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05 Dec, 2024 by Joe gilbert
Robert and his team were great! Very transparent while working through the process and was able to help me navigate the steps of my divorce really well. The divorce dragged on for no good reason other than my spouse finding any way to make this last longer. At the end of the day the divorce worked out in my favor and exactly what Robert said would likely happen did as the same outcome that should have only taken a few months still happened even with my ex delaying the process. Overall, very reachable through appointments and overall just a good experience.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Rosemary vittori-rice
Mr Larson has been extremely helpful. His guidance reassured me at a time where I was under great pressure and stress. He's kind, compassionate and an active listener who advocates for his client. I highly recommend!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Patrick maloney
I highly recommend Larson law office.
Robert was very helpful with me case
Friendly, dedicated, intelligent. Great job!
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23 Nov, 2020 by Michelle
I needed help with my estate planning and living trust. I am so glad that I came to Trent Woods. He was very knowledgeable and thorough taking the time to answer all my questions. I highly recommend Trent Woods to others.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Alan
Trent with Woods Law group is among the most professional people I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. He has the heart of a teacher and made every step of estate planning clear and understandable. Using any other law firm for your estate planning needs would be be a mistake. I give Woods Law Group my highest recommendation!
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03 Jan, 2019 by Rick
I went to Trent Woods with a case that I was told was hopeless by several other attorneys. I wanted to get my firearms rights restored. Trent stayed solid on my case with almost weekly updates on the case status and never quit on me when the court denied my first two attempts. He fought hard for me and saw the case through! He’s a professional at the highest level and he wins!!! Since I have hired Trent to represent me in non gun related cases and he was absolutely amazing! I can’t say enough good stuff about him!
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03 Jul, 2017 by David
My wife and I realized that our home somehow wasn't included in the name of our trust. The original work was done by Mr. halls law firm several years ago. As in most things, several laws had changed, making our trust somewhat ineffective. After consulting with Mr. Hall, we decided to completely update the document. We are now up to date with all of federal and state changes in relation to all of our needs. We want to especially thank Mr. Hall and all of his associates that worked on this project. Our home is now included on our property deed in the name of the trust. We highly recommend Mr. Hall and his firm. They also treat you like family, and take the time to discuss all issues in language we could understand. Five stars doesn't seem to be a high enough rating.
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01 Jul, 2016 by Bob & betty
Tim put together our trust and updated years later. He has been a trusted attorney for over 16 years. We found him to he extremely knowledgeable and friendly. This has been true for the entire staff. We would highly recommend them.
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07 Oct, 2014 by Lorraine
I was a client of a very well known reputable estate planning firm in town ( Phoenix) for 6+ years.
I sought to have my Trust reviewed after my Mothers passing as we had experienced a number of issues with her Trust. I researched many local attorneys and came across the firm of MHK. I am very happy with the decision to meet with Mr Hall.
Mr Hall was immediately able to review my then current Trust and point out major areas of concern!!! I found him to be very knowledgeable. A true blessing for me. I do not know how my family would have been able to overcome the issues they would have been facing if I had not had my Trust reviewed and revised!!!
I am so grateful to Mr Hall for his professional help as well as his compassion and understanding.
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18 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Our case was much more trouble than it was worth. We flew in to Arizona from Kentucky after my uncle passed away. We had no idea what to do. Rilus pointed us in the right direction, gave us some helpful tips, and sent us on our way. We would have lost money if we pursued anything. He was honest with us. I thank him for not taking advantage of our situation. Rilus is a man you can trust.
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21 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
We have retained many law firms over the last 40 years. The Dana Firm and R. M. Dana were tops in every way. Business was discussed. Plans were made. Documents were emailed and signed within two weeks.
That is a job well done.
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17 Jul, 2013 by Daniel
The lawyer was on time, handled himself well, appears knowledgeable and trustworthy. We felt comfortable and secure that our Trust will be done professionally.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Diane
My father passed away in June 2016 and I was appointed the executor of his estate. I live in Minnesota - and my father owned a condo in Arizona. I needed to find a good lawfirm in Arizona that would work with me over the phone & via email. Brent Gunderson and his team were outstanding.
I worked very closely with Selena in their office and Selena's Customer Service was top notch. She was consistently helpful. When I called to ask her questions for the third time, she was positive and extremely informative (taking the time to walk me through exactly what I needed to do). I was extremely impressed by support I received from everyone in this law firm. They completed paperwork ahead of schedule and were very helpful to me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Mary jo
Brent Gunderson was very thorough while handling our estate planning. He was very knowledgeable, patient, and answered any questions that we had. We feel very confident that our estate is set up just the way it needs to be! Although this is a topic that is not easy to discuss let alone take action on, we are thankful ours is done!
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10 Aug, 2016 by Nancy
I highly recommend Gunderson Law Group, P.C.
Brent Gunderson assisted me through the entire process of managing and handling my mother's Trust/Estate.
He and his amazing staff responded to all of my telephone calls, e-mails, and questions in a timely, knowledgable and professional manner. I received solid legal advice and guidance throughout. They are the very best!
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20 Jun, 2017 by Heather
C.J. was very good at compiling all the docs we needed and explained the process. Very grateful that we now have this in place. We would recommend him to family and friends for sure.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Nate
CJ took care of some estate planning that I had long put off. Not only was the job done quickly, but the price was fair and below my expectations. The trust he created included items I had never considered. He also provided valuable advice and follow up for the implementation of the trust...i never felt lost or like I didn't know what to do.
I sleep better with this work done, and can't recommend CJ strong enough.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Robert
CJ walked us through all of the legalize of what our trust entails - in addition to spending the time with us he also gave us the documents and instructions that we need to move forward with moving our assets into the trust.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Carol
I worked with Ryan to create my Living Will and Trust. He truly helped me make sound legal decisions that will help me and my family now and in the future. I highly recommend Ryan! Great Lawyer!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Erica bodie
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Ryan through Dana Law Group. I interviewed 3 local attorneys prior to hiring Dana Law. I was impressed by the amount of time and the thorough explanation of services prior to hire. We opted to create a revocable trust and LLC for our rental properties; we were very happy with the process and professionalism. Ryan was very responsive to e-mails and was prompt to follow-up with documents and our questions. We would definitely recommend Ryan and Dana Law Group for estate planning.
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08 Aug, 2017 by Don
Devon was extremely helpful, answered questions and sent our demand letter
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09 Mar, 2021 by Kathryn
We can’t say enough great things about our attorney, Mr. Scott Jensen! Several years ago, we saw him for a consultation, concerning a very detailed family matter in an estate settlement. His expert advice was instrumental in these matters.
Mr. Jensen is now handling our estate documents. He is professional & cordial, with attention to detail. The staff are helpful, and kind. We couldn’t be more happy to have found him & his firm. A very trusted, reputable law firm.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Made setting up will and living trust very simple. Very responsive and was able to get everything finalized quickly.
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22 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Leanne is very knowledgeable in family law. She practices with ethics and integrity that is so rarely seen, especially in the family courtroom setting. Very trustworthy and recommended over and over again.
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03 Sep, 2021 by Alan
I had my trust reviewed. Ron Compton did the review and rewriting. He is one of the most efficient and professional people I ever known. I will never use another attorney for my estate work.
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12 May, 2020 by Todd
“Cody Huffaker and his team have helped me through some difficult estate and trust litigation. He was responsive, empathetic, creative, and competent in his approach to my case. I would definitely recommend hiring Cody for trust and estate litigation.”
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04 Oct, 2024 by Steven clouse
I've worked with Brint for several years, and he has consistently exceeded my expectations. Brint is not only friendly and approachable but also highly competent in navigating complex legal matters. He provides fair and practical advice, making the entire process feel manageable. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking reliable legal support.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Ramsen ohanes
Our company has been impressed by Hiatt Law, they are very easy to communicate with, incredibly knowledgeable and punctual. They have a long term client out of us!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rich davis
Brint and his team are absolutely incredible. The headache they've saved us in our business relations has propelled us to achieve more in less time. If you get a chance to hire them, do it without any doubt!
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11 Apr, 2024 by Lori mckay
Had such a great experience getting a trust done. Cj explained everything very simply. Would recommend this place to everyone.
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27 Sep, 2024 by William
Ryan worked with me for 4 years on this estate. Always patient and great advice. We had to wait for over 13 months for the IRS to send a final payout, with no response, letters or any other communication from them. I highly recommend Ryan's services. My hats off to you.
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24 Sep, 2024 by John
Attorney Ryan Hodges did an exceptional job of assisting me with the handling of my mother's estate in Arizona. He was knowledgeable, professional, courteous and responsive. Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional time, and Ryan helped keep the process on point by navigating the multitude of legal filings with the probate court and expertly guiding me through each step of the process. I never felt rushed or unsure. Although I live on the east coast, I never felt out of the loop. Whenever, I had a question or concern, he was only an email or call away with an answer. It was a smooth process, and I was very satisfied with his services, price and performance and I would highly recommend Ryan Hodges to help you with your estate matters.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Dennis
My brother passed away on May 30, 2023. He did not have a will and had no property so I thought it was going to be easy. Before passing he was a resident of the Arizona Veterans Home. Unbeknownst to me, he had taken money out of the bank and took it with him to the Veterans Home. They put it in a trust for him to use but he did not have me as a beneficiary. When he passed they issued a check to "THE ESTATE OF" instead of directly to me, which the bank would not touch without me being named administrator of his estate. Which is why I needed to go the Probate route. This being all new to me I was pretty clueless on how to proceed. I did some research on Probate attorneys in the area which is where I found Jackson White. Now there were tons of probate lawyers in my search but I looked at their website and liked what I saw which is why I chose them. Ryan Hodges was the attorney assigned to me. He took the time to walk me through step by step what I needed to do. My siblings were, shall we say, less than cooperative at times as it was new to them as well. Ryan took the time to explain in simple English what needed to happen and was very patient with us throughout this process. I was finally named as the Administrator. The process took awhile but was finally able to get the check deposited into an Estate account that was set up. Funds have been disbursed and the 6 month nightmare (at least for me) has been resolved. My thanks to Ryan and his firm for getting me through a very stressful 6 months. I will definitely choose them again in the future should the need arise.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Ken dicicco
Great group! Phil and his team are terrific! Highly recommend!
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15 Feb, 2024 by Jason o'neal
The team at Cardis Law is second to none. They truly care about their clients and treat them like family. If you are looking for an honest attorney, call Phil Cardis. When he took my case, we sat down and held cared about me as a person. Listened to me and walked me through the strategy and the process. I never felt like I was alone in this. Thank you Phil for taking the time and helping me when I had no where else to go.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Kayla feher
Phil made estate planning a quick and easy process. Answered our questions promptly and spent extra time with us going over every detail.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Ken dicicco
Great group! Phil and his team are terrific! Highly recommend!
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15 Feb, 2024 by Jason o'neal
The team at Cardis Law is second to none. They truly care about their clients and treat them like family. If you are looking for an honest attorney, call Phil Cardis. When he took my case, we sat down and held cared about me as a person. Listened to me and walked me through the strategy and the process. I never felt like I was alone in this. Thank you Phil for taking the time and helping me when I had no where else to go.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Kayla feher
Phil made estate planning a quick and easy process. Answered our questions promptly and spent extra time with us going over every detail.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Joann calarco
My experience working with attorney Justin Call was exceptional. He is very personable. I felt comfortable working with him from the very beginning of our first meeting. I wanted to set up a Trust. Even after looking online to educate myself, I was still somewhat unclear about all that was involved. Justin was very patient and knowledgeable as he explained the various aspects that were important for me to fully understand. I was able to ask questions that he answered clearly. I grew more confident in what I needed to do for the Trust, and how it worked in general, due to his supportive demeanor.
It was a great time saver that our first 2 meetings were virtual. I appreciated his staff setting them up to fit my schedule. Reminder emails were appreciated. When I went to Justin’s office to review and sign the documents, he continued to take the time to make sure I understood everything I was signing.
Working with Justin was a pleasure. Because of his hard work and commitment, I now have a complete Trust I fully understand. I recommend him to anyone who expects an attorney to be committed to your needs and to work hard in your best interests. Thank you.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Joshua m.
Justin Call was an amazing landlord/tenant lawyer. He was knowledgeable and helped me with everything I needed. Incredible service as well
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14 Nov, 2023 by Cesar aparicio
I recently had the privilege of consulting with Attorney Justin Call regarding an appeal for my case, and I must say, my experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, Justin demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved, which immediately instilled a sense of confidence.
What truly set Justin apart was his ability to convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner. He patiently explained each step of the appeal process, ensuring I was fully informed and comfortable with the proceedings. His dedication to my case was evident through his meticulous attention to detail and his proactive approach to addressing potential challenges.
Moreover, Justin's empathetic and supportive demeanor made a typically stressful process much more manageable. He was always available to answer my questions and provide reassurance when needed.
Overall, my experience with Attorney Justin Call was outstanding. His expertise, coupled with his genuine commitment to his clients, makes him an invaluable asset to anyone navigating the complexities of the legal system. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective legal representation
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer alai
04 Sep, 2024 by Sam gifford
Robert was extremely helpful with my trust and will. He explained the consequences of NOT having documents prepared and went over the fine points of my new trust and will. Gladly recommend his services to all.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Wesley reinke
Robert was excellent in making our estate planning easy and clear. He answered all our questions quickly and in a way we could understand. We got a living will and trust with his firm and it was a lot easier than we anticipated. I wish we found him sooner.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer alai
04 Sep, 2024 by Sam gifford
Robert was extremely helpful with my trust and will. He explained the consequences of NOT having documents prepared and went over the fine points of my new trust and will. Gladly recommend his services to all.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Wesley reinke
Robert was excellent in making our estate planning easy and clear. He answered all our questions quickly and in a way we could understand. We got a living will and trust with his firm and it was a lot easier than we anticipated. I wish we found him sooner.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Efficiency mechanical
27 Jul, 2024 by Sammy alloush
03 Jul, 2024 by Keith walter
Nelle and the entire staff was amazing. They were professional, thorough and answered my questions. I understand that Met Life Legal will no longer be using this amazing law firm which saddens me deeply.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Linda wahl
It's important to find a skilled estste attorney and we highly recommend Joseph Udall because he's a well prepared professional and explains documents in detail. He is patient and communicates clearly to help us make good choices. Thank you Mr Udall. We appreciate your hard work and kindness towards us.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Mark roberts
Joe is an incredible attorney. I have worked with him several times for estate administration and probate and he always delivers. He is patient, thorough, and is good a explaining things both simply and intelligently. I highly recommend!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Eric dorfman
Joseph Udell is a very thorough attorney. Joe helped us revise our living trust. We’ve done this three or four times over our lifetime. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of How trusts work but this time, my wife and myself and Joseph looked at every page of everything the will the trust the power of attorney’s and explained it to us and I didn’t know half as much as I thought, so we were really appreciative of this. It took a little while, but we never felt hurried or stressed because every question I had was able to be answered clearly. This is such an important part of making sure all your wishes going to be followed precisely. his support staff is also excellent Roxie spent a lot of time with me calling and getting information so that this trust could be done properly. Really nice environment highly recommend.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Maria cervantes
Looking for a second. Attorney to help with probate and the estate of My father in law after having the first attorney drop our case due to lack of knowledge in this area Mr.Sheridan literally saved us out of an unimaginable situation with the upmost care and respect. He has always given us the best advice and been available for any questions or concern. I don’t think we could’ve gotten the result we did without him.
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12 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Called Wednwsday he was out on an “emergency” . He did call beck Thursday but returning his call I got voicemail all afternoon. Friday I called his voicemail in the morning. I called back after around 1230 and the secretary said he left for the day. I asked if was ever in the office. She said Monday. Michael called back the wrong number and left an angry message saying he’s a very busy guy and didn’t want to work with me.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Eva
He reviewed our Trust Documents, made recommendations pertinent to our situation, and sent us on our way. Reasonable fees, very helpful and sympathetic. Will definitely seek his advice and consult him again in the future. Highly recommend him for your trust and probate needs. He also does personal injury law. Great guy!
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14 Mar, 2020 by Jamie robertson
I have known Stephen for many years. He is extremely ethical and knowledgeable. More than that he cares! I have seen him help so many of my clients. When I needed him, he was there for me... I would highly recommend Stephen as he will be there for you. More than that he is highly skilled in Estate, Trust and Probate.
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25 Apr, 2019 by Daniela titus
Emily made it super easy to set up our living trust and wills. Thank you!
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22 Mar, 2019 by Terrence luebbert
They do not know basic math, and do not do what they are asked.
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08 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Was blunt, unhelpful and cut me off during the final part of the very brief couple minute initial discussion we had, clearly seeing me as a waste of his time, and said "I've got to run", in the middle of me speaking. Couldn't allow for any final professional closure of our conversation and had to interject with I've got to go. Not very cordial or professional way to deal with a potential client. I felt like I was a waste of his time from the moment I started speaking to him. He never seemed to want to take the time to understand what was going on from the very beginning. Would not recommend his services based on my first impression.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Pat
Mr. Udall helped me with a probate for my father. He made a very difficult and complicated situation easy for me. Call him if you need a smart and understanding lawyer.
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05 May, 2014 by Carmela
I needed to do a will and powers of attorney after my divorce. I found Mr. Udall to be extremely patient with my many questions, issues, and taking the effort to understand my personal situation and concerns. He took his valuable time with me, and never gave me the impression that I was on a fast-ticking time clock.
He was prompt on returning my calls and provided all completed paperwork on the exact date he had arranged with me. He impressed me tremendously, and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending him to anyone.
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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.
