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21 Dec, 2022 by Coko brown
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19 Feb, 2021 by Ghost in nc
Best law firm in Ct
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18 Sep, 2020 by Julianne braziel
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18 Jan, 2013 by Sarah kaiser
Amie was my lawyer for my house closing in Wilton CT last Summer. She was highly professional and extremely reliable. I highly recommend her services.
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17 Jan, 2013 by Amy
Ms. Kingman has handled numerous closing for my clients. She has consistently been up to date on new regulations, organized, and personable. Ms. Kingman, on more than one occasion, has been able to make last minute closings happen, she does allow her clients to be taken advantage of. She genuinely cares for her client's best interest.
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17 Jan, 2013 by Gino
When working with Amie as well as her partner Jennifer they kept me informed on all details. They also helped to simplify the process making my situation very easy. Both Amie and Jennifer are passionate about there profession and always keep their clients BEST INTEREST!
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13 Aug, 2021 by Nicholas
I have seen first-hand Justin's supreme level of commitment to excellence and to the law on multiple occasions. Not only is he an awesome attorney, but he genuinely cares about his clients. He managed to turn what was the most horrible time of my life, into a positive life experience. He is straightforward and honest. Everything I thought attorneys weren’t. You can’t go wrong in hiring this man. I would definitely return for any other future needs due to the accommodations and services rendered in my experience working with Attorney Sargis.
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15 Nov, 2018 by Nick
Helped guide me through a custody challenge in a surgical manner. I would recommend him to my closest friends without hesitation.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Greg sargis
Not related. Atty Satgis was very professional and. Helped me in during a difficult time. Highly recommended.
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08 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I am so pleased that I hired Jennifer. She represented me during my horrific divorce battle. Never having to go through any Court proceeding, I was lost. I am thankful that she took the time to actually explain things and answer any questions I had. I would refer her to anyone.
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23 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
This attorney is extremely knowledgeable and very compassionate. Very trustworthy as well. I cannot say enough positive things about her. I have never met a better lawyer.
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19 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
She explained everything. She called me before every hearing & explained without using technical words. She even refunded money not used. This is a lawyer you can trust to tell you the truth and she gets the job done.
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22 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney Peter White is the person to contact of you are in need of legal counsil. I had personal circumstances happen in my life that affected my credit in a negative way. It was a very stressful time. I was harrassed by creditors, faced foreclosure on my home, reposession of car etc. I met with Attorney White who was highly reccomended by another Attorney. Atty White was very proffesional, understood the difficulty of the situation and explained all matters in laymans terms to help the process run smoothly. I obtained my discharge in 3 months after filing. Attorney Peter White will help you with your legal needs!
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25 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Cantin Lawyers is a well-known Hartford firm known for handling difficult and contentious cases and opposition. I felt protected and secure using John Morris from Cantin Lawyers. He handled my case and my extremely difficult ex with a reserved calm and professionalism.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Nihar reddy
Very responsive and you will have clear track what is happening with your case. Definitely i will suggest . In my case international serving was involved which is bit complex but with there experience helped me to resolve sooner ! Happy with service Thank you !
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26 Aug, 2024 by Melissa lachausse
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06 Aug, 2024 by Olivia dodd
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19 Jul, 2024 by Megan gavin
I worked w an attorney during one of the most difficult times in my daughters life to date. It was when COVID climate and crisis was high and her father s typical response was xxxx me and quite possibly his newest significant other. Although my attorney has been accused of lining his pockets w other people’s children’s college funds I have found him to be easy to work with you just have to watch out for the bump in his drive way.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Angela cremins
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26 Oct, 2023 by Debra
I had a great experience with this law firm. They handled my case with professionalism and efficiency. They were always responsive and attentive to my needs. They explained everything clearly and kept me informed throughout the process. They were caring and kind and got the job done with honesty and integrity! I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone who needs legal assistance.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Stephen masi
Hostile work environment. Discriminatory Hiring Practices.
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22 Feb, 2023 by Helen girouard
Horrible Very clique and favoritism Unrealistic expectations No guidance Always negative feedback Very stressful place to work
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17 Jun, 2014 by Jon
Not a good lawyer... Based on my experience working with this attorney I would look else where. Did not represent my interests and mostly focused on billing me as much as he could get away with. Often I was ill advised and this attorney was not forthcoming on many issues. There are too many other lawyers in CT to choose from. Why settle for a second rate attorney?
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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