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21 Apr, 2022 by Stacy m
Meagan at Monarch was more that accommodating especially during this last year's events and once I decided to move forward with my documents she was timely along with professional. I would more than recommend Meagan for any estate related legal documents.
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21 Apr, 2022 by Em sceales
Meagan was amazing to work with, I would highly recommend her to anyone. We've been putting off setting up a Trust because we thought it was going to be such an ordeal, but she made it so easy for us. We should have done it years ago!
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19 Apr, 2022 by Michelle alvarado
We recently moved to the Phoenix area and have been looking for someone to update our estate documents. I was told a certified legal document preparer would be a great choice because the fees are lower and our situation was very straightforward. Our choice turned out great as we found Meagan and she did an amazing job updating our estate plan and keeping every promise made. We would highly recommend Meagan for any of your estate planning needs.
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16 Oct, 2019 by Ellen nagel
James was awesome! Held my deal together when I was about to jump ship. Made sure both sides were happy at all times and was always accessible, He was the BEST!!!
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04 May, 2018 by David n. smith, councilman, city of scottsdale
I retained Stanna Slater to represent me in a matter that seemed minor at the outset, but soon morphed into a dispute over citizens’ rights relying on “plain English” interpretation of State law.
Stanna’s legal arguments based on the equity rights of estoppel – intelligently researched and persuasively articulated – should have led to a quick and equitable compromise resolution of the matter.
Met with intransigence on the other side, though, she carried her arguments to the next level, eventually leading to recusal of the opposing attorneys and a prompt judicial ruling in my favor.
Stanna Slater exhibits qualities everyone would like to have in their attorney…the highest professional competence; tenacity in the pursuit of justice; prompt and courteous communication with her client.
I would not hesitate to recommend her to friends and clients.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Marcia diane
Stanna Slater does not quit. That is her genius. She also has an unerring sense of what drives bureaucracies and how to use that to client advantage.
Stanna prevailed where others left off; Lambda Legal, ACLU...none were able to stay the course.
Today I have victory over a four year battle with Social Security Administration to receive my rightful Widow's Survivor Benefits.
At every turn reasons were thrown in our path like nails strewn in the road to halt our progress. Didn't work. We prevailed. And I do mean we, for that is another essential attribute that Stanna processes...she works with the client not in front of our in spite of. This is a strategy that works very well for victory...clients often have just that piece of information that is essential to the next 'win'.
Without her I would have been defeated, received nothing, gone ashamed and begging. Instead I stand proud as the surviving spouse of an amazing long term thirty-one year Lesbian relationship. We Won, folks.
Marcia , surviving spouse of Ellen
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13 Jun, 2017 by Linda
Taylor helped me with creating a LLC and also trust work. He was knowledgable, professional and always prepared. When I called or emailed he answered promptly. If I could give him more than 5 stars I would!
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01 Dec, 2016 by Brian
I am beyond impressed with the professionalism, attention to detail, transparency and thoroughness with which the Williams conduct business. I wouldn't imagine going anywhere else for my portfolio. Customer for life!
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18 Nov, 2016 by Nancy
TAYLOR helped my Mother prepare her will. He was very thorough in his explanations on what needed to be done. We have had questions since and he is always available to us. We wanted certain documents sent to us and he did it. We have worked with other attorneys but TAYLOR tops them all We have already recommended his services to people we know. Highly recommend
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12 Sep, 2019 by Jason
I highly recommend Yvette Banker. Speaking with an attorney is always a high anxiety situation. Yvette takes the time to calm all nerves and helped me clearly understand my options. Thanks Yvette!!
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02 Nov, 2018 by Robert calta
Yvette assisted me with the Conservatorship of a Disabled Adult. And also assisted me with the Trust Administration for a family friend, as well as assisting me as a Trustee for a friend for a Special Needs Trust. If anyone ever needs An Attorney for Elders, Special Needs, Guardianship, Estate Planning, there is no other Attorney I would select. Banker Law Office, Yvette Banker is the Best. And in addition to Yvette her Administrative Assistant Christina Harrop is second to None. I trust them with all my Trust Needs. Whenever I have a Question, they are always their to answer my questions!!!
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30 Oct, 2018 by Mark
As the trustee for someone in Arizona, I needed an Arizona lawyer to represent me in obtaining guardianship. Yvette exceeded my expectations in every respect. She demonstrated command of the law and process, articulation of our position, and sensitivity to the personal issues involved. She and her staff follow through on everything and pay attention to details. She is one of the best probate lawyer's I've worked with in 35 years as a lawyer myself.
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02 May, 2019 by Anonymous
After speaking with a number one estate planning lawyers I decided to hire Whitney Sorrel in large part based on his ability to communicate clearly. By "clearly" I mean he was able to explain exactly what he would be doing and the purpose of completing an estate plan.
What followed was even better. He listened to what I wanted while at the same time challenging me, in a very positive way, as to the wisdom of my choices. In the end, the final document represents my wishes while protecting assets and future finances.
In addition, his personal style direct yet friendly fit perfectly with the way I prefer to do things. I would recommend Mr. Sorrel very highly.
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09 Mar, 2018 by Scott
My father hired Whitney to update his trust in 2015. He recently passed away. Whitney and his team did an outstanding job helping myself and my brothers quickly settle the estate and deal with all of the little things that are required after someone passes. Whitney's advise and counsel helped us make sure that as the assets changed hands they were immediately protected. He definitely made things easy for us in a very difficult time.
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13 Nov, 2016 by Beverley
My experience with Mr Sorrell and his knowledgeable staff has been superb. Whitney and his paralegal Ben went above and beyond my expectations. They truly do care about their clients and their needs. I am amazed and grateful at the attention to details & dedication that was given towards securing my future. Thank you guys SOOOO much!!!
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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Katrina was a delight to deal with, explained everything so I could understand. I have already sent her family members to handle their wills.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Although Katrina was not able to help with my specific issue, the office did contact me quickly and refer to another attorney. The advice was appreciated.
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01 Nov, 2012 by Joe
Katrina was a excellent advocate. She told me what I needed to hear not what I wanted to hear.
The cold hard truth enabled me to make the smart decisions that ultimately brought about a favorable out come. Her courtroom performance was superb and she had sincere genuine empathy for my situation. I feel her 14 years of experience were also invaluable.
I highly recommend Katrina.
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14 Mar, 2021 by Jayne
I recently engaged Abby Neal to review and restate my Trust. I value her expertise and deep attention to detail. She explained things in depth and in a manner that makes sense to laypeople. The communication, planning and process was well thought out and executed. I would recommend Ms. Neal!
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25 Sep, 2019 by Violet
Abby and Jessica are the best! I was very happy with the level of professionalism and would highly recommend the Neal Law Firm. Abby is very thorough and explained the entire process and what would work best for me. I would definitely use them again and will certainly recommend my family and friends to them.
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06 Apr, 2016 by Kathy
My husband and I hired Abby to prepare our estate plan. She prepared a trust, wills, power of attorneys and healthcare documents for us. We were so happy we were referred to Abby as she's is very professional and knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to work with. We highly recommend Abby to anyone looking for an estate planning lawyer.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Brian
I consulted with Megan on a probate issue regarding my deceased grandmother's home. Megan provided excellent advice, and was very helpful. She was able to help solve the issue so the property could be sold. I would recommend Megan to anyone seeking assistance with probate.
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02 Dec, 2017 by Joan
My son in law is semi retired lawyer in another firm but referred me to Biven and Associates nearly ten years ago for my mom who needed long term care. I then needed assistance for my significant other with his estate and I then had the pleasure to meet Megan Selvey. She helped me through a difficult time, numerous phone calls and meetings with family members until his recent passing. Megan is smart, caring and professional with genuine concern for her clients welfare. She goes beyond in her duties and is always available to take a call. I have referred friends and family to her and continue a business relationship with BIVENS and Associates. Megan is an asset to the company and I consider her a friend and my go to person for any legal issue.
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02 Dec, 2017 by Kathryn
Megan Selvey was referred to us by our daughter. Upon consulting her for our services, we found her professional and very informative about our legal needs. She was not forceful in her methods and only offered us what we required. In addition, she provided the services we required in a timely fashion. I would and have highly recommended Ms. Selvey to anyone seeking her services!
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26 Sep, 2019 by Sami shelly
Maria Lawrence handled a heartbreaking case concerning our son Tim Shelley. She was very through...professional and at the same time compassionate and competent.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Kevin
Doug has helped me in some major business decisions and represented my Company successfully in court. The only thing worse than having a bad lawyer is a bad doctor. Doug is a great lawyer and a man I trust and value. Happy to recommend Doug and wish him nothing but the best ! Kevin
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16 Apr, 2015 by Carol
Doug is a man of character and integrity in all that he does. We have worked with him over many years. He has always been responsive, knowledgeable, direct with the facts, offers options to be considered, proactive to bring resolution in a fair and expedient manner. We appreciate all that he and his firm have done on our behalf.
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08 Jan, 2020 by Renee
Steven met my brother and was hired by him to construct his last will and testament. My brother named me as his personal representative of his estate. After my brother's passing, Steven was there to help. The case turned out to be a difficult and complicated one. Steven was extremely good at listening to me and communicated with me often. It was clearly obvious to me that he genuinely cared about my case. He continuously went above and beyond to help me in any way he could to get me through the process. I would HIGHLY recommend him to others in my similar situation. I was confident in his experience and knowledge and would definitely hire his services in the future.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Melissa
Steve helped my husband and I with our wills, power of attorney and trusts. He was extremely thorough and explained how to avoid probate. I'm pleased with all the information provided since we both had questions when we walked in. He took the time out of his busy schedule to help out our family. We will be forever grateful for the energy and time he put into bringing assurance and peace of mind for us. We were able to walk away more knowlegable and having a great plan.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Justin
Mr. Jackson was very helpful in assisting me with a probate matter. I was unsure of what steps to take with regard to my specific situation as I had never dealt with any probate matters before. Mr. Jackson not only guided me where I needed to go, but took the extra time and effort to consult with one of his colleagues so I would not make a misstep. I can not recommend him enough thanks to his helpfulness and kindness during this process.
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31 Dec, 2018 by Doug
Quinn understood our situation and needs and prepared all the appropriate documents according to our wishes.
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29 Aug, 2018 by Tim
Mr. DeAngelis help us with a very messy estate settlement. One family member took control of the estate and never gave an accounting or filed any tax returns. Mr. DeAngelis gave us some great advice so we could protect our interest and file with IRS.
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05 Jan, 2015 by John
I have know Quinn for many years and have referred many clients to him for their estate planning needs. In addition, as a personal injury and medical malpractice lawyer, I have asked him to advise my own clients at the conclusion of significant cases where the amount recovered gives rise to long term distribution and estate planning implications. Quinn is a top notch, well-credentialed lawyer whom I would recommend to anyone.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was devastated to find myself in a position to have to file bankruptcy. Mr Eastin and the entire staff at Platt and Westby were knowledgeable and helped me make it through the process and came up with a payment plan that worked for me. They stood by me when complications were incurred during the process. They were caring and supportive and with their help I have completed the process. I highly recommend this firm and Mr. Eastin to anyone who finds themselves in this unfortunate position.
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06 Dec, 2013 by Brian
We had an extremely complex Chapter13 case. Filing bankruptcy was an extremely agonizing decision but hiring Platt and Westby to represent us was probably the smartest decision I’ve ever made. Throughout the entire 5 years, Harvey Platt, Bryan Eastin, Thomas Karvel, and especially paralegal Dorothy Bain treated us with dignity and respect. If I could give Platt and Westby, P.C. “6” stars, I would. Trust me, if you need to file bankruptcy…nobody will get your back like Platt & Westby, P.C.
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01 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Eastin impressed me by his high regard for ethics and professionalism. He was always a voice of calm and reason in a highly emotionally charged situation. He was extremely honest with me and kept me informed during the course of my case. Thank you Mr. Eastin.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Robert kolander
After the birth of our son, we had Libby establish our family trust. She made it very easy, was extremely patient, and answered all of our questions along the way. I would highly recommend Libby for any of your estate/will/probate or other related legal needs.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Robert
Libby handled all the questions and concerns we had about setting up our trust, and presented us with our trust in a professional, bound book complete with digital versions to store in safe places.
A professional experience throughout the entire process - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Libby.
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08 Apr, 2014 by Howard
As an attorney practicing in a different area of law, it is nice to find an attorney that is as compassionate, experienced, knowledgable about probate, wills, and estates. Many people hope for the best when planning their wills. Libby will walk them through the process and make them comfortable thinking about the things that must be done so the family won't be fighting after the fact.
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30 Sep, 2014 by M&m
Ms. Picarello was a joy to work with during a not so joyous time. She had the answers and the tactics that led us to a suitable resolution to a long and painful situation.
Thank you for everything Kari
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18 May, 2014 by Ryan
Ms Picarello was very professional.
She was very attentive to our needs and added a personal touch.
Often when you need to involve a lawyer, this is an unpleasant event, but Ms Picarello made as easy as possible. She was present at events she didn't have to be at and wasn't always running a tab.
My wife and I appreciated the work she put into our case and were even more pleased that we prevailed. I recommend Ms Picarello for any legal matters you may have.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Eric
Kent was amazing. He excelled in communication, and he was very understanding and listened to or unique situation. He explained everything in detail and was an amazing advocate for what we wanted to do. I would highly recommend him and his services.
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03 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Kent and his staff were friendly and very professional. From the first meeting we had a high degree of confidence in their expertise and knee we had landed in the right place. I wouldn't hesitate at all to recommend Phelps Estate Planning to close friends and family members or to complete strangers!
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04 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I was in 2 car accidents within 2 weeks neither I which were my fault
I sustained both personal injury and property damage
Dealing with three insurance companies hospitals and s rental car agency were beyond my capabilities
In addition to guiding me what to do and not to do , Mr Abdo took over dealing with all the various agents and systematically managed all the other
Complexities in my best interests
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23 Feb, 2017 by Iris
I hired Nicholas to review a contract I had with a group home. I believed the quality of care my family member received was extremely poor, and went against what was stated in my contract. Nicholas got me out of my contract, I was issued a refund, and was able to move my family member.
I was so pleased with Nicholas's help that I have since hired him to assist me with a personal injury case. This case is ongoing and Nicholas keeps me informed on a regular basis.
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11 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I met with Rachel to discuss "doing something". I kept hearing that I need a trust. I wasn't sure what that was, or what I should be doing. I met with Rachel and it was great. She is young, extremely sharp and easy to talk to. After going though my financial information and determining what I wanted to do with my "estate" (or lack thereof) Rachel gave me two options. We created a chart, so I could see the pros/cons of each option. I was pleasantly surprised when she encouraged me to take advantage of the lesser-priced option. She wasn't high pressured or salesy. She encouraged me to go home and think about everything discussed before making a decision. I went home and thought... and I emailed her some questions over the weekend. She responded to my emails over the weekend and even offered a follow up phone call. She doesn't bill for every little thing. Not for the emails, not for the phone call. I just paid one fee for everything. When I made my decision, she had everything prepared in a week and reviewed everything with me before I signed my documents. Rachel was fantastic!
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Rachel is a kind, compassionate estate planning and probate attorney. I had a number of questions and she expertly answered each one. She was not high pressured and made me feel very welcome. She made the uncomfortable topic of estate planning comfortable and she helped me realize that by doing this, I am helping my family out in a huge way. I also asked for referrals to other professionals and she had a list of people who she felt confident and personally knew. Thanks!
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03 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
My father passed away in AZ and I live in another state. Without knowing any attorneys in AZ, I researched several online and called a few to explain my situation. Shad and I spoke a couple times as he answered my questions and patiently explained my options. Between his reasonable rate and helpful attitude even before I hired him, I knew he'd do a good job so I hired him without even meeting in person. He remained responsive through email correspondence until the case was resolved. It was a risk since I never hired an attorney before and didn't actually meet him. I'm very grateful he was responsive and saw the job thru at the price quoted.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Leslie
Attorney Meyrose is very responsive to the client's needs, she is inquisitive, prepared and actively involved in the preparation, presentation and follow through for the matter at hand. Attorney Meyrose is extremely professional and knowledgeable. I appreciate the work that she has completed on my behalf and highly recommend her services.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
We consulted with Tara regarding several of our client contracts. She reviewed our business documents and made recommendations and changes based our needs and the services we provided. She was professional, efficient and knowledgeable. We will definitely work with Tara in the future regarding our business contracts and transactional needs.
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26 Jun, 2015 by Martha
This is a very strong recommendation for Ed Ribadeneira who exceeded our expectations when we called upon him for assistance revising a contract in the wake of flood damage to our home. Time was of the essence and Ed responded immediately to our request the same day, working into the evening and early next morning to re-write the contract. Thanks to his diligent and timely efforts, all revisions were fully accepted and work began immediately. Ed is personable, responsive, insightful, and pragmatic, and he delivered truly exceptional customer service at a critical time. He couldn't have been any easier or more effective to work with. We would gratefully engage his services again in a heartbeat.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Emily riordan
Got referred to Angelica by a family member! She has great energy and is willing to help your financial future!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Erin
Angelica took the time to speak with my husband and I. She listened carefully to our situation, she was super warm/friendly and really seemed to care about us as people vs just as business. We are looking forward to working with her and eager to get going on our financial goals!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Darien manley
Just had our first meeting with Angelica and what a breath of fresh air! Bonnie and I had a great introduction to how Angelica works within the Edward Jones model! Very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism and how we jumped right in to making changes for the better! Can't to see where this new relationship takes us!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Herbert janert
We were extremely satisfied with our results of having our trust revised by Luke. We felt he was very interested and was able to explain important aspects of the trust that would be important to us . I would highly recommend this attorney if you are interested in getting a trust.
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22 Aug, 2024 by John
Mr. Reynoso put together our family trust for us. It was very detailed and explained to us in a manner that was easy to understand.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Great on Estate Planning. Went in to make some changes to my Will and estate planning documents. Always appreciate Luke's advice and expertise.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
238 Reviews
29 Aug, 2024 by Tricia jack
We relocated to Arizona and needed our estate documents to be updated. Allison was recommended to us and very glad we found her. She made the process very easy, and we received everything from her very quickly. Highly recommend.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Alyssa lefrock
Kierman Law was fantastic. Allison Kierman is extremely professional, detail oriented and an overall pleasure to work with. She gets everything done in a timely manor and her pricing is extremely fair. I will continue to use her services and recommend her to all my friends in AZ.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Tammy cheney
Allison and Vicky were very prompt at answering my questions and updating my Trust. I highly recommend the Kierman Law Firm to anyone seeking to create a Trust. I am thankful for their excellent service.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Matt patterson
Seemingly too good to be true but KEYTLaw delivers as advertised - exceptional service and highly recommended. I can't imagine a more simple, efficient, and professional way to set up an LLC in full compliance. I was up and running in a day, got live phone support on my questions, and have continued to get benefit from all the guidance and content available to those who engage Keyt for this service. Fanatastic.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Carlene carl
Fabulous!!! Knowledgeable, fast and easy to work with!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Luc marceau
I want to thank the Keyt Law team for all their help over the years. They do a great job and I appreciate their customer service. THANK YOU
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15 Sep, 2021 by Andrew
Joseph was a great attorney, he explained the whole process completely. Mr. Kirshy understands how it is being a father and wanting what’s best for your children. He completely changed my life as I now have a lot more time with my children. Definitely recommend
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03 Aug, 2021 by Nedra
I had an issue with my husband's greedy heirs and needed legal counsel. In my search for representation I talked to no less than 6 firms. Joseph T. Kirshy of Owens Perkins was the only attorney who actually listened to me. My search was arduous but I kept coming back to Owens Perkins and Mr. Kirshy and he always took my calls.
The thing to know is that he never charged me for a consultation or the advise he gave me. I did ask him, "how do I pay you?" He told me that, based on the information that I had given him on our calls, I was covered and that there was no need for me to spend my money, at this critical time, on attorney fees. Truly Astounding, Extraordinary and down-right Exceptional!
I did not need to retain his services but if I ever do or know of anyone who needs to I would make only one recommendation, Owens Perkins and Joseph T. Kirshy.
Sincerely
Nedra Eldridge
President- Eldridge Construction Management, Inc.
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27 Jul, 2021 by Lisa
Beyond kind, patient and very thorough… I had questions and they were all answered. This team made me feel like I was important, took my calls anytime I made them and followed up more than I expected!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney is atrocious. He fails to file documents, bills $400 an hour and does incomplete work.
He failed to serve all parties.
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04 Jun, 2021 by Katherine
I have worked with the Mazza Law office and Bri Niro several times. I find that they are very responsive to any questions and concerns that you may have and always ask for feedback regarding decisions to be made in the case. I have recommended Mazza to several people and will continue to refer and retain Mazza for any matters I have in the future. I am a licensed fiduciary so I often have a need for an elder law attorney.
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20 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Danny and his group are amazing! He has been a great help for what needed to be done with the trust. I couldn't have gone through this without his help. Erin is just as awesome and always there to help out. I highly recommend Mazza Law.
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17 Nov, 2023 by P&l
It took us years to finish writing our trust and will. Marilee was the most patient person ever in holding our hand, understanding how emotionally draining this can be, and allowed us to take the time needed to complete this arduous process. She asked pertinent questions, gave us answers to our questions and walked us through the process. We would recommend her to anyone!
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08 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
My experience with Marilee Miller Clarke, Attorney, outside of the church context I knew her in, was not what I expected. I found her approach litigious rather than mediating. What I thought was a firm quote based on an email, turned out not to be. She reduced her bill to $2,005 instead of the $800 quoted me in an email. When I questioned her fee, I received no apology, but self-justification. Mistakes I pointed out involved omissions on her part, tone, typos from her and her staff, introducing an error, and unnecessary complexities. She charged me for her time involving those changes even though I pointed out that they were her or her staff’s mistakes. She drew a legal document to correct the work of another attorney. I can only hope that it will serve its purpose if and when needed.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Concerned grandmother
I recommend Marilee Miller Clarke without reservation.
Her knowledge of the law, and years of experience Practicing law in Arizona were a clear advantage to us in the legal action she helped us with. In the beginning, she explained many aspects of the legal proceedings that were not clear to us, and help us come to a strategy for proceeding. She is patient and thorough, but she will not run up the bill by speaking at length with you if she has what she needs to do the work. She answers all communications promptly, and you should be prepared to do the same for her as she has a very strong work ethic and you do not want to slow her down.
She is a strong strategic thinker, and helped us achieve our goals. In a dissolution case with contested child custody, she was able to achieve a win, in spite of many obstacles and prejudices which do not favor a win for the father. She is an excellent communicator, both written and spoken. For written court documents, she leaves no detail unattended. Her Courtroom demeanor is thorough, respectful and effective. She has an amazing ability to think quickly on her feet and adjust strategy quickly when required.
We are so grateful to her and her very professional staff, for all they have done to help our family. We hope we are done with legal stuff for now, but if not, we would rely on her in the future.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Lee
I needed to form an Arizona LLC. Not a big engagement but I was treated as if it was a big engagement. Timely service and at a reasonable fee,
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26 May, 2019 by Paul
Mary and her team have always been nothing short of world-class. Before finding them, my house was at risk of being force sold because of a jealous and stubborn ex. Not only did Mary ensure I was able to keep my home, afterwards she has been a trusted expert when the crazy ex does bubble back up sometimes. 10 of 10, would use again!
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17 May, 2019 by David
Mary and her staff were very good. She did her work quickly and well. She also followed up to ensure all the paperwork was handled correctly. I will definitely us her office with my future legal needs.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Patricia
Andrew and his team are very professional. He came highly recommended by several top doctors in Arizona. His team was very thorough and gives you a great estate planning product in the end. This is his area of expertise and you don't have to have millions to get a well planned estate. Great attorney who knows trust and wills!
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30 Nov, 2023 by Michael
I was very impressed with the ease of setting up my Trust. I met with Andrew via zoom, all docs were reviewed and submitted, dates scheduled to sign, the hardest part was deciding who gets what. I was very pleased with Andrew and his office performance.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Laura
I had been in communication with Andrew regarding an issue and we spoke on the phone and exchanged several emails about the next steps. Then he stopped communicating, all together. I reached out multiple times and he failed to call me back. Very unprofessional. I have MetLife Legal Plans in which they will pay upon completion, if that was going to be a problem for Andrew, he never indicated that to begin with.
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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:
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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.
