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20 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Philip assisted us with the changes to the trust and power of attorney due my my mothers Alzheimer condition. He was very helpful and patient during this difficult time.
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11 Nov, 2016 by Ronald d
He was very professional ,efficient & very easy with whom to communicate .
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08 Oct, 2016 by Domingo & natividad
We met with Atty. Philip Sousa who explained to us the importance and advantages of creating a trust. We have talked with other trust attorneys before but when we met Atty. Sousa, we immediately trusted his knowledge and professionalism. He is friendly and courteous & was thorough in answering all our questions during meetings prior to the creation & signing of the trust 2 weeks later.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Eric
Sabrina helped us update our wills and set up a trust for our assets. She knew all the details and advised us well.
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18 Oct, 2017 by Cheryl
Sabrina Johnson did our estate planning for us. She was knowledgeable and very prompt and we are very happy with her work. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing estate planning.
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31 Mar, 2017 by Teresa
I hired Sabrina Johnson to do a trust and a will for me. She was great about discussing what I wanted to accomplish with the trust and she would clearly explain terms and what was being accomplished with the documents. I felt that she was really listening to what I said so that all the documents were being designed for my specific needs and not just a "canned" document that would work for anyone.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Faith
I absolutely recommend Ellen Cookman for both estate planning and special needs. I originally came to Ellen for Special Needs Trusts, but quickly discovered that these Trusts impact my estate planning. In addition to tax considerations, Ellen helped me deal with various family members’ planning issues, as well as the various kinds of assets in my estate. Ellen’s expertise is clear plus she is very easy to work with.
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06 Dec, 2015 by Patricia
Ellen has a warm personality and is terrific at explaining complex estate planning concepts and strategies in simple terms. She has a sharp legal mind. Although she is already a certified specialist and a leader in her field, she never stops seeking further education in order to provide her clients with the best and most current legal advice.
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07 Sep, 2015 by Karen
We retained Ellen Cookman to do our estate planning, set up trusts, and write wills. We have two children and were eager to make arrangements for them for best and worst case scenarios. Ellen worked diligently and efficiently to set everything up for us, listened carefully to all our needs and wants, and produced an excellent set of documents and directives for our family. She maintained professional discretion and treated our family with great care and respect. She has followed up regularly to ensure our needs are met as time goes on, and has been an excellent resource for advice on other matters as well.
Ellen is clearly dedicated to her work and demonstrates unimpeachable integrity. I recommend her highly; I have recommended her multiple times to friends and colleagues entering into estate planning.
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29 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
In our initial meeting with Gadi, he reviewed each of the subjects necessary for us to make the right decisions. His full attention was toward us and the questions we had for him. He and his office team were very responsive in providing us draft documents to review and provide him further clarifications on specific points.
Gadi conducted the signing process in a timely manner including providing the signed documents via mail and electronic means.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Lutz
We have been clients of Gilfix & La Poll since 2007. Our living trust (created in 1989) needed to be updated since our family dynamic had changed considerably. Our fist meeting with Michael Gilfix was most pleasant. Our questions and concerns were addressed in a professional, competent, and "easy to understand English" manner. We left the office convinced that our affairs are in very good hands. All the people in the office are friendly, polite, and very professional. We highly recommend to consult the Gilfix & La Poll Law Firm for all your living trusts needs
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10 Nov, 2013 by Lisa
I worked with Jan to create my will and trust after my divorce. She was matter of fact and very thorough in the process. Since I have known Jan for many years I can attest to her honesty and diligence to the law, and willingness to tell someone when they are wrong. Like many, I can be biased by my own ideas. Jan has solid legal perspective and always kept my goals in mind, talking me through the facts and legal issues to make a good decision.
I’m glad I worked with Jan. She covered all the angles, from how my assets were registered with my financial company to ensuring the legal language fit with the changing relationships of family members and everything else. Thanks, Jan!
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09 Nov, 2013 by Nancy
Jan did an outstanding in reviewing and preparing both my parents estate plan and then my own. She prepared a Special Needs Estate Plan for my parents which was very complex and involved very sensitive and emotional family issues. She not only handled the legal aspects, but counseled us in a very personal way which enabled us to move forward and make some very necessary provisions.
After having worked with Jan through the process of creating my parent's plan, I immediately contacted her after my parent's plan was complete to review my own trust and estate plan which was enacted after my husband passed away. Jan immediately spotted some issues which needed to be taken care of, and we worked together to create a new plan which protects both me and my 13 year old daughter in a much more effective way.
Having worked with two other law firms in the creation of both my parent's first estate plan and my own first trust and estate plan, the difference with Jan is MORE than apparent. She brings a personal approach to estate law that is sadly missing from other firms. She takes the time to truly get to know her clients and create a personal relationship with them. She isn't just the attorney that created my trust - she is part of my support system and I know I can reach out at any time with questions.
I could not have been more pleased with Jan. She is the BEST of the best. I wholeheartedly recommend her!!!!!
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08 Nov, 2013 by Renee
During this past year, Jan has been a tremendous help to me. After the death of my husband in January, I appreciated that she not only had the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the estate, but also was someone I could trust to keep my best interests in mind. I did not know Jan before entering into this business relationship with her, and I feel fortunate to have found her.
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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.
