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07 Aug, 2023 by Mary
If you are searching for a knowledgeable attorney who is versed in estate planning, elder law and probate, look no further. Christine O’Neil is a must to have in your corner if you need legal advice in dealing with any kind of estate issues. I live in Oklahoma and have a dear friend in Pensacola, FL that I was trying to help during a recent health crisis. My friend’s sister had recently passed away and she had no other family member to assist her. Living alone she reached out to me. Having known my friend for over 40 years it became my duty and responsibility to assist her with health and end of life decisions. I knew it would be a challenge living almost 1000 miles apart, so I began the search for a local attorney in Pensacola with experience, skills and above all, compassion to help manage this process. My first assignment was to review and get my friends affairs in order. That’s when Christine O’Neil stepped in with the legal knowledge to assist in preparing the legal documents required to designate myself her legal power of attorney to manage the day-to-day affairs plus make all the medical decisions required later on. My friend was mentally sharp however her body was failing, and she was in a rehab facility at the time. After our discussion Christine reached out to her and went over everything, answering her questions and making sure she understood. Once the documents were ready, Christine personally went to the rehab facility to execute the documents, left copies with the facility, and sent me the originals. Christine is professional and has a compassionate, caring way about her that is needed and appreciated during such stressful circumstances. She listens, explains thoroughly each document, and always asked if I had any questions. She responds in a timely manner to emails and always called me back if she wasn’t available when I called. Finding Christine was the BEST thing for me in helping my friend. I highly recommend her!
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09 Feb, 2023 by Don
Putting an estate plan together is one of those things that we all tend to procrastinate. My late wife and I often talked about it, went to a few seminars attorneys put on, but never got around to actually doing it. When my wife died suddenly I realized very quickly that I needed an estate plan as the last thing you want is to die intestate and have the courts determine who gets what. Everyone's circumstances are different but having control over what you want is paramount. But where do you find a competent attorney to do this? Generally I prefer personal referrals but no one I knew was any help. Fortunately I was lucky. I did an internet search, if they had a website I checked what information was provided and checked out their credentials. This is how I found Christine O'Neil. Not only are her credentials impeccable but she is blessed with an abundance of patience and compassion. She offers a free consultation and answered questions I didn't even know I had, plus she swiftly answered lots and lots of e-mails as I would think of something else. Basically I was still in shock from my wife passing but she made everything easy for me. She put together a last will and testament, a living will, a durable power of attorney, a designation of health care surrogate and completed and filed an enhanced life estate deed that is a huge bonus of living in Florida. Some websites and software that will not be named will tell you that this is easy and you can do them yourself. One tiny mistake and your plan can go up in smoke. That's why you want a professional with the experience not to make mistakes that you wouldn't know about until it's too late. Especially if you're the surviving spouse you want everything air tight. [redacted] Don
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03 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Christine O'Neil was a wonderful help with writing our estate planning. The experience could not have been better. She explained every detail and guided us through every step of the process. She is very professional and yet personable. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing this service.
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16 Jul, 2023 by Balvir
Mr Karp is a true professional; knowledgable, courteous, responsive and friendly.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Thank you Mr. Karp. Your help and advice was very valuable. You answered all my questions and even some I didn't know I needed to ask. You and your staff are very professional, quick to respond to all my questions, and I love how organized my paperwork is. I am now relaxed and comfortable, thanks to you my family will be safe.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Elzbieta l.
I am very satisfied that I hired Mr Joseph Karp as my estate attorney. I’ve found his law firm through the Google, after moving from Illinois to Florida. Joseph Karp was able to answer all my questions and he is very professional. Everyone in his office is welcoming and friendly. I will recommend The Karp Law Firm to my family and friends.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Melissa
Great response time. Made the work quick and easy for us. Would recommend for having wills and/or trusts done!
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12 Jan, 2024 by Andre
Michael Heider and his staff delivered a fast and efficient solution to my familie's Trust and Estate planning issues. Attentive, knowledgeable and concision are qualities found in his practice of the law.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
We had a great experience working with Heider law. Communication was excellent. I had all questions quickly and professionally answered. We worked closely with Caroline and she was attentive, professional and kind. My matter was resolved quickly and with care. I would definitely use them again. Highly recommend this firm.
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12 Jul, 2022 by Karol
dana was recommended by a friend i trust. i have worked with her with my will preparation and again with my mothers estate issues. she has been always quick to reply and efficient in her responses. she made the legal issues very understandable for me and has been very patient with me. i highly recommend dana metzger.
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21 Jun, 2022 by Jane
Dana was recommended by a friend of mine who is a lawyer. I hired Dana to help me make a new will. She was extremely helpful. I was very satisfied with the results.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
We contacted Dana for estate planning. Dana was very knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. She asked the right questions to ensure that we thought through all aspects of our estate planning. We highly recommend Dana for your estate planning needs.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Nick
We worked with Samantha and her team to prepare a full estate plan for our family, including setting up a trust. Throughout the whole process they were exceptionally professional, walking us through the details and various options we had. We asked a lot of questions since this was all brand new to my wife and I, but Samantha patiently worked through all of them. In the end, all the documents were prepared in a huge, well-organized binder, and we were given scanned copies electronically (sent securely) too, so we have paper and electronic versions. This office is a well-oiled machine! I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about preparing for their future - not only in case of death, but also in case they need to access spouses accounts or funds, or need to make health care decisions in an emergency. This is one of those things you don't realize the value of until it's too late, but trust me when I say this is well worth the value in having a professional like Samantha take care of it NOW.
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20 Jul, 2020 by Cyndee
My mom died and left one account with no Beneficiary I had so much to do with the Estate and I was the only child The Bank wouldn’t release moms money even thought I was listed in the will they sent endless paper work always telling me I need to do more Samantha and her team made my life a breeze took care of everything Emailed me and was always quick to email me back when I had questions It was the best move I’ve ever made Thank you Samantha Fitzgerald and the professionalisms of you team everyone was more than helpful My estate is settled and it was done quickly Great job
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28 Apr, 2020 by Robert
I live in Venice Florida. When my wife's 100 year old uncle suddenly died in Hollywood Florida, I realized that my 94 year old father-in-law would need local representation. I researched lawyers in Broward County. Based on reviews and other sources, I quickly came to the conclusion that Samantha Fitzgerald would represent my father-in-law. I made the right choice!! Samantha and her team were personable, caring, and true professionals. No matter what the obstacle, Samantha calmly guided my father-in-law painlessly through it. In my opinion, Samantha Fitzgerald and her team are the only choice for those seeking professional representation regarding wills or estate and probate issues. Robert
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18 Feb, 2022 by Steve
You can not find a better Probate attorney in South Florida. Attorney Lorenzo is empathetic and kind, and knows Probate law better than anyone I have spoken to in my entire career. He is professional and treats people with respect, and he listens. After the loss of a loved one he helped us with difficult decisions. A*****
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21 Nov, 2020 by William
If you are looking for an attorney for a probate issue, look no further. My mother had a Will dispute with her late husband’s daughter and Jose Lorenzo and his team were able to find inconsistencies in the case that made it possible for my mother to get what she deserved. Mr. Lorenzo was always available (even on weekends) and made sure my mother understood everything that was going on throughout the process. Mr. Lorenzo is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and goes above and beyond to find the most favorable outcome for his clients. It was a pleasure working with him and I highly recommend his law firm to anyone looking for a probate attorney.
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21 Nov, 2020 by Liliana
I had the pleasure of working with Jose on a probate matter. He is very knowledgeable in his area of practice and explained everything so well. Jose L. was always available to answer any questions at any days/times. He was wonderful throughout the process and I’m very thankful to have found him during hard times. Thank you.
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22 Oct, 2021 by Josie l.
I was extremely pleased with the professionalism and knowledge of Attorney Jose Leon, as well as, the customer service of the office staff. I highly recommend their service.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Virginia
Para un cobro de un cheque de un niño menor de edad,por lo cual hizo posible gracias al abogado
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21 Jul, 2021 by Zen
Jose is always available to help. He has answered all of my questions and concerns and his team has followed up to make sure we are comfortable. Very personable and comforting. We hired him to do estate planning. It was easy speaking to him and I’m grateful to have met him.
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14 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Brian drafted our revocable trust a few years ago. Later on he assisted us in the sale of a condo. Most recently we had him draft an amendment to our trust. We have always been very satisfied with his services. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable and always accessible.
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14 Sep, 2022 by Ruth
Long time clients.Excellent Service . Professional, Thorough and Considerate. Would never go anyplace else. Thank You
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29 Jun, 2018 by Christopher
Excellent attorney: knowledgeable, professional and easy to talk to. We used him to draw up a will and trust for our family and also for inheritance advice. Would definitely recommend.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Michael
Mr Rosen was professional, knowledgeable, patient and caring. All questions were promptly answered to our satisfaction. We did not feel pressured. He was thorough and covered all the details we needed to know. We felt that we got very good value for the cost.
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22 Jul, 2023 by Crystal
Attorney Rosen took on my stressful legal situation and gave me peace of mind. His expertise is clear. Any questions I had, he answered thoroughly and clearly. Whenever I reached out to his office, I received a quick, detailed response. His strong professional relationships with other attorneys are an asset, and my case was resolved shortly after I retained his services. I would highly recommend his practice to anyone.
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25 Apr, 2023 by Richard
The fantastic team of professionals at The Law Offices of Evan M. Rosen provided a fast, efficient foreclosure defense that resulted in a cost-effective resolution. I highly recommend them.
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28 Aug, 2020 by Linda
I had a very difficult case. Astrid de Parry went above and beyond for us. She was very professional and knowledgeable. Astrid and her staff are outstanding. I highly recommend her.
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04 Oct, 2018 by Joe and family
We hired Astrid to help with our moms estate, and we are thoroughly pleased . She and her staff are very good at what they do, and walked us thru every step of the way! Thank you very much!
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08 Aug, 2018 by Jim
Ms. de Parry came to me highly recommended by a trusted friend and this is the second occasion I have hired her and I have been pleased on both occasions. The latest service was for estate planning. She listened carefully to my concerns and was professional & prompt throughout the process.
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01 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
The advice that I received from Attorney Long H. Duong during our communication was not what I wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to hear. It became apparent to me that, he was protecting my best interest in the matter concerning adding my 4 siblings names to a couple of warranty deeds (which he advised against). Attorney Duong was professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with.
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04 Oct, 2022 by Katie
In dealing with my mother’s estate (or lack thereof) I only needed a 15-minute consultation with Mr. Duong. His is true to his statement about finding out if probate is necessary or if alternative solutions are available. I was drawn to his matter-of-fact information on the website that didn’t have the slant of “you must do this fast, and you must have a lawyer.” The ability to speak directly with the attorney and not have to filter through a sales pitch or commitment was a pleasant surprise, and at no point did I feel “small” in making my inquiry. It was more like a neighbor giving the best advice they can to get you in the right direction. At the end of the call, I had a better understanding of the Florida estate system and a good idea of how my family needed to move forward. If my circumstances needed more elaborate care, I would reach out to Mr. Duong again. I greatly appreciate his time and how kindly he addressed my questions.
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21 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I sent probate paperwork that I received for Mr. Duong to review. He contacted me and spent about an hour over the telephone going over each document. He took the time to answer my questions and listen to my concerns. I understood the relevance of the paperwork when the conversation was over.
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05 Nov, 2022 by Dale
Sandra helped my family and I with my father's probate. We could not have done it without her. And on top of that she is a very nice person. (Her dog is pretty wonderful too)
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31 Oct, 2022 by Mike
From beginning to end, Ms. Green walked me through every step of an estate probate. She explained it in a language that I could understand and was more than ready and available to answer all of my questions, no matter how small they may have been.
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19 Oct, 2022 by Sherry
Sandra Green is incredibly down-to-earth and easy to talk to. We had many questions and limited knowledge; Sandra had all the answers. She also gave us useful nuggets of information we could use but wouldn’t have known to ask. Excellent experience!
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02 Jul, 2018 by Douglas
Jennifer Singh Esq and Jeanette Saville of the Legacy Planning Law Group handled the estate of my father, i was completely satisfied with their work, i live in washington dc, so all the form that were possible to be done digitally, on my iPad saved a lot of running around and time, have a good understanding of the flanger county probate system there time estimate for the process were accurate i also highly recommend them
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24 Nov, 2017 by Lou and phyllis
Upon retirement my wife and I realized that we needed to update our will. We met with William O'Leary and he carefully listened to our requirements. He then educated us on the probate process, and recommended that we consider a living trust along with the will. It became clear to us that his advice was justified. The will and living trust were done quickly and accurately. I would also add that Mr. O'Leary handled this sensitive process with warranted compassion.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Kathy and don
We worked with Bill and his team recently to do our estate planning. We found everyone at his office to be professional, patient, efficient, and extremely knowledgeable. This is generally a high stress process, but they made it painless for us to put our affairs in order, with great sensitivity. Bill helped us think about things that would not necessarily have been on our radar, for which we are so appreciative. His advice about creating a revokable trust trust was invaluable for us, for tax purposes. We are so relieved to have completed this process. One less thing to worry about.
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28 Nov, 2022 by Steven
Attorney Apolito was very thorough and timely with his service. He gave us all of the information we needed and makes sure that his clients take the best possible course of actions. There were numerous times where he gave us options that made the process much easier. His knowledge and experience shined during our business with him. I definitely recommend Attorney Apolito to anyone.
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21 Nov, 2022 by Dana
We hired Alessandro Apolito to write us a new will and set up a family trust for estate planning. He was very thorough in asking the proper questions to help us get it all set up properly. We were very impressed with his knowledge and he made great suggestions along the way. In under 6 weeks we had all our paperwork in order and complete, and had I had more time to go over it in a timely manner we could've had it even faster!!
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10 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
We saw Alessandro for our Estate Panning needs and he made it a very comfortable process. He did a good job explaining everything and was able to handle our needs on a very prompt basis. His assistant Lauren was also very helpful. Would highly recommend him for any estate planning needs. He and his staff are Professional, Prompt, Curteous and Cost Effective.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Joan
Debra was very helpful with my estate after the passing of my husband. It was very confusing but Debra was there to help and answer all my questions and put my mind at ease. Debra's staff is very professional and quick to answering emails and phone calls. I have recommended Debra to my neighbors and those that have hired her for their estate planning were well satisfied. They say she is very knowledgeable in her profession. If you need a professional attorney, hire Debra. Get a consultation and see for yourself. See does see clients during the Covid 19 crisis. Thanks Debra for a job well done.
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06 Sep, 2020 by Sue
I am a single woman with no children. I had no idea who to name as my beneficiaries or who I should name to handle my affairs if I get sick. Debra Simms is patient and understood my situation. We worked together to find the best solution. I highly recommend her!
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02 Jul, 2020 by Robert
Ms. Simms set up our revocable trust and other estate documents, such as living wills -- and changed all our deeds to be in the name of the trust-- she patiently answered all our questions (we had a lot, since we had done no planning at all). We can highly recommend Ms. Simms -- she and her staff are a pleasure to work with!
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29 Feb, 2024 by Rob jennis
Richard is a knowledgeable and empathic Attorney with a very high standard. I would recommend him to anyone that needs help.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Nelson
I was impressed immediately during my first contact with the paralegal who was very welcoming and answered all of my preliminary questions with ease. During the consultation, Richard was well-prepared, proficient in the law, and good at explaining legal complexities in a way I could understand. He showed great care in making sure that I had the information that I needed to make the best business decision for my situation. I will be recommending to my friends and family.
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19 Jul, 2023 by David r
Rich is a wonderful attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable. He provides sound legal advice and services. His rates are very reasonable and his staff is cordial and prompt in providing excellent service.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Britney
Took the time to explain everything to me and was very helpful in completing my documents. I would definitely recommend!!
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27 Nov, 2021 by Pauline
Doing estate planning is something people often put off. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised at how easy Attorney Donley made the process. She is also incredibly patient and very organized. I highly recommend her.
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15 Feb, 2021 by Kaylyn
It has been a pleasure working with Amber Donley. Her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism combined created a seamless resolution for a complicated situation. During a period of COVID and the pandemic all communications continued be clear and precise in a timely manner. Amber is assisted by friendly staff, Melissa, who works diligently to assure clients are provided quality customer service. My husband and I will utilize their services for any legal situations we may encounter in the future.
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02 Mar, 2022 by Jeff
We worked with Tony on the closing of our home in Palm City. Tony was always professional and cordial in our interactions. Although Tony was retained by the buyers he was always responsive and timely to our questions and requests. We will work with Tony and this law firm in future endeavors. Thank you again for a great experience.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Tony Lavargna is the real estate attorney our broker uses for handling the sale of our home of 32 years. We had several situations in which Tony's expert and sound advice, in particular a very peculiar appraisal, helped us navigate the information at hand and what our next step should be. He always returned our calls promptly and kept us apprised on how the process was progressing. His attention to details was invaluable.
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24 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Tony made every process so easy. Very professional and knowledgeable. We highly recommend his law firm/services.
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06 Sep, 2022 by Edward
Very professional, and easy to work with. Made us feel that we are protecting our assets
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23 Apr, 2021 by Lyle
Ms.Neilson was not only efficient and extremely knowledgeable, but also very considerate with our questions and concerns. She walked us through the estate planing process as it relates to Florida laws and fully explained each step of the process to ensure that our wishes were being followed. Gail kept all the meetings well organized from initial meeting to the final signings. Couldn’t be happier with the final product.
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07 Apr, 2021 by Hugh
I wanted to have some changes made to my will and I texted my attorney in Indiana. I advise them that I had moved to Florida, and he advised me to talk to an attorney here immediately because Florida law is significantly different regarding wills and trusts. So I checked around and found Nielsen law. Just warning you if you want this attorney to do work for you, you better call and make an appointment as soon as you can. She is excellent and created a revocable trust for me. I believe that her pricing is reasonable and I can assure you that she is exceptionally thorough. Her administrative assistant, Gail, is exceptionally organized, cordial and most of all helpful. If you select Nielsen law you will be exceptionally happy with the result regardless of what your needs are.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Joanne
Needing a lawyer is not always a good thing. Dave Folkenflik’s Law Firm made my case as painless as possible. My questions were answered with understandable explanations in a timely manner. He was patient and considerate to my worries, always making time to hear me. His quiet efficiency was also reflected in his staff’s ability to communicate and quickly respond to my queries. My thanks and appreciation to all for making my legal trip a smooth one.
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31 Mar, 2020 by Jason
David and his excellent staff helped me navigate my way through an arduous probate process. He absolutely has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through what can be a very complex maze of legal requirements. No two probate cases are alike, but by taking the time to listen to you and the specifics of your case, David can recommend the best way to handle your needs. He and his staff are not only very knowledgeable but also very warm and compassionate people. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an overwhelming experience. Letting David handle all the details of probate for me was the best thing I could have done. While I hope to never have to hire a probate attorney again, if I do, I would choose David for sure.
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08 Apr, 2019 by Hans
Mr David is a very professional, honest and dedicated attorney. Everyone in his office was professional, courteous, kind, and supportive throughout my case. I was impressed by the expertise and experience across the firm and appreciated the time they took to explain each step of the process and answered every question I had (and I had a lot of questions...). DO make sure to follow his lead and advice to the letter regarding the best course of action for your case, as there is a good chance you will not be disappointed by the outcome.
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24 Sep, 2021 by Lois stein (michael's mom and daniel weiskopf, mike's brother
My son Officer Michael Weiskopf of the St. Petersburg Police Department went in to the hospital with Covid 8/1/21 and his wife would not let us have any contact with Michael. She would not let us text him, call him, face-time him or visit him. She told the nursing staff not to give us any information on my son's condition. If we wanted any updates, we would have to go through her. She was giving us erroneous information and that is when we found our Guardian Angel Matt. Matt worked miracles and we were then able to get correct information on my son's condition from a reliable source. He also helped us get an object in my name that Mike's wife didn't want to give us, even though it was her husband's wishes that his brother have this object. My son's wife never told us that my son died and that there was a funeral planned by the St. Petersburg Police Department. Matt is one of a kind. He is compassionate, kind, caring, sensitive and is a super Professional. He knows his craft and he gets things done. If I lived in Florida, he would become my trusted Attorney. I can't say enough wonderful things about Matt. G-d Bless you Matt for all that you have done for us.
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16 Jun, 2020 by Holly
Weidner Law showed me the upmost respect while assisting me with the process of probate. From beginning to end, Weidner Law was extremely attentive, always returned my phone calls and emails. I would recommend Weidner Law to all my family and friends! Awesome Law firm & staff!
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18 Jun, 2019 by Carla
I did a lot of research before hiring an attorney to assist me with the probate process. I ultimately chose Matt because I liked his website. He has plenty of videos that explain “legalese” for people like me who have no idea what it all means and he seemed really involved (something that a lot of attorneys aren’t). It turned out that Mr. Weidner was as involved as he seemed and he didn’t hesitate to answer any one of my million and one questions about what was happening during my daughter’s probate. Even though she had planned out her estate before her death and put everything in order and I had agreed to be her estate executive I have to admit to not having any idea what to do. I had agreed to the role because she asked me to, but luckily I came across Mr. Weidner and he made the whole thing seem much easier than the other lawyers I talked to. In the end probate went well. Actually, it was draining and devastating but the process itself was easier than I thought it was going to be which was one burden lifted. When things have settled down for us in our new life without my daughter, I plan to go back to Mr. Weidner to talk to him about my own estate planning. Now that I’m raising my grandchildren, I have a lot of changes to make and I’m hoping Mr. Weidner can make it as easy as he did our probate.
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10 Oct, 2019 by Quentin
Diane was so helpful. She made clear what was needed and executed the documents in a timely manner. We highly recommend her.
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13 Jul, 2018 by Richard
Diane Zuckerman was referred to my by a lawyer friend who gave her his highest recommendation. I engaged Diane to help me with my mother's estate, will, HCPOA, etc. a number of years ago. Even though I live in Ohio and Diane is based in Tampa, near my mother, the distance factor never effected our relationship, her responsiveness, the quality of her work product, or our ability to work together. Diane reviewed and updated all of my mother's estate and related documents and kept them current with Florida law and legal practice for many years. When my mother passed away earlier this year, Diane was superb in advising me on how to handle the estate and performed several important tasks. She is an excellent lawyer. And, as important, she is an excellent partner with her clients. She cares about the client's situation and provides whatever help is necessary to facilitate smooth and legally rigorous handling of legal matters. I give my highest and unqualified recommendation to Diane Zuckerman. Richard, Ph D Dayton, Ohio
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06 Jun, 2018 by Mark
I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Diane. I called Diane about help interpreting a will and she took the time to not only explain the different parts of the legal document and how this effected how the will was governed but offered suggestions and options for dealing with my unique situation and the challenge I was trying to work through. In addition, Diane was ready to offer introductions to others locally that could be helpful in resolving the issues I was trying to address. The law is so complicated and Diane was able to take the time to clearly answer my questions in a language that was easy for me to understand. She was also compassionate regarding my situation as I imagine most of these situations are very sensitive in nature. Finally, Diane was very timely in returning calls and reviewing the work I had requested of her. I would definitely hire her again.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Mike
I had to find a new lawyer midstream on a case that was taking forever and going nowhere because the initial law firm that I had hired failed me due to their lack of conscientiousness and avarice. Michael came onboard and immediately turned things around by digging in and giving the case the attention it needed. He collaborated as appropriate and led the way where necessary. He is a skillful lawyer and has a personable attorney/client manner that was a refreshing change from my previous representation. He diligently moved the case forward and got to a resolution with an intransigent opposition. Michael is that rare combination of a competent and fair attorney who prioritizes his client and gets the work done. He is one of the good ones.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Frank
I was lucky to find PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST and they raised my credit from 580 to 801. Also, my parents have no established credit reporting. They went bankrupt like 15 years back. I started planning to help them rebuild their credit. Made them credit karma accounts, my dad’s was not reporting anything on TU but Equifax was showing 563, Experian 549 with one closed account, JCPenny from 1995. Thank you PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST for the help, he also helped my parents raise their credit score to over 240 points and he made sure he deleted all negative items on their credit profile. I now have 100k in credit limit and plenty of massive cards that I now use very carefully, don’t miss payment. My parents are now financially safe. Thank you PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST for your help! Here is his contact info:
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25 Jul, 2023 by Nidia
Michael Cotzen is professional, reliable, and knowledgeable. He was responsive and got my case resolved fast. He reached out to me during his vacation and took the time with me to explain the entire process of a lawsuit and explained his approach and why. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants fast and efficient service from someone who deeply knows the law. I can't thank him enough and am happy to have him in my back pocket if I ever need him again!
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14 Nov, 2023 by Donna
My husband and I worked with Kayla King from this law firm on an estate and probate matter. Kayla is a true professional and was a pleasure to work with. She made a complicated process easy and always kept us updated. She is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, patient and was always responsive to our emails, questions and also was available to speak to us when needed. Thank you, Kayla!
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06 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Let me start by saying if you are look for a good probate lawyer Stivers Law Office. The process was made easy and communication was maintained throughout the whole time. They were available to answer and explain any concerns you may have. I would highly recommend this office to anyone.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Drayton
The results of my probate far exceeded my expectations, primarily due to the efforts of Justin Stivers. Having given Justin perhaps one of the most complex probate cases in history, he handled the details and nuances with grace and aplomb. Prior to Justin, I had hired previous probate attorneys that made limited progress, so my level of confidence in a positive outcome was very low and I had reservations when I first began working with him. To my surprise, Justin demonstrated a deep interest in the probate. Oftentimes, I felt as though my success was a personal matter to him. Justin is a rare jewel in Law and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a thoughtful, detailed, and intelligent probate attorney.
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11 Oct, 2022 by John
Without question the best professional experience I’ve ever had with any type of firm. Mr Jacoby was as thorough as one could be and exceptionally knowledgeable in his field. He took a surprising amount of time both listening to our circumstances and explaining how best to proceed. Most importantly, it’s very clear his excellence stems from a true care of people. In addition, his staff is no less attentive and caring. I worked with Lisa Waltrip, who was wonderful. We navigated through a tedious Medicaid process with relative ease, with Lisa carefully explaining each step and simplifying everything. On top of it all, one day Lisa sent an email-she’d stopped and met my mother. In a world where personal attention and care seems to be greatly diminishing, this floored me. What a truly exceptional group of people. I cannot, nor doubt I ever could, recommend anyone any more than I can this firm. Thank you very much, John
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07 Feb, 2022 by Veronica
Where do I begin? Compassion, Grit, Tenacity, Work- ethic, professional, are only a few of the words I would begin to describe Attorney Jacoby and his team, more specifically in my case Ms. Marcano. Any questions, concerns, were always responded to quickly and with full detail by Mr. Jacoby or his team. I have an extremely difficult and challenging situation, but Attorney Jacoby has always been patient and will do whatever is needed to help. They really do care and do their best to assist as if it was their own personal case. I cannot say enough how highly I recommend them; I would tell you if you are considering using them or not- do not waiver- you won't regret it! I am extremely grateful for their grace and the blessing they are for my child and myself. Five stars all the way if I could give them more I would!!
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31 Jan, 2022 by David
Excellent attorney! Handled my issues promptly, and he communicated timely, and the work was done expeditiously. I’m an attorney as well, and I have recommend him to others!
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23 Dec, 2019 by Louise
She started on my case as soon as we talked. I got the result I needed. She is very nice and understanding.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Elaine
I am an invalid and could not go to Sanchez Law Group in person to consult with Attorney Sanchez, so everything was conducted on the telephone. I was so pleased with all of the hard work the employees did to help me. On the day of the court hearing, Mariely Vega, their Notary Public, came to my home to verify facts and stayed with me until the end of the hearing. I was very happy with the results, and getting so much respect, courtesy and knowledge from the Group. One person, Vicky, was so wonderful and caring to me. I am 84 years old and would hire Attorney Sanchez again. My case was settled happily, and I am forever grateful!
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16 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
everything was handled with ease in our bankruptcy. every one in the office was pleasant and knowledgeable. calls would be returned promply
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01 Sep, 2022 by Fanny rodriguez
For me and my husband they are the best , are the best in the demands against the Collection Agency , I recommend them
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23 Aug, 2022 by Gwendolyn
I had the best experience with this office. Everything was completely via email. My case with portfolio recovery was quickly resolved and collection removed from my credit.. I would use this attorney office again and Would recommend to my friends and family. Thank you
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08 Aug, 2022 by Michael
I hired this firm to handle my debt disputes with a junk buying collection agency. They handle my case immediately and my case was dismissed with prejudice in a matter of a few weeks. This collection has been removed already off my credit report. Thank you, Attorney Theole!
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03 Jun, 2023 by Carolyn
Mr. Rambaum is very professional and answered my questions regarding a "Lady Bird Deed." and a new will. He took care of filing same and was very generous with his time.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Lydia
We had so many questions about what to do with a family member in memory care. He knew exactly what we needed and will help us with ongoing issues. Nice man and very professional.
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17 Aug, 2022 by Jean
Mr. Rambaum and his staff were great in putting together a will for me. He took time to explain; his staff was exceptional!
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21 Oct, 2019 by Charmaine
When I was refinancing my house and found out that because Mom and I purchased the house jointly then I had to file a probate. I looked up some numbers online, made some calls and after I stated my case, the legal aide gave me the number for 2 quick probate attorneys. I am so glad that the first number I called was Dawn and believe me I have not looked back or tried to call the 2nd number. Dawn was very professional and told me what to do and what her fees were. The process was so easy and it took less that 2 months to get the probate taken care of. Dawn thank you so much and I am much grateful for what you have done. You are very professional and you bet if asked, your name and contact information is already in my phone and I will be happy to pass it on to any person who wished to use your services.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Lorraine
When my Aunt died in 2013, I had no idea it would take until 2018 to unravel the complexities of her estate, as a non-USA citizen living in Europe. As Dawn helped us with one issue, another unexpected element would crop up, creating yet more and more paperwork for both Dawn and us to go through. Throughout this period Dawn was clear in what we needed to do next, supported us far beyond her mandate, and as the months rolled into years , was as supportive as any Attorney could be. From her first response to our initial request for help, to following through to completion of the Probate for my Aunt, she could not have been more supportive and professional. She was patient to the extreme , answering every tiny question and query we had in a professional and just as importantly quickly, and truly helped us navigate the USA Probate system as a non resident alien living thousands of miles away ! I simply cannot praise her work ethos enough & for the ongoing high level of constant support she gave us over these recent years. I sincerely believe she must be among st the most sincere, hard working & genuine professional Attorneys in Florida if not the whole of the USA, and we were very lucky to have her support. I am very grateful for the previous reviews, others had put on this site, that gave us confidence to approach her as our Attorney . As you can imagine living so far away & dealing with a Probate as a non resident and non USA citizen was extremely daunting with the complex issues our individual Probate case raised. So without hesitation, I can recommend Dawn to anyone who needs her Professional help, support and guidance, as we did - she will stand steadfast to help you throughout the whole process and create calm in rough waters and light at the end of what at times ,may feel like a dark tunnel. I feel very privileged and lucky to have had her as our Attorney. Thank you Dawn for all your hard work.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Brian
Dawn was wonderful to work with. She handled our case with ease and made the whole process very easy. I would highly recommend!
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27 Jan, 2022 by Mina
Brittany and her whole staff were awesome! They were all so kind and answered by 1,000 questions at every step of the way. Very patient, kind, understanding and SUPER patient. Highly recommend.
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01 Apr, 2020 by Linda
Thank you Ms. Gloersen for your help and expertise in Estate Planning and Wills! Ms. Gloersen was extremely patient and understanding regarding my questions and desires. Not only was my initial consultation constructive and informative, but the process of signing the final documents was also impressive. All precautions we're taken to protect her clients. A drive through was set up in the parking lot to allow social distancing and minimal contact, while maintaining privacy. For the past 20 years, I have sought help from the Attornies at Landis, Graham and French regarding Real Estate issues and Estate Planning. Thank you for all your excellent help in the past and present.
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22 Jun, 2019 by Doris
Brittany - as well as Deborah and Jackie - Professionally handled the court fillings and several other items in regard to settling my brothers will. There were several other matters they also helped with - that were above and beyond what you would expect attorneys to do. Very pleased with how they handed the complete matter.
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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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