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03 Aug, 2022 by Michele
It's extremely rare in today's world to meet a person who does things out of the goodness of their heart and because it's the right thing to do. Sally is such a person. She gave me excellent advice. She spoke with me at length, knowing I was too far away to be a client. She never even mentioned a consult fee. She's a rare gem and anyone that is lucky enough to hire her should know they are in very good ethical compassionate hands.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Patricia
Atty. Bergman helped me promptly and perfectly helping me to identify specific problems needing resolution. She proved to be a true gold mine and I trust her expertise and integrity unconditionally. Atty. Bergman also gave me a referral for an attorney in my area, which I appreciate. I'd have hired Atty. Bergman in a flash if she practiced in my area. I recommend her highly.
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19 Aug, 2019 by Frank
She was very helpful with my difficult legal question and provided me with answers I wouldn't have thought of. Very caring regarding my dilemma and showed me my option possibilities. Thank you.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
After talking with Roxanne and another legal firm about my estate planning needs, I selected Roxanne because of the referral I received for her, her knowledge, her genuine and friendly rapport, and focus on getting the plan done. She did not make it a drawn out, rigorous process. She clearly presented my options in straightforward terms and kept the process moving. Her flat-rate was competitive. I enjoyed working with Roxanne and am happy to have her as a legal resource going forward. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again or refer her.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Alexander
Roxanne is great to work with. Not only does she know her stuff legally/technically, she has a wonderful way of working with you on this rather macabre topics. I mean who wants to talk about what happens after we get too sick or even pass away?! The process is clear and my responsibilities were easy to complete. We talked through various scenarios and options and I felt very comfortable and supported all the way. And everything is documented and memorialized in a binder so it's at hand when the time comes!
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17 Dec, 2015 by Vickie
Roxanne Jen was intelligent, informed, detail oriented, personable, and efficient. I ended up with a complete estate plan. I have since recommended her to others, and would definitely use her again myself.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Lauri
Trusted made protecting our family easy. Although our situation was pretty straightforward, Trusted identified and explained multiple options for us to consider in the future as the size of our estate grows. Trusted also made the whole process and clear and even kept
things moving when we were stuck on certain issues. After our plan was complete, Trusted helped guide us to make sure we funded our trust and informed our guardians. Thanks Trusted.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Brian
We asked Pamela to help us establish our trust. In our initial consultation, Pam neatly laid out all of our options. She was mindful to explain new words and complex concepts in easy-to-understand language. (And was very patient when we lost grip on a couple of them later in the process.) With little effort on our part and cost, we now have a smart living trust (advance health care directives included) and lifelong peace of mind. We also have an experienced professional we can count on for quick and affordable consultations and to make changes to our trust going forward. Thanks, Pam.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Valerie
Everyone at different times in their lives experience life changing events. I found myself on a roller coaster ride for over the past 3 years. I was blessed to meet a wonderful man who I'm proud to call my husband now. I left a career in banking of over 33 years, started my own Professional Life Coaching business, became a grandmother and sadly lost my father. During all these personal and emotional monumental moments Mrs. Pamela Cheong Bobowski has been my guiding light.
I met Pam over 5 years ago. During our first encounter I felt a genuine connection. She expressed her passion for helping people and I felt she was very sincere. As my life started to take on new meaning I called Pam for help.
Our first meeting was to discuss amending my formal trust. Pam was very professional and explained in detail the forms and paper work needed to process my request. I hired her on the spot. I knew she was the one who could help me get my life in order.
Over the years our connection has grown even stronger. There has never been a time when I've reached out to her have a felt disappointed. She has helped me navigate through this game called life.
Pam, I want to thank you for providing me with exceptional service. My trust is now complete. I'm also more knowledgeable regarding estate planning and probate laws.
I would definitely recommend Mrs BOBOWSKI. Let her be your guiding light!!!!
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20 Mar, 2019 by Cali
I recently purchased a new home and decided that it was a great time to establish a plan for the future. Honesty, I had no clue what an estate plan really was and the difference between a will, trust, etc. Loung Law came highly recommended to me by one of my friends. I contacted Mary and she was extremely responsive. She encourages open communication and was readily available to discuss my concerns and answer all my questions. The absolute BEST thing about Mary is that she was able to explain all the legal terms and conditions to me in an easy way for me to understand. She used real life examples to help me understand the in's & out's of all the different aspects of the estate planning documents. Mary was extremely efficient and within just a couple of weeks, my estate plan was finalized! I have to be honest, before I started this, I thought it was going to be a long, tedious process -- but in fact it was just the opposite! It was so much easier than I expected and it's really nice to have that sense of peace now that everything is done. Thank you Mary at Loung Law!!!!
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31 Oct, 2018 by Jeanne
Seldom do I write reviews. Mary Loung deserves this one. In addition to her true professionalism, knowledge, integrity, great communication skills, and thoroughness, she is easy to work with. She cared about our personalized outcome and guided us through this very important estate planning process with sensitivity and proficiency. We asked countless questions and she was incredibly patient. I have already highly recommended Mary and will continue to do so!
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18 Sep, 2018 by Mahsa
It was truly a pleasure to work with Mary. I had longed postponed preparing a trust for my son as I viewed the process as gruesome and challenging.
I finally made the decision to take the step and had the great fortune to connect with Mary.
Mary was not only knowledgable, organized, patient and thorough but also a delight to work with. Her charming personality and lovely humor made the process feel seamless and even enjoyable.
I highly recommend Mary to all friends and family.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Ryan
I consulted with Alex about a real estate deal I had in mind. He was very prompt and apprised me of different issues I hadn't thought of.
Alex has also helped me and my mother by explaining and interpreting a trust document in which my mom is successor trustee. We spoke over the phone and I appreciate his ability to cut through the legalese. He answered all of my questions and made sure that I understood his responses.
I feel good knowing I have someone to go to for my legal issues.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Valerie
I called Alex Biddle as a referral from my nephew since my family was looking for an attorney to review of my parents Living Trust. At the time, we were very anxious to get this done as soon as possible. Alex was very prompt at returning my call and immediately set up a time to give him copies of the trust. However, the next day my family instructed me to hold off on the review. He was very understanding of my request even though he had already spent several hours of his time. Despite my willingness to pay him, he waived his fees and also spend time scanning the lengthy documents back. When my family decides to have the trust reviewed, I will not hesitate to use his services again. It was a pleasure to work with Alex even though it was short lived. He showed his promptness and professionalism to my needs. I will have no problem recommend his services to any of my family and friends that need estate planning assistance.
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11 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Kathleen was very helpful during a very new experience. She helped me understand what was happening during my claim and kept me informed of all of my options. She did her homework and was completely prepared. Kathleen made a very stressful time less terrible. I would recommend Kathleen Panek and her firm, Knapp and Viola, to anyone who needs a guiding light through an unfortunate time.
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03 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Kathleen was very knowledgeable and great to work with.She took her time answering all my questions and kept me informed on everthing that was going on.I highly recommend her.She is the best and I promise you will not be dissapointed.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Kevin Taheny provided excellent legal advice for my son who was dealing with an acrimonious separation. He got back to us immediately, and was able to explain the applicable laws clearly.
We took his advice and the situation is now resolved.
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05 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Taheny was professional, prompt and competent. His fees were extremely reasonable. I recommend him without reservation.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carl
We talked to Larry Dugoni about a family trust issue. His office was efficient on scheduling a appointment with Mr. Dugoni and he was very generous with his time and advice that shows the many years he has been in the practice of law. Larry will be our go to lawyer whenever we have any issues requiring legal help.
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06 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
After consulting with other lawyers, I chose Mr. Dugoni to be my estate planning lawyer. Mr. Dugoni was the obvious choice, not only because he is clearly intelligent, thorough, trustworthy and otherwise professional, but because he is a decent human being through and through. He made a naturally unpleasant process (planning for your own demise) simple and painless. That he is a CPA in addition to a lawyer provided extra reassurance that I was in good hands and getting my money's worth. I highly recommend Mr. Dugoni to anyone and everyone who wants peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be cared for after their death.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Carmelita
Jamay was my attorney in a probate matter involving my a dispute about my cousin's will. We won at trial and she also won a motion for attorney's fees against the other party. She is very professional, knowledgeable about her area of practice, and very responsive. I would highly recommend Jamay.
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23 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I want to say "Thank You" Angel Riley for your help, your expertise, and your patience. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who may need guidance in developing a trust or a will.
I, myself, was not familiar with either if these matters. Angel helped my wife and I work through the details of both, and in a timely manner. When the time came for me to act as executor and trustee, I could not have been in better hands. Angel made time for me when I called or came into her office with questions or issues. She was there to help me move things forward and step through the actions needed to complete the duties that I had promised to fulfill for my family.
Again, Thank You Angel. You are the best... I could not get through this without your help.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Kai-man lee
I hired Matt Metzger in a bankruptcy case where I was the creditor. He usually works on the behalf of the debtor. The debtor cheated myself and 49 other creditors, then fled to bankruptcy court to escape her debt. So this was a different case for Matt who normally works for the other side, but could be an advantage since he would know their usual strategy.
Matt is an energetic, hard working, and innovative attorney. To say that he is a multitasker underestimates all that's going on in his head. He is good at looking for and finding "out of the box" solutions to legal problems. His persistence and diligent hard work ultimately pays off. I only had one issue with Matt, he wanted me to settle at a sum that I felt was insulting and ridiculous so I refused. The debtor ultimately came up to my sum and we settled. I would recommend Matt to anyone who needs legal assistance in the realm of bankruptcy. I don't think you will find a better or harder working attorney. BTW, he appears to have a solo practice, unusual these days but seems to fit his lifestyle.
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10 May, 2023 by David michlin
Having skillfully led the navigation of a complex legal challenge we were facing, I can say from direct experience that Mr. Metzger has consistently proven himself to be an extensively seasoned, highly effective, and genuinely caring lawyer.
Matt generously applied his expertise to our case with rare focus, unwavering execution, and incredible client loyalty.
While Belvedere Legal needs no further 5-star client testimonies to find its diverse law services as being ranked among the finest in the San Francisco (a simple Google search will confirm the firm’s bonafides and peer recognition), ultimately it was Matt's direct "hand-on" approach to client and case management that earned our trust and made all the difference.
In our search for top-tier legal counsel we reached out to 11 leading Bay Area firms to find the right fit, but wish we’d have called Belvedere Legal first. Within the first five minutes (of an entire half hour initial discovery call - free of charge), we knew we had found the capacity, expertise, and professional care we were looking for.
If you're facing challenges which require unquestionably top counsel, Matt at Belvedere is a smart first call and the only law firm we’ll be using from here on out.
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bryan bent
Matt’s calming presence with my case through some very anxious times, was a godsend! His vast knowledge and experience steered me through my different steps of my legal preceding. When things got tough, he knew exactly what to do and say. I will be forever indebted to him.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Lee mendoza
Although he did not take my case, Allister spent time explaining all my options, and offered his services if I have any questions in the future.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Simone cheng
I had a great experience working with Allister on my personal injury case. From start to finish, he was incredibly attentive, always taking the time to answer my questions and provide clear, thoughtful advice. His thorough approach to the case gave me confidence, and he was genuinely helpful every step of the way. I’m grateful for his dedication and expertise in handling my case and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled personal injury lawyer.
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08 Oct, 2024 by W l
even though I didn’t use this law firm I give them 5 stars for taking the time to answer my questions concerning my mom’s accident. Allister was very patient, kind and generous with his time. Thank you so much.
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14 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Paul Barulich represented me through one of the most complex, high-stakes probate situations in the history of San Mateo County, and in the process became my trusted advisor and advocate. The litigation was resolved successfully due to Paul's excellent guidance, and he continued to offer strategic input afterwards to the great benefit of myself and my family. I highly recommend him and his firm.
Paul's deep knowledge of the law and workings of the local court system, along with his sharp strategic guidance, creative thinking and consistently thoughtful response to my many questions along the way were invaluable to me. He treated me with the respect of an esteemed colleague while guiding me wisely past my occasionally impetuous tendencies or naive suggestions. He was adept at keeping things calm and steady in the potentially charged emotional situations that can come up in litigation.
Paul and his team were confident, assertive and bold on my behalf, but never overly aggressive. They followed my requests and concerns closely. Their counsel was based in reason and balance, and always with the highest professionalism, integrity and respectful treatment of all involved. They never lost sight of the higher, long term goals we were striving to achieve in planning for the estate and trust.
Paul brings the true meaning of "advocate" to the term. More than just representing me, he and his staff had my and my family's best interests at heart at every turn, and in the process earned my deepest gratitude.
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11 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
was referred to this firm and met with him and another attorney...paul is very intelligent and knows what he's doing but also arrogant and condescending and didn't feel comfortable with him. on the other hand, if you want a shark on your side, he's the man. he doesn't come cheap though...$565/hr! yikes...
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12 Dec, 2024 by Karin
Desmond Tuck is who you want on your side. He helped me with a very complicated issue with many twists and turns. Mr. Tuck was always available when needed, was conscientious, thorough, and could write a response, suggestion, or letter incredibly fast when speed was required. He is an excellentattorney and knows what to do for his client’s best outcome.
Desmond Tuck was highly recommended to me many years ago, and I highly recommend him to you.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Mike
In a day and age when qualified, ethical, experienced, fairly-priced, communicative attorneys are as rare as a Sumatran rhino, along comes Desmond Tuck. I have been working with Mr. Tuck for over 20 years on various issues, most notably matters involving real estate. Without delving into details, I can safely say that you will be unlikely to find anyone better if you tried. He knows the law, but he also knows how to make it work to your advantage. Most importantly, he will never tell you what you want to hear just so you hire him. If you want a lawyer to sugar-coat and tell you things to make you feel nice (when they are undeserved), he is not the one for you. If, on the other hand, you want to receive help that is based on reality and in the context of our disastrously dysfunctional California legal system, Mr. Tuck is the only one I would count on. Knowing how to navigate the system in a logical, rationale, and informed manner is one of his biggest (of many) strengths. As far as trust is concerned, I know that is a concern of many when it comes to lawyers in general. So, imagine a world where you were 100% sure your lawyer was expertly looking out for your best interest without doing it all just to keep the meter running. Sound too good to be true? You haven’t called Mr. Tuck yet. After all this time being his client, I trust him more than some in my own family. So, there you have it: trustworthy, ethical, experienced, extremely competent, informed, and fair in every way. He redeems all those “other” lawyers…you know who they are.
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03 Dec, 2018 by Patricia
I had a tenant who was involved in a very serious problem and I knew I needed legal advice (beyond the customary landlord references) to terminate the lease. Desmond researched the issue and explained my options in what could have been a lengthy & complicated process. Luckily, it resolved itself without our participation and with his expert advice, it was brought to a conclusion.
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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.
