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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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23 Nov, 2020 by D gaffey
Great experience overall having Carol Phinney as my attorney. Carol gave my case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. Carol had looked out for my best interests and had my back the entire time. Thank you Phinney Law Offices for absolutely everything you did for me. I would definitely recommend this firm!
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06 Jun, 2019 by Jp smith
19 May, 2019 by Cristina robinson
As the aforementioned ex wife, I highly recommend Carol. She was extremely professional while my ex was being his typical narcissistic, cocky, know it all. She found a way for him to actually pay for his son instead of tacking it on to his ridiculously large child support arrears from other children. It's unfortunate and sad that I had to get a lawyer in order for him to pay half of day care, which he brings him to everyday he has him and half of my son's health insurance. These are things any Dad should agree to pay for while having 50/50 custody. For anyone dealing with a manipulative narcissist as an ex, Carol will go to bat for you. I'd gladly spend the money again in order to get my son taken care of and moving along the divorce that lasted way longer than it should have while my ex leeched off of my health insurance and delayed the divorce for months. If I could give her ten stars, I would. Thank you, Carol, for giving me peace of mind and putting my son's well being first and foremost.
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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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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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29 Oct, 2016 by Mike
Without getting into details David saved my family from the untold horrors of family probate court. With his help we settled things and are now working together towards our future. If you need help with family law he is the guy for the job. Very professional,very kind, very smart. Qualities not offten lumped together in the area of attorneys.
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19 Jan, 2016 by Jayson
I worked with David over a few years on a custody case. I feel he was very thorough and kept my best interest and the overall best interest of my family in mind. He was very helpful through the whole process and kept me informed of what was going to happen and what to expect. If I ever needed an attorney in his expertise field again he would be the first person I would contact. I would also contact his for a referral for an attorney with a different set of skills if needed.
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16 Jan, 2016 by Ann
Divorces, trusts, will.. David does it all. He's a knowledgeable compassionate man who fights hard to get his clients the best outcome he can for their cases. He handle my divorce case so brilliantly that even before it was settled, I knew he was going to be my family lawyer. There is absolutely no one else I would turn to for legal advice.
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24 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Professional, facilitated the real estate closing and helped eliminate problems that were stalling the deal, nice job, would recommend!
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07 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. White was our lawyer for the closing of the refinance of our home. He explained everything so that we understood it clearly. He did not rush us through anything. He is very personable and attentive.
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05 Jul, 2016 by Bryan
Jonathan recently handled the closing for our home. The transaction was very smooth. He and his team were very professional, responded quickly to all of my questions, and ensured that I knew what was going on through the process. His knowledge of real estate showed distinctly when working with the solar company (the home has leased solar panels) - he was able to negotiate the removal of a lien on the property to ensure that our lender was given first lien priority. He took the time to explain everything we had questions about at closing. In short, I would highly recommend Jonathan.
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15 Jan, 2010 by June
Dorothy Bickford, an attorney with Badger Law Group in Boston, embodies the word professional in every possible way. Recommended to me by two of my lawyer friends who have great respect for her work, Dorothy has proved to be a treasured adviser, trusted confidante, and an exceptionally astute, knowledgeable, and effective attorney.
Faced with the daunting responsibility of managing my late husband’s estate after his death in June, Dorothy helped me to understand and navigate the duties, responsibilities, and complexities of my role as executrix. Extremely well-informed about her field, she has always been accessible and willing to address my endless stream of questions (she has an uncanny ability to make complicated matters eminently understandable to the lay-person), and to offer helpful suggestions for my legal needs---while calmly steering me through the many unexpected twists and turns of my husband’s estate issues.
Always with my best interest in mind, she has dealt firmly and authoritatively with the complicated and challenging problems that arose from the estate’s administration. With great attention to detail and endless energy, she has done a superb job of untangling a mass of challenging legal concerns, keeping me informed at every step of the process, soliciting my opinion and considering my wishes in all matters
of the estate. Dorothy’s equanimity and confident guidance proved welcome and invaluable during a time when I was going through a maelstrom of emotions, having just lost my husband. I intend to use Attorney Bickford for all my legal needs in the future, and recommend her, without reservation, to anyone looking for an outstanding lawyer in the Boston area.
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04 Jan, 2010 by Steve
I have worked with Attorney Bickford for more then ten years and our situation has been one in which we have had to navigate estate planning and good decision making for a family business. The generations involved, their personalities and the complexity of the business holdings have provided an ever changing challenge. Yet with Dorothy's knowledge and patience to understand and break down each segment we continue to update and modernize our situation.Very professionally done and her personality makes hard work a pleasure to do.
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01 Dec, 2009 by Andrew
I am in the unique position of being both a client of Dorothy, as well as an adjunct professional who has sent clients to her for legal work. Over several years I have found Dorothy to be extremely competent, thoughtful and professional in all of our dealings. Her ability to present concepts simply and communicate the impact to a client makes her highly effective. I would recommend her highly.
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22 Feb, 2013 by Tom
Anna is extremely well regarded in her specialty area of practice. She has the knowledge
to quickly arrive at a proper strategy. I found her smart, efficient and client-focused.
Since I'm a difficult client, to say the least, her reassuring style and level of service gave me such confidence that I myself was drawn into her empathetic style. Every week I recommend her to someone.
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25 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Anna provided me and a client with thorough and sound legal advice in a format that we could understand very easily. I think that it is one of Anna's fortes that she can take complicated legal-ese and present it in a fashion that is logical, concise and well-grounded.
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02 Mar, 2010 by Peter & jean
For over 10 years we have had the pleasure to work with Anna Eckert Byrne. She has provided experienced and very helpful advice for our family both personally as well as professionally. We highly recommend her services to new clients and look forward continuing to work with Anna foryears to come.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Edmund chapman
We have used the Litchfield's firm on and off for over 10 years. By any measure, they are the best law firm on the lower Cape. They are smart, pragmatic, responsive, highly ethical and simply get results. Everyone from the attorneys; paralegal; to the administrative team are professional and prompt. Bill Litchfield has prudent legal instincts and is a recognized subject matter expert on land use. We have used firms from Boston to Baku, Azerbaijan; and the team at this firm in Chatham, MA is the best value to date. Highly recommended.
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24 Apr, 2019 by Sam lambert
Great people, excellent legal services
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16 Apr, 2019 by J. thaddeus eldredge
Great attorney, greater person.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Karen moniz
07 Aug, 2022 by Jim
Received great advice and legal support! Best service around!
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03 Mar, 2020 by Sharon anthony
Very kind, helpful and knowledgeable law firm.
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08 Aug, 2022 by P boyd
A very ethical and above board attorney. She cares about the outcomes of each client. More attorneys she follow suit.
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03 Sep, 2021 by Gary
My family is amid a particularly contentious battle over the family trust. We engaged with Maureen E. Lane to represent my 93-year-old mother to ensure her best interests were first and foremost. Lane has made it clear that she represents our mother’s interests and not that of the beneficiaries. Lane is patient and sensitive when talking with our mother, helping her understand the process and asking her what she wants to happen. Lane listens carefully, meets with our mother in person (under COVID guidelines), and calms her fears.
Lane’s decades of working in elder law have been enormously helpful. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone in the family understands the law related to the trust and ensures we follow the correct process. She had even taken time out of her vacation when needed. Without Attorney Lane, we would be completely lost.
Before engaging with Attorney Maureen E. Lane, we interviewed several elder law attorneys and are grateful that she is on our team.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Chuck
Maureen has handled my grand parents, my parents and my inlaws legal matters for over a decade. She works from a base of compassion intelligence and experiance with elder law.
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04 Nov, 2020 by Jaqueline
Michael Vosilla was great! Patient, attentive and quick when returning emails and sending documents! I recommend him.
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03 Feb, 2020 by Joseph carvalho
Mike was able to go through a long tedious process regarding my late dads estate and the distribution of the assets. I completely trust in him and give the highest recommendation that I can give.
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03 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Michael helped me with some family probate court issues. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He explained the process in detail and let me know of any potential bumps in the road ahead of time. There was none thankfully. I would highly recommend Michale Vosilla for any legal issues you might have.
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17 Nov, 2011 by Robert
Susan is unequivocally one of the very best attorneys that one could retain to handle the complexities of estate planning. I have unparalleled levels of confidence in Susan's ability however I am more impressed with the genuine care, concern and the consistent focus on representing the best interest of each client.
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11 Sep, 2011 by Robin marion
I met with Attorney Atlas last August after my father passed away with a substantial estate and a will that had it gone to probate without her intervention would still be there. Right from the start she went to work always making it clear that we did not want this to be adversarial but for the good of either 22 or 23 beneficiaries - I lost count. She got it accomplished working with the estates attorney to draw up complaint for instruction from the court,a side agreement between beneficiaries,a trust and also corporate bylaws. I believe this was through probate March or April of this year. I also had her do my personal estate planning in addition to establishing joint custody for my son of his son. Susan is not only a very skilled attorney but just a real person who makes you feel at ease and I truly believe when she takes you on as a client she truly has your back.
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27 Jul, 2011 by Beverly
Susan has always been ver fair and balenced with her council.She has been my arrorney for a number of years and I trust completely.I would have no qualms recommending her to anyone and I have in the past.She has treated them with respect and top notch legal advice.
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27 Sep, 2019 by David
I have used Dina for two separate RE transactions both very complicated in nature. The first was a commercial land lease with unique environmental, zoning, and planning restrictions and it also involved a business transaction/ contract between two close friends. Dina was able represent me and make a deal that was good for all parties involved. She listens, asks the right questions, understands the underlying issues, and advised me regarding risks for which only an experienced professional like her would foresee.
She kept our legal fees to a minimum by working through the details of the agreement efficiently and procedurally; and we were left with a deal that was well written and well executed for all parties involved.
Shortly thereafter I used Dinas services to close on the sale of my home and the concurrent purchase of a new home. This processes was much more involved than I would have anticipated. Dina was able to put me in touch with a fantastic network of RE professionals which offered further ROI, in short my deal would not have worked without Dina and the team we assembled.
In a digital age where many attorneys are rubber stamping and boiler plating deals, Dina offers a breath of fresh air as she understands that every deal is different as are the needs of each client. She constantly over delivers and exceeds all expectation. If you are working a real-estate transaction having a high performance professional like Dina on your team is a must.
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11 Feb, 2016 by John
Dina Browne has represented us for 3 separate real estate transactions...flawlessly. Every purchase or sale seems to bring some nonsense, often emotional in nature. Dina has a unique ability to slice through the silliness and get the deal done. She does this with unusually good humor and is able to keep the testosterone levels...on both sides of the transaction...down. She works and responds quickly and efficiently, making you feel as though you're her most important client. Dina has repeatedly protected our interests, managing all the endless minutiae in a manner that seems effortless, even though it's not. Her fees are really quite modest for the level of service and performance she provides.
We would not, under any circumstances, buy or sell real estate without Atty. Browne representing us..period.
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19 Feb, 2014 by Peg
Atty Browne was a joy with whom to work. She was knowledgeable and erudite. At no time did I feel like I was floundering in a myriad of paper work. Each step of the way was explained and made understandable for those of us whom are
not lawyers. From the Purchase and Sale to the Recording of the buyers deed was handled professionally and expeditiously. She was a pleasure for these retired teachers to have on our team.
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12 May, 2015 by Joe
In 2014, Ms. Wood represented us on the sale of our condominium. She provided excellent advice, recommendations, and consultation throughout the entire real estate transaction process. Our specific situation was not routine. We were selling our condo by for sale by owner, and our condo involved an affordable deed rider overseen by CHAPA. She was very knowledgeable in both areas and helped us successfully navigate through all issues as there were more parties involved than usual. She reviewed offer sheets, the P&S, consulted with the buyer's agent, and prepared the deed. She corrected all errors and made all the appropriate changes that kept our interests at heart. She was very flexible in the types of communication. We mostly communicated via phone and email which worked well for us. She was always available throughout the process. On the day of the closing, there were incorrect calculations on the HUD from the buyer's attorney. She was very proactive and got the corrections made early to allow the closing to remain on schedule. I would highly recommend Ms Wood for all real estate transaction representation. My family is going to hire Ms Wood to help with estate planning in the near future.
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04 May, 2015 by Dan
This was my first closing with Lisa and I have to say I'm thrilled with service provided. I had a great opportunity on this purchase and had only two weeks to complete. Lisa accepted the challenge and didn't miss a beat. The communication was excellent and I was well informed and had everything I needed prior to closing and all questions were answered. We had no issues before or after closing. I highly recommend Lisa for any future attorney needs
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27 Apr, 2015 by Kim
Attorney Wood has handled a multitude of issues for our firm and its partners. She responds quickly, follows up and is very thorough. We rely on her expertise regularly and couldn't be more pleased with the service and assistance we have received.
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07 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Timothy without having ever met face to face to facilitate my same sex divorce in Mass while I lived in a distant state. Of the five attorneys I spoke to by phone, Timothy was, by far, the one I felt most comfortable with. He asks good questions and answered most of mine before I was able to get them out. He worked quickly and I am more than happy with the outcome and Timothy's service
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06 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Tim represented my family member in divorce and property settlement. I appreciated his kindness and compassion in making the process as stress-free as possible. He was knowledgable and accessible and achieved the hoped- for outcome
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Tim helped my wife and I as we started our family. As two women, there were many factors to consider, and Tim helped us understand the legal parameters for each type of donor, as well as outlined the steps we would take for second parent adoption. The paperwork could be a bit confusing, but Tim talked us through all of our questions and personally filed our case. Tim regularly checked in with the court on our application, and walked us through the adoption reading with the judge. He is thorough in his communication and candid about the legal options available. He also provides sage advice about next steps. We have recommended his services to several friends and colleagues.
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18 Jun, 2022 by Jeanne
Atty. Jim Boudreau represented me when I was selling my real estate. He is an excellent attorney.
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02 Jul, 2020 by Beth marie robinson
28 Jun, 2015 by Kathy
I have been working with Jim on a few Real Estate transactions. He is extremely knowledgeable and honest in our dealings together. I will recommend him to any of my Real Estate clients.
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10 Jan, 2022 by Deborah dallaire
The most professional law firm,Tyler and his staff are honest,hardworking,caring and it shows in the quality of their work. Beyond grateful for you!
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08 Apr, 2021 by Carol ann leblanc
Picked up my taxes. Sondra always gives excellent customer service.
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27 Feb, 2018 by Jean aspinall
Atty. Jim Angell is the best
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07 May, 2018 by Laura
I had a seamless experience with Richard Drennan who I hired for the closing of my parents home. He was recommended by a friend who lives locally.. I live in California.
I found him to be efficient, personable, organized, and with a wonderful personality.
His personal assistant was also friendly and upbeat.
I felt very comfortable with his knowledge and ability.
If I needed to utilize legal services, I would call on him again without question.
Highly recommended.
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07 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Drennan has worked with me on multiple occasions for matters of Landlord/Tenant disputes, Real Estate purchases, and Wills. He has also referred me to other attorneys when the issue is outside of his expertise, and each recommendation has been excellent.
He's easy to work with and very knowledgable of the law. He doesn't attempt to waste your time and he does good work. I highly recommend him.
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25 Jan, 2011 by Valerie and stephen
Mr Drennan has attention to detail. he was recommended to us through TD Bank. i would strongly recommend others to use him as well. He even picked up an error a prior attorney overlooked.
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09 Dec, 2009 by Martha
I have had the privilege of representing both buyers & sellers of real estate as an agent who have been represented by Daniel T. Blake. I found Dan to be thorough and prompt in all his transactions. I can recommend him with enthusiasm as he has represent me personally with positive results.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Richard
In my profession I am encountering lawyers on a weekly basis. While I have not developed a formal system for rating lawyers, it has become readily apparent that all lawyers are not created equal.
My decision to choose Dan Blake as my Corporate Attorney nearly 19 years ago has proven to be one of my most brilliant business decisions. His analysis and input has been invaluable and his support has been unwavering through the years.
I reccomend Dan Blake on a regular basis with complete confidence and he has never failed to meet client expectations.
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14 Nov, 2009 by Emmett
I have personally used Attorney Dan Blake in several areas over the past several years and have referred him to numerous friends and business associates. His work for me has included estate planning, estate administration/probate, purchase and sale of real estate, and a variety of business related matters. Let me briefly highlight a couple of these engagements and my impressions of Dan as it relates to them.
I was asked to be trustee/executor of a friend’s multi-million dollar estate. He unfortunately had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had a very short time to live. He wished to leave his entire estate in trust to benefit two friends since he was not close to his living relatives - a half sister and several cousins. The estate was complicated involving six real estate properties, an extensive antique collection, numerous bank accounts and liquid investments, and an antique car collection. The trust was also complicated and included all necessary provisions for the support and care of the beneficiaries. Because time was short (less than 2 weeks), Dan provided quick turn around on drafting the will, setting up a trust, and transferring. Great care was taken so the will could not be contested.
Upon my friend’s death, Dan oversaw the settling of the estate via probate and his office administered the trust for me as trustee. Reflecting back, I was amazed at how smoothly things went, especially considering the potential for serious problems. I feel this was largely due to Dan’s personal commitment to make sure things were done right from the start.
Dan also set up an investment LLC for me. Its structure included numerous special considerations. For example equity interest in the LLC’s investments varied from one partner to another since it was based not only upon their initial capital contribution but also their degree of active participation in the investment. There were several other special requirements, which Dan was able to craft into its structure. I feel his knowledge of the area, enabled me to efficiently and economically create a custom LLC that perfectly matched my needs. On occasion I have needed to slightly modify the LLC because of alterations to our business strategy. Dan has been able to rapidly make these changes, which I again attribute to his keeping abreast of current thinking and laws in this area.
As I indicated earlier, I have personally used Dan in several other areas including my family’s personal estate planning, sale of one of my businesses, and purchase and sale of several real estate properties. In each case I have found him very knowledgeable and efficient in the way he approached each assignment. He was comfortable providing a cost estimate for his work and I did not experienced any surprises in the final bill. I also feel his prices were fair. He took great pride in his work and when necessary took time to educate me on various approaches or options.
Have have worked with numerous lawyers over the years and I definitely put him at the top of the list. That is why I continue to use him personally and also refer him to both friends and business associates.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Hether started working with my attorney at about the two year mark of a length dispute over an estate. She is very easy to communicate with and clearly explains what is going on. She is supportive in her suggestions for appropriate action and responds quickly to questions. I think her skill as communicator is very helpful when you are in the midst of an emotional situation.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Marcy
Hether Cahill has been wonderful to work with. She is always professional, informed, and prepared. At the same time, she is friendly and sensitive to your needs, and has the ability to make you feel comfortable because she keeps you informed at all times of the situation . If I should ever need professional help again, I will not hesitate to call Hether Cahill.
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15 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Cahill is very smart. She wrote excellent briefs for my case. She was very attentive to detail, analyzed facts cogently, and presented them persuasively.
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28 Mar, 2022 by Ken
Exceptional service and expert knowledge in her field of law and tax preparation Best attorney that I have dealt with ever.
She can also Marry you too !!!
Karyn is very personable also and cares about her clients
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29 Sep, 2019 by Paula
Karyn Devine has been our Atty for a complicated, bitter divorce. She is trustworthy and direct…something few divorce lawyers represent. She addresses our concerns almost immediately. Unfortunately will need representation going forward and we trust her implicitly.
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31 Jan, 2016 by Brendan
I used Atty Sevine for a lengthy probate matter. She's been nothing but honest and reasonable. Always has her 'ducks in a row.' I'd highly recommend her to family/friends and have!
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01 Feb, 2019 by Michael
I have used Donna's office for many matters over the past 13 years. My first time with Donna, was for a custody/divorce, I was seeking custody. with Donna, I won custody of my 3 children, with a female Judge, I was scared but Donna, said trust me and I did!! Her knowledge is extensive, she takes a personal interest in her clients, she is always prepared and is quick to respond. Pure business in court with my best interest, first and foremost .
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08 Dec, 2015 by Jessica
I hired Donna to handle a custody issue. she was professional, very knowledgeable and always accessible when I had questions/concerns. I wouldn't hesitate to hire her again.
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20 Mar, 2013 by Julie
Absolutely wonderful. Helpful, attentive, brilliant, just a few words. Made a not so pleasant experience more comfortable for all involved, including for our children. Would hire again for any legal needs.
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05 Jul, 2016 by Rem
Attorney James Methe helped tremendously with a couple of my cases, and thus far done an outstanding job. He went above and beyond expectation even helping me with things other than my cases.
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01 Jun, 2016 by John
Atty Methe represented me in a OUI Case where I was found Not Guilty. He knew all the right questions to ask the 2 officers involved in the case which led them being caught in lies right in court. We went with a no jury trial and won, along with reinstating my drivers license.
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12 May, 2015 by Gabriele
Atty Methe is an excellent attorney in my opinion. He was very accommodating, and went out of his way to assist me with my situation. My family has utilized him over the years for various legal issues, and do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Pat
I am a Teamsters local 25 member and was connected with Attorney Melissa Tobin through my union. I had a harassment order filed against me by someone I have never met. It was such a short notice my hearing was a week away. She was super easy to communicate with. She gathered all the information I had (which wasn’t much) and started to build a defense. Her strategy and knowledge with these proceedings was impressive. In fact, after presenting only one piece of evidence the judge stopped her and said he needs to hear nothing further from our defense. Also, the court officer even acknowledged in his 30 years in the system that was the fastest hearing he’s seen. Needless to say my harassment order was denied and the complainants credibility was completely destroyed.I highly recommend Ms Tobin she’s a rockstar.
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05 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
RE: Melissa Tobin, Esq - PiltserCowan Law, LLC
This matter, involving an altercation that took place at a food and beverage business establishment. Because the altercation involved several persons, and alcohol was involved, the police were called, and I was taken into custody. It was determined that no physical injuries to any other persons occurred as a result of any of my actions, but I was charged with: (1) Felony Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon & Misdemeanor Malicious Destruction of Property. With my professional life and emotional well-being at stake, and upon recommendation of people I trust, I contacted PiltserCowan Law, who assigned Melissa Tobin, Esq. to take my case. One of the extra benefits of retaining Melissa Tobin at PiltserCowan Law, was her around-the-clock support team of hardworking, responsive, tactical, caring, and down-to-earth associates.
Facing charges that would certainly threaten my livelihood, Melissa’s strategic approach, negotiation skills, and zealous advocacy, in and outside of court, ultimately compelled the Prosecutor’s office to dismiss all charges prior to arraignment. Facing resistance from other parties involved, Melissa engaged in difficult negotiations with the prosecutor’s office, and other third parties to the matter.
She is a fantastic lawyer, but also a genuinely good-person with a big heart, who comes in swinging in the face of an uphill battle. When she speaks, people listen. Instead of a trial, and both misdemeanor and felony charges, I was able to move on with my life. During months leading up to the incident, I had been struggling with alcohol abuse and depression. Melissa was aware, and ensured the conditions were also a benefit to me personally. In doing so, so the pretrial probation agreement included AA meetings, reasonable restitution payments, apology letters, and medical appointments. Melissa fought for a pre-trail probation agreement, rarely awarded, which saved my reputation, and gave rise to improvements in my physical and emotional health. I have since remained sober from alcohol, and my life has improved. I wasn’t just any defendant; I was represented by Melissa Tobin, and that made the difference.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney Tobin was great to work with. She has been very responsive during the time she represented me, as well as after my case was dismissed. I could not have achieved the best possible outcome without her representation (pretrial diversion). I would highly recommend hiring her
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08 Dec, 2021 by Ian
Eric was referred to me in November 2013, and I am very thankful for the recommendation. Eric achieved a result where it seemed no result would be possible. It took 8 years of patience, grind and frustration but the result finally came. Distance proved to be no barrier (other than the time change between East Coast and Australia).
Over that 8 years there were long periods when nothing happened, but when it did, Eric kept me up-to-date and informed. My sincerest thanks for the time and effort you put in on my behalf Eric.
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12 Jul, 2021 by Mark
On two occasions, Counselor Finamore "saved my chestnuts" from the fire. Both times all he did was to make a phone call - just a phone call. But it was to the right person at the right time.
On one occasion, I sent Mr. Finamore a retainer check. He located important information which he conveyed to me quickly and efficiently.
Then . . . GET THIS . . . he returned my retainer! He helped me greatly and charged me not a farthing. INTEGRITY. Something missing in parts of America today. It is so refreshing to find a lawyer with great integrity who performs as he is asked.
My recommendation: 100%.
As they say in Maine, "Finest Kind".
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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Choosing an attorney can be daunting, however, after selecting Attorney Finamore and witnessing his compassion and perseverance, we did not regret our decision. He was up front from the start about informing us of the lengthy judicial process and parts of the case that would be difficult. He is well versed in the legal system and thought outside the box, which resulted in us receiving compensation from a difficult and unusual case. He was very supportive and went the extra mile until the very end.
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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.
