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03 Mar, 2024 by Tarasha brown
29 Dec, 2023 by Aruna hau
Words alone cannot express how grateful we are to have found this wondeful law firm. Attorney Sara R. and Attorney Cheryl K. are excetional lawyers, and even better human beings. Their knowledge, professionalism and kindness are truly inspiring. Thank you - we are forever grateful.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Chris kibble
We have worked with Kathryn Harry and Associates many times and they have always been AMAZING to work with! They always have your best interest at heart in any matter you have! There is no other group that we would even consider working with in the future. Quality advice and candor is a rare find in any field, but it is always given with this group! Thank you so much!
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29 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I know Lizzy personally as well as professionally. I am an attorney, but I know very little about Trusts & Estate Planning. So, when I needed professional help with regard to both of these things, I called her and no one else and I am glad I did. She reviewed everything promptly and quickly came up with potential solutions to a very messy problem that was created by other attorneys a long time ago . She keeps me up to date and informed, takes time to explain what needs explaining, is responsive and straightforward and has kept things moving along at an efficient pace. She is smart, professional, personable, honest and hard working. I recommend her highly!
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16 Mar, 2016 by Anthony
I was given Lizzy's name by a friend of a friend. I didn't know her prior to hiring her. They say everyone comes into your life for a reason. Lizzy was definitely a gift. She is very professional, very proficient in the law and very ethical -all while being very supportive. She dealt with some shady characters on my behalf and she always stayed focused and on task. If it wasn't for her, what was accomplished could never have been done. My situation took years and she never gave up. I highly recommend Lizzy.
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01 Feb, 2016 by Lori cohen cooper
Lizzy is an amazing lawyer! She gets the job done no matter what. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an estate planning lawyer, she is truly amazing and really knows her stuff. She isn't afraid to go to bat for her client no matter what it takes.
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30 Mar, 2022 by Sonja
My husband and I agreed that Maribeth gave us excellent guidance in re-vamping our wills (trusts, actually) now that we have reached the empty-nest/near-retirement stage of life. We have a plan in place that will make the dispensation of our assets as clear and simple for our beneficiaries to navigate when the time comes while also providing us our peace of mind today. Win-win! Highly recommend Mari to anyone who needs help to identify the best way to protect their assets, think of "safe-guards" to address and mitigate future concerns, and to ensure a smooth process for the future when it matters most. The fact that Mari and her staff are also so pleasant is the bonus.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Vikram & benita shah
We were extremely happy with Maribeth, Nina Neuber and Kabbe Law firm team. From the initial appointment through our schedule constrains, they accommodate our timeframe and completed our estate planning on time. Mari was very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. She took all the time we needed to explain our situations. There was no time pressure and Kabbe Law firm team provided an excellent service. We felt very comfortable and at ease with our estate planning and glad that we used them for our services. I would strongly recommend using them for your estate planning. THANK YOU!!
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05 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
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03 Mar, 2024 by Tarasha brown
29 Dec, 2023 by Aruna hau
Words alone cannot express how grateful we are to have found this wondeful law firm. Attorney Sara R. and Attorney Cheryl K. are excetional lawyers, and even better human beings. Their knowledge, professionalism and kindness are truly inspiring. Thank you - we are forever grateful.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Chris kibble
We have worked with Kathryn Harry and Associates many times and they have always been AMAZING to work with! They always have your best interest at heart in any matter you have! There is no other group that we would even consider working with in the future. Quality advice and candor is a rare find in any field, but it is always given with this group! Thank you so much!
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15 Jul, 2016 by Scott
We worked with Dave to create a Final Will and Testament in order to secure our family's future security. Dave was extremely knowledgeable and helped us feel more at ease with such a set of important decisions. We were nervous about having to think through some difficult questions, but Dave's knowledge, compassion and wisdom helped us put our minds at ease.
We also worked with Dave during the sale of our home. He guided us through the various complicated legal documents and explained everything in an extremely clear manner. His ability to translate "legalese" to a layman was quite impressive and reassuring.
I would strongly recommend Dave Martin's services to anyone. He is a professional in every sense of the word.
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05 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
David was very helpful in obtaining court documents along with submitting them to the proper officials. Even though this was a smaller matter he still treated the work as a priority and everything was accomplished very quick. He is a real pleasure to work with and I will be hiring him for future legal matters.
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26 Jun, 2016 by Carmel
I used David as the attorney for the closing on my house and also for estate planning. He was very friendly, helpful, conscientious and knowledgeable. His fee was also very reasonable. Would definitely recommend, and plan on using in the future as needed.
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17 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Myers was able to completely get my background expunged, everything was simply done through email or via phone call, hardest part was waiting on the court system
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18 Aug, 2021 by Carolyn
Kim helped my family and I through all of the legal stages of caring for our parents as they declined mentally and physically, and then provided guidance regarding handling of the estate as dad passed, and then mom, 6 months later. Her legal counsel was professional, caring, and compassionate. Her dependable assistance was a valuable asset during a very difficult time. Kim’s focus is definitely on how she can help you - readily sharing her wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills. I highly recommend Kim for any and all estate planning and estate handling needs!
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05 Feb, 2021 by Madison
I worked with Kim on a contract that I had signed but felt like I was at risk. She was incredibly responsive, I told her it was a time concern and she got a very detailed, thoughtful, intelligent opinion to me on the contracts in a very timely manner. She was so great at answering all of my questions. She seemed to care about my situation which made me feel so helped and not just like a business transaction. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who needs help. I really enjoyed working with her at a time of high stress in my life. Amazing lawyer and amazing person!! Thank you Kim!!!!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Lupe delgado
08 Jul, 2024 by Johnny tuxedo
This hack attorney will put forth minimal effort and lose your case in court. Look elsewhere
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08 Jul, 2024 by Chuck provenzano
They get the job done.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Oscar villasqaaqzsazzdamizar
Los recomiendo 100% me ganaron un caso q veía perdido.. Exelente firma
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28 Jan, 2025 by Jamie lee
Navigating a high-conflict divorce and custody battle over three years was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but having David as my lawyer made all the difference. My ex was consistently difficult, unwilling to co-parent, and often argued for things he didn’t truly want, which dragged out the process and made it emotionally exhausting. Through it all, David remained calm, professional, and incredibly effective in handling both my ex and his legal team.
David was a phenomenal advocate for me, especially during trial. He was extremely well-prepared, confident, and thorough. His ability to present my case clearly and effectively in court was instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome.
On a personal level, David’s support was equally important. The prolonged process took a toll on my mental and emotional health, but every time I spoke with him, I felt reassured and confident that I was in good hands. He genuinely cares about his clients and takes the time to explain the legal process, making sure you understand every step. His patience and dedication never wavered, even during the most stressful moments.
I cannot recommend David highly enough for anyone going through a high-conflict divorce or custody proceedings. His professionalism, honesty, and compassion set him apart, and his years of experience in family law are evident in everything he does. If you want a lawyer who will fight for you and your child’s best interests while providing unwavering support, David is the one to call.
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19 Dec, 2024 by James alexander
I could not recommend David Silberman more! Not only did he do a great job representing me, he also helped me understand the process of going through a divorce. He is extremely collaborative and knowledgeable. I am thankful for David’s representation and I strongly recommend him!!
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05 Nov, 2014 by Anna
Thank you very much for your patience and understanding with this crazy case. Your quality of council is much appreciated. Your can-do attitude exemplifies your true dedication in providing professional legal services. Best of luck and success in your future endeavors. Your awesome!
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28 Feb, 2013 by Sue
I was the successor trustee for my deceased aunt's trust. Midway through the process the original attorney handling the trust left the law firm and Colleen Henes was assigned to us. Although we never met in person, we were able to conduct our business via email until completion. Colleen was always up on everything and responded to my emails in a timely manner, even on weekends. I felt I was always kept up to date. It was a pleasant experience working with Colleen.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Elizabeth
Colleen has helped me with all my estate planning needs. She's very responsive and thorough in her professionalism toward her clients. I would no doubt use her again as things change or need updating in my life. I also feel completely comfortable telling friends and family that Colleen is the lawyer to choose.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
He is honest, knowledgeable, fair, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. He represented me well and helped advocate for me when I wanted to make legal changes to a lease. Highly recommend!
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27 Mar, 2023 by Tejah
Mr.Wilson was the best . He did everything in his power to help me beat my case and it was successful. He communicated with me all the time and gave me the best advice. I will definitely recommend him to everyone.
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01 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Wilson did an excellent job in a tenant/property owner issue. He did an fantastic job working on my behalf and negotiated a settlement that I am very happy with. I highly recommend Mr. Wilson to anyone looking for an attorney to represent their interests.
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31 Dec, 2020 by Roger and linda
We were very pleased with Chad's estate planning process, It is clearly laid out and very easy to follow. He has great knowledge in estate planning, and is deliberate and careful in the legal details that are tailored to us as individuals. We would highly recommend Chad to others needing this kind of service.
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05 Oct, 2019 by Dale
We were extremely pleased with Chad and his team in guiding us through preparing and executing a new Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney and Health Care documentation. Chad took his time and went through all of our options and what we needed to do for the best interest of our estate and heirs. Very easy to work with!
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27 Aug, 2019 by Dr. lori
Chad and his entire team were great to work with on our estate planning. They listened, were patient with us, and guided us through the entire trust/will process with the utmost professionalism. We cannot recommend him highly enough for any estate planning needs you may have. Thank you Chad, we can rest easier now!
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26 Dec, 2022 by John
My brother and I needed a lawyer to handle our cousin’s estate, who lived in Cook County and died without a will or any direct descendants. Sheni was recommended to us based upon another cousin’s prior experience. For our initial meeting, Sheni agreed to meet at a location convenient to the heirs and we came prepared to summarize our basic understanding of the scope of our cousin’s estate. After only a single meeting with all five heirs, we immediately agreed to hire Sheni to handle his more complicated estate….with NO regrets!
During that initial meeting Sheni listened carefully to understand our unique situation and during that same session proposed what she thought would be necessary for this estate, along with offering two different payment options for her services. Sheni was extremely professional and communicated in a way were all heirs quickly felt comfortable in understanding the work necessary and was through yet efficient with everyone’s time. My brother and I were selected as co-administrators and worked closely with Sheni over the next 16 months to have our cousin’s probate estate opened and successfully closed.
While we didn’t consider this estate extremely complicated, it had some unusual aspects and issues that arose but Sheni was always available to answer our questions quickly or guide us through our options. If she couldn’t answer them quickly she would always respond to acknowledge she received the request and when she would be able to get back to use, which was always greatly appreciated!
There were a few unexpected and sometime frustrating delay’s caused by COVID restrictions and the Cook County court system but Sheni always provided reassurance along the way. Even when we encountered a difference of opinion over closing the estate, a quick conference call and discussion quickly resolved any remaining concerns/issues. While we have little experience working with estate lawyers based upon this one experience, we couldn’t have asked for a better person than Sheni to work with to handle our cousin’s estate in a professional way and very effectively!
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06 May, 2021 by Karen and james mccarty
Sheni did a great job. She bent over backwards to help us. We would recommend her to anyone who needs an estate done. Thank you for being so helpful.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Diana
Was referred to Sheni by my tax preparer. I was trying to organize my paperwork in case of death. She answered all of my questions, explained the complexities, and did the work in a timely manner. When she said it would be done by this date, it was done. Would use her again.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Adam
Mr. Stamogiannos represented me as a buyer in a real estate transaction and also drafted wills and POAs for my girlfriend and I. His knowledge and experience in both areas is excellent. Mr. Stamogiannos was attentive and provided solid advice throughout the entire transaction. From reviewing the initial contract to sitting at the closing table, he was always responsive to any question or concern I had.
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25 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Had a complicated house building process and closing, and George was always available to answers questions, explain things, and defend our best interests, and offer great legal advice! He is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and professional! Lucky to have him represent us during this process!
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25 May, 2017 by Patricia
Mr. Stamogiannos was very helpful in working with me on my family's probate. He was able to expedite our case and obtain the necessary legal documents in a very efficient manner.
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07 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I asked Anthony some questions and he helped for free - he did very good research and got back to me with solid data. if you have any project , please reach out o Anthony and see if he can help .
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04 Dec, 2015 by Karin
We were searching for an estate planner in Chicagoland and are so pleased we met Tony and his associates. They gave us great planning tools and took us through an interview process that was very thorough. Our finished plan was impressively thorough but still sets us up to build on it in the future. A huge relief to know we are protected should something unforeseen happen.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Linda
The attorneys at Anthony J. Madonna were knowledgeable, professional, respectful, and worked in a timely fashion. They were available for questions by telephone and all emails were responded to promptly. Attention to detail, compassion during a difficult time, and follow up were displayed throughout our meetings. I would highly recommend this firm.
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15 Dec, 2015 by Jim and myra
Ms. Jett was just what we were looking for -- an attorney that would give us straight answers, but was also sympathetic to the complicated and sometimes sensitive issues associated with family estate matters. She worked with us, not just for us. She helped clarify our goals and explained how best to achieve them. We would have no hesitation recommending her for assistance with estate planning and management.
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11 Dec, 2015 by George
We hired Daci Jett to create living trusts for us. She did an excellent job, walking us through the process, helping us think through the many different issues. Ms Jett was personable, had a good sense of humor and was easy to work with. Meetings were held on-time and kept to time. Her follow through was great and she kept us well-informed of the process - we worked mostly through email. When we had tasks to accomplish, she communicated very clearly exactly what we needed to do. She gave us very complete documentation at the end. We felt that she always kept our interests primary in all decisions.
We did not go through an extensive selection process to choose an estate attorney. Based on a referral, we met for an initial meeting, felt very comfortable and proceeded to hire her.
Overall, I would highly recommend her and her services.
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10 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Daci Jett handled our estate planning 2 years ago ... she is knowledgeable, extremely thorough, responsive, and enjoyable to work with.
Tom & Ginny
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02 Apr, 2023 by Lisa
Beth was incredibly easy to work with, not at all pushy and knowledgeable (and able to put all of the legal jargon into meaningful words for us).
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24 Feb, 2023 by Peter
Elizabeth was wonderful to work with. She was very thorough and helped me through the process of setting up my will and power of attorneys. She clearly explained my options and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Sapna
We worked with Elizabeth for our family planning and she made the entire process so easy. We were overwhelmed going into it, but her ability to break down each tasks in a simple, yet thorough manner, is impressive. We understood every "section" because she explained them to us in non-lawyer speak, thanks Elizabeth. She progress at our pace, never pushy, never rushed us, and never tried to upsell her services. Her eye for detail is unmatched and her follow-through is the same. We ended up having her do everything from filling out the paperwork, to filing them for us. I have recommended her to our entire network at work, family and friends. She is also direct when needed and guides you in the right way, versus going along with whatever decisions one would make due to lack of knowledge. She brought the balance of "this is your decision" and "this is what i recommend". Thank you, your help was much appreciated.
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19 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Thank you for everything You and your firm did to help me and straighten out the problems. I wish I would have known of your firm from the beginning. Using your help from the beginning would not change the problems I had but, I believe I would have been better informed from the start. Your support and knowledge helped me deal with a horrible situation. I will recommend you to anyone who needs an elder law attorney
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02 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I wanted to take this opportunity to once again say "Thank You" to Helen Mesoloras for meeting with us and presenting the process that will take place with my loved one going forward. It was very informative and understandable for each step in the process.
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13 Jan, 2016 by Kathleen
Thank you so much for all of your legal understandings and excellent advise. Your support was a great comfort to me.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Kelly
Kelly is very knowledgeable in her field. She kept up-to-date with any new changes to existing laws that would be affecting my case. She is not afraid to speak up for her clients best interests and question the judge's reasoning as to why he would rule in a certain way and Kelly was still able to get the opposing party to agree to more than what the judges opinion was. She is truly dedicated to what is right. Not only is she patient with her clients, she is a good listener, and just pleasant to work with. I appreciated that she took the time to explain things and made sure I understood. There was no pressure for me to accept anything I wasn't comfortable with. I am thankful I chose her to represent me in my divorce.
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03 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Was beyond professional and on top of everything. Also was a great guide during the negotiations. Got more than I thought we should ask for. Kind. Nice. Made it super easy.
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07 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Selecting Kelly to represent my case was THE right thing to do. She has very good knowledge of what it takes, and guided me through the process. Very transparent throughout the case, which made me feel very much at ease. She was very reasonable, patience, and supportive to the case needs. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a reliable, prompt, professional and overall an excellent lawyer. Thank you Kelly !!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Soo
Sally and her team are exceptionally professional and knowledgeable. They provided my family with guidance setting up our family trust and estate planning. It could be complicated but made it clear and easy. I highly recommended her legal services!
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24 May, 2023 by Victoria
I highly recommend Sally and her team! They are fluent in korean and english so it was great for my family. She took her time explaining the whole trust process and made it easy for my family to understand! Even though we don’t live in Georgia, she was able to make the process very easy and was very patient with us! Thanks for all your help!
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21 Apr, 2021 by Ryan
Ms. Sally is an absolute pleasure to work with. She was very professional and compassionate. Alway responsive too. She is thorough, proactive and extremely experienced in this field. Additionally, all of the details and recommendations she offered me was very helpful.
Highly recommended!
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10 Nov, 2022 by Alice
I want to thank you for everything you been doing for me you are a great lawer and I am very happy and when I call some times I talk to your wife and she is so very sweet so I hope if some one needs a great lawer they will call you thank you
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21 Sep, 2018 by Gary
Kevin help put together our Last Will and Testament. He explained everything as we went through the process, which was very helpful. He really put our minds as ease.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Steven
I was in a very serious car accident. I was referred to Mr. Kubitschek by a friend who had been hit also. He got me a great reward amount...but also really nice and helped me through a terrible time. If you get hit by someone go to him.
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22 Aug, 2019 by Joneta
Mr. Eason will fight for you every step of the way. He calls back whenever you call and will make an appearance whenever you need him with no hesitation!!
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01 Aug, 2019 by Tiffany
Mr. Eason was extremely professional and returned calls in a timely manner. He kept me informed of the process in selling my mom's home and made the transaction less stressful. Mr. Eason answered all of my questions thoroughly and made me feel so comfortable that I allowed him to represent me at the closing and did not attend. He is honest, hard working and worth every dime!
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14 Jul, 2019 by Oscar
Attorney Marcus Easson was truly professional in all areas my case! He was punctual to time sensitive material! Very explicit to all court ordered documents!
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29 Apr, 2015 by Carol
Alan Sohn has addressed our family's legal needs for over a decade. His approachable, calm, and knowledgeable manner suited our family's requirements for estate services. Mr. Sohn is completely trustworthy and honorable; we never doubted his confidentiality. He receives our family's highest recommendation.
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03 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
We have recently updated our estate planning with Mr. Sohn for my family. His expertise and experience made this process very easy to understand and I was comfortable with the speed and accuracy in which everything was performed. Understanding the process was something that I did NOT do the 1st time I attempted to set up my estate, but this time I have a better understanding of not only what we are doing, but also why we are structuring the estate planning the way in which it was done. I would highly recommend Mr. Alan Sohn for this type of work as well as the legal business matters he has also successfully assisted me with over the years.
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21 May, 2011 by Lawrence
I have known Alan for over 5 years and his integrity and knowledge of the law are second to none. Alan is precise and leaves nothing to chance.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Joseph keefe
Excellent knowledge and world class service.
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17 Nov, 2023 by David nadolski
I was confused to see these reviews. Like four of them are one star because the think he bought good stars. Not the case here anyway. I've worked with Ted on and off for the last few years and he is frank... (apparently that offends folks) but intelligent, compassionate and professional in my experience. I like him! Recommend!
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04 Oct, 2023 by Diana bunch
Ted and company are nothing but professional caring people . I completely trust them with any and all legal needs. I would recommend them to everyone who needs legal service
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11 Jul, 2018 by Brian
I had the pleasure of working with John on some significant estate issues. He was thoughtful, diligent, worked hard, and was an absolute professional! It was a real pleasure, and I would highly recommend him...a 10 out of 10!
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05 Jan, 2015 by Karen
John Ashenden has provided exceptional legal services for a client that needed strong estate planning skills, including real estate and trust expertise. John continues to add value to the management team working with his client.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Suzanne
After my dad passed away in 2005, I needed help with probate
proceedings in Cook County, IL.
John Ashenden came highly recommended to me by a
financial advisor. I was not familiar with legal issues
concerning estates. John helped me through this
devastating time in my life. John was very knowledgeable
and made the process seamless for me. I am very
grateful for his expertise and friendship. John's
professional, down to earth nature comforted me
when I needed it most. I knew I was in capable hands.
I would highly recommend John from my previous
business experience with him.
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02 Nov, 2016 by Mike
My family hired Carol Nolan to work through our father's estate after his passing earlier this year. Since we knew absolutely nothing about the complicated process we were thrilled to have someone as patient as Carol explain each step and walk us through to the end. The process was painless, the estate closed in the time she's predicted and for the price she had quoted. I would definitely recommend Carol Nolan's services to anyone, she's a true professional.
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11 Nov, 2010 by Judy
Seeking an elder care attorney to handle rather unusual business for a relative of mine, I found Carol. Within the first 20 minutes of meeting her, I knew I found the right person to deal with the "mess" I had to clear up for my aunt. Carol helped me to organize aunt's affairs, clean up/clear up outstanding issues, and be able to move forward to getting my aunt the best options available and decide how/where to go, i.e. next step. Carol was honest enough to tell me when there things I could do things myself and save money instead of having her do them. It turns out there were many things I could do myself. I found this quality amazing! An attorney who didn't want every dime I had? I have known many attorneys over the past 30 years having personally dealt with 5 of them and known many, many more having been formerly married to the son an attorney on the bar association. I found Carol to be VERY different from most, not all, of the attorneys I have come to know. It is refreshing to know that we do have some good, honest, caring people in this world like Carol who care about the people she represents. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking council or advise in Estate planning or Elder care. She is truly an expert in the field!
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11 Nov, 2010 by Signe
As a professional care manager I strive to provide the best for the individuals and families I serve. I know that in referring to Carol I am referring to the best. I understand that my referrals are a reflection of me and my company. I have every confidence that Carol's work bolsters my credibility with clients.
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21 Aug, 2020 by Kelly
Lawrence Gregory was great to work with while my husband and I were estate planning. He listened to our unique situation and made sure to thoroughly explain all options. He allowed us time to ask many questions and never made us feel rushed to select the best solution to fit our needs. He was also very flexible when setting up meetings during the crazy times of COVID-19. Both Lawrence and his team were very personable and patient and made the whole process very easy for us. I would highly recommend him and his firm!
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08 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Larry successfully guided me through the process of selling my interest in my company to my partner. The legal side ran smoothly due to Larry's initiative and skillset. But what made the deal happen was Larry's understanding of the nature of my partner's situation and managing the process in a way that accommodated her emotional needs through closing.
Larry is hands-on, conscientious and committed to finding solutions to legal and business problems. His CPA background was very useful in facilitating this transaction as well.
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21 Nov, 2017 by Joyce
Larry was attentive, smart and helpful. He added value and solved several legal estate planning issues for both my husband and myself. We recommend him without hesitation.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Steve
I have taken two of my family members to Melissa for estate planning and related legal needs, including my 95-year old father. She relates to people well, establishing confidence quickly. She knows her stuff and gets the job done without hesitation or delay. Her rates are fair. My family members were very happy with Melissa's assistance with these sensitive matters.
I retired 4 years ago after 40 years of practicing law and leading a large law firm in another state. I hired and trained many lawyers and saw many lawyers become experts in their fields and highly regarded by clients and other lawyers. I know talent when I see it. Melissa is talented.
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21 Jan, 2020 by Paula
Melissa Wick is a pleasure to work with. Her professionalism and attention to detail is unsurpassed. I would recommend Melissa Wick confidently and I know that her work ethics and compassion for people makes her best in the business.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Nelson
Ms. Wick was very helpful in drawing my Trust and Will. She was also very helpful in answering questions I had afterwards. She was always very personable.
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18 Feb, 2017 by Kathy
We hired Dawn's services when my mother's health declined and my Father could not longer take care of her. Dawn's office helped us negotiate all the landmines of filing for medicaid and offered needed advice during Mom's stay in a nursing home. She also has been very helpful in getting Dad his VA benefits. Now that Mom is gone we refer to her for help with Dad's needs. Her office has always been responsive an helpful. I would certainly recommend her and her staff for the variety of services she offers. Her fees are also very reasonable and more affordable than other firms in our area.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Debbie
After searching for an attorney with Veteran's benefit experience that would assist me in caring for my parent's financial, health and well being, I was lead by high recommendation to Dawn Weekly. I understand why she was recommended so highly. Dawn sat with me in a first time counsel session and gave me immediate direction and an affordable fee. I had met with other attorneys that had neither the skill set, yet their fee's were unattainable for my parent's situation. She is always patient with me explaining how the VA process and and her staff helped me out with other health and wellbeing resources for my parents as I transitioned them from independent living to assisted living. She also provides training for those of us who are VA trustees. Please note she and her staff deserve all 5 stars of excellence.
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10 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I live in CA and my mother lived in IL. As Mom aged and needed more medical and financial assistance, Dawn helped create a simple yet effective life plan that included helping my sister and me find and hire a legal guardian to oversee Mom's nursing home and financial needs, visit her regularly, and report to us weekly. it would have taken a long time for us to figure out how to take the best care of Mom if Dawn had not created a plan that worked for us all and provided oversight to protect Mom's rights. All of this was done with great ease and at a most reasonable cost. I could not have been more satisfied.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Judy
After the death of my husband, my financial advisor recommended Howard to me. We attended an introductory informational meeting together and decided he was very knowledgeable and I found him very congenial as well. He helped me get all my assets into a trust, made sure my daughter who is my Power of Attorney was thoroughly instructed about her responsibilities, and provides the opportunity for an annual review to make sure everything is in order. I would recommend him without reservation.
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03 Dec, 2017 by Joe and sandy
In 2005 Howard Lang and his legal team put together our trust and will. Everything was done thoroughly and very well organized. We continue to meet with him each year for updating any necessary changes in the laws or for ourselves. Also, he has wonderful seminars throughout the year for his clients and has met with our children and us to explain important subjects. In 2012 we also added an IRA Preservation Trust. We couldn’t be more pleased and confident that our estate has been handled professionally and all is in order.
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18 Nov, 2017 by Dennis
Mr. Lang has consistently demonstrated his professional knowledge and experience over a relationship with us of 20 years. He is very well organized and thorough in all of his work with us. His office staff is well trained and efficient as well as being very client-friendly. Mr. Lang melds a strong legal base with his sincere concern about how our estate planning affects the human aspects of our relationships with beneficiaries, executors, and those with power of attorney over specific parts of our plan. Over the years we have referred family and friends to his practice with, what they say, are excellent results. Mr. Lang has also represented us successfully in an outside estate settlement dispute. We now, and in the past, have always recommended Mr. Lang's practice.
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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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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.
