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02 Dec, 2024 by Paulina lopez
05 Oct, 2024 by Turtle 2010
Great guy he's been our family lawyer since I was a kid and I'm 53yrs old now
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03 Oct, 2024 by Valerie morales
Orlando and his staff are really awesome people and get the job done. Only thing is the dog. Normally I love dogs around, but when you are going for an important case and a dog is barking at you when you walk in. Just throws it off. OTHER Than that, amazing!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Paul lee
I had a family law matter that was in need of immediate attention. Tyler Kubinski helped me with my case in the quickest and most professional matter possible. I cannot recommend this firm enough to anyone. Thanks again!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Jesus renova
Late Feb. 2024, I hired Kubinsk Law Firm to represent me on Texas Deceptive Trade Practice of a used vehicle. I am extremely pleased as to how they handled my case. Kudos to Tyler, the lead attorney and Lorena, the paralegal. They kept me informed and explained the process as it moved along. Thank you again Kubinski Law Firm. I would be honored to recommend this Law Firm.
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17 Aug, 2024 by John killen
Receptionist Donna VERY nice. $1,500 restroom was clean.
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22 Dec, 2023 by Luis martinez
12 Sep, 2023 by Mariann alvarado
25 Aug, 2023 by Michael steele
22 Dec, 2023 by Luis martinez
12 Sep, 2023 by Mariann alvarado
25 Aug, 2023 by Michael steele
01 May, 2024 by Liz chavira
16 Jan, 2024 by Melissa harcrow
The front desk clerk isn’t very friendly. I asked what I needed in preparation for my appointment and was told nothing. Took time off of work to go to the appointment and was asked a question requiring me to have had prior communication with my mortgage company. This would have been helpful to have known before wasting mine and my husband’s time.
Luckily she didn’t charge for the 5 minutes we sat in her office. She basically sent us on our way while I was on the phone with the mortgage company.
Turns out, I didn’t need approval from my mortgage company.
I made an appointment elsewhere and have received far more help from this assistant.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Richard zavala
15 Nov, 2024 by James andrews
I received a call from Mr. Jose Gandara of West Texas Process Service & Investigations on 8/15/2024. He explained he had an urgent matter that he needed service on in Madison, AL, and I quoted him $120 for 4 attempts on a RUSH service. I made multiple attempts to serve these documents, including early morning, mid-day, and evenings, but the person appeared to be out of town (confirmed with several neighbors). I had agreed on 4 attempts, but as a courtesy I made a total of 7 attempts. After pressing Mr. Gandara on how he would like to proceed, he told me to non-serve the documents and send my invoice for payment.
On 8/21/2024, I sent my invoice and have not received payment. I have sent multiple emails and made several phone calls, but he refuses to answer. After 4 emails about this invoice, he finally replied "Sorry …. Have we not paid you on this matter yet?" I replied confirming that the invoice has not been paid, and I included a link to pay the invoice online. He has disappeared again, and I have not received a response. I have sent more emails, made phone calls, and left messages.
I have mailed him a letter, both standard mail and certified, but both were returned to sender. This is a terrible way to do business, especially for a fellow process server that went above and beyond the original agreement in an attempt to resolve your legal documents service.
This is the first time I have ever left a negative review on any business, but I felt like it was important to not only warn other process servers but also any of his potential clients who like to work with honest and respectable businesses.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Jackie crawley
26 Aug, 2024 by Maisha smith
Bramblett is a great lawyer he’s always won my cases never had any issues. Keep up the great work Patrick Bramblett and staff.
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01 May, 2024 by Liz chavira
16 Jan, 2024 by Melissa harcrow
The front desk clerk isn’t very friendly. I asked what I needed in preparation for my appointment and was told nothing. Took time off of work to go to the appointment and was asked a question requiring me to have had prior communication with my mortgage company. This would have been helpful to have known before wasting mine and my husband’s time.
Luckily she didn’t charge for the 5 minutes we sat in her office. She basically sent us on our way while I was on the phone with the mortgage company.
Turns out, I didn’t need approval from my mortgage company.
I made an appointment elsewhere and have received far more help from this assistant.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Richard zavala
05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I came to Harvey due to a custody issue. From the start he seemed somewhat competent so I paid over half of the fee up front. I later paid nearly the entire remainder plus over $250 for subpoenas. He was able to get an emergency custody order for me, however the hearing for that was rescheduled and he informed my ex that he should get a lawyer. Little did I know that because the hearing was rescheduled my emergency order expired. Harvey claimed this was my fault and I should have known this. the only reason I would hire a LAWYER is because I don't understand custody laws. My ex got a very aggressive attorney which Mr. Erexleben seemed very intimidated by. We went to two or three cases all which were rescheduled by Harvey. The last case Harvey made every attempt to blame me for the outcome. "I should have know the protective order would cease after 30 days; I should have known I couldn't attempt to modify a divorce decree before a year;" Again, why would I hire an attorney if I knew any of this?? I promptly fired Harvey Erexleben and have since gotten much better legal representation. My new attorney informed me that Harvey CLOSED MY CASE and re opened it without my knowledge! Which has severely delayed my case. I will be doing everything within my ability to at least report him to the BAR. I only wish I had not paid this individual anything up front.
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13 May, 2011 by Anonymous
excellent gentleman. Goes to court to fight and NOT thinking fees.Puts his heart before $$$ which is extremelly RARE. Get things DONE. A lifetime of aprecciation from us.
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09 Oct, 2012 by George garcia
Had a really good experience. He was very responsive. Easy to work with straight to the point i highly recommend him
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17 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Represented me on a criminal case. He is clueless!!!!
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07 Nov, 2024 by Robert
When I was searching for a divorce attorney, several I first consulted with, said to make sure to see Doris so I can conflict her out, so as to not have her against me. I thought, wait a minute, if they are all telling me that I dont want Doris against me, then maybe she is the one I want for me.
Thank God I did, my ex tried to take everything from me as well as trying to get me into criminal trouble for her fabricated BS.
Doris was a no-nonsense direct attorney, kept me abreast of all that was taking place, and basically told the other attorney to jump in a lake.
She saved me tremendous grief and heartache. Dont overtook her.
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13 Oct, 2016 by Jesus
I completely agree with the previous review. The only time that Mrs Sipes seemed to be engaged and listening to me was during the initial consultation. During the consultation she put me at ease with all her advice and recommendations on how she was going to come after my ex wife. This feeling was short lived. Three months after paying my retainer nothing had been done on my case, I found this out when I called to get a status on my case. Six month went by and nothing much had changed with my case. At this time I took it upon myself to try to work something out with my ex wife in regards to custody with my kids and we came to an agreement. Even after I did all the work for her it still took her 6 months to draw up the paperwork and have it signed by the judge. Her paralegal Robert seems to incompetent, every time he emailed me the child custody order it had the same errors I had just corrected in the previous draft. This went on for a couple of months until I refused to deal with him anymore and only worked with Mrs Sipes son after that. Worst experience ever, would never recommend her to anyone.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorneys are hard to judge on the basis of just a single consultation. One the first visit, most of them seem amazing -- energetic -- optimistic -- motivated.
I was referred to Doris Sipes by another attorney and I found her to be intelligent, soft-spoken, confident and reserved.
At the consultation, we discussed the details of my case and I tried to listen as much as I talked. It seemed to me that we had similar expectations regarding the outcome of my case.
I had heard that Ms. Sipes has a reputation for being a tough attorney and I interpreted the low-energy consultation to be a sign that she was being forthright and honest with me. What a relief to be dealt with in such a respectful way. What a relief to have avoided the typical over-promised sales pitch that I've experienced with other attorneys -- or so I thought.
As the case progressed, I found it hard to get Ms. Sipes attention in any meaningful way. My case wasn't rocket-science but I had some important details that needed to be considered. The question of how to present the relevant details to the court in a way that would make sense was an important issue for me. How do we present a defense for a convoluted case in a way that the court will understand? How do we win?
My attempts to get Ms. Sipes to discuss the nuts and bolts of my case only seemed to make her annoyed. She wouldn't discuss strategy with me and didn't ask me for any evidence to support my defense. All of the evidence presented in court was the evidence that I rushed to have her review in the minutes before the trial. I even asked her to call one witness in my defense and it seems like my request was ignored without the benefit of thoughtful consideration.
Doris seems to be intelligent, articulate and capable. Maybe all of her best effort goes to bigger, better clients -- I don't know.
The irony is this: The low-key consultation that made me think that Ms. Sipes was the right choice for my case was more like an over-promised sales pitch because that's the only time she engaged me regarding the details of my case.
I'm very disappointed because I lost my case and I wonder how the results would have been different if Ms. Sipes had worked closer with me to present a better defense.
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10 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Patricia Chew handled my husband's immigration case. She said his case was no problem and she knew exactly what to do. We paid her and she filed the papers for him. 18 months later all the immigration applications she filed for him were denied. She said that immigration agents in Chicago (which is where we filed) just didn't know what they were doing and she said her attorney friend Donald Kempster in Chicago would take over our case. She sent my husbands file to Attorney Kempster. We met with Attorney Kempster and he said that he couldn't believe Chew had done this and that there was no other outcome other than my husband would be deported. Patricia Chew wouldn't accept my calls after that. My husband was picked up by agents a few months later and deported. I never got any money back from Patricia Chew. And guess what... now she's a JUDGE in El Paso TX.
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19 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent attorney. Very knowledgeable in the law and obtained my visa in a timely manner and within the projected timelines for immigration and the consulate.
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08 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
My case was an application for an H1B visa (temporary work and residence). In our first meeting, Ms. Chew seemed very self-confident and assured everything would be very easy and fast. She was paid for the whole process in advance. Seven months later I still did not have my visa. She did nothing about it for three months and when she finally did it, my application was full of mistakes. Because of those mistakes, I had to leave the country twice and I still can not work. Finally we changed to a new lawyer.
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13 May, 2016 by Yolanda pirk
If it wasn't for Mrs, Ramirez. my mother would be dead today. She helped me get guardinship of my mother. When I had already giving up. Thank you Mrs. Ramirez
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Maria for my divorce it took her 10 months to get the temporary orders. The only thing she knows very well is TO CHARGE. She charged me a ton of money overinflating the times spent on my case. Never call to update me on the case. Months with out doing nothing. She will make decisions without consulting me. She drags the case as much as she can to spend more time and charge more. Very Disrespectful (even with the judge) she does not talk she screams.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I read these reviews after I hired this attorney and I was worried but she did everything she said she would. She was prepared for every court date and although sometimes I did not want to hear what she told me she was very truthful about my case. I would hire her again.
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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.
