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30 Jul, 2024 by Manuel coimbre
I have utilized the office of Lora Wilson on multiple occasions. Every time she and her staff have delivered more than exceptional results. I will continue to use her for any of my legal needs. Thank you!
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05 Jun, 2024 by Deana rodriguez
Very good accident attorney. She worked very hard to get our injury case taken care of. She kept us informed through every step of the process. Highly recommend!!
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23 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Interview was adequate , I called later with a question , she was extremely rude and not helpful.
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21 Oct, 2019 by Charmaine
When I was refinancing my house and found out that because Mom and I purchased the house jointly then I had to file a probate. I looked up some numbers online, made some calls and after I stated my case, the legal aide gave me the number for 2 quick probate attorneys. I am so glad that the first number I called was Dawn and believe me I have not looked back or tried to call the 2nd number.
Dawn was very professional and told me what to do and what her fees were. The process was so easy and it took less that 2 months to get the probate taken care of. Dawn thank you so much and I am much grateful for what you have done. You are very professional and you bet if asked, your name and contact information is already in my phone and I will be happy to pass it on to any person who wished to use your services.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Lorraine
When my Aunt died in 2013, I had no idea it would take until 2018 to unravel the complexities of her estate, as a non-USA citizen living in Europe.
As Dawn helped us with one issue, another unexpected element would crop up, creating yet more and more paperwork for both Dawn and us to go through.
Throughout this period Dawn was clear in what we needed to do next, supported us far beyond her mandate, and as the months rolled into years , was as supportive as any Attorney could be.
From her first response to our initial request for help, to following through to completion of the Probate for my Aunt, she could not have been more supportive and professional.
She was patient to the extreme , answering every tiny question and query we had in a professional and just as importantly quickly, and truly helped us navigate the USA Probate system as a non resident alien living thousands of miles away !
I simply cannot praise her work ethos enough & for the ongoing high level of constant support she gave us over these recent years.
I sincerely believe she must be among st the most sincere, hard working & genuine professional Attorneys in Florida if not the whole of the USA, and we were very lucky to have her support.
I am very grateful for the previous reviews, others had put on this site, that gave us confidence to approach her as our Attorney . As you can imagine living so far away & dealing with a Probate as a non resident and non USA citizen was extremely daunting with the complex issues our individual Probate case raised.
So without hesitation, I can recommend Dawn to anyone who needs her Professional help, support and guidance, as we did - she will stand steadfast to help you throughout the whole process and create calm in rough waters and light at the end of what at times ,may feel like a dark tunnel.
I feel very privileged and lucky to have had her as our Attorney.
Thank you Dawn for all your hard work.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Brian
Dawn was wonderful to work with. She handled our case with ease and made the whole process very easy. I would highly recommend!
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24 May, 2013 by Michael
After being dropped by multiple attorneys because of a complicated case relating to my SSDI Appeals, Ms. Wilburne and the staff assured me that they would do everything they could to resolve my denial. She informed me of the good, the bad, and the ugly. All of my calls were returned by the next business day and the staff always had an answer.... If they didnt know it they would have joanne follow up with me directly. I would def. recommend this atty to anyone who was ready to give up like I was.
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06 Jan, 2011 by Dee
I was referred to the Law office of Joanne Wilburne 2 years ago, and am thankful I was. She and her staff are extremely professional and competent to handle any and all your needs. They are both reassuring and caring that the job will get done and done right. Joanne, is the best laywer I have ever dealt with. This is not a processing plant, where the attorney does not know you, but rather, they handle each case individually. I had come to Joanne at a time where I had been denied SS Disability, and another practice did not follow appeal in time, so I brought Joanne a huge MESS, but, she dealt with it, and handled it all in a timely and professional manner. Honestly, like I have said to her and her staff, who would ever go thru this process alone, this is the best choice anyone can make, and worth the call. I would recommend Joanne to my family and friends. Am sincerly thankful.
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26 Jan, 2019 by Billie
Megan handled our simple wills, but ended up giving us peace of mind and information a previously high paid attorney could not. She goes above and beyond to get to the truth and settlement. She has a wonderful sense of humor and has a passion for justice seldom seen anymore.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Mary lou
Ms. Fitzpatrick is knowledgeable of the law, is tireless in her research and is a compassionate person. She comes highly recommended.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Dave
Thank you so much for helping Andy with his child custody case. He is such a great father and deserves to be a big part of his sons growing up. He is a such a positive influence and you did such an awesome job defending his rights.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Jane bernor
They are excellent!!! Went there years ago to get Wills and POA's done and also Deeds. They know their business and when I call to ask questions they are always helpful and courteous!!!! I will always go to them for my personal matters.
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25 Apr, 2023 by Karen mcdade
24 Oct, 2022 by J0e kin
shady schoolboard attorney mailed a letter 2 weeks after filing. Then conveniently out of office.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
-
What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
