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06 Jul, 2024 by Life with london g
I am glad I had the pleasure and
time to spend with Sharon legal she is thorough in her work, hard working and results driven she knows the law very well and is willing to get her clients what they need. I can say she is very intelligent, and overall a good lawyer and knows alot. She is a breath of fresh air and she is confident in her work and always responsive.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Alejandro gamarra
Ms. Legall was very helpful helping me navigate and understanding the issues i was dealing with at the time. She explained the different options and possible consequences of each scenario. This es very helpful because when you make a decision regarding a legal matter it’s. It just about the here and know. You want to make sure your covered moving forward and are protected from any future legal action or liability. It was a pleasure working with her. Thank you for all you help.
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24 May, 2024 by Bernie
I was referred to Sat Nam by another firm when seeking to resolve a dispute with VA tax dept about my status while living overseas. What I found was a skilled listener, talented communicator and sharp legal mind. He expertly prepared a detailed and persuasive appeal that resulted in a reversal and full refund. Definitely not an experience I'd want to repeat, but working with Sat Nam was a great pleasure, and a really good decision!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Jullian ware
If you need someone verified and trusted, England is your man!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Kwincy alleyne
Great Attorney who was available for every step of the way. First arrest was dismissed after hiring Mr England to negotiate on my behalf. Great decision
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24 Oct, 2024 by Matthew abney
I was impressed with the work that he did. I won my case DWI in DC he represented me well I thought that the research he did was superior to know other I have not had an experience well in the court until now. Excellent job fair and a superb guy. Thank you again for your help.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Tap n
Very professional and informative. We completed our will & trust and they helped guide each step of the process efficiently. Highly recommend.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Eric feinberg
Made the drafting of our estate documents as efficient and painless as possible. Highly recommended.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Mark chicu
23 Sep, 2024 by Omar
I can't recommend Mr. Bullock highly enough! Our very first consultation, it was clear that I was in excellent hands. He took the time to thoroughly understand my case, providing clear, concise advice while ensuring I was fully informed of every step. Mr. Bullock is not only an expert in family law, but was able to provide advise on an unrelated case and incredibly compassionate advocate.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Kathy
I contacted Robert Bullock on a Saturday morning and he spent 30 min discussing with me how I might best assist my neighbor in seeking legal advice on a very time-sensitive legal matter. He was respectful, informative, professional, and compassionate. Robert went above-and beyond in providing assistance -- even working to find a way to set up a same day meeting if needed -- on a Saturday! As a 30-year, retired lawyer, I know the demands of his work. And to be available like this for someone who is not a paying client -- this is truly impressive and admirable. Robert Bullock is a dedicated professional who has my absolutely highest recommendation, not just as a lawyer, but as an ethical, incredibly wise, and just all around great person.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Chris
I had a consultation call and a follow up discussion with Mr. Bullock and his team. On both calls we discussed the situation that I was requesting help with, and he shared with me his guidance, advice, and contacts that he recommends. Much appreciated!
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30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
25 Oct, 2024 by Paul
Richard provided me with clear and precise advice on handling a problem I encountered during the closing of a real estate sale. He was highly responsive and answered all my questions thoroughly. Given the time-sensitive nature of my issue, Richard went out of his way to accommodate my schedule and address my concerns. Few attorneys would extend such efforts for a new client. While hiring an attorney can be costly, Richard's services were worth every penny. I would certainly hire him again and will refer others who may need his expertise. As an attorney myself, I am happy to share that Richard conducted his service to the gold standard that attorneys should strive to maintain. Thank you for your help.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Damien
Mr. Sternberg did an excellent job educating me on the different paths forward and how his firm's experience and capabilities could assist me. He also advised me on methods that would be less complicated and cost-effective. The consult was worth every penny.
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30 Jun, 2023 by Douglas
I paid a retainer for consultation and the drafting of a letter of reply to a not-for-profit organization that was attempting to collect on a claim of a twenty-year-old debt incurred in a European country. Mr. Sternberg took the full hour to listen to my situation and position on the matter, answered all my questions, and left me with a sense of confidence that he was experienced and capable of legally handling my matter. His assistant, Mr. Martz, drafted an eloquent and robust response, which the other party continued to dispute, and I have retained their firm for whatever come next.
I greatly appreciated their responsiveness; they were timely and set up the first consult within a few days of contacting them and the letter they drafted was sent out in a business week. I also felt that they listened to me and took the time to explain the matter to my satisfaction. They often caveated their statements, as many legal matters cannot be fully defined, it depends on a multitude of controllable and uncontrollable items, and they were diligent in ensuring that they understood what I could expect and what the most likely (but not guaranteed!) outcomes would be. Lastly, they took the time to reach out when this process was upsetting or making me nervous and ensured that we were progressing in a manner that was organized, coherent, and deliberate as opposed to making hasty, snap judgements.
I would unreservedly recommend Mr. Sternberg for anyone that has a civil matter involving real estate and international law.
(1st copy of review, posted to multiple websites)
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30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
05 Jul, 2024 by Taaha
Hi, I was in an unusual situation with finding out who my biological father was in 2015, he passed away in March 2024, an probate was open up in dc court for my dad by one of his other children which is my sister, she did not include me in anything. I reached out to attorney Sharron Legall, I explained my story to her, she listen to everything I said, she stated something’s to me that I needed to know, dealing with real life situations can be very emotional and hurtful. Attorney Legall is the best I understand I hired her to be my attorney but it also feels good when you know that she take her cases serious and she is honest upfront about everything , I’m happy that I hired her and if you ever need an attorney please reach out to her firm she will do exactly what you need her for, her and her staff is very professional. Thank you.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Jeffrey
Ms. Legall provided my mom with quality and professional services. Her friendly attitude put my mom at ease. I highly recommend her services and I promise you will not be disappointed!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Buzz
She went above and beyond a typical consultation and advised me how best to proceed through a complex case. And when she felt I didn't need an attorney and could handle it myself, she told me so. Would definitely use her services again.
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14 Jan, 2025 by James
Patience, detailed follow-through, guidance, education, excellent team, look forward to doing additional work with her firm.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
The Griffin Life & Legacy Law Firm provided excellent counseling and services to my wife and me. Over a period of three and a half months, we worked with a range of staff that included attorneys, legal assistants/paralegals, business experts and administrative staff. All of the staff we encountered were pleasant, patient, and helpful in answering questions and clarifying complex legal and procedural concepts. All of our consultations with the firm's representatives were virtual, except for the final meeting, which involved signing our will, healthcare directive, durable power of attorney, and related estate documents at their Washington, DC location.
Virtual consultations saved us the time and expense of traveling to the firm's offices, so this method of meeting with the staff was a tremendous benefit. This worked well for us because one of us had the necessary computer equipment and expertise (updated computer, camera, microphone, office equipment, and experience using Zoom and Microsoft Teams) to engage in virtual meetings. If you are unable or unwilling to participate virtually, I am certain this law firm can provide alternative ways to engage with them. All you have to do is ask.
As a retired transactional attorney with 40+ years of experience, I believe the quality of the legal counseling and the end-products provided to us by the Griffin Firm were superb--second to none.
Our one and only concern overall is that the three-month period required to structure and complete the implementation of our estate plan seemed to be a bit too long, but this is totally a matter of our perception as clients. It may well be that such a timeframe is quite normal for estate planning.
Ultimately, the peace of mind in having an estate plan that promises to alleviate, even eliminate, the burden on our surviving loved ones of going through probate, made the cost and time invested in hiring the Griffin Firm worth every dollar and every minute. We highly recommend this law firm.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Kelda
Excellent service. Easy to work with. Extremely thorough and friendly. Direct communication with me on every document to ensure I understood everything being done. Completed my transactions with no questions unanswered
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06 Sep, 2024 by Osei king
if I could leave negative stars, I would. Do not waste your money with this person. He is too busy to review your case, and doesn't submit key evidence on time. He is an utter embarrassment. I would strongly recommend that you never do business with this person ever!
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18 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
My lawyer, Andrellos Mitchell, is an outstanding litigation attorney. He represented me in a real estate case involving my condominium where the Condo Association and its Management Company breached their contractual obligations after a fire damaged my unit. The defendants hired very large law firms. They tried to get the case dismissed, but were unsuccessful. Mr. Mitchell is ethical, knowledgeable, and aggressive in the litigation process. He fights hard for his clients, but he isn't cheap. In the legal profession, you get what you pay for. While Mr. Mitchell does not make any guarantees of success, he does promise to give you his best efforts and seek a positive outcome for you. All he asks in return is that you cooperate with him, assist him with your case, and pay your bill.
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10 May, 2023 by Mary a
Mary A.
Mr. Mitchell is an excellent employment lawyer. Ignore the fake negative reviews. Mr. Mitchell was hired for my employment case in state government. He responded quickly. We met for a business lunch. He is very articulate and thorough in his interview and review of your documents. He quickly contacted my employer in writing and is handling the matter. I have not had any more harassment at my job to date. In fact, my employer has tried to offer me a promotion.
For Your Information (FYI): The negative reviews are from fake clients.
1. Real clients don’t make “inquiries” when they contact a lawyer. That’s not how the legal business works.
2. Real clients pay money for a consultation fee to meet with the lawyer.
3. Real clients sign a retainer agreement and pay a retainer fee for representation.
4. Fake/Broke clients don’t want to pay for legal services.
5. Google and some other sites allow anyone to make reviews without proof that the person actually hired the lawyer. So the sites can’t be trusted.
6. Fake reviewers are trying to blackmail my lawyer for money. Not going to happen.
7. Don’t believe the fake reviews, Mr. Mitchell is a great lawyer!
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26 Jan, 2017 by Andrew
Kerri assisted me with my will and estate matters. She was very skilled and professional. I would highly recommend her to others.
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12 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I am a personal injury attorney, who needed immediate assistance in opening up an Estate in a wrongful death case. Kerri was professional, efficient, and easy to work with. I will use in the future again if needed!
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14 Nov, 2016 by Gabrielle
Kerri Castellini did a simple will package that included a will, general power of attorney, health care directive, and health care power of attorney. My situation isn't complicated, but I do have rental properties and some related estate planning issues related to my mother's estate. Kerri was very knowledgeable and she and her staff were warm and personable. Her services were reasonably priced and high quality.
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24 Jan, 2021 by Cassie
I was going through a traumatic time in my life dealing with personal issues and needed a lawyer to consult and get professional advice on how to move forward. Christina was first and foremost attentive and compassionate about my situation and assured me that she will provide the best professional closure to my situation. She had profound knowledge of the legal aspects based on my criteria which made me feel comfortable. She worked diligently to resolve and finalize my situation. I highly recommend her based on my experience and also her professionalism.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Thomas was professional and extremely knowledgeable! She was a pleasure to work with. My husband and I sought out Ms. Thomas’s services to create a will and more information about trusts.
We would highly recommend Ms. Thomas and would hire her again!
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20 Jan, 2021 by Wiley
Christina took her time to when working with my family to plan next steps regarding our estate. She is extremely knowledgeable and has works with the best in her field. I’m extremely grateful for her assistance and her knowledge-base that guided the structure of our family estate.
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07 Feb, 2019 by Stager
If you are seeking a highly competent, extremely effective and trusted legal advisor to assist you navigate through less complicated or nuanced probate and non probate matters, I would recommend that you retain the services of Attorney Constance G. Starks. Attorney Starks is responsive, provides practical guidance that helps meets your needsand she cares about her clients. My sister and I, in our roles as PR's for our father's estate, have received the representation that helped us resolve a highly complicated matter and she has a vast network of resources that answers the questions you need to make sound decisions. I would highly recommend that you hire this lawyer!
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30 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Starks is an exceptional attorney. Probating an estate in a dysfunctional family can be difficult to say the least, however, Ms. Stark's professionalism made a difficult situation manageable. She is patient and kind, yet very much about staying on task. She refered me to an exceptional paralegal who worked with me to identify and access resources. Ms Starks was available to me and my family by phone and electronic media. She was responsive, resourceful and knowledgeable. She went above and beyond the call of duty to bring my case to a successful conclusion. She was worth every penny, in fact, given the hassles caused by family in-fighting, I believe she was underpaid. I will forever be indebted to her for her help.
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28 Feb, 2015 by Vernell
I was introduced to attorney Starks through a family member that is also an attorney. I do not live in the D.C area but my situation was there. Because of this we had to do a lot of long distance alternatives to face to face meetings. The flexibility she had was very much appreciated. All communications were clear and all documentations were thorough. My case was completed in a very timely manner. I have since referred Ms. Starks to other clients and later will be obtaining her services again for my own personal needs.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Sebastian Krop was our Immigration lawyer who is very friendly, organized and hard-working!
why is he great:
*Free Consultation
* replies emails and phone calls very quickly (even answers the phone first try)
*will set up any type of payment plan with you so you can afford his fees and services and gets to work right away! (unlike some lawyers refuse to do any work at all until they have the full amount paid.)
*very organized and keeps you prepared on everything you need way in advanced
* explains everything to you very well so you never get confused
*friendly
*very helpful so you never get confused
*organized
*He is always happy to answer and explain any questions you have at any given moment
Now that i see he is not only an immigration lawyer, we will definitely hire him again for other purposes! I would highly recommend this lawyer! :-)
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02 Oct, 2014 by Sylvia
Attorney Krop helped me file my green card application. He was always very responsive to all my questions and emergencies. I felt he always handled my case with utmost attention and care. Really, highly recommended lawyer.
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20 Jan, 2014 by Jared
Mr. Krop came highly recommended to my wife and I from a mutual acquaintance, and the recommendation was severely under-stated, with nowhere near the credit given that he is most deserving of. We were always promptly and cordially greeted, either by an assistant, co-worker, or Mr. Krop himself. He was informative, unbiased, vastly knowledgeable on the subject of our issue, and concise in what options we had as a couple, as well as the most beneficial way to navigate our legal proceedings. From e-mail or telephone correspondences, to in-person meetings in his cozy, intimate, and highly professional office, to attending and representing (and his all-around amicable, supportive nature towards) us throughout every step of our filings and interviews, Sebastian made an absolute joy out of an otherwise nerve-wracking endeavor, and displayed and instilled an rock-solid confidence that has made the dreams of my wife and myself a joyous reality! I can not speak highly enough of his demeanor, knowledge, and litigious skill. Highly recommend, would definitely retain again in the future!
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28 Jun, 2018 by Matt
Cliff prepared my trust and did an excellent job with it. He was always professional, helpful, and walked me through the process. He was always available to answer any questions or concerns I had. I would highly recommend using his services. I know my trust was done perfectly.
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20 Jun, 2018 by Phil
I have known Mr. Cohen for several years. I hired him to do my estate plan and recommended him to my sister to do her estate plan, which he did to her satisfaction. All in all I have been very pleased with his work for me and my family members and have no reservation in recommending him.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Elisa
Cliff Cohen has been my parent's estate planning attorney for many years now. I have only had the pleasure of meeting him the past few meetings as my folks have gotten much older and require more of my care. It is such a relief to know they are in such good hands with Mr. Cohen. Not only is he incredibly thorough and knowledgeable, but he's so thoughtful and caring. He clearly cares about my parents' well being. And when there is something we could do for free for ourselves, he always let's us know about that option. I can rest easy knowing all the bases are covered for my folks and we have any questions or concerns, he is there for us.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Jo
I rated Ms. Jones excellent because she has provided prompt and thorough responses to our requests for employment related issues/concerns. She explains information so that the non-legal person understands the response. She researches similar cases so that she can provide the thinking of the courts and juries in their decision making as it relates to your issue. She returns your calls and emails quickly and gives you a comfort level that she will provide the best legal advice.
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09 Jan, 2015 by Tiffany
Cecilia helped my husband and I prepare our wills and trusts. She was very helpful in explaining the documents and process. Not only responsive, she came in on her day off so we could sign the docs. She has a great personality and made us feel comfortable.
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03 Jun, 2017 by Tyeas
Mr. Haley is a great lawyer. He goes above and beyond to help his clients get what they are entitled to and more. He works with your schedule and keeps you abreast on your cases. I would highly recommend Mr. Haley for lawyer services.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Diane
We meet with Mr. Haley to assist my son with his divorce as well as with the settlement of the estate of one of our relatives. Mr. Haley took the time to listen to our concerns and explain every detail that we had concerns about. He responded to our telephone calls within 24 hours as he told us he would. He kept us informed about the progress of our cases from start to finish. He gave us clear and concise guidance as to what was going to be the process and it happened as he said it would. I highly recommend Mr. Haley to my friends and relatives.
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12 Oct, 2012 by Arlene
When my mom had a stroke, and unfortunately due to her diabetes needed to be moved full time to a nursing home, I needed to qualify her for Medicaid, as the cost of proper care is prohibitive. Myrna Fawcett and her team at Fawcett & Fawcett Law did an outstanding job, helping to reallocate my mom's assets and we were able to quickly qualify her for Medicaid benefits. It would be almost impossible for the typical person to get through this process in such a short period of time. Their experience and expertise in dealing with these matters was a godsend for my brother and I. We owe a debt of gratitude to Ms.Fawcett and her team for making this happen in such a timely fashion. Durning this time of great duress for us they helped accomplish everything needed for us as a family. I'd highly recommend Ms. Fawcett to anyone facing a similar situation such as ours.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Joe
Ms. Fawcett recently handled setting up my parents estate so they could equally distribute their assets to all eight of their surviving children including myself. Both parents are now in thier eighties and my father is in increasingly poor health. Ms. Fawcett divised a way for my parents so start dividing and distributing that estate while both of my parents were still living. This allowed them the satisfaction of knowing they were able to help each of their children, and in some cases their grandchildren, realize some of their lifelong aspirations.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Ben regarding my divorce and child custody/support. Ben was knowledgeable and honest while explaining the process to me. He gave clear advice and I felt much more settled about my next steps.
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12 Nov, 2017 by Patricia
The time I spent with Ben was so extremely helpful. I appreciated his honesty, integrity and professionalism. He managed a tough and emotionally laden situation with sensitivity and was able to keep me focused in order to conduct a thorough and highly productive consultation. Invaluable to me.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Dee
Working with Kyle Epting and the team at Epting Law PLLC was an exceptional experience. Mr. Epting’s depth of knowledge, combined with his kindness and straightforward approach, made the process much easier for me. Despite the inherent stress, he consistently put me at ease, guiding me through each step with professionalism and care. Additionally, Mr. Epting was incredibly attentive and responsive, promptly addressing all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend Kyle Epting and Epting Law PLLC for anyone in need of legal services.
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08 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Our financial advisor Nathan Garcia provided referral to Kyle Epting to review our estate planning legal documents. We took the opportunity to have my mom participate so we both updated several legal documents. Kyle was exceptional and helped guide us to additions and subtractions from prior documents. Kyle was willing to drive to a convenient meeting place which helped with the commute time picking up my mom and joining Kyle and Nathan in Columbia, MD. Kyle’s use of DocuSign made it simple to complete an engagement letter to start work immediately and he answered all our questions in preparation for document review and then additional questions during the review. Kyle had timely follow up which provided an overall great experience to know we have our legal documents updated and executed.
Great job Kyle!
Barrett
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11 Oct, 2015 by Kristen
Dorene represented me when I had to go to court to evict a tenant. I am just an individual landlord, and don't have some massive company or anything, so for me this was a somewhat emotional process. Dorene knew the ins and outs of landlord/tenant law in DC, and really made me relieved to have her on my side! She was very responsive and made me extremely confident that she knew exactly what she was doing. Also, since she does this a lot she knows the reputation of the various judges, mediators, etc and knows a lot of the people you will deal with in the courthouse. Also, I found her services to be affordable for me and she doesn't nickel and dime you for every question (phew!). I have consulted her since this time several times to ensure I know exactly how to legally protect myself in the future. I highly recommend her!
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30 Sep, 2013 by Clarise
Dorene Mary Haney was very expeditious in following up with me in regards to my inquiry. After her following up with me I was able to assess what was the next steps in which I needed to follow through with. I did not end up using Ms. Haney because I did not end up needing a lawyer but if I had needed a lawyer she would definitely be someone that I would trust.
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19 Mar, 2016 by Susan
I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Curtin regarding a complex situation with an estate.
He was amazingly knowledgeable, took the time to listen and process the information and came back with a great solution.
This gem of an attorney deserves to be recognized and I highly, highly recommend him!
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07 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Although I had worked with five attorneys prior to working with Mr. Guiterman, I never had an advocate until I hired him. Mr. Guiterman is not only knowledgeable about family law, he is a no-nonsense aggressive attorney that will do everything he can to help you. He has the courage to tell you when you are not on the right side of an issue and the skill to find the opposition’s weakness. He comes prepared to litigate, if necessary, and to give you the strongest hand in negotiation. While other attorneys seemed to be concentrate in creating billable hours, he focused on helping me efficiently and effectively as possible. Frankly, I do not know what I would have done without his assistance. I highly recommend him for custody and father rights issues.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Linda
"Better call Chris " Christopher Guest is the man! From day one he was friendly, professional and all around cool guy, he was in the mix and on it. This is your probate guy. He has nerves of steel, because I was a pain in the neck but he just kept it going and on the points. Cheers to you Christopher Guest.
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07 Nov, 2013 by Stephen
Many moons ago, while still in the throes of a virulent addiction to cocaine, and on parole, I was charged
with possession of the same. Even though I had volunteered the illicit substance to the policeman,
Abraham Blitzer urged and counselled me to take it to trial. After prosecutorial continuances, on the day of trial I noticed that my name appeared twice on the court docket. When the Judge called my case,
the prosecutor pulled the other Stephen Palmer's file out of the basket. She requested yet another continuance. My lawyer, Abraham Blitzer, jumped from his seat and objected with: "Your Honor,
move to dismiss for lack of prosecution!" The Judge said: "Case dismissed", and pounded his gavel.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Kala spriggs
Sean was absolutely amazing. I suffered a personal injury from a slip & fall accident and hired Sean to represent me. From the hospital bed to settlement mediation, Sean was informative & constantly communicated updates throughout the process. His knowledge and experience in personal injury litigation resulted in beyond satisfactory compensation for my injury. I highly recommend you hire him to represent you if you fall victim to an unfortunate accident.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Daniel rudy
Sean Farrelly is the lawyer you want on your side when you've got legal issues. We had some recently & he got us off the hook, with minimal damage. He gave us a clear idea of what we had to do & what the likely outcome would be. And that's what happened. He always kept us informed of pre & post trial issues. Simply the best!
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31 Dec, 2016 by Annie
Sean Farrelly is an outstanding attorney. In my initial phone consultation with him he was EXTREMELY thorough and patient. I went with my intuition and retained him as my lawyer. I could not have been more pleased with his services. He went above and beyond any expectations. In addition to his vast knowledge of law, he is energetic and passionate about his work. He possesses a warm personality that made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better outcome for my case, or a better experience in a less that ideal situation. I highly recommend his services!
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11 Apr, 2024 by Sczerina perot
28 Jul, 2022 by Paula terry
My experience with Forster Law Firm was always positive. Mr. Forster advised and communicated with me on several different projects. He analyzed legal problems and interpreted the the meaning of those rulings. He prepared and filed legal documents on my behalf.
Forester Law Firm is a good legal institution. Mr. Forster was both an advocate and adviser when I needed legal expertise . I highly recommend the services of Forster Law Firm.
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16 Jul, 2022 by Genet haile
30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
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FAQs
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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.
