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09 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Hired her upon death of my father for probate work. She resigned half way through when my brother questioned a bill. Expensive and unresponsive. Stay away.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Jenniferb
Words cannot express the level of reassurance I felt in working with Nicole Morris as my attorney. Over the last six years, she has handled a multitude of issues for me including drafting Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Designation Healthcare Surrogate documents. She has also reviewed real estate documents on my behalf during a very stressful transaction that resulted in a settlement. I am so grateful for her guidance and compassion as she handled everything with dignity and the utmost professionalism. Her services far exceeded my expectations, as such I would highly recommend Ms. Morris because she is the best.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Julie
Nicole has been representing my family for over ten years, which alone says a lot. From day one she gone above and beyond to accommodate our needs. She is always available to answer questions, ease anxieties or just point us in the right direction. Not only is Nicole prompt and efficient, but she is passionate about her work and really cares about her clients. I highly recommend her.
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16 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Contacted twice, never responded. He is the lawyer for a person to whom both the hiring client and myself are related. He should have no issue replyin to me.
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26 Nov, 2014 by Kevin
Brett Barner provided exemplary service and legal guidance through a troubling estate law matter. He was successful in negotiating on our behalf. We were pleased with the outcome. I would not hesitate to retain him again if necessary.
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12 May, 2017 by Kimbra
When my husband died tragically and unexpectedly, his children contested the will. I called the Clarkskatof firm to seek legal representation. They gave my case to Jordan Hammer. At first, Jordan seemed wonderful. He got us in for our first court appearance quickly. The ball seemed to be moving along and, he was easy to talk with. However, when my husband's children offered a settlement that included Jordan's firm acting as fiduciary, which would earn them firm six figures, everything changed. He and the senior partner began to pressure me into accepting the agreement. This was odd since they had been convinced that going to court was the right thing to do. Previously, when I had told Jordan that I didn't have the stomach for court he would give me a lecture about "Deserving vindication." I was hesitant to sign the agreement, given his previous, very passionate advice. I also wanted a couple of days to think on it. Jordan showed up at my house that evening. )(Yes, at my house.) My daughter was doing her homework in the dining room. I was crying in the kitchen. He strong armed me into signing the agreement. I regretted it immediately and called him within minutes, asking him not to file it and give me more time to read through it and think about it. He basically said "Too bad." I had another attorney call him and ask him to hold off on filing it. He got the same, "Too bad response." It was clear to me that Jordan's focus was on representing his firm rather than his client. I don't any doubt that Jordan was more interested into bringing the hefty fiduciary fee into this law firm than acting on my behalf. I have been very unhappy with the fiduciary service his firm was entrusted to perform. His children have indicated that they are not satisfied either. A house that was under construction and is a trust asset has been neglected. Even though I only own 25% of it, I finally hired someone to mow the lawn because the weeds were taking over and no one in Jordan's firm would act. It cost me $70. and took a single hour to find someone to mow the overgrown lot. This is just one example of many of how they have failed to look after trust assets. It genuinely seems that Jordan and the firm he works for, Clark Skatoff, put their own best interest over what is best for their clients.
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10 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
In hiring an Attorney you will not always get the partner but an associate. In contacting Clark/Skatoff I was assigned Mr. Jordan Hammer as my attorney. Due to his neglect I loss everything I hired the firm to protect. As I cannot recover from my loss due to Mr. Hammers neglect of my case my hopes is to prevent others from suffering as I had. To begin Mr. Hammer does not answer you calls even if he is in the office. He does not return calls. His conduct is unprofessional. Mr. Hammer does not provide the client with information with regard to the case no matter how vital. I was not informed of a court hearing. In discussing the hearing Mr. Hammer was unaware of the documents provided to the court which was to be in three days. He informed me to sign and retracted advising me to wait until he reviews. He provided contradictory information and was not aware of all the particulars. He had this information for 4 months, plenty of time to review. On one occasion he provide the opposing Attorney information on the cut off date. Adding insult to injury Mr. Hammer lead me to believe we were in negotiations. I received notices from the opposing attorney stating otherwise. Mr. Hammer told me to send all information as he was not aware why negotiations were not proceeding. I finally learn that Mr. Hammer did not provide paper work in the allotted time frame which lapse due to Mr. Hammer's neglect. I lost the negotiations and would have to spend money to fight the incompetent work. I tried in vain to contact Jeffrey Skatoff and his only recourse was to defend his Attorney. It will cost me a great deal of money to correct these oversight if I can at all. As an attorney it is important to know the facts, relate to the client and provide all paper work in the time frame. He was negligent on all accounts. Mr. Skatoff did not take responsibility or assist in correcting the problem. He did not intervene or provide solution but blamed the client making me a victim a second time.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Scott
I hired Mr. Hammer to handle some estate issues that had to go against my family over. He was knowledgable and constantly kept on my case. Never did he let them sit on their butts and allow them to get away with anything. He constantly keeps me informed, and does not talk down to me. He gives me straight answers and is always prompt with his responses. He is a great attorney.
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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.
