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20 Jan, 2016 by Jackie dean
Mr. Hull has represented my family many times though out the years. He has handled the probation of both of my parent's wills, my aunt's will, my divorce as well as many other personal business matters. Mr. Hull has always been professional and yet personal. His ethics are beyond reproach.
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10 Jan, 2016 by John
Mr. Hull drew up a document that was well written and included everything that was requested in my last will and testament.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Ron
Guy Hull is a southern gentle man who made clearing up the will and finalizing their papers complete of my parents and in a fashion that my wife and I understood. We now have a great lawyer we can depend on for our personal needs.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Tom
Jacob, has an excellent phone manner, he always took the time to answer all and any questions. I never felt rushed. He was always on top of things and I always felt confident that everything was under control. It was evident from the start that he knows family law inside and out. He did an overall excellent job
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08 Dec, 2016 by Mark
Mr. Higgins was hired to work on my will and family trust. Mr. Higgins fees were very reasonable. He was quick to return phone calls. He was very knowledgeable and answered any question that I had. He is very passionate about what he does. He also did a great job in walking us through this process and keeping us in the loop on his progress. I highly recommend Mr. Higgins.
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03 Dec, 2016 by Kate
Mr. Higgins provided valuable legal guidance when creating my will. He was responsive and very knowledgeable about all things related to estate planning.
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07 Aug, 2020 by Duke carbajal
Where do we start? After a horrible accident that involved our son and not knowing where to turn, we were referred to Giunta Law. Frank and Patty were so helpful and understanding. Completely professional yet very personable at the same time. Just being able to hand our situation over to them and being told the truth at every turn was so comforting. They never wasted time or sugar coated the situation but after seeing their 'predictions' come true, it was obvious that we were in good hands. Excellent results and compassionate professionals. We highly recommend Guinta Law!
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13 Sep, 2019 by Kristi guajardo
I had went through a very traumatic experience and couldn't find no one to listen to or help me. Frank and Patty at Giunta Law were very understanding and helpful. I would recommend them above anyone else.
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19 Nov, 2016 by Sarah
Mr. Sawyer is an amazing attorney. He handled my extremely sensitive and difficult family law case without missing a beat, and allowed me to keep my peace of mind. He is very personable, sincere, hardworking, and knowledgeable. I have since hired him to work on my estate planning, and would recommend Mr. Sawyer to anybody.
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26 Dec, 2013 by Scott
Matt is an exceptional attorney. I first worked with him over 10 years ago and Matt has consistently provided me with sensible advice. He is among the most trusthworthy people I know, and I can recommend him without hesitation.
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01 Aug, 2011 by June & jerry
Their office staff are all so friendly. They make you feel welcomed and comfortable. We are very impressed with Cynthia and her office.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Suza
I went to a family law firm when my ex filed for divorce back in 2012. I was originally assigned one attorney by this firm, but i kept getting put off and rescheduled. Then Holly called me and scheduled a meeting. I found out that the original attorney had left the firm and she'd been assigned.
Turned out to be the best thing to happen.
My soon to be ex husband made the divorce process extremely difficult and drawn out by representing himself. Holly put up with a lot of abuse from him and high number of motions filed by him over the span of about 2 years.
Holly made me feel safe and secure. I had no doubts about her abilities and no worries that i was going to get left in the lurch. I didn't feel like a task on her list of clients to see to. I felt like a person. I felt like I mattered.
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27 Jan, 2016 by Leesa
Holly Monk is a beloved name in our house. In 2013 my husband and I were desperate to have legal intervention to preserve the emotional wellbeing and safety of our grandson. Before his mother's sudden death in 2012, he and his mom, our daughter, had spent 19 of the 25 months of his life mostly living with us.
After her death, our grandson naturally became his biological father's responsibility. However, due to his irresponsibility, our grandson was having to be jostled about between his father 1 or 2 days, his mom's best friend 1 to 2 days and us the other 2 to 3 days each week. This went on for a year and 4 months. Over the period of time before we hired Holly, it became known to us that our grandson was not in a safe environment. The last straw was when he decided he was going to cut us out of our grandson's life because he didn't like our concern over what was happening in their household.
This is where the vast knowledge and intelligence of Holly Monk came into play. As we began calling several Attorney's offices to acquire their services, we kept getting told there was nothing they could do for us. They said that in the state of Texas there are no grandparent's rights. We tried to tell them that it wasn't just about our rights, that it was about our grandson's right to be protected as he was an innocent child! Thank God, we didn't give up after being repeatedly turned away. We found Holly.
She asked a few questions and told us she felt that she might be able to help. We were beyond grateful. She knew the law in ways that, apparently, the other attorneys didn't. Holly never gave us false hope. She was very attentive and incredibily savvy. She had an uncanny insight into the type of person we were dealing with. She gave us guidance as to how to handle ourselves in order to achieve our best outcome.
From the day we had our first consult she had us in court 3 and 1/2 weeks later. With the case that Holly put before the temporary judge, we were granted immediate access to our grandson for 3 out of 4 days a week pending a social study. As time passed, things that the judge had ordered to take place from both parties were not being followed through on the part of the father. Holly requested another hearing to enforce the temporary judges orders. Her strategy was extremely effective resulting in the judge placing the child with us full time. The judge ordered the father's visits to be supervised. This is virtually unheard of progress from a temporary court.
In less than a year, the case was finalized in mediation.
Along with our retaining full time custody, Holly required that the father meet specified conditions for one year If he wanted to have standard visitation. She also insisted on his paying at least the minimal child support. This was not required, but Holly demanded, as it was her job to get the best for us as her clients.
Honestly, it is because of her unceasing dedication to knowing the law and how to present a case
that we have been awarded the greatest gift. We now have our grandson full time.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Karen
I used Holly Monk for my divorce and I also know her well as a professional colleague. Holly is an excellent attorney and works tirelessly to get the best results for clients. She is also reasonable. I would advise people to pay no attention to the less than positive reviews on this site. Many times those reviews are made by people who may or may not have been clients of Holly and are used to only damage Holly's reputation and are truly no reflection of the work she has performed as an attorney. Holly personally did my divorce and she did an excellent job. Her colleagues and the judiciary think very highly of Holly. She is a wise, competent, and caring attorney.
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26 Jul, 2019 by Michelle
Divorce is never a positive time in a person's life and it can effect your demeanor, health, and/or actions. It's very important to have an attorney that will advise and guide in a manner that will be in your best interest. Jared is the attorney that you want representing your needs. I want to thank you for your hard work, attentiveness, and preparation on my case. You listened to my concerns, considered my needs, and didn't make any promises that you couldn't keep. You stuck to the facts and held me accountable when my emotions got the best of me. You helped me to understand that the outcome may not be perfect but we would do our best. Your performance in the courtroom was professional yet robust. I'm happy to say that that the final orders were more than I expected and I'm elated with everything. Selecting you as my attorney was a great move and I can't say "Thank you" enough.
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01 Jun, 2018 by Rob
Jared's knowledge of the legal system literally saved me tens of thousands of dollars. Through his knowledge of state law and the local courts, he explained to me in plain language exactly where I should set my sights. I achieved my goal - and in doing this he saved me an incredible amount of money.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Arol
If I could give no stars, I would. I hired Jared for my child custody/child support case in Feb. of 2017. We had a hearing scheduled for Temporary orders that would determine my visitation with my son as well as the amount that I would pay in child support prior to the final order. After the hearing, I got no response from Jared about the temp. orders that may or may not have been in place. After nearly 2 months of waiting, I found out from my sons Mother that the Temporary orders were in fact signed and in her possession (over a month after they were signed). I hired new council and later found out that two things did not happen. 1) Jared did not show up for the motion to sign hearing that was scheduled in Mid July. This left me behind in my child support because I was not notified that my support had nearly doubled. 2) Jared did not provide opposing council with the financials that were gathered during Discovery. I am assuming that without the numbers that I provided, opposing council could basically estimate my income. We had an opportunity to contest the amounts if Jared would have attended the hearing to sign. I am blown away that this man is able to practice family law at all. He did not care about my needs whatsoever. Basically, he charged me a boat load of money and did not show up to court. The other two reviews on here make perfect sense. Do not hire Jared. he is awful in every way.
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06 Nov, 2018 by Bill
Over 8 weeks did not communicate on status of my legal case. Seemed more interested in communicating with defendant. Did not do what i asked him to do, didnt meet deadlines. Would not even return calls or emails.
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06 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
This is the worst attorney I've ever encountered! He is u reachable, unknowledable and Ill prepared! He cost me time, money and my children because of his inability to preform his duties.. Stay clear of him
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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.
