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21 Feb, 2017 by Jeanne
I spoke to several attorneys before hiring Mr. Dunaway, he put me at ease immediately when he gave me a solid price to do my husbands probate with NO what ifs to think about. It is hard enough to deal with the death of your spouse, let alone hearing that your fees could double, even though there was a will and the only thing left was a house. Do yourself a favor and call Mr. Dunaway, I cant recommend him enough.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
After my sister died intestate in Florida, I was tasked with finding a suitable lawyer in Florida. I'm based in New York. I interviewed and reviewed the engagement letters of 3 lawyers before settling on Wes Dunaway. For our first conversation, I knew I had the right person. His calm assured voice signaled that I was in good hands. Further, his warm and caring assistant, Megan, was just a joy to communicate with. Not only was Wes Dunaway efficient, focused and professional in the handling of my case, he was equally fair and reasonable in the fees that he charged. I would and will highly recommend him to anyone else who can benefit from his services.
[info withheld]
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06 Jul, 2016 by Gary
I was a victim of a storage unit robbery that turned out to be a clear cut case of negligence on the part of the storage company. After being turned down by several local attorney's (telling me I did not have a case), I was recommended to Wes by my neighbors daughter. He explained the ins and outs of the lawsuit process and took my case. We worked together for over two years and finally reached a financial settlement with a large insurance company. I would not hesitate to call Wes for any legal issues I might have in the future. Friendly, personable and professional. It doesn't get any better. My highest recommendation!
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03 Jul, 2014 by James w.
Attorney Jackson is an excellent professional - competent, knowledgeable and personable. She listens and advises after fully understanding the client's goals or wishes and then has a plan of action. Her billing practices are above reproach - reasonable, fully documented and work specifically described. She never strays from her level of expertise and knowledge.
This recommendation is based on personal positive experience working with her and knowing her excellent work habits and from positive feedback from client referrals.
Sunny J
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
This lawyer advised me on business and tax matters at a time when I was facing government audits. She was astute, capable, and caring. Thanks to her wise counsel, nearly all of my issues have successfully resolved. The right advice at the right time made all the difference. I recommend Ms. Jackson and her firm.
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17 Dec, 2013 by Lisa
I highly recommend Kris Jackson for all of your estate planning and probate needs. She is highly knowledgeable in this area of law and very responsive. I have referred many clients to her and they have always been more than satisfied with the legal services that have been provided. She is an exemplary lawyer and considered one of Orlando's best.
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03 Jul, 2020 by Jay
I needed Ana Taitt to help me with a Will. She was so very nice, caring and easy to work with. She was very helpful in making sure I understood all the forms and made the process so easy given we were in the midst of the Covid pandemic and had to do everything electronically. My first conversation with her made me feel I had truly picked the right person. I definitely recommend her and I look forward to working with her for any services I need in the future.
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11 May, 2020 by Michael smythe
When my father passed away, she was the first lawyer willing to answer a basic question regarding international estates without wanting us to retain her services before answering. She was very pleasant to work with, and with her help, I was able to receive probate in Florida for his assets with no issue, and was able to settle his affairs in a timely manner.
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01 Nov, 2019 by Andy
My wife and I were both overdue to have our estate planning looked at. We both have children from our previous marriages, most of whom are grown. The last time I started this process with a different attorney, I was basically just sent a long questionnaire and told to get back with them when I was done. (I never completed the questionnaire because parts of it made no sense to me.) Ana took the time to answer questions we had and so we could provide her with the information she needed. Ana is very friendly and easy to work with, while also being very thorough and proficient at her work. I am happy to strongly recommend Ana Taitt.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Darryl
Dana H. Hankins and staff handled my divorce in a personal, professional, and efficient manner. I was always informed in a timely manner as to the status of the paperwork involved. I highly recommend this firm.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I would like to thank Attorney Hankins a thousand times over for her services. She has represented me on several occasions and I will continue to retain her as needed. She is extremely competent and professional. I feel she treated me with kindness and compassion. In short I would highly recommend her for her years of experience , professionalism, competency and compassion. A most grateful and satisfied client.
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12 Nov, 2012 by Carlos
Dana was the perfect attorney for me because she was genuinely caring, interested in the welfare of all parties, and mostly perceptive to the best interested of the child needs'. I did not feel like I was just another case number in her practice. In cases where human emotions are at the highest, you need someone like Dana who can give you wise legal counsel with respect & integrity.
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11 Jun, 2013 by Carl
I have known Don for close to 30 years. He has always been extremely professional, well versed, honest and ethical. I've been a client of his and no doubt will be again as well as a person who referred business to him and he has always represented himself and his practice with the utmost of professionalism, courtesy, and knowledge. He has my unqualified recommendation.
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04 Jun, 2013 by David
Don Jacobs is without a doubt one of the finest lawyers that I have ever known. He is one of a select few that I have trusted to handle my personal legal matters. He is exceptionally intelliigent and highly ethical. He has an attention to detail that is unsurpassed.
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11 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
We requested Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will and Health Care Surrogate legal documentation to be drafted based on our rather uncertain desires for eventual satisfaction of our personal final decisions.
Attorney Jacobs stipulated a fee, arranged a personal interview with us in quiet, comfortable office, and comperhensibly briefed us on the broad ramifications of end of life legal documentation and the decisions to be made by each of us. He followed the interview some days later in another informal meeting when our ideas were finalized and personalized in documents he later developed.
In the third and final session, again in a quiet, comfortable office, Attorney Jacobs explained in detail the documents put before us, introduced us to competent witnesses he had arranged to be present and guided us through each document, our approval of each document, the formal signing and witnessing of each document while responding objectively to any questions we offered.
As we would say in the Navy; Well Done, Attorney Jacobs!
We highly recommend Attorney Donald F. Jacobs to all needing legal counsel.
Signed: Linda L. Barnes; Captain James H. Barnes, U. S. Navy (Retired).
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13 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
My brother and I needed legal advice regarding an estate and probate matter. We contacted Carina de la Torre, attorney at Tower Law Group. She provided us with excellent counsel that was clear, informative, and timely, thereby helping us better understand our issue and what actions we might choose to take. She and her staff were always helpful, friendly, transparent, and professional. We highly recommend this law firm and would definitely use their services again should we need additional legal advice or action.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Greg
Seven years ago, the hospital of my medical employment colluded with a particular insurance company. They initiated a complex and worrisome legal action against me (unrelated to malpractice). After discussing the nature of my case with a few attorneys who came highly recommended by my colleagues, I did not feel satisfied to the point of selecting one.
I contacted Ms. de la Torre and met with her in her office. I felt confident she could effectively argue my case. She acquired a thorough and reassuring grasp of the issue and its complexities. Ultimately, Ms. de la Torre came through for me and proved herself to be an exceptional attorney.
While working on my case, she crafted a letter that identified and dissected the illusory cluster of allegations made by my accusers.
Her scrutiny of detail brought clarity of thought to the big picture. She exposed biased presumptions and effectively disassembled key elements that formed the tenuous foundation of their case.
Her letter articulated definitive cause for immediate termination of their suit. In addition, it also successfully demonstrated the potential for significant legal consequence should the accusers pursue further action.
I have had the good fortune of knowing Carina both professionally and personally. Since our first meeting, I have grown to trust her word and skills with rare confidence.
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02 Jan, 2018 by Brion
We engaged Carina to handle a bankruptcy matter. Carina did a wonderful job breaking the matter down into digestible pieces for budgeting and strategy purposes by helping us understand all of our options and respective costs. We were able to obtain the outcome we desired. I would gladly recommend her and use her again should the need arise.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Charity
Living in Miami-Dade county, I needed an attorney in Orange County to represent me as the Guardian Advocate for the ward living in Orlando. Immediately, I needed representation for a scheduled hearing before the Court. Time was of the essence. From the first telephone call to Ms. Zoebel’s law firm I received immediate and appropriate guidance, concisely explained and executed. Ms. Zoebel understood my issues and with the help of her legal assistant very efficiently resolved my issues and took an added step that had not occurred to me to improve future dealings as Guardian. She very clearly explained the steps and actions that resolved the situation very favorably and what would be necessary in the future. She demonstrated excellent legal knowledge, communication skills and responsiveness. I believe I am in good hands for any future needs in this area and highly recommend her.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Christopher
I recently had the privilege of having my will drawn up by Attorney Zobel. I was recently divorced and had to have a custom will drawn up to meet the requirements of my specific divorce settlement. Attorney Zobel took the time to thoroughly review my case and drew up a will that met those needs.
She took her time explaining every step of the process. At the time of signing, she went over everything, making sure I had no questions or concerns before leaving.
I offer my highest recommendation of Attorney Zobel, as I will plan on continuing to work with her regarding my future needs for legal assistance in my Estate Planning .
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05 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Hallie Zobel has an unbelievable amount of knowledge regarding probate. She is so kind and the office staff made me feel very welcome in such a difficult time.
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08 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Another local attorney quoted me 2,500 – 3,500 for a small bank account and Florida Probate quote was only 995.00 and we are handling most everything online. James explained everything we needed help with and was so thorough! What a relief! Thank you, Mr. Flick at Florida Probates.
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13 May, 2020 by Dimitri
The team over at Florida Probates is dedicated to providing high-quality service at very reasonable prices. I was very pleased with James and Brendan's transparent and organized process that kept me informed and kept everything on track. I would recommend anyone looking for help and advice on how to handle an estate to give them a call.
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13 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Great people, and family friendly atmosphere. Highly knowledgeable in his field and well understood. Hard working and determined are great traits he has which will benefit you.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Maighenn west
Moe is a fantastic personal injury attorney and I would recommend him to anyone that was in a motorcycle accident!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Janelle
I cannot think of a harder working lawyer and team. They really stand in your corner and fight. I would highly recommend them!
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05 Feb, 2025 by Summer beauregard
Our attorney was amazing! She thought for us every step of the way. We cannot thank her and the team at Dewitt enough! You could not in better hands if you choose Dewitt.
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21 Dec, 2021 by Sharyn
We worked with Crystal at Patriot Legal Group to draw up a set of comprehensive estate planning documents. She was great with answering all of our questions and addressing all of our concerns. She presented options and helped us decide which way would be best for our circumstances. Overall, I highly recommend them!
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15 Oct, 2020 by Christina
I hired Crystal to assist, my mother, brother and I to add myself and brother to my mother's deed. It was a easy and simple task. The procedure did not take long. Very professional and cordial. Went over all our options and also explained the difference between each one. I recommend her and her team! Exceptional service!
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Brinson is a professional and skilled attorney who made me feel comfortable and informed throughout the legal process. He provided me all of my options and explained everything to me so that I could make the best possible decision for my case. He is personable and not your normal stuffy lawyer. I highly recommend Mr. Brinson for your legal needs.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
My wife and I hired Kemp to assist with a complex business dispute that had been in litigation for two years. He succeeded where my previous attorney failed at a fraction of the cost. I could not possibly recommend Kemp highly enough.
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27 Nov, 2024 by David hutchins
I can’t say enough about the service and attention to detail that everyone at Empire law provided. I would highly recommend this firm to represent you great follow up and communication every step of way if I ever need their services again. I would not hesitate To hire this firm. Truly Professional.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Santiago ania
22 Oct, 2024 by Jmm
I was a bit hesitant due to the reputation of law firms however the team at Empire Law exceeded my expectations in handling my claim. From day one Aruna provided clear communication around the process, laid out expectations, and kept us in the loop from beginning to end. Also huge thanks to Mariana for her consistent communication, professionalism and support throughout the process. It was a pleasure working with the team and I would wholeheartedly recommend them without any hesitation!
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25 Feb, 2015 by Sherrie
i came to attorney moss after a bad experience with a previous attorney. i needed guidance for the guardianship of my dad who had developed severe dementia, and had almost lost everything, including his home which he had worked so hard to pay for. now my dad can stay in his home, where he feels best. i was a wreck. attorney moss provided me with the information i needed to be successful. we have an ongoing guardianship for my dad and i know if i have any difficulty, i will get the answers i need.
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12 Aug, 2012 by Allen
I have worked with Cary and her firm on several issues over the past 5 years on behalf of my parents and my wife's parents. She and her staff provided excellent advice, thorough documentation through the Medicaid application process on behalf of my parents and provided proper instruments to allow cost-effective settlement of their estates.
My recommendation is proven by the fact that my wife and I have selected her to prepare our estate planning and last wishes documents for us.
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19 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
The help Christina gave me changed my life. She is very good at proofreading, and is excellent at negotiating. She helped me with a trust, and I truly believe that no one else could have done it better. Her secretary was rude though... Not her fault.
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01 Jul, 2014 by Tom
After the death of my mother we went to the attorney that prepared her will (not The Adams law firm) to complete the process, After three months of jumping through hoops and many phone calls nothing was ever done. I called the Adams Law firm and meet with Amy Adams. She was very knowledgeable and had the entire process completed in a matter of a few weeks. In a situation like this it takes compassionate professional to complete the process and that's exactly what we found with Amy Adams first class all the way ! I recommend Amy and The Adams Law firm to all my friends and associates.
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17 Jan, 2018 by Kim fennell
After an extensive search for an attorney, I found Pamela Martini who agreed to represent me in a contested guardianship case. Her rates were reasonable, she was accessible and she gave me excellent legal advice on how I should proceed. She worked tirelessly to navigate through the complexity of my case. Pam's diligence and commitment tremendously helped and ultimately lead to a favorable resolution and more importantly, relief for my mother. At the conclusion, I was comforted in knowing that my mother would be safe and properly cared for. I highly recommend her services to anyone needing counsel.
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08 Aug, 2015 by Robert
Mrs. Doucette was thorough and friendly. She got the work done in a very timely fashion as well. The price was right and I would definitely recommend her services.
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20 Feb, 2016 by Darrin mccoy
I was introduced to the Washington law firm in the fall of 2014. A family member needed help with their mortgage after the loss of a spouse. After the initial free consultation we decided to hire the law firm. Washington law firm did a great job of converting the chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 and things are going very well.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Steve handled both of our adoptions. Everything was taken care of without any glitches. For what is certainly an anxious time in a couple's life, he and his firm made everything run like clockwork.
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25 Feb, 2016 by Thor
Carolyn Crichton has been my attorney for years. She has helped me with personal, real estate, and professional matters. Most recently, she handled a series of very complicated real estate closings for me and I couldn't be more pleased with how smoothly everything went. She and her team anticipated issues which ultimately saved us time, money, and possible heartache. Most of all, I appreciate Carolyn's positive approach and how well she communicates and explains options, potential outcomes, and her recommendations.
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08 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Amanda Simpson was my attorney on several occasions. The legal services I received from Amanda was exceptional, she addresses every concern in a professional and knowledgeable manner. When I first met Amanda she was very concerned to understand my objectives and was my advocate on that basis. She is always prompt to return my phone calls, emails and is always accessible. Given the number of attorneys, I have dealt with over the years in my business she is by far the best of the best with qualities such as her ability to communicate to me in a way that I can understand the law, give me meaningful feedback and is extremely detail-oriented. I am continually amazed at her combination of high intelligence and analytical skills with the various legal challenges she handled for me. I was very, very happy with her services.
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30 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Tracy is was very professional and knowledgeable regarding Elder Law. Her skills regarding Estate Planning are particularly impressive as she knows about all of the appropriate trusts and advance directives. Her staff is very confident, helpful, accurate and responsive.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Ray
Jeff Keiner is a great lawyer. He understands engineering and construction as if he were an engineer or constructor. Thus, he can represent design professionals at the highest level. When I have a need, Jeff is the first person I call. Plus, he has a great sense of humor which is always refreshing when dealing with difficult matters.
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28 Dec, 2011 by Eric
I first met Kelley Lester working on a real estate closing for a client of mine. We found out several days after the closing that there was fraudulent activity that took place in this transaction. I was very impressed with Kelley's knowledge and her persistence with the situation at hand. I would highly recommend her services.
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18 Mar, 2013 by Therese
The group I represent had several very technical legal questions that we needed answered very quickly. Ms. Bertrand listened carefully to our problem, asked several questions on issues we had not even considered, and was able to get back to us with a detailed answer and recommendations on how we should proceed in a timly manner. Our group has never had full time legal consultants, but we do now. We highly recommend this firm and Ms. Bertrand in particular. She was very personable, easy to understand and she answered our question in a way that was easy for us who do not speak "legalize" to understand.
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06 Oct, 2023 by Candice williams
Top notch, white glove service. 5/5 stars. For a great and complete service package-- make this your first and only call!!
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23 Jun, 2023 by N g
26 May, 2019 by John muroski
DeLoach, P.L. is in my feelings , one of Orlando's top attorneys. Being from Orlando and being in Business my whole life , I have used numerous attorneys throughout my personal life and business career. I have to say that Carla, Sarah and the rest of the staff at DeLoach are fantastic. Using them for my Fathers Estate Planning and after his death proved invaluable both Financially and getting thru the emotional part also. They have helped me numerous times and even help me find an attorney out of state. In final thought. DeLoach, P.L. should be rated #1 for their expertise.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Lydia altenbach
26 May, 2019 by John muroski
DeLoach, P.L. is in my feelings , one of Orlando's top attorneys. Being from Orlando and being in Business my whole life , I have used numerous attorneys throughout my personal life and business career. I have to say that Carla, Sarah and the rest of the staff at DeLoach are fantastic. Using them for my Fathers Estate Planning and after his death proved invaluable both Financially and getting thru the emotional part also. They have helped me numerous times and even help me find an attorney out of state. In final thought. DeLoach, P.L. should be rated #1 for their expertise.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Lydia altenbach
16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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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.
