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09 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Amy took the time to walk us through very complicated processes and ideas. Our case was particularly twisted due to our mixed-immigration-status family. She not only provided us information based on our current situation, but on what may happen in the future with US citizenship. She really went above and beyond and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney in this area. Thank you!
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08 Dec, 2010 by Megan
Amy is a consummate professional when it comes to business relationships. She took the time to listen to my concerns regarding estate planning and followed up by email with forms and informational documents I could review. She is attentive to her client's needs and wishes, while also providing the explanation behind what can at times be a very confusing legal process. She is sharp as a tack and detail-oriented, which is especially helpful when you have complex questions and issues. Amy is the type of lawyer who will double check things to make certain you receive the best information and advice.
While I hope it is a long time before I need Amy's help probating an estate or will, I know that she will provide a good blend of sympathy and dedication to someone during that difficult time.
I happily recommend Amy to my own friends, family, and personal acquaintances.
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15 Nov, 2013 by Marie
Amber Brantley is a class act and a wonderful advocate. She doesn't just care about results, she cares about people and about doing things correctly.
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14 Nov, 2013 by Brian
Amber Brantley was hired by us for estate planing. She was not only personable, but knowledgeable and we felt confident about her ability to help us. She went above and beyond our expectations. We were nervious about the process and she addressed our concerns and needs.
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16 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
We used Stephanie to create wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. She was very easy to work with and great at explaining complex issues in easy to understand terms. She respected your time and kept meetings concise and to the point. We were able to create and sign all documents in two meetings. She is very friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I would highly recommend her for these services.
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29 Nov, 2013 by Robby
Working with Stephanie was extremely easy and comforting. Stephanie became knowledgeable about our situation and shared her knowledge to bridge the gaps. She was responsive to all questions and concerns we asked throughout the process. I would recommend Stephanie to anyone who is looking to complete a will and living trust.
- Robby
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17 Apr, 2017 by Bj
I am beginning my review by stating that if you are in search of a professional, competent, conscientious, compassionate lawyer, then Kevin Tallant is most assuredly that person. When I found myself in need of legal assistance to obtain guardianship/ conservatorship for my aunt, who suffered from progressive dementia, I researched among community members to find the best legal representative for myself. I determined that Kevin Tallant, who had the reputation as an exceptional lawyer with expertise in probate law, was the lawyer for my needs. After working with Kevin for more than two years to acquire and manage the guardianship/ conservatorship for my aunt and, later, after her passing, to settle her estate, I can attest to the fact that he is an exceptional lawyer and human being. He ( and his very supportive staff ) were always an email or phone call away to provide me with legal advice, guidance and, in some instances, moral support. With Kevin's counsel, all probate court processes went extremely smoothly, which reduced my stress during this sometimes overwhelming life experience. Kevin kept me informed of court proceedings, updates and discussed legal options with me on a continuous basis. I can't imagine how I would have gotten through this period in my life without Kevin's valuable assistance. I would recommend Kevin to anyone treading through the complex, frustrating waters of the legal system.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Gail
Kevin did a masterful job of defending us in a lawsuit that could have cost us ten of thousands of dollars. We won a jury verdict which compensated us for our losses plus ALL our attorney fees, which is pretty much unheard of.
We would highly recommend him to anyone involved in litigation, whether they are a plaintiff or defendant involved in a lawsuit.
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13 Oct, 2011 by Michelle
Ms Claxton is professional, reliable and hardworking. She kept us informed and always returned our phone calls promptly.
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11 Oct, 2011 by Sandra
I came to Ms. Claxton after I had a car accident in May 2010. She was always available to talk to me about my case and to address my concerns. I am very happy with my settlement and will use Mrs. Claxton again in the future!
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24 Jul, 2023 by Summer
John Killeen has handled my high conflict divorce case for the past 4 years, dealing with issues of contempt, guardian ad litem, child custody, and financial issues. John always fights for the truth, and he does not back down from challenging issues nor personalities. I know my family is safe with Mr. Killeen’s legal expertise, which at times can be like detective work. I highly recommend John Killeen to guide you through the complex and delicate issues of divorce.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Does everything he says and more thanks for all your help if you want all the questions answered and get the job done right the first time call John Killeen
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10 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney Roper was very helpful with two matters that we needed assistance with legally. She assisted with our refinance of our home which made it a stress-free process and was very informative and supportive throughout the entire process. We are looking to use Attorney Roper for current and
future matters.
Thank you for your assistance, knowledge of the law, professionalism, dedication, and on-going service.
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31 Oct, 2018 by Yvonne
During my consultation with Ms. Roper, she was not only very professional but also warm and genuine. She listened carefully to what I had to say and patiently answered my many questions. Ms. Roper was knowledgeable and explained with details, the legal aspects of my case in a manner in which I could easily understand. I highly recommend Sherley Joseph-Roper to handle your legal affairs!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Julie
Raina initially wrote our wills and living will after the birth of our first child and subsequently updated them after the birth of our second. She was professional, efficient, and understanding. She was able to guide us through the process, making it effortless for us. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Daniel
Raina helped us prepare a will and living will. She was patient and listened to our needs throughout the process. In the end, the final products exceeded our expectations and we used her again to update our will after our second child was born.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Gail
A few years ago we had Michele draw up a trust and update our wills. She explained everything to us and we had our children involved in the meeting to make it a family affair. Everything was explained to us and our children for whatever happens as we get older. I have contacted her several times to answer more questions that I have and she’s always helpful and patient with me. I always feel like she has our best interest.
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03 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
My husband and I are looking into getting our wills done in case something should happen to us. We have two young children and Michelle helped to explain all of our options, not just for a will, but multiple things. She was patient and listened to what we’re looking for to help protect ourselves and loved ones. We’re going out of town soon and can’t wait to hire her when we get back!
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06 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Ceto prepared wills and various powers of attorney for me. She was very insightful in enumerating many points that needed to be included in the documents while helping cull out many redundant points that I had included more than once.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Diane
Stefanie helped our family put our detailed estate affairs together. She was thorough, professional, thoughtful, and asked all the right questions. We worked together at a difficult time and her care and compassion were equal to her professional skill. I would highly recommend Stefanie.
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29 May, 2020 by Sharon
We used Karen Gainey to update wills and found her very knowledgeable, with helpful information as we made decisions moving forward. Karen made it easy to accomplish this amid Covid -19 with a streamlined set up using zoom. Although not able to meet in person, Karen spent time with us and made sure everything was clearly explained before finalizing documents.
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17 Feb, 2017 by Tina
She thoroughly reviewed and handled estate planning for us including Durable Power of Attorneys (medical and financial), wills, and living wills. Provided information for us to accurately and appropriately make the right decisions for our peace of mind.
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11 Sep, 2009 by Matt
I've known charlie for roughly 15 years now and can say he is one of the nicest, most genuine, loyal and honest guys I have ever come across. Professionally he is extremely thorough, detailed, professional and only wants what's best for his clients. Any legal situation that I have encountered, without hesitation, have contacted Charlie and he's always helped or pointed me in the right direction. Without hesitation, i would recommend Charlie for anyone seeking legal counsel.
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10 Sep, 2009 by Anne
Charles Morris is an extremely competent attorney as is his staff. They kept me informed during every phase of my business with them. Not only is Charles competent, but also empathetic and understands what type of situation the client is undergoing with compassion. My business dealings with him have always been professionally handled and well managed.
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27 May, 2016 by Fritz
I've gone through estate planning 3 times with 3 different attorneys and Brooks was by far the best. He is clearly smart and knowledgeable but what makes him so good is his ability to make things easy to understand and very clear. In addition, Brooks makes the whole process relatively fast and easy. I trust that we are in good hands with Brooks and I'm happy to recommend him to anyone looking for a good attorney in his areas of expertise.
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06 Feb, 2016 by Robert
Brooks Mackintosh worked with us to create all the documents necessary for our estate-planning situation. This included wills, powers of attorney, advance directives for health care, HIPPA authorization, and other related documents. After contacting Brooks to schedule an initial appointment he sent us a questionnaire to gather the necessary personal, financial, and other information to start the estate planning process. We returned the questionnaire prior to our first meeting. During the first meeting Brooks reviewed the information with us and asked several questions for clarification of our current state of affairs. Brooks first provided an overview of the estate planning process and then talked about the various options and levels of estate planning and what he recommended for our situation. Going into the meeting, I had some experience with estate planning but my wife had none. Brook explained the estate planning process in a clear, concise, and thoughtful way that was understandable to both of us. His recommendation was in line with our expectations for estate planning.
Brooks then walked us through and explained in layman’s terms each of the documents and options we needed to consider. After going through all the documents he provided us with planning copies so we could consider the information he provided and which options we wanted to select. This closed the first meeting. We considered our options and sent the planning sheets back to Brooks so he could prepare the documents for our next meeting.
At the second meeting Brooks had all the documents prepared for review and signatures. He took the time to once again go through all the documents, explain the options, and noted our selections. While reviewing all the documents we decided to make one last minute change to our selections. Brooks quickly updated that document and we were then ready to sign the documents. During the signing process Brooks managed the documents with proficiency, as the signing of the documents required different people signing depending on the document. Brooks’ office staff was able to provide the notary service and witness to the documents.
Brooks provided our completed documents in a professional looking and well-organized binder along with instructions on which documents need to be distributed to executor, medical professionals, and people who will act on your behalf should the situation require. Overall Brooks made it an easy and very positive experience. Thanks Brooks!
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06 Apr, 2023 by Ted
Katrenia has deep understanding of wills, which was my primary area of focus. Her knowledge, abilities and willingness to advise me, I found to be outstanding and very helpful. I highly recommend her.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Constance
Excellent service provided. Everything was done with fidelity and to my expectations. In addition, all services were rendered in a timely fashion.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Janice
What a GREAT attorney!!!! I hired Stuart to handle a very heartbreaking case, and when I tell you EFFECIENT, EFFECTIVE, and don't push around easy at all. He knows his stuff!! Stuart has lots of compassion for people and is definitely a man of his word. The absolute BEST!! Such an awesome attorney.
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11 Jan, 2017 by Cindy
I hired Stuart to help me with a previous contempt order on my child's medical bills. Stuart is professional and knowledgeable, he dots every I and crosses every T, to ensure the best for you case. If you have a question, he is more than willing to answer and responds timely. I would very much recommend Stuart to anyone I know, that may needs a good attorney.
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21 Sep, 2018 by Tammy
Excellent attorney. Ms. Smith is very helpful and does a great job! I highly recommend.
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21 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Mrs. Smith was very professional, experienced and knowledgeable regarding my family law needs. I was able to consult with her, discuss the options available to me, and my case moved forward without issues. She was very easy to communicate with and was a pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend her as an attorney, and if i need an attorney in the future, I would certainly retain her services again.
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25 May, 2011 by Rj
Emerson helped my daughter when she was clocked doing 85 mph on 285. He knew the Asst. DA and the judge. He was able to get the speed dropped to 72 which allowed her to still be able to retain her license. He is very plugged in to the Atlanta/Dekalb network.
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20 Oct, 2009 by Cheryl
Attorney Carey was very knowledgeable about my situation and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would use him again.
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30 Jan, 2016 by Gerry & jack conway
We have been using John's services for over 35+ years. His firm is honest, professional & always treats us right. Will continue to use their services.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Robert
I have been using the legal services of John Gibson for over 20 years for a variety of different issues. His well rounded knowledge has been an great asset to our company on many occassions. He takes the time to understand each issue thoroughly so the best outcome can be achieved, while keeping an eye on budget expectations.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Jeff
John has helped me on multiple tasks including but not limiting to probating my parents estate, setting up wills and estate planning for my wife an I as well as setting up trusts for my children. I am completely satisfied and happy with his work.
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02 Jun, 2016 by Grace
I have used John to probate my husband's will and settle the estate and also to handle the selling of my retail business. He has executed both with extreme professionalism. He kept me informed all through the process and answered all questions quickly. John looked out for my best interest in both situations, making me feel comfortable about decisions. I highly recommend the legal services of John Reeves.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Dale elmore
I cannot recommend Steven Newton highly enough. Throughout the entire process of handling my claims, Steve provided exceptional support, going above and beyond to ensure everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. His friendly and approachable demeanor immediately put me at ease, making what could have been a stressful experience much easier to manage.
Steve stayed in constant contact, providing timely updates and clear communication so I was never left guessing about the status of my claims. His proactive approach meant I was always informed and reassured, even before I had questions. He truly understands the importance of transparency and keeping his clients in the loop.
What sets Steve apart is his dedication to his clients. Even after my case was settled, he continued to offer assistance, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring all aspects of the process were fully resolved. It’s rare to find someone who not only excels professionally but also genuinely cares about the people they work with.
If you’re looking for someone who will advocate for you, prioritize your needs, and provide outstanding service from start to finish, Steven Newton is the person to turn to. His expertise and genuine care make him an invaluable ally in navigating claims and achieving a successful outcome.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Jennifer moore
I very rarely write reviews, but I can't say enough good things about Steven and his team, they were so easy to work with. They answered all my questions and stayed in contact with me throughout the process. I highly recommend!
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07 Oct, 2023 by Ladaria duffie
Steven goes above and beyond to serve his clients and share his legal expertise with the community.
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05 Mar, 2018 by Jeb
My wife and I worked with Kim Hoipkemier on our wills, medical directives, and powers of attorney. She was FANTASTIC. I would recommend Kim to anyone. She's caring, smart, responsive, and always on time. I am a lawyer myself so I appreciate good attorneys, and she is a great one.
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18 Feb, 2018 by Dave
I was looking for an estate planning lawyer in Atlanta to provide advice and draw up my Will. I contacted Ginger Arnold and received good initial advice, an understanding of what options i had, and a competitive price for the work. When i visited the offices on the agreed date everything was explained clearly and all my questions answered. I am very happy with the service provided and have no hesitation in recommended Ginger Arnold. Thank you.
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15 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Reynolds provided a comprehensive estate plan for me which included will and trusts, tax advice and charitable planning. In addition to being an expert in trust and estate law and taxation, he is a creative thinker and can provide an overall business plan for multiple generations of a family. I found him to be a consummate professional and easy to work with. He also offers expertise in asset protection, both domestic and offshore, which I may consider in the future. I would not hesitate to highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal counsel in estate planning.
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11 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
As corporate counsel for a large financial institution headquartered in Atlanta, I retained Ms. Ashby to handle several trust termination and/or modification petitions with the Fulton County Court. Ms. Ashby did an excellent job at a very reasonable rate. She is knowledgeable, easy to work with and delivers results within a reasonable time. She has excellent academic credentials having attended the University of Virginia Law School, a top ten law school. Her work history is also impressive. Generally when hiring outside counsel, I consider all of these factors. I was very pleased with her services.
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06 Oct, 2021 by Steve
I’ll keep this short. If you find yourself sometimes saying “yes, well that’s the lawyer business”. Try Alexander. He, and the firm, know the law and the strategies really well… and…he’s a really great guy to work with.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Tristan
I wanted to take a minute to thank Bob Ruppenthal for his legal professionalism. Mr. Ruppenthal is competent, responsive, and he makes folks feel comfortable. I worked with him on a multi-million dollar file, and he knew exactly how to guide us through the conservatorship. I highly recommend him.
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06 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I hit a very tough point in my life when we found out that a family member was taking advantage of our grandmother. My head was spinning cause we never expected something like this to happen within our family. Calling around to have initial consultations, I was treated as a billable expense, until I talked with Patricia. She gave me 3x the time on the initial consult then any other lawyer would.
After I consulted with the family and we all came to a decision that she would represent us, it became clear that she cared about us as a family versus an invoice. She went above and beyond always and did things for us that I doubt anyone else would have without a hefty bill. I can't thank her enough for rectifying what she could and even getting us with a massive law firm to finalize this battle.
I can tell you that every penny spent felt I got 5x the work I expected. She's reliable, motivated and more important she valued us. Stop looking around and call her, she will deliver!
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25 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Nathan did an excellent job for us and would recommend him highly for Estate/Trust disputes.
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21 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Debra and her staff help us with our estate planning, including wills, powers of attorneys and advanced directives. They also help with my father's probate. Debra and her staff are very professional, knowledgeable and provide all the details needed. I would highly recommend the Debra Robinson Law Group.
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02 Apr, 2017 by Tammy
He is very thorough, personal, and professional. He works hard for his clients.
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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.
