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23 Dec, 2024 by Sheila jones
Kissling Law Firm did an amazing job on my son's case. They're very polite, informative, and will go over and beyond to get charges dropped. If you're looking for the best, look no further then Kissling Law Firm . 🙂
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20 Dec, 2024 by Josh andreski
Kissling Law was able to resolve my traffic citation issues in a professional and timely manner. I thoroughly appreciate their prompt response to my request, and for providing a detailed synopsis of how the court proceedings would transpire. Highly recommend their law firm.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Tierney thomas
Professional and efficient. I am an out of towner and they handled my speeding ticket without any issues. Thank you Kissling Law. I appreciate your help!!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Kristie rehders
I had the pleasure of working with this amazing team, a group of top-notch professionals who consistently deliver high-quality work. Their firm blends the efficiency of a larger organization with the welcoming atmosphere of a smaller one. Maria is a joy to work with—always responsive and proactive with such a cheerful and helpful disposition. Katie, the lead attorney on our file, has a sharp eye for detail and a solutions-oriented mindset, handling everything promptly and precisely. I was particularly impressed with their customer service; I never had to deal with voicemail or wait more than five minutes for a response. The front desk staff is outstanding too! Katie even took time out of her busy schedule to personally address our requests and was readily available by phone for any questions. I highly recommend this team!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Ms ashley
25 Jun, 2024 by Francisco javier duque villegas
The best real estate law firm in the area by far. Katie King is an exceptional lawyer with outstanding customer service and the fastest response time I’ve ever experienced. Working with her on our real estate transactions is a pleasure, making my work much easier than with any other lawyer in the past. The entire team is also outstanding. After working with several real estate lawyers, I highly recommend this firm. For me, they are the best.
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30 Jan, 2018 by Lorie
Glen was great to work with on our estate planning process. Glen was very thorough and asked all the right questions to have my husband and I think through how we wanted matters handled. Estate planning can be stressful but Glen took care of so many of the details that it was a very easy process for us. I highly recommend Glen to all of my friends and will continue to use his services as my needs change over time.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Jill
I highly recommend Glen as a Trust and Estate Planning attorney.
In 2017, I needed to update my will and establish a trust.
Glen listened to all of my needs, drafted the legal document that reflected my wishes, and explained every signature to me in great detail.
I now recommend Glen to friends as a Trust attorney.
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07 Dec, 2017 by Sam thorp
Glen is a trusted colleague and an excellent Trusts and Estate planning attorney. I frequently refer folks to him, and he does exemplary legal work for all of them. I give him my highest recommendation, without reservation!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Ann fields
Met all my legal needs. Took time to listen and walk me through everything.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Alice hardy
26 Mar, 2024 by Janet
15 Dec, 2024 by Karina de la cruz
07 Dec, 2024 by Coco prado
Very good lawyer and his team professionals helped me with my green card my family also then my citizenship I fully recommend Omar Baloch team efficient in everything
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15 Nov, 2024 by Mohammed talaat ali
professionalism and honesty
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11 Dec, 2020 by Gene
Andrew could not have been more helpful and forthcoming in describing the estate process and the steps required. As out of state residents losing a parent in NC, Andrew could not have been more professional and helpful. Highly recommended!
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07 Mar, 2020 by Michael grothmann
I am
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26 Dec, 2015 by David
Andrew did an exceptional job and made the experience a pleasurable one as well as meeting all our needs. He could not have done a better job. I will recommend him in the future.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Jalyn goodman
I called for help with accident/injury and criminal defense from an ad. When I spoke with someone from the criminal defense team they were rude and unprofessional. Also the "help" I received was clearly from a Google search and also largely inapplicable.
I understand that consultation exists for a reason but so does professionalism.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Mary choe
Daire, Kat, and everyone at Strauss were great to work with, both professional and kind. Daire helped both my mom and me and my spouse with our estate planning and made the process as smooth and easy as could be.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Juss tyler
Overly grateful and thankful to have Devon Newton support me with my incident. He was everything but concerned when handling my case , and that confidence is needed during these moments. Did everything but fall short to his word , and I’m extremely confident he will do it for his next client.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly
I paid him $2500 and never talked to him or met with him. As a matter of fact, he did not work on my case he handed it off to some lady and Iam not sure what her title was, I hired him. They took my money first then sent one email to the opposing attorney. They charged me $2500 to tell some lady thereasons why I need legal help basically.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Enc greenfeet
Katie Coyle has always been there to assist us with our legal needs. She's great!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Pamela thombs
Attorney Sheri Dickson is a tenacious advocate. Once she is on a case, she is dogged about accomplishing her client’s objectives. I give Attorney Dickson 5 stars. Attorney P. M. Thombs
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20 Sep, 2024 by Andrew keegan
I'll give an extra star because they were generally pleasant to work with and my case was eventually resolved, but not without several unacceptable communication issues with possible legal consequences, and a lot of avoidable time and money spent. My recommendation would be to find more professional representation.
1. Received email notification at 7pm for a court ordered 2 hr virtual mediation session the next day, which I only happened to see the next day while at work. The associated affidavit was signed by representation almost a month before so I should have been notified.
2. There were calls scheduled with me on their side, without any notice to me (not impromptu calls, actual on their calendar scheduled calls)
3. Legal agreement revisions from opposing counsel were sent to me multiple times without any input. One time there were changes with significant financial impacts which I had to notice and evaluate on my own and could have easily missed.
4. I had to sign the same finalized agreement 3 times in a time crunch scenario due to mistakes. The first time, with a two week deadline to avoid court, the signed agreement was snail mailed and was either lost or returned which lost us most of the time window.
5. I was not notified when my legal agreement was executed, causing me to almost miss payments that were legally due. I only found out through opposing counsel at the last minute, which is obviously not how this should work.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Gerrie dean
08 Jan, 2024 by Leon ives
Angela Haas and her entire staff are amazing. More than just a talented and highly rated lawyer, she became my friend who helped me through the personal part. I highly recommend Angela…and I have, and those friends were just as pleased.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.0
22 Reviews
15 Nov, 2024 by Letha jones
My parents and I highly recommend Charles Griffin. He is efficient, decisive and responsive. He patiently explained options while in a multi- generational meeting about my parent’s estate planning. He quickly responded to follow-up questions and helped us feel more secure about the future. We appreciate Charles’s expertise and wise advice!
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07 Apr, 2024 by Keith disano
Chess Griffin and the firm's staff were professional and provided excellent legal services. We would definitely recommend this law firm to our friends and family.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Kimberly hayes
Very unprofessional and takes on claims from plaintiffs without being knowledgable of the facts. They place false claims to the courts. They do not validate any claimant information and files false allegations to the courts. Not a very thorough firm.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Stephanie
We have used Donna for several years for our personal and professional needs. She is incredibly knowledgeable and advocates for her clients. We are a small family without large assets, but Donna and her team have always been generous with their time and given us the attention and advice we needed.
She helped us close several mortgages and a sale of our house, which would not have closed without Donna and her team going above and beyond (the buyer's attorney was clueless).
She has handled our estate planning, as well as healthcare powers of attorney. We have a unique family situation, and Donna's knowledge of NC law helped us create custom documents that have brought us tremendous peace of mind.
We highly recommend Donna.
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18 Aug, 2017 by Jeremy.drawas
I have been working with Donna for many years now and she has become an absolutely essential part of my team and a truly trusted partner.
She always takes my calls (early, late, weekends) and if she can't, she gets back to me very quickly -- as if I were her only client. She almost always knows the answers, but if she doesn't she knows the right people to contact. I know that she won't quit until the job gets done. And above all, I know that Donna is always working in my best interests and will always go above and beyond to ensure I am covered from a legal standing.
I could not more highly recommend Donna.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Joseph
We have used Donna's services several times from mortgage closings to customer collection issues to estate planning.
She answers all questions immediately and has a plan of action within minutes.
Donna is not only professional, but also a woman of her word and now a family friend.
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08 Mar, 2019 by Marlene
Attorney Allen was very helpful in overnight advice on a debt collection matter I was facing. She was upfront and did not try to sell me on services I did not need. Rather, she took a few minutes out of her day of helping actual clients to get me on the road to resolving my issue. Hopefully, I’ll never need her as representation in financial issues (bankruptcy) but I am glad to know she would be a great attorney to represent me.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Evelyn
Just gave Ms. Ruth Allen 5 Stars. She deserves every Star We gave her. She helped us in a legal matter, saving us time and money. We highly recommend Attorney Ruth Allen.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Douglas
Attorney Allen has successfully represented my family and myself on several occasions. She has always been professional and knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend her services.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
We were impressed on so many levels during our meeting with Misty. She was not only knowledgeable, but organized and thorough in how she explained a complicated topic. We appreciated her patience and advice. We will recommend her over and over again.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Laua
Misty Piekaar was very helpful to me to understand a contract. I was being bullied by a company I no longer wanted to do business with. Without her knowledge and advice I would not have known how to respond to their communications. Misty Piekaar explained my legal rights under the contract and help me draft a letter so that I could protect myself. I'm very grateful and would recommend her.
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19 Jan, 2016 by Will m
Misty assisted me in obtaining a Will and Powers of Attorney. She was patient and did not use legal jargon. She often used hypotheticals so I easily understood what would happen to my family in multiple situations.
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21 Sep, 2016 by Ed
I am from Illinois, I needed an attorney from North Carolina, and Attorney Dedmond guided me through the estate process for my brother. I had to be appointed as administrator of my brother's estate (drafted and submitted the forms to the County Clerk) as he died intestate. Heath also assisted with the sale of the home in providing guidance to the closing attorney for distribution of funds to the heirs. Finally when the estate was closed his direction and assitance with the estate funds disbursement was excellent. I would recommend Heath Dedmond.
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08 Sep, 2016 by Kris
Before working directly with the state on what appears to be a straight forward process in handling the death of a loved one's estate, take the time and money, borrow it if you have to, to see Heath Dedmond.
My situation was a disaster after a long and difficult process of traveling back and forth while managing the care of my mom three time zones away, what seemed to be a straight forward estate will turned into a worst case scenario on a soul that was already worn thin. I came to Heath a depressed mess, having no choice but to move forward in a huge decision with only a slightly different set of options from bad to worse. Heath was patient and great at articulating the law in a way that helped me make a decision. He was quick at returning emails, and in the end he closed the estate as smoothly as possible. He stuck to his estimate of what it would cost to handle the estate and did so in a honorable way. Throughout the process it was clear that he empathized with the difficulty of my situation, but it wasn't until the very end that I realized he whole heartedly cared.
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16 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
We were referred to Heath by our financial advisors. He helped us set up a suite of estate planning documents, including a customized trust, for a very reasonable price. He was friendly and did a good job explaining the obscure points of estate law.
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04 Jun, 2020 by Phillip
I hired Beth to help settle my families estate, a case that had been going on for 4+ years. She worked between me and my siblings as a mediator to help settle the case as quickly as possible. Beth was easy to reach and took time to explain any and all questions I had. Without her help, I have no doubt my legal issue would still be ongoing. If needed, I wouldn't hesitate at all to work with Beth again in the future. I can't recommend Beth enough!
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18 May, 2018 by Mike
I received a letter from a rental property I had recently moved from. Despite receiving a 30 notice, the property was attempting to charge me an additional 17 days worth of rent. As a servicemember, I was aware of my rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) but was not knowledgeable of all the legal complexities and common tricks used by leasing offices to get around the law. Beth quickly research my options and was able to provide the necessary guidance to this developing issue. After my conversation with Beth, I spoke to my former leasing office. I informed them I had spoken to my lawyer and would not simply send them the check for the additional 17 days. The leasing office immediately changed their tone and stated lawyers would not need to be involved in the matter. In the subsequent conversation, the leasing office dropped the 17 day charge and ended up sending me a check for the remainder of my security deposit. I don’t believe I would have received that outcome had it not been for the tailored advice I had received from Beth.
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06 May, 2021 by Donald
I contacted John Paschal when my mother suffered a stroke and now needs long term care. John took care of us as if we were his own family. We have executed a power of attorney and property deed and he is an excellent elder attorney to consult with on all matters involved for the elderly, including estate planning, wealth preservation, Medicare issues, probate, etc. John treated us like very well, personal service, very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend John Paschal for your elder law attorney.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Nikki
Attorney Sprunger is a knowledgeable and skilled professional that provides concise information. Her consultation proved valuable and time worthy.
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11 Jan, 2021 by Fulton
Chris has been an excellent counselor for our numerous projects. What my wife and I appreciate most is Chris’s non-condescending manner when explaining complex legal issues. I’ve worked with many attorneys and humble competence is rare. I also have been very impressed with his ingenuity regarding tax strategies (as they relate to estate planning) and how available and cooperative he is with financial and accounting professionals with whom we work. We have a great “team” and Chris is a critical member/leader.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Ava
Ms Markovich is a one of a kind attorney who is happy to share her wealth of information. She doesn’t try to confuse clients with legal jargon but instead clearly explained all of my options (some of which other attorneys never even mentioned!) and treated me like a person with respect.
She had a way of making the complicated decisions very clear.
I’m so grateful she was able to help me. I will hire her again for anything related to estate planning and recommend to all my friends
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25 Nov, 2024 by Heri santiago
My experience was incredible. Mr. Brinkley provided with me with great service. The level of professionalism, understanding and compassion were simply unmatchable. If you are looking for a great attorney, look no further.
Thank you Mr. Brinkley for your help.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Dan
Mr. Brinkley has advised me on two separate occasions. He is extremely knowledgeable, but also kind. He took the time to listen and show empathy when I was feeling afraid and uncertain. The law is the law, but it takes someone with real skill and heart to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and meet them where they are. Mr. Brinkley knows the law, but it’s that certain 'X' factor—the way he treats people—that truly sets him apart from the rest. If I ever need representation again, I will gladly call upon him.
Mr. Brinkley, Thank you.
-Daniel
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17 Oct, 2024 by Natalie m
Mr. Brinkley provided outstanding support throughout my case, which took several years due to court delays. The legal process was overwhelming, but he was thorough, detailed, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. In the end, he won my case, and I am extremely grateful to have had him as my attorney.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Ann fields
Met all my legal needs. Took time to listen and walk me through everything.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Alice hardy
26 Mar, 2024 by Janet
16 Oct, 2024 by Michael howard
27 Aug, 2024 by Marcie rien
They dropped my case after supposedly being my attorney for months. Do not hire them!!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Linda berry
I was injured in a car accident when a driver T-boned me while running a red light; my car was totaled; I was injured and hospitalized. My life had been changed - both physically and emotionally. As I tried to work with the insurance companies, I quickly knew I was “in over my head.” I called CR Legal team, talked to an expert who put my worries to rest.
My lawyer and my case manager took total control of the communication with the insurance companies, the hospital, the emergency room doctors, Medicare, the dentist, my doctor, etc. I sent every bill and communication to the legal team. They kept in constant contact with me to let me know how the process was going. In the end, I was more than pleased with the process, the settlement, and the wonderful professionals with whom I worked. They allowed me to heal, get back to my life with no hassle or anxiety. I trust them to always do the best for their clients: they are the “GOAT.”
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28 Nov, 2024 by James coblentz
I have worked with David Hilton and his team over the last 14 years, and they have always been a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Robert ponzi
My wife and I had a lengthy dispute with the management company and the HOA Board of our condominium complex in Raleigh. The dispute was serious, and the Board threatened legal action and significant fines if we did not abide by its demands to discontinue construction of a driveway expansion that it had approved for other residents. The attorneys we had previously contacted declined to take the case because of their association with management companies. Doug McClanahan of Hilton Silvers and McClanahan was recommended to us by two other practicing attorneys. He answered our email inquiry promptly and arranged for a consultation with us just a few days later. He listened carefully to the reasons for our dispute and, although he could not promise us a satisfactory resolution, we were impressed by him. He did not pressure us to retain his services and, in fact, recommended that we take a few days to decide. My wife and I agreed that we did not need to delay hiring him to represent us. The next day we received a draft letter that he planned to send to the Management Company and to the HOA’s attorney. He also updated us regularly about developments in the case. We had a five-month dispute with the HOA and its Board of Directors, but Dave was able to get a reversal of its decision just seven weeks after we retained him. We can finally proceed with our construction project. We will recommend Doug McClanahan to family and friends because of his knowledge of the law, ethics and his determination to fight for us.
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14 May, 2024 by Tim wicker
I have been a CPA in Raleigh for 30 years and cannot believe it took me so long to find this firm. This was the best experience I have had with a law firm and certainly the only time I left thinking I was underbilled for the services I received.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Jalyn goodman
I called for help with accident/injury and criminal defense from an ad. When I spoke with someone from the criminal defense team they were rude and unprofessional. Also the "help" I received was clearly from a Google search and also largely inapplicable.
I understand that consultation exists for a reason but so does professionalism.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Mary choe
Daire, Kat, and everyone at Strauss were great to work with, both professional and kind. Daire helped both my mom and me and my spouse with our estate planning and made the process as smooth and easy as could be.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Juss tyler
Overly grateful and thankful to have Devon Newton support me with my incident. He was everything but concerned when handling my case , and that confidence is needed during these moments. Did everything but fall short to his word , and I’m extremely confident he will do it for his next client.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Joey knowles
I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Matthew Burke and team gave us invaluable counsel. After our original home building contractor took our money and shorted sub-contractors, Matthew and team navigated us through the legal mess that ensued. They got multiple liens against our property and home released. They were polite, responsive, and professional at the highest levels. They are the main reason we live in our home now. Thank you, Matt and team. My family and I are so grateful for your help!
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30 May, 2024 by Richard mason
Don't bother calling them. They do not take new cases that are not referred to them by another attorney. Waste of time!
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31 Mar, 2024 by Don martin
15 Jan, 2025 by Blair whelan
06 Dec, 2024 by O.b. wan v
Fantastic services.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Vladimir riggins
Brandi was top tier professional she called for updates found out I wasn't getting gas money for appts and boom double checks outta nowhere when I needed it and Mrs Hunter push the other attorneys to the limit to get me the most money and she did I've already referred others and will continue to I'm very blessed to have got the Ricci law firm
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12 Jun, 2017 by Kathy
Very thorough and efficient! The fee was so low we thought he had made a mistake! Highly recommend him for any estate planning legal work!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Lauren bridgers
In my experience it appears they're so desperate for clients they will Support someone making 15k a month in trying to obtain Support from a mother barely making ends meet. Pathetic.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Brinx ;*
12 Jul, 2024 by Megan giroux
Eric is passionate about connecting with his clients who may be in crisis to let them know their options and walk every step of the way with them. I have been so impressed with his professionalism and approachability as a family law attorney.
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21 Nov, 2024 by El walid veirick
They really helped me throw out my red light ticket The team was very helpful. They were on top of my case. I would definitely recommend it.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Elizabeth overstreet
I had the opportunity to work with Asi Jackson and her staff at her law practice. I had a traffic incident, and I was impressed by Asi and her team's professionalism, responsiveness, and interactions. They resolved my issue quickly and implemented an excellent legal strategy, resolving my problem quickly. I would highly recommend her services and work with her staff. You won't be disappointed!
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26 Oct, 2024 by Femi gooding
While visiting the U.S. from Switzerland, I was involved in an auto accident. I was recommended to the Jackson Law Center by my old roommate and have been totally satisfied with the quality of service. I am very happy with the results of the case, and would recommend this Law Firm to anyone with a not-at-fault accident.
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27 Jul, 2021 by Rietika patel
23 Dec, 2020 by Timothy aull
04 Nov, 2018 by Kurt d
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.
