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05 Apr, 2018 by Jerry
After consulting with Mr. McDannold, I decided to let him represent me for my father's estate. He has been extremely professional as well as thorough and efficient. I would recommend him to anyone looking for representation for probate or estate law.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Roy & sandra furr
Reviewed lease, explored options to terminate, advice was given, all options taken into consideration Fantastic job
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05 Mar, 2018 by Jeremy
Drew walked us through our entire estate plan and had patience with my wife and I as we made multiple changes to our documents. Drew has the experience and education to help anyone with their estate planning needs.
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19 Aug, 2018 by Elizabeth
When I became a caregiver for my elderly parents, I didn't know there was such a thing as an eldercare attorney. After I began getting help from Ira Wiesner, I quickly learned how essential his knowledge and advice are. To begin with, he re-did our family documents done with a previous lawyer. Our Durable Power of Attorney went from several pages to twenty; it now covers everything we need. When it was time for my father to go to skilled nursing care, Mr. Wiesner reviewed the community's contract and other written materials so that we were able to sign with confidence. We are also reviewing our long-range financial planning with him. I am grateful every day to have such excellent advice. And it is truly a pleasure to speak with everyone in Ira Wiesner's office.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Ira Wiesner was recommended to me by several individuals I respect. I needed some practical advice and guidance regarding a very difficult and rather exploitive situation with my mother. I had no idea what my options were, given that my mother, now suffering from dementia, had signed contracts, prior to the dementia, which gave Carte Blanche to a facility which was not providing appropriate care to her. He listened carefully, made some initial suggestions, reviewed the situation and gave me sound advice for a first step. He realized my stress level needed to be reduced, so his advice was not only financially sound, but helped me to get some much needed respite. His knowledge regarding elderly people and the facilities that care for them was comprehensive and pragmatic. His previous experience as a lawyer-ombudsman makes him uniquely qualified to know the buzz words and excuses used by facilities that do not provide adequate care. We are now entering step two in managing my mother's situation and it is something I can handle, knowing that she will be protected. I was so pleased with Mr. Wiesner's ability, that I asked him to redo some legal documents for me. I have an excellent attorney in another city, and with the hours I care for my mother, I could not get back to that city easily to update my documents. This was managed at my convenience and I am most appreciative for that. I highly recommend this attorney for anyone with questions or problems regarding older individuals.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Ira Weisner as able to help my family in time of crisis due to major financial exploitation of an elderly relative. We laid out our case to him, he listened attentively (didn't interrupt to show how smart he was like so many lawyers--and believe me, he's smart). He honestly assessed our chances of not only bringing a case, but also of how to protect ourselves from further exploitation. See, Ira is not just an estate planner, but a national expert in elderly abuse, so he was likely the best person in Sarasota to talk to about this. As for our case, he told us that in one aspect our chances were slim (other lawyers would told us to press forward on the case just to collect bills later), in other aspects of our case, he really helped in telling us the steps forward to take. His good character was so apparent throughout this process, that my elderly family member who was exploited, decided to switch lawyers and trust their estate planning with him and now we all feel protected. I couldn't recommend Ira Weisner highly enough.
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05 Jul, 2022 by Katherine
I had an excellent experience working with the Covert firm for my mother’s estate probate. I initially found him online, I called him and a few others. I had the pleasure of talking with Chris, and decided to go with them. They were helpful, kept me informed about all procedures and needing any new information from me. It turned out to be a longer process because of Covid-19 , mostly hurry up and wait for the courts. I then had issues with a relative that further delayed things, so I had a probate case for 4.5 years. Neil’s son Chris is excellent in the office, I enjoyed dealing with him by phone or email. I highly recommend!
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13 May, 2022 by Peggy
He did everything in a very thoughtful and a precise manner. Would highly recommend him.
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23 Aug, 2021 by Robyn
The Covert Team came highly recommended. From start to finish, they were professional and responsive. Being a continent and 3 time zones apart should have been challenging, but it wasn't an issue. They never made me feel like I was asking a silly question or taking too much of their time. Chris always made it clear that I could call any time and ask any question or ask for clarification. Probate closed as scheduled, and the entire process was painless, thanks to their expertise. I also highly recommend Neil and his staff!
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11 Oct, 2013 by Olha
Patye is an excellent choice when looking for a lawyer to do all the personal things that need doing in regards go Wills, Power of Attorney or home ownership issues. (Title changes etc.). Follows up on issues above and beyond.
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07 Oct, 2013 by Robert
Patty guided me through the process of handling my mothers affairs concerning my becoming her guardian. She went out of her way to explain the process and ensured I knew what I was doing. Patty was helpful, easy going and responsive to my needs. I would definitely work with her again in the future.
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12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Helped us with estate planning documents. Did everything quickly, thoroughly and with high quality. We will certainly use her again and highly recommend her!
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06 Apr, 2024 by Maria
Terra is extremely knowledgable and dedicated. She has helped me with various real estate needs and I would highly recommend her. She has been able to navigate some complex real estate transactions for me and I would not use anyone else. Looking forward to continuing to work with Terra at Twig, Trade & Tribunal.
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06 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Always handles our title work and never lets us down. I couldn't ask for a better attorney.
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06 Jul, 2018 by Elijah
Terra is a real joy to work with. The perfect blend of professional and personality. Terra quickly handles every request and is very pleasant to work with. Whenever I need title services I don't think twice and never hesitate to reach out to her. She has handled my personal and professional title work and I couldn't be happier with her services. She is a real gem in this industry and I highly recommend her.
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02 Oct, 2013 by Jerrie
HAVING WORKED FOR & WITH ATTORNEYS UNTIL MY RETIREMENT, I WOULD SAY THAT MR. SHEA IS ONE OF THE BEST. DURING A REAL ESTATE LITIGATION CASE IN WHICH I WAS REPRESENTED BY LOCAL COUNSE FOR A PERIOD OF 5 YEARS (TO NO AVAIL), MR. SHEA CAME TO THE RESCUE & FAVORABLY RESOLVED THE SITUATION WITHIN A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS, MUCH TO MY MENTAL & MONETARY RELIEF. MORE RECENTLY HE HAS HANDLED ESTATE PLANNING FOR ME & HAS BEEN ON 'STANDBY,' INTERMITTENTLY, IN CASE HE IS NEEDED. PRIOR TO THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED LITIGATION, & INVOLVEMENT WITH COUNSEL WHO COULD CARE LESS, I WAS A 'TRUE BELIEVER' IN THE LAW & THOSE WHO ARGUED FOR & AGAINST IT. SINCE THAT TIME , HOWEVER, I HAD BECOME A SORT OF CYNICAL SCEPTIC ; THAT IS,UNTIL I CAME ACROSS THE LIKES OF DENNIS: MILD MANNERED, RESPONSIVE, TENACIOUS & BRILLIANT BESIDES; - - WHAT MORE COULD ONE WANT WHEN HIRING AN ATTORNEY?
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05 Jun, 2012 by Sheri
Mr. Shea is unlike any Attorney I have ever dealt with, he truly cares about his clients, which is so hard to find in an Attorney, actually nearly impossible. I felt hopeless after numerous conversations with other Attorneys, rushing me as I spoke about my painful legal situation, no compassion at all, it was horrible. That is why I felt compelled to share this with you, and give you hope that there really is an amazing, caring Attorney that will restore your faith in the judicial system. Mr. Shea takes time with you he listens intently in order to understand all of the details involved in your case. He is a phenomenal Attorney, and an extraordinary human being that exudes the utmost integrity. In the courtroom he flourishes with his expertise, and his articulate dialog that is quite engaging to watch. My case was very complex, and required a well versed, hard working Attorney. Mr. Shea invested endless hours of time working on my case for over 2 years, and through it all he was confident we would prevail. He helped me through the most difficult times in my life, and I am grateful that I found him. He won my case against 6 other attorneys, I said "Dennis you rock" and he certainly does!!! I highly recommend Dennis Shea; he is a true professional with a compassionate heart, and definitely one of a kind! Oh and Brilliant too...
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05 Jun, 2012 by Brad
Highly Recommend! I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Shea, he really does set the bar when it comes to Attorney's, no pun intended...My initial visit was over an hour long he took so much time with me going over every detail, and no charge. No pressure, no contract I was shocked due to my past experiences with attorney's. I did not hesitate in retaining his services, and he knocked the ball right out of the park...home run! Dennis is genuine, honest, caring, and knows his law like nobody. Going through any legal situation is extremely difficult but having an attorney you can entrust with everything makes all the difference in the world. Thank you Dennis!
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17 Aug, 2022 by Elke
I have known Mr. Burden for years, and I believe he is just an outstanding attorney. I found him to be honest, trustworthy, responsible, and has extensive knowledge in a wide range of subjects. He did a thorough review of the materials and issues presented to him, and at the same time, he manages to keep the most pleasant, personable, and reassuring demeanor. I have full confidence in his abilities, and if I could give him 100 stars, I would. Thank you so much Mr. Burden! Elke
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08 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
George Burden is the most knowledgeable attorney who I have ever met. His background knowledge of the legal system, his experience, and follow through left us fully satisfied.
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24 Dec, 2012 by Amber
George provided my husband and I a free consultation as we were seeking advice on how to do my immigration paperwork ourselves. He answered many questions in person and afterwards over the phone, at no charge, in efforts to guide us in the right direction. As time passed, we were able to hire him to complete this process for us. We are so grateful for his selfless assistance and concern for our well being that hiring him was a no-brainer. In short order, George has organized everything we need to gather and information we need to provide to expedite the submission of our paperwork. George came highly recommended by our family, and my husband and I can now see why. I highly recommend George to anyone for Immigration cases.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Tom
After problematic delays in trying to deal with a probate case from afar we found and contacted Danielle. Not only was she very helpful with advice and professionally handled our case but we felt she had our best interests in mind in dealing with a frustrating case. We intend to keep in touch and would certainly recommend her services in solving probate cases like ours.
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21 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Greenberg is an excellent attorney she handled a complex probate case that went south due to my initial attorney dropping out and settled the matter in months time, not 100% to my favor but close. She then took on another case dealing with the same deadbeat attorney who dropped the ball. Ms. Greenberg will hear you out, give you every possible scenario, and push like heck to get the best outcome! If she doesn't know something she thoroughly researches it, as well as, consults with her partner/mentor with decades of experience. To top it off she is one of the few lawyers who charges reasonable fees. My only regret is not hiring her as my first attorney!
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08 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms Danielle Greenberg showed empathy and professionalism. She handled our out of state probate promptly and professionally with best possible results
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08 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Another local attorney quoted me 2,500 – 3,500 for a small bank account and Florida Probate quote was only 995.00 and we are handling most everything online. James explained everything we needed help with and was so thorough! What a relief! Thank you, Mr. Flick at Florida Probates.
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13 May, 2020 by Dimitri
The team over at Florida Probates is dedicated to providing high-quality service at very reasonable prices. I was very pleased with James and Brendan's transparent and organized process that kept me informed and kept everything on track. I would recommend anyone looking for help and advice on how to handle an estate to give them a call.
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13 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Great people, and family friendly atmosphere. Highly knowledgeable in his field and well understood. Hard working and determined are great traits he has which will benefit you.
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18 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Bakerman was efficient and professional in dealing with the multi-state probate process from my parent's estates. He has skills, patience and understands the process.
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09 Jun, 2016 by David cassell
In addition to money savings that I explained in my first review, I also want to mention that Mr. Bakerman also provides better service than the high profile downtown law firm I was using previously. In dealing with Mr. Bakerman I have never had to work through a paralegal, unlike the downtown firm. Also, Mr. Bakerman is available to me via telephone and email, which is especially important to me as I travel a lot. I have never regretted moving my legal affairs from the large downtown firm to the office of Roger Bakerman. His level of service and willingness to get the best answer to a question is of great value to me.
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01 Jun, 2016 by David
Mr. Bakerman saved me a lot of money. As guardian of a family member, who is a ward of the court, I was using the legal service of a large law firm in downtown Miami. I asked Mr. Bakerman if he could perform the same services for less money. He investigated the matter and, after a few days, said yes. For the last 5 years Mr. Bakerman has been handing the legal maters of the guardianship for substantially less money than the previous firm. Mr. Bakerman is always available for consultation regarding the guardianship and has provided excellent service.
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28 Mar, 2017 by Stephen
By far the easiest and most enjoyable part of the loan process was working with Michelle. She ensured the lender and real estate agents were always on the same page with her team ensuring no assumptions or miscommunication held up the closing process. Her meticulous attention to detail in reviewing all documents identified all issues immediately so they could be corrected and not delay the process. Courteous, intelligent, and an all around pleasure to work with I will only utilize Michelle for all of my transactions going forward and strongly recommend her for anyone looking for a fire and forget attorney.
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22 Oct, 2016 by Holly
Michele has been our clients attorney for many years and many real estate transactions. She always provides great service and superior care at very reasonable fees. She has been able to resolve some very difficult title situations very fast and very efficiently.
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21 May, 2016 by Anonymous
When I was getting ready to buy a property in Fort Lauderdale, I needed an attorney. I remembered Michelle from a previous closing that had gone very smooth and gave her a call. She understood immediately what I needed and got to work. We closed on the property without any problems. I can highly recommend Ms. Trca for her efficient and professional work.
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20 Sep, 2019 by Eli
Greg spent the time with me on the phone to understand my legal situation with patience, curtesy and wisdom. Would highly recommend.
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01 Dec, 2017 by Samantha
You can be confident that you are getting smart, practical proactive legal advice from Greg at all times. He is quickly responsive and extremely helpful. Best small business lawyer around! I am lucky to have found him and would highly recommend him.
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10 Dec, 2015 by Coleen
I was referred to Greg Medalie a number of years ago by my accountant. He has helped me with several projects over the years for both personal needs (a prenuptial agreement and will) and for my business. I can count on Greg getting back to me quickly and resolving the issue at hand. I truly appreciate the great service he provides and the top-notch legal advice he provides.
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28 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Laura is very easy to work with. She has a great way about her and immediately puts you at ease. While she knows the ins-and-outs of estate planning, she explains it in terms that you can understand. The cost to put together a comprehensive estate plan with her is also very reasonable. I've worked with many Estate Planning attorneys over the years and Laura is by far one of the best.
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25 Oct, 2017 by Michele
Attorney MacLean is an experienced estate planning and estate administration lawyer. She is a good listener and is very compassionate with her clients, many of whom are going through a difficult time with the death of a loved one. If you want an attorney who will do a good job and make you feel reassured every step of the way, then Attorney MacLean is the one for you.
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24 Oct, 2017 by Maureen
We hired Laura MacLean, Esq. years ago for our estate planning when our children were young. We were very impressed with how much time she spent with us and informed us regarding important details we hadn't thought of. Fast forward decades later and Laura MacLean, Esq. is helping us with our elderly parent’s estate planning on items they needed to address. She is the same compassionate attorney as she was years ago. Laura MacLean is exceptionally competent for any size estate and patient with everyone she meets.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Joe and judy buczek
Tanya helped us better understand the ins & outs of living Wills, trusts, insurance, etc. Along with other legalities regarding beneficiaries. She created a complete package for our wills,etc.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Mary
Tanya Bell made everything so easy as we went through the process of estate planning. She is quite knowledgeable and all of our options were explained in detail and took her time with us and did not rush us to make decisions if we were unsure about what we wanted to do. I highly recommend Tanya if you are in need of an Estate Planning attorney .
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20 Jun, 2016 by Sharron b.
Tanya Bell helped us think through our estate planning process from so many unique angles that I feel we are truly prepared. Not just a will, but we have guardianship issues for our children taken care of, living wills, etc... I am very grateful for her guidance through the process.
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05 Feb, 2019 by Todd
Mr. Camp was super helpful in guiding us through the ins and outs of probate for my mother’s estate. He clearly knows what he is doing. We really appreciated both his level of expertise and the way he interacted with us during this trying time.
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19 Sep, 2015 by John
Mr. Camp is a top-notch professional of rare quality. I have called upon his services on numerous occasions since 1999 and have been exceptionally pleased with the legal results. His research his thorough, timely and accurate. Mr. Camp is a recognized authority in his profession and has no peer in the performance of his service and duty. I will continue to call upon his expertise for all my future legal needs.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Mike and martha
We found a farm we wanted to buy and found out that it was hopelessly deadlocked in a bank foreclosure and probate situation. It was a terribly long process, but with Dennis's finesse, dedication and knowledge of both the foreclosure and probate laws, we were finally able to purchase the property. He's an amazing attorney that is knowledgeable and well respected. We're very lucky to have found him. Dennis will continue to be our attorney and we are proud to recommend him to anyone.
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26 Jan, 2015 by Merrick
Grady put together for my wife and I a complete package of documents including a will. living will. durable power of attorney, and health care surrogate designation. Also done was a preneed guardian and release of medical information. I thought the pre-prep interview was very thorough. The explanation of each document prepared was handled the same way and answered all of our questions. I really like that there is followup communication by newsletter, open house events and presentations to keep us aware of changes or needs that he sees that may need to be addressed. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing these services.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Roger
My wife and I utilized Mr. Williams for some estate planning. Mr. Williams assisted us with a Will, Living Will, Power of Attorney, and a Warranty Deed placing the real estate in both our names. From beginning to end the process was very thorough, professional, and educational. I say educational because Mr. Williams took the time to explain to both my wife and I all the ramifications of our actions. Based on our experience with Mr. Williams and his staff, we know we selected the right attorney.
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11 Jan, 2015 by Danny
Have worked with Grady Williams legal office for past 20 years. Most helpful and informative in setting up family wills, and estate planning. More recently setting up a trust for our family. Also helpful in keeping up with changes in state laws, to update needed changes in our will.
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16 Jul, 2021 by Scott
After my father passed away unexpectedly in 2019, I immediately began the work of acting as his personal representative. Unfortunately, my father had no legal Will which led to a contested estate. The estate attorney I hired initially was not interested in handling litigation filed by another heir, and recommended David Garten for the job. Calling David Garten was the best decision I could have made. David Garten is an expert in Florida State Estate Law. He is a litigation attorney who handles contested estates and defends his clients with zeal. He exudes the calm confidence and total professionalism of an expert in his field. There are none of the blustering or hyperbolic statements that you will find with unqualified attorneys who are just trying to get your business. David will never leave you with a false sense of confidence on any issue. David’s credentials are impeccable, and he is a regular contributor to Florida State Bar Association publications. David’s staff is top notch and well organized, a sure sign of an excellent attorney. I also found David and his staff to be approachable and easy going, not stuffy or hard to communicate with as some attorney’s offices can be. David’s work on my father’s estate was exemplary. He successfully negotiated settlements and diffused or won the unnecessary litigation brought against the estate. At one point David parlayed a pre-trial deposition into a settlement that enabled me to continue my work to close the estate without interruption. This is one of many examples of David’s expert handling of my father’s estate. David is very cost conscious and employs other Estate Attorneys to handle the more routine aspects of estate administration. You can rest assured that you won’t be gouged. David’s calm approach to angry opposing counsel, random unnecessary litigation, and wary nerve-wracked clients, was incredibly reassuring as we worked through various issues. I would highly recommend David Garten to represent you if you are the executor or personal representative of a contested estate. In fact, I would say that if relatives are likely to litigate after the loss of a loved one, skip the standard Estate Attorneys and call David Garten for the representation that you really need.
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09 Mar, 2016 by Pat
I was living out-of-state when notified of my estranged husband's death. I needed to be advised and represented by an attorney who was familiar with Florida's state statutes for elective shares regarding the surviving spouse. My situation required a lot of special research. David made me feel comfortable and confident that everything was covered. He kept me appraised of the current status, even though there were time issues holding up our progress. Given the circumstances of my case, I felt David was attentive, personable and gave my case the required attention to detail needed. I was especially impressed with the follow up on David's part and his paralegal, Cheryl. At the conclusion of my case, they both made me feel like I would want to use there service again and/or would refer my family and friends to them. David and Cheryl, thank you again.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
After being victimized by several other attorneys regarding Trusts, Elder Law and Guardianship I did extensive research prior to finding a West Palm Beach attorney with the expertise and experience of David M. Garten, Esq. He was very responsive regarding scheduling and thoroughly knowledgeable in his field of law. He was always sympathetic and concerned to act in my best interest. His fees were reasonable and there was never a suspicion that his time billed was inflated. Hiring Mr. Garten actually turned out to be an extremely excellent value when at our first meeting he suggested he would, and actually did notify my insurers who ended up carrying a significant portion of my case with Mr. Garten's supervision. I now know how fortunate I was to have been represented by such a caring, compassionate, and expert attorney. I would never hesitate to encourage anyone needing the type of legal services offered by Mr. Garten to meet with him. Although it was very unpleasant going thru a lawsuit, David Garten’s advocacy made the situation a lot more tolerable. I will remain forever grateful for his services.
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08 Oct, 2020 by Gary and cindy l
we contacted david to do an estate probate for us. He was very easy to talk to and listened to every single, sometimes crazy questions we had. he went step by step with us and he made us feel comfortable and at ease in the process since we were out of state. We would definitely recommend him.
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24 Oct, 2016 by Mark
I hired Mr. Luber to do my mother's Estate Planning papers. e.g will, Durable Power of Attorney, etc. He spent much time with her to establish a relationship and express her wishes in writing. He was available to my family to answer their questions help with any issues they had. I have also used him to answer not only my estate planning concerns but many other not estate planning questions. He is a very wise man and stays on topic, being careful not to give advice when not wanted. He is clear about his areas of expertise and is willing to refer when neessary. He is clearly is someone who I would not hesitate to refer to or retain on as as needed basis.
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27 Dec, 2011 by Daniel
Before I became an attorney and while I was in law school, I had the great experience of having David Luber as my attorney. He represented me in a probate matter. David handled the matter for me with the utmost professionalism and care. He is an outstanding attorney and a wonderful person.
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28 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Kevin and his staff are a great team and helped me get the results that I wanted. Everyone on his staff were very polite, helpful and professional. Great in the courtroom, organized and responds promptly, knowledgeable, understanding, honest and his wages are fair. I am overall more than satisfied with the work that he has done. If you are going through a custody case with your children or child, I strongly recommend that you call Kevin and get a consultation.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Lilia
Mr. Macwilliam was very professional and thorough with my case. He really took the time to make sure I received the best outcome for my case. He is very personable and humble. He is not like most attorneys I've dealt with in the past that just want your money. He really wants to help you. His office staff is awesome as well! All the ladies are very sweet and professional. I'm very satisfied with his work! I highly recommend Mr. Macwilliam. You won't be disappointed!
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07 Sep, 2016 by Jessica
Where do I start....from my consultation to the conclusion of my divorce; he not only made me feel confident in how my case was going to be handled, but he also made what I was going through much more at ease b/c of his professionalism...how efficient he is...how he always looked out for the best interest of me and my son...very welcoming and made sure that no matter what, he was/is going to do his very best to make sure I walked away happy. I could go on and on with my experience I had with him as my Attorney. I would HIGHLY recommend him to any and all of those who are where I am/was. Hands down amazing.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Drbob
Attorney Hitchcock is a man of personal and professional integrity. His knowledge of the law and legal system is complete and competent. Despite his case load, he is a "client-centered" attorney who strives to accomplish the best possible outcomes for his clients. The first time I spoke with Attorney Hitchcock, he was easy to talk with, most reassuring and a very fine gentleman. Attorney Hitchcock is the consummate professional. I highly recommend him.
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02 May, 2018 by Mark
Steve is an excellent attorney I have known for many years, I had him create my own estate documents and referred others to him as well. His fees are very reasonable but his knowledge is superior. I don't think you can ask for more than that.
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06 Mar, 2017 by Thomas
Steve and everyone in is office are the best. When my wife and I first met with him at the initial consultation, he determined that he couldn't help us. However, he still took time to explain our options to us even though he wouldn't receive any benefit. When our situation changed, I went back to Steve for help. This time he said that he could help my wife apply for medicaid. We became clients of his and I'm glad we did. A couple of issues came up during the application process and Steve knew exactly what to do. He was very thorough and made sure everything was in order before submitting the application. When medicaid eligibility was denied, he knew that the reason given wasn't valid. Steve challenged the denial and they tried another reason for denial, but Steve knew that wasn't right either. Steve kept fighting for what he knew was right and after challenging three reasons for denial, Steve finally got my wife's application approved. Steve is an experienced Elder Law Attorney. He and everyone in his office are very patient and caring. I highly recommend them.
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12 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Daddono was outstanding. He was patient, empathetic, and interested in helping me to understand my situation. I highly recommend anyone who has an estate, will, or probate issue(s) give Mr. Daddono a call. He gets an A+ score from me.
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15 Jun, 2023 by Dwight
The office answered my text promptly and Drew responded quickly. He Emailed a response and then called right after. Drew answered all my questions and discussed other issues too. Thanks a lot!
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08 Sep, 2022 by Joshua
Drew is the best. He and his team are very courteous and professional and helped me handle inheritance after my mother passed without a will or much of a plan. I was overwhelmed by the inheritance and probate process and ready to just walk away when I contacted him and he encouraged me not to. He was able to quickly and affordably handle the transfer of her property so I could sell it to help cover funeral costs. I cannot thank him enough for his help. He truly is a cut above.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Jeff
Max was a referral and is now my go-to attorney for all things real estate. He's quick to respond, and his prices are competitive. Max is a straight-shooter who sets realistic expectations and provides timely status updates throughout the process -- in the end achieving the desired outcome with no surprises.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Louise
Max was patient and thorough in explaining legal steps and procedures. When I called him, he called me back in a timely fashion. I found my experience with him to be pleasant, although I required his help for only a month or so. He was easy to talk, and I found him very understanding.
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01 Oct, 2018 by Robin
I had to force the sale of a Florida condo that I and one of my relatives jointly inherited. The first lawyer I contacted told me that it would be expensive to force the sale. They also told me that I would need to travel to Florida. I waited years before I again looked into getting a lawyer. The condo association referred Max Paul, Esq. After I agreed to his reasonable hourly rate, Max went to work. I did not need to travel to Florida. Max represented me so that I no longer had to communicate with my relative. Max did an amazing job and quickly convinced my relative to execute a contract allowing the property to be offered for sale. Max also communicated with the sales agent and kept me informed each step of the way. The process became stress free for me because Max handled everything. As a result, the condo was sold at market rate rather than at auction. Max’s efforts brought closure for my family. He took care of me on an emotional and professional level. I highly recommend Max Paul Esq.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
This firm was amazing to work with. They managed my expectations perfectly. Were honest, reliable, professional, and consisent. I will definitely use them again!
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02 May, 2024 by Elizabeth
Ms. Meyer and her staff recently helped me with my parents' estate. There were several complicating factors which Ms. Meyer and her staff handled with an exceptional level of competency and professionalism. I would highly recommend Ms. Meyer without hesitation.
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23 Mar, 2019 by Aylin
Colette Meyer helped us with our Estate issues and with our real estate problems associates with the estate. She is very knowledgeable and helpful ! It was great working with her and her team. We will continue to work with her with pleasure, especially knowing that she is always available to answer questions and help.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Helena
Mr. Whittaker set up my trust, he’s a very professional and caring attorney. He listened to what I wanted and handled it efficiently and with Care, I would recommend him to all my family and friends, blah blah blah blah blah
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18 May, 2024 by Anonymous
It is my sincere pleasure to share the rewarding experience I had with Spencer Whitakker, Esq., with Williams & Doddridge PA. He was very professional, knowledgeable and listened closely to my needs. He had a clear understanding of my requests and completed things in a very timely, manner. I must definitely say I made the correct decision in my choice of Spencer Witakkker, in handling my interests.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Arnie
Spencer and Ryan provided me with the guidance necessary to resolve an issue with Chase Bank at our initial 1-hour meeting. This information allowed me to resolve the issue without having to pay thousands of dollars that other attorneys wanted to help me. Spencer also helped my wife and I put together our last will and testaments, living wills, designation of health care surrogates, and durable power of attorneys. I recommend Spencer and this firm to anyone that needs help with their financial matters.
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23 Jul, 2022 by Paul
Samantha Rauba helped my wife and I prepare our wills and other estate documents. She is knowledgeable and well organized resulting in a very efficient process. She communicates clearly explaining the law, legal documents and is comfortable to work with. Fees are very reasonable. I highly recommend her for estate planning.
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17 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I was pleased and relieved I was able to work with Samantha. She was smart, caring and diligent.
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17 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired Ms. Rauba to review our estate with a focus on security and protection of our assets. It was immediately clear she cared about our concerns, was knowledgeable of the subject and quickly put us at ease. She was never in a hurry and allowed time for us to completely discuss ALL issues. Ms. Rauba pointed out points we had not devoted thought to that would have an impact on our estate. We walked away completely satisfied. She is a very nice and caring lady.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
We needed to have our estate, durable power of attorney, healthcare surrogate, and living will documents recreated as we have moved to Florida from another state. We consulted with Rebecca at the recommendation of our financial consultant and then hired her firm to do the documents. All was handled very well by Rebecca and her staff who we believe have integrity and are actually kind people. We very much appreciate Rebecca's provision of additional detail in our living wills to ensure that our wishes would be understood and followed.
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11 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Rebecca Doane has been my wills, trust and estate attorney for 20 years. I have used her for work including out of state and international situations. I am grateful for her experience and proactive insight which have been critical to avoiding problems. The office is convenient and professional. Rebecca is an attorney who cares about her clients. She is easily accessable by phone and text and does an exceptional job of providing the best personalized legal representation.
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07 Jun, 2018 by Judi
Rebecca Doane has been our attorney for many years and she has been outstanding in helping us with our trust. Not only is she professional in her manner and recommendations she also has a warmth and understanding when assisting us that makes a difficult task not as difficult to complete. Rebecca gave us areas of thought to our estate planning that we would have never thought of on our own. She has become a dear friend and trusted associate. I would certainly recommend her to others and I have several times.
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23 Jun, 2022 by Deb
I found Mr. Kearce to and his team to be very responsive, knowledgeable and patient in serving my legal needs. I recommend them without hesitation.
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09 Nov, 2020 by Daniel
My wife and I recently had our first will prepared by Mr. Kearce; he and his staff (including Delta Nagele) were great to work with. Mr. Kearce patiently walked us through the process and answered all of our questions.
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22 Apr, 2020 by Matt
We highly recommend our attorney, Mr. Kearce! Matt has regularly represented us as we have bought properties in Florida and his entire time has been wonderful, when we have sold. When we learned a family member was struggling with debt from a medical problem, Matt was also a caring advisor during her bankruptcy.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I've hired Malinda to resolve a pending foreclosure by filing bankruptcy in hopes of ultimately getting a settlement resolution with the lender. It's been an extremely complicated case to resolve but Malinda has achieved everything that she said she would and forced the lender the accept the appraises value of the property which was my ultimate goal. I checked several attorneys before hiring Malinda and she just felt more honest and caring than the other attorneys i interviewed plus she never rushed me to making a decision quickly. I was most impressed by her communications skills and how quickly she returns to emails. She is almost always there to answer any questions or concerns by email or phone. As a client I feel she has done above and beyond to achieve my goals and for that i will always be grateful. Thank you Malinda and thank you again L.K
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12 Nov, 2014 by Donna
Malinda is an excellent lawyer. I found her to be very knowledgeable, confident, and very kind. Although bankruptcy is a very stressful thing to go through, I was very calm because of Malinda's quick responses to my questions. She always kept me informed of what was going on with our case. I highly recommend the Law offices of Frank, White-Boyd, P.A..
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11 Sep, 2014 by Amber
I highly recommend Ms. Hayes,she is a very professional lawyer and has achieved tremendous success in my case. Ms. Hayes devotes enough time for her clients cases,and has very good people skills.
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25 Mar, 2020 by Brant
I hired Mike to represent myself and my siblings when our fathers second wife looted a trust fund after our father's death. While I very much wanted to recover the trust money, I did not want to spend a lot of time and money to get a judgment against her only to be unable to collect, or to spend more time and money on collection. I explained this to Mike the first time we talked on the phone, and throughout our almost 2 year journey together he never forgot it. All of his actions were geared toward recovery, not a useless moral victory. In the end we did prevail and recovered all our money and had our legal expenses reimbursed. The second wife's attorney had an excellent reputation, so victory was not easy or a foregone conclusion, yet Mike was able to counter them at every turn. I can't say enough good about Mike, and I recommend him without reservation. I should add that I live in Colorado, so I never met Mike in person. We conducted all of our business via phone and email, and he was always very responsive when I would reach out to him.
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31 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
In life's journey, every now and then you have the rare privilege to encounter someone who is so incredibly special that they change your future course and make it significantly better. For us, that person is Attorney Michael R. Kangas of the Philip A. Baumann Law Firm in Tampa, Florida. Mike Kangas is an incredibly talented professional. He is deeply understanding and compassionate. During our first meeting with him, we immediately recognized that he was the ideal person to represent us. Mike Kangas has represented us for five and a half years now, and selecting him has been one of the best lifetime decisions we have ever made. The situation we were in was so incredibly complex that we had to question ourselves whether or not it could be successfully pursued. Our great fortune was that Mike has in-depth knowledge of the law, and, as important, he deeply understands right from wrong. Mike guided us every step through this arduous process, taking the time to ensure we understood the rationale of his efforts on our behalf. In a very detailed manner, he kept us completely involved in the decision-making process. We soon observed that Mike Kangas would work evenings and weekends on our behalf through this incredibly difficult process. He didn't tell us about this, but we figured it out from the correspondence. Whatever it took, Mike was there for us. What a professional. Mike has a great sense of humor when warranted. He frequently made us feel so much better as to the ongoing ebb and flow during this lengthy process. We were also so incredibly fortunate in that Mike is a part of the Phillip A. Baumann Law Firm. Mr. Baumann is an incredibly talented, knowledgeable, professional attorney, and one heck of a fine leader. Only a great leader can create the environment that enables his entire staff to absolutely excel. His Super-Star assistant, Rebecca, has been so incredibly helpful, compassionate, and understanding throughout this process as our Paralegal. The Baumann Law Firm represents clients throughout Florida. In the strongest possible recommendation we know how to make, Mike Kangas of the Phillip A. Baumann Law Firm should be one's first choice in selecting legal representation, especially for any aspect of Probate, Trusts, and Estate Law. In any endeavor, this level of pure professionalism doesn't come around very often in today's world. In our case, we are so very, very grateful Mike Kangas and the Baumann Law Firm was, is, and will remain there for us.
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14 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael Kangas represented my daughter and me in a case involving the settlement of a trust. Our attorney here in Kentucky recommended him to us as we needed someone who was licensed to practice in Florida. Throughout the period in question (11 months), Michael was invaluable in keeping us informed with emails and phone calls. We always felt that our best interests were well represented. I would not hesitate to call on him again or recommend him to someone should the occasion present itself.
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11 May, 2016 by Derrick luke
Mrs. Clancy has helped me a couple times and was available when I needed her. She was able to handle my cases with the highest level of professionalism and care. She was able to get the best possible results I could get for my situations and without her level of expertise, I'm sure the end result would have been worse with any other attorney. Frankly, I'm amazed she doesn't charge more for her level of service she provides. She is a winner all around.
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04 May, 2016 by Philip
Great job handling my personal situation. Kept me informed in a timely manner an explained clearly what options were available. I would not hesitate to seek her legal consul or hire her.
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04 May, 2016 by Mr m patel
Mrs. Clancy provided me with an excellent service which resulted in a positive outcome. I highly recommend her as she is reasonably priced, brilliant at her work and treats you as an individual, not a number! I have used other attornies before and they were below the standards I expect. If you are looking for an attorny, Mrs. Clancy is highly recommended.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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