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01 Sep, 2015 by Dominic
Jennifer set up our Living Trust and handled the title changes of our homes into the trust. She was very knowledgeable, and thorough.
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16 Feb, 2017 by Robert
He is the Attorney I use for my legal matters in the State of Arizona. He is very honest and easy to work with. I highly rec this Attorney if you have issues regarding wills, trust and estate issues.
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08 Oct, 2015 by Whitney
I met Kirk when I was an IRS Agent and worked several cases with him. later after becoming a lawyer I referred two cases to him and work with him on another case. Kirk McCarville is among the top litigators in the nation. This man has class, intelligence, tenacity, and compassion. Still, after all these years, my go to guy for his area of specialty.
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24 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Susan is extremely efficient and thorough. Both my husband and I were pleased to work with her and would continue to do so without a doubt.
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13 Jun, 2013 by Betsy
Mr. Rethore is knowledgeable, honest, ethical, and has a great deal of integrity. Without his Guidence, I would be lost. I cannot say enough about how refreshing it is to find a good attorney in this day and age.
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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and thorough in his questions and helping us plan our estate and how to transfer our business to our children.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Angela hay
I had the pleasure of working with Ryan Reppucci, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From start to finish, he was incredibly communicative, always keeping me updated and answering any questions I had promptly. His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The staff was also wonderful from the initial consultation, always kind, communicative, and willing to help. It was truly a pleasure to work with such a great team who not only know their stuff but genuinely care about their clients. If you’re looking for an attorney you can trust and rely on, Ryan is absolutely the person you want.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Javier ortiz
Best staff service, very respectful and courteous. Mr. Ryan did an amazing job helping me with my case on a short notice. Great overall experience and also have Spanish speaking staff.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Michelle lopez
Excelente servicio!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Nomin t
I am so happy with Kelly law Team. Especially Mr. Kelly for taking his time and talking and listening to me firsthand.
Jordan and Sophie and Kayla. Every one was so patient and kind with me. So professional, always there when I call. I cannot say thank you enough for these wonderful people who helped me when I needed the most.
Thank you ladies you are the best, I would 💯 recommend. Trust me they know what they are doing.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Alicia vozza
Kelly Law Team, John Kelly and Trent, my paralegal were great throughout my entire process. I had many minute details involved in my case and they made sure everything was taken care of for me. They fought to get me amount that I felt my case was worth. Trent communicated with me continuously and it made me feel a great amount of transparency. I had no idea what I was getting into with a large car accident but they made everything easy.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Janet d.
Clifford Frisbee and his staff were top notch in experience, understanding of the law, and communication. I truly appreciate their responsiveness and guidance throughout the legal process. The team did an excellent job of keeping me up to speed on progress and next steps. Highly recommend this group to anyone looking for legal advice and representation. 5 Stars.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Amber wilson
First off I want to say Mr. Saienni and Brook Jolley are very kind people IN GENERAL. Then I would like to add that their professionalism was absolutely top tier. Brook would always make sure to keep me updated on things whether it was a call or email, the communication always stayed on point. They were always easy to connect with and if they missed a call you will most certainly get a call back. More importantly, I discovered that I had 7 counts against me one of them being a class 2. From the moment I contacted and met with Mr. Saienni I was more at ease and hopefully than I had been before. His confidence, his upfront communication, his laid back but yet professional demeanor gave me the confidence and unquestionable trust that everything would be just fine . What that being said he was able to get me down to a misdemeanor for my count 2 and all other charges dropped. I am very grateful to have worked with Mr. Saienni as well as his paralegal Brook Jolley. I highly highly recommend you come to Saienni Law, I have no doubt in my bones that you will be taken care of!
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13 Feb, 2017 by Jay
Did a great job at trial. Used him for post trial work
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02 Jun, 2015 by Theresa
Harvey Brown has been my attorney for over 25 years, his knowledge in family law is valuable, his professiolsm is his top priority, Harvey advocates for those who can't, and Harvey always puts his client's at ease when things are so confusing and overwhelming.Thank you Harvey for you doing what you do best, taking care of us :)
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23 Jan, 2025 by James tusha
I can’t thank Feldman Royle enough for their outstanding work on my case. From my very first meeting with Bret Royle and David Ernest Ahl, I knew I was in excellent hands. They took the time to listen, reassure me, and thoroughly walk me through each step of the process.
Throughout the entire ordeal, the team was incredibly organized, responsive, and supportive—always keeping me informed without overwhelming me with unnecessary details. Their dedication and expertise ultimately led to a successful resolution of my case, and I’m grateful beyond words.
If you’re looking for lawyers who genuinely care, are highly knowledgeable, and will fight tirelessly for you, I highly recommend the Feldman Royle team. Their professionalism and compassion set them apart, and they truly are the gold standard in legal defense.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jessica collins
I've used Tracy in the past and she was amazing! So when I needed her help again, I did not hesitate to contact her office. Both Tracy and her paralegal, Joelle are knowledgeable, thorough, patient, and extremely helpful. Tracy genuinely cares about her clients and I will forever be grateful for her legal advice and support.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Gladis garcia
19 Feb, 2024 by Christina beery
Yum yum yum
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14 Apr, 2023 by Jim
Jon is one of the best attorneys in Arizona, I've used him for contract litigation, non-compete litigation and navigating through the adoption of my precious baby girl. Highly recommend Jon and this Firm!
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04 Mar, 2023 by Colleen samson
Good Dvice, but extremely costly.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Djmc
John Charland is one of the preeminent plaintiff attorneys. I’ve known John for 20+ years and his ethics are above reproach, which is a quality every client deserves. He is successful in his client representations because he is very knowledgeable of the law, and he works tirelessly on their behalf. I strongly recommend The Charland Firm for individuals seeking an attorney who will look out for their needs foremost.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Robin cross
John Charland is an excellent attorney. He handled a case for me back in 96 . We won. I hired him again and he is currently working on another case for me. I highly recommend John Charland law firm.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Gregory brown
John Charland represented me in a very difficult case. Even though we had truth on our side, the deck was stacked heavily against us. I honestly don’t think any other attorney would have taken the case as it was such a huge challenge to win.
I found John to be honest, very intelligent and especially hard working and dedicated to getting the best outcome for me that was possible. Caroline joined the team about midway into it and that was such a blessing to have her on board.
John’s knowledge of the law and his many years of experience show in the excellence of his work. I am so grateful to him for accepting my case. And, we won!
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07 Feb, 2025 by Paula walker
If you have a family case with a child and you want to lose after paying over $60k for a lawyer that gave inadequate legal representation and committed legal malpractice, this is the firm to use.
I give them every piece of evidence to prove the other parent was committing perjury, and my attorney did not cross on any of the given evidence to discredit their false testimony. Including "forgot" to submit crucial documents that the judge actually ruled against me due to not having the proof. I asked them to pull past case records several times, and they did not pull them. Which would have also discredited more false testimony. They asked the judge without consulting me first to hire a forensic psychologist who also committed perjury with his fraudulent report.... I paid this man to ruin my life directly caused by my own attorney.
I told my attorney it was wrong, and there was nothing forensic about the report the day it came out. They did nothing to protect me. Never told me we could pull the records until after the ruling came out and realized the judge used the report as truth. I asked, "Can't we pull the records?" The response "Oh yes, we can pull them... Why wouldn't they have done that on my behalf before the hearing to protect their client... there supposed to be "representing us, is that not thier job???" Why was I giving advice to my attorney...
Due to this companies neglect of my case, they put my child with an alcoholic pothead narcissist, and now I have to try to fix this on my own because I'm out of money.
My case is in appeals, which I never should have done either. We should have requested a new trial and showed the proof of the perjury. My attorney didn't listen to anything. I told them, and I will tell you right now that if anything happens to my child, this company we'll be held accountable.
As soon as I have time to look into representation, I'm filing against this company as well as I'm going to the media on what they did to me.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Myusrealty official
Tiffany and Bosco lawyers are negligent. It is obvious they are not paying attention to cases especially in the case of mine I had to keep repeating what was going on and when I tried to call in I was getting ignored I decided to ask the advise of another lawyer. A couple months later after not hearing from these people I get hit with a large bill. Mind you it was very hard to get in contact with these people after I paid my retainer. In my opinion I believe they are juggling multiple cases and trying to get the most income by accepting any client that calls in once you pay your retainer good luck on getting any attention on you or your case. These people are ridiculous and seem money hungry. STAY FAR AWAY!!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Kelsey
Chelsea is an incredible lawyer-this being my first time working with a lawyer regarding Trust and Estate concerns, Chelsea was very communicative, supportive and gave valuable advice. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to work with her. You know you are in good hands and a plan driven by your concerns will be followed. Thank you Chelsea!
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22 May, 2024 by Ig
I give Jeff 0 stars for the amount of years and the "qualifications" he claims to have. He did absolutely nothing for me or anything I wanted done. For a court case in a family matter if you want to save your kids don't not go with Jeff, he will drain you of all your money and drag everything out as long as he can drain you of money! I was promised by his daughters if I spent the $5000 he would get me everything I wanted to save my daughters and after $20,000 I wasn't even close to anything when I first came to him. My ex wife is a drugs addict, alcoholic who's in an incest relationship with her biological brother, drugged my 3 year old and allowed my infant daughter get sexually abused by family members in her care. Been to jail for breaking court orders, with so much more indecent's and yet still couldn't stop her in court. He's allowed her to force herself on my children and I paid $10,000 for a trial and never got one. He charged me multiple times for all the emails my ex wife would send him after I requested him to stop responding to her and would not pay for her emails. So much more on top of that. I told him I no longer needed his representation. Do not take Jeff on as your attorney.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Jennifer
Jeff was incredible during every step of the process. He kept us updated and things moved very quickly on his end. Great attorney! I highly recommend him!
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17 Apr, 2018 by Robert
I am a foster parent and DCS tried to take the child I cared for away to be placed with an unknown relative. Jeff had great, fresh ideas on how to attack the case. He was able to help me keep the child, and I adopted him. Jeff was responsive to my emails and calls and he truly cared.
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09 Feb, 2025 by Francis arnold
It was really good and useful conversation. Excellent behavior, very friendly and give best advice for next step.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Areli guzman
Para mi ha sido un placer trabajar en la oficina del abogado Rafael Tirado, es un excelente ser humano y profesional. Me ayudo con mi advance parole. Lo recomiendo mucho😊
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01 Feb, 2025 by Celeste romero
10 Jan, 2025 by Gabriela loza
03 Jan, 2025 by John j carpen
Mary Kay Fowler, she got the job DONE!.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Janay jaramillo
Currently working in reconsideration for my husband's disability claim. We've been working with Mary Kay since August of 2022. We have never met her. Communication isn't there, only ever when I hunt her down or she needs information. Can't help but feel like nothing is getting done and I'm going crazy looking for answers or help. I can't help but feel like we aren't important to the firm, however to my family of 6 this is our entire livelihood and him getting disability approved is the only way we will ever be able to get a home for our kids and pay our bills.. I'm terrified and I have no idea what is going on. I've repeatedly left voice-mail and even emails requesting calls with not even an acknowledgment of my request. I feel defeated and hopeless, and utterly depressed and I continue to work and try to keep my family afloat. I dont know what else to do.
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20 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
It's not nice to blame dead people for something when they can't defend themselves because they're not here anymore .
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13 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I was referred to Lisa from another attorney for help in the matter of a property assessment valuation from the Maricopa County Assessor. I tried on my own first but was unable to navigate the legal jargon from the County Assessors Office. When I met Lisa, she was very receptive to our issues and communicated to us in easy to understand terms. She was extremely knowledgeable in the area of concern and presented a straight forward case to the defendant. We won this case early without it dragging on due to her factual knowledge in discovering mistakes that were made. If we had lost this case, I still would be very satisfied with Lisa's handling of the litigation. Lisa was clear, concise, good communicator and easy to talk with. We thank you Lisa.
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19 Mar, 2020 by Tom
We worked with Lisa (DeConcini McDonald) to help with a complicated situation involving probate of an estate along with an existing trust. At the time of our father's death, we suspected that someone close to him had been illegally removing money and assets from his estate/trust. Lisa was outstanding from the beginning and took the time to listen and understand our perspective. We did not know exactly how this situation was going to turn out, but Lisa provided us with all of the information we needed. This process took over 2 years and throughout the process Lisa was constantly accessible and very communicative; when we needed something, Lisa was there immediately. Due to the complexity of our situation, we were weary that the person responsible for stealing from our father would not be held responsible. Lisa and her team worked tirelessly, pouring through tens of thousands of documents from the past 15 years, in order to make sure all bases were covered. Again, this was a very complicated situation involving several legal issues. Lisa took each head on and did a great job managing them to completion; we reached the best resolution possible with Lisa's help. She is extremely competent and goes above and beyond. We would recommend Lisa to anyone who needs the aid of an honest, hard working attorney.
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20 May, 2014 by Michelle
Sharon Ravenscroft is an involved attorney who works diligently to build and maintain a network of trustworthy partners in addition to maintaining a professional and efficient practice. I wouldn't hire any other attorney to work on my will, trusts or estate planning. Sharon provides great insight in evaluating your situation and will provide you with multiple options, as opposed to pushing her own agenda, or the most expensive option. Sharon works with her clients to develop a balanced plan that meets budgetary needs in addition to estate planning needs. Sharon also maintains a network that allows for solid referrals for any professional services needed in order to build, develop or complement your estate and retirement planning.
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19 May, 2014 by Lori
My husband and I were fortunate to have been referred to Ms. Ravenscroft from our CPA. We own our business have a small inheritance & have educational trusts established for our kids. We wanted the most educated attorney in estate planning to look at our lives, set a game plan and prepare the needed paperwork to keep our family safe in the future. From the moment we sat down, everything was explained and handeled perfectly. Questions were answered (even things we didn't know to ask) and systems put in place. Peace of mind is worth everything! Ms. Ravenscroft is that rare attorney, that is not only knowledgeable but also listens and cares.
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06 May, 2014 by Chris
My husband and I have used Sharon Ravenscroft as our estate planning lawyer on 2 different occasions.
She was very thorough, knowledgeable and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Miss jordan
Seems like a reputable law firm with good reviews, however the staff hired is a direct reflection of the company, and their current front desk receptionist Kayla Bates came to my place over the weekend in my parking lot smoking weed and threatening to fight me and asking me if I want to come downstairs and get beat up over a man. A woman she knows is pregnant. What type of professionalism is that? I called and spoke to the executive team Holly and Tammy and was assured they would address the issue with said staff.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Tyson huggans
We were told that Cody Jess was the best attorney to use for business concerns and he exceeded every expectation that we had. He is a no non-sense, brilliant man that not only gets the best results but also teaches in order to prevent future problems. God bless America and Mr Jess.
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08 May, 2024 by Karen j nechville
18 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Never returned my calls. Suggested that I obtain another attorney, because my situation would be to time consuming
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14 Jul, 2020 by Michael
Michelle handled my legal needs in terms of estate management and disbursement of benefits and all fudiciary responsibilities that I needed to fulfill as the Personal Representative of my brother's estate. Very professional, knowlegeble, and caring.
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13 Dec, 2017 by Morgan
I woul recommend Michelle M Lauer to anyone and everyone who needs assistance with a guardianship issue. Michelle went out of her way to help us with a most difficult medical guardianship for my young adult daughter. The support and guidance she gave us was truly impeccable, we were never rushed she took as much time as needed to make she explained each step of the process. I was able to ask as many questions as I wanted to make sure I understood what was going on. Michelle is truly an awesome attorney and you won't be disappointed.
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23 Oct, 2018 by Carole
My brother lived in AZ and I live in CO. When he passed I became his personal representative. We weren't really sure we needed an attorney, but Jennifer was recommended and we engaged her. That was the smartest decision we made.
She was able to explain and guide me through the process, which was significantly more complex than I had ever imagined.
When the situation took a turn for the worse and became contentious she provided valuable guidance and advice and worked tirelessly to resolve the issues. She and her staff listened and understood my concerns and helped me work through them. They also helped me stay centered and focused on the important issues.
She and her staff were always available to answer questions and provide assistance. This was especially helpful since I did not live in AZ. Their communications with me were always clear and concise whether they were explaining something or forwarding me documents. I received the information I needed and, when necessary, very detailed instructions on what was required.
She was always mindful of managing her and her staff's time to try and keep the costs down. She made sure I was aware of the status of the important issues, but did not keep me updated on the status of every little item which helped keep the costs down. If, however, I had any questions she and her staff were always available and would answer all my questions.
They were always supportive and understanding and worked very hard and diligently to help me through this process which has been going on for over 15 months.
Jennifer and her staff exceeded my expectations in all areas and I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done.
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11 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Jennifer was hired to represent me in our nightmare of a case against cps. We were wrongly accused with no evidence and Jennifer did everything in her power to prove that. She knew what she was doing and how to respond to cps and their lies. She never gave up, always working hard to prove their lies wrong. She was professional, caring, informative, hard working and completely committed to my case. She was constantly thinking a step ahead of cps.
Although my case has gone on for 2 years, she never gave up or stopped caring. Even though the case is not closed yet, my kids are back at home where they belong. When the kids came home she genuinely celebrated with our family!! She was excited to meet and hug our kids.
If you want a lawyer who will fight for you, knows what they are doing, genuinely cares and knows how the system works.. Look no further, this IS who you should hire!!
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20 May, 2015 by Janet
I hired Jennifer to help me get my share of an asset from my fathers estate. She proposed to get a written agreement between myself and the other beneficiaries, but failed to inform me that the trust attorney added language to the agreement she knew was unacceptable to me. She then lied and said she told me of the added language. She later suggested to correct the language we amend the agreement and wanted to charge me for the time and effort. The sale of the asset eventually happened without help from her. It was a very unpleasant experience. She seemed distracted and communication was poor. In fairness it may have been a staffing problem but ultimately she should be in control of what is happening in her name.
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26 Aug, 2023 by Josh mondlick
My wife and I recently used Adrian Betts to establish estate plans. With two young children we had many decisions to make regarding the intricacies of creating a structure for them if the unthinkable happens before they come of age. Adrian did a wonderful job of helping us navigate each decision with clear examples and explanations that made the entire process much easier than we had anticipated. His knowledge within the estate planning arena is extensive, and we were very happy we worked with him. We highly recommend Adrian for estate planning, you will be please with your decision.
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26 Aug, 2023 by Chuck sorger
26 Aug, 2023 by Daniel papin
18 Feb, 2025 by Xylia
Attorney Jon Schneider and paralegal Max Rowles were essential in helping my father with a personal injury lawsuit. They were genuinely kind and pleasant to work with (unlike other law firms I called first) — their positive attitude made a huge difference to our mental wellbeing in the many months it took to settle the case. They worked hard to get justice for my father and ultimately succeeded.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Meliza jackson
Wonderful experience having them work on my case.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Maria brazil
Attorney Chuck Onofry was accessible and communicated the process every step of the way. He said he would fight a good fight and he WON. He is your go to lawyer. His assistant Max was extremely helpful and listened at length to our frustrations. The opposing party was just out for money but the legal team of Schneider &Onofry shut them down. Thank you.
Your go to lawyers.
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31 May, 2024 by Mermer03
He was extremely unhelpful and uncommunicative. He then dropped my case and did not notify me That I was without a lawyer. Overall experience was negative.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Frank gonzales
Just say No. While an excellent Lawyer, he's Extremely Rude, arrogant and good luck getting your money once it comes in; delay after delay after delay. Good Lawyer, Not a good guy.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Teri siggins
09 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I called this guy to see about writing up a contract for deed as the buyer. Unfortunately, the seller backed out. As I consulted with Mr. Pruett, he took the time to ask questions about my life. He was patient and kind. Everything that he was thinking about (such as trust, etc.), we had already done. He affirmed that we were on good ground and, while concerned about us being covered in our case, was never pushy. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy.
On an additional note, I am appreciative that some lawyers know what some lawyers know. I can't tell them strategy, timing, or anything else. Unfortunately, I have been around the block with lawyers. What I can say is, find an attorney you can trust and then trust them. I believe I can trust Mr. Pruett.
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11 Apr, 2017 by Laura
He wasted my time on a personal injury case. He was charming at first, he wanted my case and he wanted me to be loyal to him, so I was. He kept asking for more information which I provided and he kept putting me off. After several weeks of this, he said he did not want my case. He did not call to tell me. I had to call him to find this out. When I asked him why, he said I had a great case, but his partners decided because I did not want them to call my other attorney who charges me by the hour, and because I wanted to get answers for them, I am the type of person who will want to micro manage things too much. They must have something to hide if they don't want customers too involved.
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14 Mar, 2023 by Arianna delarosa
Communication is horrible. Nobody ever answers the phone or returns emails. Almost 2 years later, my bankruptcy is still not closed as it should be and no funds have ever been sent to me from the tax return that this office intercepted from the IRS. Absolutely ridiculous and frustrating!
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11 Jul, 2021 by Jimmy culbertson
21 Jan, 2021 by Rob
Roger Curley took my elderly and confused Mother for a complete ride. She and my father had all their legal affairs in order for many many years.
My father died and when my Mother became confused, my sister took her to Roger. My Mother had a will but was told her she didn’t.
My Mother said she never wrote a check to Roger Curley, yet I saw the canceled check. I also have her on tape telling me she had no idea who Roger Curley is; this is after meeting with him.
Any self respecting lawyer who met with an 84 year old woman who resides out-of-state and was just visiting Arizona should have done his due diligence.
But not Roger. I guess money if more important than doing the right thing.
Such a shame.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Roger Curley is the guy bad but wealthy people hire because he knows how to waste time, change the subject, file many losing motions and bill huge fees for losing. he does not mind losing as long as he is paid. My new lawyer told me that there are cases in the law books involving bad moves, like lessons of what NOT to do. his advice to you is based on his guess of how much to make off of you.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Walter
Roger Curley has provided Estate Planning and Settlement for our family since he formed the Curley-Allison law firm. Our estate has involved a myriad of complications that Roger has handled in excellent fashion. We have complete trust in his integrity and ability.
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22 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
This was my first time hiring a lawyer and he did ask me if that was the case in our first or second meeting. I hired Mr. Rolle to defend my right to visit my mother against my sister's suit to restrict that right. He showed up for all court appearances but did not say one word. We had no written, signed agreement as to his fees, what he would do or anything. Without my knowledge or consent he brought another lawyer, half way through the proceedings, who spoke once, to badger a witness on the stand. Not surprisingly, I was granted restricted visiting privileges.
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30 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired to handle probate and all together bad advice and end up losing and not receiving what was a clear cut. Over billing, and unethical. Complaint to AZ State Bar Association and won. Recovered a portion of expenses but the damage from lack of knowledge is priceless.
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06 Jul, 2017 by Donna headrick
Found Mr Newmark online. I called him to make an appointment. He never called back. I called him a couple days later. He answered. Talked. Seemed really nice. Made an appointment. Called the morning of the appointment to confirm. He didn't answer so I left a message. Drove 3 1/2 hours. Got lost. Called again. No answer. Finally found the office. We were 20 minutes early. We left after he was 15 minutes late. No apologetic phone call or text. I'm a professional and would be fired if I did business like this. Very rude and inconsiderate.
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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:
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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.
