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16 May, 2022 by Christie
I worked with Ms. Gartzke on my recent divorce. Although a difficult experience to go through, I found her to be compassionate, understanding and a skilled listener. I felt well represented and had confidence in her skills and knowledge of the law. She made sure I understood every option available to me and left no stone unturned. I would highly recommend her.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Jimmey
Deborah was a great attorney to work with. I really appreciated her transparency and professionalism. Deborah has extensive law knowledge and works your case from start to finish. She works alone and doesn't seem to take on more cases than she can handle. Always available and answers calls and emails swiftly. She's firm when she needs to be and has a great temperament to deal with lawyers who can be "challenging" to say the least. Unfortunate for me, I have retained several attorneys in my day and I can honesty say I recommend Deborah above all!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Betty jane tallett
Was a great help in settling my Dad's estate. She walked me through every step of the process. I would highly recommend her.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Curtis
After meeting with multiple estate planning attorneys, we realized Brandon Bytnar and his staff stood out above the rest. From our initial meeting and throughout the process, the attorneys and staff were very professional, knowledgeable, and caring.
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04 May, 2024 by James
My wife and I first met Brandon in 2014 and proceeded to contract with him to produce our Living will, Durable POA and related Florida-compatible Advance Directive documents. We've recently reviewed those items with him. We've also sought his counsel and referrals for other professional services as we transition to a structured senior living lifestyle.
We continue to be impressed with Brandon's knowledge, integrity, professionalism and genuine compassion. It is obvious he values those personal qualities in his staff as he grows his law office.
We highly recommend The Law Office of Brandon Bytnar.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Linda
Since 2008, Brandon Bytnar has been our attorney on several matters and he has always been very reliable, trustworthy, friendly and compassionate. Having worked with other lawyers on other items, I now have a sense of how rare this is. His work is thorough and he takes his time listening to your situation.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Lilla pearl asmund
Ed Wollman had been my father's attorney for years and reviewed his documents with him faithfully every five years. Before my dad went into Hospice, Ed and his team were a great source of information and comfort during a difficult time. After his passing it was made easier navigating closing the estate with his team and words of encouragement. The value of knowing that everything was handled in the courts was a huge relief. Thank you, Ed Wollman and Team.
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04 Jun, 2024 by August richter
Very knowledgeable, savvy estate planners.
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26 Sep, 2022 by Douglas price
The office is very professional and easy to work with. Every aspect of our planning was explained in layman's terms with some humor. Our revised trust plus all documents written by them. We highly recommend their expertise.
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23 Jan, 2017 by Howard
Allison Christensen is a fantastic attorney. From the first phone call with Allison I felt much better about my situation. She walked me through where she thought I stood in the matter, what the possible outcomes were, and how to prepare for each. She set realistic expectations of what to expect to help relieve my ongoing anxiety. Allison was always very responsive to communications and always left me satisfied that each question was answered. I have already recommended her to a family member.
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13 Jun, 2015 by Joe morel
Mrs. Christensen provided me advice regarding a civil litigation matter and I was very pleased. She has knowledge beyond her years. She was able to help me consider many contingencies I had not thought about. I highly recommend her if you have a litigation matter and I plan to personally recommend her to friends and colleagues.
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14 May, 2015 by Phyllis
Allison has done a remarkable job in representing me. I have had legal problems in the past and things were not explained to me, I was told not to ask questions and worse. My experience with attorney s was very upsetting. Allison has renewed my faith in the profession. She has answered all my questions and understands my concerns. I feel confident with her. She has done right by me.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Kenneth
My wife and I cannot recommend Mr Baker more highly. We were so concerned about setting up a trust and Mr. Baker answered all of our questions, he is a great listener and highly knowledgeable. He put everything in simple terms that we could understand. The office staff were very helpful and made you feel very welcome. We recommended Mr Baker to other people who live in our village. Thank you Mr.Baker for all of your help, you put our minds at ease.
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07 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Excellent communication skills. Answered all of my questions in a thorough manner. Wrote an excellent letter explaining all that I needed to get accomplished.
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10 Sep, 2019 by Richard
Jonathan was very helpful, led us through all documents. He explained each document and we left feeling that all our needs were addressed in a very professional matter. I highly suggest you use Jonathan Baker for all your estate planning needs.
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15 Nov, 2019 by Jeffrey k
Jeff Perlow is extremely knowledgeable about Estate Planning, kind, considerate and easy to talk to. He set up a trust for us so that all our assets will go directly to our beneficiary and avoid Probate. He prepared all of our Estate Documents, Living Wills, Power of Attorney forms, and transfer of our deed to our Trust. We highly recommend Jeffrey Perlow for legal advice and Estate Planning.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Fred
Jeff handled my divorce and I’m very satisfied with the outcome.
He exceeded my expectations.
I hired Jeff after I had spoken to a few other attorneys and I’m glad I did.
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10 Apr, 2018 by Charles petras
My wife and I contacted Jeff Perlow for our Estate Planing needs. He set up our Revocable Trust, Living will, and Durable Power of Attorney. He is very knowledgeable in every stage of estate planing. He is reasonably priced,and gives you top notch service.He is very easy to talk to, and encourages you to ask questions. We are happy to have had Jeff take care of this important part of our live's planning ! We would certainly recommend Jeff to anyone needing a Professional to guide them with these important documents.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Rita
Alex was very professional and addressed all of our questions and concerns. We would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in having a will/trust prepared.
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13 Dec, 2023 by John
Alexandra Kane did great work for my family and I can’t thank her enough. Alexandra was friendly, professional and patient with someone who is not very knowledgeable at all in law .Also with me being in Texas she helped guide me through everything dealing with Florida law. Thank you , Thank you , Thank you !!!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Dr. ronald
Alexandra is excellent and very knowledgeable about the law. She presents herself as a professional but is at the same time personable and compassionate. I recommend her without reserve.
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28 Oct, 2020 by Ilyn
Very knowledgeable in resolving immigration and human trafficking issues. She provided me an excellent, quality services that I could not ask for more. My case was well-handled. Although, my case was complicated, and after calling over 50 lawfirms, she took my case and helped me get through it. I was really confident having her as my lawyer and I definitely will recommend her to everybody, given a chance.
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31 May, 2018 by Marcela y enrique
Before I was referred to Magen, I had consulted more than four lawyers to review my husband immigration case. All of them brushed me off, or quote me an outrageous amount of money because they consider the case to be extremely difficult if not impossible. Being referred to Magen Kellam was a blessing! from the first consultation appointment, I felt respected and heard. Magen is incredibly trustworthy, professional, and kind. I didn't feel like I hired her, but instead, she accepted "my case", which was indeed difficult but not impossible like other lawyers had stated before. She followed up during the whole process and our case was successfully approved.. I will be forever grateful to her, and her team. Magen Kellam is a superb lawyer and an outstanding human being.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Kellam was hired to do a job and boy did she do it well.
While the road was bumpy and not direct Ms. Kellam advised us what to do at every turn and documentation to gather that would give us the results we always hoped for.
We highly recommend Ms. Kellam for her ability, passion and thoroughness
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06 Aug, 2021 by George
Counselor Brantley Oakey overachieved my expectations. He demonstrated confidence throughout his representation of a Civil case relevant to Litigation, Estate and Probate Law. I was instantly comfortable with his direction and guidance based on his demeanor, presentation style and his credibility. Counselor Oakey provided me with consistent communications, advice and options. Without being specific, my money was well spent, without any regrets and led me to the best possible outcome. If you are looking for someone to represent your needs, look no further. Don’t hesitate.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Oakey when the owner of a vacation house we rented sold the house before the end of our contract and tried to actually evict us personally. Mr. Oakey was able to keep the opposing side sane, no easy feat, and allow us peaceful enjoyment of the property. Highly recommend.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Frank
Brantley represented my interest in a divorce settlement. He is a true professional...he's calm, knowledgeable, and logical in his approach to family law. Amazing! His rates are fair and his work is succinct and efficient so his billing time reflects these efficiencies as well. You get money's worth and then some. I wasted thousands of dollars on a high profile attorney he did nothing but dance back and forth with another attorney with meaningless emails. He gets it done.
He was finally able to get my ex wife to come to the negotiating table and hammer out a divorce agreement. I highly recommend Brantley Oakey for all your family law needs. Simply stated: he's the best!!!
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17 Apr, 2019 by Nico paredes (nico real estate)
I am a real estate agent in Naples and I use Gulfshore Title which is owned by Grant Law.. They do great work, very thorough and they provide great customer service. Also I have the pleasure of Knowing Jeff Grand and Josh Grant who are the attorneys there. they help my clients with any real estate needs and estate planning... I highly recommend them..
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17 Apr, 2019 by Juan espinosa
Jeff and Josh Grant are very knowledge of estate planing, reliable, professional. Every time I have a question I go top them.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Juli rueda
I highly recommend Attorneys Jeff Grant and Attorney Joshua Grant, of Grant Law. They are top notch attorneys, extremely professional, dedicated to their clients, and are passionate with what they do.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Anna
Searching for a lawyer while dealing with the death of a loved is extremely difficult. I had many dealings with lawyers in both NY and Florida due to multiple estates. After very bad experiences in NY and also FL, I had to make yet another decision of which lawyer to choose so that I didn’t make the same mistakes. After several calls and consultations, I finally found a very professional and very knowledgeable lawyer that I knew was right for my situation from the first call. I chose Christopher Price. From my past experiences I’ve learned that there’s a huge difference between experienced and inexperienced lawyers. This firm is the best of the best. I finally found some peace in all of the devastation of loss because I chose the right lawyer this time. I highly recommend Christopher Price and his law firm.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Andrea
Chris Price is a professional and highly competent estate planning and probate attorney. His knowledge and experience are evident when speaking with him. I highly recommend Christopher Price.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Jeff
Attorney Chris Price manages legal matters for my small business. Most recently he handled the response to a subpoena issued to my company, which asked for information about one of my firm's independent contractors.
Mr. Price was readily available via phone and email, as well as professional, knowledgeable, and a calming presence. He handled the response to the subpoena expeditiously and furthermore crafted a strategy to handle potential further inquiries. My company is not a party to the lawsuit in which this contractor is involved, so knowing that I have an advocate who would handle this inquiry - by the deadline with business and legal expertise - was a great relief.
Pricing for the legal services was fair, and my business received tremendous value by hiring Mr. Price.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend Mr. Price to any business owner looking for a professional and knowledgeable attorney in Florida.
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10 Jan, 2017 by Jurgen
Mr. Alfred Stashis has been very helpful with his advises
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28 Mar, 2013 by Kathleen fox
We had a very complex situation with family and Al guided us through the pros and cons of each decision along the way. It was a very positive experience. He is very well suited to his professional role.
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12 Dec, 2013 by Steven
I found Holly to very professional and easy to communicate with. In an intense atmosphere I found her poised, focused, and able lead by showing grace under extreme pressure. She managed to keep me and my ex focused on the facts, and the economics, and most importantly the well being of our children. I never felt that she took one side or the other, and I can't say we could have sat in the room without her and accomplished the above mentioned objectives.
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11 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
As a family law attorney, I have used Ms. Chernoff many times as a mediator. I highly recommend her as a family law mediator. She is prompt, knowledgeable of the law and effective. Family law matters are always contentious and no one is happy but as a professional I see her working hard to settle difficult matters. Take the reviews written by clients in the context of people going through difficult times and expecting unrealistic results with a grain of salt. They don't want to hear opinions that differ from their mind set.
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01 Nov, 2018 by Dave
Working with Galbraith Law on estate issues was a pure pleasure. From the warm culture that pervades the offices to the competence and expertise we encountered in their legal knowledge, this is a practice I will be recommending to others!
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17 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I hope this review helps those who find themselves in a situation where they don't know what to do, how to proceed, where to turn, and feel that at every turn of the legal process they hit a brick wall. My husband and I were in that vey situation and Jamie literally fixed everything! We ended up firing our first attorneys ( whose name I will not mention), as they made our situation even worse and never truly explained the law to us. We then interviewed over 15 different attorneys in the naples area. As soon as we spoke to Jamie, we knew she was the right person for us. Not only will Jamie go to battle for you and fight for you every step of the way, she explains everything to you ( good and bad) so you're never surprised and feel a part of the overall game plan. She has such a warm and kind personality that many times she would just listen to me vent, and remind me that her job was to to take care of the mess we found ourselves in. Lastly, Jamie always let us know her schedule ( if she was out of the office, in all day meetings, etc) so that we would always be able to get in touch with her. Many times she even emailed us on Sundays to make sure we felt comfortable and had our questions answered as soon as possible. I think the world of Jamie. I wish you all the luck, but if you work with Jamie, you wont need it!
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19 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Jill has represented me for the past nine years concerning the guardianship of my father. During this period she helped direct me through one of the most difficult periods of my families' life. She was on top of every issue and helped direct me through the many intricacies of being a guardian. Her office staff has always been extremely responsive and provided immediate answers to my many inquiries. This past summer Jill called me after normal business hours on a Friday to assure me of an issue that she knew would be weighing on my mind all weekend. This is very typical of Jill in that always kept me informed.
When I received an invoice, there was never sticker shock, or inflated hours. There never needed to be a discussion concerning an invoice, to my Father or me, they were always correct and equitable.
I consider myself very fortunate to have Jill as my attor
One of the things thatShe has always been
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have Jill as my attorney.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Michael edwards
I had the pleasure of working with Chris on several projects, Chris impressed me with his ability to articulate the laws and provide excellent communication.
I would strongly recommend...
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19 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
A premier full service estate planning firm that made it very easy for my family to complete our documents and plan for the future. Ed was very knowledgeable about creating trusts, sorting out tax information, and establishing my family's unconventional beneficiary designations. I highly recommend this firm!
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08 Oct, 2017 by Karen
Jo-anne Jeffreys got me through a terrible situation with a positive outcome. Jo-anne was always patient with me despite my emotional distress and repeated questions. She always got back to me within a week of any email. Jo-anne seems to have an excellent grasp of elder law and steered me in the correct direction. Gratefully - Jo-anne tried to keep my costs down. Thank you Jo-anne!
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26 May, 2019 by Anonymous
We consulted Lorna with a challenging trust issue after our son died and others lawyers said they couldn't help us. She quickly figured out how to resolve our issues and worked quickly; we achieved great results. Highly recommend.
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16 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Danielle was absolutely great addressing all of our concerns and answering questions about a plethora of areas. Highly recommend.
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06 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Michele has continued to be a significant help in dealing with a very difficult child support and custody issue. She is the best! Thank you Michele!
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04 Feb, 2013 by Danielle
Mr. Marino is extremely knowledgeable and worked hard to make sure my case took priority.
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10 Jun, 2015 by Raymond
I do not live in Florida and that made choosing a Florida attorney a little more difficult. A Florida family member had passed passed away late in 2014 and we needed to probate the Florida estate. We ended up retaining Mr. Mast after speaking to a number of attorneys. He was by far the most candid and most reasonable. The estate was not particularly complicated and Mr. Mast did not try to embellish or justify why he needed to charge an inflated fee. His fee was most reasonable and his final bill was exactly where he projected it would be. It was refreshing not to hear an attorney "sales pitch" - a tactic that other florida attorneys used to try to justify why their fees should be higher.
He was knowledgeable and always promptly responded to our questions. He filed all papers in a timely manner.
I have no hesitation in recommending him and I am very glad we retained his services.
Ray M
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19 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I have had the privilege of speaking with Attorney Cooper on various occasions regarding probate and estate planning issues. She always answered my questions thoroughly and provided competent legal advice. I would recommend her services to anyone seeking assistance. Not only is she knowledgeable but she is kind and a pleasure to work with.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Katherine idler
My husband and I worked with Brittany and her team. We were very impressed with her professionalism and thoroughness throughout the entire process. We highly recommend Safe Harbor and Brittany for any estate planning needs.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas idler
Our family had the fortunate opportunity to work with Brittany and her team. We were very impressed with their communication and how quickly they worked to get everything completed for us. The entire process with Safe Harbor was streamlined and very easy. We recommend Brittany and her team to anybody needing estate planning assistance.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Rob ellis
09 Apr, 2024 by Scott joiner
Couldn't be in better hands !!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Steven turbiner
A superior legal organization comprised of knowledgeable, efficient and friendly individuals. From legal advice to telephone and email responsiveness, Galbraith Law excels.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Robert gordee
Brad Galbraith has been my attorney for over 20 years, and he has been extremely helpful with all my legal planning and issues.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Andy beights (andy beights @ b8stek)
01 May, 2022 by Miley rodriguez
Michael Coleman knows what he’s doing. It’s been a pleasure to work with him and his team in the past.
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27 Jul, 2020 by Mark hindley
I met Sonia Diaz several years ago through the Leadership Collier Foundation. I recall being struck then by her poise and professionalism. Recently, I had an Employment Law issue come up, and was quick to reach out to her. She was precisely as I remembered - knowledge, responsive, and extremely helpful. Sonia is without question a subject matter expert in employment law; but her temperament and communication style make her easy to understand, work with, and admire. Hiring Sonia, and her firm, will be a wise decision for you!
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27 Feb, 2024 by Andy beights (andy beights @ b8stek)
01 May, 2022 by Miley rodriguez
Michael Coleman knows what he’s doing. It’s been a pleasure to work with him and his team in the past.
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27 Jul, 2020 by Mark hindley
I met Sonia Diaz several years ago through the Leadership Collier Foundation. I recall being struck then by her poise and professionalism. Recently, I had an Employment Law issue come up, and was quick to reach out to her. She was precisely as I remembered - knowledge, responsive, and extremely helpful. Sonia is without question a subject matter expert in employment law; but her temperament and communication style make her easy to understand, work with, and admire. Hiring Sonia, and her firm, will be a wise decision for you!
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27 Feb, 2024 by Andy beights (andy beights @ b8stek)
01 May, 2022 by Miley rodriguez
Michael Coleman knows what he’s doing. It’s been a pleasure to work with him and his team in the past.
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27 Jul, 2020 by Mark hindley
I met Sonia Diaz several years ago through the Leadership Collier Foundation. I recall being struck then by her poise and professionalism. Recently, I had an Employment Law issue come up, and was quick to reach out to her. She was precisely as I remembered - knowledge, responsive, and extremely helpful. Sonia is without question a subject matter expert in employment law; but her temperament and communication style make her easy to understand, work with, and admire. Hiring Sonia, and her firm, will be a wise decision for you!
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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.
