Lawyers map
>16
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
20 Reviews
29 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Tom was my lawyer for a recent probate matter. I was impressed with his deep knowledge of the law and his ability to translate complex legal concepts into terms I could understand. He was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. Although the process took longer than I initially anticipated, I am happy with the final outcome. Tom secured a satisfactory resolution that met my needs. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable lawyer.
Read more
26 Jan, 2024 by Carolyn
I cannot thank Mr. Dominick (and team) enough for seeing me through a long and tedious legal dispute. Mr. Dominick was extremely professional, knowledgeable, responsive and understanding throughout the entire process. I’d recommend him to anyone needing legal representation as he will protect your interests and will facilitate your best outcome/resolution. Thank you Mr. Dominick and team.
Read more
25 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I can't imagine going through our trust litigation without Mr. Dominick. I am so grateful for his invaluable help and council. As trustee, I was chosen to resolve the result of decades of family dysfunction that made me a target of unhappy family members. There were several law firms involved, some who also specialized in probate litigation. Time and time again, Mr. Dominick was the most knowledgeable attorney and successfully countered and protected us from law firms who use the law for cynical and dishonest purposes via the flawed and expensive trust litigation process. Mr. Dominick's knowledge of the process combined with his frank honesty provided invaluable and necessary council. We will be forever grateful for his tenacity, aggressive protection when called for, and expansive knowledge that yielded the best result possible.
Read more
21 Feb, 2016 by Ibrahim muwanes
After two weeks of struggle with my auto shop tenants who cancelled and refused to purchase general liability (GL) and workers compensation (WC) insurance as per the lease agreement, my business attorney Mr. Eli Kantor referred me to Mr. Brian Cullen who immediately responded to my call and scheduled a meeting with me the following morning. The next day he served a "Three-Day Notice to Tenant to Perform Covenant or Surrender Possession", and within an hour of receiving the Notice, I received and email from the insurance company saying that my tenants bough both GL and WC, followed by a call from the tenant confirming that they bought the insurance.
Thank you Mr. Brian Cullen for your professionalism, prompt and decisive action.
Read more
10 Aug, 2022 by Mark
Extremely bright and hardworking. Very skillful when dealing with opposition, Easy to talk to and seems to always have his clients best interest at heart. Worth the money.
Read more
22 Sep, 2012 by Johanna
Ms. Jeannette was an excellent attorney and negotiator when representing my business in a contract dispute. I owned a small business and I was having a problem negotiating contract terms with a financial institution. Previous attorneys kept delaying the deal, but she was able to come in quickly and turned around the negotiations in my favor. This is because she was able to do some out-of-the-box thinking, and research. I would hire her and the company she works for again and again. I highly recommend her for business disputes and contract negotiations.
Read more
5.0
1 Reviews
01 Apr, 2015 by Michael
Craig Wilson was very knowledgeable. My case was a title problem. The lien had no merit. Craig resolved very expedient. I am a client for life. Thanks Craig
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Christopher juarez
I was in need of a lawyer a lady answered the phone and said the attorney was on a call that she will give him a message to call me as soon as he is available. I never received a call back.
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Leah filanda
Sarah is the best! Had two car accidents happened back to back and they were extremely helpful with both! I recommend them to everyone. The front desk staff is also top notch.
Read more
24 Aug, 2024 by Efrain ramirez
I would highly recommend Bullard & Powell to anyone considering their services. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Sarah was very though and communicated everything very clearly.
Read more
06 Oct, 2024 by Ernie duarte
One of the Best decisions I made going with their Law Firm to assist me on my Mother's Probate Case. These People care about you and your case details. They are very Sincere, Diligent, Knowledgeable, Honest and Through. They have all the necessary Real estate contacts to also assist in selling your family's estate.
Don't look any further. Go in and speak to Antoinette and Sam Great Human beings.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Paul garnica
12 Jul, 2024 by Sandrine peck
Working with Antionette was a pleasure. She was very friendly and accommodating to my dad’s needs and was very helpful working with us. She always had a great attitude and I truly like working with her. I would highly recommend this Law office
Read more
19 Nov, 2022 by Adam
To dive right in, Duane is a straight shooter and helped me understand my situation easily. He is confident and I think it shows. I feel more confident after talking with him. He was nice and answered all my questions with great insight to add. I’m glad I spoke with him and I’m sure you will be too. Give Duane a call and you won’t regret it.
Read more
27 Feb, 2021 by Jamie
I was introduced to this team through a friend at work when they found out I was struggling through my divorce without a lawyer of my own, while my ex had a lawyer. This team graciously took on my case in the middle of my nasty divorce. While it was too late to stop me from making monumental mistakes due to lack of knowledge, they kept me from being led down a path set up to ensure my failure. As this was all happening at a time where I was fighting cancer and losing my job due to COVID-19, their help literally saved me. I was stressed beyond belief and in tears daily. This team of angels took everything off my shoulders. I had no more worries about how to proceed. Even after I thought all was said and done, when problems would arise, they were quick to step in and solve them in a timely and respectful manner. I would not have made it through 2020 as unscathed as I did had it not been for Attorney Booth and Mrs. Carol Wood. I am sure there are other behind the scenes players I never got to meet that make this team run so smoothly and efficiently. Their kindness and compassion are beyond compare. I would call them in absolute break down mode and they would have me calm and collected by the end of the conversation, assured that everything would be okay. They weren’t just concerned with the case, they cared about the well-being of my family and would call to check on us. I could go on and on about the professionalism and work ethic shown by this legal team. You will not be disappointed if you hire this team to represent you!
Read more
19 Feb, 2021 by Mike
Worked my case and was a true professional. Didn’t a great job to achieve me the best outcome.
Read more
09 Nov, 2024 by Sorin matara
Bruce was very helpful and knowledgeable on the DOJ process and gun law. He helped me square away the issues with DOJ after my denia of theo purchase of a firear, and he was very reasonable on the attorney fees. I now own several firearms.
Thank you, Bruce!
Read more
26 May, 2022 by Ryan abulencia
Lady on the phone on 2 separate occasions was rude and condescending when I was asking questions in regards to purchasing a firearm and on some points refused to answer them. Never spoke to Bruce personally but from this person on the phone alone I'm staying away from this firm.
Read more
10 Mar, 2020 by Alfred enciso
Bruce is a great guy that knows his stuff
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Anyiam is extremely unprofessional and rude. In working with him I found that if you ask a question, he gets offended and snaps back. In addition, he can be very condescending and does not communicate well. If you hire him, I can pretty much guarantee that he will take your money, not provide an accounting of the expenses, and not follow through with your case. In fact, he will probably try to remove himself from your case. He definitely lacks integrity. Run while you can.
Read more
22 Mar, 2021 by Brian hepinstall
A good man, with a good heart and also an excellent attorney.
Read more
18 Jun, 2016 by Ronnie
I was referred to Christian Anyiam to represent me in a personal injury case. Mr. Anyiam was professional, patient, friendly, and listened to me. I am not easy to please but I experienced very little stress and no guess work regarding my case status. He kept me informed by not hesitating to return telephone calls, emails or other inquiries. Prior to settling my case, he wanted to ensure I understood the settlement terms. Mr. Anyiam discussed the economics, advantages and disadvantages of settlement with me. We, as a team, agreed to settlement. I would highly recommend Christian Anyiam. He gets the job done!
Read more
03 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
The consult was great! You are told everything you want to hear. After you become a client, and one who pays on-time, you will be treated like you take up too much of their time. Mr. Newnham and his team will get you to continuances in court and not resolve matters. There are too many people handling your case that no one there seems to know what is going on. You will be given different information when you ask the same question. Beware, there is a reason he has been disciplined by the board in the past. You will be told they are busy working on other cases. When you finally decide to hire an attorney that is willing to work and get things done they will keep your file for weeks before they release it. The person who works on files is hardly there and when she is, she seems overwhelmed. She knows more about your case than the attorney. She will try to convince you that you need separate court dates for every single matter, but that is only to fill the calendar with court appearances, and guess what happens at the court appearance? A continuance for another court date, so to resolve a matter it could take several court dates. By the way, other attorneys will not make you show up if they know ahead of time of a continuance and save you a day off work, or they can also arrange for them not to go in and just file paperwork. My divorce case was not moved forward in over 6 months and when I hired this office I was way past the 6 month waiting period, when I asked why nothing regarding my divorce was moved forward I was explained that there was a 6 month waiting period, clearly, this was another example of how they do not know about your file and just speak nonsense with confidence because my divorce was filed a year and a half ago, which means it is way past the waiting period. Also, I was told I would have child support ordered and after waiting 5 months I gave up and hired someone new. Sorry this review is disorganized, but I think you get the point. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere where they do not treat you like you are a burden, yet they always bill ahead and call you for that, but when you try to talk to someone no one answers or returns messages left on the answering machine. The entire office is outdated, literally, they share one e-mail and they prefer you to fax instead of scanning and e-mailing, I am not even going to get into the office itself. Good luck!
Read more
04 Mar, 2014 by Andrea
I contacted Mr. Newnham's office because I had been told I needed to go through Probate. His secretary gave me a telephone appointment for the same day because I live an hour away. Mr. Newnham explained what I needed which was not a costly Probate procedure. He patiently told me which forms I needed and how to complete them myself in order to successfully transfer some real estate for which my mother had Quit Claim Deeded to me prior to her death but had been lost after she died. He was knowledgeable, professional, patient and soft spoken, not to mention that the consultation was free of charge.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
