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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I am a licensed attorney in Florida. I needed an attorney to handle a contested probate matter in Michigan. I came across Jonathan’s profile and based on an opinion I read on one of his cases I wanted a consult with him. From the moment I first spoke with him on the phone I knew I had the right attorney. Jonathan’s passion and knowledge of his area of law was evident from the start. The passing of a loved one is an extremely stressful and emotional time, having Jonathan on board to guide me through the inevitable legal matters was invaluable. The probate matter required significant briefing and trial work. Jonathan is an excellent legal writer as well as a trial lawyer. I personally observed Jonathan during trial and he was inspiring. He was well prepared and had a thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence. Jonathan is quick witted and has a keen legal instinct. His selected strategy for the case was successful and we won a significant victory. In addition to his legal skills, Jonathan is highly personable, down to earth and very responsive which was necessary for me when dealing with a remote legal relationship. I could rest knowing he was in charge. I highly recommend Jonathan Coleman. He is a top notch attorney at the top of his game and worth every penny.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Laurette
From the very start of our case, (regarding an Estate) Jonathan was on top of things and two steps ahead in every turn of the situation. His knowledge and understanding of the case were impressive, as were his keen observations and proactivity. Jonathan is very intelligent, quick-witted, and misses nothing. Jonathon also has a healthy dose of tenacity, (which we needed in our case) he was prompt, incredibly prepared, and fought hard to win our case. (and we did!) He assissted us every step of the way. Never once did he lose sight of us, and his communication was outstanding. What really struck us as remarkable, was that Jonathan was so personable, as were all of the staff of whom he counts on. His personality was always that of a gentleman, and he was always courteous and respectful, and returned all calls and addressed our concerns immediately. To us, this is no small thing when dealing with a stressful situation regarding an Estate. We are thankful that we had such an Attorney that was willing to go the extra mile for us, and we'd highly reccommend Jonathan M. Coleman and his team to anyone who needs help and expects excellence. -Mrs. L.LeMieux-Clemens
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06 Aug, 2013 by Debbie
I have to apologize in a way, that I feel so bad...that I actually started to cry so hard, from all that I thought happened at his office, that I wish I could do something for the whole office to make it up to them.
I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong no matter how much I have to pay for what I caused for being wrong!
The office was still continuing to keep my case in good standing while I was accusing them of losing most of my evidence. They worked very hard to try and find the evidence I claimed that I had left with them at the front desk a week and a half ago. Well? I did not leave the folders for them... I left a folder for my accountant.
I ended up finding the files in a bin that was unknowingly put there by my husband!
I will be personally giving the office a personal apology for all of the accusations I accused them of that they were not guilty of...Please accept my apologies...
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18 Oct, 2009 by Shaun
Greg always made himself available in a timely and appropriate fashion... He puts forth an effort with a passion that let's you know, he's your lawyer, but he genuinely has your best interests at heart... Admist many around him who may not show the same enthusiasm, it's not even a question as to whether or not I'd reccimend him... One couldn't ask for a better lawyer...
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03 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Stacy was and continues to be a trusted woman that I can share private thoughts with. If she doesn't know something she tells me she will check on it and it's done. She does her job well.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Joel
Stacey could not be more professional or supportive during the whole process of taking care or my dad's estate. She is a trusted counselor and I have recommended her to several family members who are going through the same family issues. She is prompt, professional and complete making sure all i's are dotted and t's are crossed.
Compassionate attorney... Felt like she was family taking care of the details. Very thankful my dad selected her.
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17 Apr, 2013 by Scott
Mr. Findling not only knows what he's doing and gets results, but he is a compassionate and caring person.
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05 Mar, 2013 by Marc
I am an estate planning attorney, and Darren and his staff regularly handle of my probate litigation files. His office is very responsive and professional. All of the clients I have referred over the years have been very happy with his services.
I highly recommend Darren Findling, The Probate Pro.
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10 Feb, 2017 by T. r.
Nic is an outstanding lawyer. He's extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to and good at his job. He helped a family member of mine and we were very happy with the results. Extremely grateful for his help and will continue to use his services any time the need arises.
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07 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
The biggest advantage I have found in working with Nic is how does a great job of explaining legal concepts in a manner I can understand. There is no pressure involved, just a conversation on how to best solve the issues that come up.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Richard
I was previously represented by Dawn Santamarina to assist with a family matter that required legal services. Her compassion for my situation and determination to work throughout my case with integrity providing expert legal representation proved to be an invaluable service to me and my family. We would not seek elsewhere for any future matters that require legal assistance. Thank you Dawn! The Reynolds Fam
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16 Sep, 2021 by Chamisi
I had never had to acquire legal counsel before, and I was very nervous about doing so. Once I met with Dawn, she put all my fear and nervousness to rest. Professional. Efficient. Personable. These are just a few words to describe her. Dawn handled my probate case expeditiously and fairly. She will walk you through every step of the way and make you feel cared for. I highly recommend her services to everyone in need of a lawyer.
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07 Jun, 2019 by Judy
I was in Florida when a situation came about that required using the "Trust" that Mr. Klevorn had written some years earlier. Being up in years I was in tears not knowing what to do. When I called and left a message he returned my call very quickly and carefully and considerately saw that I was taken care of even with my lack of understanding. He made me feel comfortable as my huge problem was resolved. Yes, he was professional but treating me kindly went a long ways to giving him a five star rating.
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21 Feb, 2013 by Chris
If you work with Kevin Klevorn, you will hear the phrase "using the right sized hammer," and he has it mastered. He keeps the unnecessary paperwork (and your cost as a result) down while getting to the root of the matter. He has practiced in the area for long enough where he knows the ins and outs of our local court system and the people involved.
In addition, Kevin returns all phone calls within a day and sends copies of ALL documents by mail at no extra charge.
Kevin has my full confidence, and the level of knowledge he possesses makes you feel secure, and his calming nature makes it seem like everything will be okay. I highly recommend Kevin Klevorn as an attorney.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Chuck regarding a real estate issue. He was exceptionally knowledgeable about the issue and even the court people involved, even though the court was in another county. I would highly recommend him. The initial reason I went to him, was because he was recommended to me by multiple people who thought he was the best attorney in the area.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Jim
Chuck Gross has become my trusted legal adviser, helping me navigate issues involving lease agreements, wills and family trusts. He's personally involved as an active volunteer and member of our community. I was on a board for a local non-profit organization when we suspected the director of embezzlement. Within hours, our board was sitting with Chuck who gave us advice in how to proceed. The director was later convicted and served time in prison. I appreciate his compassion, ability to listen and ask pertinent questions. I feel confident and secure having Chuck as my attorney.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Becky Bolles represented me during a very long and diffcult divorce. My ex-wife (I can finally say that) and her attorney delayed everything they could. Becky worked with me to understand what was improtant to me and gave me sound legal advice while crafting a solid defense against outrageous allegations and ridiculous demands. Everything she told me regarding my case and how the law views it was spot on. Quite honestly we took on a much larger firm that has a heavy advertising budget and beat them hands down. Becky Bolles is the attorney most people wish they hired. Even my ex-wife now wishes she would have hired Becky. I'm sure happy she didn't!
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10 Jan, 2018 by Julie
During a very difficult and emotional time in my life, Ms. Bolles not only provided me sound legal advice and guided me through the divorce process, she was extremely patient, professional and showed genuine concern for my well-being. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and responsive from the beginning to end of the process. I felt supported and confident that I was represented well.
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13 Jan, 2019 by Urban bee llc
While I've only worked with Nicholas Kovach at Shifman & Carlson, P.C, I can say that I would recommend Shifman & Carlson to anyone looking for legal services. Nick was professional, took the time (via phone and email) to understand my unique business needs, and created a sound contract that I am proud to utilize in my business engagements. Staff is friendly and prices are affordable.
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11 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Nick was able to assist us with the purchase of some vacation property. He was quick and efficient. There were a few changes that he handled and everything processed without any ossues
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08 Apr, 2013 by Joan
Helped us with my husbands mothers estate documents, quit claim deed, etc. Very informative and answered all our questions. Very professional and would recommend to anyone.
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12 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Matt Joswick is a very thoughtful and caring attorney. Matt put together a "Special Needs" trust for my developmentaly disabled sister. Matt's knowledge of the field and the courts was very thorough. Matt has excellent court room demeaner and worked well with the judge. Matt was very proficient at drawing up the legal documents that I needed to establish the trust. I was very pleased with Matt's legal services.
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29 Nov, 2020 by Eboni
Ms. Logan was extremely thorough. She made sure we addressed every conceivable obstacle we might face during my Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. My meeting of creditors went smoothly and now my case has been discharged. She is very friendly and respectful. Responded promptly to all of my calls and emails.. I would hire her again should I need her in the future.
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10 Mar, 2019 by Irene
I was very impressed, how she managed my case.
returned all my call had answer all my question that I had.
Mrs Logan is a very nice person who makes you feel good,
she fights for her clients good or bad she is there with you at every step of the way will tell other people about her.
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21 Aug, 2012 by Timothy
Jerry drafted my estate plan and the plan for my wife. He did a thorough interview, reviewed our documents and then we met with him and re-reviewed everything set forth in our proposed plan. It was only after that work did he say things were ready. He saw to the proper execution of the documents and made sure all the necessary filings were done. My wife and I both felt quite secure in having Jerry guide us in this process. As a lawyer myself, I quite comfortable recommending others to see him.
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24 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Jerry helped me with a real estate problem. He gave me excellent advice and he was there with me when I needed him. I appreciate the advice he's given me and will work with him again.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Angelo
“Paula handled my bankruptcy and three of my friends bankruptcies after that. She was VERY efficient.”
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08 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
First and foremost, I found Ms. Ramsey to be very trustworthy. She kept me up on what was happening with my business, as well as how old and new laws affected such. I was also impressed that she always gave me best and worse case scenarios. She did extra work on her off hours if needed without extra costs. She was overly knowledgeable about business operations and made sure all basis were covered within my LLC. I have been exrememely pleased with her services as my attorney, and will continue to work with her as my business dictates. She is an excellent Attorney!
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31 Mar, 2013 by Virginia
Al defended me in a Criminal matter and went to work right away leaving no stone uncovered. He was well prepared in Court speaking out on my behalf correcting any oversights or questionable phrasing of the charge. He kept me well informed through Telephone contact, Email and meetings in his office. He was prompt in returning my calls. I was very impressed by his thoroughness, attention to detail, unrelenting approach and ability to stay focused on the work at hand. The Charges were dismissed after 6 months. Thank you Al for a satisfying outcome and I have no hesitation in recommending him .
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14 Nov, 2011 by Jim
I retained Mr. Rightler for an on-going legal case. By the time Mr. Rightler was involved in the case, prior attorneys had made a mess of it. Mr. Rightler took the time to learn my case. He read every document in the case file, spent time interviewing me, and got to know the players involved. He was highly organized and did not miss anything. He has excellent communication skills and is not afraid to state the facts, in court and out. He is an honest and very principled man. He is knowledgeable in the law but is not shy about asking for help where he needs it. Mr. Rightler has strong research skills which help greatly as, in my case, it was necessary for him to do very extensive research in a number of areas other than the law. Mr. Rightler , as an attorney, is consistently reliable. He always returned my calls and emails. He told me what he planned to do, and he did exactly that. I have complete trust in Mr. Rightler and I would not hesitate to recommend him as an attorney.
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02 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
My family and I went thru two attorneys before we hired Ms. Claire Forster for our estate planning (first one was a local attorney who only gave us trust documents printed right off the internet - our entire assets would have gone thru. probate, second one was a high profile attorney from a big city, large firm who did not care to listen to our needs and only tried to control us with unfairness). Then through someone in law, we were finally directed to Claire. Right from the beginning, we could see the very high level of knowledge she has in taxes and many other areas. She carefully listens to our needs/wishes and goes over what facts help us and what facts hurt us from the aspect of laws and tax benefits. The most significant strength she has is an extremely high level of thoroughness. She is not only very thorough, but also has shown empathy and compassion as we have some complications in our family that needed to be taken care by Trust. She has high quality client interactions! Her speed and professionalism are also exceptional. Our family and I are VERY grateful for her service and we hereby recommend Ms. Claire Forster without reservation.
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26 May, 2020 by Lori
Excellent service! Claire went above and beyond to prepare Enhanced Life Estate Deeds for my properties. She took extra time to explain various options and carefully detailed the implications of each. She is the most knowledgeable attorney I have met with regard to Estate Planning. She was extremely thorough and I highly recommend her!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Hillary
Alice was extremely helpful and informative during my bankruptcy process. She was very prompt in responding to my emails and answered all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
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13 Sep, 2018 by Stacy
Alice is the best!! She always kept in touch and respond to everything and every question I had very quickly!! She worked very hard to get the out come I needed. Even kept my spirit up when I wasn’t sure it was going my way. But in the end her hard work paid off!! If you want someone that cares not only for the job she is doing but the people she is doing it for then you have found her!! I can’t thank her enough for everything she did!! Thanks again Alice!!
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19 Aug, 2018 by Robert
I hired Joe Coraci to draw up my living revocable trust just prior to undergoing major surgery. Although it was the week of Christmas, Joe completed everything prior to my surgery. Joe is very kind, thoughtful and patient. He is very knowledgeable about estate planning from his previous work experience prior to opening his own practice. He can explain legal matters in a way that can be understood by ordinary people. His fees are competitive and reasonable. He is very customer focused with a priority on customer satisfaction
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17 Oct, 2017 by Jason
Joe has worked with several of my clients, all of whom have greatly appreciated his even-handed advise. My wife and I have also used Joe for our personal estate planning needs and were extremely happy with the product and service.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Tony
My wife and I have used Deb Rysso on multiple occasions in the past ten years. She first worked with us when my father entered in a nursing home and we needed to protect my mother's assets. Next we used her with my mother-law's estate and then used her to develop a ladybird deed for my mother's home. All of the estates were small and in all cases she helped us simplify the process and avoid probate for a very reasonable fee.
My wife and I were so impressed with her attention to detail and sound advice that we used Deb to set up our own trust.
What impressed me most was in two cases she told us "I think you're worried about the wrong thing" and then explained a scenario we didn't foresee. In both instances the scenario she described was what actually happened, but due to the pre-planning we were prepared and protected.
I would highly recommend Deb to anyone for elder planning and estate issues.
Tony McLain
Sault Sainte Marie
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20 Oct, 2013 by Catherine
Deborah has been my family's lawyer for a few years, helping us with tasks including estate planning, updating my parents' trust and developing a contract for home health care workers. She is always courteous and prompt, she charges very fair rates and does high quality work. Deborah has a strong knowledge of elder law and is skilled at communicating information simply and clearly. I also appreciate her willingness to find experts in other legal fields if we have a question that is outside of her area of expertise.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Selena
Attorney McCree went above and beyond when assisting and handling an important matter. She was clearly busy with other concerns for the community and young people but took the time to direct and be there. I truly appreciate her guidance and direction.
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29 Apr, 2019 by Haylee warren
Elizabeth McCree is my current lawyer right now due to the fact that I am in foster care. She is always open to hear my side of the story, she is there when I need her. Without her I don't think I would have the faith to keep going. She speaks on my behalf and is always willing to make sure my side in known.
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29 Oct, 2019 by Kenneth
Joe helped us resolve a lawsuit brought against us. He traveled all the way from Rochester to Ann Arbor on several occasions and maneuvered our situation into a satisfactory out of court settlement. During the entire process, he was on time and professional.
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21 Nov, 2011 by Corinne
Joseph Daiek is the BEST Lawyer I have had the pleasure to work with. There was never a time throughout my Divorce that I was worried he would not be there. My case was quite possibly the most complicated and difficult that any Attorney could be involved in but his knowledge and diligence was so extensive that with other attorneys I would have needed both a Personal and a Corporate lawyer he was able to successfully handle all of it.He followed the letter of the Law at all times and assured me it would be worth it in the end. He was correct. I highly recommend him.
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27 Jun, 2013 by Michelle
Joe goes the extra mile for you. He has been the best attorney our Trust has had. Joe helped us win our 1.2 million dollar judgement.
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24 Jun, 2013 by Dave o'connor
Mr. McGill is an excellent attorney who with a number of business professionals launched the Michigan Irish American Chamber of Commerce. The organization is grateful for Joe's superior legal advice which was critical to beginning our current and future business. At all times Joe has exhibited legal professionalism and willingness to lead legal projects with the nine person board of directors and our outside accounting firm. He is readily available for questions and returns calls and e-mails quickly.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Andrew assisted with my grandmothers estate after she passed. During this process he was very helpful and provided great counsel. I always felt Andrew had my best interests in mind with every course of action he suggested.
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31 Aug, 2013 by Bret
Andrew did an excellent job updating my will and trust. He not only made necessary changes but I also appreciated his recognition of the quality of someone else's work.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Dwight z
Our firm was referred to Mr. Fedor for business legal matters. He has helped with start-up formation that includes IP and shareholders that has evolved into other business needs. His knowledge is vast and is very responsive and accessible.
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25 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Matt was a great resource for me to understand the trust process and help me through the entire process of estate planning. He took care of everything for me. In my last review of the trust and estate he explained all the new laws and how they affected me. What a great experience! I would recommend Matt to anyone.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Bryan
Jim is our corporate attorney and we are very pleased with his work. Jim is very efficient and cares deeply about his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Robert
One of the best and most talented attorneys I have ever worked with. He tells you what you need to hear not what you want to hear.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Mastercarver27
This attorney was very thorough and helpful and kind in helping
us set up a living trust. My dad had worked
With her in the past and we are thankful we
Chose her office for our own estate planning.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Beth
This office was so very helpful in setting up a Living Revocable Trust for us. They were very knowledgeable in this field. All of our questions were answered and things that we didn't think of were offered. We are so very pleased with Susan Wideman and her office staff. We will definitely recommend her to everyone.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Khalid
Mrs. Kimberly Redd, is extremely helpful, insightful and professional. I've utilize Mrs. Redd's service for several legal projects and I'm very satisfied with her services. I would definitely recommend Mrs. Redd for legal purposes to anyone seeking a highly skilled attorney.
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10 Oct, 2015 by Dee
I have hired Attorney Redd for matters concerning my divorce, bankruptcy, and child custody. I found her to be very knowledgeable, attentive, and thorough in each of those legal areas. I would not hesitate to retain her again for future legal matters. I recommend her highly.
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13 Sep, 2017 by Susan
Attorney Moshe Newman was recommended to me for probate estate, and was very professional, detail oriented, very honest, and knowledgeble. I would hire him again and highly recommend him.
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04 Sep, 2017 by Leonard
Attorney Moshe Newman is very professional and will work with you to plan for your future. He is very knowledgeable of the laws and gets the job done promptly and efficiently. I would recommend him to my friends.
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05 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I consulted Mr. Snitchler regarding a dispute in which I'm involved. Mr. Snitchler was very responsive to my inquiry and was professional in handling it. Before offering any advice, he took the time to understand the details of my situation. After a meeting with patience and compassion, he pointed me on an actional path with great clearance. I'd recommend Mr. Snitchler to anyone who needs services in his domain of expertise.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Jaime
Mark is anexceptional individual and a very good lawyer.
He is great to work with and very responsive to our company needs.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Kristy & debi
My wife and I felt extremely comfortable from the very first time we met Stephen…something that doesn’t often happen with most attorney’s.
He was professional, knowledgeable, compassionate and really paid attention to the details so he could give us the best advice throughout this whole process.
We could not have asked for someone better to handle my brothers disputed estate. At one point during our 6 ½ months of working together on this, he actually made himself available during his wedding weekend and his honeymoon. Think about that…have you ever worked with an attorney that would go that extra mile for you?
So, if you want an excellent attorney who is also kind and honest, Stephen is the guy who will protect your rights and fight for you to get the justice you deserve.
Our thanks to Stephen and his entire staff for being there for us when we really needed it.
Sincerely,
Kristy & Debi
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02 Mar, 2015 by Joshua
Stephen Johnston was incredibly thorough and patient in the many different estate matters he has handled for my family. Always willing to walk us through whatever is needed, it's clear that Stephen cares about us and our wishes. He comes highly recommended, and is well worth the investment for planning for your family's future.
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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:
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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.
