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12 Oct, 2024 by Erich breimhurst
I can't say enough about the quality of the service from Quatrini and Erika Dowd. Her staff and especially Shayla did such a great job and helped me immeasurably through the disability process. Lifesaving! Thank you so much.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Natalie marhefky
I highly recommend this firm for your disability claim. Erica and Shayla were very helpful and encouraged me through the entire process. 😊
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09 Sep, 2024 by Justin noel
Well What was a long, painful journey & in my case w a lot of uncertainty, having the ladies in my corner (Attorney Theresa, Rhonda & CJ) was a big help. Thank-you ladies
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18 Sep, 2024 by J gecko
They were terrific. Prompt, professional, kind, and fair value. Ms. Bowe was absolutely perfect. Thoughtful, presented all options, and advised without pushing. Their help made going through a difficult situation much better. Would highly recommend!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Melissa s.
Aleksandra Kocelko was awesome! She was timely, accurate, helpful and focused! She communicated quickly and answered my questions. Needing a divorce lawyer is never the goal, but having a great lawyer when you do is! I will be recommending BOK and Aleksandra to others. Thanks, Aleksandra and team!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eddie whitfield
09 Jul, 2024 by Parthenia mcintosh
27 Sep, 2023 by John marino
Susan Henry helped me navigate. Through the complicated pennsylvania work injury laws. I would definitely recommend her.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Blood nation
Andrew helped me with my case best lawyer there is
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17 Jul, 2023 by Tom
Attorney Lloyd Welling prepared Last Will & Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, and Living Will documents for me and my wife. Lloyd was courteous and professional. He took time to listen and answer all my questions. He understood my particular needs and did not try to sell me or convince me to buy a more expensive type of Estate Plan. I received my documents within a week after my consultation at a very reasonable price.
I highly recommend attorney Lloyd Welling for your Estate Planning needs!
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15 Jun, 2023 by Jan
Lloyd was friendly and informative. He listened and made sensible suggestions for writing my will, power of attorney and living will. The process was smooth and easy. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone in need of planning and preparing end of life documentation.
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21 Apr, 2023 by Christine
I contacted Lloyd Welling to have a will and power of attorney completed. I must say that my experience with Mr. Welling was exceptional! He is so personable and down to earth and very easy to talk to. He spent a lot of time with me answering all of my questions and did not rush me. I am referring him to my family members who also need the same services. Thank you also to Judy who was very helpful also.
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08 May, 2021 by Chris f
04 Sep, 2020 by Christopher graft
18 Jan, 2020 by Lisa macon
when the contract came up for renewal with SM security, we were desperate to find a better vendor. We settled on Tri State Enforcement, and we couldn't be happier. This is the best provider of protective - security service in Pittsburgh.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Gino
Domenic was a pleasure to work with and extremely helpful and successful in helping me win my case
I would highly recommend him
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13 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Domenic after I was not able to get thorough paperwork or understanding on my own. With his guidance from the first phone call. I felt comfortable with my decision to hire him. He guided me along with help getting all records needed. I was able to get a speedy hearing due to my circumstances and granted we won the appeal. It's a shame that more people don't seek professional help for appealing or even if you want to do it yourself Domenic bellisario is able to explain the reasons and clearly gave me hope for my future after my injuries. I worked from age of 17 years till 49 only to be told I could still do certain work. My medical records were not available or released. Get advice. Call him, he will answer your questions and respect you. Thanks my family won't be homeless this winter.
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08 Apr, 2018 by Teresa
Dominic Bellisario took the time to listen to my case. He was extremely knowledgeable when pursuing a case with the NRLB and the EEOC. He was respectful and kept me up to date and informed me every step of the way.
He was professional, curtious and most of all prepared. I could not have had a better attorney than Dominic Bellisario in my corner.
I highly recommend his services.
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06 May, 2020 by Carla
I recommend Mr. Xides to anyone looking for a great attorney. I consulted with him about a real estate transaction and his knowledge and expertise were obvious from the first conversation, where he offered alternatives I had not considered and explained the reasoning behind them concisely. He was very easy to communicate with, returning phone calls and emails promptly. He is friendly, trustworthy, and genuinely cares about getting the best outcome for his clients.
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06 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We needed help writing an operating agreement for our LLC that went from a sole-proprietor LLC to a three person partnership. Rob Xides was very helpful in crafting the agreement, and getting us to think about things we didn't think about on our own. He also helped us to feel confident in setting up the operating agreement with terms that worked for us, and he didn't necessarily try to coerce us into typical attorney-like contracts. He was very understanding of our goals for our partnership.
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11 Jan, 2016 by Josh caldwell of the pittsburgh real estate investors assn.
Rob Xides has helped me with a number of legal issues, from contracts, to dealing with tenants, and even government agencies. Rob is level headed and knowledgeable. There are a lot of lawyers out there but very few have the combination of legal knowledge and compassion for the little guy that Rob has.
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29 Aug, 2014 by Douglas
Erin Santorella is more then just your average intelligent, experienced lawyer. She is determined to get to the bottom of your case and is not intimidated of the people she has to get through to get the job done. Erin is trustworthy and always kept me up to date on what was going on, whether it be good or bad. In the end i had every confidence that she went above and beyond with my case and I was extremely impressed with the outcome.
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18 Aug, 2014 by Robert
Ms. Santorealla did a great job on our business contract needs. She was extremely professional and knew exactly what we needed. She was very accurate, efficient, and timely in getting everything done for us. Couldn't ask for a better result!
Highly recommend her. Thank you!
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09 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Santorella was extremely helpful and knowledgeable in handling my case. She kept the line of communication open and kept me informed of what was going on. I think she did an excellent job for me and i would and have recommended her to others. She is a young attorney but she is a very good one too! thanks Erin for all you did for me. I really appreciate it you were a lifesaver!!
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29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Caroline did an excellent job with my situation. Although my case was somewhat simple, she was clear with the expectations and timely with getting things done. She never pressured me to go beyond the scope of what I wanted, which was appreciated in an already stressful situation. The online portal was easy to use and a convenient way to communicate and share documents. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of her services!
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06 Apr, 2015 by F g
I met with attorney Vodka to help with my divorce proceedings. She was very knowledgeable and went over everything with me. She filed all paperwork and kept me informed on every aspect of my divorce. I would Highly Recommend her to everyone. She is a fantastic attorney and is very resourceful. I will definitely keep her in mind for any legal matters which may come up in the future.
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07 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
This was my first experience with a lawyer and it was hassle free. I needed a Power of Attorney and had no idea what to do. Ms. Vodzak was extremely helpful and I had my documents the same day. I will definitely utilize her services in the future.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
We worked with Allison to create our wills, living wills and powers of attorney. She was very helpful, giving us a step by step structure with which to consider each area of our legacy. Once completed, her thorough review helped us create solid protection for ourselves and our heirs. I would highly recommend Allison for your estate planning.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Maripat
Our family needed help quickly with the preparation of a healthcare power of attorney and general durable power of attorney for our 90 year old mother. Allison responded to my request within an hour, and met us the very next day at my mother's apartment. She took time to carefully explain the process to my mother, listening and advising with heart and professionalism. The entire process was a breeze and we feel completely at ease, protected and know that we are in good hands. Allison has kept me informed every step of the way regarding what to expect, timeframe, and what to be prepared for. It gives me, my mother, and my entire family a great sense of relief to know that we have a trusted advocate and experienced attorney on our side.
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14 Nov, 2013 by Brittany
I worked with Allison several years ago when my employer required me to sign documentation regarding pharmacy errors. I felt uncomfortable signing the forms, but had no idea where to turn. Allison listened to my case and referred me to the Allegheny Bar Association, who then connected me to an employment lawyer. Without her help, I would not have known what to do to protect myself. Allison's professionalism and passion for her field would lead me to use her services in the future, and to recommend her to others.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Brandon reines
Holly Glymour is a very unusual attorney, particularly in the family law area which is notorious for extending the process as long as possible to maximize the attorney's income. Holly is not only extremely bright and knowledgeable, but exceptionally kind and efficient. She is truly a client's attorney. She means it when she tells you she needs to make a living, but aside from that, she wants to get the job done in a way that involves as little pain as possible for all involved parties as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can't ask for more than that from any professional. I highly recommend Holly Glymour and Glymour Law Offices.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Beth caldwell
Holly is a dedicated attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients.
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31 May, 2018 by Melanie good
Holly Glymour is very thorough and empathic--she cares about her clients and it shows!
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22 Dec, 2022 by John
John is a great attorney he was honest very understanding very good listen skills and most important he believe in me. That was so important to me I was facing a lot. He always kept it real; he always kept me in the loop and was up front about everything. I would strongly recommend him to anyone
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04 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
John was hired to defend a case of mine. Even with a criminal background he was able to get my charges dismissed entirely. Incredibly courteous and professionalism is unmatched. Couldn’t not recommend more highly.
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24 Aug, 2021 by Joseph
Jay guided me seamlessly through difficult times when my mother passed and legal issues were a worry that I didn't need. He was very professional and handled the estate issues with great knowledge and kept me informed throughout. One great attorney.
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12 Nov, 2009 by Kimberly
I can enthusiastically recommend attorney Lorraine A. Smith based on her excellent representation of me in a difficult estate case. She was the 3rd attorney that I worked with, and was the only one to truly facilitate the case towards a satisfactory result for all parties. She very quickly came up to speed on a case with a long (8+ year) history and developed a novel approach and solution. She is intelligent, practical, clear, responsive, and compassionate.
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31 May, 2018 by Ann
I fired my first attorney for his lack of communication. I hired Mr. Voelker and got a a real attorney and partner in my case. I was completely satisfied by his attention and candor regarding my situation. His realistic approach and his advocacy for my position resulted in a civilized and positive result. I highly recommend Mr. Voelker.
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27 Oct, 2015 by Fred
I could not have hired a more productive attorney. She is honest, fair, and knowledgeable in her field of guardianship and gets the job done effectively. She did not "pad" my bill or waste any legal time. Honestly; taking into account her efforts and the results she obtained; the
billing was very fair. Jeanne is VERY CAREFUL not to waste her client's funds unnecessarily.
(How many clients can say this about their attorney.)
She is very intuitive re: dealing with complex judicial procedures. She is excellent at communicating with other difficult attorneys and knows how to handle stubborn and lazy court personnel.
You will not be disappointed if you retain Jeanne !
She is not afraid of hard work. She provides clients with copies of all pleadings (filed by her and received from
other entities.) She works long days and nights until she gets every aspect of your case handled thoroughly and properly. She always returns phone calls.
To sum up this review; Jeanne is a, " woman who gets things done."
Fred
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08 Jun, 2011 by George
On June 15, 2007, Attorney William C. Kaczynski entered his appearance in the case entitled Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs. GEORGE D. WALLS, CC # 200214218. I was incarcerated in SCI Albion, Pennsylvania due to a wrongful conviction. Attorney Kaczynsk, filed a Supplemental Post Conviction Relief Act Petition requesting the trial court to grant me a new trial for several reasons See: Commonwealth v. George D. Walls, cited as: 993 A.2d 289 Pa. Super 54 (2010). The trial court (Honorable Judge Kathleen A. Durkin) rejected my PCRA Petition for new trial. HOWEVER, Attorney Kaczynski, filed the above cited appeal in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. The Superior Court REVERSED & REMANDED with instructions agreeing with Attorney Kaczynski, that my Due Process Rights were violated. The case went back before the Honorable Judge Durkin who summarily dismissed my (PCRA) Petition without a hearing. Attorney Kaczynski aggressively argued that I should be granted a new trial because of prior Counsel (Ernest H. Sharif) & (William A. Brandstetter, II) was ineffective in their representation of my case. On February 11, 2011, my PCRA Petition for new trial was granted. On May 20, 2011, I was finally released from the wrongful incarceration due to the diligent work of William C. Kaczynski, Esquire!
For more than 4 years attorney Kaczynski put in so many hours to make sure that I'd get my day in court and then had the wrongful conviction reversed.
Finally, On May 10th, 2011, the Honorable Judge Kathleen A. Durkin granted the Allegheny County District Attorney's request to "nolle process" the entire case. I am a free man today thanks to Attorney William C. Kaczynski, Esquire.
I greatly appreciate having Attorney William C. Kaczynski represent me. I wish all attorney would work as hard and diligent as this attorney! William C. Kaczynski, kept his word and kept me informed at every stage of the case. Most of the times, during his representation of my case, he went beyond the call of his representation.
If you need any additional information about this wonderful Attorney, feel free to email me at:
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19 Sep, 2010 by Anthony
JIm Vergotz is an excellent attorney. He is an expert in elder law. He really works for you and his fees are reasonable. I really trust him and I am really pleased how he spends the time to explain to us all of the details in a way we can understand.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Alex
Attorney Benjamin Scott assisted me in creating a trust & was an excellent choice. He answered all my questions in detail & was very thorough in his explanations & paperwork. He was also prompt to answer my follow up questions & I would highly recommend him to anybody.
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30 Jun, 2023 by R baker
I cannot speak highly enough about Efrem Grail's law firm. If you are looking for professionals who are dedicated to seek justice, look no further. Efrem's experience provided great resolution and satisfaction in the courtroom.
Attorney Julia Gitelman was our main point of contact. She was available for us morning, noon, and night. She was quick to respond, she was detailed, and she was dedicated to my case.
I spent a lot of time seeking the right counsel and it paid off tremendously. Trust me when I say, look no further, call this group today!
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01 Dec, 2022 by James buczynski
This firm understands how to service their clients
to perfection
Highly recommend
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12 Nov, 2021 by Odell ross
I want to thank my attorney Ryan and the entire staff who played a part in helping me get my settlement done. I had limited tort and I couldn’t be more proud of the Simon & Simon team ! I wasn’t sure if I was going to be compensated for my accident, due to the fact that I had limited tort. They went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations. I am forever grateful, thank you all !
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jen morales-jones
Tom is a very kind, considerate, understanding and down to earth guy. He means what he says, and says what he means!! I would recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney. And yes he does keep in contact with you throughout the whole process and discusses and explains things to you. He gets the job done! 😊 P.S. check him out on tiktok his videos are very informative.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Sytuan williams
15 Mar, 2024 by Kim kat
Tom Wing is a wonderful, through, and thoughtful lawyer, If any questions or problems arose during my work injury, Tom was always quick to respond and explain my case and assure things would be handled quickly . The communication was stellar and put my stress to ease many times over, Choose McMenamin & Wing as your personal injury lawyer and you will be in good hands, in addition to settling my work injury and fighting for the best settlement offer!!
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jen morales-jones
Tom is a very kind, considerate, understanding and down to earth guy. He means what he says, and says what he means!! I would recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney. And yes he does keep in contact with you throughout the whole process and discusses and explains things to you. He gets the job done! 😊 P.S. check him out on tiktok his videos are very informative.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Sytuan williams
15 Mar, 2024 by Kim kat
Tom Wing is a wonderful, through, and thoughtful lawyer, If any questions or problems arose during my work injury, Tom was always quick to respond and explain my case and assure things would be handled quickly . The communication was stellar and put my stress to ease many times over, Choose McMenamin & Wing as your personal injury lawyer and you will be in good hands, in addition to settling my work injury and fighting for the best settlement offer!!
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04 Feb, 2020 by Joseph valenti
Great place to work, and great legal services!
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09 Sep, 2017 by Carl brockmeyer
Great firm. Incredibly knowledgeable employee benefits practice.
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12 Oct, 2019 by Fonda d.
Great place to work.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Bill snyder
12 Oct, 2024 by Erich breimhurst
I can't say enough about the quality of the service from Quatrini and Erika Dowd. Her staff and especially Shayla did such a great job and helped me immeasurably through the disability process. Lifesaving! Thank you so much.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Natalie marhefky
I highly recommend this firm for your disability claim. Erica and Shayla were very helpful and encouraged me through the entire process. 😊
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09 Sep, 2024 by Justin noel
Well What was a long, painful journey & in my case w a lot of uncertainty, having the ladies in my corner (Attorney Theresa, Rhonda & CJ) was a big help. Thank-you ladies
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22 Aug, 2024 by Lg g
15 Aug, 2024 by Cortney todd
Me and my husband was very pleased with monge and associates they took very good care of use our lawyer James Lopez was very helpful nice and anything that we did not understand he did not hesitate to get use the answers I would definitely be recommending this law firm to any friends or family that I know that needs assistance with auto accidents
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06 Aug, 2024 by Joe smith
Very good lawyer stayed in touch the entire time and very open and honest great firm.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Erich breimhurst
I can't say enough about the quality of the service from Quatrini and Erika Dowd. Her staff and especially Shayla did such a great job and helped me immeasurably through the disability process. Lifesaving! Thank you so much.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Natalie marhefky
I highly recommend this firm for your disability claim. Erica and Shayla were very helpful and encouraged me through the entire process. 😊
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09 Sep, 2024 by Justin noel
Well What was a long, painful journey & in my case w a lot of uncertainty, having the ladies in my corner (Attorney Theresa, Rhonda & CJ) was a big help. Thank-you ladies
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03 Jun, 2024 by Ray metzger
I met Matthew Kikta at Julian Grey Associates in 2016 when he put together an Asset Protection Trust and associated documents (POA, Last Will & Testament, etc.) for my elderly parents. Matthew is very knowledgeable and professional. When my parents passed in 2022, he helped me by submitting the Inheritance Tax return to the state. Matthew always responded quickly to any emails I sent to him (questions I had regarding how to handle things after my parents passed). I strongly recommend Matthew to handle any needs associated with Elder Law.
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14 May, 2024 by Nathan kopsack
He's THE best at what he does.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Reynolds whatley
Julian Gray is the best Elder Law/Guardianship/Estate Planning attorney I have had the privilege to work with. He demands precise work and pays attention to the details. I will be using Julian Gray Associates exclusively going forward.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.4
9 Reviews
23 Aug, 2024 by David
Jonathan was one of the attorneys that my company hired to litigate a business related lawsuit on our behalf. He was attentive and listened to our concerns and was firm and aggressive in prosecuting our case. My partners and i were very pleased with his performance on our behalf as well as his entire firm.
Great lawyers and great firm. I highly recommend them for any legal needs that you may have
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22 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Jonathan helped me close on a sale of real estate. Proficient and detailed oriented lawyer who negotiated great terms for me. Would recommend!
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25 Aug, 2022 by Jared hill
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
