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11 Feb, 2018 by Karin
A problem solver and a good communicator. Brian has represented me in real estate matters. I'd hire him again, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
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26 Apr, 2022 by Richard
This attorney did not do what he said he would. He was very rude and short with my wife and I. We hired him to help us but he made absolutely no help at all. He often talked down to us and also charged an extremely high rate. We where not happy with him at all and fired him as a result.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Juel harris
I love for whom h fight against but very slow on contacting on serous matters where r God's people 8n these fields
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16 Jul, 2021 by Damien vishno
17 Jan, 2024 by Maggie rogers
Jennifer Hauhuth is the ultimate professional. She is knowledgeable and detail oriented. You can rely on her to do everything right. Jennifer is also helpful and compassionate during the difficult times that naturally come with her particular area of expertise. She prepared the wills and handled all accompanying estate planning for everyone in my family. She also handled real estate transactions for us. I would recommend Jennifer to anyone who has any needs in Will preparation, estate planning, and elder care law. She’s the best!
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09 Aug, 2021 by Jay kiley
Atty. Hauhuth is a pleasure to work with. Very straight forward and knowledgeable.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Lisa kent
Harmony Penfield is not a real person--probably my husband's ex wife!!
Penfield is the beach in Fairfield- no coincidence
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30 Sep, 2020 by Patrick
without a doubt, my case turned my way with retaining Attny McCormack. A judge complimented me in open court with having retained such an experienced and respected attorney. Opposition knew immediately no games could be played anymore and resolution that was in the best interest of my minor child.
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11 Mar, 2019 by Marc
Karen took on a very difficult Probate case on my behalf. She fought hard for me for over two years and prevailed. Whenever I had questions regarding the case or was simply having a tough time overall, Karen was there to help.
VERY fair fee structure.
Thank you again Karen !
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22 Jan, 2018 by Mark
I hired Attorney McCormack to represent me in a divorce case. She helped me through the process and made it a bit more bearable to handle. She was always there to offer advice and encouragement when I needed it most. And she is very fair in her pricing and billing unlike so many other horror stories that I have heard about from friends and co-workers who went through the same thing. She is the best!
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20 Nov, 2022 by Shari
Taking care of an elderly parent can present some major challenges. As they get older, the decisions one must make get tougher and tougher.
That is why you need an attorney who is forward thinking with knowledge of potential issues before they arise. It is so much better to be proactive - rather than have to be reactive as life situations change.
Lyn Eliovson is just that type of attorney. She advises you of potential issues that will need to be addressed as your parent ages. Whether is be creating a straightforward Power of Attorney document or handling complex Trust issues, she is there to advise you on the correct course of action for the present time and into the future.
Lyn's pleasant personality is an added plus; helping you navigate through these often complex situations.
Anyone using her services will get the resources of an accomplished attorney with a heart.
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01 Nov, 2022 by Morris
Offered great advice on multiple occasions. A real gem. Very kind to a very elderly relative and understanding of some serious family issues.
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29 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Several main problems that I can go through in detail by memory.
My first impression was of her berating a young intern or employee to the point of tears in public. Then I learned it wasn't just employees, it was clients. Eldercare clients. Then I learned it included me, an eldercare client paying $600.00 hour for a snapping turtle. Every time she snapped, I took it, though t about it and said to myself I have no idea what caused that. At the third meeting she did it again to someone else and I said "Wait a minute, you are not a criminal lawyer, we are not criiminals. We are also also not rich and no more of this at your $600 an hour What kind of eldercare attorney talks to their eldercare clients?
She replied dismissively that technically my 90 year old mother was her client.
Now just think about that for a minute and see if you can think of a worse possible reply in a courtroom. She's basically saying my 90 year old mother is safe from her barbs but that the children attempting to pay for it are fare game. Not at $600 an hour were not! Recently asked for a simple line item accounting of meetings held and was informed by an employee after consulting with her that the "file had been shred", Why don't you give me a call because you've been too afraid to talk to me.
On the other hand she gives pleasant little radio talks. No problems whatsoever with the staff. And the infamous weakness of a snapping turtle is a weak underbelly.......
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09 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
She was court appointed conservator For many years we didn't even know what she looked like . When she finally stepped up do the job I found her to be very alienating. Her fees are on the high side. Not a good fit for our family or the elder relative she was assigned to represent she actually scared him at one point with his living arrangement. Run don't walk
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09 May, 2015 by Eli
Prompt service - returned all calls ASAP and got it done right at a reasonable price. A real wizard at Probate and Real Estate. We've used her a number of times with reliable results.
The best at the price.
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13 Feb, 2013 by R
What can you say about a person that over SEVEN YEARS, NEVER returned a telephone call, NEVER answered a letter, NEVER answered an email, NEVER answered a fax, NEVER provided documentation that you asked for, NEVER corrected written or arithmetic mistakes, NEVER explained her actions or inactions on a matter and NEVER acted in even the most remotely professional matter?
How about charging $250 per hour each month to pay a $20 telephone bill each month when a bookkeeper could be hired at 1/10 of that hourly rate? Or leaving furniture in storage for years irreparably damaging it because she was too indifferent to address it? But then there is also the intentional bill padding and bills that don't add up and that are never corrected. Then there is the complete indifference and refusal to call a next-of-kin to report a serious illness or stroke of a loved one, and then telling the nurse (who wants to call) that she doesn't have your telephone number, or telling the court that she doesn't have your mailing address (lying about it in the process). If that is not enough, how about losing a loved-ones will and completely ignoring your requests for information about her billing (and paying herself from the estate)? What about never actually visiting the client and then to resign to allow a more competent and responsive Attorney to serve the needs of a loved one and while completely refusing to communicate in any way for seven years with the next of kin? Well there is all this and so much more awaiting you if you consider hiring Ms. Stuckal. But she won't be honest enough to tell you. The real question is, why would you ever even consider hiring someone like this? Hopefully you won't! Your family members will thank you for it!
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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.
