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04 Sep, 2024 by Linda drummond
Vince is an excellent attorney he took care of all our needs with our closing and Janet was very helpful and patient with me with all my questions and concerns. I recommend him highly
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jonathan taylor, dc
I was recently diagnosed with a health condition that required an immediate update of my will, and the creation of associated medical directives. Mr. Catenaro (Joe) rearranged his schedule around my medical appointments and completed everything in a very timely fashion. The final documents were far more detailed than I expected. However, his simple explanation of each section was easy to understand and everything he crafted made sense.
Joe’s knowledge and trustworthiness were very evident, yet his fee was perfectly reasonable. I look forward to working with Joe and his legal assistant Michael as my life continues to evolve and my estate planning needs change.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Anna soliman
If you are searching for an estate planning attorney, then you can stop here. After speaking with a few attorneys in the area, and not feeling heard, we reached out to Joe. We initially contacted him because of his online reviews, however after speaking with him, we learned that not only was he personable, but that he was very knowledgeable, resourceful and most importantly, he was patient and kind to me and my elderly parents. After listening to what we were trying to accomplish, he took the time to provide us with a thorough understanding of our options. We are extremely satisfied with his level of communication and professionalism and highly recommend his services.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Thearmedvegan
I cannot say better things about Eric Melzer and the team at BLKGG. I was introduced to Eric when he called to renew a trademark for a nonprofit I became the new President for. I had no prior relationship or referral/connection with him so I was a little hesitant at first, and almost had another attorney that I have worked with handle the trademark renewal. I figured I would give Eric a shot since he was the original attorney to handle the trademark, and it was the best decision I ever made.
Seven years later, Eric now handles all my legal matters for my businesses, and any other personal matters, and I have never been happier. He is sharp, concise, efficient, and tactfully aggressive when needed against an adversary.
Eric has always done the right thing for me and when something falls out of his expertise, he introduces me to someone in his firm that specializes in exactly what I need.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dolph e. chiarino
Most people hesitate to call lawyers because they know they're going to spend a lot of money & are unsure of their outcome. I used this law firm for a problem I had with my credit card company. They were extremely sensitive to my problem & offered their services at the going rate for legal help. They accepted my case, which was a "David vs. Goliath" fight. A single consumer fighting the credit card/corporate banking system which is pretty much foolproof. With the help of this company (Mr. Robert Giasullo & Mr. Evan Silagi) they were able to win my case & save me 10's of thousands of dollars. If you want honest, knowledable & considerate lawyers fighting in your corner, this is the firm to use. I normally don't have high regard for lawyers in general but this company is a winner & I can't say how appreciative I am to this firm for helping me out of my situation.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Ann zych
Matt Iftode was my Mother's estate attorney and now has just completed our estate plan for my husband and I. We can't say enough good things about Matt. He is extremely knowledgeable and is very easy to work with both in the execution of my Mother's will and estate as well as the planning of ours. We highly recommend Matt Iftode and this law firm!
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26 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
We recently reached out to Robby to redo our wills and he made everything so clear and easy. It was a pleasure working with him. He is very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend him to friends and family.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I appreciate Mr. Aufseeser's help. A concern: I have not received my copies of the final documents even though they were signed two weeks ago. Otherwise, pleased with my experience.
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23 Jun, 2017 by Joseph
Robert helped me with some basic estate planning. He gave me the pros and cons of each type of contract and helped me pick the best solution for me and my family. I will definitely be working with him in the future.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Tony
I had to administer the estates of a three-member family who all passed within a short time. I had used the Cosner Law Firm a number of years ago and went to it to help again. The firm, as a whole, did a very good job.
The attorney assigned to work with me was outstanding in every sense. It took 2 years to settle all the estates. Without Anne Marie’s help and guidance, along with that of her assistant, Lisa, I could never have reached the end. Anne Marie guided me through three probates, property sale, multiple heirs, family complications and inheritance and tax laws. It would have been an endless task with their help. I can’t say enough good things about the firm. I highly recommend them.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Dianne
My first consultation was with Staci Cosner. I was pleased with her confidence and eagerness to help me with my legal matter. I am very pleased with the expertise of the Legal team and the excellent work and time to handle and resolve my legal matter.
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30 Jun, 2022 by Judith
Working with Ms Stacie is like being with a family member.She truly cares about you and your situation and works very hard to accomplish your goal.
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04 Aug, 2019 by Mary
My husband and I have used John for all our legal needs. He is always completly professional as well as understanding when the situation warrents it. I have recommended him to family and friends.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Jim
John handled the sale of my home in Harrington Park and the purchase of my new home in Twp of Washington in August 2016. John handled both transactions flawlessly and kept me informed on all details as we progressed to the closing dates.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
John is one of the best lawyers I know. He handled all of our affairs with precision and professionalism, and always in a timely manner.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Melissa sidoti
Husain Gatlin is probably one of the best attorneys I have ever retained and I can’t thank him enough for being so hands on with our case. He did everything he said he was going to do and he is well worth every cent you spend!! As I have told Husain previously, I admire him and I don’t like lawyers! 🤣
I think that explains it all!! Thank you 😎
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04 Feb, 2025 by Wade smith
I highly recommend Mr. Gatlin services to all my family, friends, an associates. His office staff was a pleasure to work with, they were very professional an detailed. Mr. Gatlin made sure all my questions were answered an kept me informed every step of the way. I didnt have to ask any questions, he was on top of it. I would recommend anyone that need professional legal representation to seek Mr Gatlin. I really appreciate his assistance and i want to say THANK YOU Mr. Gatlin for your excellent professional assistance and the outcome.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Matthew streeter
I paid Husain A. Gatlin $2,500 to represent me in a simple civil dispute. From the beginning, he was difficult to get a hold of, and even though I only reached out with legitimate questions, Gatlin only communicated through a document uploading website, through which it took several days to get a response.
Communication got so bad with Gatlin that another lawyer of mine attempted to contact him regarding vital matters- he and I still got no response for weeks.
Gatlin made it clear to me -by actually telling me- that he was tired of this case and had no interest in continuing it. It was such a relatively minor case (albeit very important to me) that he simply lost interest when it started taking just a little longer than expected to reach a resolution.
WORSE OF ALL, I didn’t find out until trial commenced (with a new lawyer) that a major point of contention between the other party and me was caused by Gatlin’s carelessness.
Part of my countersuit against the other party was for trespassing. It didn’t come out until the trial, when opposing counsel brought it to my attention while I was on the witness stand, that unbeknownst to me, Gatlin had given the go-ahead to the other party to enter my property WITHOUT CONSULTING ME, OR EVEN TELLING ME AFTER HE DID IT. Police were called, charges were filed, trial took place, all because Gatlin, knowing I would never allow the trespass FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN, took it upon himself to let the other party enter my property without even telling me he’d done it.
As a trial date approached, when he should have been the most interactive, Gatlin completely fell off the face of the planet. Neither I nor my other attorney could reach him at all. Weeks later, I fired him and hired another attorney.
Since Gatlin did nothing the entire ten months he “represented” me (other than wear his pretty little bow ties), I filed for fee arbitration to recoup at least a portion of the $2,500 I paid. During the fee arbitration hearing, he blatantly lied several times, and when I proved he was lying, he resorted to insults.
If your case isn’t as sexy and exciting as a murder, this is the kind of service you can expect from Husain A. Gatlin.
---------UPDATE, IN RESPONSE TO COMPANY'S COMMENT------------
The panel's questionable decision aside, there's no denying the fact that your carelessness put my children in danger and caused unnecessary litigation. And it's no coincidence that other negative reviews of you have common denominators- your carelessness, quickness to lose interest in cases you're paid to see through to the end, and petulant refusal to communicate with clients.
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26 Dec, 2017 by July
Chris handled several personal matters for me, he is highly professional, knowledgeable and also very compassionate. He gave me excellent advice during emotional situations and helped me keep a cool head and make the right decisions.
I would recommend Chris to anyone looking for an attorney in the Woodbridge area.
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14 Dec, 2017 by Jeremiah
I've used Chris is several issues in Family Court matters, he does his best to help see the reasonable side of things. He doesn't just go for your money, he gives you honest advice and the best possible honest outcomes, he actually cares about the scerario you're in and wants to help find a solution for it. Whtaever your legal reasons in the areas he works in Chris a call, you won't regret it.
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13 Dec, 2017 by Nell
Nobody likes needing a lawyer. Let's be honest about that. But when you do need a lawyer, Chris is an absolutely amazing person to have in your corner. He explained things related to my divorce in detail and with complete honesty, from the week of separation to the divorce finalization. He was always available quickly when I needed advice, or even reassurance about a random or unreasonable worry.
Chris goes the extra mile to also treat his clients like full human beings who have skills, knowledge, and worth but happen not to be lawyers themselves. I had a relatively simple case in the end, but that was largely through his work and good sense along the way. That meant things could have cost a lot more money, but he actively took steps to keep that from happening. His ethics are impeccable and I always left conversations with him feeling better.
I trust Chris implicitly. I recommend him heartily. I hope and pray I never need his services again, but I wouldn't hesitate to hire him if I did.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Paola lizarazo
Fantastic lawyer.
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26 Jun, 2024 by James battle
My entire 2 year experience was entirely attentive. All staff members responded to any inquiry I had. All proceedings were explained in detail, and I felt like I was the only client.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Mikem g
This man will use you and will completely drag your case on to no end. He will take an email and make it into 5 emails then charge $80 for each one. He will have you convinced that your about to win your case just do an order to show cause then charge you $6k and do barely anything when you go in front of a judge. Don't use this man.
Surprised to see positive reviews of this individual. Fakes!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Joyce fernandes
Excellent attorney and a great guy as well! As a Realtor-Associate I always have full confidence in referring Jeff as well as his assistants to my clients. Thank you so much for all that you do!
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22 May, 2024 by Chris g
25 Dec, 2023 by Ben ross
08 Dec, 2024 by Gina huang
I recommended Bill for my mom's estate planning. She loves working with him! He is guiding her through the entire process with professionalism and clarity along with a deep understanding of the law! What was overwhelming and an emotional task felt manageable thanks to Bills thoughtful and patient approach! Highly recommend!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Jon klein
Stellar law firm.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Jim jackson
Bill Varian is the best!! He is extremely knowledgeable, very detailed oriented and was very responsive to our messages. He helped us with our estate planning, set up our wills & set up a trust for us. I can't say enough good things about him, we high recommend him!!!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Pei zhu
I recently had the pleasure of working with Larry and Mary as my attorney during the homebuying process. We are impressed with their responsiveness and professionalism. They promptly answered all of my questions, addressing any concerns I had with care and attention. They guided us through each step, ensuring that we understood our rights and responsibilities.
Thank you for making this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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26 May, 2023 by Sheleen quish
Now that I am sitting comfortably in my new house I can reflect on the elements that came together to make it not only possible but a victory! Obviously the realtor plays a significant role , but what brings it all together at that closing table? Your Real Estate attorney is the answer! I have purchased and sold properties with the expertise, knowledge and wisdom provided by Stempler Law! Mary Young and Larry Stempler are by far the most thorough and dedicated advocates for their clients. Their goal is to do everything right and in a timely manner. They went out of their way to accommodate my schedule when I sold my place in Montclair and relocated to Tennessee and had to leave before the closing day. They are a great team, working together to make sure everything tics and ties… no loose ends!! I highly recommend their services! Your realtor will thank you as well because they work in partnership with both you and your realtor!! Thank you Mary and Larry for assuring a clean and efficient close! Best regards and much appreciation!
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08 Mar, 2023 by Rashi verma
I used this law firm to close sale of my condo in 2021, since they were under the legal plan (Legalease) and had good ratings on Google. I am sad to say that I found this firm to be dishonest in their dealings. They charged me an extra $500 without explaining why and held up the closing until I paid them. I did end up paying them because it was not worth ditching the transaction and starting with another lawyer so late in the game. This was my last email to them. They didn't respond to why they charged me an extra $500 without an explanation. It took me a long time to post this review, and I hope it saves others headaches in dealing with dishonest service providers like this firm.
------------------------
Larry
I didn't get a clear answer on the phone from you re: your fees, and also I would prefer to get this over email anyway. You seem distressed that Legalese pays you just $400 for the contract -- which, if we stick to facts alone, is something you knew fully well before taking on this case.
The retainer you sent which I signed states that: " Expenses such as postage and overnight delivery are not covered by the Plan and are your individual financial responsibility. Likewise, lengthy contract negotiations and extraordinary factors including, but not limited, to lengthy inspection negotiations, title issues and travel to a distant closing are not covered by the Plan and are also your individual financial responsibility. A Fee List is enclosed herein for your reference. Any additional charges for legal fees will be based upon the amount of extraordinary time required of the Firm are billed at Larry A. Stempler’s current hourly rate of $425.00 per hour and Paralegal hourly rate at $135.00."
I am still not sure what lengthy contract negotiations were done by your firm, or extraordinary services were offered wrt this contract closure. When you got involved, we already had a price we had agreed to with the buyer. The buyer, post-inspection, asked for a bunch of stuff which could be waived for $1000, which we took up. So, to my knowledge, I am unaware of any lengthy contract negotiations or extraordinary services that your firm performed that should require an additional charge.
I am not comfortable with you charging me $500. If you believe it is deserved per the retainer agreement we have in place, kindly respond back as to what exactly you are charging for.
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22 Sep, 2018 by Christine shay
Michael Nelms has represented me in several real estate negotiations. In each one he was knowledgeable, thorough, and professional as well as reasonable in his fees. I highly recommend Michael Nelms as an attorney.
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17 Oct, 2014 by Tina
Mike is a great lawyer. He walks you thru the entire process and keeps you updated. I filed my BK in Dec with Mike . In April I was in court and Aug I had my discharge papers in my hand.
I was very pleased with my decision obtaining Mike Nelms.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Bettyann
Tremendous attorney who cares….extremely professional and always prepared
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09 May, 2024 by Kanni r
Working with Kathy Karas-Pasciucco and her assistant Donna Thomas for my divorce was a huge relief during a tough time. Kathy's expertise and dedication helped me secure custody of my son, which means the world to me. Kathy wasn't just a lawyer; she felt like a supportive friend, guiding me through each step with care and understanding. I can't thank her enough for everything she did. If you're facing a similar situation, I highly recommend Kathy. She's not just a great lawyer; she's someone who truly cares about her clients. Thank you both for everything you did for me and my son.
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05 May, 2024 by Melissa gangi
14 Nov, 2024 by Wanda rivera
Mr. Davenport and his staff made things so easy and stress-free. From my very first interaction with him, he explained the entire process and made me feel confident of the outcome and the Judge's decision being in our favor. I highly recommend him to anyone for legal services. Again THANK YOU!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Mister nacio
Usually attorneys give you a run around and scare you with negative theories and drive your stress & anxiety levels up. Randy is a stand up gentleman / attorney that takes you’re case serious and gets on the ball with things. A no joke attorney that most importantly answers his phone and keeps you updated constantly! Randy is the real deal
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03 Jul, 2024 by Eddie lee
Randy Davenport is a confident Attorney who puts your mind at ease from day one. He understood my ask and he worked with the prosecutor and made it happen. I would recommend Randy to anyone who would need his help, hands down!!!
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04 Mar, 2024 by Dawn
We needed our Wills updated. Mr. Quinn was referred to us by our accountant. We found Mr. Quinn and his staff to be extremely knowledgeable, professional and great at explaining things when we had questions. We own a business and have two young children. We needed this done right and I truly feel Mr. Quinn did an amazing job.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Our family recently worked with Colin Quinn on estate planning for our mother. Mr Quinn and his staff were very attentive to our family’s needs as they took the time to really understand our background and circumstances. Appreciate all the time Mr Quinn had spent explaining the legal and monetary impacts to our family estate planning.
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02 May, 2023 by Alexandra
We’re very happy that we’re referred by a friend to Mr. Quinn. We needed to form a LLC and a Will . Mr. Quinn was very approachable. He took the time to explain the legal issues in terms that we could comprehend. He gave us great personal advice which we followed ,and made a decision that lead us to our next step in life .We Highly recommend Mr. Quinn for your legal transactions.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Anthony
I had the pleasure of working with Pete during a particularly challenging home purchase, involving the assumption of a mortgage from a family member living overseas. The intricate details, coupled with tight deadlines around the holiday season, seemed like an insurmountable task. However, Pete's expertise and unwavering commitment shone through every step of the way.
Pete's ability to seamlessly coordinate with banks, title companies, and us, his clients, was nothing short of remarkable. His support and knowledge were invaluable throughout the process, turning what could have been a daunting experience into a smooth and successful journey to homeownership.
Thank you, Pete, for your outstanding work, dedication, and for making the seemingly impossible, possible. Your legal prowess and genuine commitment to your clients truly set you apart. I couldn't be more grateful for your assistance in securing my dream home.
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03 Sep, 2022 by Sheila
When we bought our house in Piscataway 13 years ago, Peter Balsamo was the sellers attorney. Even being on the opposing side of the table then, the negotiations went smoothly, imo due to the experience and expertise of the attorneys. We were very impressed with Peter then so when we needed a new attorney to represent us in our house sale this year (our former attorney had since passed away), we immediately thought of Peter and contacted him. He is extremely knowledgeable, highly professional, and at the same time, very down to earth and matter of fact in communicating. Peter is very easy to talk to, treated us with utmost respect, and responded promptly to all our questions and clarification requests (and I had quite a few). If you are embarking on a real estate transaction journey, go with Peter Balsamo - he will get you through to close as uneventfully as possible.
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23 May, 2022 by Diane s
We hired Peter to purchase a condominium. then sell my parents home, then transfer the condo to my parents. Peter was top notch. He was attentive to details, QUICK to respond, extremely professional, offered creative solutions for signing documents due to covid. He was always thinking ahead in terms of structuring and responding to the other side. I have my masters in RE finance and have worked on many commercial real estate closings: trust me Peter is the cream of the crop. Also notable - we found Peter by asking a attorney friend who he used for his own Mom’s house sale. .
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01 Apr, 2023 by Carol
My husband and I had our "simple" will written by Michael in 2013. When my husband died recently I had to have the will probated. It cost me a fortune since it was 79 pages long. My husband and i have been married 56 years, we have 1 child, and own 1 house. The Surrogate said she had never seen a will with this many pages.
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03 Dec, 2014 by Lorraine & david
My husband and I attended one of Michael Bonfrisco's Seminars last year and were impressed with the way he conducted the seminar, and with his professionalism and knowledge of Estate Planning. We set up an appointment with Michael quickly thereafter. He was easy to talk to, easy to understand, and with his guidance and expertise we planned our estate. Our main concern was protecting our assests from excessive taxes and preserving them as much as possible for our children and grandchildren. Needless to say, Michael helped us accomplish that. My daughter attended the last seminar in November with us and she said it really got her thinking about it, especially since she has 3 children. I have recommend Michael to my family and friends and three of them plan to seek his expertise with their estate planning in the near future. I would love to add one other thing.......Michael makes you feel like your Family!!!
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24 Nov, 2014 by Diane
for 10 or more years I had been trying to get my husband to agree to go to any estate planning lawyer to have a will/trust prepared. we knew very little about the whys & hows of estate planning. I had even been cutting out newspaper articles about the process for us to read but to no avail. we did attend one seminar during that period but while we learned a little more @ the process, it would be another few years before he finally took action. he had seen a notice in the newspaper for an upcoming seminar @ estate planning presented by a lawyer named Michael bonfrisco. he was finally motivated to attend another seminar. we attended that seminar in mar of 2013. he made his presentation so interesting and realistic that it felt like he was talking about us (& probably many of the other attendees). we could relate to the family in his presentation. my husband was so impressed that he scheduled a consultation (free) with him immediately after the seminar ended. when we met with him a couple of weeks later we explained exactly what we wanted to accomplish. he took us step by step through the process and provided us with a timeline. he listened to and understood our concerns, explained basic info to us, and then advised us to how he would proceed to protect our financial & personal interests by eliminating probate, excessive taxes ,& preserving our assets for our immediate family members. he explained what financial and personal info he would need b/f he could proceed. we met with him a few weeks later and fine tuned every aspect of the document to assure that it accomplished just what we wanted. two months later, by may 2013, we had signed our trust document with mr bonfrisco. over the past 20 months we have received numerous e-mail notices with updates and other seminars. we've also had need to ask several questions and have always received a quick response (w/o charge) from himself or one of his very knowledgeable staff members. we attended "our" 1st annual family legacy seminar on nov 15 and enjoyed it immensely. after the seminar he took time to answer questions on a 1 to 1 basis from the attendees. he truly takes a personal interest in all his old clients & any prospective clients. I would highly recommend Michael Bonfrisco to any of my family or friends.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Danielle
I had not met Jay Freireich, yet had a good "gut" feeling about him during a brief telephone conversation: he was intelligent and direct. He then proved this with an honest and reliable character, in communicating facts of the case readily, keeping me involved, being accessible, and meeting established timeframes. His actions are to listen, understand, persevere, work hard, and be forthright, Jay Freireich is an ethical person, and a gem of an attorney -- May he always be blessed, and have the ability to bless his clients! Thank-you from the bottom of my heart!
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13 Aug, 2022 by Bettina
Jay stayed the course and kept the costs as low as his could as he settled my very complex case. He told me his hourly rate would be lower than the contingency fee. HOW MANY LAWYERS would do that…. VERY FEW!!!! He offered a ear or shoulder whenever I needed it in order to get me to the next step. My case has been closed for two years, and guess what - he is still there for me and my family. I can’t say enough about Jay except he is an pit bull when he needs to be - but FIRST AND FOREMOST a HUMAN BEING, unlike other attorneys I have had the displeasure of dealing with. Thank you JAY!
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30 Jun, 2021 by Julie
Mr. Freireich is an excellent lawyer. He represented me on a tax case for about a year and half. The potential financial impact of this case on my family was significant. Mr. Freireich's technical and legal expertise led us to a very favorable settlement. I was extremely confident of his handling of this case and his extensive knowledge of Tax Law. Not only was he legally sharp, but he managed his affairs with the highest ethical standards. I am sure I was not his only client but he understood how important this case was to me and he always retuned phone calls and emails in a timely fashion. He kept me updated on our progress during each phase of the legal process. I was very grateful for his help, his legal expertise, and his genuine concern for his clients. I would highly recommend Mr. Freireich for his expert legal services.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Lorraine hand
Brian Hoffman has been my lawyer for many years and I have trusted his advice .
He has always made me feel comfortable discussing personal matters.
If you want a trusted family lawyer I would definitely recommend Brian Hoffman!
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05 Dec, 2024 by John holly
Hoffman and Hoffman were exceptional in their assistance and completion of our issue. They were prompt in their responses in every aspect needed. Highly recommend
This firm in the future.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Zygmunt witynski
12 Jun, 2013 by Charles anthony
Leadership by example, the entire law firm of Richard D. Meinders represents not only the name, but the person. The staff provides the right answers to your questions and concerns while providing support in a time of need. Mr. Meinders has been one of the two legal representatives that I have used in the past 22 years. He and his firm has been there for two purchases, three sales, provided information, guidance and services concerning elder care, elder law and estate planning.
Knowledgeable, Compassionate and Trustworthiness is the standard that Mr. Meinders has established and this establishes him and this firm a cut above.
Thank you for all of your years of service
Sincerely
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25 Apr, 2013 by Dee
10 stars - not only is Richard Meinders knowledgeble and reliable he is truly a humanist and puts the needs of his clients first. He's a genuine great listener and I am impressed with his service from his staff to the warm culture you can feel in his office. He exceeded my expectations! . Reasonably priced too-shopped one other attorney in the area whose price was higher.
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24 Apr, 2013 by Ted
Richard Meinders made everything very clear and easy to understand, which gave me confidence in hiring him when I had to make some difficult decisions regarding my Will and Trust. I have recommended Richard Meinders to family and friends.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Laura autore
After calling multiple other attorneys, including the one on TV that will "fight for you", and being refused due to my case being referred to as "too small", my orthopedic surgeon's office referred me here. Even though I did have some contact with Tim Dinan, who was also just as wonderful, I primarily worked with Meghan Steingall. Meghan was amazing to work with, incredibly kind and compassionate, while also being professional and extremely knowledgeable. Anytime I had any questions or concerns, she, or her paralegal James (equally amazing) were very accessible by phone or email and took their time in speaking with me. My case was settled quickly, within a year, and the outcome was so much better than I ever could have imagined. Meghan fought very hard for me and would not back down until she was satisfied that she was able to get me the maximum amount possible. I feel very blessed to have found this law firm. Meghan has completely changed my life for the better. I will be forever grateful.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Tara jakubik
I did my estate planning twice with Renata, once when I got married, and again after I divorced. I think she is great. She explains everything very thoroughly, and the binder that they prepare for your documents is easy to read and understand. They also provide a digital copy on a USB drive afterwards in the mail. I am very happy with this firm’s services.
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30 May, 2024 by Chris
We worked with Renata Mizak to create our Estate Plan/Wills/Trust and she was terrific. She and her associates handled the whole experience in a very professional way and explained everything clearly during the process. The will and trust documents we received are very user friendly and communicate well which is not always the case with other attorneys based on our experience. You can actually understand the documents which will be very important to your heirs someday. They put everything in a very organized binder that includes information for our Executors as well which was extremely helpful. I cannot recommend Laddey Clark & Ryan more.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Robert hamilton
If you need a tax attorney, Paul is your man. He answered the phone himself. Very nice, knowledgeable. Took his time on the phone with me and helped me out a lot. He also returned my call when he said he would unlike other lawyers I have contacted. Thanks
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01 Mar, 2023 by John barbero
Paul was above and beyond what I expected. First of all, Paul answered the call and was overly pleasant, knowledgeable, and well-educated on international laws. Not once did he press me for consultation fees or request to be hired first. I tried 7 or 8 other companies across the US and received no return calls, leaving voicemails, speaking with the answering machine mostly, or answering services. Paul was a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Paul
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18 Mar, 2020 by Johns rentals
I called Paul Wigg-Maxwell about a foreign tax question. He did a wonderful phone consultation with me and answered all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. It was a pleasure talking to him and I recommend him to everyone. He was easy to understand and cleared up my confusions about the matter. I'm glad I called.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Nilsa soto
Steven and his team are incredible. Compassionate and thorough. He was very detailed and so helpful each step along the way. Very knowledgeable and understanding. He helped make my divorce as painless as possible. I could not thank him enough and Connie for there help and services.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Matthew munro
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Steve Sico. As a client of Steve's for the past 3 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing his exceptional legal skills, dedication, and professionalism firsthand.
Steve is not only an accomplished attorney, but also a remarkable individual who possesses a depth of knowledge that was advantageous for our specific real estate situation. His analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities allowed him to out-maneuver our adversary with ease. I was consistently impressed by his attention to detail and his ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a way that is accessible and understandable.
One of Steve's greatest strengths is his commitment to his clients. He listens attentively to their needs, advocates fiercely on their behalf, and ensures that they are well-informed throughout the legal process. His ethical standards are unwavering, and he approaches each phase with integrity and transparency.
Given his strong legal background, exceptional communication skills, and unwavering commitment to his clients, I am confident to recommend Steve Sico as a valuable asset.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Maryann munro
Steve Sico is an outstanding Attorney! He’s honest, direct and extremely well versed in the law. He always kept us in the loop as to what was taking place and what options were available to us. He was always available for phone calls, meetings or texts. I strongly recommend Steve Sico to anyone who is in need of his legal expertise! Connie is a true asset and so very wonderful to work with also. We were in a stressful situation and Steve went above and beyond! I highly recommend him to everyone!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mirta surli gonzales
Muy buena atención y muy profesional me encantó su servicio ☺️🤩
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30 Jul, 2023 by Deniz cobos
Fue una buena preparación y buena labor por parte de la abogada y su grupo de trabajo. De nosotros en presentar y estar a la disposición de lo que la abogada necesitará, el éxito de cada caso depende de uno mismo, de la disposición, ayuda y lo más importante siempre siendo honestos.
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07 Apr, 2023 by Ben frank
Marlene is legendary I had a complex case and she made it happen even through the uphill battle she told the outcome and outcome is what I got.. I recommend her to anyone!!!!! She knows immigration very well!!!
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21 Oct, 2022 by Barbara
I got very lucky when I found Suzana Hot to serve as our estate attorney and to also handle the house sale. I was very surprised when I learned that the attorney who had handled my parents' wills did not do estate work. I called around and got a few referrals. After a consultation with Suzana, I chose her immediately. My instincts were right. Suzana was down to earth, accessible, and skilled. She guided me through the estate process and separately handled the real estate closing. First, Suzana did an excellent job handling the house sale. She was timely and provided fine counsel throughout the sale. As far as the estate, I handled as much as I could on my own, and Suzana was supportive of that. She was there when needed and I was able to speak and email with her directly- not a paralegal.or assistant. I can't recommend Suzana Hot highly enough!
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11 May, 2012 by Lynn
Attorney Seymour was professional and extremely detailed in all of our interactions. He assisted me with a family matter that was quite sensitive. He resolved all of my issues and gave me council on how to prevent future issues. Having to discuss my family situation and legal options with someone was an emotional time for me. Attorney Seymour listened, never made me feel rushed or unimportant, and was able to achieve a fair resolution. He also made specific recommendations that will help prevent issues in the future. I will certainly seek his council on all future legal issues and highly recommend him to anyone seeking guidance with a family legal matter.
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09 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
From the minute I entered his office to the instant where we shook hands, I knew I had found someone good. I asked for his assistance in my first ever legal trouble, and not only were my expectations met, they were completely exceeded. My situation got more and more worse, and I was worried this would prove to be challenging for him. I was sorely proven wrong. He came prepared, and told me about his plan for my situation. He thought, not one, but EIGHT steps ahead of the game, complete with sub-plans for literally any scenario that could come up. My friend warned me about lawyers only being in it for the money, so I expected him to be kind of cold and detached after the case was over. He was not only friendly to me during the case, but afterwards he provided substantial moral support for me. Pleased is the least that I can say about Mr. Lieberman's work. He totally exceeded my expectations. I can't imagine how any other lawyer would have handled the case and his clients, certainly not as warm-hearted and level-headed as Mr. Lieberman was.
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02 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Have used her for house closing (which she doesn't do anymore) and she was fully prepared for closing (checks were even pre-witten and accurate).
Used for will which was thorough. Beginning to speak to her about estate planning and was impressed with her knowledge. Would highly recommend her.
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03 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Sorkin is incredibly kind, respectful, and is extremely timely. He worked diligently to answer all of our questions, and made our estate planning process easy. His work and compassion is worth the investment.
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11 Nov, 2019 by Oswaldo
El trabajó con mi caso de bancarrotas. Me libró de todas mis deudas y no tuve que pagarle nada a mis acreedores. El abogado fue muy amable y tuvo la paciencia de contestar todas mis preguntas y mantenerme al tanto de cómo avanzaba mi caso. Lo recomiendo.
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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.
