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21 Jan, 2024 by Cathleen shockley
Ryan has been so patient and so helpful! I have been going through an emotional family matter and he keeps it real and calms me down. He's so knowledgeable and anticipates potential happenings and in so doing helps to avoid unnecessary issues. I'm so grateful for his help and his incredible knowledge!!!
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13 Oct, 2022 by John
Ryan helped us through a rather difficult probate…He was knowledgeable, responsive and well organized…I recommend him to anyone seeking legal assistance.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Brande
I have dealt with lawyers in the past and this was by far the best experience I've had. Ryan was very knowledgeable and took the time to listen to my concerns and went over all my options and all possible outcomes. I would recommend him to anyone.
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27 Sep, 2019 by Ron
I am a tax professional for over 38 years in the area. Jennifer and her staff are the best i have ever experienced. Service was exceptional and Jennifer's Knowledge and listening skills are above any others. I strongly recommend Jennifer Daniel and her staff.
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18 Apr, 2019 by Kelli
My financial planner recommended Jennifer Daniel for estate planning after another local attorney cashed my check and abandoned the process. She has completely exceeded my expectations. Jennifer is bright, articulate, organized, and professional. She spent a considerable amount of time with me in order to individualize the package (will, trust, power of attorney, etc.). This wasn't just a fill-in-the-blank process on a generic template. She took the time to get to know me before she ever generated the documents. All of my concerns were addressed and she helped me understand potential issues to which I had not given adequate - if any - consideration. No one wants to talk about estate planning, but I left our final signing meeting feeling relieved. The process is complete and there should be no questions as to my wishes and intentions. Jennifer has my highest recommendation.
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07 Jul, 2018 by Linda
Based upon two people who referred Attorney Jennifer Daniels to me I decided to make an appointment to obtain information relating to Estate Planning. She took time to answer my questions and go over the checklist paperwork that I need to locate prior to making my next appointment. I intend to hire her because I felt she was patient and I felt I could easily work with her personality. Very Professional, very knowledgable lady.
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21 May, 2020 by Jeanette
Sam and his team of professionals did an excellent job of putting together my Trust and Estate Plan. They were very good about walking me through the whole process, and patient with my hundreds of questions, did everything in a timely manner and the cost was good. Everything was done much to my satisfaction.
Great job
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14 Oct, 2018 by John and kilja
Patience, understanding, complete respect to our individual estate planning situation and desired goals. We just felt really comfortable and confident with Mr. Price throughout the entire process. With all the estate planning lawyers available, using Avvo as our primary research tool, we knew from our very first consultation with Mr. Price that we had selected the right legal consul for our estate planning needs. We do not routinely respond to survey requests or provide reviews, but Mr. Price definitely earned our time to provide him this review. Thank You to Avvo and Thank You to "Sam".
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03 Oct, 2018 by Robert
They were very helpful for a probate case, taking the time to explain everything to us. In the end, we decided not to go through with it. They gave us a full refund of our deposit, not charging us for the time they had spent with us. I would recommend Price Law Firm.
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03 Nov, 2018 by Stacy
Ms. Writer took care of business contract documents for me. She was highly professional and extremely quick in her work. When a small hiccup developed with the other party’s attorney, she was quick to resolve it. I plan on having her do more work for us on our family trust. I highly recommend her!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Greg
Courtney handled my uncle's estate to the utmost timely manner. She was very therow and understanding of my family's needs in the matter. Explained the laws of California, since I do not live in the state of California. Keeping us updated with current and future needs and results from the courts. Thank you, Courtney, for a great job.
Greg
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04 Oct, 2018 by Anthony and rudy
Ms. Writer was very thorough, she first sent us a detailed questionnaire to fill out so that she could prepare our trust and wills. My wife and I don't have very much but it was important for us to have what we do have protected from probate for our four children. We had the questionnaire for a few weeks and Ms. Writer called to follow up with us to see if we needed any help with it. She answered all of our questions and was pleasant and patient. Once we got the questionnaire back to her office, she sent us a draft to review, there were only a few changes that we wanted to make but as soon as we sent them back to her within a day or two, we received a call from her office that it was ready. Unfortunately, we were not able to come into the office to have the documents signed, my wife had to have emergency surgery and so instead of us signing the documents in the office, we signed in the hospital right before her surgery. Her office set us up with a mobile notary that came and took care of us. That was a huge relief for us. I most definitely would recommend Ms. Writer to anyone without a doubt.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Barry
Kelly Pexton has given our family continuing support with our family's needs. Wills, trusts, citizenship, and counseling are stellar skills of Kelly's. His warmth and humanity are evident within a minute of meeting him.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Elizabeth k.
I was a financial advisor for 17 years in Redlands and Craig Parker is my 'go to' estate planning attorney! When my in-laws had a VERY messy & complicated probate (that other attorneys weren't even interested in helping us with at ANY cost); Craig was extremely professional, efficient, and only charged us a fraction of what he could have. I recommend him whenever I have the chance!
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14 May, 2019 by Zenah upton
I hired Mr. Craig Parker for a probate case and he has simply been exemplary. His attention to detail and the time he takes to explain complex matters are second to none.
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18 Oct, 2016 by Ruth
No troubles with probate. We needed some help finding documents years later and his office was very helpful.
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02 Dec, 2021 by Susan
She was a family attorney for my dad' estate. When my dad passed away on September 10, 2021, I had some questions to ask her. I did not continue to ask them daily as she says. I was asking important brief questions for some immediate short answers. She charged me for calling her office. That was very insensitive for her to charge me for these short questions and answers that her office gave me.
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17 Sep, 2014 by Donald
We met Kathleen Albrecktson three years ago through a mutual friend. He had used her services many times in the past and highly recommended her firm. We have used her services for two generations of estate planning and she is about to start on family trusts for two of our children (the third generation). She and her staff are respectful, concerned and knowledgeable. We highly recommend her to families who need financial and estate planning advice.
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08 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
The staff at Albrektson Law are wonderful to work with. We were very pleased with the legal advice they offered to our friends through the years for their Living Trusts. So we also had our Trust set up with Albrektson Law. We were pleasantly surprised that their rates are very reasonable. Kathleen and her staff know what they are doing. She spent time that we needed and answered all our questions. Her staff also followed through and clarified other questions once we started our Trust. Very pleased and with complete confidence!
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29 Feb, 2016 by Joseph
Let me start off by saying I am a father. And yes this father and his son got what they wanted . Jeff is a great lawyer straight to the point does not take any bullshit. gets down to business he will fight for you. I see some negative reviews on Jeff but he always got back to me by email and informed me about what was going on he changed my child's life thank you Jeff and Stacy. These guys do not charge an arm and a leg for there services great prices.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Cerena
He's straight to the point. He always gets back to me when I contact him. He's hilarious and he's an awesome person. If you need someone to help you, he will.
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29 Aug, 2013 by Samuel
I hired Jeff Grotke to represent me in my child custody/ support case. Mr. Grotke and his staff performed awesomely!!. From the first interview until the final judgment I was informed of any updates, including court dates and was provided constant feedback throughout the process. Mr. Grotke and staff were able to secure proper visitation through the courts for my non-custodian child as while as primary custody of my youngest child. He fought hard with the Child Support Services Department to ensure my ex-wife provided accurate income verification which resulted in the reduction of support paid by 80%. Thanks to Mr. Grotke for doing something I’ve tried to do for over 10 years. I would recommend this law firm to anyone that needs real results.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Hartnell was hired to remove a trustee, my disappointment actually comes from the lack of communication. He nor his assistant would ever keep me up to date on my case, or whether the emails I sent him were received. I was always kept in the dark, which is my biggest complaint. A simple, " hey I got the docs", or "I received the emails" or I am working on your case, would've helped. I felt like I had to do all the work, and yet he never kept me up to date on what was on going. He if it was negative news, some news is better than no news. I always had to call and follow-up, and push things along to the next step. There was a draft pending and he had questions, but I was not made aware of this till I called in to ask what the hold up was. I hired him so I wouldn't have to stress, and all I did was stress. The process dragged on longer than it should have. My experience with him was not a good one unfortunately.
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16 Sep, 2015 by William
Mr.Hartnell a well adversed conservatorship attorney excellent choice that i would recommend to anyone in need of his services. He really made my situation quite painless and i am grateful he even called me on a sunday afternoon and eased my concerns
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Nelms was hired by my mother with me also representing her as her Attorney-in-Fact. My mother wanted a letter written to my sister to resign as a Co-Trustee of a Trust B, so my mother could resume that position. I was the other Co-Trustee, so in effect, Ms. Nelms represented us both for Trust B. Ms. Nelms agreed after talking with my mother and a $500 retainer was paid. We then received a letter requesting $5,000 from Ms. Nelms. When called about this, it was stated Ms. Nelms had called my sister in lieu of sending a letter as retained to accomplished. A letter was sent Ms. Nelms to just send the letter to my sister asking her to resign as directed. Ms. Nelms then withdrew and sent a billing statement for $1,200. A letter then had to be sent rejecting her requested fees and to refund $400 of the retainer. We were dunned for payment and had to respond once more to file a lawsuit, as the requested payment was denied. The letter Ms. Nelms was retained to send never was sent, so in fact Ms. Nelms did nothing but become a nuisance to both my mother and me.
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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.
