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09 Oct, 2024 by Jon jon
My wife was in a horrible car accident. I almost lost her. 92 days in the hospital. Thru it all, the team at Vaughn & Vaughn took care of ALL of our legal issues, and billing nightmares. I was told to take care of my wife, and they would handle the rest. (I didn't have to worry about any of the bills or legal issues). We were always happy to stop by, to take in documents, or whatever, because the whole staff was happy to see us, and upbeat every time. They truly became our friends thru this whole experience. If you have been in an accident, and you want the best. do yourself a huge favor and check out my friends at Vaughn & Vaughn. You will be happy you did!!! John L. Boyce Julia K. Boyce PS: 5 stars are not enough!!!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Sharon bonta
Vaughn and Vaughn was who I chose to represent me on an auto insurance claim. This was my first time having to get representation when I was involved in a terrible vehicle accident. I never thought I would ever need to hire an attorney. And hopefully this will be my one and only time. I was very worried about not knowing what I needed to do. Karolina put me at ease right away and kept reassuring me that I didn’t have to worry about anything. She would take care of it for me on all ends. That made me feel like I picked the right attorney when it came to my claim. I wanted to get myself healed physically and mentally so that I could return back to spending time with my grandkids again as well as getting back to driving and then going back to work. It was right before Thanksgiving which I was suppose to be hosting. I was in a lot of pain and needed to rest and be taken care of by my husband in order to begin healing. Karolina was so wonderful. She would only contact me if it was very important. In the end she was able to settle my claim for what I deserved now and for any future problems. I could not have been taken care of any better than what I was. I appreciate your expertise, your kindness, and your calming nature Karolina. Thank you for a job well done. If I ever need to recommend someone it would be Karolina at Vaughn and Vaughn.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Brandi daniels
We could not have picked a better place to go! Everyone was so knowledgeable, professional and extremely kind. We are so grateful for all their hard work, dedication and our better-than-expected results! It was a pleasure getting to know everyone, thank you again. God bless
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22 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Has been very helpful, with attention to detail, on my parents' estate.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Emily birge
I am incredibly embarrassed that I recommended them to a good friend of mine. it took over two weeks to hear back from BBC, and they simply told him that they could not represent him at this time. no explanation, no conflict, just no help. I AM VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED. it says a lot when every review for 2024 is one star. look elsewhere.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Steven cain
Great service. They give time to make important decisions. I recommend them.
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09 May, 2024 by Aj ford
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anyone anyone
Seeger is rude! He needs to get his ego in check!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Kevin myers
Gregg is very detail oriented, and provides great service. He always calls you back to answer any questions. Very highly recommended!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Veronica given
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08 Oct, 2024 by Tdemond truise
Amazing from start to the conclusion of the case they did an amazing job. Big Facts
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16 Aug, 2024 by Amber rice
I would highly recommend this law firm I had Brian Dekker as my lawyer and he found mistakes that my 2 other lawyers didn't! They were very helpful at explaining everything to me in detail and he was great in the court room! Very honest and respectful!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Todd bohlinger
Extremely professional and helpful for my needs! Thank you so much Brian Dekker for your job well done! It does not go unappreciated!
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28 Apr, 2020 by Jim evavold
Greg Geiser helped me obtain a trademark and a utility patent. He was always available for consultation throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend him and Gutwein Law for intellectual property advice! Jim Evavold (President of Sitz BathWear, LLC)
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14 Feb, 2020 by Kevin hanlon
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12 Oct, 2019 by John jones
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06 Apr, 2023 by Lillian rose
Chris hopson did an amazing job guiding me with my divorce with children. He helped me keep calm and level-headed. He taught me how to proceed over the years without needing further legal intervention. Even a few years later, I can still make solid decisions through emotion by thinking about things he would tell me. He was extremely good to me, and I could not have found a better lawyer. Thank you!
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06 Feb, 2020 by Nerissa
Sara is the WORST!!! She doesn’t respond to emails or returns phone calls which is how we must communicate since I live out of state. After sending SEVERAL emails, calling and leaving SEVERAL messages she hasn’t return any of them! So I called to speak to an office manager or whoever was in charge but of course I had to leave yet another message only to have NO ONE call me back!!! It a shame that we have to pay these attorneys all this money by the hour and they don’t even have to decency to return a phone or take 5 mins to respond to an email!
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21 Oct, 2019 by Rick weatherman
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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