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26 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Paid for services not received. If you use this attorney, make sure you follow up on your own trademark.
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03 Mar, 2021 by Sazzad
This attorney is a real schemer. He took money from me and ran away like a robber. He didn’t complete my work. Keep calling him and sending emails but no reply at all from last August 2019. See closely the good reviews here are his FNF. Excusing Covid is another real lies. I called the court and the said all the office is open. He still didn’t done my work. Be careful to hire this attorney. You will lose your money like me.
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10 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
He took my $3,000 deposit, then vanished. There were no replies to my countless attempts to get an update with zero progress in my case.
Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere; otherwise, you'll be writing a similar post.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Jennifer
After my father's death, we began working with the attorney who wrote his will. However, I could never get a response and had no idea what was going on, so I terminated him and hired Frank. Best. Decision. Ever! Although he was busy, he never made me feel like he was rushing his conversations with us. He answered every question and would add additional information when he felt it may be applicable. He kept me engaged in every step of the process so I always knew what was happening, and explained all options to me when choices needed to be made. He was honest, forthright, and had a stunning work ethic. He always had a plan of action and excelled at strategic thinking in the face of a number of challenges we beneficiaries faced. He was also adept at pivoting and reformulating strategies when we hit any roadblocks. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I felt fully supported and confident in his performance the entire time.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Angelo
I was very happy dealing with Mr. Willaims. He was very honest a professional. I would highly recommend him.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Jackie
My mother engaged Mr. Williams to help her (and other cousins) to recover some $$ from a deceased cousin’s estate. (The executor of that estate owed several heirs a portion of the cousin’s estate which was never passed to them.)
Unfortunately, my mom passed away before completing/signing the agreement with her cousin’s estate executor. I was MY mom’s estate executor; Frank kept me informed as to what was transpiring with the settlement. When the agreement was ready, I was able to sign and the funds were sent to each of the other heirs and to my mother’s estate.
Mr. Williams was diligent, erudite, tenacious and (most important) an ally to the heirs. Ultimately, his perseverance and clear communication assured our lawsuit’s success.
Plain and simple: HIRE HIM for a good and fair legal outcome.
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06 Oct, 2019 by Angela
Ian helped me with setting up a living will and a power of attorney document; the process was simple and quick, and the price was very reasonable. He was very helpful in explaining everything. I will definitely be going to him for any future needs.
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01 Oct, 2019 by Gil
I needed Mr. Dember's advice on some matters of creating a new operating agreement, and his work helped us avoid many headaches down the line. I cannot recommend him enough!
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04 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Used Dember through the legal benefit from my firm for two real estate transactions. It was a horrible experience from beginning to end. The title company sent him documentation twice, which he did not forward to me until 3 days before the supposed closing. I immediately determined there was an error and spent the 3 days before closing trying to get it fixed. The stress was unbelievable, and should have never happened since this could have been addressed easily if it had been presented to us on a timely basis. The other professionals in the transactions (2 title companies, 2 realtors, 3 banks) all indicated that they were appalled by the way Dember transacted his business. Then when it was the other party who had paperwork issues that held up closing, Dember merely communicated the offer from the seller that we should pay them $100 per day for usage and occupancy. It was our realtor, who was there at the meeting, who insisted that the problem was with the seller and we shouldn't have to pay. Our realtor contacted their realtor and got an agreement where we paid $200 just to keep things moving, or we would have been out $500 or more. A good lawyer would have seen that we paid nothing since it was the other party's problem. I wasn't going to bother writing a review because I would rather just forget about the entire experience but then felt guilty about anyone else who hired him without any idea of what they would experience.
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23 Mar, 2024 by E gre
Big Mistake
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26 Nov, 2022 by Chelsea heller
24 Aug, 2022 by Brett johnson
Colleen McGuigan is the worst lawyer anyone can use. She lies, and when you tell her you are reporting her to the OAE, she falsifies CPS claims and then tries to get your kids taken. She will lose her job.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Jillg57
Called office for consultation. Secretary asked me to write detailed summary of case for his review. Took my time and office did not call back for a week. When discussed case summary with him i was told to consult a tax attorney but my case was "too complicated" for him to handle. The guy shops cases and totally $$$$$$$$ oriented!
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31 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I recently hired Mr. Patel to help me through a difficult divorce, specifically but not limited to accessing tax return information from many years in the past. After much frustration and countless failed attempts to acquire the necessary information from the IRS, he stepped in and handled it with ease. His calm demeanor and professionalism gave me great comfort and made this painful process much more bearable. I willingly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who specializes in tax related matters.
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30 May, 2019 by S.
We hired Mr. Patel for our complex tax matter involving international income and foreign assets. Mr. Patel is an excellent, very knowledgeable tax attorney. Our matter was handled efficiently and completed earlier than expected. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney.
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12 Jul, 2024 by L fran
Mr. Seltzer’s tenaciousness is admirable. Through Covid and many pushed back Court dates, he got us to were we are now- PAID! Thank you Mr. Seltzer for your patience through this journey.
LF & RW
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29 Aug, 2023 by Jose fano
Exceptional Legal Services - Highly Recommended Criminal Lawyer
I recently had the privilege of working with Mr. Seltzer. He was recommended to me by someone of trust and I hired his services to defend my case and I cannot express my gratitude and satisfaction enough.
Mr. Seltzer demonstrated a level of professionalism that immediately put me at ease. His extensive knowledge of the legal system and his strategic approach to my case gave me confidence that I was in capable hands. Throughout the process, he meticulously analyzed every detail and crafted a solid defense strategy tailored to my situation. He went above and beyond to ensure that no stone was left unturned in preparing my defense. His commitment to my well-being and ensuring the best possible outcome was evident in every interaction we had. It's rare to find a lawyer who genuinely cares about their clients the way Mr. Seltzer does. I wholeheartedly recommend him.
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15 Apr, 2020 by Anthony huggins
Bad attorney, filed my brief incorrect, and should of know the outcome of the case before he used appellate cases from the past. Do not recommend for a so called seasoned attorney.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Steveb
I used Stephen for a rather complicated estate case and found him to be far above the norm - and I consulted with others. He had ideas that were "out of the box" - though I think his mind is not working int he same boxes as others that I found to be "run of the mill". I highly recommend him for matters that - to the client - seem monumentally complex. He turns it into matters that are easily solved through a thorough knowledge of how the system works. This comes from someone who does whatever I can to avoid lawyers! If you need one, you can absolutely depend upon Stephen.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was a client of Steve Oppenheims and do not recommend him for Estate work. He is difficult to communicate with as he does not use email. As a consequence, getting a quick answer to a routine question requires an often lengthy and expensive phone call or meeting. He is overly verbose often complicating matters unnecessarily. And again, adding to his billable hours. I would not work with him again.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Jennifer was vocal in the beginning of working with me.After awhile it was hard to communicate with her.I always ended up speaking with Anna or getting offered a call back.I wouldn’t recommend her AT ALL!Her services is rushed and not done properly.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Wow! Jennifer Leighton is a brilliant attorney and the first person I contact whenever I have a legal question. I've consulted her on several occasions regarding wills and estates, contracts, and real estate transactions. She has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and ethical standards as well as an impressive body of knowledge. Regarding communication, she has always explained things to me in terms I could easily understand. (This is a quality that some attorneys do not possess or have the patience to develop.) She makes the estate planning experience a pleasant one and makes sure that all client estate planning needs are addressed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ms. Leighton to anyone who is in need of an attorney.
Ms. Leighton has impressed me with her loyalty, leadership and steadfast guidance and integrity. She has extensive knowledge of small to mega-business ventures and is willing to work with several clients I have referred on every aspect of their business plans. My referrals have found her to be thorough, creative and dependable.
If you are facing any type of litigation, she is the person to call. While compassionate, when you need someone fighting for your rights in court, she cannot be beat.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Kate
I was in a legal conflict with my sister. The issue was an inheritance that she claimed she never received. Initially, my case was handled by a New York firm, which I subsequently found out had NEVER appeared on my behalf, in fact until Ms.Beirne took the case I hadn’t known a
that they never put an answer in? My case was referred to a NJ attorney but it was too much for his office. He then requested Ms. Beirne to take over the handling of the case. The case was started in 2014. Ms. Beirne got the case the end of 2018 beginning of 2019. She jumped on the case even though she had other clients that needed her attention as well. She is the person that advised me that there had never been answer put in on my behalf. The case was settled April 2019 to my complete satisfaction. She, Ms. Beirne has restored my faith in lawyers. She answered my questions and emails and was always patient with me. I am giving her 5 stars for business acumen, professionalism and damn smart and dedication. There aren’t enough words or room in this document to laud her abilities. If you want a lawyer, one that is savvy in the law and will fight for you then Ms.Beirne is without a doubt the lawyer you want to hire.
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16 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Waiting over two years for completion and proper documentation in a suit.
That's after having to do all the work while she shuffled a few papers and added a 30% bump to her fee after agreed amount. Do yourself a favor - Go elsewhere.
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18 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Absolutely terrible at communication. Asked about state and county law for rentals and could not answer. Made us wait, We found another representative that has more knowledge. Rates were higher here too for lack of communication.
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27 Jul, 2020 by Diane
Paul A. Gerike just completed a Living Will / Will for me. Service was done in a timely, friendly, professional manner. I would highly recommend him for he’s a delight to work with and does an excellent job.
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04 May, 2024 by Sandra
He took on a job to held with an Anchor Tax Rebate issue and has blown me off and ignored me. He would tell me he was done but just had to review it. Then no response. Then personal issues. Then almost done. Tgen ignore me. After months I still have no resolution.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Elizabeth
I am very pleased with the excellent work done by Jacob Krief. Through my interaction with him I learned that he is very knowledgeable in many areas of estate planning and tax law. My situation was very complex yet he was patient with me and always took the time to explain the process to me so that I would understand what needed to be done. He was always available to answer my questions.
Mr. Krief was completely hands-on, knew the status of every document at any time, and he executed everything in a timely manner.
I trust Mr. Krief's advice wholeheartedly and highly recommend his services to everyone. Outstanding!
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14 Feb, 2024 by Chris
Retained Mr. Elias to work on an estate affair. He did not follow up on anything and we would have to call for weeks before he returned a phone call if at all. Had to hire another lawyer to represent us. Traumatized after having to deal with this after the death of a loved family member.
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05 Oct, 2009 by Jeff
Top notch in every single respect. From the moment I met him, he became a very valuable, trusted member of my team of advisors. I've worked with many attorneys and by far this is the premier one. I view him as far more than attorney, more so an advisor in the area of trust and estate planning. I've brought many family members to him and referred friends and associates.
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28 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
As a court appointed attorney, Reimer failed to research, prepare, and submit supporting facts. His work ethics and demeanor only damaged the integrity and the truthfulness of the case; never returned a phone call, email, or text; putting my case at a disadvantage.
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17 Dec, 2013 by Gina
Mr. Reimer was giving to me by the family counrt. He was disorganized, did not return phone calls, texts, was unprepared.He did not call the court back. I ask that he be removed from my case. He failed me tremendously Westchester County
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12 Dec, 2011 by Ferdinand
I have just hired Mr. Eric Z Reimar . I have already 4 lawyers in the past . I found Eric to be trustworthy, professional, with empathy , who fight and listen ,and who care for his clients . So far I am satisfied .
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15 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Meeting Mr. Bunder was a very unpleasant experience.
He rents space in another law firm office. Everyone thinks he is a jerk. Even the very nice and professional receptionist thought he was obnoxious.
I spoke to him for 30 minutes and he quoted me a ridiculous price to mediate a settlement. He spoke to me like I was a child and was very condescending. He wanted to turn a small matter into a big deal with lawyers and meetings.
I do not think he has any business because he was available all day all week.
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22 Aug, 2009 by Martha jane
Attorney Binder was very knowledgeable, responsive and trustworthy. I would higly recommend his services in any matter which he agrees to undertake.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Jake brown
I have worked with Gina for several years and have had an excellent experience. She is knowledgeable, creative and thoughtful in her approach. She cares about both the people and animals she is working with and I highly recommend her.
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19 Jun, 2023 by Dee dee
Nearly every other lawyer charges $0 for the first consultation. Not her - she charges $300 and says exactly what she had written on,her website. No matter how valid your case she is not representing you unless you cough up $10k - $20k before she starts wotking on your case. She has in the past represented people involved against the NJ bear hunt, but for the average person with a dead pet but not much money, no matter how bad the vet is she is not lifting a finger on their behalf.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Jake brown
I have worked with Gina for several years and have had an excellent experience. She is knowledgeable, creative and thoughtful in her approach. She cares about both the people and animals she is working with and I highly recommend her.
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19 Jun, 2023 by Dee dee
Nearly every other lawyer charges $0 for the first consultation. Not her - she charges $300 and says exactly what she had written on,her website. No matter how valid your case she is not representing you unless you cough up $10k - $20k before she starts wotking on your case. She has in the past represented people involved against the NJ bear hunt, but for the average person with a dead pet but not much money, no matter how bad the vet is she is not lifting a finger on their behalf.
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12 Aug, 2024 by The watch 123
Stay clear of this buffoon, I would not even call him a lawyer, he will take your money and no even show up in court, his office looks like a bomb hit it, peoples important papers thrown all over the place, trust me he will be your worst nightmare, and the Nj bar knows all about him and does nothing, so he has a license to steal peoples money, he has numerous complaints yet he is still stealing people money, he should be in hand cuffs.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Claudine baptiste
I have been using Spencer Robbins as my attorney since 2016, and he has represented me in various scenarios. I have been very pleased with his services. His attentiveness, prompt responses, and the results he delivers are consistently impressive. Hands down, he is one of the best lawyers in New Jersey.
Spencer Robbins will get you top dollar and resolve your case with the best options for you. I will definitely recommend him to any family members and close friends. His team is also excellent—they are always nice, professional, and exhibit a sense of urgency.
Overall, it's an excellent team doing excellent work
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11 May, 2024 by Anonymous
If you want to loose a case hire Spencer Robbins, he is the worst lawyer I have ever seen, does not return phone calls he will not show up to court, he will lie to you, his office looks like a bomb hit it, his girl that answers the phone is so nasty, he has been in trouble with new jersey bar twice , never mind voter fraud, and this is what they have a judge in Sayreville NJ, he needs to retire he is a bad mark on the new jersey bar.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I have tried many lawyers before but no one is as good at Mr. Colicchio. His commitment to prioritizing my best interests was evident throughout the entire legal process. They were exceptionally helpful, providing clear guidance and ensuring I felt supported at every step. I never worried because I knew Ron knew what he was doing and he was going to make things right for me. His expertise and genuine concern for my case set him apart from all my past lawyers. Mr. Colicchio is truly an outstanding legal advocate and I am glad to have found him. I fully recommend his expertise.
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Have to agree with prior review. What he says and what he does are entirely different. He billed me four times what he said and his poor representation and "mis"representation cost me many times more that.Of course, blame is passed onto everyone else. Even the judge said his fees were out of line
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20 Mar, 2013 by Gary
Ron only cares about running up his billable time. In my case he even missed a deadline for interrogs. And he arrogantly justified this by saying that he will do far more damage to the oppossing party with depositions. IOW, pay Ron to depose the oppossing parties instead of getting low cost results that don't require depositions? This is nonsense!
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08 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
He charges exorbitant fees and strings clients along without any results. I spent tens of thousands of dollars with him until I found he was not helping my case. I am sorry I did not research him before I engaged his services. attorneygonebad dot com is one site you should read about him.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I engaged with this attorney and I was prompt to pay all invoices. At the end of the day, our case was just not big enough for him. we decided not to pursue matter on his advice, which turned out to be bad advice - however, I dont necessarily fault him for that. I did pay for a number of hours just to get him up to speed. Now, later things got more complicated and found out greater monies at stake. I tried to reach back out and got no replies at all. I am sure he is competent but clearly not interested. Frustrating.
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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.
