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30 Sep, 2024 by Eric hanks
Bienstock Law, LLC helped me and my family through a difficult situation in the most professional and thorough manner. It's hard to imagine facing that challenge without them. I give them the highest possible recommendation say if you have a legal problem Bienstock Law, LLC is an excellent choice.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian dominguez
Michael Bruckeheim is an amazing attorney and makes you feel like a friend rather than a client. I knew he was an excellent choice from the start as he spent over two hours on the phone with me on a Saturday morning. He was straightforward about all the possible outcomes of the case, which I really appreciate. He also gave me some courses prior to my court date which really helped my case. In the end, I had my charges greatly reduce and Mr. Bruckheim was a calming influence throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend Mr. Bruckheim!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kane mcgovern
Michael Bruckheim was nothing short of fantastic through out my entire legal process. I was a first time offender so I had no idea what the process was going to be and he always had that in mind as he guided me through all of the obstacles we faced. I always felt comfortable and knew I was in a good position because of the passion and commitment that he showed me during our very first meeting. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for a lawyer that will answer any and all questions you have and really go to bat for you when the time comes in court! He laid out he best possible scenario for me on day 1 and that's exactly what we got in the end. I could not be more happy with my decision to hire Michael Bruckheim!
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21 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer satz
I highly recommend Blank, Moorstein and Lipshutz, LLP. Stuart Lipshutz and his team are reliable and helpful. I am grateful for their help. Thank you!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Paige libby
I was very pleased with Stuart and his assistants Amy and Laura. I highly recommend them.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Karen caton-taylor
Stuart Lipshutz, Esq. has represented me for multiple times over the years. He has consistently provided me with superior representation and gone above and beyond on my behalf. Mr. Lipshutz and his team are personable, reliable and trustworthy. I highly recommend Blank, Moorstein and Lipshutz, LLP. Thank you Stuart!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr Hoffman on behalf of company over a contractual dispute. The opposing party had developed a majority of their financial basis for indemnification on matters not relevant to actual contract law. Additionally, the opposing attorney had made numerous errors in their filing. What I’ve highlighted is just a small portion of what Mr Hoffman was able to point out quickly and change the direction of this discussion toward a mediation and a “reasonable” level to negotiate. I felt Mr Hoffman did what was in my companies best interest to make matters practical and not emotional. As a small business owner trying to get by, the last thing I want is to deal with nuisances of a frivolous lawsuit… having Mr Hoffman on my side certainly brought clarity and confidence how we could handle this matter without creating an unnecessary and complex trial out of this.
Another item to highlight is that Mr Hoffman was quick to return calls/emails. When I originally reached out, he answered his phone. Can’t say that about any of the other attorneys I inquired with and I reached to a handful.
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26 Dec, 2023 by Steve
I needed to have my will redone on a short notice and Mr. Hoffman was able to meet all my needs.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Called him late one evening to inquire about how to obtain my business license. He didn't get annoyed that it was after working hours. Instead, he promised to look it up first thing the next morning and get back to me which he did. He provided me with all the information I needed to get my business license. 5 stars is all this website offers but he gets 20 stars from me.
Thank you again Joel.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Definitely pointed me in the right direction. Good solid advice. Will store in my phone log
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24 Oct, 2015 by Xiaohan qin
We were in a situation that we needed to back out a real estate contract signed without the full knowledge of the property, but the deceiving seller threatened to pursue damage far beyond earnest money deposit (EMD)
Before talking to Jonathan Bromberg, we consulted with two other lawyers, paid initial consultation fees. Neither offered any constructive opinions but had no problem representing us with additional fees. Without much hope left, we sought help from Jonathan Bromberg. When we met with Jonathan, he was fully prepared and was honest with our situation. With his experience and competence, he was able to find grounds to defend us. Our case finally resolved itself with the seller taking the EMD. Our experiences with Jonathan was absolutely positive. We felt lucky to have met him. I would not hesitate to have Mr. Bromberg representing us in the future if needed.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Paul mugge
I would like everyone to know that because of Mr Bromberg's knowledgeable guidance and advice the John Hancock Insurance company approved my mothers Assisted Living insurance for Riderwood retirement community after denying it for one year. Furthermore, John Hancock has now agreed to make it retroactive to one year ago. This is a huge burden off my family.
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21 Dec, 2022 by Kathy
John is one in a million. Very professional, knowledgeable and competent. He went above and beyond to assist with our legal needs relative to a QDRO. He answered emails in a timely manner and followed the process to the very end. He was available for all of my questions and made me feel heard and valued. The divorce process and financial matters that must be handled are difficult and emotional, and John was extremely compassionate. I highly recommend him!
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21 Dec, 2022 by Sarah
John Hotz was highly recommended to me for his expertise. The entire process from start to finish was very informative, patient and kind. I am very appreciative of all the communication and knowledge.
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01 Jun, 2021 by Dwayne
John is a winner...WE WON!
I hired John to represent me in a Social Service Disability Re-consideration claim. From the very beginning, John was professional, courteous, and a great listener. For some reason, other firms declined to take my case...not John. He did not hesitate to accept my case, after listening to my story. John was empathetic to my daily struggles and assured me he would do everything to fight for me. He never promised to win, in fact, John candidly let me know my chances of not winning. SS Disability cases are marathons, not sprints. John was there for every step, every day, and/or whenever needed. He was clear in what he needed from me and his expertise was invaluable in helping me articulate the serious affects of my conditions. Look, we all want a winner; hands down, best quality in a lawyer. Yet, I believe what makes John a winner is his relatability. He gets it and plays no games to achieve the absolute best results for his clients. John will always be "My Guy"!
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12 Oct, 2015 by Denise
Mr. Martin is a consummate professional. From the acquisition of my case through it's completion, he was thorough, competent and kind. His chief concerns were mine and I always felt that I received superb service from him and his staff.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Gabriel
Attorney Martin is a top rate lawyer and competent in trust and estate work. I would have no hesitation on recommending him. Gracious, serious and informed. He gets results.
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14 Jun, 2015 by Milena
Chris Martin prepared my will, advanced medical directive and power of attorney. He guided me through the process and answered promptly all my questions. He was flexible with meeting times and I was very satisfied with the end result.
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18 Jan, 2018 by Paula
Mr. Goldberg helped me to receive the maximum settlement possible for an auto accident that left me injured.
I was very fortunate to have found Jonathan Goldberg after having had a negative experience with a “highly advertised” attorney in the DC area. From the initial consultation until the final appointment to pick up my settlement check, I was never farmed out to an associate or paralegal. In every instance, he represented me and conducted himself with uncommon integrity and legal acumen. His skills were never more apparent than when I had the opportunity to watch him engage the defendants' counsel. He did so with the skills of an expert trial attorney and seasoned diplomat.
I would not hesitate to ask Jonathan Goldberg to represent me again should the need arise.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Melani
This was my first time hiring an attorney and wasn't even sure if I needed one after a bad car accident. Jonathan walked me through the whole process, dealt with the stressful and annoying insurance companies/hospital bills, and even checked in to see how I was progressing and healing. I highly recommend him for personal injury cases. H reassured me through the stressful process and was able to secure a much higher than anticipated settlement. Do not go through the process alone, Jonathan was a very helpful and welcome asset!
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30 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I am extremely grateful to Jonathan Goldberg for his handling of our case. My family and I were involved in a serious accident in which several members of my family were injured. I could not be happier with how the case was handled and the outcome. Jonathan devoted so much time and personal attention, worked extremely hard, was available to answer questions, and kept us informed of the status throughout. I would highly recommend Jonathan Goldberg to anyone needing a lawyer.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Andrew
My wife and I had some irrevocable trusts from many years ago that were never really explained to us. We talked with Ms. Johnson, who sat down with us and explained how they worked, and more importantly, what the tax issues were. This is the first time anyone explained what they were for. We hired Ms. Johnson to update our estate plan and fix the trusts.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Susan
I was referred to Cheryl after my father passed away. He had set up Trusts for me and my brother and sister and I was the initial Trustee. Cheryl was excellent in helping me deal with my father's estate and setting up the three Trusts. Until my father passed, we had no idea that our inheritance would be in the form of irrevocable Trusts instead of outright to us. Cheryl helped us to make sure that we did not violate the terms of the Trusts. She helped us set them up to make them irrevocable and she gave us detailed instructions about how to manage the Trusts so that we did not violate my father's wishes. She also helped with the probate estate. Cheryl is helping us with ongoing Trust Administration, including taxes. We would be lost without her.
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24 Jun, 2014 by James
My wife and I were referred to Ms. Johnson by our financial advisor, who said that we may have to pay estate taxes. We met with Ms. Johnson and she did an amazing job explaining complex tax concepts to us--she used diagrams and had prepared a strategy guide for us before our first meeting. We ended up hiring her to draft our wills and trusts and to draft two advanced irrevocable trusts (GRATs) that moved some assets out of our taxable estates. We never knew that these GRATs existed or how they worked!
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21 May, 2016 by Mark
My trust has been handled since 2007 by Erin Mahony's office. I have always found Erin to be reliable and pleasant to work with. She has always treated me with utmost respect, and has always asked for my input. She is very thorough and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I am a client and colleague of Mr. Krame, and have known him for almost 40 years. He is knowledgeable and presents himself in a very professional manner. My best interest has always been his priority. Without hesitation, I have referred clients to Mr. Krame, and will continue to do so.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Barry has been an unfailing help to our family as we seek to provide for our severely mentally ill child. He is personable and caring. I highly recommend him.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was extremely impressed by Adam's knowledge and attention to detail. He answered all of my questions plus the dozens of questions my husband had about the whole process. I will definitely be returning to Adam and sending lots of referrals.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
In my preparation to support my 5th grade daughter concerning her schools IEP compliance, I reached out to Mrs. Fors. Having only recieved a brief explanation of the circumstances, Mrs. Fors was able ascertain the situation and provide detailed and relevant answers to my questions. Great attorney.
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15 Feb, 2017 by Mahdi molla
11 Oct, 2024 by Cynthia chapman
Elaina was very helpful and understanding of my situation. Highly recommend
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10 Oct, 2024 by Elias gebreamlak
Brian Morris is an outstanding addition to any company! His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to providing top-notch legal & business services truly stand out. I have no doubt he'll bring great value to his clients and the firm. Highly recommend working with him!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jfair
Drake Birnbaum is an extremely knowledgeable family law attorney. Very helpful and wonderful to speak to!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Abner sosa
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Castro for handling my immigration case with such professionalism and care. From the very start, Mr. Castro made me feel confident and supported throughout the entire process. What truly stood out was his honesty. Though a man of few words, Mr. Castro exudes trustworthiness and integrity, making me feel secure every step of the way.
Thanks to his expertise, my case was approved in just six months. I highly recommend Mr. Castro to anyone in need of an exceptional immigration attorney.
Thanks again Mr. Castro
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29 Aug, 2024 by Noemi ortiz
Amazing! Definitely highly recommend. All hype aside, he really did care about our situation and was brilliant in finding a resolution to win in our favor. Again, highly recommend!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Kb says
I got lucky finding this firm. Humayan is a GREAT attorney! Highly recommended . Young, sharp, and is a “get it done” kind of lawyer. Would definitely come again, if needed. His number is definitely save in my contacts! Under favorites.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Mary Jo helped my mom and dad finally put into place legal papers that had been put off for years. She was very thorough in her work, and yet also was very friendly and won the confidence of my parents. As a result, our whole family feels very much at peace about our future, and are grateful for the hard work that Mary Jo did on our behalf.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Jeremy
My mother and I, retained Mary Jo Broussard Speier to help us establish a relatively complicated trust fund. The service and counsel we received from Ms. Speier was exceptional. She looked into all aspects of our situation, and requirements, and determined the best course of action. In doing this she identified potential problems and went about taking steps to address them proactively.
The work we had done was relatively complicated (at least I thought so) and could have been both confusing, and stressful, to my mother and myself. To her credit, Ms. Speiers made sure she explained the process in advance, as well as provided us with detailed updates along the way. Further, whenever we had a question, she came back with the answer in less that 24 hours, in most instances within just one or two hours.
When the trust was completed she took the time to sit down with us and explain it in detail before it was signed. Then, a week or so later when I had few follow-up questions, she addressed them right away.
In sum we were very pleased with Ms. Speier's professionalism and responsiveness throughout the project. We would
certainly recommend her to friends and family.
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07 Jul, 2017 by Cathy
Mary Jo is outstanding. Compassionate, clear, thorough, quick in her work. She was highly recommended as a family law specialist when my husband and I (who had woefully neglected all the legal paperwork) needed wills, powers of attorney, a trust and more. I, in turn have recommended her to my dearest friend who was equally pleased with the quality of Mary Jo's work and the pleasure of working with her.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Deirdre angelastro
I recently had a menacing dispute w a former contractor and Mary Lombardo brought it to settlement quickly and expeditiously! And they were extremely reasonable w their fees!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Alisa schaefer
I want to convey another positive experience with RLG. I don't know how she does it, but when Stacey answers the phone, she makes me laugh and puts me at ease. Even in what most feel are stressful circumstances, she is able to make me laugh and bring humor to my day.
I wanted to highlight the excellent service and professionalism I have received from your staff - Marc Jeray.
I have been in litigation on and off with my ex-husband for 10 years and I have witnessed my fair share of law firm "office" management gone awry.
Not only is Andrew Italia responsive, but Marc is on the ball and handles the "office" aspects with professionalism, accuracy and efficiency.
Andrew and Marc stand out as having the strategic and organizational acumen that has been helpful in my litigation.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Tasnim naima
My experience with Joel Zuckerman was amazing. I was impressed by his expertise. He handled my case with professionalism. He stood by me through the years in dealing with the most stressful situation of my life. He responded to all my emails and queries on time. I found him very kind and generous as a human too.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.8
81 Reviews
26 Sep, 2024 by Jeng-business transformer
Glowing experience! Great expert guidance, super pleasant to work with, respectful of my time, and worth every penny. Truly a positive experience, especially when compared to past experiences with other types of legal help. Thank you Ginny!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Yan liu
08 Jul, 2024 by A tepper
Mr. Rosenthal is truly a pursuer of the truth. He worked tirelessly on our case for over 3 years. Back and forth between him and the courts with all the documentation, he never missed a date or deadline. He always kept us updated to what was going on with the case. As well he was upfront and honest with us in that he would do his best and he felt we had a strong case.
The district court ruled against us and we appealed to circuit court, which reversed, and got an excellent outcome after it was sent back to district court for trial. In my opinion it was his persistence and knowledge that brought about results.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Jeng-business transformer
Glowing experience! Great expert guidance, super pleasant to work with, respectful of my time, and worth every penny. Truly a positive experience, especially when compared to past experiences with other types of legal help. Thank you Ginny!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Peter wihl
Barry and Jonathan are caring, talented, and extremely knowledgeable attorneys. I highly recommend them.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Lynn english
Mr. Rosenthal and his team assisted me with a personal injury claim. He and his team were attentive and thorough and I would certainly recommend them to my family and friends should they need the assistance of an attorney.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
No response of emails and phone calls. Not even she can submit the documents on time manner. Worst attorney. Don’t waste your time and money on her. I totally agree with other reviewers. Bar council should revoke her practice license.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Chris nwagbara
Michael Garagozlo is a true maestro in the art of lawyering. He did everything he said he would at the beginning of our process, and went out of his way in ensuring that my fate was not left in somebody else's hands. I'm truly thankful and grateful to have had such dedicated representation for my case.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Dean addem
I highly recommend Steve Mercer as an exceptional attorney. His profound knowledge and intelligence are evident in every aspect of his work. Steve's ability to handle extremely complex cases with precision and expertise is truly remarkable. Unlike many, he is not a jack of all trades but a master in his field.
Steve's caring and patient nature make him stand out. He genuinely invests time in understanding his clients' needs and concerns, ensuring they feel supported throughout the legal process. His collaboration with previous attorneys used on my case was seamless, showcasing his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome.
Additionally, Steve's services are cost-effective, providing excellent value for the high-quality representation he offers. His dynamic and cutting-edge staff and associates are a testament to his leadership and mentoring. They are well-trained and poised to become experts in their legal field.
Overall, Steve Mercer and his team deliver exceptional legal services with a level of dedication and expertise that is unmatched. If you need an attorney who embodies knowledge, intelligence, care, patience, and collaborative spirit, look no further than Steve Mercer.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer scarborough
Very thoughtful immigration lawyer. Highly recommend.
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26 Jul, 2024 by S falcon
I just lost a lot of time...
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10 Jun, 2024 by Susan
The Bar Association of Montgomery County put me in touch with a good lawyer that could answer my question. I appreciate this valuable service and my experience was very good.
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4.3
12 Reviews
15 Jul, 2017 by Sue
Gary exhibits intelligent listening and tenacity, ultimately providing an excellent solution for my parents. His staff has always been helpful as well.
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10 Jul, 2017 by Daniel
Gary Altman is an excellent estate attorney. My wife and I initially came in back in 2008 to have an old estate plan reviewed and, due to significant changes in our lives (children, more assets, etc.), as well as new laws, our documents had to be redone. Gary executed the documents painlessly and quickly. Since then, they've settled my mother's estate, done estate planning for several friends and family members, and also updated our documents. Their support team is a pleasure to work with as well. Everyone we have interacted with has been courteous and professional and they make sure to send us important reminders every year to make sure our documents stay current. We continue to be very satisfied with their work and feel very comfortable referring them to others.
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10 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I absolutely recommend Gary Altman, and have already referred friends and family to him. From the initial consultation that my husband and I had with him, we knew we could trust him and count on him to make sure our affairs are taken care of. We actually asked him to "rush" our documents (due to medical emergencies) and we were accommodated with no problems. The team at Altman & Associates made our process so easy and painless. I have also brought in my parents and they also had a fantastic experience, and it was such a pleasure working with Gary Altman. My family and I will absolutely continue to work with him and his firm for years to come.
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31 Mar, 2022 by Ed
Mrs Davis was spot on from day 1. All the skills that was displayed in a short time when covid was at its highest peak brought peace of mind.
I’m truly grateful for the work & hours Mrs Davis & Jared the real estate agent put in.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
This attorney has won my confidence! I had been procrastinating on the task of completing my will. So I signed up with Legal Resources, a benefit offered by my employer. When I finally got around to the task, I found Ms. Davis and her team to be knowledgeable, efficient and patient. they made the information understandable and the overall process very easy, despite the COVID-19 crisis. Ms. Davis explained the pros and cons of my options, she answered all my questions and made recommendations based on my unique circumstances. I am very satisfied with the final outcome, and impressed with her practice in general. Ms. Davis’ assistant, Dax, is very efficient and processed all of the information in a timely manner. I did not expect such VIP level service. I would definitely recommend attorney Erica Davis for anyone who needs a will. I feel privileged to have found her, and to be counted among her clients.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Omolara
This was a very good service. Erica was very professional and clearly explained the process as well as the technical details that come with estate planning.
I had anticipated a long and complicated process. However, she was welcoming and pleasant and made it easy to understand, such that the experience was nowhere near as daunting as I had expected.
We truly appreciate Erica's services. Thank you!!!
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22 Oct, 2018 by Alicia
I hired her in March of 2017, and she did NOTHING until the week before, we settled outside of the courtroom in July because she procrastinated for so long, did nothing, wouldn't respond to emails or calls, but then said on the day of the hearing I'd have to give her $5000 if I don't agree to the settlement...I still didn't get the fact that she totally screwed me so I again asked her to help me with an appeal and she didn't respond for 5 weeks of continuous emails, missed deadlines, had to postpone my hearing and still missed deadlines...the WORST!
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Annemarie is a very professional lawyer. She is very knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. She answers questions and responds to requests as quickly and thoroughly as she is able. I would recommend her to anyone requiring legal assistance in family law.
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28 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Our family hired Ms. Wall for the handling of our mother's estate. But once hired she fails to reply to letters concerning mom's will. Even phone calls she will not return. And still do not know why. She won't reply to any inquiries. So if you want a lawyer that will not inform families of their mother's estate, this is the one to hire. $2,500 later and no one in the family knows what is going on. The executor knows, but shouldn't the rest of our family know, after all it was our mother? Both this attorney and the executor are hiding information so they both can be "sneaky" so the executor gets to share the funds with Ms. Wall and keep the rest for herself. Now we are pursuing another attorney to find information about our mother's will. Guess the only way this lawyer divulges information is to hire another attorney to find information for our family. Another loss for our family...
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09 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Was referred to Mr. Riffkin from a colleague about estate planning. He only partially completed the job, but not before I had paid him in full. Since then he has been VERY unresponsive. To repeatedly try and get a response for 2 months is not reasonable. However, before he was paid, he was responsive. Lesson - don't pay in full until every part of the service is completed.
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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.
