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23 Feb, 2015 by David
Mr. Asher is a great resource and advisor for my firm and myself. He and his staff are responsive and insightful to my questions and issues.
In one particular case, Mr. Asher was able to mediate and assist with a family dispute. His experience in trusts and estate matters is solid.
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27 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Vasquez is an incredible attorney who combines her passion for the law with an indelible compassion for her clients. Ms. Vasquez handled consultation with extreme professionalism and tailored her advice to my exact needs. Could not have been happier!
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17 Sep, 2015 by Loren
Five words describe Jonathan: caring, competent, personal, tireless, unrelenting. Last February, I hired J.P. to get my inheritance from a sluggish passive-aggressive trustee. My former attorney, to whom I had paid nearly $20,000, did little during the year. But when J.P. took the case, the tables quickly turned in my favor. He really kept the trustee and her attorney in line. What's more, J.P. obtained more money for me than anticipated—and months ahead of schedule. I recommend Jonathan Park wholeheartedly.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Veronica
Cheryl was instrumental in obtaining full rights for my daughter when her father passed away without a will. She was both empathetic and professional in dealing with the legalities we faced in proving she was a legitimate heir to his estate. I would sincerely recommend Cheryl to anyone looking for legal representation in her fields of expertise.
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21 May, 2019 by John
I consulted with Kelly regarding a unique probate issue. She was able to find some helpful statutory language that completely changed the trajectory of my case. Kelly was responsive, diligent, and very knowledgeable about all things probate. Excellent experience.
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23 May, 2013 by Mitch
During my nearly three decades practicing medicine and leading biotech companies, I have worked with many lawyers as a client and expert witness. Fred Marcus is among the best. He is an exceptional listener, scrupulously honest, highly intelligent, very meticulous and dependable. He drafted my will and trust and did an excellent job. I have recommended him many times. MF, M.D.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Fred
Mrs. Shafa has helped us on setting up with my estate and will planning. She is very knowledgeable and expert in her area of law and always gives us great advices. Looking forward to do my business corporation with her as well.
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11 Jul, 2012 by Kristin
Morris prepared a trust for my husband and I as well as both our wills and other legal documents. He was absolutely fantastic. I was really a pain as a client. He sent the documents promptly for signature after they were prepared and I was horrible about returning them. He was incredibly patient and gently reminded me until I reviewed and executed them. I can't say enough good things about his work. I have recommended him to my colleagues and my own clients.
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01 Jul, 2015 by Andrea
Michael and the team know their stuff, and have been an excellent resource for us. So thank you!!! I was literally about to give up but you guys saved me from a terrible situation with the IRS and I can happily say we are now on the road to recovery!
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01 Apr, 2024 by Lukáš hasoň
I greatly appreciate Mr. Moghtader's professional and at the same time human approach. He helped me win the case and patiently explained everything to me.
I am European and the principles of American law are unknown to me.
Once again, thank you very much and good luck.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Kam s.
Always helpful and patient with all my questions. They have guided me numerous times throughout the years with legal matters and steered me in the right direction. Very knowledgeable and honest.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Olga gonzalez
We had the pleasure of working with Sean who had been nothing but amazing and professional and beyond our expectations.We definitely recommend it.
Olga Gonzalez
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12 Dec, 2019 by Pasquini pasquini
The character, and integrity in which Michael Doland conducted himself during a very difficult case should be in every law journal on "how to act”. I wish I could have given him unlimited funds to go after these guys. His style was really responsible to truly not go insane, and keep our family intact. I have no words on how much this means to me. I don’t know our future, but he gave us a future we can move forward with. I think he should be proud. They had all the cards with them, but we had the focus.
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06 Feb, 2017 by Amy guion
Mr. Doland was an amazing resource and advocate for me during a dispute with my business partner and the buyout that followed. He is level headed and realistic about your options, but also personable and friendly. I especially appreciated his patience and timeliness in the face of my anxiousness and many questions.
During my search for an attorney, I was viewed by many other lawyers as too young and too naive to know what I needed to do for my business. In contrast, Mr. Doland let me take the lead and make my own decisions. He interjected only when his experience and perceptiveness were necessary to prevent me from making major mistakes.
Thank you so much for helping me when I needed it the most! I am now the happy owner of a successful company with a great future.
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20 Jun, 2021 by Sindee riboli
No one smarter then Bruce McBirney on real estate. Very thorough..
Highly intelligent group of attorneys
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10 Jan, 2025 by Mason orr
Alicia was very helpful Communication was amazing, she kept me informed on my lawsuit every step of the way. Very kind and friendly, always answered any questions I had. The law team worked very hard to get me a fair settlement for my case thanks to everyone!!
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02 Dec, 2024 by Kentonia walker
This law firm definitely deserves a five star rating. They are very reliable and consistent with their work. Would definitely recommend to my family and friends.
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31 Oct, 2024 by El compadre restaurant
Agradezco por su servicio la verdad muy satisfecha Karla es una excelente persona siempre al pendiente de mi caso. Gracias a todo su equipo que son muy competentes y atentos pero agradezco en especial a la señorita Karla por todo su apoyo en estos momentos tan difíciles.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Mason orr
Alicia was very helpful Communication was amazing, she kept me informed on my lawsuit every step of the way. Very kind and friendly, always answered any questions I had. The law team worked very hard to get me a fair settlement for my case thanks to everyone!!
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02 Dec, 2024 by Kentonia walker
This law firm definitely deserves a five star rating. They are very reliable and consistent with their work. Would definitely recommend to my family and friends.
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31 Oct, 2024 by El compadre restaurant
Agradezco por su servicio la verdad muy satisfecha Karla es una excelente persona siempre al pendiente de mi caso. Gracias a todo su equipo que son muy competentes y atentos pero agradezco en especial a la señorita Karla por todo su apoyo en estos momentos tan difíciles.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Daniel pineda
Jack represented me on a child support case where I was being overcharged. Today he was able to reduce the monthly payment with little to no effort. I strongly recommend Jack and his team!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Maria flores
I especially appreciate Sarahi Nunez and her legal team, Alyssa, Christy and Melissa in assistant in establishing my living trust from the initial consultation with Sarahi Nunez to the final signing. Thank you all for your patience and answering my questions, the smooth scheduling of appointments and for making what could have been a stressful and confusion experience, surprisingly straightforward and stress-free.
Thank you again for the excellent service. I will certainly recommend the Werner law firm to anyone seeking assistant with the state planning.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Jerry winegar
We were extremely happy with our choice of the Werner Law Firm after our process was completed. Alyssa was particularly professional, thorough and pleasant. The office staff worked around our schedule and made the process easy. I would recommend their services to anyone with estate planning needs. I will surely pass on my experience to my family and friends.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Adalberto navarro
I reached out to Mrs Barton after coming across one of her videos on YouTube, best decision I ever made. They responded very quickly and were always very professional. Always kept me up to date on the whole process of my trial. Made the bad experience I was going through a little better.
Thanks to their team for their amazing work, if you need a good lawyer don’t hesitate to call.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tanzir ahmed
Veronica is an extra-ordinary lawyer. I have worked with many smart people for my education and professional career and she is one of the smartest person I have ever met. My ex-wife filed a domestic violence case against me, where she made many false claims. Veronica went through each of them, prepared a solid defense and poked holes in the false story.The end result was perfect - much better than I hoped. The judge dropped all charges against me, let me reunite with my two beautiful daughters and criticised the petitioner for her frivolous and remorseless attitude. I give full credit to Veronica for my resounding victory. If you can afford her, I would highly recommend her.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Tze kai tan
I recently had the opportunity to work with The Law Offices of Veronica T. Barton, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From the moment I made initial contact, it was clear that this firm values professionalism, thoroughness, and client care.
Expertise and Knowledge:
Veronica Barton and her team are incredibly knowledgeable. Whether you’re dealing with family law, estate planning, or any legal concerns, they explain everything clearly, ensuring you understand the entire process. Their command of the law is evident in how they handle complex situations with ease.
Communication:
One thing I appreciated most was their consistent and clear communication. I was never left in the dark about the status of my case, and they always responded promptly to any questions or concerns. This level of transparency made an otherwise stressful legal situation much more manageable.
Professionalism and Dedication:
The team is incredibly dedicated. They worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail of my case was handled properly, providing personalized attention. It’s obvious that they genuinely care about their clients, going above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Efficiency and Results:
Despite the complexities involved, my case was resolved quicker than I anticipated. Veronica Barton’s strategic approach and attention to detail played a significant role in securing a favorable outcome. Their efficiency never compromised the quality of their work, and I always felt like a priority.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a law firm that combines expertise, dedication, and a client-centered approach, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Veronica T. Barton. They truly provide peace of mind during challenging times.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Zosimo laino
Thankful to all who worked so hard on my case.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Maria gomez
Muy amablr y atenta a cualquier pregunta que tubiera. Un 10👍
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08 Jan, 2025 by Alfredo urango
We were very busy and they accommodated for us. We really appreciate it.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Elijah
After a severe car accident, I was left with medical expenses and almost 4 weeks of loss wages. I contacted my attorney Tim at Karns & Karns and they were able to get a settlement. They want us higher than was offered to me and cover medical expenses.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Harlan atlas
There are so many law firms here in LA. You can get overwhelmed. We got lucky we were referred to Bill Karns. I have to say I was so pleased with their at home approach. Everybody’s like family and they really are there to make sure that you as a client get all the help that’s needed.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Kevin m bullock sevyn
After an accident in Hollywood Tim or Attorney that assisted us, he did a great job getting all the evidence and making sure that we are ready to tackle the insurance company. Great job
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09 Dec, 2024 by Erica
Definitely would not recommend using Judge Amy Pellman for mediation services. She was incredibly biased from the start and made an unprofessional comment within 10 minutes of the session starting. Should’ve ended it there instead of wasting an entire day making zero progress on any kind of settlement. She was only interested in assisting one side on their goals, and did not advocate for me on any points. She might’ve been a great judge but clearly needs some more experience in mediation, where the purpose is to try and reach an agreement between both parties- not decide who she thinks is right and pursue their interests only. We hired another mediator after this failed session and had immediate success with them.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Michael masella
Don't have enough great things to say about this lawfirm, Seppi & his team walked me through all the steps to get me out of trouble. Little over a year later and completed. Thanks Everyone. ~Mike
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31 Oct, 2024 by Yours truly, elle
I am so blessed to have found Lawyer Seppi! I have never been in this situation where I needed a lawyer and don’t plan to ever again, but Seppi made this experience as easy as possible. And after meeting Seppi in his office, I felt even better because he was so kind, personable, patient, and understanding. He answered every question I had and kept me updated. I listened to every word he said, and because of that my case was dismissed before our court date and I remain with a completely clean record! I cannot thank this law firm enough!!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Efe kiracı
Greetings can you please get back to me I have an urgent case I am short on time
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22 Jul, 2024 by Sebastian harrison
Worst most unethical attorney I have had the displeasure to have been associated with. He was my former wife's first attorney (until she fired him). Does the typical dance that unethical family law attorneys do which is to try to create chaos and havoc and hatred. We were attempting to have an amicable divorce but he did everything in his power (lying, restraining order) to cause a war. He even, get this as this is unbelievable, whispered in the ear of my attorney, "should we get them to sell the property." I overheard this in the hall of the courthouse. It was well discussed that the mutually owned property was going to be put in a trust for our son. He even admitted that he makes more money litigating.
Word of caution, with his smooth talking and accent he can be convincing but don't believe a word he says.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Vadi efe
We had a consultation call with Mr Agopoglu - he is very helpful and gave us valuable feedback, including legal aspects, way of working and best practices in family law. Highly recommended.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Christine tutundjian
Nigel was caring, and quick to respond to my questions. He was knowledgeable and very thorough. He offered possible solutions that my previous lawyer did not. Our family highly recommends Nigel and his law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Maryanne tacadao
Knowledgeable & professional. Atty. Nigel, Samuel and Jeanine did great job in assisting me with my divorce process. I appreciate them all. This law office will fight your rights for sure. Jeanine for checking the all details. Also wanted to thank Denise.
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02 May, 2024 by Ben bolch
I engaged Nigel Burns' firm in 2019 for a fairly straightforward matter that became complicated by COVID delays and other issues. Nigel and his team stuck with me every step of the way to a resolution that took nearly five years, explaining not only what was happening but how we could best position ourselves for the next move. I appreciated the firm's straightforward, thoughtful approach that came at a very reasonable cost given the outcome. Having considered other attorneys in the past that did not meet my needs for various reasons, I can safely say that Nigel Burns and his associates are a go-to team that gets the job done.
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20 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I contacted Attorney Katz because I had a landlord/tenant eviction matter that required immediate attention. Attorney Katz was able to take care of the problem right away. He is a decent person whom genuinely wants to help others, and he knows the law. I would highly recommend his legal services, particularly in the area of landlord/tenant matters. Thank you again Attorney Katz, for your help.
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04 Mar, 2016 by James cagney
Finally an honest Attorney who goes out of his way to help you.
He represented me on a couple of cases ,
With out even knowing me He filed my case the very next day even though i had not yet paid him and told him I could not pay him for a couple weeks .
Those weeks turned into months but he still kept plugging away and getting it done (Yes i paid Him )and he also won the Case
I have no trust in attorneys for the most part they are just Thief's with suits .
Jeff is as Honest as can be you will never meet an attorney or human being like him in your lifetime
I like the fact that if he is not familiar with a certain procedure he tells you instead of bullshitting to get your Money .
I highly recommend this Lawyer
and no I'm not a family member but extremely pleased client
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28 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I was in a jam with a problem tenant issue needed a good lawyer! Mr. Katz came through for me and my wife. Would highly recommencement him for a legal problem. He was prompt affordable and professional
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20 Sep, 2017 by Florencio
Im one of his clients now and can tell you that his professional conduct and great laughter makes you feel calm and ready to do as he asks you. he is great at listening to what circumstances you are in. he also is super at making sure that he is confident at making you feel that seeing a judge isnt going to be an experience that will leave you dumbfounded. Glasgow hails as a professional with a tender feeling for you as his client and will not be obtuse and rude in any way or manner. in fact, his manners is what makes him so good. His connection to details and observant style can lead you to believe that there really is good people in the world and that not all lawyers are crooks.
My name is Florencio, I am one of his clients who has an ongoing battle with another lawyer who has put me through so much turmoil that Glasgow has opened a pinhole of light which i thought there was only darkness and no way of seeing light.
Mr Glasgow has been able to deal with the opposing lawyer who has a foul mouth, bad attitude and was avoiding contact with me just to be in a position to steal money from my fathers inheritance. I would be happy to endorse here Mr Glasgow as a super lawyer who has a firm hold of his practice and understanding how the law works.
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28 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Handled a problem for my family and I we walked away with out a judgment. Takes his time, well prepared, promptly returns calls
We were well represented.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Elizabeth spent time with me on the phone, during an initial consultation. From her, I got advice that I had not yet received from any other attorney I had spoken with.
Elizabeth was able to see my situation from its different angles. She advised me on various helpful options and alternatives I could pursue for resolving my particular issue.
What I liked about Elizabeth is that she was brainstorming everything that could potentially be done to solve the problem, and not just one solution to it.
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31 May, 2013 by Chuck
Karl is outstanding - very sharp and very creative. He was extremely responsive - handled matters quickly and efficiently. Avoided costly litigation.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Chow is professional, pleasant, and polite. I really like her style. Unfortunately she was unable to take my case because of time constraints, but was very helpful. Attorney Chow represented a few of my family members, and they have nothing but positive things to say about her. I would strongly recommend given her a call first to discuss your legal issue.
Thank you Attorney Chow.
I appreciate you.
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16 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Terry. He worked with me to help resolve a very difficult case that last a number of years. He had no problem working with additional lawyers who were also needed on the case.
He is bright, is always thinking about his clients and how to protect them from every angle. His amazing expertise in Elder Law as well as Medicare and Medical make him the right choice when looking for someone you can trust.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Yaseen abdulrahmaan
"I can't say enough good things about Eddie's office. From start to finish, the team was professional, attentive, and incredibly skilled. Eddie and his staff kept me informed every step of the way, and their expertise truly shined in the courtroom. Their dedication to winning my case was evident, and the results speak for themselves. If you're looking for a law group that not only fights for you but also delivers successful outcomes, look no further. Highly recommended!"
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10 Jun, 2024 by Holly gaines
seriously the besttt employment lawyers around! got my case moving along quickly after i reached out. couldn’t have asked for better help! very happy with the outcome.
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22 May, 2024 by Maisha amie
Highly recommend this law firm. I had a quality experience with my questions and concerns answered in a timely manner by true professionals. The level of service I was provided was beyond measurable in terms of satisfaction. I wish the firm and all associates the best in their future endeavors. I am grateful for the knowledge and skillets invested in my scenario and also want to mention it was affordable.
Thanks
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03 Feb, 2020 by Goalzenlife
He's a good landlord, and brilliant Attorney. Decent man.
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02 Jan, 2020 by G perkins
Was referred by a friend and he was great!
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jen zuniga
My sister and I were incredibly fortunate to find Keystone Law when we needed a trust attorney. During my initial conversation with Verlan Kwan, she assured me that she had the perfect attorney for us—and she couldn’t have been more right! Jeeni Casey became our attorney for about a year and a half as we navigated a deeply emotional and complex trust case.
Jeeni is not only an outstanding attorney but also an exceptional person. The intricacies of our case were overwhelming, yet she handled every detail as if it were second nature. Her guidance was so dependable that I never once had to second-guess her advice. Jeeni's intelligence, drive, organization, and overall demeanor made her an absolute joy to work with.
While we were relieved when the case finally came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad that my time working with Jeeni was over—she had become such a positive presence in my life!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Tara sotothayer
Attorney Hill was pleasant to work with. Thank you for your services.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Phat daddie
Lies about times not good with keeping there word only helps if it benefits them
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
