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22 Apr, 2024 by Beverly brandon
Jessica was very helpful.
She created A payment plan that was flexible to my needs. Whenever I had questions,it never took her long to return my calls. I recommend Jessica to anyone needing this Kind of law service. I really appreciate and thank Jessica from the bottom of my heart.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Ansm23
First-timer with lawyers & Jessica made it seamless! Dedicated (went above & beyond) & responsive (always available). Professional & explained things clearly. Highly recommend for family law!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Bailey l.
Jessica is very professional and great to work with! I highly recommend Langley Law to anyone needing an excellent lawyer.
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29 Jul, 2014 by Jw
I have used her services before and was excellent. I need to update my trust later when I get some extra money. JW J MCCLANAHAN
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03 May, 2010 by Anonymous
The Quitmeier Law Firm has been so patient and thorough. They have helped us through a difficult time and done a great job of it. We will use them with anything else legal we will need to deal with in the future.
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21 Oct, 2020 by Mike benkovich
03 Jul, 2020 by Joe lynch
Tony was ready to help without worrying about up front fees.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Robert k
21 Mar, 2022 by Sami
Megan is a fantastic attorney! I would 100% recommend Megan to all of my friends and family. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled timely and efficiently. She truly cares about her clients and is willing to help any way that she can. She is very knowledgeable, always patient and highly responsive to any questions or concerns I had with estate planning. You won't regret reaching out to Megan to help you!
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19 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Did the bare minimum in my case told me 5 years probation is what I should expect even though that’s the max so I could of defended myself and saved the money.
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10 Feb, 2020 by Chet ray
Being one that haven't engaged with any attorneys on a personal level, I was quite apprehensive especially not knowing what I was getting into. What a wonderful experience it was working with Miss Alfano. She was very down to earth but very professional. Kept us informed throughout the Probate Process with clarity of everything required to complete the task. Great experience and would not hesitate to utilize her expertise again. Thank you Megan!
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14 Jan, 2024 by Mishawn davis
It is a shame it has taken me more than a decade to find a law firm that knows the law, operates in a top-caliber manner, and treats the client like a human. I have had a couple of attorneys at Hale, but the one who helped us the most was Suzanne. Not only is she a bomb a** attorney, but she also knows how to handle and run a business, be classy, and professional, and have customer service. I appreciate her no-frills approach to handling cases and client situations.
She keeps a client-centered approach and looks out for everyone's best interest. Attorneys are indeed expensive but Suzanne makes sure the money spent on your case is allocated in a manner that does not leave your account on zero or paying unnecessary fees. She believes in transparency, honesty, and integrity; which is rare when an attorney is involved in difficult cases. She understands that the way she is represented in and out of the courtroom is a reflection of her business and there is not a time that she does not take her work seriously. The few times we had to speak with her on the phone, she has always been patient and attentive while listening closely to our concerns. She is very responsive and treats the attorney-client relationship as an important investment. You are not just a number to her, but a human. Should I ever need an attorney again, I will hire them again in a heartbeat. To all who work at Hale, we appreciate you. Suzanne, thank you for constantly standing on business and doing right by your clients. You are a real one.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Adam isern
08 Dec, 2023 by Terrence flowers
Mrs Hale Robinson has been amazing! Highly recommend!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Pic vid
27 May, 2024 by Alexandria tapp
I've been trying to work with him to get my case taken care of and for some reason there's no contact I've did what he's asked and still no contact
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04 May, 2024 by I b
09 Aug, 2024 by Pic vid
27 May, 2024 by Alexandria tapp
I've been trying to work with him to get my case taken care of and for some reason there's no contact I've did what he's asked and still no contact
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04 May, 2024 by I b
29 Jun, 2024 by Nina
27 Mar, 2024 by Becki lavery
27 Jan, 2024 by Donna vanhoye
So grateful to have Ed helping me. In my time of need, it's a comfort to be able to rely on him - Thank you Ed, and yes refered by Kat
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26 Jan, 2024 by Karen freiert
The whole law office was kind, efficient and helpful during this stressful time.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Holland haynie
Mr. Holcomb and his team are top-notch. My family and I have used his firm's service on multiple occasions over the past 10 years, and I have nothing but good things to say. Timely, fair, courteous, confidential, knowledgable... these are just a few of the terms that come to mind. Highly recommended.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Tina thompson
Mike Holcomb is a great guy! He truly takes his time to go through every detail with you to make sure you understand! He’s always available to answer any questions that you may have.
Samantha is awesome as well. She always responds right back to you with any of your questions you may have.
I highly recommend Mike and his team!!
You will not be disappointed!!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Mary powers
It's with great disappointment that I have to write this review. We used Doug previously and he was able to achieve a settlement on our behalf, albeit a small one in comparison to what we believe we deserved. After he got paid, communication completely discontinued. We received a 1099 that included the money he was paid. We had to pay taxes on this. It was not insignificant. We reached out to him about this. No response. We also contacted him in regards to another potential claim. No response.
Unfortunately, it's our opinion that his law firm is a perfect example of "take the money and run." Absolutely no communication after they got their money.
Sad. It's especially sad because we were treated like friends all the way up to the settlement. 100% fake.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mo khosh
Professional, accessible and they treated me with respect. From the first moment I met Doug and Tina I knew I had made the right decision to have them represent me. Doug is very smart and experienced which is what we all want in our attorneys, but he also has a great personality and a great sense of humour. If I could give them 10 stars, I would.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Melody demar
I was relieved when Tina Carter walked me through the process of my case. She was one of the first to apologize for what had happened to me. Tina and John never made me feel stupid nor acted as if I was wasting their time. They answered all of my questions and always got back to me if they were busy. Because of the way they treated my case and myself, I stuck it through. I would recommend them and if you want to be taken seriously, they will deliver.
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25 May, 2023 by Cionni ross
03 Mar, 2022 by Timothy timberlake
30 Dec, 2021 by Sammie dukovich
09 Sep, 2024 by Chonda
I wouldn't recommend this firm. Initially when choosing this firm, I felt comfortable and that the attorney truly cared. However, with the primary method of communication being electronic, I've felt lost and very confused during my divorce process. I missed information, I've not been able to complete request in a timely manner and for this reason my there has been delays. Unfortunately I have an ex that won't participate and instead of the attorney helping me, I've been blamed and told what can't be done. It really seems like she doesn't care at all. Even with something I misunderstood, I was verbally checked and told how it was my fault. There seems to be no value for the client. Unfortunately, I paid my fees upfront but am definitely regretting it.
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01 Oct, 2021 by Andersen
Kelisen was referred to me by a friend who had used her for an Order of Protection. She was extremely helpful and responsive. Her team was professional. I was very glad to have found her.
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24 Aug, 2020 by Camilah
During my first consultation with Kelison, I thought she was nice and informative. However, after I hired her to take on my case, she was not easy to get in contact with and I felt as though she was not taking my case serious. After several texts from my ex stating he knew that was getting ready to have a baby and that she was on maternity leave. I felt as though Kelison was way too personal with the opposing counsel. And I did not appreciate that at all. Especially, with all the stress I was already going through with having a newborn baby and having to go through a court case. After seeking new counsel, I sent Kelison an email stating that I would no longer be seeking advice from her and that I had found a new lawyer. I have sent a few emails after parting ways with her and her firm and I have still not received any of my retainer from the Binder Firm. If I could give 0 stars, I would! How do you not refund someone part of their $1500? I understand her services had an hourly fee, however, I only met with her face to face twice and spoke on the phone with her once or twice. The services used did not equal $1500. And I should have received something as a refund! It is now August of 2020 and I parted ways with Kelison in December of 2019. Why has it taken so long for me to receive a refund?? There are better lawyers in the KC area than this firm!!
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11 Dec, 2023 by James
We retained Henry for a child custody and parenting plan revision. He came to court unprepared, didn't advise us of certain forms that had to be completed, failed to represent the key areas of the case, and failed through appeals. Nice person, but not a good lawyer.
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06 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted this firm months and had an appointment immediately, but it was basically for nothing. He was rude, dismissive, and not helpful at all. Unprofessional at its finest. It was almost like he was the prosecutor in my trial before my trial!!! Poor customer service from his staff too. If you have a strong case I would recommend you go to someone else.
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10 Jan, 2017 by Ddm
I contacted Mr. Service in response to a letter I received from his office offering services when my Ex husband filed a modification. When I called, I was immediately offered a consultation appointment despite his full schedule, they made time to see me. Mr Service took the time to get details about my case specifics and explain the process, and what is important to legally focus on in family/civil cases. He was also upfront about possible issues but took time to listen and explain so it pertained to my circumstances; not a general speech I got when trying to make appointments/consult with other lawyers.
Mr. Service is very knowledgeable in these areas and I believe he will be good representation for what is important to me and my family in court.
Thank you
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20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
This lawyer was referred to me for my bankruptcy and divorce the trustee ended up hiring her and still haven't heard anything from her about my divorce would not hire or refer her to anybody
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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.
