a kind and compassionate disposition as well. I'd recommend her highly to anyone in need of her services.
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10 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Abby was very helpful to me & my family in settling 2 different matters. I really appreciated her time, expertise & human heart in understanding a difficult situation , I am happy to recommend her with the highest regards.
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08 Dec, 2017 by Melanie
Abby is always available with her knowledge and expertise in the real estate industry! We, as title agents, love working with Abby. She is our "go to" person whenever we need legal assistance or advice. ABBY IS THE BEST IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY!
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01 Jul, 2020 by Jimmy
I am so grateful to Maastricht Law Offices for representing me, and for being a powerful advocate for me throughout these difficult times. Thank you so much for your passionate, thoughtful, and brilliant work.
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04 Dec, 2017 by Chris
We went to her for estate planning and Eileen held our hand through it all. We had no idea where to start or even if we should do it. But you really have no idea how much there is to consider, even if everyone is healthy and you don't have "that much." There's stuff you don't even think about! She explained everything to us very clearly. We were very comfortable and happy that we did it. I've recommended her to some of my closest friends and I'm pushing them to now get their affairs in order. It really does make you sleep better at night. There's so much I didn't know, you really do need a pro to keep an eye on that part of your life for you. She's very sharp, personable, and easy to work with. She is an excellent communicator and we can't recommend her enough.
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05 Nov, 2017 by Roger
We moved to FL and needed an attorney. We attended an estate planning seminar given by Ms. Maastricht, checked out her credentials, and went for a consultation. We hired her to do our estate planning and couldn't be more pleased. She is even better than the attorneys we had up north. She listens; she advises; she responds appropriately. Great attorney -- and, like Farmers Insurance, we should know a thing or two about attorneys since we have seen quite a few.
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03 May, 2019 by Chris
Gary came highly recommended by my real estate agent. I had him draft my living trust and another real estate related contract. His work was impeccable and I was pleased with the cost of the work. I will only use him in the future. He is one of the best attorneys in South Florida.
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21 Mar, 2012 by Jay
Gary handled a short sale for my daughter. He and his staff handled everything from A to Z. We were very impressed with the quick results and would highly recommend Gary.
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13 Mar, 2012 by Charlie
Gary and his staff are outstanding. They have handled multiple matters for my clients and family. In fact Gary's office handled a complicated real estate closing for my father in law quickly efficiently and with personal service. My satifaction is total.
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22 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Richard is top notch very sharp excellent.
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25 Sep, 2008 by Andrea
I would highly recommend Rich Ehrlich. He was accessible, prompt, courteous and paid attention to detail. All the qualities you would expect and want from an experienced attorney. I am confident that he would be a true advocate for you.
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09 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Had my estate plan done by Mr. Pillinger. He was a little expensive but very knowledgeable and professional.and well worth the money. I feel very confident that my affairs are now in order.
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09 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Handles all my estate planning and business and related matters. Mr. Pillinger is knowledgeable in many areas of the law and is able to provide sound advice when needed.
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03 Jul, 2012 by Phyllis
Alice! I can't say enough about this lawyer. I was going through a very rough patch in my life, both of my parents were declining, our funds were running out, everything was in disarray, I was ready to give up. I didn't know what to do. In comes Alice Reiter Feld and her team! The very first phone call helped ease some of my worry. Everything was taken care of and she kept me in the loop the entire way. If any other issues in my family pop up, god forbid, I will be giving Alice a call.Thanks!
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19 Aug, 2011 by Carol ann
Alice Reiter Feld and her very knowledgeable professional staff helped me relocate my 94-yr old grandmother from a nursing home in New York to Fort Lauderdale. Not only did they take care of the difficult process of closing out her NY Medicaid and applying for it in Florida, they identified and facilitated her entry into a 5-star skilled nursing facility nearby my home. Everything went seemlessly and quickly and I was very impressed with this firm!
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Was excellent very experienced and did the best job in the shortest time to fix my legal problem would do again
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10 Feb, 2013 by Clement
Mr. Bender was hired to carry out the eviction of a tenant who had not paid rent for several months. He was able to consult with me the very next morning after I called his office, and he fully explained the procedures to be followed as well as the timetable. The amount of his fee was reasonable and he got started on the case right away. The case was handled just as he said it would be and there were no surprises. The tenant was evicted within the time frame that Mr. Bender told me it would take. I was very pleased with Mr. Bender's legal talents and his personality. I want to add that he told me that although he was very experienced (more than thirty years) he could not guarantee or promise the result i wanted since there are many factors and circumstances that must be dealt with in each case and each case might be different from the one before or the one after. He told me that he firmly believed he could help me and he was right! The tenant was evicted within the time frame that Mr. Bender told me. Mr. Bender also told me that while he did practice in many areas, he did not do everything but that if I ever need legal work done that he did not do himself he would probably be able to refer me to someone else who could help me. I would recommend him to anyone who needs an experienced attorney who explains beforehand what is going to happen, when it should happen, and the pros and cons of doing things one way compared to another.
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22 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
He handled a matter for me personally and showed not only a lot of effort, but concern. His fees are reasonable, and was available to me whenever I tried to contact me. I was kept informed about the progress of my case, and was handled in a timely manner as he outlined in the beginning.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Markus m
Dealt with Richard and his law firm for the second time now within 10 years.
He is still a pleasure to deal with.
Very responsive,knowledgable and professional.
Kudos to his legal assistent Barbara as well.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Gleb leskovykh
My experience was Richard Gaines law office was as expected. This is my second time when Richard Gaines and his team helped me with divorce cases. When happened this time, I didn’t have other thoughts, then give him a call. Efficiency and great sense of empathy is what you get if you have Richard Gaines on your site. Great communication is his amazing quality. He made me feel protected during this difficult period. The outcome was satisfactory. Thank you very much for your service!!!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Brandon moore
My wife and I went to Gaines Law firm a little lost and confused with our relocation case, best decision we could have made. Not only did Richard hit the ground running for us immediately, he was also patient and precise. That led us to a timely settlement allowing us to relocate. Polite, aggressive, conscientious and personable are not traits I’d normally associate with an attorney, but of the 5 we spoke with Richard checked all those boxes and actually cared about our situation. I hope I never need another South Florida attorney, but if I do …. I know who I’m calling.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Shagay
I recently had the privilege of working with Attorney Robert Wallach from Wallach Law for my estate planning, and I am genuinely impressed with the exceptional service I received. From our first consultation, Attorney Wallach was incredibly personable and made me feel at ease with his approachable and friendly demeanor.
One of the standout aspects of my experience was his meticulous attention to detail. He patiently explained every aspect of the estate planning process, ensuring that I understood all my options and felt comfortable with each decision. His expertise was evident as he guided me through complex legal terminology, making it accessible and easy to understand.
Attorney Wallach's professionalism and dedication was apparent throughout the entire process. He took the time to listen to my concerns and tailored the estate plan to fit my unique needs and goals. I appreciated how he kept me informed at every step, providing regular updates and promptly answering any questions I had.
Overall, working with Attorney Wallach was a seamless and positive experience. His commitment to delivering top-notch service and his genuine care for his clients make him an outstanding choice for anyone seeking estate planning services. I highly recommend Wallach Law to anyone in need of comprehensive and personalized legal assistance.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Emaillance01
I had contacted Robert with an issue that needed tending too as it relates to my profession.
I found him to be a good fit and seemed knowledgeable in administrative law.
Robert was representing me and often went the extra mile with his time and gentle to my costs being very fair.
I had a decent outcome considering the circumstances surrounding my case that would make me recommend him to others.
Thanks Robert! -Lance Z
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09 Mar, 2024 by Timothy
We couldn't be more pleased with the outstanding service we received from Estate Planning Attorney Robert Wallach. From the initial consultation to the finalization of our estate plan, Mr. Wallach demonstrated an impressive level of expertise and professionalism.
He took the time to thoroughly understand our unique situation, providing insightful recommendations tailored to our specific needs. Throughout the process, Mr. Wallach maintained clear communication, ensuring we were well-informed and comfortable with every decision.
What sets him apart is not only his legal proficiency but also his genuine commitment to his clients. He went above and beyond to address our concerns, patiently explaining complex legal concepts and ensuring we felt confident in our choices.
Furthermore, the efficiency with which Mr. Wallach handled our estate planning was remarkable. Deadlines were met, documents were meticulously prepared, and he navigated the legal intricacies seamlessly.
In addition to the top-notch service, Mr. Wallach's friendly demeanor and approachability made the entire experience surprisingly pleasant. We now have peace of mind knowing our estate affairs are in order, thanks to his guidance.
Without hesitation, my wife and I have already started recommending Robert Wallach to our family and friends. If you're in search of an estate planning attorney who combines legal expertise with genuine care for his clients, look no further. Five stars well-deserved!
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21 Jul, 2022 by Francisco
She helped me with a case of a property that I bought with my ex partner however we never got married. She was there with me every step of the way. I was also out of the Country and she made sure the communication was always there. She brought sanity and calm in moments of complete desire. From day one she was by my side looking after my best interest over hers. I'm forever grateful for putting such a great professional on my path but most importantly a great human with values and decency. Thank you Heather. 1000% Recommended.
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30 Mar, 2022 by Jamie
Heather is AMAZING!!! I have worked with her multiple times. She helped me with my divorce. As most people know, a divorce is an extremely emotional and stressful time. I also had my son to worry about, and Heather was there for me every step of the way. She always explained everything to me and was extremely honest with me. She had my best intentions, and my son's, in mind! And I had to take my ex back to court a few years later because he violated the court order, and who did I call? Heather! She came to my rescue once again! We came out on top! Heather always leaves me feeling happy, calmed, reassured & most of all...she is a genuine and caring soul. In fact, I have sent several other friends of mine to her, and they have thanked me over and over because of how great Heather is! I will always refer Heather because she goes above and beyond, and she will exceed your expectations!!! I am truly grateful that she took out of such a dark and stressful time. Look no further...call Heather if you need help and to be represented in the best way there is!!! :)
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26 Mar, 2022 by Rohan
To all those who are bless enough to have Heather as their Lawyer will have the GODS and all of the heavenly forces on their side my situation child custody, what took months with a previous lawyer i could not see my child for months two weeks in retaining Heather mediation=time sharing i call her my Zena warrior princess best money i ever spent. this is a public warning want a Awesome lawyer in your corner Heather is the only way to go PERIOD.........
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25 Nov, 2015 by Sam
After trying to deal with post divorce issues myself, I hired Ron. He reviewed my case and immediately sought mediation with the other attorney. Unfortunately the other attorney did not wish to settle fairly, so we went to court and we won. We actually went to court on a few issues, each time Ron was very prepared, very clear in his presentation in court and buried the other attorney with facts and law.
Listen to Ron upfront, he will let you know where you stand in the eyes of the court. Even if you win, you need to way the cost of winning and settling.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Jim v.
Hired Ron to do some real estate and financial matters for me. Ron handled my issues in a clear, understandable manner. All of my phone calls were returned promptly and Ron's para-legal Robin is simply the best. I would recommend Ron Luzim without reservation for any legal or financial issues.
Jim V.
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02 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
On behalf of my family and myself i wanted to take a few minutes to gratefully acknowledge and thank attorney Ronald Luzim and his para legal Robin for the continuous and impeccable care of our family through a very difficult time. Not ever having been through probate and being the personal representative of my mom's estate i was very apprehensive to even know where to begin. I was walked through every step of the way by Robin and she made the journey easy and comfortable and is an absolute asset to to attorney Luzim'a office. We are just about finalizing and closing the estate and never would have gotten to this point without the help of Ron and Robin. My siblings and I travelled down to Florida to sell and close on our mother's house and got to meet Ron and Robin and all felt exactly the way i do. They knew right then and there that we were in good hands! They are true professionals in every sense of the word and compassionate at the same time. I would highly recommend the Law Offices of Ronald A. Luzim to everyone and anyone to handle their estate affairs.
L.S.
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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.
