Lawyers map
>964
experienced lawyers
Filter by
10 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Please note that I only selected one star because that is the lowest rating available, and a requirement in order to post this review; however my accurate depiction of what my rating for my former lawyer is : a thumbs down and a -0 to the 100th power. Let me just say during the duration of my case there was only one thing this lawyer remained consistent with, and that was proving at every turn to be horrible at his job. He is completely unprofessional, inattentive, inconsistent, pompous, lacks integrity , and is the farthest thing from a man of his word. This experience was my first , and will be my last dealing with any lawyer. And speaking of experience, he prides himself on having 30 plus years of it, but what good is any experience if you fail to put it to use. I wouldn't recommend Theadore R. Andrews to my worst enemy.
Read more
16 Sep, 2020 by Marcus johnson
This lady will take your money and bs your case, she never returns calls and once she knows your number she will avoid you. She isn't even file my documents correctly. I hired her 2 years ago and my case was still pending bc of her nonresponsive work. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS LADY!!!
Read more
10 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Will take all your families money do excess paperwork to charge more drag things out have u do the work n then claim he did n still find more ways to prolong n charge you till all your funds are gone
Read more
19 Oct, 2022 by Ranjeet
False lawyer don't exist anymore. Does not exist. Phone number disconnected. Office is a furniture store.
Read more
27 Apr, 2022 by Sylvia
Rodney Minger was a court appointed attorney that was assigned to my brother's felony case. We repeatedly asked him if probation was an option and he indicated that it was not on multiple occasions. He is nice and personable and tells you what you want to hear, but does not follow through with what he indicates that he will do and will not work the case if it is a court appointed case. We finally hired an attorney who took the time to research and work the case and my brother was able to get probation after all. Mr. Minger lives in the Woodlands, but takes court appointed cases in rural counties in East Texas. He may be a decent attorney after all, but be cautious if he is court appointed to your case.
Read more
30 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Nikki Davis and her firm are unprofessional, unresponsive, and simply put: rude. The woman who answers the phone at the front desk is abrupt and rude, while using the excuse of "Nikki is busy" to brush aside any concerns about communication. When expressing our concerns about her communication, Nikki's only response was: "I know I'm not good at checking emails." - Doesn't your job, as a person who represents people legally, require you to be able to communicate in a time-sensitive manner?
If you want to hire a lawyer who will not respond to you then over-charge you for doing below the bare-minimum and waste your money and time, then this is the lawyer for you.
Then, after we complained, Nikki started digging through her emails to try to prove that she had responded - even her shoddy attempts at proving any competence showed that she didn't respond to questions we had emailed multiple times.
Absolute waste of time and money.
There are other lawyers who will actually respect your time, communicate with you, and keep you updated in Houston, Texas. Go elsewhere if you want to be respected.
Read more
24 Dec, 2020 by Christopher
“Take these two cases everything will be over” he says. He is not on your side.
Read more
20 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Do not hire this attorney he is very lazy, unprofessional and he does not go to court dates when required. Because of him I lost my bankrupcy case. I lost my house among other things., none of the cases he handle for me or my friends won., I do not recomend him.
Read more
13 Feb, 2008 by Anonymous
Over 1.5 years I never could talk with him although I was billed for every time I tried.
He did mail 2 letters in my behalf, but never took any legal action. $2,400.
Read more
19 Nov, 2023 by Vickie higdon
I am a Process Server, who served 2 Documents for this man. I didn't charge him for the 2nd Document or for Printing. Got the Documents on 10/10/23, served them on 10/12/23. Only charged him $85, which is a discount to say the least. He has not paid me for my work. Process Servers do mot work for this deadbeat, or get your money upfront.
Read more
14 Jan, 2019 by Marie
1. I had assault charges pending, filed by my ex shortly after I filed divorce on him.
2. He was always the aggressor but each time the police would come, all he needed to tell them was that I was a foreigner and things, at that point, just did not seem to follow proper protocol.
3. In short, he had me arrested one night claiming I tried to assault him with a weapon and immediately, filed for an order of protection preventing me from returning to my home.
4. No questions about who I was in the family structure. I was the breadwinner fed up of being overwork and disrespected by a man who grew comfortable having me provide for the family. I had all my evidence and I knew the charges would be dropped once brought up before a judge.
5. In the meanwhile I interview with Ms. Smith, who told me we still could have him kicked out of the house even before the criminal charges were dropped. We proceeded with the signing of the contract, she got her retainer and 2 days before the hearing date she informed me that I would be put on the 5th because the criminal charges were still pending.
6. In court, I could not speak, the opposing counsel had their field day in court and got everything they wanted in temporary order. We took a beating which could have been avoided.
7. About 1 month after those temporary orders were made by the judge, keeping me out of my house including having to pay child support to my ex, the charges were rejected by the DA after all evidence were provided by my defense attorney. He was always the aggressor and all I needed was an opportunity to prove it and shared some of those files with Ms. Smith so she knew.
8. Now that the charges were dropped, I asked Ms. Smith to request a hearing to have the temporary order changed now that I can speak and submit my evidence against him, she wouldn't, she told me "the judge was not going to change the temporary order just because my charges were dropped". She literally told me it was her way or the high way and since as a client, I am very much aware of my right of autonomy with i chose to exercise by reminding her the direction I wanted us to go with the case. She got upset, reminded me that she was the attorney and decided to withdraw from my case. Leaving me hanging with $5000 of my money in her pocket with just 1 court appearance. I was left to find another attorney and another retainer since she did not think that she should at least return at least some of my retainer money back to me.
Then she sent another bill claiming I owe her $1,300 which did not add up and each time she is questioned, she throws threats around, get on high horses with a clear intend to intimidate.
Read more
28 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Don't waste your money with this attorney. Never calls back. Let my case just sit there for 18 months while I continued to ask for a court date. Nothing was being done an I couldn't even get him on the phone. Had to hire another attorney to finish my case.
Read more
12 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
I have worked, or attempted to work, with Vanessa Hauser & the Shanks firm for over two years now. In various Motions when she appeared in front of Judges she was nothing short of embarrasing - she stumbled, fumbled and appeared totally unprepared and not knowledgable about the law; the Judge chastised her on numerous occasions for not following proper court procedures.
Besides her poor performance in court, she is next to impossible to contact and never returns phone calls or emails. I also have a lot of questions about the hours she has billed me and she has avoided this subject with me.
Read more
28 Aug, 2017 by Robert
He lost my mother and a good friend's case. He never contacted my mom to let her know that they had lost the case. He is the worst lawyer in probate cases. Stay away from him.
Read more
22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Did not do anything to earn the money. Had to do all research during discovery period myself my
Very unhappy with results
Read more
17 Apr, 2013 by Tim
Angela Lancelin ignored the written law. She attempted to hand documents, as evidence, to the judge- with filing the documents as an affidavit. The judge refused the documents ans said, don't hand that to me." Angela Lancelin is the worst lawyer I've ever seen.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
