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18 Nov, 2023 by John hodgson
Great place
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12 Oct, 2023 by Alex ottewell
Shockingly incompetent team of lawyers. Kept finding reasons to delay the closing process over and over. I advise anyone if you need to close a real estate deal, you use a real title company every time. Did I mention they also failed to inform their client they were out of contract.
Much better attorneys out there, keep searching Google folks
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08 Jun, 2023 by John bates
22 Aug, 2024 by Monica ruiz
He failed on all levels 1. Lost paperwork had to resend twice 2. Didn’t listen to me 3. Never replied to my phone calls and never any updates and then had the nerve to call me a liar when I left my honest reviews 4. Told me that it doesn’t cost much to send a letter out and then I got a quote of 10,000. The best judgement is going to be Gods judgement and nobody is going to get away and I won’t be led to continuing supporting dishonest lawyers. One of there workers told me that people rather pay lawyers money when this was coming out of my pocket!! Someone who is disabled! Worst lawyers ever!!!
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07 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for a difficult probate case in Florida, whereas I am out of state. I gave him all relevant information about the case in my initial call, yet he later claimed he had no idea about these very important basic facts. This caused all assets to be seized by elder abusers who had already begun their grift, and led to the loss of my entire inheritance, not to mention the further desecration of my loved one's memory. Very shocked to see reviews mentioning this attorney as "aggressive", as he was the opposite, quite impotent, in my case, and in the end withdrew from the case without even telling me, leaving me utterly flummoxed as to what to do. I guess the elder abusers now get to win, and I get left without legal representation.
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04 Feb, 2022 by Steve
Zoecklein Law helped me during a difficult time after the loss of a loved one. Without hesitation they provided the necessary papers necessary to close out the estate. Wendy was very kind, and Attorney Zoecklein's experience in probate matters is extensive. I can not recommend Zoecklein law in Tampa enough. A+
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17 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I THANK HIS ATTENTION, HIS UNDERSTANDING, HIS PATIENCE! NO OTHER PROFESSIONAL HAS BEEN WITH ME LIKE MR. COHEN. HE TOLD ME THAT THE WORLD THAT WAS OVER MY SHOULDERS WHEN THE INTERVIEW STARTED, WAS ON HIS HANDS AT THE END, TO SOLVE MY SITUATION.
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14 Dec, 2016 by Sonya
Cost me 450. For a 30 min bankruptcy consultation. No refunds if you don't continue you case. Be careful what you sign or pay him down !!
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03 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
ATTORNEY ROBERT S. COHEN'S IDEA TO SIMPLY WRITE A LETTER TO THE OWNER OF A RENTAL PROPERTY DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM OUR RESIDENCE STOPPED THE
DRUMMER AND CONTINUOUS LOUD MUSIC FROM BEING HEARD BY US ON A DAILY BASIS !
WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF RECEIVING ATTY. COHEN'S LETTER,
THE PROBLEM RENTER'S WERE EVICTED BY THE LANDLORD AND THE MUSIC STOPPED !
THANK YOU ATTORNEY COHEN FOR A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN AN UNSOLVABLE PROBLEM.
WE SAY THIS BECAUSE AS SOON AS THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF WAS CALLED BY US TO STOP THE NOISY NEIGHBORS, THEY WOULD STOP JUST BEFORE THE SHERIFF ARRIVED AND START THE MUSIC AFTER THE SHERIFF LEFT THE SCENE !
WE APPRECIATE ATTORNEY COHEN'S INTERVENTION IN THIS MATTER BY BEING THE MIDDLE GROUND BETWEEN OUR BAD NEIGHBORS , THE OWNER OF THE RENTAL PROPERTY ( WHO WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM ) AND OURSELVES WHO ONLY WANTED PEACE AND QUIET !
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30 Jun, 2016 by Chris
I have used David to handle my real estate closings for many years. Both residential and commercial. I would recommend David without hesitation. He always looks after my client's needs and best interests. He is very professional and is a very knowledgeable attorney. David has always give my clients the highest level of service and in many cases they hire him again for other legal services like estate planning. I like it when my business is taken care of in an efficient and timely manor and with David I know things are taken care of from the start to the closing...
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27 Jan, 2016 by Amy
I have used Mr. Labovitz's services on more than a few occasions, and have been extremely pleased each time. He is responsive and attentive to communication via phone and email, and has always been available and accessible to answer my questions and provide information in a timely manner. His service is personal and his personality makes you feel at ease. I would highly recommend David Labovitz as your Lawyer when you, your family, or friends require these services. Thank you, David Labovitz for your help and advice.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Robert
I was recommended to speak with David Labovitz by a friend who knew I was considering a Real Estate transaction and that I needed help with a contract. It was quickly evident that David had a lot of knowledge and experience in the Real Estate field and he not only helped me with the contract, but also guided me through some of the details I would not have seen, but were to my benefit. His attention to detail with the contract led him to find some wording from the other party that could have negatively impacted me and he worked with the other party to amicably have it removed. Being very happy with my first experience I am now closing a second deal with David's help and have been very pleased with the personal attention I've received. During both events where I used David's services I felt he was really looking out for my best interest and gladly handled some of the more difficult calls to ensure I had a favorable outcome. He answers the phone and/or returns calls quickly, and he responds to emails with information in a very timely manner. Those qualities made me realize that I prefer the counsel of an individual vs. a law firm due to the personal nature. I plan to use David again in the future as well as recommend him to my friends.
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25 Nov, 2015 by Sam
After trying to deal with post divorce issues myself, I hired Ron. He reviewed my case and immediately sought mediation with the other attorney. Unfortunately the other attorney did not wish to settle fairly, so we went to court and we won. We actually went to court on a few issues, each time Ron was very prepared, very clear in his presentation in court and buried the other attorney with facts and law.
Listen to Ron upfront, he will let you know where you stand in the eyes of the court. Even if you win, you need to way the cost of winning and settling.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Jim v.
Hired Ron to do some real estate and financial matters for me. Ron handled my issues in a clear, understandable manner. All of my phone calls were returned promptly and Ron's para-legal Robin is simply the best. I would recommend Ron Luzim without reservation for any legal or financial issues.
Jim V.
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02 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
On behalf of my family and myself i wanted to take a few minutes to gratefully acknowledge and thank attorney Ronald Luzim and his para legal Robin for the continuous and impeccable care of our family through a very difficult time. Not ever having been through probate and being the personal representative of my mom's estate i was very apprehensive to even know where to begin. I was walked through every step of the way by Robin and she made the journey easy and comfortable and is an absolute asset to to attorney Luzim'a office. We are just about finalizing and closing the estate and never would have gotten to this point without the help of Ron and Robin. My siblings and I travelled down to Florida to sell and close on our mother's house and got to meet Ron and Robin and all felt exactly the way i do. They knew right then and there that we were in good hands! They are true professionals in every sense of the word and compassionate at the same time. I would highly recommend the Law Offices of Ronald A. Luzim to everyone and anyone to handle their estate affairs.
L.S.
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09 Feb, 2021 by Jessica
My family and I hired Michelle to help us through my mother's estate. When my father died years prior, we didn't have to do anything because everything went to my mom, so this was all completely new to us. We have heard horror stories about probate, but Michelle was great. She really helped to explain the process to all of us and every time we had a question, she was prompt, polite and explained everything thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand. We never felt rushed when talking to Michelle. She made sure we were kept in the loop throughout the whole estate. Her paralegal Patti was also fantastic! Michelle and her office made probate as painless as possible. I would highly recommend working with her and the Hoyt & Bryan office!
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17 Jul, 2020 by Pat
My Husband and I hired Michelle to review our old estate plan and update it. Michelle took the time to explain the process thoroughly and answered all of our questions (some multiple times) to ensure that we understand how everything worked. She was such a pleasure to work with that when my sister passed away the next year, we went back to Michelle to handle her estate. Michelle again took as much time as we needed to explain the probate process and helped my siblings and I through it every step of the way. Michelle and her team were excellent. I have recommended her to several friends, and they have all been very pleased with Michelle's patient and kind attitude, and thoroughness with helping them through the estate planning/probate process.
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24 Mar, 2019 by Florine
I needed an attorney to create a Power of Attorney as well as other legal matters regarding my Estate. Michelle Adams was recommended to me by my daughter. Since my husband passed away, I had never met with an attorney and didn't think I would be able to understand the process. I was wrong. Ms Adams was the perfect person to help. She was very knowledgeable regarding Estate planning and took the time to explain in detail exactly what I needed to protect me and my children in the event something were to happen to me. She even offered to meet with my children to review the details of the plan. Ms Adam's knowledge, kindness and extreme patience made this entire process easy. Thank you Michelle!
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06 May, 2021 by William
This lawyer is not competent for trial work
Robert Judd handled a probate case for me. Before I hired him, he stated he was an experienced trial lawyer. It seemed pretty clear during the course of the litigation that he had little or no experience with trials. This was especially glaring in the way he allowed himself to be bullied and have his lines of questioning derailed during depositions. The defendant’s key witness was a falling-down drunk alcoholic who would have made a terrible impression in court. Without consulting me, he consented to allow her to appear by videotaped deposition (on the grounds that her demeanor would come through in the videotape), then neglected to arrange for the videotaping and, during the depositions, failed to ask many of the questions critical to the case. He filed what should have been a single complaint with two claims for relief as two, separate complaints, thereby multiplying his fee. He specifically stated in one of the complaints that we did not have a claim against Merrill Lynch -- thereby trashing our claim against probably the key defendant in the case. He was, on top of this, the single most expensive lawyer I ever dealt with. During the course of our representation he moved to another firm, thereby dramatically increasing his billing rate. We discovered this months later. Despite a firm understanding before we hired him as to the amount of money we had at our disposal, he ran through the entire amount very early in the course of representing us, then used our lack of money as an excuse to attempt to drop us as clients. When I asked what he expected the remaining cost of pursuing our claim to be, he replied with a number substantially greater than the original estimate. Looking back, I believe he knew he had dug such a hole by that point that victory was impossible and wanted out of the case. By any measure, I had an adequate amount of money to finance this case when I set out. In fact, I had about 50% more money than Mr Judd told us we would need. Even disregarding the Merrill-Lynch issue and the amateurishly botched depositions, by his billing practices he ran through this money so quickly that he made a viable case untenable. I do not consider him either trustworthy or competent, and I would not recommend that anyone employ his services.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Mary
It is a pleasure to recommend Mr. Judd at the highest level. He is very capable and qualified litigator who has assisted me in a difficult matter with great success. And, he is very responsive and takes the time to explain strategy and concepts in words I can understand. He is a great attorney.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Jeff
Robert is a standout ! We were very lucky to have been introduced to him during a contested estate process that had been badly mishandled by another. He picked up a loosing case in the 4th quarter and quite literally "turned the tables". We are most grateful for his genuine concern and superlative abilities.
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24 Aug, 2020 by Beth
Brian Hurd is a very nice, kind, and smart man. He is a great lawyer and you will fall in love with his staff. I used him for probate and some minor matters.
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18 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Brian did an amazing job in our case & another friends case. Brian answered our call on a SUNDAY on a custody issue. Highly recommended.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Was a client of this attorney. He does not return emails or calls timely. Is not knowledgeable in his field. He was not communicative and is not aggressive to produce results. Would not hire again.
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12 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
He took the full probate fee from me upfront and then never filed for probate. Gave dangerously incorrect legal advice that could have cost me a great deal of money. Would only refund 10% of the fee even though he did not do the work.
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06 Nov, 2018 by David
A disabled member of family had a complex Social Security/Medicare issue that needed to be resolved in relation to some pending litigation which attorney David was able to sort-out quickly and effectively.
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23 May, 2018 by Omar
Mr David represented me in a matter and i was extremely pleased with the service and his negotiation skills, i have recommended him to several of my friends and family!
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10 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a case that was not producing any results for years. The moment I hired Attorney Mitchell, I saw immediate results. From communication, coordination and following her lead, my case was successfully completed in a matter of weeks. Would recommend to anyone needing a legal expert.
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13 Dec, 2017 by April
Ms. Mitchell did her job efficiently and effectively when it came to my case. I am satisfied with what the outcome was and look forward to working with her again.
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13 Dec, 2017 by Betty
Ms. Mitchell has been our family lawyer for over a decade. We are very blessed to have a professional in the field who can guide us in any if not all legal matters. In addition, I have referred Ms. Mitchell to our friends, who also used her services.
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13 Dec, 2021 by Rick
I hired Stephen Schwartz to do a Probate Case and paid him additional fees for him to clear the Deed by removing my mother's name from the Property, and he never did it. When I informed him that he was not done with the work and that my mother's name still appeared on the Property as a co-owner, he blatantly told me that he was done, and that I needed to move on. I told him that the job I paid him for was not completed but he refused to follow through, and I ended up going to the Court House myself, paying for getting the Certified Copy of the Order of Discharge, having it Recorded, and obtaining the Book/Page number the Office of Appraisal asked for, in order to have my mother's name deleted from the Property. I would never recommend anyone to Attorney Stephen Schwartz. He never completed all the work that I paid him for, and left me out in the cold.
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12 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Steve helped my husband and me solve our problems regarding our wills and trusts. He listened to our problem and proposed solutions. His advice was invaluable. We are fortunate to have been his clients.
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03 Oct, 2015 by Miles
I hired Steven K. Schwartz to pursue a family inheritance conflict. He helped me clarify the issue so that I could vent my emotions and then make sensible decisions. He prepared an inventive course of action that motivated the other side to resolve the dispute to my satisfaction without having to file a lawsuit. He achieved that goal completely.
Steven K. Schwartz was responsive to my questions in a timely way and his fee was fair and not in any way excessive. I highly recommend him and would hire him again myself.
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18 Aug, 2020 by Patricia
Mrs. Truesdell helped me settle my Brother's estate, may God rest his soul. I did not really understand exactly what I was supposed to do as my Brother's successor Trustee. Kellean directed me through my duties and helped me to avoid some expensive mistakes! Thank you!
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17 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
My husband and I have been working with the Truesdell law firm for several years now and they have been nothing but professional, knowledgeable, and just awesome. Her staff has been extremely informative about the estate planning process, wonderful follow up with me on an on going basis, and replies to my emails within minutes (which I greatly appreciate!). Without her, I’m not sure what I would do. I highly recommend this firm.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
We needed to have our wills reviewed on the recommendation of our financial planner. Our attorney of long standing would not write the Trusts that we requested so we went to Mrs. Truesdell. She had us fill an extensive questionaire so she could devise a trust that met our needs. It was refined with a discussion office visit so we would be comfortable signing the documents with an additional appointment. Not only have they proved valuable, but the rate was less than the plain wills our "family friend" had prepared..
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04 Nov, 2019 by Tami
I had Suzanne for an Attorney to get SSI. She doesn't do appeals but won't tell you up front. She withheld 10 yrs of medical records & 6 specialist I had seen. Worst lawyer I've ever had!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Today I met with Mrs. Whibbs for the first time concerning a difficult situation involving my grandchildren. She listened, made sure she heard all of the details, and guided me with excellent advice! I left her office feeling so conforted and at ease due to her experience and very wise recommendations. I would highly recommend her for to represent anyone needing her help. Thank you Suzanne!
J Moore
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23 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Suzanne guided my wife and I through the process of putting together a will, helping us make important decisions and understand the legal implications of those decisions. We have great peace of mind knowing a plan is in place for our children in the event of disaster.
Suzanne also helped us with the process of incorporating our business. I found her to be very professional and thorough in her work.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Slayer shine
She's awesome would recommend her anytime .
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06 Mar, 2023 by Charles bottoms
Very helpful and honest she told me at this point not to spend my money until it would benefit me not something you hear every day. Most people would have snatched up my money and never said a word extremely grateful to her
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12 Aug, 2022 by Laura m
I believe I paid and the documents that were to be read were not. I think there are issues here and that is all I will say. Would not go back or recommend
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07 Jul, 2015 by Thomas
Mr. O'Neill handled legal issues for probates on my behalf as the personal administrator of two estates.
He was both professional and knowledgeable on all issues and handled them in a timely manner.
He had regular meetings to keep me informed and answered all questions and concerns as they came up throughout the legal process. It was a pleasure to work with John and I am very satisfied with his services.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
We were recommended to John by a friend, who had advised us that we should set up a trust and will. John was very helpful and gave us clear guidance, help and support throughout the process.
I would highly recommend him to my family and friends without any hesitation, and will certainly use his services again in the future.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Ken
John provided all of our and my Dad's estate planning documents including updating our trusts. He also led us through the entire process of settling my Dad's estate when he passed. Everything was done thoroughly and quickly and his in depth knowledge of Florida law and the local courts was extremely helpful,. John also provided an excellent referral when we ran into a legal issue outside of his area of practice. He is extremely ethical and we have complete confidence in him.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Theresa
Mr. Gilden has represented me for many years as the guardian for multiple elderly or disabled clients. He is always responsive, well informed and ready to help.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Janet
Mr. Gilden prepared a will, healthcare diviners, power of attorney and Guardianship documents. He is very knowledgeable of Florida law and prepared documents that reflected my wishes. Clearly explained what each document was for. Would recommend him to anyone needing estate planning or legal assistance.
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04 Jan, 2016 by Geraldine
Mr. Gilden prepared estate planning documents for me. He was very knowledgeable and made the entire process easy. He made sure I understood exactly what I was having prepared and why the documents where necessary. I would highly recommend Mr. Gilden.
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24 Jan, 2021 by Luis
We had an excellent experience with Mary Jo!
She was very thorough and direct, and she explained all important details every step of the way. Everything ran smoothly and in a very efficient and timely manner.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired this law firm to handle our chapter 7 bankruptcy. The entire process was an absolute nightmare. Not only did the law firm mismanage our files, she lost them on several occasions forcing us to duplicate our efforts over and over again. She was never avail to speak thus was stuck dealing with her administrator. When we went to our hearing Mary Jo was so kind to bring her boyfriend with her who is not a lawyer, to sit and observe.. (client/lawyer confidentiality clearly not being observed)... When hiring a lawyer, dont make the same mistake we did by hiring the cheapest as I would have paid twice as much to have had 1/2 the aggravation...
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20 May, 2016 by Loree
Mary Jo is easy to work with and very knowledgeable. She guided us through the process of putting together our will with ease. I will certainly use her services again if needed and highly recommend her to others.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. VanVeen represented me in a probate manner. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience - I was nervous about hiring a lawyer because I thought the process would be very expensive and tedious, but Ms. Van Veen was very patient with me and explained what she was doing and why so that I understood exactly what was going on with my case. I appreciated that she didn't file unnecessary documents or insist on going to court when issues could be resolved in a more peaceful manner. I highly recommend her services - thank you!
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12 Dec, 2014 by Paula
I was going through a difficult time in my life and I sought assistance from Anya Van Veen. Anya helped me with a probate litigation. I found her to be very calming, direct, and thorough. She was very knowledgable throughout the entire process and helped me understand my options. I really appreciated how she advocated for me and had my best interests in mind. I would definitely work with Anya again and recommend her to anyone.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Anya handled my case very well. She is very knowledgeable and kept me up to date as my case progressed. She does not waste time and money on useless hearings. She is very efficient, thoughtful and trustworthy. I would highly recommend.
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12 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorneys at Arnold Law helped me get divorced and work out custody with my ex-wife. This was a difficult time in my life but Jim Arnold helped my family through it with compassion and attentiveness. He was up front with all the legal fees and completed my case for the initial retainer quote. Hope I never have to hire an attorney again but if I do I'll hire Jim Arnold.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
This is by far the best law firm in Clay County. I don't hesitate to highly recommend this Arnold Law to friends and family. Ethical, dependable, and fair. Jim has over 40 years of experience and it showed when it mattered!
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Great Attorney! I refer clients to him! He has over 40 years of experience and it shows in his work. I see him get some great results. The judges often defer to his judgement. 5 Star A++++ Lawyer.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I am not one to typically write online reviews, but perhaps my experience will save others money. I consulted with Mr Loucel for estate planning advice for myself and my mother specifically about methods to protect assets from Medicare claims (he home). He charged me $500 to do research to confirm an irrevocable trust was the best path. After a couple of non response to my emails, I went to another attorney in the same field. At NO CHARGE, i was given a totally different answer. If estate planning is his specialty, in MY OPINION, he should have know about homestead exemption limits on property which would have negated the need for an irrevocable trust (again based on advice from the other attorney as i am no expert in law.
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26 Mar, 2014 by Lowell
Mr. Loucel was very professional in our dealings in the divorce and
It was a pleasure to have him on my side. He surely made it a little easier
to deal with each issue by explaining the details of family law.
Thank you for everything.
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27 Jun, 2013 by George
Having met with Mr. Loucel before making any decisions he outline fully his responsibilities for this case.
Following that I received full documentation of what information was required and we agreed a fee.
Several further meetings and discussions were held and submitted to the court.
Mr Loucel kept me well informed of the status of the proceedings for the whole of the time.
The case was concluded to my satisfaction and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
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14 Jun, 2013 by Ronald
Mr. Siegfried handled a debt problem I had on sone of our properties. This lawyer knows what needs to be done and does whatever is necessary to get it done! I will continue to use Siegfried Rivera they are agressive well known and deliver the goods!
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21 Apr, 2013 by Claude
Nicholas Siegfried has successfully helped our condominium association handle delinquent homeowners, epecially those that stopped paying their maintenance assessments as soon as they were foreclosed and knew they could continue living for free during many years before their mortgager executes the foreclosure. The association feels powerless against a Florida legal system that protects the banks and mortgagers more than condominiums and HOA's. Our questions and requests for legal opinion have usually been answered promptly.
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01 Apr, 2013 by Jeri goodkin dausey
I have worked with and continue to work with Nicholas Siegfried and his firm and have found him to be an amazing attorney to work with. His calming demeanor and his knowledge of the construction industry codes, laws and statutes surpasses many of the industry attorneys I have dealt with in the past on both plaintiff and defendant sides.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Carol
Monica represented me in an auto accident case. She is honest, friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I was very satisfied with the results.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Jackie
Working with this lawyer was one of the worst experiences in my life. I hired a lawyer, my ex didn't, but yet he was able to keep all the marital assets. She didn't fight for me. She is not responsible or responsive. I had so many issues during my divorce. She failed to file paperwork until I said something. I always seemed to be losing my mind with her. She never kept me up to date with proceedings and what happened next. I would have to ask the morning of court for the information to access the zoom meeting when she had the information for weeks. Then when I would get upset about her work ethic, she would gaslight me and make excuses for her behavior rather than correcting or even apologizing. We discussed things, in emails, that she was supposed to take out of the final decree. She failed to do so and refused to correct her behavior. I will never recommend her to anyone.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Emily
In May of 2021 I had a same day consultation with Monica over the phone. She offered sound legal advice and moved quickly with time sensitive actions the following day. She’s been the most communicative attorney I’ve hired (and unfortunately that list isn’t short). She has a gift for being both empathetic and knowledgeable in family law matters. When decisions are being made about your own life and the lives of your children, these traits matter deeply. I’m truly grateful for her expertise and ability to support my family during a deeply difficult season.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Ron
I asked a hypothetical question regarding whether "entrapment" could be considered for a dog being lured onto a property...because it seems to be only used for humans.
This lady accused me condemned, condemned me, and has determined that I am guilty of being a careless dog owner who allows his dog onto a neighbors property. ...its a hypothetical question, along the lines of a bar exam question! WOW! She has some real issues, imo!!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Sheila chinn
Quick, efficient and friendly. I'm in England and needed a legal document for my property in Florida.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Maurice
Quick, concise & helpful answer which explained my next steps...problem with roofer fixing leak BUT replacing tiles that did not match original roof tiles. I didnt even know what type of attorney i may need. .thanks much ms. Holcombe...
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31 May, 2013 by Rosa garcia
I hired Mr. Burns to represent me in an IRS matter and he resolved it quickly. I would recommend him for any tax matter.
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12 Sep, 2009 by Jenna and james stevens
My mother passed away two years ago. I retained noel because he was referred to me by a friend of mine. From day one i knew that i had made the right choice. the administration of my mothers estate was done quickly and noel and judy not only kept me updated but they seemed like they genuinely cared. When i called and noel was not in he would call me back within 48 hours. I can not imagine anyone giving this attorney a negative review as my experience as a client with him was a good one. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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15 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
I have been working with Noel Burns for about 4 years now and that is about 2 years too long for me. Adter a while, he stopped returning my phone calls and email messages. I do not know if it is him, per se, or his new assistant, Judy.
Since he had to downsize his firm, his personal contact has been atrocious. I had to contact the Florida Bar Association to get him to give me a lousy phone call.
I would not recommend his services.
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16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I was rejected my this law firm because, "Unfortunately, our small law firm is not in a position to undertake such a complicated case in another county." Simple medical malpractice case resulting in toe amputation.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Sarah
We had a medical malpractice case that lasted several years. But, through it, all George stayed dedicated to the case and really delivered. During the proceedings it was very evident that he and his team really did their research and they put on an excellent case. Also, throughout the process, he kept us informed of what his strategy would be and kinds of things we could expect during the depositions and trial. Not only did we finally get our day in court but in the end we were awarded the judgement. Thank You George McClain! He is a dependable man of integrity who we very much appreciate. We have recently moved but George will always be our legal point person.
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29 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Shipe gets a bad rap for a filing error but he is ethical and well l versed in the law. He is very careful, he doesn't waste your money and he helped our family keep our parents safe.
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01 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Knowlegeable and answered concisely with all my inquires.
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27 Feb, 2014 by Joan
I actually found Mr. Saunders on the Web. I spoke with four attorneys prior to retaining Mr. Saunders for our Probate matter. We were very pleased with his professionalism and knowledge of the issues. This was not one of his "larger matters" but handled it as one. He took the time to explain matters clearly, returned our calls promptly and was attentive to our concerns. We would definitely recommend him to others.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jeff comer
Don’t call back! Left me in limbo.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Poker50
STAY AWAY! My family paid $20K for a lawsuit that never made it to court in 2 years with them. They just wanted to bill us and delay it for the easy money. Do Not Use Them!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Tom vantuyle
My wife and I traveled to Leesburg to assist our aunt and uncle with legal matters. We were under significant time constraints and everyone at the Hunt Law firm pitched in and got everything accomplished. Ashley and all of the staff were very helpful and kind, we appreciate everything they did for our family.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jeff comer
Don’t call back! Left me in limbo.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Poker50
STAY AWAY! My family paid $20K for a lawsuit that never made it to court in 2 years with them. They just wanted to bill us and delay it for the easy money. Do Not Use Them!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Tom vantuyle
My wife and I traveled to Leesburg to assist our aunt and uncle with legal matters. We were under significant time constraints and everyone at the Hunt Law firm pitched in and got everything accomplished. Ashley and all of the staff were very helpful and kind, we appreciate everything they did for our family.
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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:
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What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
