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04 Sep, 2024 by María victoria bencosme mena
It's hard to express how grateful I am for the work Joe and his team, Stefanie, Brooke, Sarga and Roger did. I was very worried after I had my accident was going to be a hard case but The Stephens Law Firm was able to help me. Again, thanks!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Zoila maldonado
I was in an accident, and my insurance refused to cover my injuries, and the lawyer I had wasn’t helping at all. I reached out to Joe Stephens' firm, and they made sure the insurance covered all my expenses. I’m beyond grateful for their support and expertise.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Diana ramirez
I couldn't have chosen a better team to take my case. This firm really knows what they're doing, watch out for other firms that won't even return your calls. I am really glad I called you.
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04 Sep, 2024 by María victoria bencosme mena
It's hard to express how grateful I am for the work Joe and his team, Stefanie, Brooke, Sarga and Roger did. I was very worried after I had my accident was going to be a hard case but The Stephens Law Firm was able to help me. Again, thanks!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Zoila maldonado
I was in an accident, and my insurance refused to cover my injuries, and the lawyer I had wasn’t helping at all. I reached out to Joe Stephens' firm, and they made sure the insurance covered all my expenses. I’m beyond grateful for their support and expertise.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Diana ramirez
I couldn't have chosen a better team to take my case. This firm really knows what they're doing, watch out for other firms that won't even return your calls. I am really glad I called you.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Rocio gonzalez
03 Oct, 2024 by Karissa barbeau
I came to Mary Beth with a high conflict, child custody case. After initially, dealing with another lawfirm to represent me, who was incompetent and didn’t take the time to fully read the abundant documentation that I had, it was truly a blessing that I was referred to Mary Beth and the Goodnight Law Firm. From that point of my case and forward, the communication was ample, and they made sure that I knew what was going on and where we were at throughout the case. I’m giving 5 stars, and to be honest, I would give 10 if I could, because of not only Mary Beth‘s tenacity and legal aptitude, but because, she fights for her clients and for what is right and just. With her legal guidance and the amazing support of Faith and Randi, my children and family are protected from further abusive situations with their biological parent. This case was no “walk in the park”, nor was the opposing counsel operating with the goal to seek positive reconciliation for the children. Nonetheless, Mary Beth didn’t back down. I highly recommend Goodnight Law Firm; your legal representation matters, and Mary Beth is who I’d want in my corner.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Susan rovegno
We highly recommend Goodnight Law Firm for your wills and estate planning. Mary Beth Cameron and her staff are knowledgeable and ask great questions and are able to handle complex situations without a hiccup. Call them today!
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03 Nov, 2023 by Helen
Susan Hutchinson is superb, she is very knowledgable, professional, excellent, she gets things done quickly and will recommend to any one who needs help with legal issue.
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10 May, 2023 by Allyn
Had a legal issue that was complicated and Susan had no problem dealing with it quickly and easily.
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30 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and quick to get things done. We had a troublesome tenant that refused to pay rent and refused to leave, Susan helped us navigate the law and got us our property back.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Ac091
Excellent service!!
Laura and her team are very professional and knowledgeable. All my questions and concerns were answered. The seminar is very interesting & highly recommend.
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15 Nov, 2022 by Pat
Laura Bromlow listens closely to her clients and dives deep to understand their needs and find solid solutions. She explains complex legal situations in a way that lay persons can understand and make good choices. She went the extra mile for us and then some.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Yvette
Laura and her assistant did a great job from beginning to end. They asked us questions that prepared us in planning for the future and even our minor children's future when they become adults. Important things we would have never thought of.
Professional, reasonable, honest and kind. Overall an A+ experience. I highly recommend Laura!
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03 May, 2014 by Cherie
Emma was referred to me when I was filing for divorce. What I noticed immediately was that she was honest and to the point but delicate at the same time. She was very aware that this was a situation that called for compassion but I knew that she was going to fight for my Son and I. She kept me informed and if and when I needed her she was there. She did a great job at making the divorce as "easy" for me as possible. We went in front of the judge within six months of filing and my divorce was granted. She was there every step of the way making sure I was okay.
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30 Jan, 2014 by Pj
My wife and I hired Mrs. Haw to make out our wills. Her rates were clearly published on her website and everything was very straightforward. She had us complete a comprehensive information form covering what we wanted done in the event of our demise, and then she constructed all of the documents. We then met with her again to go over all of the documents and she explained, in plain English, what everything was, what it said, and what it meant. This also included durable powers of attorney and medical directives in the event of our incapacitation as well. She was very thorough and professional in our dealings.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Emma updated my estate planning documents following my divorce and had great suggestions on how to make sure my family is protected!
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30 Jan, 2012 by Kb
I highly recommend Elizabeth. Elizabeth was available to meet with me and discuss my business matter. Her knowledge was outstanding and I received a follow up email explaining my options again. I would highly recommend her if the time is critical and if you are looking to get more accurate clear options in detail about your legal matter.
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24 Nov, 2010 by Jerry
Beth has always made time for my requests. Beth has been willing to accept work on short notice and still meet the deadline with a thorough review and sound advice.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Victorio g
El servicio fue excelente, y la abogada realmente se esfuerza por ayudar y que tú puedas entender todo el proceso que quieres tramitar
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30 Aug, 2024 by Joyce hood
10 Aug, 2024 by Jose martinez
I am currently working with The Alchemy Attorneys on my divorce, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their guidance and expertise during this challenging time. From the very beginning, the team has been incredibly attentive to my needs, providing clear and concise advice while always taking the time to ensure I fully understand my options.
What stands out the most about The Alchemy Attorneys is their professionalism and compassion. They have consistently approached my case with a balance of empathy and assertiveness, making sure that my interests are protected while also being sensitive to the emotional aspects of the situation. Their strategic thinking has already proven invaluable, helping me navigate complex legal issues with confidence.
Although my case is still ongoing, I feel reassured knowing that The Alchemy Attorneys are in my corner. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a divorce attorney who truly cares about their clients and delivers results.
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14 Nov, 2024 by David herlinger
Recently my wife and I decided it was time to revise and update our wills as the existing ones were made when we had dependent children. Because our children are now all adults, we knew it was long past time for an update. We scheduled an initial visit with Beth Serafini-Smith based the many favorable reviews of her practice. We were not disappointed and found Beth easy to work with. One of our family members had the experience of dealing with the estate of relative that died intestate. After listening to the extreme difficulty she had settling that estate, we knew that we did not want that to happen after our passing.
Beth was extremely helpful in explaining factors in choosing an executor, the powers of the executor, and the importance for assigning durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, advance directives and other critical concerns.
After she provided a draft, she gave us ample time to review and ask questions regarding all aspects. After our final review and the acceptance of the documents, we wondered why we had put off such an important task for so many years. Beth Serafini-Smith made the process stress-free. Thank you, Beth!
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07 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Beth did a great job informing us of what we should have to fit our needs. The process was very easy and Beth and her team were pleasant to work with.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Cheryl ramsey
Beth is very knowledgeable and professional. Beth handled everything in a timely manner. Several of my friends have employed Beth and were extremely happy with her. I would recommend Beth as attorney.
Cheryl
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12 Sep, 2024 by Amber brown
23 Aug, 2024 by Donnie charleston
23 Aug, 2024 by G vasquez
Excellence is the word that describes the service they provide… they keep you informed all the time and also they give you hope. I will recommend them.
Thank you.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Ana r diaz
I had the pleasure to work with Morgan and Tina here. They were spectacular! to say the least. During one of the hardest times of my life, they used their knowledge for the benefit of my kids and myself and gave me one of the most important things, some peace during those difficult months. If you need someone to guide you through this process, someone who knows family law and your chances in your specific case try this knowledgeable people. I don't want to get into details, but they definitely ease the path in so many ways, always quick responding to my family needs. I am grateful for the decision to hire them in the first place.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Dustin rozeboom
After researching several firms, I decided to hire John Lemos of the Adams Law Firm to represent me during my divorce. John was the consumate professional. Very thorough and very professional. He took the time to explain each step of the process and to keep me informed throughout the process. I highly recommend him if you're searching for a divorce attorney.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Tara pond
I worked with Morgan Hybner. From beginning to end she was very professional, knowledgeable, and I always felt like she and my back and my child’s best interest. She knows her stuff and caught things previous lawyers hadn’t before. She let me voice my
concerns and told me what was possible given the circumstances and we went from there. She was not pushy and very much listened and advocated for what I wanted but was able to also let me know what wasn’t an option. Her whole office/team are very kind and professional. Even after my case was closed, I still have her staff reaching out to me making sure that things were taken care of and changes were effective. I trust Morgan implicitly and would use her and her team again in a heartbeat.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Ana r diaz
I had the pleasure to work with Morgan and Tina here. They were spectacular! to say the least. During one of the hardest times of my life, they used their knowledge for the benefit of my kids and myself and gave me one of the most important things, some peace during those difficult months. If you need someone to guide you through this process, someone who knows family law and your chances in your specific case try this knowledgeable people. I don't want to get into details, but they definitely ease the path in so many ways, always quick responding to my family needs. I am grateful for the decision to hire them in the first place.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Dustin rozeboom
After researching several firms, I decided to hire John Lemos of the Adams Law Firm to represent me during my divorce. John was the consumate professional. Very thorough and very professional. He took the time to explain each step of the process and to keep me informed throughout the process. I highly recommend him if you're searching for a divorce attorney.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Tara pond
I worked with Morgan Hybner. From beginning to end she was very professional, knowledgeable, and I always felt like she and my back and my child’s best interest. She knows her stuff and caught things previous lawyers hadn’t before. She let me voice my
concerns and told me what was possible given the circumstances and we went from there. She was not pushy and very much listened and advocated for what I wanted but was able to also let me know what wasn’t an option. Her whole office/team are very kind and professional. Even after my case was closed, I still have her staff reaching out to me making sure that things were taken care of and changes were effective. I trust Morgan implicitly and would use her and her team again in a heartbeat.
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15 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
This guy is so money hungry that he will do anything for a dollar!! He saw my father 8 times with in a few week period. If a 80 year old man is coming to you with concerns that many times one would think that maybe he is not of sound mind. Not this idiot! Took his money and ran!
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20 Nov, 2020 by Renee
Mr. Behlmann was recommended to me by a friend who had used his office for probate and elder law. He is highly knowledgable, asks the right questions and listens to client's concerns. Mr. Behlmann is a creative and passionate attorney and I highly recommend him.
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11 Aug, 2011 by Glenn
My wife and I have been very pleased with the way our legal needs have been handled by the Behlmann Law firm.
From a living trust, to real estate, Mr Behlmann's knowledge of the intricacies of the law has proven invaluable to us.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Georgia and after giving her a brief summary of my situation, she said that we could request my husband to pay for my attorneys fees (he had his own attorney). I had very little money and thought this would be great. Six months in, or maybe more, she said that I was supposed to pay for my own fees as if we hadn’t discussed this several times before . She also kept forgetting what we would talk about, so on our next call she would ask the same things allover again. She made me go to a mediation for temporary orders that I insisted I did not need, and that cost me over a thousand dollars that I could not afford to spend. Whenever I disagreed with her or asked her a question that she thought was dumb, she would send me these long emails basically mocking me and being extremely rude. She wanted things done her way and would not listen to me. Months after the process had started I was diagnosed with cancer and I met with her to discuss things. She told me… everyone gets “cancer” when they are getting a divorce hahaha. I was so shocked I did not even respond. After careful consideration, I accepted my husband’s offer to come to a mutual agreement using his lawyer, since my cancer treatment was costing me thousands of dollars. Georgia was informed of this and once again sent me a very long email mocking me and telling me that it was a terrible idea and that I would regret it (not a word about my illness, no compassion or sympathy). Well, Georgia… not working with you was actually the best decision I ever made!!! So to any vulnerable lady out there looking to get a divorce, STAY AWAY!
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31 Jan, 2023 by Kimberly
Barker Law Firm is AMAZING! My husband recently passed away, I would have been lost without them. They guided me through the probate every step of the way. Thank you to the entire team!
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16 May, 2022 by Kathy
If you need a family law attorney stay far away from this one. I hired her to help me with a simple divorce with no children. Her low hourly rate is attractive but I was way better off replacing her with a more expensive, more organized attorney that got the job done in 2 weeks versus the 10 months I was represented by this office. I received other clients' documents multiple times, she never knew if I was the petitioner or respondent, never felt she was in my corner and everything was done at a snail's pace that ultimately cost me money. We attended mediation together 6 months after I filed for divorce and after two hours I realized the other side did not even have their signed inventory and we should have never showed up. I asked the mediator to stop the mediation for the other side to provide their documents and it was granted. Without a full picture of the community estate, we could not have made a deal that all parties could sign that day even if we wanted to. That was a cost to me of about $800.00 & was a complete waste of time and money. The trial date was 4 months later and still did not have a complete inventory from the respondent. I received a notice of trial date in the mail from the court with no zoom link information, only the street address to the family court. The day before the trial I emailed her and asked if we were GOING to trial since we were not even close to being prepared and her answer was yes we will APPEAR and ask for a reset in order to have more time to meditate. Great, so since we are only asking for a reset do I need to ATTEND? She answered yes, please. So, I drove to downtown Houston in rush hour traffic, pay twenty bucks to park, and then walked 2 blocks in 32-degree weather to the courthouse, take off my shoes, had my purse searched, and finally made it to the courtroom and no one was there but me the judge and the bailiff. I sat down and waited for the docket to be called and when my name was called I could hear Georgia through the judge's computer answer for me. Everyone was on Zoom but me. She never sent me the zoom link despite my inquiry the day before if we were GOING to court and being told we would APPEAR and I needed to ATTEND. I am thick-skinned but this lady was super rude to me. On one occasion and while I was waiting for her in the office, I sat some papers out in front of me to discuss with her, and when she came into the conference room, instead of sitting at the opposite end of the table from me she made me gather all my papers and move to the other end of the table. She said "I know you just laid all that out but do you mind moving to the other end of the table, I don't want to sit too close to you because of Covid" Really, that's how you treat your clients? There were at least 5 other chairs available however she felt it was best to ask me to move. She also spoke to me in a very demeaning manner throughout the long 10 months and was very rude. I was very happy with the outcome of my case after hiring another attorney that ran their office way more efficiently, has an awesome paralegal and I always felt they were in my corner. In 2 weeks' time, the attorney I replaced her with finally got the signed inventory from the respondent, gathered all the needed documents, and prepared a proposed property settlement that was 50/50. In the end, I was able to make a deal at mediation with my new attorney because we were prepared for mediation ahead of time and made sure the respondent was as well before attending mediation. Do yourself and your pocketbook a favor and research other attorneys that are more organized, nicer to their clients & more efficient before hiring this one.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Kerry was always late. She failed to show up with a meeting for my case. I fired her. She was even late to the withdrawal hearing. The court attorney had to call her. She charged me during appoints with her when I sat there for lengthy periods of time waiting for her to appear. She did not know how to issue subpoenas to State Farm. She withdrew stating that I was not cooperating. That was false. She will not return my files. She said, I have to go to her office to receive the files. When I went to her office, two hours round trip, they were closed. She called me into her office when she had the flu, sitting there in a snuggy and told me not to come close to her. I am filing a statement with the court showing that I fired her, she did not drop me. I and also filing a complaint with the Texas Bar Association.
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21 Sep, 2018 by Ron and debra
My wife and I are going through a conflict with other family members in the estate left to us by my mother in law. Kerri and her staff were retained as our legal counsel to assist us through this maze and they have been exceptional and superior. We were blessed to find them and they have been nothing short of a God-send. The staff and Kerri are all extremely professional, compassionate and caring. We highly recommend them.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Bobby
I met with Kerri Graham to discuss child support legal issues prior to my sons 18th birthday. She was knowledgeable and competent guiding me through each step of the process with the courts. I was very anxious prior to meeting with her and left her office at complete ease. She is kind, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable in every aspect concerning my case. I will recommend her to any person who is needing legal advice. Thank you Mrs. Graham for representing Law with integrity and giving people like me guidance in an unknown world. Bravo!!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Alfred white
I recommend Ms Hafner for all my real estate needs.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Jennifer baumann
Great attorney, thank you!!!
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07 Mar, 2024 by Jasmin valdez
I came to Me. Barrera after several recommendations from other paralegals whom stated he was a good well known aggressive attorney. Which is not what I had a privilege to witness. When I hired Mr. Barrera he came off very strong which I was okay with due to my delicate case. The first time I called his office it was easy getting a one on one with him and he was able to see me right away, but once contracts were signed and fees were paid I was not able to meet with him to discuss my case. I made several attempts to go into his office so we could go over my case and he was never available. When he would call me and we would go over my case through the phone I would ask what his method would be to win my case or make the attempt to do so and none of that was applied during court when going up against the judge. I was so disappointed in my representation and signed papers that were not explained to me well despite my emotional distress due to my sensitive case. He may have been a great attorney once upon a time but this is no longer the case. I had to waste money, time, and most importantly almost lost someone so dear to me had i kept him as my representative. I hope this will help other families make a better decision when looking for someone to have as guidance especially during such delicate matters.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Karen and her amazing paralegal (Sam) have been very responsive in all communication. She is quick to keep me updated on changes, answer any questions, and to give the best advice related to my case. The firm runs on integrity, morals, and values which many lawyers appear not to anymore. She provides affordable rates and does not try to nickel and dime. I’m really pleased with the interactions I’ve had so far. I know she has my son’s best interest at heart.
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04 Dec, 2021 by Mackenzie
This review has NOTHING to do with the lawyer, but the receptionist. Called twice, first time he answered and was beyond rude and I never got a return call from the lawyer. The second time I called was so much worse! When the guy answered he said the lawyer was in a meeting and asked what I was calling for. When I simply said I was calling for information he had the audacity to say "oh, so you're calling for a wake up call? You just want to see what you can get if you divorce?". And once again, never got a call back from the lawyer.
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27 Apr, 2019 by Dusty
Karen is a very good person and has a heart of gold . She is currently my custody attorney and is doing a great job . She looks after the better interest of my kids . Very good person , friend and attorney
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15 Jun, 2022 by Mary estes
26 May, 2022 by Roberto alvarez
27 May, 2021 by Sonja prewett
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
