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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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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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01 Apr, 2024 by John
Terrible attorney who should have her bar license revoked. No way to get in touch with her as nobody answers the phone or their email accounts.
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27 Jun, 2012 by Jessica
Allyson did a great job of helping us prepare our estate planning documents. She was very good at explaining legal concepts so that we knew what we were doing and didn't get lost in the jargon. She kept us focused, and she and her staff followed up to make sure that we funded our trust and made all of the changes accurately.
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18 May, 2015 by Barbara
My husband's conservator, the firm of Fiduciary Solutions, is awful. She represents them and both my husband and I live in the State of Georgia. She in Arizona constantly files bogus court documents, has spread vicious rumors about me the wife, and has never responded to any calls or e-mails, She does talk to my husband's ex-wife and totally believes the ex who has no contact with us in years. She is young and not very savvy. Horrible service to the "ward" who is ill and doesn't even live in Arizona.
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15 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Horrible lawyer. He is a bully! He absolutely did nothing. He should not be practicing in family law. I tried several times to try and get a hold of him during my case.
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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.
