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07 Aug, 2023 by Mary
If you are searching for a knowledgeable attorney who is versed in estate planning, elder law and probate, look no further. Christine O’Neil is a must to have in your corner if you need legal advice in dealing with any kind of estate issues. I live in Oklahoma and have a dear friend in Pensacola, FL that I was trying to help during a recent health crisis. My friend’s sister had recently passed away and she had no other family member to assist her. Living alone she reached out to me.
Having known my friend for over 40 years it became my duty and responsibility to assist her with health and end of life decisions. I knew it would be a challenge living almost 1000 miles apart, so I began the search for a local attorney in Pensacola with experience, skills and above all, compassion to help manage this process. My first assignment was to review and get my friends affairs in order. That’s when Christine O’Neil stepped in with the legal knowledge to assist in preparing the legal documents required to designate myself her legal power of attorney to manage the day-to-day affairs plus make all the medical decisions required later on.
My friend was mentally sharp however her body was failing, and she was in a rehab facility at the time. After our discussion Christine reached out to her and went over everything, answering her questions and making sure she understood. Once the documents were ready, Christine personally went to the rehab facility to execute the documents, left copies with the facility, and sent me the originals.
Christine is professional and has a compassionate, caring way about her that is needed and appreciated during such stressful circumstances. She listens, explains thoroughly each document, and always asked if I had any questions. She responds in a timely manner to emails and always called me back if she wasn’t available when I called. Finding Christine was the BEST thing for me in helping my friend. I highly recommend her!
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09 Feb, 2023 by Don
Putting an estate plan together is one of those things that we all tend to procrastinate. My late wife and I often talked about it, went to a few seminars attorneys put on, but never got around to actually doing it. When my wife died suddenly I realized very quickly that I needed an estate plan as the last thing you want is to die intestate and have the courts determine who gets what. Everyone's circumstances are different but having control over what you want is paramount. But where do you find a competent attorney to do this? Generally I prefer personal referrals but no one I knew was any help. Fortunately I was lucky. I did an internet search, if they had a website I checked what information was provided and checked out their credentials. This is how I found Christine O'Neil.
Not only are her credentials impeccable but she is blessed with an abundance of patience and compassion. She offers a free consultation and answered questions I didn't even know I had, plus she swiftly answered lots and lots of e-mails as I would think of something else. Basically I was still in shock from my wife passing but she made everything easy for me. She put together a last will and testament, a living will, a durable power of attorney, a designation of health care surrogate and completed and filed an enhanced life estate deed that is a huge bonus of living in Florida.
Some websites and software that will not be named will tell you that this is easy and you can do them yourself. One tiny mistake and your plan can go up in smoke. That's why you want a professional with the experience not to make mistakes that you wouldn't know about until it's too late. Especially if you're the surviving spouse you want everything air tight.
[redacted]
Don
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03 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Christine O'Neil was a wonderful help with writing our estate planning. The experience could not have been better. She explained every detail and guided us through every step of the process. She is very professional and yet personable. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing this service.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Sonja lajeunesse
Helped family member. Thank you
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16 Oct, 2023 by Marian julius
I was looking for a law firm to handle a family Trust issue. The Lindsay & Andrews firm was quick to respond to me.
I retained Mr. Roy Andrews who listened to my concerns and immediately went to work. The entire staff was professional and friendly, always looking out for my interests. I am very pleased with the work they did and would absolutely hire them again.
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14 Nov, 2022 by Robert paugh
Very professional, helpful in every way. Answered all of our questions and made us feel comfortable. Love this town!
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01 Sep, 2024 by Rene larose
23 Sep, 2023 by Gwen wilborn
Always understanding and helpful!
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29 Mar, 2023 by Jaydee hall
Mr. Warrick was an amazing attorney, along with his secretary and staff. They went above and beyond, to help with our situation, in a professional and courtesy manner. They made it affordable, with easy payment plans. I would highly recommend his office to anyone and would definitely use them again.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
When talking to her she is very rude and she talks down to you like you are an idiot. She did not impress! She acted like I was a waste of her time.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Bill
Byrom law firm is exceptional ! I can not choose only one word to describe Jennifer Byrom and her staff. Professional, experienced ,aggressive, thorough, attentive, knowledgeable, quality, value, enthusiastic, empathetic, caring, compassionate, personable, kind, and patient are just to name a few off the top of my head. Byrom Law Firm and my experience with Jennifer Byrom was nothing short of phenomenal. Jennifer Byrom did an exemplary job representing me in 2016 with my divorce. In 2020 I attained Mrs. Byrom again when my ex-wife wanted to relocate my special needs daughter from Florida to Montana. My daughter is autistic which makes my case unique just like her in many ways and my ex-wife makes my case difficult!
Lets be honest, most states including Florida tend to lean towards the mother or primary parent. I was scared, stressed, and heart broken knowing there was a chance I could lose my precious daughter who has no voice to a relocation many miles away. Mrs. Byrom was straight forward and realistic with me about my case throughout the whole process to the end. She eased my stress and was there for me anytime I needed her. If she was in court or busy at the time, then one of her wonderful paralegals Penny Miller or Denise Lewis were. Both women knew my case thoroughly and could answer any questions I had at any time. At no time did I ever feel as if my case wasn't their most important case. Kimi (the receptionist) was always there to make me smile when I was upset or stressed. She makes the best coffee and always went out of her way to make my wife and I comfortable. The whole staff makes you feel like family.
At no time did Mrs. Byrom ever make me feel like it was about money to her. She worked with me always giving me time to pay and was understanding of my financial situation. She worked hard throughout the whole case and is worth every penny spent. You definitely get what you pay for. An honest hard working attorney who cares more about you and your case than money.
Jennifer Byrom has knowledge and lots of experience with judges and courts in Santa Rosa County. Her dedication to fighting for my rights as a father and most importantly for my daughters best interest, is what made us win my case. Not just one win but two wins with two different judges. Temporary relocation was denied and permanent relocation was denied. Jennifer Byrom understood from the very beginning that because my daughter doesn't have a voice, she would have to become her voice. I will forever be grateful to her and her staff for this. If my daughter could speak she would definitely tell her " Thank you for keeping me with my daddy and for being my voice."
A great lawyer and honesty is all you need. This law firm is just that and more. I think it goes without saying that I HIGHLY recommend Byrom Law Firm. Thanks with all our hearts,
Bill, Stacie & Aurora
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24 Feb, 2018 by Katherine and brian
Jennifer has been a part of our case since 2015. She is not only extremely knowledgeable about the laws, she genuinely cares about people. She knows what she is doing and there are reasons for her choices. You have to trust her. If things are slow, be patient. She has a plan. If she tells you to do something, do it! Her staff is absolutely amazing and can explain to you the reasoning for things at any point. Is she "expensive". Sure! But, Jennifer went to school for many years, she has many years of experience, she has a great track record in the court room, she cares about people and works hard for you. She deserves her pay! You like to get paid for your work, correct? She is busy but wouldn't you want an attorney that is busy? This shows others trust her and hires her. She is prepared for your case so understand that just bc she can't pick up the phone daily doesn't mean she isn't working for you. We won the first case and she was found in contempt, we have more time w the kids, miracles happened that is unexplainable during the first mediation. We are back in the courts again due to her false filings but we believe we will win this one also. I tried to speak about what others said negatively about her. I'm picky! I'm hard to please! I'm opinated and expect a lot. If she wasn't wonderful, I assure you I would say so. But, the fact I think she is wonderful says so much more bc of who I am and my expectations. Hire her and tell her Katherine and Brian said we trust her w our children's lives!
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24 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Bradley has the demeanor of a teenage boy. All thrust, no vector. He for some reason has a hatred for the military and its veterans. Please do your research beforehand…maybe he’s the right guy for you. He is recently divorced, which is ironic for a family law/divorce lawyer. His wife worked for him at the firm, but left that too. I wish him the best going forward, but I’m moving on.
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21 Aug, 2023 by Johnny
Mr. Johnson represented me in a very difficult divorce. Being a male, I was very apprehensive, but Mr. Johnson was very patient with me and ultimately got me custody of my children and possession of the marital home. I'm very grateful to him.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Elizabeth
Nepotism is never good for business. His wife/secratary/receptionist gets way too emotional and defensive when she is presented with her husband's bad business skills. He will get up in the middle of your meeting to show you the door and doesn't return phone calls as promised. I would guess I'm not the first client he has lost money on because of their lack of tact and professionalism. I gave them a 2 because I got my full refund, otherwise it would be a 1 (0 if it was available). UPDATE: had no expectations other than what was said would be done, be done. If your wife/secratary says you will call me back by the end of the day, I think anyone would expect that would be the case or that at least be given a good estimated time frame of which I was rudely denied. Pretty fundamental business concept. And a client calling the next day after not recieving a phone call as expected, should be extremely understandable and acceptable, but I was met with irritation, defensiveness and snide behavior from your staff/wife. I do find it interesting that you find it important enough to argue about this on a public forum and make false and inaccurate comments but returning clients calls seems to be at the bottom of your list. Priority is everything and yours is a puzzlement. Being direct is not rude. Just honest. Wish you luck.
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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.
