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18 Feb, 2024 by Caleb
Mr. Hutsler represented me in a civil case of great importance to me. Throughout the duration of the case, I was given excellent counsel, support, and representation. His communication was immediate and thorough, as was his research and knowledge of the law. Through our work together, I know Mr. Hutsler to be an honest and diligent steward of the law who will put in the effort to give fair and just representation to his clients. I cannot say enough good things about this man.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Chris
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Hutsler in order to resolve an issue for a family member. The case was complicated and not only out of town but out of state. Mr. Hutsler traveled out of state on behalf of my family member to ensure the issue would be resolved. The results were exactly what was needed. I am thankful and most appreciative of Mr. Hutsler for his professionalism and commitment to his client. Highly Recommended.
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14 Mar, 2017 by Heather
I have had the privilege of having Dee work on several cases for my family. Through the whole process he was very in tune with my family's needs and treated them with the utmost respect and always made himself available for any questions we may have had.
I would recommend, and have recommended, Dee to anyone that needs a good caring attorney.
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19 Mar, 2019 by Sharon
I had consulted Mr. Stringer a few years ago, he was very nice and patiently answered our my questions, he gave me very professional advice too. even I eventually didn't need a Immigration lawyer, but I will choice him if I do need one.
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25 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Very nice man. Quick to reply, helping me out with my mom who deserves to come back to usa
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14 May, 2016 by Francis ortiz
Seth has been a tremendous help in assisting me to get my citizenship. He has been incredibly helpful, understanding, empathetic, honest and professional in every way possible. He is always in contact with me and helping me, I cannot stress how incredible he has been throughout the entire process. I have peace of mind that he is always working on my case and he is always available for any of my questions and concerns I may have. It has been a blessing to work with him!
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21 Jun, 2018 by Ashley
We finally got around to finishing our living will package.
Jennifer Tombrello-Grissett is so knowledgeable and easy to work with. I LOVE that she is in Bluff Park (right across from Andy's gas station) and can handle everything we may need in the years to come.
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07 Apr, 2015 by Kenneth
Jennifer works hard to get the most favorable outcome for her clients. She is fully committed to providing the best legal service she can and seeing that the client's needs are addressed. Great Attorney!
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27 Mar, 2019 by Christine
Mr. Marlow was recommended to me through a friend who had a positive outcome and he spoke very highly of him as well.
I hired him to help with 3 felony cases.
He immediately proposed drug court to reduce them to misdemeanors and even better to start living a life in recovery.
I followed l directions he and the court ( judge Owens) gave me and graduated in exactly 6 months. A blessing
Also now I am taking his advise,now that I have satisfied all the court requirements, and he will be helping me with my “pardon” or whatever they are calling it today. M
I am very optimistic and recommend me marlow to anyone.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Ashley
Hiring Samantha to resolve a business dispute on my behalf was a fantastic decision. She worked efficiently, always responded to emails promptly, and put my mind at ease during an arduous time in my professional life. I would definitely hire her again and recommend her to others.
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27 Jun, 2015 by Larry
Ken was my divorce attorney and as bad as divorces can be, I couldn't have asked for a better attorney than Ken. Very knowledgeable and came up with fantastic resolutions that I didn't think would fly, but they did and I couldn't have come out better.
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24 Jun, 2021 by Jessica
Mr. Lagman was hired to solve a custody case. He did a great job all the forms, responses, motions were filed on time and promptly. He represented me at the court with great experience and professionalism. He is available for communication and his legal rates are fair priced. He managed my case with grace. Recommend this lawyer.
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08 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I first hired Mr. Lagman back in 2002-2004 I believe to handle a Probate case. Well I got into my feelings and did an awful thing just blaming everyone. But he did a great job on my case. He handled my case with the utmost respect and dignity. He filed and answered all Motions in a timely matter. He filed motions that were needed to win my case. Things didn't move as fast as I wanted to because during that time I didn't understand that cases like the one I had do take time so I ended up discharging him which was a big mistake. Henry Lagman is a good man as well as an Attorney.
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09 Apr, 2019 by Trey
Henry knows the law and knew my rights. I was impressed with his courtroom performance and so was the jury. NOT QUILTY!!
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23 Oct, 2023 by Catherine
I hired Mr. Lynn on 11-20-2020 to handle two cases in Alabama, one in Mobile and one in Montgomery. I explained all of the complicated issues that both cases involved. He agreed and I paid him a deposit for both cases. Let me be very clear, when he did his job, he did it well, my issues are how he has repeatedly ignored me and was dishonest to me over the course of almost 3 years (today is 10-16-23). I cannot count the dozens and dozens of voicemails, texts, and emails that were never answered. Most of the issues that I paid him to do are complete. However, I still need a letter/form from him to basically state part of what he was (already) paid to do, when I asked him (AGAIN) to do this, his answer was NO, I AM DONE. The case in Montgomery was closed on 9-2-23. I emailed, called, and texted him the entire month of September and the first 2 weeks of October to get the status of the case (with no response at all from Mr. Lynn). On 10-13-23, I called the court clerk in Montgomery and that is how I found out it was closed (not from Mr. Lynn). I asked Mr. Lynn why it took me doing that to get the information - he had no reply to that. If you have ANYTHING that is time-consuming DO NOT USE J. Paul Lynn!! If you need something simple that is done and paid for at the same time, then he is probably ok to use. I will be filing a grievance with the Alabama State Bar Association. Like I stated earlier, not only did he ignore me, but he lied to me several times (about things that he really should not have lied to me about-one of those lies was about his cousin owning a hotel in the Jacksonville, FL area and at the time I was repeatedly going there for treatment at the Mayo Clinic. He told me that he had emailed his cousin and I could stay 2 nights for free - I did not ask Mr. Lynn to do this, he offered. When I showed up at the hotel they did have a not reservation for me and had not heard of Mr. Lynn or his cousin - it was embarrassing - I tried to contact Mr. Lynn while I was at the hotel but he never replied. I never got an explanation for it either). I was completely transparent with him throughout everything and paid him as soon as I received an invoice. The final payment for one of the cases - he did not have the deposit that I paid him in November 2020 on the invoice (was charging me again) - he said he did not keep his records that long??!! It has been less than 3 years - not very long to keep financial records (the IRS suggests keeping financial records for 7 years - Mr. Lynn is in business for himself AND an attorney, not only should he know this but he should be doing this for his own sake and his own records). So I emailed him a copy of his own receipt. I think that made him upset, but I told him all along I keep a record of everything. If Mr. Lynn reads this - I want him to know that I did not want to write a negative review about him. I have begged and pleaded with him to finish the job he was paid, in full, to do. (The reason he was paid in full before the job was complete is because he said he would not finish the job until I paid him in full). Everything that I have written is completely, 100% true and I have emails, text messages, and my phone records showing where I repeatedly called him and did not get a response for over a month at times - it usually took him, on average, 2 weeks to reply to a single message. Good luck if you decide to use him. I pray he stops treating his clients this way and treats his clients the way he would want himself or a loved one treated - which I said to him several times.
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16 Apr, 2013 by Anna
Helped me probate my father's estate.
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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.
