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07 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I had a fantastic experience working with Michelle Hanlon. She was very professional, intelligent, and responsive. She did a great job explaining things when I had questions and always made me feel like a priority. If you’re in the Chicagoland area and are need someone to help you with trusts, wills, or estate planning, you won’t find anyone better than Michelle Hanlon.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Ted capone
Don't waste your time and money here with any ICC or labor board issues. Donald and Brian are patsies for our delightfully corrupt Illinois government agencies.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Rc29
Excellent choice for my divorce case, Riley and his staff are very polite and patient.
Very professional, very knowledgeable.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Poor communication and guidance. Exceptionally poor. Was not fought for. Felt alone during entire process. Paperwork incorrect including typos. Absolutely unacceptable. Should have hired someone else but that would have been unaffordable at that point.
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17 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Members of the Law office of Riley N Oncken sit on the board of directors of Safe Passage a domestic violence organization in Dekalb, IL meanwhile its attorneys will represent abusive partners for the right cost. This is a for-profit law firm with no true concern for abused children,individuals and families. It is very alarming for a law firm to be affiliated with a domestic violence shelter and then support and represent domestic violence and child abuse perpetrators.
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27 May, 2022 by John
Lacks basic reasoning and logical skills to be qualified as an administrative law judge. Does not listen nor comprehend the simplest of facts. While my ticket was given to me with in the legal 24 hour parking permit time frame, the judge based my case on when I collected my evidence. This is the equivalence of throwing out a defendants evidence because his attorney was not at the scene of the crime. The fact that I took a few days to review the ticket and photograph that the parking permit was valid does not change the fact that I was ticketed wrongly. To make matters worse the ticket should have been thrown out because the meter-maid failed to take legible photograph of my parking permit, which in itself makes disqualifies the evidence of the case. This judge lacks the temperament and basic skills to be a judge of any type.
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27 May, 2021 by Jay
I have no opinion yet about Rodney W. Stewart. I have not yet met him, or spoken to him. He is going to represent my daughter, and I have read the initial letters he sent to my daughter about that, and it is only in that sense that I can truthfully say that I have "consulted" with him. I am reacting solely to the other review (as of this writing, there is only one other review). It has got to be ironic. It is so extreme in its language that it couldn't even be a fake review, planted by one of Mr Stewart's friends, or someone in his family. A fake review would not use that language, because when you say things so extreme, you lose all credibility. It must have been posted as a joke. I wish I could meet the person who posted it, so I could understand the story behind it. I'm Jay Shachter, by the way,
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08 Nov, 2013 by Aldo
I really cannot say enough about this attorney, yes he is knowledgeable but he is a professional and thus I expect that. I think what so overwhelmingly impressed me was his ethics and moral standards. Just a model of behavior that I would wish to instill in my children. Unbelievable for an attorney, he gives them all a good name.
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07 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Stay away.
I hired Timothy to take care of one simple transfer. The terms were written out, agreed to, and they were paid in full at the onset. He took it upon himself to make additional calls to some of the parties to try and drum up more business. When that didn't work, they tried to bill my family for additional time spent that was never agreed to. Needless to say, this lawyer was fired.
Heed the warning - find another firm.
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08 Aug, 2017 by Deborah
Attorney Malmquist has handled real estate and estate issues for me. He did so efficiently and professionally. Excellent legal representation with Mr. Malmquist.
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10 Nov, 2019 by Dave
Marty worked with us on a very unique & complicated real estate deal. He was diligent, thorough, professional and punctual. Marty is a great guy and fun to work with! I recommend him highly!
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02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Complete waste of time! Never returns calls or emails. We took the time to fill out the paperwork for a will and then we stopped hearing from him. So now we need to start process over again with a different attorney.
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11 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
We made an offer on a country house that had an issue with the existing well. Three days before closing on the house our attorney, Ray Ferguson, called to say if the problem couldn't be fixed that the seller would set money aside in escrow to dig a new well. We expressed reservations about going through with the sale given that the well wasn't clear and there was a limit on the amount the seller had set aside to fix it. Our attorney told us that this was the customary way to handle the problem and he did not offer us any other options. We were discouraged from cancelling the transaction in spite of our concerns about the well. We trusted that our attorney was representing us and our interests. After the sale when we found out we indeed needed to dig a new well we discovered our property was within a certain distance from the nearby city's zoning limits and thus we would need to hook up to city water rather than dig a new well and because of that we would also be annexed. Long story short - we had to hire a new attorney, go to numerous zoning hearings, have meetings with the mayor, the water department, the health department, get quotes from well diggers, plumbers, etc. It is nearly 8 months from the closing date and we are just now getting a new well in. It cost us several thousand dollars more in new attorney costs to obtain a satisfactory outcome, not to mention the loss of time, expense, inconvenience and delay in not being able to move in to the new house or list our current house for sale. If Ray Ferguson had represented our interests at all he would have known that our situation wasn't "customary". We were not aware that being required to hook up to city water and being annexed were potential consequences and we certainly were not aware that it would take nearly 8 months from the date of the closing before we would actually be able to get a new well with clean water so that we could move in to the house. Never trust a lawyer that is recommended by your realtor.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Mark
I felt it necessary to take the time to write a review of Attorney Ray Ferguson. Ray has provided a variety of services for my family over the past several years. He has provided excellent service during the happy times, closing on our first home 27 years ago to the sad times, guilding us through the legalities of my fathers passing.
I highly recommend Ray Ferguson for his efficent, caring and expert legal services.
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10 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Dealt with Frank to set up a trust. At first he seemed pleasant enough, but as the process unfolded he became more curt and impatient. At one point telling me point blank "I don't have time for this" when I didn't understand what he was explaining. Given his hefty fees, I don't consider his services or his attitude worth the price at all.
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11 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
He is forthright and knowledgable. He is honest. He does not gouge or milk people of their money. He is very personable and professional in demeanor. He is punctual. He stays on top of things and never misses a deadline. He puts his clients' needs first and foremost. He makes sure his clients are protected.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Juanes
24 Nov, 2019 by Greg siwek
08 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Condescending tone with this lawyer when he talks with you. I don't need people like this to talk down to me. Look elsewhere for another "fresh" lawyer.
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04 Sep, 2013 by Richard
I had a very complex tax reduction case, and Piercey was prompt to return phone calls and not exceed our agreed fee. It is rare to find someone who can save you 30 to 40 times in taxes what you pay them.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Steve
Told me he would handle my case and then failed to file my paperwork and will not respond to my messages or emails. Extremely unprofessional. I am filing a complaint with the Bar Association. Even if this John Gilbert worked pro bono he still would not be worth your time.
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11 Oct, 2021 by Eileen
John has been my attorney for over 20 years. He has handled both my personal and business matters. He takes the time to fully explain all my options and helps me to successfully resolve the issue. I would and have, recommended John for any legal representation you might need.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Very poor representation throughout. Michelle did the bare minimum. Would definitely not recommend.
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12 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Came highly recommended (from a friend whose ex had actually used her services in their divorce). Very thorough and straight forward. Quick response time. Available to answer questions. Very happy with her services. I even referred a friend.
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24 May, 2019 by David
Worked hard and fought for me personally unlike any i have had before. Got the case done quickly and went out of his way to help me. Great office and staff.
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11 Mar, 2014 by Peter
poor answer of calls. vague explanation of rights. did he really know? seemed like his work was guesswork the whole time. poor bluffer. but showed zeal in going after me for fees in the court system for incomplete and hopeless failed work, for little or no effort in MY representation.
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30 Apr, 2020 by Mary
Ms. Hawkins quit on my case the business day before my trial for no reason and cost me a half a million dollars. Then proceeded to bill me. How completely awful and unethical. What kind of person does something like this.
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05 Dec, 2017 by Robert
She listens and doesn't beat around the bush. We have been using her for over 3 years now in coustdy battle.
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13 Apr, 2023 by Erik maczko
28 Sep, 2022 by Laith abad
15 Dec, 2023 by Mohammod robi
08 Jan, 2022 by Mike morris
Hi my name is Michael Morris I just want to say thank you to Maria sanchez who has been a awesome individual that helped me navigate through my car accident. She's a very awesome individual I thank you for the experience. And letting me be part of the Warner Family .
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01 Aug, 2024 by John feldberg
The worse law firm ever. Michael Crosby is the biggest Crook. Go anywhere else but the here. I can't emphasize this enough.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Amir k. morning
Spoke to Pam. She took no steps in even wanting to understand the situation before telling me within 45 seconds of the phone conversation that she needs $500 to have a 10 minute phone conversation about our situation. I just needed to know if it’s a case their firm would take or not, but apparently you have to pay these guys $500 to get a no for an answer.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Don kristofek
The Crosby Law Firm just helped me win a case against a very difficult insurance company. The staff is friendly and professional. They made me feel right at home. They went right to work and got the job done quickly. I give them 5 stars!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
If I could give zero or even negative stars I would. She ignored about 98% of my phone calls, emails & texts. She made agreements/arrangements with the opposing council, without my knowledge. Then signed an order on my behalf to an order I didn't agree to, nor did I have any say in.
I wish I could get my time & money back.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
After my initial consult I thought she seemed great and wanted to hire her for my case, but she never called or emailed me back for the retainer. I called several times, left messages and even talked to the paralegal who assured me every time that she would call me back. In the end, I'm very glad I never hired her. If she can't even manage to call me back to take my money, she probably couldn't handle anything else.
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03 May, 2023 by Rick jacobsen
We have used Meghan twice this year. She was awesome to work with. Highly recommended
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27 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Denise is extremely knowledgeable in the area of Special Education. She can support your advocacy of your child, advocate for your child in a meeting and take the Dostrict to Court, if that is needed. Her knowledge and expertise helped me navigate a maze and get the support my children needed.
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07 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I give Denise Cahill no marks because she deserves not one. In order to fill this out you still must Rate!
We needed a lawyer to handle our Autistic child. We had discussed our situation over the phone with a Free Consultation she was saying we had a good case and was totally on board with our goals. Once we got to the consultation she changed her story on which way to go once she had our retainer and consult. Fee she pulled the bait on switch on us and said she doesn't think she can meet our goals w/o even looking at the docs. She then asked for more $ if we wanted her to proceed that our case was too complicated! This was in an email all being after only one week and two pages of documents. She wrote one letter to the schools atty. Stating she was retained by us and stated if we don't give her more $ she'll drop our case! How does someone get away with this kind of behavior? She shld. Be disbarred for telling me all this and stating "my kid is complicated" after laying down thousands of dollars!!!! Ms. Cahill is only a glorified advocate but really at best a con-man/woman!!!!!
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15 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Im having issues with my son at his current school. I needed someone aggressive, organized and experienced with special needs education issues. I specifically wanted her to fight for another placement for my son so he could go to a therapeutic day school as he needs intensive behavior modification Instead, at the IEP meeting, she focused on minute, insignificant details in regards to his goals that were not important to me. I had to refocus on the placement issue, but she did not fight for it. Later, she casually told me that I would not get what I wanted anyway. I feel awful as I spent the only savings that I had.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Saleem
I worked with Carol regarding my amicable divorce from my partner. We scheduled an appointment Jan 2017 and paid the consultation fee. After the appointment we shopped around, we thought their fee was a little on the high side however felt confident and safe hiring them.
On Oct 2017 I hired Carol, signed the welcome letter and retainer agreement, Paid my deposit. At first they failed to credit the consultation fee, after a reminder they made the correction. The next time I heard from Carol was a month later, only because of my emails to Rachael and Susan wondering what the next step was. She stated we should be completed by the end of the year, so I waited for the next step.
Finally middle Jan 2018 I sent an email, because no one followed up Iasking Carol for an update. At that point and I'm not sure why Carol waited so long but she sent out our Petition for Dissolution which we signed within 24 hours. Carol forgot our case which left us waiting another few weeks for the next step,
However, Come March 2018, I'm still waiting....I called, I emailed...on March 13th Rachael responded and looked into what we are waiting for...she couldnt offer anything besides an apology but assured to me Carol would have a settlement agreement by Friday end of working day. On Friday 7pm, no word. At this point I'm at my wits end, frustrated that my case has been forgotten, on the back burner, and I have had to consistently follow up wondering what the hold up is.....I emailed Carol asked for a refund and wanted to take my business elsewhere. Finally at 9:43pm Carol sent the settlement agreement, she apologized and stated she works late on Fridays.
March 27th we signed final papers, April 4th we picked a court date.
Court Day: I was instructed to arrive at 9:30am, which I did, even a little early because I was nervous. At 9:30am I called the firm I was told she should be there, what are you wearing?, Carol has not arrived. I thought to myself, has she forgotten me again? I checked in with the clerk and waited. Carol arrived (9:37am), it was the longest 7 minutes of my life. When she arrived we stepped outside spoke about what to expect and went back inside. Once inside the clerk stated she needed to get something signed or stamped, I wasn't sure what she was missing but she said the clerk was being difficult and she had to run to do something. I was left sitting, waiting. When Carol returned it was my turn with the judge, everything went smoothly (hence the one star) after that, she emailed me final court documents and we finished.
I'm disappointed with the organization and management of this law firm. It is unacceptable to require the client to follow up with the lawyer and keep tabs on their case. Also, its unacceptable to be late to court, I should have been given a follow up call saying "dont worry I'm running late." I understand court is an everyday event for a lawyer but for me it was a new experience and I was nervous.
Amicable divorces should not take 6-7 months, I know this is true because I have an email from Carol stating we should be completed by end of 2017. (I saved all emails) We were not delayed on my end, anything she needed from us was provided within 48 hours.
At first I felt confident with their abilities, in the end was greatly disappointed. Overall, when hiring this firm I would make sure you are ok with delays and being overlooked or being an after thought. Also, I would ask the firm if they has time for your case, maybe Carol was juggling more than what she could handle. I dont know. For now take a pass on hiring an attorney from this firm.
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20 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I engaged Jill Metz for litigation services and was a client of hers. Jill was not able to draft a complaint that the court would accept and required additional extra legal services. Jill did not deliver the level of service nor results she claimed to. I do not recommend Jill Metz be engaged for litigation services.
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09 Jun, 2013 by Local professional
Jill Metz and her team were great in helping us understand what to include in a living will, powers of attorney, and end of life planning. Her consultation also helped us understand the real estate holdings we had and the necessary paperwork updates required to put all our wishes together. Definitely recommend!
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14 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
We worked for a long period of time on a custody hearing. His advice often changed, he said, you can/should do this, then he said later, "You shouldn't have done that."
He does work with you, if you don't owe him too much money. If you have money to spend, he'll spend it and then some.
Could have done better cross examine.
Over all he got the job done as well as anyone.
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27 May, 2009 by Anonymous
He seems to be all talk that he will get things done and be on your side but he does the basics and really doesn't look out for what's best for the client. Poor appearance in front of the judge.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Judy pershey
Worst experience ever!! 🤢 Went in jointly with brother as executor to parents estate. ❤️ 100% together and all he kept suggesting was how we both needed attorneys. There was no fight!! But he said there always is 🙄. When I explained my brother was keeping the house no matter what I'd sign it over! He laughed and escorted us out while telling me I was nuts! 😡
Fancy office but empty office!
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22 Oct, 2020 by Emily trader
Avoid this man at all costs. My father died when I was 17, and rather than wrapping up the estate quickly to ease the suffering of my sister, brother and I, he dragged it out for - get this - FOUR years just to get our money. It has been devastating and I'm so disappointed in the cruelty of it. It got to the point that my siblings and I couldn't even reach him because he avoided our case for months at a time. Do yourself a favor and never even google his name again -- only go to him if you're looking to get scammed in a time of grief.
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15 Feb, 2019 by Shelly knop
Very knowledgeable in estate issues. Great service
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05 Nov, 2021 by Tamara neumann.
24 Apr, 2020 by Oldschoolkid134
Not good at job
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07 Jul, 2018 by Seth gunter
02 Jun, 2021 by Bee
this woman is a man hating, bottom feeding scumbag. bolstering up a 3x dcfs alcoholic loser who starved, neglected and abandoned my children repeatedly. her and her deranged client have kept me in cook county family court for 6 years, and her only aim is to lie her bloated face off to protect a repeated child abuser. literally has the legal skills of an 9 year old, and proves it every time in court.
I URGE YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY MORALITY, CARE ABOUT SOMEONE WHO WOULD BOLSTER UP A CHILD ABUSER, OR HAVE AN OUNCE OF A SOUL DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS SOULESS FREAK!
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27 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Professionalism has decreased over time. Rarely keeps conference call appointments or returns calls. Has client to prepare documentation or research information that is not used in their case with no explanation.
Often felt there was no overall strategy or continuity regarding my case.
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18 Feb, 2015 by Jennie
This far we live how Alia handles and cares about her cares about her clients. She is extremely professional, caring and empathetic. She really roles up her sleeves and fights for her clients.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mike d
15 Nov, 2023 by R f
Absolutely worthless if you are expecting help understanding anything to do with justice system. Lots of depends or idk or you have to wait and find out or just flat out I can't tell you. Just sad
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04 Sep, 2023 by Amanda bradbury
It's Chicago ..what do you expect?
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06 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Disappointment with this lawyer's negotiating skills. On several occasions lawyer should have been more prepared. In my opinion, he was not able to effectively communicate to other parties. I would not recommend him.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Rian marquez
My experience with Attorney Curtis Ross was nothing short of a nightmare. From the outset, he displayed a level of rudeness and disrespect that was utterly appalling. When I sought clarification on certain legal matters, he dismissed my concerns with the utmost arrogance, labeling my questions as "idiotic."
Instead of fulfilling his role as a legal advocate, he left me to fend for myself in court, all the while painting a false picture of me as argumentative. His complete lack of support and guidance was both shocking and deeply disappointing.
Save yourself the headache and avoid hiring Curtis Ross at all costs. He is an utter disgrace to the legal profession and will leave you high and dry when you need support the most.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Susan dotson
He's 76 years old and very forgetful. If you're lucky, Curtis Ross will remember to provide zoom information. If he has a bad day he may forget and you could miss court or be very late. He loves to celebrate every holiday and disappear days before court. Do you want him to prepare before court? Do you want to be prepped before court? If the answer is "no" pay his $5,000 retainer and $375.00 an hour.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Ray
27 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Este señor es un mentiroso. Le estoy tramitando los papeles a
mi esposo desde hace ya 3 años con este señor, nunca recivi ningun documento de immigracion le pague solo el principio $1000. no hizo nada y por los ultimos 2 anos me e tratado de comunicar con el y nunca me regresa las llamadas, esto es un fraude. difinitivamente yo no lo recomiendo, en las cortes nunca se presenta.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This lawyer was a complete waste of my time. He lie about processing my immigration case and ignore my call spend like 5 months trying to get to him. Worst lawyer. He is just taking ppl money he don't know what he is doing. He always reschedule our appt. And neber show up. He left my case half way. I had to get another. Real lawyer and start again and pay again. All because this guy is a lier.
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25 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
When we called for a meeting regarding my case, we were told to wait and that we would get a call back from him. However, he never returned our calls or emails even when it was an emergency. On the day of my court day, he didn't show up.
If you are looking for a good lawyer he isn't the one.
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05 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Was hired to represent my family in a probate case. He failed to appropriately apply the laws to defend the case. He did not kept track of the events. Information was verbally and in wrting provided to him than then he denied to have. He was not updated about current laws to apply in our family's case. He was providing information only pertaining to my family and the case to the other party's attorney. He pushed our family to make a decision turns later to be adverse against our case. He did not guide our family appropriately and the damage made by his poor representation in court was enourmous. When requested to return the money he charged for his bad legal representation, he tried to overcharged rather than to recognize his huge legal mistakes.
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24 Jan, 2011 by Paul showers
This attorney never kept any accounting records. He told me he can't type. He has no staff to answer messages. He writes up court orders that are almost illegible, and he kept me in limbo on a family matter for a couple of years. He got my confidence by getting a small support order but I ended up paying him way more than the support in an attempt to get a reasonable visitation. After I complained that he owed me money and I wanted to see an accounting he never replied to me directly. We were slated to go to trial and it never happened. When Christmas visitaion was conflicted/fought over for the fourth consecutive year I fired him.
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13 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr Armstrong presented himself to be knowledgeable from the onset of hiring him. However as my legal case began to evolve he seemed overly engaged in maintaining a good relationship with the opposing counsel versus representing my best interest in the overall litigation. I felt that he took his lead from the opposing counsel in order to put me into a position that forced a settlement versus defending me through litigation which is why I hired him. The experience and outcome with him as my attorney was not a good one. I have since found a different lawyer where I am getting the professional counsel and litigation needed in the first place.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
David seems like a great guy. At the beginning of the case, he provided reassurances and information that significantly reduced my stress levels. As we got closer to trial, he recommended renewing negotiations to avoid trial expense for all parties. It seemed to me that as soon as they made an offer that wouldn't get laughed out of court he considered his job done - I got the impression he was much more concerned with keeping the judge and opposing counsel happy than with representing my interests or anything resembling a fair outcome. I would go to court without a lawyer before I would even consider using him again, or any firm associated with him.
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06 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Very much concur with the prior review. Rollin was working in his own behalf which unfortunately in this instance sabotaged my case. I got to pay to promote his interest while he did everything to sabotage mine.
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17 May, 2015 by Anonymous
We had Mr Soskin work in our behalf, a few years ago. He did a great job but then I later came to find out that he wasn't working so much for me as he was for himself.
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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.
