Lawyers map
>589
experienced lawyers
Filter by
25 Jun, 2024 by Jessie mcleod
27 May, 2024 by Robin strickland
30 Mar, 2024 by Bethany fitzsimmons
First of all, I would like to make clear that we did not chose to work with Ms. Nance at Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. She was chosen by the buyers of our home in Durham, and we had no choice but to work with her.
Upon receipt of our estimated closing documents, we informed Ms. Nance that the payoff amount was incorrect (too high). When we pointed this out, we were met with the condescending reply that we simply did not understand how to read out mortgage documents. The next day, when we presented Ms. Nance with the correct payoff amount in the form of an email with a pdf from our lender attached, we were accused of "borderline harassment" for having pointed out her careless mistake. The closing documents were corrected.
Later, while we were signing closing documents, we were informed by our neighbor that there were people trespassing on our property. The timing of the trespassers seemed quite suspicious to us because the only people who knew we would not be at home were myself and my partner, our realtor, a mobile notary, and Ms. Nance's office. As we had not approved of anyone entering the property, and because we suspected that they may have been under the direction of Ms. Nance, we informed her that we were not aware of not did we approve any requests for people to come onto our property, especially as the Due Diligence period had closed. Her response was that it was the survey her office had ordered to be done during the Due Diligence period, which had been delayed, and said that he had no legal right to deny them. I am not an attorney, however I believe I would have been fully in my rights to have called the police on the trespassers onto our private property given the Due Diligence period had been closed and we were never notified that a survey was going to be done.
Our final grievance with Ms. Nance concerns her preparation of our tax documents. We first received one 1099-S form from Ms. Nance's office containing only the social security number (SSN) of my partner. As we are unmarried, we file our taxes singly and so I requested that we be sent two 1099-S forms, one for myself and one for my partner. Though we never consented to electronic documents, we were emailed pdfs of our 1099-S forms however this time Ms. Nance had switched our SSNs so that my SSN was on Jason's form and vice versa. Her response was she just put them in the order they were in on another form (and didn't bother to check that they were correct). I replied asking the corms to be corrected, again, and to be mailed. We then received copies of the 1099-S forms in the mail which had our incorrect SSNs. Upon notification, Ms. Nance re-sent the pdfs of the corrected 1099-S forms. I have once again requested hard copies be mailed as we never consented to electronic delivery of these documents.
While preparation of all these documents may be rote to Ms. Nance, they are extremely important to us and have significant impact on our finances. The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional. While everyone should be double and triple checking any document they sign, it is easy as a first time home seller to be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of paperwork that goes into selling a home. One should be able to trust that the parties preparing such important documents (and collecting payment accordingly) would have the ability to prepare them correctly and with care. I am glad that we reviewed everything carefully and am sorry for those who have unknowingly been victims of Ms. Nance's carelessness and unprofessionalism.
Read more
26 Oct, 2021 by Teresa henson
Reached out for a consultation and no response at all .
Read more
21 Jun, 2021 by Tony wilson
Website says there open but just got an email back within 30 minutes of a consultation request stating the following....so apparently there all book up as of today better luck else where
Read more
27 Apr, 2021 by Reggie daniel jr.
12 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Michael Burgner to do some work for me. I can honestly say I would not hire him again nor would I recommend him to anyone.
Read more
29 Jun, 2015 by Nicole
I have known and done business with Michael Burgner for about 15 years. He has always been honest, compassionate, informative, friendly, and effective in his practices. To be quite frank, I would trust him with my most precious possessions; my business, my life and the lives of those I love. He has been a valuable and highly valued business associate and friend.
Sincerely,
Nicole
Read more
08 Jun, 2015 by Joe
Michael Burgner has been involved with my Business and personal operations for over 10 years. The words that come to mind when I hear the name Michael Burgner are, Honesty, Dependable and Professional. Michael is an Attorney you can feel comfortable with knowing he has your interest in hand.
Thank you Micheal for all you do !
Joe G. Untz
Read more
11 May, 2022 by Bev
Very Professional & Strong & Fierce! Understood, Listened & knew I needed her to fight a narcissistic person..
Read more
14 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Basically Misfits was hired by me she appeared it to court dates nothing was accomplished basically I was ordered to come to court both times when trying to follow up with Misfits and touch base with her to get information or give information in reference to my case I was contacted days later if at all basically I was referred to her and I'm very disappointed in the outcome basically just started all over again having to hire another attorney at this point in having to do what I done want to go to her to do I'm so no I would not recommend her just based on my personal experience and her lack of communication and lack of empathy towards my case as a client as a paying client I felt that it should have been more attention paid to my case to where I do not have to follow up now again and have to waste some more money on another attorney to do what I paid for Misfits to do in the first place so I'm very unhappy very disappointed with the communication not to mention then at the end of it all I was told that it was a conflict of interest as to the courthouse where I need to be in where she needs to be so let that be a lesson learned yes I lost $1,500 but I'm getting cancer from another attorney at this point so do your research read your reviews make sure that you want to attorney who makes you feel like your case is important as the next person's
Read more
02 Oct, 2019 by Desiree
Sheneshia Fitts defended me in my child custody case 9/30/2019. She is extremely professional, kind, encouraging, and FIERCE! Attorney Fitts not only won my case in court but she brought my family back together. She is worth every penny because she WILL FIGHT FOR YOU! Thank you so much attorney Fitts, I could never repay you for what you did for my family but I will forever be thankful for you! GOD BLESS YOU!
Read more
25 Mar, 2019 by Sara
I have know Henry for many years. I have known him to be thorough, responsive, and most importantly compassionate. I feel confident in trusting Henry to any families that need estate planning and business clients of mine that need any business related legal counsel.
Read more
21 Mar, 2019 by Scott
He is great to work with.
He has help my family prepare all my mothers estate planning needs.
Read more
22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
He doesn't return calls or emails. It's been 90 days and still nothing has been done with my fathers estate.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Carter pinnix
Mark took care of a traffic matter for me and I was very pleased with the results. Great communication, very professional, very easy to talk to.
Read more
22 May, 2024 by Vanessa burdette
Would give less than one star if I could. Absolutely horrible person in general all he care about is winning it doesn’t matter if the person he is representing is full of it. I don’t see how he can sleep at night. Disgusting.
Read more
15 May, 2024 by Wanda galloway
Gave one star because I had to. Thought he was a kind good lawyer but he is not. He is rude and unprofessional.
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Shane lockman
Very good experience with everyone that I have delt with there Kaitlin and David Simmons are great to work with.
Read more
17 Apr, 2024 by Jamin poteat
Clay Pendleton and staff are great at what they do. Worked with him for over two years and he always came through in family court. Will always be grateful for his help.
Read more
09 Apr, 2024 by Jackie hughes
01 Oct, 2024 by Prabhu selvam
It was great working with Holly. She gave heads up on things that need attention and also listed timelines to be met. Set the right expectation for 'mail away' remote closing. Prompt and quick response for all my queries. We closed the home on time. Thanks Holly and Lou !!!
Read more
15 Jul, 2024 by Princess barbie
This law firm is inhumane, heartless and deplorable. I called them a week and a half ago. The answering service says they will call back in 48 hours. No one responded. I called back to see if I could get 3 more days until I was paid to clear a balance because I HAD TO HELP BURY MY GRANDDAUGHTER and it took all of my money previous to this date ($5000 contribution ). I had mailed them payments which they did receive. I was told no. I could have provided proof if asked. Death comes to all of us at some point or another; I guess they are exempt. I feel my reason was valid for a little grace; I only asked for 3 days. Non the less I hope they never experience the loss I did.
I will add that just within an hour of my first phone call the above post I received a phone call from the firm. I spoke with a young lady name C.J. She went over my account with me. She was professional, and very empathetic. In summary positive results!! Thank you so much for representing the firm in a more positive light. C.J definitely earned them 5 stars.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Autumn skoog
Had a wonderful experience here with assistance on closing on my new house. Holly Huffines was extremely helpful and quick with answering my questions. I would highly recommend using this law firm and in particular, having Holly assist on any home buying process from the legal side. I would recommend to family and friends
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Scott o'neil
I highly recommend this law firm to anyone. Specifically, Theresa & Jessica. They are so good at what they do. I could not be more pleased with the outcome.
Read more
25 Mar, 2024 by Lu bowen
Theresa Weber was a great advocate for me. She is honest, factual, and kind. The entire staff were very helpful and kind. I am pleased with the outcome of my settlement.
Read more
20 Mar, 2024 by Chelsea nickels
Sarah Massagee provided exceptional legal guidance throughout the process of creating my will. From the initial consultation to the final signing, every step was handled with professionalism and care. Her understanding of estate planning intricacies ensured every aspect was meticulously addressed. Her clear communication and invaluable insights empowered me to make informed decisions confidently. I appreciate and value her compassionate approach and attention to detail. I have a peace of mind knowing my estate will be handled according to my intentions. I highly recommend Sarah Massagee.
Read more
06 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Frank’s firm to assist me with a parent’s estate. Firm claimed I had no authorization to become POA, and that I’d need to find a Gurdian for the estate. Firm went on to tell me the court would not deem me an appropriate fit to be the Guardian of the estate for my own parent, and claimed we would have to have Mr. Frank become Guardian of the estate for a yearly fee. I went to a different attorney who quickly saw that I did in fact have the needed paperwork to become POA. Mr. Frank’s firm then refused to release my own paperwork back to me for three weeks and transferred all my calls directly to voicemail (unless I called from a different number they didn’t have on file), and failed to return calls.
Read more
09 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Rudely refused to listen to the questions I needed answered and wasted my time and money on something I had no interest in. When I pay someone to work for me, I expect them to be respectful enough to listen to the description of the job I want done.
In a previous attempt to schedule a consultation, I didn’t receive a call back for many weeks. I should have gone elsewhere at that point.
Read more
16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
After hiring and paying a retainer and consultation fee, I waited seven weeks and never heard from Mr. Frank. After many telephone calls to inquire if work was being done, I never received any working documents. I had to hire another law firm. I never got a reply to my refund request. I call office and phone just rings and goes unanswered. To date, I have not heard from anyone.
Read more
14 Jul, 2022 by Lynn lankford
Crooks! Horrible Law Firm. Overpriced and do not follow guidelines.
Read more
12 Oct, 2018 by Jeevaka dassanayake
Prompt response and good advice.
Read more
02 Oct, 2018 by Bonnie harris
01 Jul, 2024 by Purnima
He is an excellent lawyer, but he did not answer my calls in months. No other problem. He always did a good job and was pleasant.
Read more
24 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Very nice man.helping me tremendously.would recommend to anyone anytime anywhere
Read more
05 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
John Finch has handled several legal matters for me and my family including wills, trusts and real estate closings. He has a great deal of expertise and experience and we always knew we were in good hands. if we ever had questions, he answered them thoughtfully and thoroughly. We always were certain he had our best interests in mind.
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Ellen owen
This man is an awesome lawyer. He is also a wonderful person too, very considerate and empathetic.
Read more
14 Oct, 2022 by Hugh doeknow
If you need a good attorney who will do their best for you, you need to go to Asheville or Hendersonville. Brevard is flush with questionable legal talent and Mr Stretcher is no exception.
Read more
10 Dec, 2020 by Illuma naughty
If you want an attorney who will handle your case to make the most money in the least time to their best advantage with the least regard for your case,.. This is your guy!!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Joshua fox
Unsatisfactory experience with Heidi as a parent coordinator. Listens to react and not to understand. In a year as PC she has been unable to resolve any issues and lacks the organization to keep track of or manage any outstanding issues. If you question her billable hours she will falsify statements in her motion that she knows to be untrue. Would not recommend as a PC and certainly not to represent as an attorney.
Read more
01 Jul, 2024 by The stig
Not detail oriented at all and will run up your bill with unproductive time.
Read more
21 May, 2020 by Sandra lee
I have worked with family law attorney, Heidi Risser, for more than a decade. She is very professional, knowledgeable of the law and thinks collaboratively as she works with her clients. You will be glad you reached out to Heidi for your collaborative divorce, as a parent coordinator or mediator. She is exceptional in all fields.
Read more
13 Sep, 2023 by Tracy
Ragan Dudley was hired to draw up a real estate contract.
The contract did not meet state law of North Carolina.
I have been in a Law suit for 5 years because of this contract.
I had to hire a different attorney because Ragan doesn't go to court....
Read more
24 Jan, 2023 by Tom fraser
Estate lawyer. Knowledgeable. Communicates well. The legal assistant, Marta is great. Betty in the office is too.
Read more
16 Sep, 2022 by Melissa
Ragan is by far the best in his field. His work ethic is unmatched. We have used him for several different legal matters over the pastb2 years- home closings, trust formation, and a legal suit, and plan to use him for any matter requiring an attorney in the future. He has become a forever friend. We never felt like just a "customer" and his entire staff was remarkable.
Read more
17 Dec, 2021 by Jeff
I had the pleasure of hiring a very professional attorney in Mr Steve Arrington that was recommended to us by another law firm.
Mr Arrington from day one was on top of our very important emergency guardianship. He responded immediately to all our concerns, emails, and phone calls. He is professional, diligent, trustworthy and he explained to us thoroughly every step of the process.
Without a doubt I would hire Mr. Arrington again and I highly recommend him to help you in your family matters. I can't thank Mr. Arrington and his staff enough for helping us through this guardianship.
Read more
18 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Arrington prepared my Will and Advance Directives. Working with him was a great experience. He is professional, diligent, and trustworthy. Mr. Arrington approaches his work with kindness and compassion. I found him to be very understanding and easy to talk to. I was extremely pleased with Mr. Arrington as my attorney and I would (and have) recommended him without hesitation to others seeking legal assistance.
Read more
17 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
We had a delicate situation with our special needs son. Mr. Arrington made a very difficult time much more difficult. He lacks compassion, professionalism, and kindness. He also is very hard to contact or return emails or calls.
Read more
28 Nov, 2023 by Noel
Pure lazy- Has a messaging system and throws canned message after canned message- wasted a week of my life waiting for a response only to be told to call after sending more messages- if I wanted to/was able to call I wouldn’t have out on messenger . This is pure laziness
Read more
09 Oct, 2016 by Cheryl
Amanda was extremely helpful and provided service with care. Se was informative without being overbearing and gave me all the information needed to make my decision. She provided excellent guidance throughout the entire process. A true professional I would recommend over & over.
Read more
08 Oct, 2016 by William
I was searching for an attorney to structure my will and power of attorney before I left for work out of the country and was referred to Amanda by a friend. I came into the meeting with a large amount of assumptions of what I thought I needed and Amanda quickly educated me on what I actually needed. She wrote my will and established a durable power of attorney so that my fiance could take care of financial matters in my stead.
Amanda was a pleasure to work with and I will certainly refer my friends and family to her.
Read more
20 Mar, 2023 by Rhonda hartman
Lawyer Bridges is easy to talk to and has helped me a lot after my husband passed away!
Read more
18 Mar, 2023 by Kadesha thompson
30 Nov, 2022 by Kelly queen
John Bridges came highly recommended to us after my father died for estate planning. We had a good meeting and liked him a lot. One of the 5 documents we paid for was wrong. We asked that it be corrected. We were told it would be. It’s been several months and we can’t get a return call. We have called 6-8 times. Very disappointed! We paid a lot for these documents.
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
He was completely inadequate to handle my custody matter. Because of him & his extremely poor representation, my daughter is in danger. He has no clue what he's doing. He will not stand up for you. He will sit there and scribble notes while you're on the stand getting torn apart by the opposing party. Do NOT use him. If my daughter were to get abused again, Tim will be part to blame for that.
Read more
14 Oct, 2020 by Jessica
Attorney' Lewis has not yet went in front of the Judge or D.A to debate any of my cases yet only bc my court date was continued. But so far..
From just meeting him, talking with him about myself & my case, and planning with him.. Seems like he is a "Radical" lawyer to have appointed. Sounds, acts and carries himself in a very proffesional style.
Sooo.... High hopes tht he does an amazing job with my case and i can go on about my life. Heehee. We'll find out soon.
___ Thannks´`
'Jessica A. York ___
Read more
25 Mar, 2020 by Brian
Mr. Lewis was appointed to represent me in some criminal matters in Haywood County. From the beginning, he was very good with communication and let me know that my case mattered to him. He told me to have confidence in him for a trial. The Judge found me not guilty and I owe it all to Mr. Lewis. He was incredibly professional.
Read more
13 Dec, 2023 by Sondra eisenman
Do not hire this attorney to represent you. She will turn on you and help the other side. She doesn't care about anyone and participates in Parental Alienation and hurts children and families long term. She doesn't even ask for objective assessments. She is abusive.
Read more
27 Sep, 2021 by Cheryl killian
27 Sep, 2017 by Wendy deal
31 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Dee Wallis delayed in providing an offer to purchase for a real estate cash purchase I was trying to make, charged an enormous amount of money to generate the offer, and then treated my seller so poorly, they backed out of the deal rather than continue to interact with her. She had helped me before, but this was an important deal for me, which went south, and she still wants me to pay her huge fee. I won’t be using her again.
Read more
24 Feb, 2015 by Kevin
Fast, efficient, thorough, consistent and dependable pretty well sums it up. Her unique experience with the issues concerning elder persons was extremely helpful to us. We highly recommend her!
Read more
23 Feb, 2015 by Gerhard
We have dealt with many lawyers over the years, but none better than Diane. She gives sound advice, quick response and expedient turn-over of legal documents for both our company and for ourselves. Her advice alone is worth every penny, and her compassion and concern for her clients is second to none. She simplifies and makes understandable the maze of complex legalities and isues with ease and thoroughness. We give her the highest rating possible without reservation! Many thanks Diane for all your help.
Read more
12 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
In dealings w Mr. Kraus who came to Concord Nc in abt 2005
From various states included Dekalb, GA
Colorado and residence in AZ.
he had different types of law and arrived here where some of his children resided .
Mr. Kraus has done everything to dishonor
Any written, verbal or ethically related position.
He has been nothing but revengeful and using his power against those he needed to respect , guide and assist in situations that were not properly placed on those parties he had no compaction in abusing his power in wrongly placed power.
Over charges, false postings in legal records, and misconduct are a few of his many faults.
Read more
18 Oct, 2013 by Wanda
Mr. Kraus agreed to assist me with a complicated and time sensitive Guardianship issue. Having been appointed my sister's Guardian 2 1/2 years ago became more daunting when her Medicaid benefits were given a 30 day notice of termination effective 8-31-13. Reinstatement meant a hasty sale of real estate and dealing with two separate courts to gain approval. Mr. Kraus listened to my details involved, and immediately agreed to help me. Mr. Kraus kept me updated via email and phone throughout the many reams of paperwork, accompanied me to court in a Western NC county to appear in court, took complete charge to lessen my stress. I sincerely do not know how this could be accomplished so quickly, even the nursing home where my sister resides, could not believe how quickly Mr. Kraus accomplished the task....under 45 days. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Mr. Kraus and his staff if timeliness, attention to detail, and professionalism are critical to the issue.
Read more
30 Sep, 2023 by Louella
He had done my sisters will . He helped me with what I needed to become executor . The service was fast, complete and efficient.
Read more
24 Nov, 2017 by Hazel weisner
This lawyer wrote the will for a family member and then probated it upon death. Did not follow through with putting all deeds in names of those to which land was willed but to Heirs. Had asked him previously to fix the problem and he replied that he could for about $200. This should have been done initially in settling the estate.
As a result of a sale of property this year, a survey has been uncovered that does not follow the instructions in the will. There was no survey in the papers filed as part of the final estate. As executor, I was told by the family member that a line was drawn on the property map by Larry Callahan, surveyor. When the property was sold it would need to be surveyed according to the will instructions. I talked with Allied Surveying, who established the surveying corners for the sale, and found the surveyor who did the work in 1983 but was refused a copy even if I paid for it. Was told by Forsyth County Officials that survey was not what the will stated and that I needed a lawyer. Went to see Ed Brewer and he could not remember anything but referred me to County records for the file. It turns out that a check was issued from the estate funds to pay for the survey but it did not indicate it was for a survey and was issued to a generic name of the company which would never be suspected of being a survey company. A builder has bought the property and had no knowledge of this problem. I was the heir who signed off on the estate checks and paperwork and had no idea a survey was done within days of the death. Ed Brewer refuses to get involved and does not remember anything.
I found this site while trying to find an attorney to help me straighten out this problem as a result of Ed Brewer's initial work writing the will and then probating it.
Read more
01 Jul, 2021 by Susan attaway
09 Apr, 2018 by Jay blu
Lisa is great. I used her to do a closing for me when I purchased my house and again to do closing docs when I sold it 10 years later. Very personable and knowledgeable and I will use her again if I buy another house.
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by Andy captain
I would not recommend you use this law office unless they are offering to do the work for free, and even then I would carefully consider them. They did work for me in September of 2022 for a refinance. Almost 2 years later on Monday August 26th, 2024 I received a phone call stating they had a check for me for over $1400. When I asked what it was for they told me when they did the refi they took out for insurance but then found out it had already been paid out of escrow so they needed to refund me the money. Two years later they realized lol. Wow. They wanted to confirm my address which they did. I live about 3 miles from their office so one week later when I still didn’t have the money they were mailing I called and left a message. The check was still there lol. I guess they figured that 2 years was not enough and I needed to wait longer.
When I picked up the check I asked what is going on down there, why did this take so long? I got a deer in the headlights look from the nice lady at the front who said she would pass along my dissatisfaction. Since no one can give me a reason for this I am going to go out on a limb and call it incompetence. That is something you don’t want from someone representing your interests in any legal matters.
So do yourself a favor. Do not use this incompetent law firm. I am lucky they ever figured it out at all and that I ever got the money back.
Read more
06 Feb, 2024 by Jeremiah gilliland
This Law Office was extremely helpful, personal, and all-around inviting. Highly recommend!
Read more
23 Jan, 2024 by Kym furr
Terrible lawyer for children’s services. What a waste of money
Read more
18 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Arthur Hays is definitely not worth the money he charges. He does not know much about the law except how to create billable hours. He will overcharge for below average services. DO NOT USE THIS FIRM. I can not recommend him at all. He charges for hours at an astronomical rate. He also used the time to chit chat and will bill you for the BS time. He gives all attorneys a bad reputation. A simple legal proceeding turned into a complete mess and he had to resubmit papers to the court when he failed to do proper research and he then charged for his mistake. I actually gave him the paperwork, but he insisted on traveling to another county just to get copies of the same information and create billable hours.
Read more
15 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Hayes has a way of keeping you in his office with superfluous conversation to run up his billing. Two hours for my initial consultation, and a large portion of that was his trying to convince me to use his realtor wife to sell the house. That, along with his "strolls" to the courthouse to get copies of documentation (that I had already provided), and reviewing a couple of very brief emails ran my bill up to $700. Then he charged me another .6 of an hour ($111.00) when I came by just to pick up my paperwork and terminate his services. Got that bill two years later when I thought I had settled up with him and just needed the last of the paperwork. Yes, I'm a very disgruntled client. He's obviously a "good ol boy" taking advantage of out of town clients. All I gained from him was when I could begin paying the debts of the deceased family member. The majority of his services could have been provided by a paralegal or legal assistant.
Read more
01 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I would recommend hiring anyone other than David Silver to handle an estate/probate. Apparently, this is his specialty, but we found him to be non-responsive, insulting and incompetent. After many frustrating months of dealing with him (two weeks while he was on vacation), we have had to extend probable for another 3 months because of his lack of follow-up for the notice of death in the newspaper. The important items that we actually needed him to take care of were never done and the things that he did do were grossly overcharged. Now, at the time when we actually needed him to work and close out the estate, he has "fired" us and left us without an attorney. During this difficult time, we were hoping for someone we could rely on and handle things for us, and instead we have been left frustrated, angry and disappointed and in a worse position than we were in nearly 5 month ago.
Read more
10 Jun, 2023 by M
Not sure why Rick would be running an ad for clients when he ignores the ones who hire him. I had a phone conversation with him and he was very nice. I dropped off my wills for his review and nearly 2 months later we still didn't have any progress on our new trust and new wills.. I notified him that we had a closing coming up and we needed the trust for the closing. he completely ignored me and I finally just went over and picked up the documents I had left for him. when I called him back I got connected to a Google voice. people who are paying for these ads are passing that cost on to their clients.
Read more
12 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Sandison never answered any phone calls, constantly fell short of the communication I would expect from him to my family, and got me a god awful plea deal (plead guilty to all 3 felonies I was charged with in Rowan County, even though it was my first adult criminal offense, and I was very young at the time of the offense. On top of all this, the state had little to no evidence. Despite this fact, he told me it would probably be in my best interest to take the plea deal because they would have a good chance of conviction at trial. At the end of all this, I was charged over $500 when he claimed he worked over 9 hours. On the other hand, I had lawyers in Pender and Onslow counties that did answer phone calls, were in constant contact with my family, and got much better plea deals, yet somehow I got charged much less and they claimed to have worked less hours. Overall, Mr Sandison seems to me like someone just interested in money, I personally beleive that he didn't care what happened to me, as long as he's getting paid. When looking him up on this website, I was very surprised to see him get this high of a rating.
Read more
16 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
While I can only speak about my personal experiences, personally I would NOT recommend Emery Ashley for an estate case, as he did NOT know certain critical facts that he SHOULD HAVE KNOWN to practice in this area of law and make a court order stand up in court. Even worse, IF the opposing counsel is George Mast (Sr.) who will do ANYTHING to win (including lying, omitting critical components from a court Order, etc.) you're dead in the water. I hired Emery and he basically "threw me under the bus" by working out a "surprise deal" with opposing counsel without first consulting me. His prepared documents, i.e., Affidavits, etc. DON'T look professionally done, based on my experience. Sadly, all factual truth.
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in North Carolina - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Charlotte
-
Raleigh
-
Durham
-
Greensboro
-
Winston-Salem
-
Wilmington
-
Asheville
-
Chapel Hill
-
Cary
-
Fayetteville
-
Greenville
-
Concord
-
New Bern
-
Gastonia
-
Mooresville
-
Jacksonville
-
Apex
-
High Point
-
Hickory
-
Monroe
-
Salisbury
-
Statesville
-
Matthews
-
Huntersville
-
Hendersonville
-
Wilson
-
Hillsborough
-
Morrisville
-
Goldsboro
-
Rocky Mount
-
Boone
-
Wake Forest
-
Burlington
-
Cornelius
-
Asheboro
-
Lexington
-
Sanford
-
Graham
-
Smithfield
-
Shelby
-
Davidson
-
Lumberton
-
Elizabeth City
-
Pinehurst
-
Waynesville
-
Waxhaw
-
Morganton
-
Fuquay Varina
-
Pittsboro
-
Holly Springs
-
Garner
-
Kernersville
-
Morehead City
-
Carrboro
-
Clayton
-
Washington
-
Kinston
-
Sylva
-
Beaufort
-
Belmont
-
Clemmons
-
Research triangle Park
-
Whiteville
-
Mount Airy
-
Lillington
-
Southern Pines
-
Newton
-
Oxford
-
Rutherfordton
-
Albemarle
-
Lenoir
-
Marion
-
Brevard
-
Rockingham
-
Clinton
-
Wilkesboro
-
Roxboro
-
Southport
-
Henderson
-
Mebane
-
Raeford
-
Louisburg
-
Summerfield
-
Murphy
-
Dunn
-
Knightdale
-
Franklin
-
Reidsville
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in North Carolina
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Government
-
Intellectual Property
-
Workers Compensation
-
Child Custody
-
Appeals
-
Probate
-
Insurance
-
Car Accident
-
Child Support
-
Immigration
-
Tax
-
Civil Rights
-
Consumer Protection
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Domestic Violence
-
Mediation
-
Elder Law
-
Wrongful Death
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Trusts
-
Bankruptcy
-
Juvenile Law
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Debt Collection
-
Foreclosure
-
Divorce
-
Adoption
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Federal Crime
-
DUI / DWI
-
Class Action
-
Entertainment
-
Discrimination
-
Sex Crime
-
Employment / Labor
-
Copyright Application
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Drug Crime
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Cannabis Law
-
Life Insurance
-
Construction
-
Credit Repair
-
Education Law
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Constitutional Law
-
Contracts
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
