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07 Feb, 2025 by Tom dimmerman
Claire was awesome and a very compassionate person thank u for what u did for me
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03 Feb, 2025 by Greg johnson
Thank you Tim and Claire of Tate law for a job well done.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Alex bowers
Highly recommend. Always pleasant, no matter how many questions we bombarded them with. Did everything they could've to try to shorten a lengthy process. Results were above what was expected.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Steven williams
Most excellent service. Very professional
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06 Nov, 2024 by Beverly fierst
Great little law office in Southlake. With support from larger main office. We were able to get a home visit for my elderly mother. I could not be happier with the service I received.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Rhonda eldridge
They were very helpful and answered all of our questions. They made the whole experience very easy and informative.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Ferry nealy
Karl Spahr and Gary Hanes provided me with excellent professional service. They were very kind, sensitive and patient with me. I really appreciate them to the utmost and I will recommend them to anybody.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Ralph kinnel
Amber and the team has provided extraordinary service. We highly recommend Spahr Law, PLLC for your estate planning needs!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Al frohner
Karl and his team did an excellent job preparing our Trust documents. They were very thorough and explained things in terms that were easy to understand. I would highly recommend this office to anyone wishing to set up a trust account.
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09 Oct, 2024 by L bell
Gordon & Sykes are my go to Probate Attorneys, Karen, Liz, and the other ladies are always proffesional, empathetic and personable, which are the qualities needed in a firm when dealing with the estate of a family member.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Sonia afanador
16 Sep, 2018 by E rich
22 Nov, 2024 by Alan connors
Very prompt, professional, and courteous firm. Highly recommend and will be using them again in future if needed. Had a will done at an affordable price and timely manner. Very nice people.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Guaranteed foundation repair
Honestly the best lawyer I have ever talked with.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Chris roberts
Mr and Mrs Almond are the nicest down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure. They treat you like family.
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5.0
19 Reviews
4.5
43 Reviews
22 Oct, 2024 by Ralph gray
23 Jul, 2024 by Michael askvig
My wife and I worked with Bryan at the Tyler office. Highly recommend!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Jt gunter
We went there to update our Will and Trust, they were very helpful, experienced and informative.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Barnes called me back the same evening! After discussing our needs he responded with documents and has been very accessible for answering further questions. He is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Walt a. cleveland
I have known John all of my life. I would not have made it through law school or my first year in private practice without is gracious help. John is efficient and extremely meticulous in his work. Most importantly he genuinely cares about his clients, this is unfortunately to rare in our profession. I highly recommend this lawyer !
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20 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
In the general forum, another attorney threw out a ball-park figure, which I was able to confirm with Mr. Barnes was reasonable for Texas attorneys. He was also very encouraging about the plans and changes our family intends to make.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired her to set up an Estate plan. She explained to me everything I needed to have in place, answered all my questions and delivered as promised. Reasonably priced, professional and prompt!
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30 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Margaret did an outstanding job helping me get an Affidavit of Heirship. She made the whole process simple.
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16 Nov, 2018 by Lisa roberson
I was very pleased with Margaret Crosby. She was very professional and was thorough in answering my questions. I would recommend her to anyone needing an attorney.
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29 Sep, 2014 by Donna
James is not only a great attorney, he's also a great counselor. Anything in law that has to do with family is never easy on anyone, but James talked me through it and helped me realize that this is just a painful part of my life, but that I will get through it. He is never hesitant to speak with me over the phone when he's in the office.
He answers all my questions with complete honesty and never puts me in a compromising position. Thanks to James, I will make it through this matter with my head held high. If you want an attorney who is genuine and will treat you like family, James is the way to go.
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13 Sep, 2014 by Roger
James set up court date with JP in our area and when talking to the Judge about my son's case,
the Judge was very impressed with the knowledge of the Law that James presented. James was able
to get the judge to approve our recommendations of dismissal upon completion of 30 day bootcamp
that made a difference in my son's attitude about responsibility. Would highly recommend James.
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12 Sep, 2014 by Lynn
It's pretty rare to find a professional that can handle multiple areas of the law with genuine, moral and professional execution. I have seen Mr. Davidson work on my families cases a few times and we will always return to Davidson Law. Their legal assistants, Ann & Dalia, are super helpful and professional as well. You will not find another firm like Davidson Law.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Timothy metts
Exceptional attention to Detail and communication was top notch! Dustin Trammel did an outstanding job standing in for me!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Sherri sparks
Dustin was calm, cool, and collected. He made arrangements with the DA and came back with results that were better than I could even imagine. He will be my attorney for anything and everything going forward! Thank you Dustin!!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Marco ruiz
Calling Colin McLaughlin to be my lawyer was the best decision I made. I faced a potential felony charge and was completely lost in what could happen. Mr. McLaughlin took care of the whole case and kept me informed and updated on all the information. He is really professional, but also easygoing with his clients. He ended up getting my case dismissed. I would 100% give him a call if you are facing a similar situation. Also shout out to his legal assistant, Brittney Roper. She was amazing and really nice throughout the whole case!!!
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17 May, 2019 by Anonymous
We went in for advice on a property matter and he solved the issue and also other issues we did not even know we needed.
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07 Feb, 2025 by Tom dimmerman
Claire was awesome and a very compassionate person thank u for what u did for me
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03 Feb, 2025 by Greg johnson
Thank you Tim and Claire of Tate law for a job well done.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Alex bowers
Highly recommend. Always pleasant, no matter how many questions we bombarded them with. Did everything they could've to try to shorten a lengthy process. Results were above what was expected.
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04 Apr, 2024 by James martin
I have had a chance to work with Mr. Werley on several occasions. He is an outstanding attorney.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Mikyle margetis
I recently had the privilege of working with Michael on a legal matter, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication that he brought to the table. I would recommend Michael to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Thomas roberts
As a veteran family, we used Mr. Werley's services with a child support case. He was inadequately prepared and in my opinion could have been a better orator within the chambers.
Now, we have received a service of him withdrawing due to lack of communication.
After reading this, I asked Mr. Werley to contact me.
With my wife present, he explained that we have no problem communicating, but in order to withdraw council he has to apply that as one of the issues for attorney/client termination.
This appears highly unethical and with all due respect Mr. Werley, you owe this veteran family a complete refund for misrepresenting yourself.
I never leave posts without bringing receipts.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Kalvin black
Douglas McDougal has been my CPA now for at least 10 years. He has always been very helpful and knowledgeable about my taxes. I highly recommend his services.
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11 Nov, 2024 by John laudenslager
Doug had to take over my tax filing five weeks prior to the extended deadline from my former CPA, who hadn't done any classifications for the previous year. He got right to it and we were able to introduce him to my business, my accounts (and accounting), and get the return filed in time, all for a reasonable fee. Highly recommend!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rafael quintana
22 Jan, 2025 by Luis
I recommend 100% case dismiss and always on point
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16 Jan, 2025 by Andrew rojas
Amazing result, professional and courteous.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Alice densmore
Ian walks on water!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Anna
Brandon is an awesome attorney. He made the process of setting up our trust easy. Everything was completely explained during the our meetings. We really appreciate the binder and thumb drive with all our documents.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Brandon helped my family prepare for several potential and unfortunate scenarios with my parents' respective health by prioritizing specific legal documents that would have slipped through the cracks otherwise. Certain aspects of Texas state law are incredibly confusing to say the least, and Brandon was able to distill everything into easy-to-comprehend action items for my family.
Throughout the process, he and his team were extremely patient and handled our case with empathy and compassion. Brandon and his team always carved out time to help us when we reached out on a whim when we were struggling with various questions with my family's situations twists and turns. In all honesty, our family would have been lost without his guidance, and we would have paid the price by not preparing ahead of time for certain events.
I am so thankful that we hired Brandon and his team to help us with our situation, and I highly recommend McGee Law Firm to any who might need his legal services or consultation for their own unique situation.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Bob
Brandon provided an interesting thought provoking seminar. Was knowledgeable about many specific situations. Engaged Brandon’s firm to prepare all necessary trust, power of attorney forms. After several meetings to explain our specific requirements, Brandon presented us with a comprehensive and complete binder that included a well organized and detailed explanation of how to navigate possible situations. Booklet included forms for you to complete for your specific situation. These included listing financial account numbers, contact information for executor to settle estate with ease. Great road map for all situations.
Detailed instructions were easy to read and comprehend—even for a lay person.
Free review for adjustments every two years is a plus so you can stay connected with latest changes to law.
I highly recommend this law firm as they staff seem to have your best interest in all facets, are sincere friendly and very professional. You feel valued each step of the process.
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02 May, 2023 by Kristi
There is no better attorney to have with you in family court. He’s honest and upfront and will not stop fighting for you. My nightmare case has lasted 9 years and he’s been a godsend every single step of the way. He’s whip smart, detail oriented and has a mass of resources behind him that are invaluable. I refer him to every person I know that finds themselves in family court. In fact, the opposing attorneys secretary told him that he’s the best at what he does and then asked him to represent a family member of hers.
If you have the opportunity to have him take your case, consider yourself extraordinarily blessed.
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08 Dec, 2021 by Chad
I cannot speak any higher of Jeff Branch. He handled my unfortunate divorce for me and made it a smooth, way less stressed ordeal. I had originally hired a different attorney who did what most lawyers do, promise to help you, get your money, then put you on the back burner. After my wife's attorney walked on my attorney a few times with no fight I called and met with Mr. Branch. Let me just say, the tides turned quickly to a point where everything smoothed out and stayed fair. One of the most brutally honest people I know, Jeff always told me the truth and shot me straight. Right from the start with my case, he told me "no one will walk away with everything, but I promise you'll both walk away with what you can live with". He was so right, our divorce was fair and neither side felt cheated. The one thing I will say is Jeff Branch commands respect with his knowledge of the law and his winning attitude. From the moment he took over my case, it was like I had hired a Pit Bull to represent me. He watched over my case with great attention, communicated with me at every step, and literally changed the balance of the divorce from my wife and her attorney taking anything and everything they could to them doing more agreeing to Jeff's terms and submitting to what he told them they could have. His courtroom presence is very professional but very intimidating at the same time, with an air about himself as someone not to be pushed around. I really cannot say enough about how he got me through the most difficult time I've experienced with confidence and a resolution I felt very happy about. He truly cares for every client. If you find yourself in need a of an attorney for divorce or family law, you owe it to yourself to hire the best to get you through it. I highly recommend Jeff Branch as the ONLY choice for family law.
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28 Apr, 2021 by Jason
Jeff has been always upfront and honest about every aspect of my case. His personalization with not only me but my entire family made the entire process more easy, and helped reduce the stress. As a father that received the absolute best outcome in a custody case, I cannot give enough praise for this professional person.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Allen Blake went above and beyond in representing me in my criminal case. The charge would have haunted me for the rest of my life if it resulted in anything other than a dismissal.
Allen demonstrated remarkable knowledge and understanding of the law and legal process throughout the entirety of my case. He assured me the law was on my side and ultimately got the dismissal I needed.
I highly recommend Allen Blake for an excellent job done. And I cannot thank him enough.
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02 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Helped take care of my case dealing with online reputation issues; cleaned up my record - very effective in his work, got the job done quickly, and was very helpful and responsive.
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26 Apr, 2017 by Rafael
I have known Allen for a number of years and know no other lawyer who has the drive, determination or professionalism that Allen represents. He is always there when you need him.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Michelle
I was being sued by a debt collector. I hired Mr. Foley for representation. Best thing I could have ever done. He explained everything to me in a professional way and worked diligently on my case.
He got the case against me dismissed. He charged a very fair price and I am extremely happy.
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13 Jan, 2015 by Jennifer
I contacted James because of some serious debt collection issues. He was amazing! Always kept me informed and was always available for questions. Gave great advice on how to handle everything and represented me extremely well. I am so glad that I found him and will definitely will use him in the future. Great working with him!!!!!
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07 Nov, 2014 by Chelsey
I called Mr. Foley because of creditor harassment and for legal representation. He was so wonderful and kept me informed of my rights. At this point there was no need for representation but if I need representation in the future I will be sure to contact him again.
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27 Aug, 2019 by Diana
When I was injured I called an attorney that had helped me in the past, and he referred me to Ben, I called and talked to Alicia his wife she is the nicest person I ever met. My case was settled, very quickly. You want a great attorney, you need to contact Ben Westbrook Law.
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20 Mar, 2019 by Joe
Had a great experience using Westbrook law firm he work diligently on my case and got it resolved !
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26 Apr, 2018 by Joan
Ben and Alisha were just awesome. I was renting in Texas when I had to unexpectedly move back to CA, the landlord was ignoring us and refusing to return our deposit. Ben gave me a consultation and agreed to help. He was able to quickly resolve the issue without having to go to court. Thank you so much for your professionalism, it was so great having Ben going to bat for the little guy!
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21 Sep, 2018 by Bev
Bravo Marshall!
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your hard work and success with my case. I could not have done it without your help and expertise. You are the BEST!!
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06 Feb, 2017 by Takiyah
When you get dragged into a family law case, I promise you that it is going to be one of the most stressful and devastating times of your life. You will be emotionally drained, financially drained, and mentally drained the entire time you endure your case.
Coming from someone who was dragged into a custody battle, please heed the following advice:
FIND YOURSELF A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY WHO IS A STRONG LITIGATOR.
You may be tempted to hire your next attorney based off of their firm’s advertisements. I’m sure you have seen the firms that advertise they are the “the father’s rights firm,” or they “exclusively practice family law.” As reassuring as these marketing claims may sound, their extensive knowledge of the law should not be the selling point for you. It needs to be their extensive knowledge of the law AND LITIGATION that convinces you to pull out your wallet and retain them.
There are a lot of family law attorneys who know the law, but they are NOT strong litigators. Trust me because I had to pay for TWO lawyers who fell into this category and I was getting beat up without mercy in court. I literally had a meltdown because I was getting beat up in court so much with one of the other attorneys that I genuinely felt like I was going to lose my child.
I finally got wise, dumped my previous attorney, and hired my next lawyer from Justice Law Firm.
Anyone can know how the rules of a particular game work on paper, but that doesn’t mean that they know how to move and work their opponent on the court.
A LITIGATING attorney knows how the rules work on paper, but more importantly, they know how to move and work your opponent (opposing party) on the court.
You need a strong litigator because the family court is a place where lies abound. Expect everyone to lie about everything and if you have a strong, litigating attorney, he or she is going to easily expose just how much the opposing party is lying.
Had I not retained Justice Law Firm, a boutique family law firm with LITIGATING attorneys, most of the lies that the opposing party was trying to tell would have made into the court room and I could have potentially paid three times as much money fighting in court as I did.
My particular attorney, Marshall Jacobini, is a very strong litigator! In court, Marshall shut down the opposing party’s lies all throughout her testimony and during cross-examination.
His litigation style is structured, calm, collected, and focused, but irritatingly persistent. This litigation style made the opposing party reveal her aggressive, combative, and manipulative nature in front of the judge.
Marshall Jacobini is a very perceptive strategist. He is a lethal combination for the opposing party because of his legal knowledge, litigation style, and his candidness in telling you (his client) the truth about your shortcomings and strengths. He does a great job at communicating with you and framing your expectations in court so you can come out of this war with the least amount of damage and scarring as possible.
He knows how to read a court room and work his legal arguments accordingly to strategically give you the best possible outcome given your particular circumstance.
More impressively, he came in and cleaned up in 3 days what my former attorney from another prestigious law firm in the area had messed up for five months.
He caught a number of errors in my suit that my former attorney had overlooked. The result was that Marshall got my case dismissed.
Marshall Jacobini, Tracey Justice, and the rest of the staff at Justice Law Firm stopped the bleeding for me. They stopped the mental, emotional, and financial bleeding. For that, I will forever be their biggest advocates. You can and should trust this team with the future of your family because I assure you, they will fight for you like you are a part of theirs!
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29 Oct, 2016 by Jeff
I was in serious need of new counsel after my very unreliable lawyer withdrew from my case right before final trial. Mr. Jacobini took the time to guide me through the process to handle the situation as best I could literally days before my final custody hearing. I can't express how helpful he was in informing me of my options and steps required to take action and calm my fears, all this just during an extended consultation. In a sea of sharks here is a solid stand up reliable fella who will have your back and truly represent your best interests and if my motion for continuance goes through in court you can bet I'm going to try like hell to hire him.
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14 May, 2020 by Jean
I highly recommend Ms Craven. She was extremely helpful, patient, and caring of my needs. I have referred her to other friends who are equally as satisfied with her work as myself.
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21 Apr, 2019 by K.m.
If you have the honor to meet and retain Kathryn, you are truly blessed! She is the Ruth Bader Ginsburg of Fort Worth, an advocate at heart, with an amazing sense of strategy for complex cases. She helped recover a substantial amount for child support arrears, very well connected in the DFW area.
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29 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Kathryn is a wonderful person and lawyer and very understanding. I am a client of hers and she helped me to become a legal independent adult.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Kelly was professional, courteous, prompt, fair, and understood my needs, getting back to me fast with what I needed. I highly recommend Ms. Kelly for any of your employment needs. She is fast, thorough, and ensures you understand all of your options. I am sure I will use her services again in my future. Thank you Ms. Kelly.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Lynn was very helpful with providing advice on an employment law situation I was dealing with at my office. She is very knowledgeable and I would recommend her to anyone who needs legal assistance in employment law matters.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Lynn Kelly was very knowledgable in employment matters as it relates to non compete agreements. I called her and left a message and she returned my call within an hour, which I was impressed because I had called other law firms and have yet to return a call to this day. She took the time to listen my situation and reassured me that she could handle our matter. She is extremely timely and easy to work with and handled our legal matter in 24 hours! What a great attorney to have. Thank you for all you do!
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30 May, 2023 by Stacy
Molly did a great job in assisting our family with ensuring we were prepared to help Dad through his senior years. This group provides reliable guidance and walks you through the necessary steps to take care of your family. I highly recommend them.
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09 May, 2023 by Ann
The services provided by the Myers Law Group was an invaluable resource for me and my husband during a time of health crises and changes in legal status. I was very happy with the whole process.
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02 May, 2023 by Connie
Very Knowledgeable and Professional. I felt very comfortable with the process.
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02 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Helped take care of my case dealing with online reputation issues; cleaned up my record - very effective in his work, got the job done quickly, and was very helpful and responsive.
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27 Sep, 2017 by Timothy
I've used Mr. Blake for a number of legal matters and consultations. He is very knowledgeable, quick with accurate responses and his advice tends to result in very favorable outcomes. I highly recommend him for your legal needs.
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26 Apr, 2017 by David
I have nothing but great feedback for your law firm! Both Graham and Allen have both been wonderful to me and have displayed nothing but superb and professional services. My emails were always responded quickly, not once did Graham ever miss my calls. He answered all my questions and has been great on follow ups with me! I was very pleased with having you guys represent me and I really appreciate it!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Keli borish
15 Jan, 2025 by Weldon hadaway
Landon Loker represented me in a DUI (2nd). Worked with the prosecutor and got me the best possible outcome for my case. I am beyond pleased with the effort and transparency of the process in my case. I highly recommend this firm and Landon to represent you if you have the misfortune of being in the position of needing an attorney. A+
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09 Jan, 2025 by Della oakes
Loker law firm was great. I would definitely recommend him or the law firm to anybody in need. I give this Law firm rave reviews.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Julie
Mr. Staples's helped me when my dad passed away & my dad left us in a mess, Mr.staples helped us , so much & he went above & behond.I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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01 Dec, 2016 by David johnson
You would not normally think that I was talking about an attorney when I mention honesty and integrity. Since I have only known George for about 30 years, I can honestly say that he has saved my butt at least 3 times and maybe more. He provides legal advice combined with practical business knowledge, and then you add in some good old basic horse sense. If you want a good attorney, pick a name off of the internet. If you want a great attorney, then pick George.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Cynthia perkins
I highly recommend Dale and his firm! I had a horrendous experience with the IRS and an IRS Agent. Dale stepped in and cleaned up the mess and I got my life back! Thank You Dale O'Neal!
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16 Aug, 2012 by Cathy
He got me through a very difficult divorce. Thank you Dale O'Neal!
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21 Jan, 2020 by April smith
She was the most attentive person And got me through a very challenging time in my life I have to recommend her to anyone she's awesome
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02 May, 2019 by Nick d.
I only give her five stars because 10 wasn’t an option.
She gave me my kid back.
For a Single dad, court can be very ugly.
I had been walked all over, by my child’s mother, her ignoring the courts orders, slap on the wrist,
Accusations of drugs,
I never failed a drug test, (3)
Yet somehow, I’m seeing my kid, 1 hour a month across the table, from a police officer, at the family courts building, like I’m a criminal. (court supervised visitation.) never missed a visit, even when mom chose not to show up. Over a year.
I hired Meda, and can’t say enough good things about her.
She is very professional, Very skilled at family law, and the only person I would ever want in my corner.
I received everything I asked for in court, and got my daughter, that same day.
F-Fwd 2 years... Mom is taking me back to court, and the only person I would ever consider calling, is Meda.
I tried Fathers Rights For Advocacy, and spoke to several attorneys before choosing this her,
But if you need counsel, and want a Real Person, who is a fair, and a real bulldog.
Chose Meda.
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25 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Monica Benson to transfer a guardianship to Texas. The work was done quickly. The fee was reasonable. The transfer was problem free. Her advice is sound.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
-
What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
