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14 Nov, 2024 by Repentant sinner
I had a consultation with Richard Shapiro in which he explained, nit why he thought, but why I was wrong about how I chose to leave my estate to my beneficiaries.
Lawyers overall I’ve found as most of us have to be extremely dishonest greedy and not looking out for their client but their wallet.
When with the years of trust, estate and probate experience, to the point that on occasions I wrote our errata’s to pending petitions, guided me as to what I know is best for my beneficiaries, Mr Shapiro disagreed however was unable to provide a valid argument as to why his thought on how I should distribute my estate was wrong and even made the ludacris assumption I should put monies for adults in their 40s 50s and 60s into a trust that would not be immediately distributed at the time of my death.
My decision is to have my beneficiaries be saved from dealing with greedy corrupt lawyers, power crazed trustees and executors and very wisely instead leave monies to beneficiaries of accounts which they would then immediately without lawyers or other corrupt interference , get their money.
Okay, so Mr Shapiro said you’re not protected legally then and a wife could then somehow get that money .
Instead his brilliant idea appears to be to treat adults like under age children and have them subject to trustees , trustee fees and the power crazed people giving them money like an allowance.
I’m apparently unable to make the decision it appears he thinks to allow my beneficiaries, all who are adults, to have use and enjoy the money I leave them without being subject in their 40s and 50s and 60s to being lorded over by a trustee..of course which gets a nice fee, plus a trust company also taking more money in fees.
Be wise and find someone ..speak to several lawyers when planning your estate and remember your decisions will affect your beneficiaries. They can be subject to years of litigation to even get their portion If the trustee fails their fiduciary duties and without spending months or years and endless amounts of lawyer fees. Theres nothing they can do about it.
I think Richard was not concerned about me, my beneficiaries, what’s best for us and the money and assets but it seems to me in my humble opinion he’s more interested in making the estate pay the most possible , and continue making it pay year after years in a trust for successful adults, including 2 attorneys, one pediatric surgeon, as well as other mature adults, who do not need babysitters and to have to go to strangers to get their money in dribbles from a stranger.
Honestly it’s so disheartening time after time to see how corrupt people are when money is involved. Do your research, leaving bank or brokerage accounts to beneficiaries is easiest quickest and the way to avoid any greedy or disturbed lawyers or executors or trustees to harm your loved ones.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Roy rysinger
I've worked with Susie Sohn for many years on various business, personal, and real estate legal matters. Susie and her team have always been excellent and are a true pleasure to work with!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Dustin leibowitz
I am happy to share my experience working with Susie Sohn, an exceptional attorney who has become my go-to recommendation for my clients over the past couple of years. From the moment I was referred to her by a colleague, it was clear that I had found a true professional in the field.
Susie’s hard work and dedication are evident in every interaction. She approaches each case with an impressive level of experience and expertise, ensuring that my clients receive the best possible guidance. Her ability to communicate effectively and transparently sets her apart, making the legal process much smoother for everyone involved.
Working with her is always a pleasure; her friendly demeanor and professionalism create a welcoming environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Susie Sohn to anyone in need of an attorney. Her commitment to her clients and her exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset in the industry. Thanks Susie!
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08 Dec, 2024 by Christine marco
21 Nov, 2024 by Gino
Clear communications, timely feedback, very satisfied with all the services provided thusfar.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Steven cosby
Hello. When I visited mark he was very professional, respectful & explained to my wife & I exactly what Trust funds are all about & how we should structure our fund. I would recommend him to anyone
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14 Nov, 2024 by Repentant sinner
I had a consultation with Richard Shapiro in which he explained, nit why he thought, but why I was wrong about how I chose to leave my estate to my beneficiaries.
Lawyers overall I’ve found as most of us have to be extremely dishonest greedy and not looking out for their client but their wallet.
When with the years of trust, estate and probate experience, to the point that on occasions I wrote our errata’s to pending petitions, guided me as to what I know is best for my beneficiaries, Mr Shapiro disagreed however was unable to provide a valid argument as to why his thought on how I should distribute my estate was wrong and even made the ludacris assumption I should put monies for adults in their 40s 50s and 60s into a trust that would not be immediately distributed at the time of my death.
My decision is to have my beneficiaries be saved from dealing with greedy corrupt lawyers, power crazed trustees and executors and very wisely instead leave monies to beneficiaries of accounts which they would then immediately without lawyers or other corrupt interference , get their money.
Okay, so Mr Shapiro said you’re not protected legally then and a wife could then somehow get that money .
Instead his brilliant idea appears to be to treat adults like under age children and have them subject to trustees , trustee fees and the power crazed people giving them money like an allowance.
I’m apparently unable to make the decision it appears he thinks to allow my beneficiaries, all who are adults, to have use and enjoy the money I leave them without being subject in their 40s and 50s and 60s to being lorded over by a trustee..of course which gets a nice fee, plus a trust company also taking more money in fees.
Be wise and find someone ..speak to several lawyers when planning your estate and remember your decisions will affect your beneficiaries. They can be subject to years of litigation to even get their portion If the trustee fails their fiduciary duties and without spending months or years and endless amounts of lawyer fees. Theres nothing they can do about it.
I think Richard was not concerned about me, my beneficiaries, what’s best for us and the money and assets but it seems to me in my humble opinion he’s more interested in making the estate pay the most possible , and continue making it pay year after years in a trust for successful adults, including 2 attorneys, one pediatric surgeon, as well as other mature adults, who do not need babysitters and to have to go to strangers to get their money in dribbles from a stranger.
Honestly it’s so disheartening time after time to see how corrupt people are when money is involved. Do your research, leaving bank or brokerage accounts to beneficiaries is easiest quickest and the way to avoid any greedy or disturbed lawyers or executors or trustees to harm your loved ones.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Roy rysinger
I've worked with Susie Sohn for many years on various business, personal, and real estate legal matters. Susie and her team have always been excellent and are a true pleasure to work with!
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by Dustin leibowitz
I am happy to share my experience working with Susie Sohn, an exceptional attorney who has become my go-to recommendation for my clients over the past couple of years. From the moment I was referred to her by a colleague, it was clear that I had found a true professional in the field.
Susie’s hard work and dedication are evident in every interaction. She approaches each case with an impressive level of experience and expertise, ensuring that my clients receive the best possible guidance. Her ability to communicate effectively and transparently sets her apart, making the legal process much smoother for everyone involved.
Working with her is always a pleasure; her friendly demeanor and professionalism create a welcoming environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Susie Sohn to anyone in need of an attorney. Her commitment to her clients and her exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset in the industry. Thanks Susie!
Read more
29 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
A friend of mine recommended an attorney who recommended Marcello for my case. Marcello was very helpful. It was my first time appearing in a court and I was largely unaware of the process but Marcello helped make it easy for me. Marcello was very honest with me throughout the case and helped me stay positive while awaiting my hearing. Marcello did his best to answer any questions I had throughout the process as completely and quickly as possible.
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26 Sep, 2017 by Hana
we was vary satisfied with his representation
vary vary in top of the case.
THANK YOU !!!
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02 May, 2017 by Jennifer
I hired Marcello Cirigliano to be my lawyer almost a year ago to settle a business closing and some other things. He was absolutely TERRIBLE about getting back to me either by phone or email. Id say he returned my call maybe 1 in 20 times. Pat F handled most of the calls and emails. She was great, always returned calls and emails but didnt always know answers so it was necessary to talk to Marcello at times. He refused to get back to me after multiple messages and emails. We had our closing a few weeks ago and there were some loose ends I needed to finish up. I emailed him last week and as always, he never replied. So today I called and talked to Mr Bluestein and explained to him the situation and asked him why, if Marcello took on my case, he never called me back. The only answers I ever got from anyone was that he was really too busy to get back to me...or sick .....or on vacation. After my call with Mr B, Marcello FINALLY did email me back and basically told me to take my business elsewhere....this after I spent close to $10,000.00 with this firm. If a lawyer doesnt have the time to get back to his clients, he should not take that client on. Do not use Marcello if you want things done in a timely matter or if you want to get calls returned to you. He is not the man for the job.
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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.
