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01 Nov, 2017 by Annmarie
When my parents needed to update their trusts, I knew that I needed to find them an attorney with expertise in estate planning and elder care law. My parents and I had a lot of questions and we all found Marc to be an excellent listener who really cared about setting up a plan that would best meet their needs. He was able to take complex legal terms and make them easy to understand and I appreciated the fact that he never made us feel rushed when our meeting went over by at least a half an hour. Working with Marc has given my parents great peace of mind in knowing not only that they have updated trust documents that meet their current needs, but even more importantly they have a legal partner who will make sure their plan stays up to date with current laws and who will be there for our family to help settle their estate according to their wishes. Thank you Marc and thank you Paula for always being so responsive to follow up questions and Courtney for your professionalism and warmth!
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22 Jun, 2017 by Christine
Marc worked with me and my parents in securing their financial interests in trust funds and also managed the sale of their home. He was very knowledgeable, patient with our many questions and always available to respond to issues.
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14 Nov, 2015 by Ron
I've known Marc for several years now. He makes estate planning easy. I have had other estate lawyers that explain the law at such length that your more confused when you are finished than when you started. I definitely recommend Marc and believe he is an honest and capable man.
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29 Mar, 2020 by Mercedes
Could not be happier with my decision to work with Ken, or his firm. What started as something extremely simple, turned into a complex matter, due to working with an expired real estate trust, with multiple trustees and beneficiaries. Ken was outstanding in his handling of this matter, came up with a sound resolution, I could not have been more pleased. This legal matter was not for just any attorney. He has years of experience, and that really paid off.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Atty Cossingham and his team protected my father from his abusive daughter who was initially his power of attorney and health care proxy, and always looked out for his best interests. The rest of our family is grateful for his fair and compassionate protection of my father and his assets.
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06 May, 2017 by Luisa
I have hired ken Cossingham for all of my real-estate transactions. He represented me in the sale of my houses as well as the purchases of my houses. Ken is trustworthy and made recommendations during the process that saved money and time. I strongly recommend him for any legal need you may have.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Linda
Tamara was an absolute pleasure to work with on my father's estate procedures! Her professionalism, accuracy and expertise made a rather difficult process so much easier! I fully trusted her the moment I met her and she continued to grow that trust through the process!
Tamara was always timely and most detailed in her emails and responses to our questions. She guided us with unquestionable expertise. She was kind and compassionate and friendly!
I very much appreciate Tamara's assistance and guidance! Tamara is a star in this industry where trust is a hard thing to find! Thanks Tamara!
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03 Apr, 2015 by Jared
Tamara expertly and sensitively handled my mother's will and trust legal matters. My family was very pleased with how she handled everything during a difficult time. Because of that, we chose to have Tamara guide us through our own will and trust process.
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25 Mar, 2015 by Catherine
I would recommend Tamara to anyone! She was prompt in answering questions, explained them in terms I could understand and represented me in a professional and efficient manner! Her professional attitude is impressive; she is firm, knowledgeable and direct without sounding like a "typical lawyer" ; this I like. She was able to litigate our case in a very favorable manner, and the outcome was as I expected it should be.
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19 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Tara is transparent and honest. She helped me file a petition and I successfully removed a Trustee. The Judge court appointed a new Trustee who is neutral.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Tara Wilson for your estate planning. Her firm's unique, thorough, and caring approach made the estate planning process for our family more pleasant than we ever expected. We received their immediate attention, our plan was completed quickly, and they answered all our questions! We walked out of our Signing Ceremony with a custom book that contains everything our family will need to take care of us and our children. We are so happy we finally got this done and we couldn't have picked a better attorney!
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28 Feb, 2017 by Diane
Finding an attorney that is knowledgeable, honest, thorough, and kind is not an easy task. Returning your calls is often another issue but not with Tara Wilson. She was prompt and courteous and her rates were very reasonable. I was referred to Wilson LF for my trust and estate planning. Her work was above and beyond what I expected. I highly recommend her.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Joy
Atty Sean Fay was recommended to me by a friend. He did my Trust. Unlike some Attys, he is easy to talk with and keeps legal jargon to a minimum...which allows you to understand what’s going on. He is also working on another case for our family. I highly recommend Sean!
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07 Jul, 2015 by Mark
I don’t know what we would have done without Sean when my mother-in-law was sick. He knew exactly what to do and helped us through every step. He took care of her affairs so we could focus on what we needed to do to take care of her. Thank you Sean.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Albert
I hired Attorney Fay to settle my mother's estate in 2014. One of my co-workers recommended him. I never expected to have things wrapped up so quickly. I appreciated his thorough approach and ability to deal with some difficult personalities. He was very fair to us with fees and was so much better at keeping us informed than other lawyers I had worked with before. I am very comfortable recommending him to others.
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15 Nov, 2017 by Annette
Estate planning is a difficult topic, as an Accountant, I knew what my Mom should have to protect her assets but getting my Mom to agree was a totally different thing. Ben took the time to listen to what I thought my Mom needed and to my Mom and was able to come up with an estate plan where all of my concerns were addressed. He has so much compassion for his clients, my Mom felt comfortable with him within a few minutes of our initial meeting.
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15 Nov, 2017 by Robert
I hired Ben in the summer of 2017 to prepare two important documents: a Durable Power of Attorney, and a Health Care Proxy/Living Will. I also used him as a consultant on my will, which was prepared by an attorney in New York City. Ben's expertise and professionalism were clearly evident throughout the processes. He answered all my questions thoroughly, without pretense or condescension, and made it plain that these important documents were as much of a priority for him as they were for me. Ben's friendly, unassuming manner, coupled with his admirable habit of responding to phone calls and e-mails promptly made all my dealings with him a pleasure. I have dealt with some pretty hotshot attorneys in my time, and Ben ranks up there with the best of them; he's the real deal.
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14 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
He was there when it counted !
We know Ben for several years, both professionally and personally.
Here is an attorney who was able to structure a financial plan encompassing our complicated family situation with compassion and sharp insights.
I am a retired financial planner. I know expertise when I see it.
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12 Sep, 2017 by Bob
Very professional, thorough and trustworthy. I have used John on 2 cases and found that his advice was sound and to our best interest.
I also plan to use John for my estate planning
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18 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Have worked with him on multiple cases in business law. He is a pleasure to work with, quick responses and always there to answer any questions. I would highly recommend him.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Tim
Have had the pleasure of working with Attorney Ferriter a number of times over past decade. Whether the task at hand is involves the complex needs of one of our corporate or municipal business clients or working with one of our private clients on a will, setting up trusts or estate plans, or closing on a house...Jack and his team are "up to the challenge". I strongly recommend this firm and continue too!
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31 Jul, 2019 by Lianne
My late husband and I used Stephanie to draw up an estate plan and related health documents after my husband received a dementia AND a cancer diagnosis. She is the 3rd lawyer I've dealt with in my life and the best at explaining thing in a clear, unrushed manner. She was always responsive at getting back to me with questions. She also helped my late husband set up a Special Needs Trust for his handicapped son. It was comforting at a time of great stress to work with her - I would highly recommend her.
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11 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
My wife and I were involved in a long and difficult probate matter. During the entire process Stephanie represented our interests outstandingly. Additionally, she was highly responsive to our questions responding exceedingly quick. If you searching for a lawyer like I was and reading through numerous web pages please consider this review, you will not find anyone better to represent you. Thank You Stephanie, the McNeil's
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21 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Stephanie gave my late husband and I wonderful support and information (explaining things in "lay persons" language) when he was planning to retire due to a terminal illness. It allowed us to get our plans set long before we needed which gave us great peace of mind.
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08 Jan, 2016 by Aimee
When my father and I came to see Samantha, we were struggling with what seemed like an insurmountable challenge: applying for and obtaining MassHealth benefits for my 86-year old mother, who has late-stage Alzheimer’s and who was in desperate need of round-the-clock care. The MassHealth approval process has innumerable requirements. It is tricky, and it is one of those applications where it would be easy to make a mistake and end up creating delays if I had attempted to navigate it myself. Samantha, however, stepped in with her considerable knowledge, her sharp attention to detail, and her diligence, and made this overwhelming task completely manageable. She would check in with me, or I with her, and her guidance and *patience* during this time was invaluable. She was always available to answer questions, not only mine, but anyone who was providing us with essential documentation for the application, and who might need an explanation of what was required. She called in for three-way conferences, and wrote emails on our behalf requesting information. We always knew where we stood, and she anticipated and prepared us for any potential problems, which she would then help us to resolve. She is utterly honest and straightforward. Several months on now, my parents’ lives have improved immeasurably: my mother is securely cared for, in her own home, with all the attention and guidance we could ever hope for—and all owing to Samantha’s considerable efforts on our behalf. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
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23 Nov, 2015 by Anita
I highly recommend Samantha Gentel as a elder lawyer. She was profession and patient at a time in my life when my 91 year old mother had fallen in her home and needed to be placed in a nursing facility. So many people to speak with, so much to deal with. Applying for Medicaid seemed like an awfully difficult task to do by myself. Thank God, for Samantha. She was patient and steady for me and got the Medicaid application completed and approved. I could not have done this without her help and I would not recommend anyone do it alone. Thank you so much.
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23 Nov, 2015 by Joe
Samantha was instrumental in establishing my 91-year old mother’s eligibility for MassHealth benefits. In doing so, she conveyed an in-depth understanding of this tedious and complicated process. Throughout, Samantha was well organized, persistent and attentive to details, which if neglected, would cause delays. My mother’s eligibility also involved my father’s financial situation. Samantha was able to clearly explain what needed to be done and why. Because of her efforts, MassHealth provided a quick, positive response. As important, Samantha was always accessible, kept us informed and was responsive to questions we had.
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19 Nov, 2017 by David k. bastian
Nik is an incredibly passionate attorney who always goes the extra mile on behalf of his clients. Nik has a superior understanding of the nuances of the law related to estate planning and small business structure and succession planning. I would recommend Nik enthusiastically to anyone seeking legal advice in the areas in which he practices.
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12 Nov, 2017 by Mike
I used Nik to assist me with setting up a will and establishing trusts. He was very professional to work with and set the proper expectations where he gave me various options on services that he could provide me. When I told him what I wanted he gave me breakdown of all fee's associated with his level of service. I was 100% satisfied with the services that he provided me and I would absolutely recommend Nik to family and friends.
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31 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Nikolaus Schuttauf handled our real estate closing. All legal matters were taken care of quickly and efficiently. We were always able to reach him to discuss matters and was encouraged to call or email with any questions. I would recommend him to friends and family.
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06 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Nancy Parchesky of Personal College Advising would like to thank Jen Taddeo of Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.S., for helping her boys with their health proxys. Parents need to be aware of the law concerning their children eighteen and over (especially those who have a child going away to college): once a child is 18 hospitals do not need to include the Parent's wishes in the decision
making process. Jen is running a special program just for this situation, and I, for one, sleep better knowing my boys decisions will not be left to the insurance company. My children, also feel better knowing they have a lawyer they know and can contact if need be.
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16 May, 2011 by Greg
My wife and I had put off doing any estate planning for a long time. In fact it was the only open item in our financial plan. Part of the issue was that my wife and I were being a bit irrational and just wanted to avoid the topic. Jen made the process easy and painless, and a little fun. My wife, Jen and I laughed our way through the process. Jen's pre-first meeting checklist and final meeting "flowchart" made us feel extremely comfortable that everything that was supposed to be covered was and that we understood all the contingencies. As we left the final (signing) meeting, my wife said to me, "she's really good and make this stuff easy and comfortable, you should refer her to everyone you know". So, I will do that as well as endorse Jen wholeheartedly here in a public forum.
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12 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Jennifer is an Estate Planning Attorney with outstanding legal acumen, and a great passion for her area of expertise. Composing an estate plan is a daunting and emotional task but with Jennifer's guidance and compassion, the process ensued without anxiety. She is a very creative individual who helped us condense our wishes into a detailed and executable legal document, while ensuring we were comfortable with the results. As a non-attorney, I found Jennifer very patient and unassuming as she explained each section and the related implications to our heirs and estate. I recommend Jennifer's work with the utmost regard to anyone in need of a thorough and high-quality estate plan.
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30 May, 2017 by Christie
Claire represented me in both the sale of my condo and the purchase of my new home. Her prices were fair and she was both thorough and prompt in her work. During a somewhat stressful time, Claire was quick to respond and was thoughtful in her responses, explaining everything carefully and completely. Claire made this a smooth process and made me feel at ease the entire time. I would use her again and would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Claire helped me negotiate a lease in the North End with my current landlord who was represented by a difficult broker. Claire was able to convince the landlord to incorporate terms my roommate and I were looking for, and do so in a cost effective manner. I will definitely be calling Claire again when I am ready to buy my first home!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Laura
Attorney McClintock helped my husband and me purchase our first home - a very daunting process! As first time home buyers, we had many questions and Claire was always available by email and phone to answer even the smallest question. She explained everything thoroughly but in a way we could understand. She responded promptly to ensure the process moved along quickly and smoothly.
Even after we moved in, she happily helped with details we forgot (like were our real estate taxes pre-paid to the town). Claire is very friendly and knowledgeable so we knew we were in good hands! I would highly recommend her to anyone buying or selling a home!
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10 Aug, 2014 by Nan
Kathryn helped my family navigate care for both of our parents, through journeys with in home care, hospice, nursing home care, and finally estate planning after their deaths. During this time she put plans in motion to help us navigate procuring medicaid, the sale of their house, which included a failed septic system. Kathryn was spot-on with everything, her compassion and knowledge of elder care law is second to none. Our entire family highly recommends Kathryn!
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02 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Kathryn was recommended for her elder law expertise. She helped create a customized 'family contract' for our unique situation, which required her partnering with a NY lawyer, as well. In parallel, we used her for our own estate planning, and are to return this month to update the original documents she provided in a timely manner. The occasion of reviewing the documents to prep for the upcoming meeting reminded us of how thorough and thoughtful she was in completing our wills, trusts et al. We highly recommend her services.
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13 Jul, 2011 by Mary
I am a healthcare worker who has referred many people to Kathryn over the past 10+ years. Kathryn is an extremely knowledgeable, highly competent and compassionate Attorney. The people that I have referred to Kathryn have been extremely grateful and highly satisfied with her work. I now also utlize Kathryn for my personal estate planning and have also referred family to her. I have worked with many Elder Law Attorneys over the years but have never found any that have come close to being as compassionate, professional and proficient as Kathryn. Kathryn has an unflinching adherance to high standards. I highly recommend Kathryn Crockett Lyon.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Snell was so great and helpful answering a question pretty in depth for me. Very informative and helpful.
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26 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr Snell with concerns I had related to an estate. He was very prompt in his response. His advise was helpful and I have begun implementing his suggestions. If I need an MA attorney I will be contacting him again.
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04 Nov, 2013 by Taylor
I strongly recommend Brian Snell. He took the time to respond to my Avvo question, not once but twice. In addition, he took it a step further by receiving my call and gave me free legal advice. He treated me with respect given my circumstances and gave me a solution to a matter that no other attorney or bank could answer. You are an honorable Attorney and I truly appreciate your time, consideration and patience.
Thank you again, Attorney Snell.
You went above and beyond.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Gary m
After my stepdad passed, I was in estate consolidation hell and after 3 months fired our family lawyer and hired Jennifer based on a recommendation. It was the best decision I have made in a very very long time! Jennifer was able to teach me about the process, along with moving the process swiftly through the steps/stages of completion. Jennifer is thoughtful, personable, intelligent, and outstanding at the details. Her mentoring capability and passion for understanding was really something quite special. She is the best. You will not regret reaching out to her.
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16 Feb, 2021 by Wendy
After my father passed away, I had Jen look over his trusts, which were basically a foreign language to me. She was able to explain them and helped my family and I understand it and what steps we needed to take. A year later, I hired Jen to write my own will and trusts. It is clearly written and was organized and explained very well. Jen and Brad (her law partner) made it easy to understand and presented us with an organized binder and clear directions for us to take. They were both available instantly when I had a few questions. The whole process was completed in a very timely manner. I highly recommended them to friends and coworkers.
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03 Feb, 2021 by Shana
Ms Fay was contacted to help my family update my Grandmothers Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Will during unfortunate timing due to the COVID pandemic. Ms. Fay went above and beyond to get these papers completed and notarized while having to social distance due my grandmothers living situation. During a time when we needed this the most Ms. Fay was able to work out the details via zoom with my Grandmother who is 90 and make my Grandmother happy and comfortable during the full interaction. She still asks about how Jennifer is today. She made a lasting impression. We can’t thank Ms. Fay enough for being so caring and understanding during these difficult times.
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10 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Golden gave outstanding advice. Promissory note wasn't silent and my mothers estate is not responsible for the loans. Can't thank you enough!
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24 Jun, 2015 by Mary anne
Your online answer, clear and concise, gave answer to my question: Will my children have to pay any debt I incur, after my death. I have bought the $5,000 hearing aids, taking on this debt at the age of 82
You were right. It is nice to hear well again, and, I can converse more intelligently with my family, thanks to your
turning my thinking in this direction, and, assuring me that my children will not bear the burden of any debt.
I cannot afford an Attorney right now, but, have an appointment with the Attorney who gives time at the local
Council on Aging. Like yourself and your colleagues, he is helping us old folks get over the hurdles of the present day. I thank you for being right here on Avvo. So Easy. Thank you Avvo for having Attorney Golden, and, her colleagues, who helped me out so much with their answers also. Mary
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30 May, 2012 by Ann
WOW! After contacting a Webster MA Attorney regarding the administration or lack thereof and final settlement of my mother's estate by the Executor (my brother), Attorney Golden was not only able to provide insightful advice, specific information and even follow-up that my hired Attorney has been unable to provide, she did it in less than 1 hour versus his 3+ weeks to date.
I would highly recommend her for anyone who needs an obviously caring, compassionate and experienced lawyer.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Andrea
Frank is an exceptional lawyer. He also explains everything in layman's terms in detail. I highly recommend!!!!!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Dardeno provided legal assistance for the sale and purchase of our homes. He found that the home we wanted to purchase in SOMERVILLE had a fence placed in the middle of two properties that were previously owned by two brothers but the land was never sold or transferred so the land we would have been paying taxes on would be legally owned by the abutting neighbor as the city records were never changed and it would have been a nightmare for us. We bought a different house. Thank God he had the search done back over 50 years. Not sure I explained this correctly but I'm sure you understand.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
When we went to Mr. Dardeno, we were in a difficult real estate situation. Without going into too much detail, it was a no-win situation that involved dealing with a party that was less than trustworthy. Attorney Dardeno was tough but fair and, without question, made the best of a nearly unbearable situation. Not only would I strongly recommend him, I have recommended him to friends and co-workers - all of whom have had similarly positive experiences.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Jon
The nature of estate planning is intimate and personal. If you do it right, your estate planning attorney will have to be invited into the intimate dynamics of your family. After meeting Scott and his team, my partner and I had no hesitation in doing that. But neither of us had ever previously worked with any professional - attorney or otherwise - who made us feel so intimately a part of their professional family as well. After working with Scott and his team for the past six years, we feel a part of their family - they know who we are as people and we know who they are as people. They "get us" and we "get them." It is a relationship that far surpasses anything I conceived of as an attorney-client relationship before or since. We feel incredibly lucky to have Scott on our team.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Kara
I did a lot of research in selecting an attorney to build my estate plan. Having already lost a spouse to death, I have a great appreciate for how important solid estate planning is to family members left behind. Scott and his staff are the best one could hope for. Their process is very personal and shows that the firm cares deeply about your family and your wishes to protect them. I hired Scott to prepare an estate plan for my blended family with an unmarried partnership just before the birth of my youngest daughter. Scott's years of experience and expertise allowed him to easily manage the complexities of both an unmarried partnership and children from a previous relationship. He and his staff kindly took the time to explain to me anything I did not understand and then made a few revisions at no additional cost. I will continue to turn to Scott for all of my estate planning needs and recommend him to family and friends.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Wendy
Scott worked with my husband and I to create our wills and other complementary planning documents after the birth of our son. It was painless and we felt that we were in good hands. We would highly recommend Squillace & Associates, P.C. to anyone looking to plan for their life, estate, or business needs.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Marc
Matt did a wonderful job creating our family wills and trusts. He did it in a short amount of time and at a very reasonable price. He has a calming personality and we will be using him for ALL our other legal matters.
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08 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Although the process of selling and buying a home is complex and often frustrating I was extremely fortunate to have worked with Matt for both of these events. Throughout the process he communicated clearly and was very thorough. During negotiations of the Purchase and Sale for our new home he was able to explain things in a maner which were easy to understand. Matt also made good suggestions about what we needed to get clarification on from the seller. For example, the seller had a clause in there that he could sell the home prior to us buying it. This turned out to be for tax purposes and ended up being acceptable to us, but there were about a half dozen red flags which Matt brought to our attention. When the bank had issues during our closing, Matt was able to get everything in order so that we could still close. Whenever we had questions, he was responsive and above all I found him to be very trustworthy. Thanks Matt!
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03 Aug, 2014 by Dan b
We used Matt when we decided to sell our house. It was our first time, and we were working on a tight deadline as we had already purchased our new home. Matt came highly recommended. We ran into some potential property line issues and some title search issues amd Matt worked quickly to resolve them in plenty of time before our set closing deadline. We would highly recommend him, and would use him again for any real estate stuff in the future.
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11 Dec, 2017 by Anthony
I am an attorney who retained the services of Attorney Dowling on behalf of my client in a very complicated, highly emotionally charged probate litigation case. Within a very short period of time Attorney Dowling mastered the facts and the law. Her help was invaluable. She is smart, detail oriented and effective as an advocate.
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22 Oct, 2017 by Jessica
Nancy of Solutions Law Group recently handled my closing on my home which wouldn't have gone through without her help especially the day before closing. Her law firm is currently engaged in completing my estate work. I could not be more pleased and satisfied with the efficiency and performance of Solutions Law Group.
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08 Jul, 2015 by Yh
Attorney Dowling turned things around for me. I have a very complicated case, made much worse by the fact that it was not handled properly by my previous attorneys. Attorney Dowling worked very hard, stopping the loss from the moment that she took over my case. I would strongly recommend her to anyone who has cases related to custody and cross-states jurisdiction.
During the week, we exchanged many emails and had discussions over the phone to clarify my questions and doubts. She understood my case in its complexity and spent hours on documents that I sent her, in order to figure out the right angle to handle the case from. Unlike my previous attorneys, who did not want to spend the time to explain the legal theories and related risks in detail, attorney Dowling would explain the situation patiently and clearly.
From our communication, I feel that attorney Dowling has a very good grasp of legal theories and has a good understanding of different situations and difficult matters. She is the kind of attorney who would only go to the court with a full understanding of the case and thorough preparation.
I was happy to learn of the hearing result. Thank you so much for your hard work, Attorney Dowling!
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27 Jul, 2022 by Cynthia
In a great time of need, I found working with Jessica Batsevitsky supportive, empathetic and skilled. Jessica has a superb ability to clarify and relate complex legal information into a systematic approach. I never worried about what needed to be completed. When reaching out to Jessica, she was very responsive along with being highly knowledgeable. I highly recommend Jessica Batsevitsky as an Estate Attorney! Cynthia
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27 Jul, 2022 by Mira & rob
Jessica has been hugely helpful to us in terms of general estate planning but particularly in guiding us through everything we need to do as our daughter with autism reaches adulthood. Jessica has expertly steered us through the processes for establishing a special needs trust and filing for guardianship, taking special notice of our family's unique circumstances. She is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and thoughtful in her work and Jessica's style is flexible and enabling. We would recommend Jessica to others without reservation.
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26 Jul, 2022 by Steven
Jessica made the daunting task of estate planning simple and stress free. She provided expert and thoughtful advice and was very responsive to our needs. I would highly recommend Jessica.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Ignazi handled an estate for my family. I don't believe that I could have handled the whole long drawn out process without her steadfast and constant guidance.
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24 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I had met with another attorney who was less experienced and told me she couldn't see a solution to my problem. After meeting with Nancy, she helped me breathe a sigh of relief. She is extremely knowledgable with case law and similar case references, and is superb at strategy. I would highly recommend her services
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31 Mar, 2015 by Rich
Nancy Ignazi was recommended to me by another friend who had been in a similar situation. She is a well-respected, knowledgeable attorney who vigorously advocates for her clients. Her expereince with DOR and how the law is written and how it should be applied is top notch. I tried to go at it alone once before and it was not a good or fair outcome. I know this time I did the right thing by taking the advice of others and hiring Nancy. In issues of child support and alimony she not only advocates for her clients but also the children who may be involved. I recommend her without hesitation.
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06 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
My soon-to-be-ex-husband and I worked with Donna for a few months to mediate the terms of our divorce agreement. From the beginning Donna was warm and empathetic, yet always professional and extremely knowledgeable. She explained everything to us as she went. When my STBX and I disagreed on something, she was able to help us through it without taking sides, and again with empathy yet also with professionalism and expertise. I felt with Donna that I could trust her and that I personally liked her, yet I knew also that everything would get done that needed to get done. She read through our agreement with us word for word and answered our questions as we went. When we emailed Donna between meetings, she was always quick to respond and provide us with the information we needed. I highly recommend Donna. For us she was a calming, competent, and professional oasis in the middle of one of the most stressful and painful times of our lives.
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18 Oct, 2012 by Laurie
I wanted to approach my divorce and a subsequent sensitive visitation rights issue in a certain way. Attorney Valanzola respected my wishes but also gave me excellent advice that involved looking at different aspects of each situation. She always looked out for the best interests of my young daughter and me.
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14 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Valanzola took us through the mediation process for our divorce. She established a safe environment for my husband and I to identify and split our assets and work out a custody arrangement for our daughter. She also brought in an expert on tax law to work out an alimony plan and a formula that would adjust alimony as our income levels fluctuate over time. Ms. Valanzola was always well prepared for our meetings and very professional.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Trish
After 3 other lawyers didn't know how or didn't want to help, Jon Whiting came through. He did all the preliminary research and worked with me to get all the facts. It finally went to court, where my title was cleared so I can now sell my house.
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22 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Whiting has been handling my over-due invoices for over a year now. He is the utmost professional with me and with my customers. He understands when to apply pressure and when it is best to use a softer approach. I recommend him to anyone who is having difficulty recovering over due bills.
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21 May, 2015 by Eirini
John is an excellent lawyer that cares deeply about his clients. He has gone beyond the call of duty to help me with both cases I have obtained him for, a car I bought that turned out to be a lemon and the immigration of my youngest son. If I need legal help again I will hire him again, I have recommended him to family and friends with no reservations. I am grateful for all his help.
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08 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Steve helped me through the purchase of my new home. I appreciated his patience with me through the process and found his advice to be invaluable. I had heard stories about how long closings can take but found Steve to be extremely efficient in the process. I found him very knowledgeable about the entire process and would not hesitate to use him again - and recommend that others do as well!
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13 Aug, 2014 by Paula
Steve has always been there for me, no matter what question I have. I asked him to be my Lawyer almost 3 years ago, after my father died. He did the estate, and then helped me set up a LLC., he also did a closing on a house for us. He is very well rounded and I trust him.
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11 Aug, 2014 by Kelsey johnson
Stephen Withers helped us to draft and execute our Wills, Trusts and Healthcare Proxies. He was extremely thorough, professional and responsive throughout the entire process. Our knowledge of these documents was elementary, and he took the extra time to make sure we understood each document's content and purpose. We would highly recommend this skilled attorney!
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21 May, 2024 by Maureen dargon
A friend went through two incompetent attorneys before she met Deborah Katz. I needed someone powerful, smart and calm. Deborah is all that and so much more. She got me through a highly contentious divorce with endless contempt. She has gone above and beyond every step of the way. She is highly respected because of her honesty & integrity. If you want someone you can trust 100% and available 24/7. Call Deborah Katz. If she is able to take you on, you're lucky. In no time, you'll be steps ahead in navigating this extremely difficult course.
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20 May, 2024 by Marcie lombard
Deborah Katz provided exceptional legal counseling for the past two years with an outcome of sole legal and sole physical in a high conflict custody case! I highly recommend her and her whole team!! Her patience, attention to detail, advice, professionalism, most excellent representation and knowledge of the legal system is unmatched! I couldn’t have gotten through this battle without her! She got back to me at all hours when i was in the mist of a panic attacks from the other sides consistent harassment. She could always calm me down! She was amazing inside the courtroom as well! I really can’t recommend her more! She really got me through the most stressful period of my life and continues to do so with the other sides post judgment motions.
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20 May, 2024 by N p
Deborah was amazing! I am so happy I chose to work with her!
My ex was extremely difficult to deal with and very hostile.
Deborah is very knowledgeable, and she is respected by all. She is also very tough when she needs to be.
She made me feel like more than just her client. She truly had my, and most importantly, my son's best interest in mind!
When asked why is she a divorce attorney, Deborah said "because I love helping people", and that was exactly my experience with her!
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08 May, 2020 by Joanne
Attorney Spaulding was highly professional and very knowledgeable about Massachusetts estate law as well as the laws and regulations pertaining to nursing homes, Medicaid and Medicare payments. An invaluable resource, she brought so much to bear in this case and saved us tens of thousands of dollars! Thank you so much for providing me so much support during a difficult time in our lives.
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04 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Carolyn is wonderful to work with. I cannot express how impressed I have been with the job she has done for my family and I. She helped us through a time of need and now has become a trusted advisor for my family.
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28 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Thoughtful, caring and intelligent attorney. Commited to helping our family through a difficult time.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Helyn
I referred Joe to my brother before he passed. Joe handled his estate. Joe was very kind and showed much compassion and consideration towards my brother. I am utilizing his services and will continue to refer my associates to him.
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05 Apr, 2016 by Rui
Im so thankful to attorney Joseph to helped me at first time to achieve my business to become corporation and was done successfully and well established in Massachusetts.In addition he give me advised and support with contracts so I could increase my business..I'm appreciated his services and I higher recomend to everyone.
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29 Mar, 2016 by Alfonso
We have worked with Joe on various occasions. He helped us with my parents' Mass Health filing and also helped us establish a trust and estate planning. Joseph was very helpful; his knowledge about our needs and expertise was greatly appreciated. We feel confident that his advise will turn out beneficial in achieving our retirement needs. We highly recommend Joseph.
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13 Feb, 2014 by Doris
I had never hired a lawyer before, so I asked some friends about their lawyers. Two of them said that I should see Roberta, who lives in my town. I was nervous when I called, but her secretary, Jeanne, was very friendly. Jeanne asked me some questions, to make sure that Roberta could handle my case, and set up an appointment. She told me the first consultation was free. When I walked in, there was the cutest dog I have ever seen (he is Roberta's dog). His name is Sam. Jeanne asked me if I was ok with dogs. I was (I have three dogs), so I played with him until Roberta met with me.
Roberta was very friendly and asked a lot of questions about me, my health, my children, and why I was meeting with her. It was very easy to talk to her. I told her I needed a Will. She explained that I should also have a Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy. She asked me if I was concerned about protecting my house and savings if I had to go into a nursing home. I was glad she asked. I was worried about it, but didn't know how to ask about what I could do. I didn't want the State to take my housel. She told me about MassHealth, a program that pays for the nursing home. She asked if my husband (he died three years ago) was a veteran. When I said that he served in World War II, she said that I could apply for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits if I needed money to pay home health aides to help me stay in my home. She also said that I should contact the local Elder Services Agency if I need help to stay in my home.
She also explained that if I did no planning, all of my savings and my house could be lost if I had to go into a nursing home. She told me about deeding my house to my children with a life estate for me and setting up a trust that could not be changed. It was a lot of information. Roberta could tell I was confused, so she suggested that we have a second meeting, with my children there. She said that my children would be involved in my estate planning, and they should understand the ways I could protect my house and savings. We had a second meeting with my children at the meeting. After the meeting, we decided that the Trust (an irrevocable trust) was the best way to protect my home and savings.
Roberta sent documents to me and my children with a letter explaining everything. I went over the documents with my children. I didn't understand some of the legal language, but my children did, so I felt good about signing the documents. We had a third meeting. Roberta explained everything again before we signed, to make sure that we understood and then we signed the documents.
I am so glad I called her. I didn't think that an attorney would be that friendly. She did her best to make sure that I (and my children) understood the documents that we were signing. I admit I don't understand everything, but my children do. And I trust Roberta. I feel like that I did the right things to protect my home and my savings. Roberta is very smart and knows a lot about programs for older clients. My children also like her. My son is going to do his estate plan with her. I like everything about going to her office. There are bowls of candy and I really like her dog, Sam.
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16 Nov, 2011 by Jeanne
I called Attorney Schreiber because my mother has alheimers. She was living with me and my family, and we were all stressed out. I have a part time job, a husband and three children. Someone had to watch my mother all of the time. We had to figure out how to keep her from wandering away from the house or turning on the stove and leaving an empty pot on it. I was exhausted by the time I met with Roberta. The first thing that she did was help us get a Personal Care Attendant through MassHealth, at a very low cost to us. That really helped. When my mother got worse, Roberta helped us find a good nurinsg home nearby and she applied for MassHealth to pay for my mother's care. Roberta made things so much easier for me. She did all of the paperwork to get my mother benefits. She is a very caring person. She understood what I was going through (she told me that her father had been in a nursing home before he died). She always returned my calls. I am so grateful that I found her.
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11 Nov, 2011 by Jeff
I consulted Attorney Schreiber because I was appointed as Executor of my mother's estate. The first attorney that I hired was not responsive and did not tell me what to do after I was appointed. My sisters were asking what was happening, and I was not able to tell them. A friend told me about Attorney Schreiber and I made an appointment to meet with her. She and her assistant were friendly, and I liked them right away. I was offered cofffe, tea, or water and there was a plate of cookies. Attorney Schreiber was right on time. From the first meeting, she told me exactly what to do. She also gave me a checklist to consult after I left the office. She helped me find a good real estate broker and my mother's house was sold three months later. She told me how to close out my mother's bank accounts and she filled out the paperwork to sell the stock. She wrote to my sisters to tell them what was going on. She worked with my mother's accountant to make sure that the correct tax returns were filed. Everything was settled about eight months after I met with her. My sisters and I got our distributions and the estate was done. My sisters and I are very happy with Attorney Schreiber. She even returned telephone calls on the same day.
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10 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Alison represented me in my child support case. She was a pleasure to work with . Alison was extremely professional, trustworthy and very knowledgable. I would highly recommend Alison Sheehan's services as an attorney .
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04 Dec, 2014 by Evan
Alison is truly an unique and an amazing lawyer. She was able to help me with someone who had taken a good amount of money from me and was non-compliant about their actions. Alison was decisive with her actions and within a month the problem was resolved. She explained to me what the process would be, and how it would work and how long it would take. She stayed in contact with me to keep me updated and she was very helpful even though she had a busy schedule. I am very thankful for her and I recommend her for everyone who needs a lawyer.
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14 May, 2014 by Jacqueline
Alison is an excellent attorney. She is thoroughly versed in her specialty and helped me during a stressful and confusing time. She explained to me what would be taking place and basically took over everything for me, which at the time, is what I needed.. She always kept me informed and was available in person, by phone or email when I needed her. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs the help that she can provide as an attorney.
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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.
