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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I am not one to typically write online reviews, but perhaps my experience will save others money. I consulted with Mr Loucel for estate planning advice for myself and my mother specifically about methods to protect assets from Medicare claims (he home). He charged me $500 to do research to confirm an irrevocable trust was the best path. After a couple of non response to my emails, I went to another attorney in the same field. At NO CHARGE, i was given a totally different answer. If estate planning is his specialty, in MY OPINION, he should have know about homestead exemption limits on property which would have negated the need for an irrevocable trust (again based on advice from the other attorney as i am no expert in law.
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26 Mar, 2014 by Lowell
Mr. Loucel was very professional in our dealings in the divorce and
It was a pleasure to have him on my side. He surely made it a little easier
to deal with each issue by explaining the details of family law.
Thank you for everything.
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27 Jun, 2013 by George
Having met with Mr. Loucel before making any decisions he outline fully his responsibilities for this case.
Following that I received full documentation of what information was required and we agreed a fee.
Several further meetings and discussions were held and submitted to the court.
Mr Loucel kept me well informed of the status of the proceedings for the whole of the time.
The case was concluded to my satisfaction and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I wish I had heeded the warning in this review before hiring Mr. Britton, but I didn't - much to my own detriment (please see below). I believe it sums up my own experience with this attorney verbatim, therefore I don't have much more to add myself. Overall I learned an important and expensive lesson: Pay close attention to warnings of poor reviews.
"Not very responsive
2.0 stars
Posted by anonymous October 26, 2015
Mr. Britton handled a probate case for me. After he was hired, rarely responded to emails and required multiple phone calls to receive any updates or answer questions. I had to repeat myself multiple times and reinform him as though he was unaware of my file. Also, the cost estimate I was provided before hiring him was exceeded. I believe his advice was sound - but reaching him for information was not as easy as I would have liked. Overall, I found working with him to be very frustrating".
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26 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Britton handled a probate case for me. After he was hired, rarely responded to emails and required multiple phone calls to receive any updates or answer questions. I had to repeat myself multiple times and reinform him as though he was unaware of my file. Also, the cost estimate I was provided before hiring him was exceeded. I believe his advice was sound - but reaching him for information was not as easy as I would have liked. Overall, I found working with him to be very frustrating.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Jill
People looking for superior legal representation in Florida should contact Richard Britton and the Britton Law, LLC law firm.
I retained Richard Britton and Britton Law to secure protection for my Mother who has Alzheimer’s and had been purposely isolated from our family for a protracted period of time. In under two weeks Matt Hinson and Richard Britton devised and executed on a legal strategy which resulted in an almost immediate and highly positive outcome in a recent Nassau County Guardianship matter.
What is unique about Richard Britton and Britton Law is that this pairing is a perfect combination of seasoned expertise, legal sophistication and dedication to professional comportment. This rare combination IS why they were able to achieve what others could not and deftly penetrated an existing pervasive obstruction that I personally know is a block to just outcomes for vulnerable seniors in Nassau County. I know now that there are very few, if any, attorneys who are even willing to take cases that involve this obstructionist legal pairing.
Richard Britton is an attorney of the highest caliber. Britton Law, LLC is a rare boutique firm gem that has the confidence to think outside the box, expertise to separate the wheat from the chaff and most importantly has the patience to help those who may be considered a legal underdog. I recommend Richard Britton and Britton Law, LLC without reservation.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I used Julia’s service’s three different times in the past year, all for a related case.
Julia went above and beyond each time to listen to me, answer my texts or phone calls, and take extra time to prepare for the hearing until I felt comfortable.
She takes a direct no-nonsense approach to her cases and uses high levels of discernment in sorting out the facts & truth and letting them speak for themselves.
I was thankful to have her on my side to win all 3 of my cases and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Elijah d.
Julia got me in a far worse jam than I started out in. I got 2 traffic citations for one stop and didnt want to pay the fine plus receive the points on my license. I hired Julia and said the most important thing to me is not receiving any points on my license. She set a hearing 2 months out and didn't even notify me of the result. I had to track her down (she does not communicate) until I finally got a hold of her and she told me I had to pay the court fees and attend a 12 hour IN-PERSON driving school. I asked if that meant I wouldnt get any points and she had NO IDEA. She is either playing me or very inept. I have kept trying to call her and she does not respond.
So instead of paying the fine and getting points I now...
-paid her
-pay court fees
pay for driving school
-waste 12 hours of my life on driving school
-still get points
AWFUL HUMAN
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01 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
This is a little story from a few years back.
I came to Julia in a jam regarding an issued criminal citation from Georgia. Julia guided me through the process from start to finish. She communicated well and got all of the information she needed from me. As a result, she convinced the prosecutor to drop the charges.
Highly recommend this wonderful attorney if you’re in a Florida or Georgia criminal jam.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Ramonna
I had my initial visit with Mr. Wolfe, and I paid $100.00, which was a fee. On 4.14.23, I made another payment to Mr. Wolfe in the amount of $375.00. I was making installments toward my bankruptcy. I actually, called prior to that last payment to pay the bankruptcy in full. But, I never could get Mr. Wolfe on the phone. When, I did speak with him, I only made a payment, instead of the full amount. Well, Mr. Wolfe went ghost on me after, taking my money and not providing me with any service. I've tried to reach out to him numerous times and have stopped by and left a message , No Call, and NO REFUND.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Haydar
I have visited quite a few attorneys in the area and Mr. Wolfe was the best choice for me. He was knowledgeable
and helpful.
My case went exactly as he expected. SMOOTH.
I definitely recommend family and friends Mr Wolfe..
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29 Oct, 2011 by Ken r.
We used Mr. Wolfe when going through a bankruptcy. He was very thorough in explaining our options to us, answered any questions we had and spent the time with us and made sure we understood the procedure. Always returned phone calls promtly himself. Always made us feel like our situation was important and never tried to usher us out of the office. Can't say enough how comforting it was to have someone we could trust helping us. If you are considering or going through bankruptcy - this is your man!
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28 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Felt like she was rushing to be finished talking with me, nor was she interested in listening to me, also came off kind of rude.
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02 Oct, 2015 by Betty
My dad died without a will or anything planned for his house. For years, my brother and I paid the mortgage and taxes without realizing we had to open a probate case to get our names on the house. Thankfully, we found Amanda and she was able to get our names on the house.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Meyer was my attorney in a custody battle between me and my ex. In a case that I had a slim to none chance of winning, she got me so much more than anyone else thought that I would get in court. I would highly recommend this attorney to anyone that is in need of legal assistance.
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22 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Contacted Mr. Callender for a free consultation concerning filing an elective share claim for a spouse. We never discussed the reason for the free consultation because he became fixated on the method used to obtain legal guardianship of the spouse. He was reminded that the legal guardianship was not the issue. He advised if his questions on the legal guardianship were not answered he would not represent me and then ended the conversation. Seek an attorney who will listen to your legal problem and provide recommendations. Also, avoid attorneys who advertise flat or fixed fees on their website then only quote hourly fees like Mr. Callender does.
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19 Jun, 2014 by Glen
John is an intelligent, genuine attorney who knows the law. John was very practical and did a fine job of making the law understandable. He has a confident personality in court and even has a great sense of humor. Most importantly, I believe he has his client's best interest in mind and is honest.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Court appointed lawyer to my DCF case. He had me sign a consent to dependency, which was basically admitting to be a child abuser, neglect, and/or abandonment, or the potential for being one. I had not idea I was signing that, he presented that to me a few minutes before pre-trial and told me he negotiated with DCF to get my kids back, and that it would make the case close out and I would be with my kids again, and long as I signed I would be the best father I could possibly be, and when I tried to read the rest, he pulled the paper from me after I signed it, and would not let me catch the most important part. He did mention answer yes to all the judges questions, which was the final nail in the coffin of me admitting to being something I never was.
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17 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
This so called lawyer was disinterested in my case from the start. She requested that the best way to contact her was through emails, yet she would take several days to respond to correspondence, she was slow to file simple paperwork, and she was not straightforward about the work that she was doing on my case. In addition, when I asked her a simple question about a filing error she became upset, loud, and hung up the phone without answering the question. Professionalism was not a part of her repertoire as this was not the only incident that she responded to with a bad attitude. I would think twice before hiring this lady.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Antony
Just waiting to collect, and he doesn't know to defend, he doesn't know anything about new regulations, in the courts, he will only defend himself by saying, the client is to blame, not recommendable.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired R. Rall and she was nice until I signed Retainer. Then the case never have been resolved. She blamed the system and scheduling conflicts. This was just a child custody case which should have been easy. No action at all, no communication.
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer was not well informed and would make guesses about what he thought to be the law (differences according to county or distance between parties involved in litigation). Michael Edwards can be very disrespectful. His secretary on the other hand is very polite.
Michael Edwards said he has no feelings with regard to his clients involved in family law litigation, and it shows. He is not motivated, loses documents, and takes very little action.
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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.
