Filter by

star star star star star
19 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Was appointed by the court to my case. At first meeting didn't want to talk to me. Just asked my name and told me it would be best to plead guilty. Never tried to get my side. Had already had his comfortable dinner with the prosecutor and they made their deal. Only spoke with him 3 times the whole time I was going through the process. Even though I tried to call his office many times. Was always told he was busy. Then after the conclusion of the case I almost went to jail because he never told me about a stipulation the court had with settling the case. Was also told the charge could be expunged after ten years if i had no other charges. That was a lie, trying to get ahold of him has been impossible.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
02 Mar, 2022 by Matthew
Albert was a catch when it comes to representation. I came with a legal matter that no other attorney would touch. Do to a smoke screen of accusations made buy a terrible woman. I was dazed and confused, angry and hurt by her faults accusations that this deceitful woman masterminded to steal my business. Albert had a reassuring Authority and was more than capable to see the underlying truth of the corruption and the double handed dealings of this angry, deceitful woman. Albert and his staff reassured me on multiple occasions that they would do everything to bring her evil vindictive faults accusations too light. Giving me the justification that I so truly needed. The biggest thing that a person who is being sued and, is innocent goes through is that they feel like nobody will believe them. That everybody even old friends and family see them as guilty. With Albert and his staff on day one they had a reassuring demeanor that I was telling the truth. Which gave me some peace and tranquility in a time of great turmoil. His legal knowledge on Michigan law and law governing our great nation. It truly cannot be rivaled by any local competitor. When his rival is playing checkers and Albert is playing chess within the realm of law it is a great advantage for his clients. He had some magical capability probably ordained by the heavens itself to know at least three moves ahead of his competitor. Even when this deceitful woman flat out attacked me and my family at every possible intersection of life. Albert stood between us And did what he could to lessen the impact of her insanity. He was a beacon of light in a time when I had jackals at my doorstep. Albert stood strong against great winds of hot air that bellowed from the depths of this evil woman. She went and single-handedly started to viciously attack Albert and his reputation. In hopes that he would buckle under her pressure and drop me as a client. But his honor and with the grace of God he did not turn his back on me. Now I am not a rich man or even Well off man. The only thing that I had was my business and this evil woman stole it from me like a thief in the night. I was having a hard time finding new employment since my career was in a limited field of knowledge. They worked with me on the financial end of my bill. I made every attempt to pay him for his assistance and came up short a few times. Not once did Albert stop fighting for me claiming that the bill is due. He would just have a straightforward discussion on monies owed. We would together come up with a financial payment plan that would work for us. I could go on all day with the benefits of having Albert as an attorney. But to summarize my review which does not do Albert and his firm justification When it comes to his support. I have to say if you have legal issues and you want a true and honest, God fearing attorney with honor then you should contact Albert immediately. To hunt on hoping to find somebody with his experience and knowledge within the legal parameters of Michigan law then you are being naïve and foolish.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
02 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Albert was a catch when it comes to representation. I came with a legal matter that no other attorney would touch. Do to a smoke screen of accusations made buy a terrible woman. I was dazed and confused, angry and hurt by her faults accusations that this deceitful woman masterminded to steal my business. Albert had a reassuring Authority and was more than capable to see the underlying truth of the corruption and the double handed dealings of this angry, deceitful woman. Albert and his staff reassured me on multiple occasions that they would do everything to bring her evil vindictive faults accusations too light. Giving me the justification that I so truly needed. The biggest thing that a person who is being sued and, is innocent goes through is that they feel like nobody will believe them. That everybody even old friends and family see them as guilty. With Albert and his staff on day one they had a reassuring demeanor that I was telling the truth. Which gave me some peace and tranquility in a time of great turmoil. His legal knowledge on Michigan law and law governing our great nation. It truly cannot be rivaled by any local competitor. When his rival is playing checkers and Albert is playing chess within the realm of law it is a great advantage for his clients. He had some magical capability probably ordained by the heavens itself to know at least three moves ahead of his competitor. Even when this deceitful woman flat out attacked me and my family at every possible intersection of life. Albert stood between us And did what he could to lessen the impact of her insanity. He was a beacon of light in a time when I had jackals at my doorstep. Albert stood strong against great winds of hot air that bellowed from the depths of this evil woman. She went and single-handedly started to viciously attack Albert and his reputation. In hopes that he would buckle under her pressure and drop me as a client. But his honor and with the grace of God he did not turn his back on me. Now I am not a rich man or even Well off man. The only thing that I had was my business and this evil woman stole it from me like a thief in the night. I was having a hard time finding new employment since my career was in a limited field of knowledge. They worked with me on the financial end of my bill. I made every attempt to pay him for his assistance and came up short a few times. Not once did Albert stop fighting for me claiming that the bill is due. He would just have a straightforward discussion on monies owed. We would together come up with a financial payment plan that would work for us. I could go on all day with the benefits of having Albert as an attorney. But to summarize my review which does not do Albert and his firm justification When it comes to his support. I have to say if you have legal issues and you want a true and honest, God fearing attorney with honor then you should contact Albert immediately. To hunt on hoping to find somebody with his experience and knowledge within the legal parameters of Michigan law then you are being naïve and foolish.
Read more Avvo
See more
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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Scroll to top