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29 Apr, 2016 by Michael
My Father and I have been coming to Mr. Frieden for legal representation and advice for a number of years. His professionalism and fairness with every case is something to appreciate. He is extremely resourceful and able to research his cases to make you feel comfortable that he is protecting you and representing you at the highest level. Mr. Frieden has always been very reasonable with fees and his retainers- He is the only attorney I know, that actually will give you back a portion of the retainer, if the work has not been put into it. In my professional life dealing with attorneys, I have never experience that before. He is one of the smartest individuals we know in the legal business and I would recommend him to anyone that needs good representation.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Janene
I hired James to be my attorney . I can't even begin to say enough positive things about him. He has been extremely honest and resourceful in my case. He is also a very caring man and is always working hard for his clients. I'm very lucky to have found such an attorney to fight for me and also do the best to benefit me in my case. James never made decisions on his own, he always consulted me first to get my input. I would recommend him to anyone who needs and attorney and would hire him. Thanks James for all you've done and continue to do for me.
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25 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Jim Frieden represented us on several matters involving real estate, corporate organization and litigation. He was enormously creative, hard-working, dedicated to us as clients, conducted extensive research to ensure his answers were correct, came up with creative new solutions to difficult problems, was tenacious and firm in dealing with opposing attorneys, exhibited enormous integrity and honesty in all his dealings, and supported us throughout on a personal level. His charges were always reasonable and justified. We can recommend him without qualification and would hire him again.
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03 Jul, 2021 by Rex
I met Megan in 2019, after a conflict with my family reached an impasse and I felt I needed an advocate. She was the fourth lawyer I met with, but the first to take me seriously and to engage with my story. After almost 2 years, we were able to reach a solution to a complex, multiparty, high dollar value, and very contentious conflict. I cannot recommend Megan more strongly or passionately. She is an incredible lawyer who understands the rules and how to move within them. But more importantly, she is an incredible partner who knows how to sit in pain and distress with her clients, build mutually agreeable solutions, and to work long term to execute a difficult and intricate strategy. Megan and I slayed dragons together, and I am sure she will do the same with you.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Susan
Megan worked very hard for us on an upcoming case regarding a trust. We live in the state of Washington. I was very surprised when Megan called me back personally the next day. I have a very difficult time understanding the legal wording of documents, but Megan was able to help me with my questions. She didn’t seem to tire of my frequent emails and texting. I would not hesitate hiring Megan for my legal matters. I wish there were more people like Megan....dedicated, caring, honest and reliable. Thank you Megan!
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06 Apr, 2017 by Dianne
I live in Tucson and my late husband and I had a Trust that was drawn up here. However, he owned a condo in L.A that we weren't able to get into the Trust before he passed away. Megan was very responsive in working with me and with my AZ attorney in getting the property into the Trust without having to go through Probate. Although I haven't taken her up on it yet, she offered to help me find someone to assist if I decided t try to sell the property.
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17 Aug, 2019 by Antonio
Monica came highly recommended by a friend. In a city that is reputed to have as many attorneys are there are actors, I was a deer in headlights when I was an inaccurately named party to a small-business lawsuit. Monica genuinely listened to my side of the story, and explained my options for tackling the case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit before, and was relying entirely on her counsel. She explained her background, fees, and her assessment of the case. She was calm, collected, and presented my options. All my instincts indicated that she was the perfect lawyer to represent me, and I hired her on the spot. Monica checked in with me regularly, explained what was happening, and never left me in the dark. After a few months, my case concluded in my favor, and I couldn't be happier. Monica is an empathetic communicator, and executes. She is analytical, thoughtful, and a performer. As the first attorney I've ever hired for a lawsuit, I don't have a reference point for her attorney rates relative to others. However, there is no question that the value of her services are worth every penny. I highly recommend her.
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21 May, 2018 by Noel
Monica helped us with a trust sale on one of our property. Monica was Very professional and was always there for any questions or concerns. She guided us through the whole process which made us feel very comfortable.
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18 May, 2021 by Shannon
I consulted and hired Daniel Rodarte, Esq. for two family legal matters. One was a review of my mother's trust. Mr. Rodarte caught some lapses from a previous update that left me vulnerable as the successor trustee. He quickly remedied the vulnerability in an amendment. The second matter involved administering a very complex Trust/Estate upon the death of a family member. He guided me through the process, highlighting legal and accounting issues, protecting assets, and clarifying confusing elements. He drafted the multiple subtrusts, and associated legal forms needed by beneficiaries residing in different states. Mr. Rodarte's guidance proved invaluable. I found him to have integrity and competency, as well as being easy to communicate with.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Sanford
Mr. Lamelas "walked" me through the difficult process of settlement of a probate estate. His input was very supportive and professional . I highly recommend him for help in similar matters.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Amy
Ramon walked us through a set of very complicated legal documents and made them clear and easy to understand. He was always very quick in his response times, completed all the complex work quickly, and made everything very easy for us. Would definitely work with him again!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Stuart
Ramon provided excellent professional legal services the past nine months. He helped to solve problems with difficult financial institutions and successfully brought them to a positive result.
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28 Nov, 2023 by American property management
I have been a client of Marc Bronstein firm for the past 25 years. Marc and his associates have handled numerous business and personal legal, accounting, tax, and estate matters for me. Mr. Bronstein and his team are very knowledgeable, thorough, and easy to work with. I highly recommend using their firm.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Catherine landis
Marc has handled our small business corporation filings for years. This past year we had a different kind of issue, a flood in our offices, and we were having problems getting our insurance company to pay out fully on the claim until I got Marc involved. I'm so happy to have all that behind me now and only wish I had contacted him sooner. His office is very professional and always responds immediately when contacted. I highly recommend him. Catherine Landis Vice President R. Landis Interiors, Inc.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Lisa kay smith
We have been working with Marc and Brett for a handful of years now and would highly recommend them. They have assisted us both with our business and personal legal needs, always in a timely and friendly manner. A great asset to have on our team!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jessica
Thanks Chris Ingram law office for a smooth and straight forward process for my EB1 case. Let me breakdown my experience with them: 1. Intake: detailed breakdown of the categories that I could apply for. Tim was my intake specialist and he answered all the questions I had and gave me confidence to choose this lawfirm to support my case. 2. Onboard: pay the lawyer fees accordingly. I started end of Jan 2024. 3. Paperwork preparation: the team was available to talk to me via conference call appointment a few times. Majority of the communication will be via email. For my case, I focused the energy on 3 categories + Merit. The team shared the template for the recommendation letter for me. However, from data gathering and writing recommendation letter for signing, I had to all do it by myself. Once having all the approved document for each category, then they would proceed with having the category for writing by the legal team. Things happen in series so my entire case was not ready to be shipped out till end of August 2024, so plan your time wisely. I was hoping the team could be a bit faster, and they got back with additional charges if I wanted to expedite the case filing. I think this was just misunderstanding and later they clarified their intention, which I appreciate the transparent and professional communication language that the entire team upholds. Sometimes the email feels a bit generic and repetitive, but maybe that’s part of professionalism and ensure of constant reminder for your case. 4. Case shipping: they shipped with priority Fedex mail and provide me with a scanned document for the entire package, so I know things are included part of my petition. A tracking number was shared once the case got shipped as well. I paid for PP, and received the decision notice in time promised. I’m grateful for my case worker team for all the attention you paid for my case: Jan, Mario, Mary, Jackie, Busola 🙏🏻🎉 overall, I highly recommend this law firm for your EB1 needs. They are legit!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Ishan khot
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06 Aug, 2024 by Chandan saxena
I engaged the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram for my EB1A visa application. The firm's systematic and thorough approach to gathering evidence, developing case arguments, and client communication is highly impressive. My experience with them has been outstanding and has exceeded all my expectations. I am deeply thankful to Rhea, Judith, and all the staff members who worked directly and indirectly on my case. Thanks to their efforts in making the entire process flawless, my I-140 and adjustment of status (I-485) were approved quickly without any issues. The entire team at the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram is professional, well-informed, and exceptionally supportive. I highly recommend Chris Ingram’s firm for their expertise, responsiveness, and unwavering dedication to clients, which greatly eased my anxiety and ensured our green card success.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jessica
Thanks Chris Ingram law office for a smooth and straight forward process for my EB1 case. Let me breakdown my experience with them: 1. Intake: detailed breakdown of the categories that I could apply for. Tim was my intake specialist and he answered all the questions I had and gave me confidence to choose this lawfirm to support my case. 2. Onboard: pay the lawyer fees accordingly. I started end of Jan 2024. 3. Paperwork preparation: the team was available to talk to me via conference call appointment a few times. Majority of the communication will be via email. For my case, I focused the energy on 3 categories + Merit. The team shared the template for the recommendation letter for me. However, from data gathering and writing recommendation letter for signing, I had to all do it by myself. Once having all the approved document for each category, then they would proceed with having the category for writing by the legal team. Things happen in series so my entire case was not ready to be shipped out till end of August 2024, so plan your time wisely. I was hoping the team could be a bit faster, and they got back with additional charges if I wanted to expedite the case filing. I think this was just misunderstanding and later they clarified their intention, which I appreciate the transparent and professional communication language that the entire team upholds. Sometimes the email feels a bit generic and repetitive, but maybe that’s part of professionalism and ensure of constant reminder for your case. 4. Case shipping: they shipped with priority Fedex mail and provide me with a scanned document for the entire package, so I know things are included part of my petition. A tracking number was shared once the case got shipped as well. I paid for PP, and received the decision notice in time promised. I’m grateful for my case worker team for all the attention you paid for my case: Jan, Mario, Mary, Jackie, Busola 🙏🏻🎉 overall, I highly recommend this law firm for your EB1 needs. They are legit!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Ishan khot
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06 Aug, 2024 by Chandan saxena
I engaged the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram for my EB1A visa application. The firm's systematic and thorough approach to gathering evidence, developing case arguments, and client communication is highly impressive. My experience with them has been outstanding and has exceeded all my expectations. I am deeply thankful to Rhea, Judith, and all the staff members who worked directly and indirectly on my case. Thanks to their efforts in making the entire process flawless, my I-140 and adjustment of status (I-485) were approved quickly without any issues. The entire team at the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram is professional, well-informed, and exceptionally supportive. I highly recommend Chris Ingram’s firm for their expertise, responsiveness, and unwavering dedication to clients, which greatly eased my anxiety and ensured our green card success.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Hello Jeffrey! I believe you owe me an apology! Here is a hint Guess who has been living alone and paying rent and bills and being responsible for herself? You told me that you were responsible for me! I do not see you hahaha! Ps you lied , a judge has to approve taking all my rights away! Not gonna happen! Going on 24 years now !
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10 Oct, 2015 by Carlos
Mr. Jeffrey Condon is a remarkable person and a great lawyer. His almost 30 years experience in the Inheritance Planning field makes him not only an expert but a unique insider of the family dynamics involved in the inheritance process. Mr. Condon generously helped us during our first consultation, even after our chat indicated that there was no case for him. We also read his book "Beyond the Grave". He did sign it for us!
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19 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I wish I had read the reviews on AVVO before working with him. I concur with the previous review - Overcharges and Underdelivers. Takes advantage of clients. Charges you for Secretarial tasks at attorney rates. Never once stepped foot in the court system for me. Misguided me on case strategy. Could not produce the timesheets he was to use when billing me? Does not represent the practice of law in good faith. Poor example! Horrific experience!
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21 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
He estimated it would cost a maximum $25K of his time to get a corrupt trustee removed from his position. He ran up a bill of about $50K. He accomplished nothing. We had informed him early in engaging him that our financial resources for pursuing our interests were very limited, yet he didn't even alert us to the fact that he was running up was way exceeding what he had estimated and give us the option of backing out before the bill got too high. Of course no lawyer can guaranty results in an adversarial situation, but he and/or his staff dropped the ball in at least these specific ways. ## He was impolite in responding to client emails, having been heard in the background to a call I was having to his staff making denigrating comments about me, the client, and complaining that I was making an inquiry. ## He filed a critical court response pleading just _barely_ short (hours short) of the absolute deadline for the judge's staff to receive it. As a result there is reason to believe that the judge did not really read it and as a result what should have been a slam dunk judgment in my favor it appears the judge was uninformed of the issues. And in court, when it became clear the judge had not really read our arguments McCullough did not verbally attempt to correct the judge's misunderstanding. ## When the party we were opposing made to the judge an out rightly false statement about an action he had taken, even though McCullough had in his papers documentary proof that this was false he said nothing and produced no counter evidence. It is extremely disappointing to do all the hours of background research and provide one's lawyer with the ammunition he needs in a hearing, have him standing there earning $400+ per hour and then have him stand there like a dummy and say nothing while events unfold against your interests. I could likely have represented myself more effectively in that court than he did. ## Mr. McCullough's billing policies are draconian and unreasonable. Specifically: I would send and email with information he requested. I would be billed a minimal period of time (about $100) for him sending me that one line email. When I supplied via email the information he requested I would again be bill that minimal charge when he received that email from me. It is important to understand the information he requested was already available in papers I had supplied earlier, and essentially I was being asked to catch the ball for him not finding the info he already had AND being double charged for his or his staff's failure to do their own clerical work and filing properly. # He also made a bad judgment call by counseling us to not make a reasonable/palatable settlement offer to the other party involved. Any lawyer can make a bad judgment call, but when he does it should be duly noted. Mr. McCullough is not unknowledgeable of estate law. And he or his staff did clearly put in substantual time on the case. That was not the problem. He just didn't seem motivated or interested enough or alert enough to do what he needed to do to represent me well, and interms of cost/benefit ratio I could not recommend him as a good bet.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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