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29 Apr, 2022 by Angela
We received a recommendation for Bruett, Reyes, and Thornton. Jonathan Thornton did our will and trust. He spent an hour on the phone explaining EVERYTHING to us. We contacted other folks that really shrugged us off after 5 minutes. I feel very confident in his ability and his guidance. Met everyone in the office. They are young, dedicated lawyers. I highly recommend them. I am so happy that we got the opportunity to meet and work with him!
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04 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Jonathan was very thorough and detailed throughout my case. He spearheaded my divorce case and successfully pushed the case past the finish line despite the opposing counsels poor communication and unprofessional demeanor. Jonathan gave me so much peace about the case and I felt at ease about every single step of the process. When Jonathan took over my divorce case, it was the middle of the pandemic and he pressed on and executed each step diligently and accurately despite the extra hurdles that were presented due to the pandemic. I would hands down, 100% recommend him! He’s professional, considerate, thorough, timely, responds quickly and treats people with respect.
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11 Nov, 2019 by Kenneth
Jonathan was really friendly, thorough, competent, etc. in asking the correct questions and then summarizing the law in IL about wills and trusts. He then completed our wills, trust, power of attorneys in just a few days. I highly recommend him.
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30 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of hiring Sara Stephenson Peska for a child custody case. Over the course of two years I was able to develop a wonderful, long lasting relationship with Mrs. Stephenson Peska. In times of need, she was there to comfort and provide me with knowledgeable information in moving forward. Sara is very diligent, thorough, sharp and compassionate. Mrs. Stephenson Peska came very highly recommended to me, and I could not be more pleased with the outcome of my case. Her professionalism and work ethic speaks for itself, call and make your consulatation today. It will be one of the best choices you make.
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02 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Sara took a lot of time helping my husband on his custody case. I can't say how grateful I am for the time she took to look into all of the details and help us out. This lawyer is a highly active lawyer, she is nice and kind. I felt better after everything she did in a little time for my family. I was more than impressed.
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06 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Stephenson is a quick study and picked up on my thoughts and concerns immediately. She handled my case with the utmost professionalism and skill.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
My sister and I wanted to take a moment and thank your firm for the outstanding service and support we have received regarding estate planning for our parents. Helen Mesoloras, Melissa LaPointe and Erin Vogt have provided guidance and their expertise while also displaying genuine care, concern and compassion.
When my father suffered a massive stroke in October '15, we were left overwhelmed and lost as to what to do next regarding his care. After being referred to your firm by in NY (where I live) I spoke to Erin who listened and right away assured us your firm could help not only in estate planning but with the medicaid process as well.
From our first meeting with Helen and Melissa, we felt confident and secure we were not alone, and that we would have someone helping us advocate for my dad in the nursing home he was at. As for the medicaid process, being that I do not live in town, the idea of my mom and sister having to do the medicaid application alone was not an option. Had it not been for your team organizing everything and informing us when items were still needed I honestly think we would still be knee deep in paperwork today.
Another turning point happened in December when I was talking to Erin regarding my dad's overall health. He was extremely depressed and not eating at the time. She suggested that maybe palliative care could help us. While initially on palliative care, since February he had been on hospice care. But had it not been for Erin we never would have known about these services.
While unfortunately our father passed away recently, we continue to work with your team regarding my mother's estate planning. We feel great solace in knowing that dad would want us to make sure mom is taken care of and protected in every way. Thank you again for all your support.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
We were referred us to Melissa LaPointe. Melissa is amazing. She has been our guide throughout. She is professional, smart and incredibly responsive. We would NEVER have been able to do this without her. I have learned so much from her. I had to force my husband to go to an Elder Law Attorney. He did not understand the need and did not want to spend the money. Now he would tell you that the service we received and the final result was more than worth it.”
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11 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
There are few words that can truly describe the depths of my gratefulness and appreciation for the support and peace of mind that was bestowed on my family from attorney, Melissa LaPointe with Dutton and Casey. She was responsive to our family in a time of crisis and expeditiously handled our legal matter with utmost professionalism and compassion. Thank You Melissa, for being our light of hope.
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01 Aug, 2018 by Patricia
I had an issue with a family law case. The attorney I have has not responded to my phone calls and emails for two to three weeks. The attorney had not provided the final order to the judge for approval so we could close our case and I wasn't sure what direction to go in. Brian was very professional and courteous as he listened to my situation and gave me some great advice. I would highly recommend him.
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20 Feb, 2017 by Stuart
My probate question was a little more complex because my father's estate covers property in several states, and quite frankly I didn't understand how to properly navigate my way around making sure things were filed correctly and in all the right places; and then there were things I wouldn't even know to look for and check over. But Attorney Brian Dolan did, even in counties outside of Florida which as it turns out is where I should be concentrating my investigation efforts.
I would recommend Brian to everyone, it doesn't matter which side of the probate estate your needs lay: heir or creating a will for loved ones.
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11 Jan, 2017 by David goldman
Brian spends a lot of time answering questions and does a very good job at giving complete and accurate answers. We all miss facts in the questions at times, and Brian's answers often point out what others have missed.
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07 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Chris worked with my sister and I to settle our parent’s trusts and estates. He and his team were very knowledgeable, approachable, and responsive. He guided us in every step of the process and did everything he committed to do in a timely manner. He and his staff were never rushed, always available to discuss issues, were courteous, and professional. I highly recommend him.
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12 Sep, 2015 by Johnson family
Mr. Cummings, and assistant (Claire), have been truly appreciated while having had to assume Guardianship for a beloved family member.
While providing the expertise, integrity, one’s patience and professionalism make it clear being such a respected individual & law firm in our area.
On behalf of our family, we thank you.
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26 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Cummings was very helpful while selling my elderly mother's house. He was professional, informative, and knowledgeable.
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11 Jan, 2010 by Tara
recently closed on my first home and was very overwhelmed by the process. Dave was amazing, responding to emails and calls immediately. He was extremely knowledgable. Dave was patient and able to walk us through the entire buying process. I highly recommend using Dave.
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05 Jan, 2010 by Mitch
I would highly reccommend Dave as a lawyer. In going through the homing buying process my wife and I were not only impressed by his knowlege of real estate law but his outstainding ability to put this knowlege in to terms we were able to understand. He was diligent throughout the process, easy to get in contact with, and will be our real estate lawyer for years to come.
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05 Jan, 2010 by Nora
We recently hired Dave during the purchase of our new home. Dave was tremendously responsive and communicated with us on a regular basis via phone and email. I feel Dave advocated strongly in our best interest and was very professional and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dave - especially if you are a new or first time homebuyer as he explained all steps in the process thoroughly and was very patient with any questions or issues.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Jeff
We retained Gary to assist in the settlement of our father's estate. During a difficult time, he provided valuable advice that allowed us to greatly simplify the process. He gave us specific guidance and instruction as to our responsibilities, timelines, etc., and communicated effectively throughout. He was with us from beginning to end in all aspects of settling the estate, which included the sale of real estate. Very knowledgable and professional. I highly recommend Gary based on our experience with him.
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29 May, 2015 by Kevin
Didn't want to deal with estate and real estate issues by myself. Contacted Mr. Kerr to handle all the details for me. He did an outstanding job! He was very prompt with everything and kept me abrest of all matters and provided sound recommendations when necessary.
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04 May, 2015 by Jennifer
Mr. Kerr helped us with our adoption. He was extremely knowledgable, professional, and dependable. I would highly recommend him!!!!
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19 Dec, 2022 by Larisa olson
Beyond impressed. Andy Arons was referred to me by a Winnetka business owner. I was in a time crunch on a commercial lease and he swooped in and got it all worked out & and executed so swiftly. I felt that I was in really good hands. So thorough. And even saw it through over the weekend. They just don’t make ‘em like Andy. Great firm.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Steve martay
Mr. Heimlich and the attorneys at this firm do a great job representing their clients. I would highly recommend hiring them for a claim.
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25 Feb, 2019 by Farva jafri
Kerry Saltzman and Aaron Chaet have always been advocates for their clients, ethical attorneys and competent employment law advisors. I would recommend both of them without reservation.
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12 Aug, 2022 by Mitanette
Mr. Kevin Hanbury was assigned to me as the attorney for my Dad's estate by the Probate Judge and oversaw the 2 year process from start to finish. I had no knowledge of handling the cumbersome task as Guardian of the estate, but Thanks to Mr. Hanbury, I had someone to walk beside me and guide me through the process, putting my mind at ease. I would give 10 stars if I could. Mr. Hanbury's overall professionalism, communication, organizational skills and education reguarding the entire estate process are stellar. Mr. Hanbury will get the job done and can be relied upon.......A true asset to anyone that decides to utilize his services. I highly recommend this attorney.
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14 Nov, 2020 by June
Kevin was the BEST lawyer EVER!!! He assisted me in getting appointed as my sister guardian. For that I will forever be GRATEFUL!!!
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23 May, 2020 by Rene
After the passing of our mother, my family had to contend with some tedious and complexed legal issues ,where ownership of property was at stake. By referral from a family friend we were connected to Attorney Kevin Hanbury. He was thorough and always available to answer our questions. He was very polite and definitely had our interest at heart. I highly recommend ( without hesitation) this attorney. He is one of the best I have encountered for our family issue. I will definitely be calling upon his expertise again.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
We arrived at 9am for a consultation at 9:30am. We figured we'll be waiting for a while anyway, so we got comfortable. Stacy did not hesitate to welcome us with coffee and assisted us right away, ahead of our scheduled time. As we proceeded to explain our situation, I felt very comfortable with her, as she was very understanding and knowledgable. We came in with questions about trusts and a litigation situation. Stacy recommended the best course of action and referred us to some of her colleagues for more information also. We would definitely consider Stacy Beutler for future situations!
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09 Sep, 2015 by J.n.
I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate my estate papers with Attorney Stacy Beutler today and I couldn't be more pleased. She is the most approachable attorney I have ever met. She is patient and listened to my endless questions and offered excellent, easy to understand explanations for everything. She never appeared rushed or rushed me. She was very compassionate of my life situation and I am truly grateful that. The office is very clean and cozy and easy to locate. Highly recommend Stacy Beutler!!!
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08 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Stacy listened to my problem, and was able to provide options for next steps. She also provided her own recommendation. In going through the steps, I completely understood the process, the timeline, my own liability, and the actions and possible outcomes of all parties involved.
Stacy returned phone calls and emails within a day, which is more responsive than any attorney I have worked with previously.
Stacy dealt with more than the issue at hand. She thought and advised strategically, with an eye on future issues.
Overall, I am happy with the outcome of my situation, and would definitely recommend Stacy to other people.
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02 May, 2021 by Charlie
Recommended by another attorney, Douglas Belofsky, promptly took care of the legal matter in our favor.
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03 May, 2020 by Cindy
I have the utmost respect for Douglas Belofsky. He took over when I had a problem with a former attorney. I found him to be extremely pleasant, knowledgeable, and professional. Above all, he gave me his utmost attention which I greatly appreciated. He is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Stan
Amazing, detailed, proactive, extremely smart and helpful ... very professional and strong communication skills... highly recommend Doug for Estate planning, Corporate and litigation legal matters
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22 Feb, 2021 by Andrew waldrop
First time with Mia and she will definitely be in mind whenever any legal trouble arises. Great value for the peace of mind.
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16 Apr, 2018 by Cedric atkins
She is just awesome at what she does .... I had a 12,000 dollar fine for being overweight on my semi truck.... whatever magic words she used to get it reduced to 500 dollars she did it and it has taken a big burden off me and my family back . Thanks a lot Mia
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13 Sep, 2017 by Patrick butler
22 Oct, 2019 by Chrissi
I am very pleased with the service Trygve gave my family! The knowledge and work he put in was amzing! I would use him again if needed
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30 May, 2018 by Cindy
I had some concerns for my small business and the new tax laws. Mr. Meade was well versed in corporate law and offered up a couple of different options for my business. My conversation with Mr. Meade will end up saving me money!
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18 May, 2018 by Jason
He did a great job consulting me on new tax laws and tax breaks for our small business.
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23 Jan, 2020 by Bonnie
Yay Mike! We won! I love this guy. He is easy to talk to, wonderful to work with, and really knows what he's doing. I was involved in a crash and given the ticket. I felt the accident was unavoidable and that I shouldn't had been issued a ticket putting me at fault. Mike handled my case very professionally represented me in court, plead not guilty, and won. No need to be nervous with this guy in your corner. I felt very comfortable and that he really cared about doing his very best. You need to meet with Mike Hopkins before you go to court with your ticket. Thanks Bonnie S.
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13 Jan, 2020 by Mikey
Mike helped me maneuver my way out of a contract that made me feel owned in a way. As a professional boxer, the business is full of sharks ready to chop you down for a dollar. So it was very securing to me that he genuinely had and has my best interests in mind. If I need any sort of legal advice, he’d be the first to be contacted without question. Very impressed, I’d give ten stars if I could.
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10 Jan, 2020 by Sean
Mike represented me for my first alleged traffic violation, which I get to call “alleged” thanks entirely to Mike’s attention to detail and passion for his work.
Throughout my formative years Mike has been a trusted mentor and a friend, who has imprinted upon my mind the value of harnessing BOTH intellect and integrity in my personal and professional life.
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20 Sep, 2019 by Rick
Attorney Kolasa was fantastic! I truly appreciated his efficiency and the speed with which he assisted our family in a difficult probate matter. Being from out of state and not familiar with the probate process in Illinois we were skeptical that we would find an attorney that would be honest, committed and stick to the price we were quoted. We were glad to meet Attorney Kolasa and were pleased with his work and the outcome.
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13 May, 2015 by Jay
I was referred to Robert by another attorney (whom I had found via a referral service at work) when my estate planning needs were deemed too complex for the first attorney to handle. Robert took my telephone call (personally) on my first contact attempt, then set up a no-charge consultation for my wife and me the very next day!
Our initial appointment was highly informative, and we were able to use the feedback Robert provided (for free at that point) to make immediate changes to our portfolio beneficiaries, etc., and thereby achieve more than half of our stated objectives. We were so appreciative that we, of course, scheduled follow-up 'on-the-clock' appointments to further refine our plan. Subsequent meetings solidified our approach, and when concluded, we had a new trust, two new wills, updated POA's, and a feeling of confidence in our overall future plan.
What I found so satisfying was that Robert was able to condense the actual documentation we required to a minimal number of changed or updated pages with carefully crafted amendments where applicable, or well-written new documents with specific, clear, and concise 'non-rambling' provisions.
Mark Twain once quipped, "I wanted to write you a short note, but I didn't have time, so I wrote you this long letter". Robert has mastered the skill of the 'short but effective' vs. the 'long and rambling' and Twain would be proud!
I could not have been more satisfied with our engagement, including with the very reasonable final fee. I highly recommend Robert Kolasa for anyone who needs an estate plan review, update, or commencement.
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13 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Robert was available to meet with me after work which is hard to find these day. He also listened to what I wanted to achieve and offered suggestions. Great job for a fair price.
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07 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
After going to three other attorneys and being told they would not touch our case because of its complexity, I called Mrs.
Dent as she had been referred by two of the three attorneys we had previously seen. She spoke to me for quite some time on the telephone and actually gave me some hope that our situation could be resolved. She is extremely knowledgeable. She seems ready to fight for you when no one else will.
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28 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Kaye is very knowledgeable and took a personal concern on having my case resolved. In the past I have had attorneys who were more concerned about sending out a bill then producing good results. This was definitely not the case with Kaye Dent. If I have more problems in the future I will go back to her without hesitation. I highly recommend her as a attorney.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Jenny
I was worried at first. But durning the appointment, She made me feel comfortable. She was truely knowledgeable, She was able to help with the paper work and answered all questions I had. She kept me updated. I have recommended her to several people and will continue to so in the furture.
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30 Apr, 2018 by Jennifer
Kevin was attentive and responsive in helping me with my closing, and answered questions whenever they arose. He was thorough and collegial at the closing. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a real estate attorney.
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20 May, 2013 by Carol
Mr. Alexander assisted me with a probate matter in which I was the executor of an estate. I came to him for legal assistance to help resolve a matter that seemed complicated and that I was afraid could not be resolved. I couldn't believe how quickly and easily Mr. Alexander resolved the matter. Everything went very smoothly. I highly recommend this attorney and am happy to give him five stars.
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01 May, 2013 by Phillip
Mr. Alexander has provided legal advise for me and my wife for over 25 years. Mr. Alexander has provided expert assistance for a multitude of legal issues. They include our last will & testament for my wife and me. Thorough review and recommendations with several real estate transactions. Guidance and direction with the set-up of complicated trust accounts.
I would strongly recommend Mr. Alexander and his firm.
Thank you.
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13 May, 2015 by Tim
Scott was extremely responsive and creative in responding to my requirements and demands. I have recommend Scott to several business associates who are looking for a trusted advisor for their legal issues and needs.
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10 May, 2015 by David
Scott gives extremely astute advice, has a good manner, and is a very good listener. He’s very accessible (especially for a lawyer) and always prompt in his responses. He offered successful service that we appreciated and good advice that worked for us. He's pleasant and efficient to work with. At the end of the day, the best thing about working with Scott was his expertise, knowledge base, and insight into various issues.
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10 May, 2015 by Tom
Scott is very thorough and never makes the client feel rushed. He’s extremely thorough in answering all of your questions and makes sure you understand and are comfortable with everything. Sometimes lawyers can be condescending but I did not feel that at all with Scott. I've worked with a lot of large law firms but Scott brings a whole aura of a fresh breath to the industry.
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17 Aug, 2012 by Kerry
We worked with Dotzler Law on the development of a will and other important estate planning docs and had the most AMAZING experience!! It is not always an easy topic to talk about or think about but they could not have been more wonderful. They are not structured like the traditional law firm which is great and we appreciated the honesty and personal attention. Sam took the time to explain important details in the process and answer all of our questions. The turnaround time was quick and the quality of his work was outstanding. We would highly recommend Dotzler Law!
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05 Jul, 2012 by Steve
Sam helped my family create a living will/trust and made the whole process so easy! Sam was flexible in meeting with me & my family, he asked the right questions to make sure all documented captured exactly what we wanted, and he was able to explain things to us in concise, easy to understand terms. Sam’s rates are very reasonable and we are very happy with the outcome of everything. We highly recommend him to others.
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04 Jul, 2012 by Marcia
Sam went above and beyond what I had asked in his drafting. He thought of things that I had not thought of and made recommendations for contingencies well en excess of the standard contingencies. He consequently, created a document that will definitely stand the test of time.
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21 Apr, 2017 by Michele
As real estate brokers, Craig is our go to Lawyer for all our real estate needs and the person we refer for estate planning. He is thorough, knowledgeable and responsive. He is very attentive to his clients and is a calming influence when the circumstances require. A testimonial to his expertise is that other attorneys respect him and ask him to cover for them when they are out of town. We are very confident that when Craig is involved in getting our real estate contracts through attorney review, inspection and to the closing table he will be successful and take wonderful care of our clients in the process.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Wes
Craig Pierson has proven to be a professionally effective attorney both for me, and for clients I have referred to him, with a no-nonsense, practical approach that is so refreshing these days! (Some attorneys can do so much unnecessary talking and visiting, which can dim their concentration on the task... but Craig is laser-focused on the job he's given, and is very reasonable with his fees. Clearly an "A+" rating from us!
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28 Feb, 2017 by Mark
I have worked with Craig on a variety of real estate related matters. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to commercial and residential real estate issues, including easements, lot lines, disclosures, and lease agreements. He's also a great guy all around.
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16 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I am most fortunate to have Ms. Duda as a strong and caring advocate for my loved one for a number of years.
Her vast knowledge of the laws involved, and her ceaseless efforts, which are always enveloped in compassion and empathy, are truly a gift to all those who are fortunate to have her on their team, both as a talented attorney and a caring human being.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the guardian of a mentally disabled family member. Some years ago I was embroiled in a long-standing, complex dispute with care providers that could have resulted in devastating and dangerous consequences for my ward. Lara entered my legal case at this point, and assisted in bringing the situation under control in just a few months. Her wisdom, knowledge, patience, calmness and exceptional skills as a negotiator and counselor helped to bring about a solution that was better than anything I had hoped for. Since then, I have continued to work with Lara as my attorney for all guardianship issues, which fortunately, have been relatively routine since that early crisis. Lara has such a passion for protecting and serving the disabled. Her compassion is boundless, yet she is like a rock when she takes a stand for what is needed, and she cannot be manipulated. Her knowledge is extensive, yet she is also guided by intuition. Her ability to be impartial, and to understand (and explain) the differing perspectives of difficult people is, and was so valuable in my personal situation. I learned much from her that still serves me well in my continuing relationships with my ward's present care providers. I would highly recommend Lara as an advocate and a resource to any disabled person, or to anyone who takes care of a disabled person.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the owner of a medical case management and guardianship company in Chicago and have had the priviledge of working with Attorney Lara Duda on numerous occasions over the past five years. Lara stands out among attorneys that I work with in many ways, but this is mostly evidenced by her passion to serve disabled and elderly clients and assist in protecting them when they do not have a voice of their own. Lara is extremely knowledgeable in the Elder Law and Probate Law arena and goes above and beyond to ensure that my clients come first.
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16 Aug, 2014 by Marianne
Ben Neiburger is a first-class attorney. He presented a program to my local chapter of the Illinois CPA Society several years ago. My husband and I first consulted Ben for estate planning and have since recommended others who are also very pleased with his work. He and his staff have provided us with exceptional service and legal documents.
Ben's knowledge and technical expertise is exceeded only by his friendly, approachable, professional demeanor. We will continue to see him for our own needs and to recommend him to others.
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22 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Neiburger first spent about 15 minutes on the phone with me (conferencing in my sister), listening to our situation and then letting us know that there were many things that could be done to keep our dad in his house when our mom had to go into a nursing home. We set up an appointment to go into his office, and were immediately made comfortable with drinks (and chocolate!) in a sunny conference room. Ben was very prompt, friendly and sensitive to our dad's discomfort about seeing a lawyer, and fears about money and our mom's progressing Alzheimer's. I felt so much better after the hour consultation!! I know what we can do, and I know the Ben is going to help us through it. At first I was a little surprised at how expensive Medicaid planning was... and then I saw how much it would SAVE us & our dad in the long run. So very worth it. I highly recommend Ben Neiburger.
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17 Jun, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Neiburger completed an estate plan for my family. He was thorough and knowledgeable. I am comforted in knowing that my family's estate is has been set up in the most efficient and economical way possible.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Richard
David is an excellent attorney who puts the concerns and needs of his clients above everything else. I trust him implicitly to make the best decisions. He is pragmatic and approachable and simply knows what he is doing. I recommend him highly.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Michelle
David Inlander has represented me for the past four years in ongoing issues arising from a contentious divorce . I only wish he had been my lawyer in its early stages. I realized immediately that David is both a great listener and recognizes the issues with great insight. His advice has been both practical and reassuring. Many of the issues that arose were significant as they related to the best interests of my child as well as complicated financial issues . We prevailed in every instance. David's fees for the time spent were reasonable, appropriate and manageable. David's generous spirit in answering my calls and e mails was invaluable in giving me peace of mind and I never saw that time on my monthly statement. I would urge anybody managing a divorce and all that accompanies it to hire David Inlander as your Advocate.
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02 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
David Inlander handled all aspects of my divorce case with attention to the details and always responded to my calls/emails promptly. I felt that my best interests were reflected in the work done by him and his office. I will definitely go to him for future legal matters.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Jim when our dog was attacked by another dog in our driveway. He was fantastic to work with, timely, and took care of business. We wanted our vet bills covered and got that and damages. Thankfully, our dog made it.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Mike
I don't have the words to accurately describe my feelings about Harrison Law Offices. From the moment that I first reached out to them, I knew that I was in great hands. The office was always professional, responsive, and courteous.
When I initially called to ask a couple of legal questions, I had no idea that my questions would turn into a case but when it did, I didn't hesitate to reach out to Jim, who advised and guided me through the entire process. I recall a few of the words that he told me that day. "I'm on the team," he said.
Funny to say that throughout a six month ordeal, we only ever met face to face once because of the pandemic. I'm sure their normally challenging job was even more so because of the difficulties associated with the lockdowns and Covid-19 gathering rules. Every challenge was met and I am so pleased to report a positive result. I have no doubt that this would not have been possible without the efforts of Jim and his team and will be forever grateful.
Jim demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the law surrounding my case from day one and, where the legal precedent was lacking (as it was in my particular situation), he had the ability and knowhow to do the research to find applicable case law in other states and apply it to my situation. It was this effort, in my opinion, that led directly to a win for my side in defense of a post-employment restrictive covenant case against me.
I could not recommend them more strongly and I don't offer that type of praise often. I would not hesitate to hire Jim again and would call him for just about any legal question that I can imagine.
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29 Nov, 2017 by Nick
Attorney Jim Harrison showed his intelligence, his commitment to helping us, and his understanding of the issues from day one, and I was also impressed with the his grasp of the practical implications of the situation and the limits on what was feasible. I felt as though he really listened when I spoke, and he seemed to know just the right questions to ask in order to get to the bottom of things. In my case, he was able to resolve the situation in our family's favor and for a reasonable fee. I would hire him again in a heartbeat if I needed a lawyer.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Brian
Matt was great to work with throughout the entire contract review and close process. He called me whenever he had a something for me to review and thoroughly explained every step of the process. He reviewed all the numbers and even taking the extra few minutes to figure out where the extra $8 the closing document came from.
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22 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Matthew Huff is an excellent attorney whose attention to detail is unparalleled. Throughout his representation of us for the purchase of our new home, Matthew was attentive and communicative and always promptly answered all of our questions.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Charlotte
My husband and I used Matthew's services to buy our house. Matthew was professional, knowledgeble and easy to work with. When the seller's attorney was wildly unprofessional, Matthew handled the situation with ease and tact. Matthew is very organized and communicated with us clearly. I felt confident in Matthew's ability to manage the legal side of our transaction.
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09 Nov, 2020 by Roxanne
Mr. Peck is an outstanding attorney. Our family hired him to do several trusts and estate planning. His personalization and attention to detail is very impressive. But, what sets him apart from everyone is his accessibility and personal interest in his clients. He truly cares about making sure his clients are thoroughly taken care of. He would highly recommend him.
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06 Nov, 2019 by Andrea
Steven was very thorough and very easy to work with. I felt confident that my estate was well taken care of. I would highly recommend Steven Peck.
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18 Jul, 2019 by Michael
We were planning an extended foreign trip and had not done proper estate planning. We called Steven and he squeezed us into his schedule for an initial, intensive, consultation.
During this extended meeting he was able to determine exactly our plan required. Due to the complexity of the trusts and other documents needed, he and his associate worked over the weekend to finish the full set of trusts, wills, powers of attorney for health care, living will, and a full set of durable powers of attorney.
He also detailed how to have all of our property re-titled so it could be transferred to the trusts. Estate planning can be complex so we were happy we were able to find a very knowledgeable specialist in estate and tax law. We couldn't be happier that we found him.
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21 Apr, 2021 by Mary
I've known Karl for a few years now. I needed a trust drawn up and Karl was recommended by another attorney for his expertise and experience (trusts can be complicated). Karl was professional to work with, explained everything clearly, was dependable and returned phone calls promptly. Recently, I began the processof refinancing my home. Unfortuately, the day before the signing date , I was advised I needed last minute additional paperwork
Verified due to my home being in a trust. I was very stressed and reached out to Karl. He answered my call and handled this last minute problem so I could refinance on time. Karl should wear a cape because he rescued me from a complicated situation. Go with Karl's experience and work ethic. Your legal work is just too important!
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28 Sep, 2020 by Nicole chuttke
Attorney Ed Siebert has represented me in landlord/tenant proceedings, in addition to real-estate related cases. Attorney Siebert will go above and beyond for his clients and is very knowledgeable across a wide variety of law. I highly recommend Village Law Offices. Do not hesitate to give him a call!!!
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18 May, 2020 by Jessica wettstein
We worked with Ed Siebert to buy and sell our home and he was wonderful to work with. My sister and sister-in-law also used Ed when they purchased homes and we are all very satisfied. Ed made the complicated process of home closings easy for us. Even with Covid-19 and our virtual closings, he explained everything to us and even made us laugh during the process :) He was available to answer any and all of our questions. We would recommend Ed to anyone and will use him again if we need legal help. Thanks Ed!!!
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24 Oct, 2022 by Dave
Cara was phenomenal to work with. My wife and I had to see our way through several stressful situations in trying to buy/sell our home and Cara gracefully guided us through all of it, which we are very thankful for. She was organized, thoughtful, patient, supportive, and many more positive things for us. She went out of her way to help us throughout the entire process. In summary, I would highly recommend working with Cara!
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17 Oct, 2022 by Sari
Cara was wonderful. Very responsive and always got back to me very promptly which was very important to me. I had an ex and his attorney who were very uncooperative and lazy and she had to take the "bull by the horn" to get stuff done. Very personable but so professional!
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28 Sep, 2022 by Jodi
Cara Gaziano at Kalcheim Haber was instrumental in guiding me through my divorce. There were multiple layers of complexity in my divorce that Cara handled seamlessly. Cara was efficient and reliable while approaching a mirage of hurdles. She was not only an efficient and reliable professional, but also provided emotional support during a difficult time. The guidance I received allowed me to make the best choices for my well being and future. I would strongly recommend Cara to any individual seeking an honest and dependable divorce lawyer.
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31 Oct, 2018 by Shannon
Brandon has helped myself, my family and my clients with setting up a trust, wills, estate planning and real estate closings. If you want these important choices handled correctly and professionally, you should contact Brandon. You won't regret the decision.
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31 Oct, 2018 by George
Brandon from Law Elder Law did my wife's and my estate. It was extremely thorough and Brandon pointed out many things we were not aware of which helped us put together the best laid out plan for ourselves and our heirs. There is sense of accomplishment in putting together an estate plan. Reasonably priced as well. Highly reccomend Brandon and Law Elder Law.
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31 Oct, 2018 by Emily
I worked with Brandon to get a will in place for my husband and I before we left the country. We had a very short time frame before we left and Brandon was able to accommodate our schedules to make sure it was done in time. His knowledge of wills, trusts, etc is unsurpassed. The thing that most stood out to me though was you could tell he genuinely cared about helping us. He spent time asking us questions to figure out what we really wanted. He was also able to explain things in a way that was simple enough for people with no previous knowledge to understand.
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03 Jun, 2022 by Mason
Cori provides the benefit of a big-firm background with the attention to detail you would expect only at a small firm. Cori makes the time to explain the intricacies of the ever-changing employment implications. I have worked with Cori on behalf of a wide variety of my clients, and she has provided significant value and saved my clients at all levels of the employment process. Cannot recommend her highly enough!
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21 Jul, 2013 by Andrea
As the executor of a terminally ill friend, I needed a will/trust developed quickly. Cori responded to me quickly and amazingly pulled together a living trust within 5 days. She has since guided me in wrapping up my friend's affairs and has also been a great resource for related real estate matters. I would definitely recommend her and plan on using her services in the future.
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18 Nov, 2011 by Lindsey b
Cori has a breadth of knowledge within the estate planning industry. She is very professional and patient. She is also knowledgable in the real estate industry. Cori will be doing my trust shortly.
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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:
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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.
