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14 Apr, 2024 by Peter l.
I would definitely recommend Blacha Law Firm to anyone who needs a lawyer for family matters. My lawyer was Elizabeth Youakim. She was awesome, great service, always answered my calls and e-mails, was very knowledgeable and her paralegal Christine Lovendal was very helpful as well, they both never missed a beat with me and would always keep me in the loop and let me know what was going on. They both are very outgoing and kind people. Elizabeth always have good advice on what should be done and said, and she never let me down thank you for your help, I will always be grateful for what Elizabeth has done for me.
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03 Oct, 2021 by Candice peterson
Ms. Blancha's team is excellent. I would recommend her firm you anyone in Cook County looking for family law services. The team is friendly and responds quickly. They handled my case with care and expertise.
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03 Oct, 2021 by Jose
We are grateful to find the help we needed with Blacha Family Law.
They did not just win our case but they guided us through every step in the process of our adoption. They were very informative and professional.
Thank you Blacha Family Law for your services. We are very pleased with the results.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
15 Mar, 2024 by Melissa garcia
Great service from everyone there.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Shirlene coppage
She was very helpful and consistently answered all of my concerns and more from day 1.
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02 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I was referred to don through someone with similar circumstances, met with him, and he told me the facts of where I stood. I signed on with him, and he took care of my case responsibly, and kept me well informed throughout the whole case. I would recommend to anyone in need of a good, skilled, and knowledgeable injury lawyer. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again. Thanks again don.
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23 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Was very helpful and extremely professional. Hopefully don't need his services again, but would not hesitate to use him if I do. Great overall Experience.
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02 May, 2013 by Robert
I found Tom Homer to be a very personable person, extremely professional and with a lot of great experience. He walked me through every detail and was quick and precise with his answers to my questions. He has a courteous staff that were quick to assist me.
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13 May, 2013 by Brian
Would work with Amina again in a heart beat. My wife and I worked with her on estate planning, and Amina knew the subject matter inside and out. She spent the time to go through the subject with us (which we were both new to) and ensured that all of our questions were answered. She looked into other investments we had and helped us determine the best way forward to have these incorporated into our estate planning. Her output documents are very thorough and seem to cover all the bases. She helped us plan out revocable living trusts, pour over wills, and with the ins and outs of all of the assets to ensure they are transferred and titled properly, and set up with appropriate beneficiaries to ensure that future needs are met.
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04 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Jeff developed wills, trusts and medical powers of attorney for my family. My wife and I found him to be completely trustworthy and very highly skilled as an estate planner. He was also able to coordinate effectively with our financial advisor. We separately engaged Jeff to update the plan. Jeff also did a great job of setting up an S Corp for a consulting business I established while in transition between regular jobs. I would heartily recommend Jeff to anyone in need of help with estate planning or small business legal matters.
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10 May, 2024 by Lola
Very professional, very proficient.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Joe swantek
22 Aug, 2023 by Sue anastasia
Exceptional Team to work with. Everything was explained clearly, and attention to details, and organization is Exceptional. I must say, I felt so comfortable like a weight was lifted off my shoulder finalizing my Trust/Will. Thank you for making this moment in my life such an easy and comfortable experience for me.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Kevin karas
03 Jun, 2024 by Bill inman
05 Apr, 2024 by Ron leonard
This firm is great. Completely hassle less transaction. Sarah was so helpful and thorough. She even figured out a way to wire all funds even though we had no voided check. Thanks again.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Michelle schaper
Being a small business owner is often a lonely experience and one that can sometimes come with lots of uncertainty. When I found myself facing questions I didn't know the answer to and that seemed like they would benefit from legal support, I went searching within my network. Ian came highly recommended as a conscientious attorney who would make sure I was protected as a business owner. I couldn't agree more.
Ian is responsive, patient with my questions, thorough in his considerations and helpful in playing out various scenarios. No question is small or silly. I leave our conversations feeling equipped with the right information to make an empowered decision. I consider Ian a trusted advisor and an invaluable resource.
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22 Aug, 2022 by Amanda greenwood
02 Nov, 2021 by Gurpreet
Happy with the service and quick response on advise. to the point and recommend anyone uses this service
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11 Oct, 2024 by Robyn sincavage
Zachary Martel and Mercy Gustis were great. I highly recommend Roscich & Martel Law Firm, LLC.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Arthur laciak
I had a great experience with Rosisch & Martel. My condo purchase was handled smoothly and I was able to close a week earlier. Zach was also very responsive to my questions.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth escarria
Super professional but personable too. They helped me with my impossible time line. Quick, efficient and well priced too!! Will continue to be a customer and refer my friends here.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Jeremy karlinski
I have been working with O'Flaherty Law on my civil litigation matter for quite some time. Sadie has been a great point of contact with positive energy.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Eileen mink
18 Aug, 2024 by Javan lewis
Ryan was very courteous, and just flat out amazing when we talked. So helpful
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11 Sep, 2024 by Deanna cortese
We used Diaz Anselmo & Associates (specifically Tom and Jessica from the Naperville office) for the purchase of a new home. Tom is an amazing lawyer. He is extremely thorough, quick to reply, and kind. Jessica was also there every step of the way. She is organized and patient while answering all of our questions. We loved them so much, we used them to represent us in the sale of our townhome, and also recommended them to a family member for the sale of their house! While buying or selling a home is stressful, both Tom and Jessica made it easy. They are trustworthy, accommodating, and reliable people. They will be representing us any time we buy or sell in the future.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Thelma
A few months ago, I found myself calling Attorney John Brennock for his services again but this time for a serious life-threatening incident that happened in my apartment building where my cousin and I reside. Our neighbors moved from their apartment above us and management began repairs and renovations as they usually do. It was around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 when we began to smell a strange but harsh odor that penetrated throughout our whole unit. The smell literally cut our breath so much that I opened all the windows, even opened the front door.
The following Monday morning my cousin called the property manager and discovered that they were working on the bathrooms however they didn’t disclose exactly what they were doing. After speaking to the property manager, we both concluded that we were exposed to some type of paint striper that contained methylene chloride.
I wondered how anyone could survive that smell and not keel over without wearing protective gear when working directly with these chemicals. Then I decided to look at my security cameras to see if it captured any type of equipment they were using for renovation of this apartment. I saw two men suited up in what looked like gas masks and carried a different type of fan that was small in size with them before they went upstairs. They were finished in less than thirty minutes and obviously closed all the windows and locked the apartment door to keep vagrants out. The odor became more intense and permeated throughout our unit for hours.
Mr. Brennock offered to write a letter to the property manager in regards to this incident. He isn’t a personal injury lawyer but did advise me that is what I would need if I wanted to pursue this matter. Then he informed me that I can still go to the hospital if I was still feeling bad, which we did. I thought if I didn’t go right away that there was no need. I opted out of the letter and chose to use the money that I have been saving to buy a home instead of attorney fees. He even gave me references to a couple of really good real estate agents to assist.
Yeah, I know what you're saying, “Well that’s not too much.” When a lawyer returns your every call or emails, responds to all not some of your questions, explains what's in their perimeters and what is not, followed by what they can do for you, and gives advice and then follows up on that advice, puts this attorney way above the others. Would I turn to this attorney if I need to again? Yes, absolutely.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Scott m.
John is an excellent lawyer who has demonstrated extensive knowledge of my case. I wasn’t confident about winning until I saw him in action before the judge. His courtroom expertise was impressive, and I would definitely hire him again.
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27 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Denise is extremely knowledgeable in the area of Special Education. She can support your advocacy of your child, advocate for your child in a meeting and take the Dostrict to Court, if that is needed. Her knowledge and expertise helped me navigate a maze and get the support my children needed.
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07 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I give Denise Cahill no marks because she deserves not one. In order to fill this out you still must Rate!
We needed a lawyer to handle our Autistic child. We had discussed our situation over the phone with a Free Consultation she was saying we had a good case and was totally on board with our goals. Once we got to the consultation she changed her story on which way to go once she had our retainer and consult. Fee she pulled the bait on switch on us and said she doesn't think she can meet our goals w/o even looking at the docs. She then asked for more $ if we wanted her to proceed that our case was too complicated! This was in an email all being after only one week and two pages of documents. She wrote one letter to the schools atty. Stating she was retained by us and stated if we don't give her more $ she'll drop our case! How does someone get away with this kind of behavior? She shld. Be disbarred for telling me all this and stating "my kid is complicated" after laying down thousands of dollars!!!! Ms. Cahill is only a glorified advocate but really at best a con-man/woman!!!!!
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15 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Im having issues with my son at his current school. I needed someone aggressive, organized and experienced with special needs education issues. I specifically wanted her to fight for another placement for my son so he could go to a therapeutic day school as he needs intensive behavior modification Instead, at the IEP meeting, she focused on minute, insignificant details in regards to his goals that were not important to me. I had to refocus on the placement issue, but she did not fight for it. Later, she casually told me that I would not get what I wanted anyway. I feel awful as I spent the only savings that I had.
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11 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
We hired him for house purchase. The whole time, the only job he does is to forward emails to the other lawyer. No consultation about strategy. No information about legal procedure. Do not even answer questions through phone call or emails. The only reason we have to use him is that IL requires a lawyer for house purchase legal agreement. Other than that he provide no value at all.
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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.
