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23 Aug, 2024 by Nate arthur
I had a fantastic experience with Skidmore and Fomina Employment Law Firm in Seattle. Damien and Vera were truly exceptional in handling my case. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. Their guidance and expertise made the entire process much less stressful. I felt supported every step of the way, and their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome was evident. I highly recommend Skidmore and Fomina for anyone seeking top-notch employment law services in Seattle. It would be an understatement to say I will never forget what these people did for me. From the bottom of my heart; thank you, Damien and Vera, for your outstanding work!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Kevin trombold
Wow. Andrew is a magician! He makes tickets disappear. Mine did! Organized, efficient, effective, amazing bedside manner, he's a super lawyer and more.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Cionte graham
I honestly and truly love the hard work, dedication & consistency Damisi & his team provided for me during these hard times❤️
It's not often these days to find a team let alone trust worthy individuals who will fight for you to make sure you are taken care of both mentally, physically & financially.
The communication and follow-ups were perfect. The understanding, patience and support I received during this process for both my case and personal life were unmatched. This was definitely not just another case in the books for them.
I lost both my grandmother & father during this process and Damisi & his team reached out multiple times to insure I was ok.
This team faught tooth & nails for me and made sure that in the end I was taken care of.
I am a single mother of 3 & the main provider for my family. Because of this accident I was at risk of losing my job, and lost my home due to being hit by an uninsured truck driver. I can't thank this team enough for taking my case and reassuring me that they had my back and they delivered everything they said they would ❤️
Thanks to this team my family & I are able to have a worry free fresh start & I am so THANKFUL for them ❤️
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28 Jul, 2024 by Gary
Karen is a wonderfully knowledgeable and effective attorney. I chose her to handle an estate resolution based upon the recommendation of a friend’s lawyer. All the way through a lengthy process, she responded in the most efficient and helpful ways, saving me time, money and—most importantly—energy in every step of a legal situation that turned out to be far more complicated than I could ever have anticipated. I’m grateful to her…and recommend her to friends on a regular basis.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Carol
Karen was so knowledgeable in helping my partner and me with our estate planning that I called her again interstate trusts issue. She offered several alternatives that did not require the thousands of dollars it would have cost had we proceeded in the way I originally planned. She's a diplomat, easy to work with, and knows the law. I highly recommend her for anything to do with family law.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Gina
Karen helped me through a very long legal process with my father's estate. Through the entire ordeal, fighting the state, other relatives who weren't present until after his passing, and through a complicated, convoluted and contentious situation, Karen remained forever the ultimate professional. She is wise and competent and really cares about her clients. I would recommend her for anyone looking for an honest and hard working attorney. She's simply the best.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
09 Oct, 2021 by Christopher hendrix
I retained Peter last year to create a will and trust. He was great at answering all my questions. He was easy to work with from the initial consult to signing the final documents. His fees were very fair, and I would happily retain him again if I needed legal services.
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5.0
7 Reviews
5.0
10 Reviews
27 Aug, 2023 by Neal and ann
Sharon prepared the will and four related documents for each of us, handling some unusual requests and unanticipated complications very well. At all times she was helpful, efficient, accommodating, and responsive to our needs. We recommend her highly.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
29 Apr, 2024 by Lisa shimoi
I recently had the privilege of working with Matthew Cunanan to draft my living will, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of excellent. From start to finish, Matthew demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, efficiency, and empathy, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.
One of the standout qualities of Matthew's service was his remarkable ease to work with. He guided me through each step of the process, ensuring that I understood all aspects of my living will and addressing any concerns or questions I had along the way. His clear communication and willingness to listen made me feel heard and understood, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in his expertise.
Matthew's thoughtfulness and understanding were evident throughout our interactions. He took the time to truly understand my wishes and priorities, tailoring the living will to suit my specific needs and circumstances. His compassionate approach made a potentially daunting task feel manageable, and I appreciated his genuine care for my well-being and that of my loved ones.
Thanks to Matthew's expertise and dedication, I now have peace of mind knowing that I have a comprehensive living will in place to protect my sons in the event of unforeseen circumstances. His attention to detail and commitment to ensuring thorough documentation instilled in me a sense of security, knowing that my wishes will be carried out as intended.
I wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Cunanan to anyone in need of living will services. His professionalism, efficiency, and compassionate approach make him a standout choice in this field. Working with Matthew was not only easy and quick but also reassuring and empowering. I am grateful for his assistance and would not hesitate to seek his expertise again in the future.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Sukh bains
Quick, efficient, and professional ser ice. Very happy with the work done.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Jeffery wheat
Relentless, to be sure.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Nick
I'm so glad I found her. She is incredibly knowledgeable. More importantly, she was understanding, empathetic, and helpful as I struggled with the difficult decisions that are an inevitable part of living wills.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
09 Oct, 2021 by Christopher hendrix
I retained Peter last year to create a will and trust. He was great at answering all my questions. He was easy to work with from the initial consult to signing the final documents. His fees were very fair, and I would happily retain him again if I needed legal services.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Jet skipper
20 Jan, 2023 by Ranjit singh
Best in the business. Got my traffic ticket dismissed on first court date.
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28 Oct, 2021 by Joan griffith
I left a message on their answering machine.
They returned my call that same day and advised me. I would recommend them
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27 Aug, 2024 by Doroteo sanchez
Simplemente los mejores
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26 Aug, 2024 by G b
Great service
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25 Aug, 2024 by Jacquie holmes
I reached out to Sarah for assistance. She was so quick to answer and provided me the information I needed. I highly recommend this firm! Call her first!
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24 Aug, 2022 by April baumgardner
My fiance and I worked with Jeannie on a probate situation. She was awesome.
Originally when calling around to look for an attorney, Jeannie was the only attorney who took time out of her day to call us back within a few hours of our initial call. She answered my questions and was extremely helpful.
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15 Feb, 2019 by Robert heller
Ken takes the time to get to know you and offers sound advice about how to proceed. And his calm demeanor helps reduce the stress which is part of many legal matters. Highly recommend!
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13 Jun, 2018 by John main
Awesome, honest and result orientated
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25 Aug, 2020 by Chelsea
I was very happy with Jeff's contract services and consulting! As I was interviewing multiple law firms to work with, Jeff immediately stood out from all the rest because he actually took the time to understand my need and my use case from the very beginning. He asked insightful questions and uncovered areas that I hadn't even thought of. He was able to tailor a contract that worked perfectly for my small business and was spot-on with the details. Jeff went above and beyond to help my small business and I am grateful for his professionalism and expertise. I'd recommend Jeff to any business owner.
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18 Apr, 2020 by Luke
Jeffrey is a very conscientious, highly knowledgable attorney. He helped us update our wills and estate planning.
The process was easy. His rates are very reasonable. We went through the process during the Covid-19 lock down period. Between the online video conferencing, and emailing, it was a safe, socially distant process. Jeffrey drove to our home with his assistant and was able to complete the signing in our driveway with a safe distance at all times.
Another aspect I liked about Jeffrey is how community-oriented he is. His volunteer service to those in need is inspiring.
I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of his services!
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15 Apr, 2020 by Alex
I was referred to Jeff by a former coworker as we are both looking into starting our own small physical therapy practice. He was very helpful and engaging his services allowed me to be less stressed on the legal aspects of starting up my own PLLC to focus on other aspects of my business.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Cheryl
Bis was thorough in explaining and guiding us through the estate planning process. He was professional and timely in responding. I would recommend Bis' services.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Wendy
Someone You Can Trust!!! Word's can not describe how I feel except thank you.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Mostafa
Hi,
I was trying to find a RE planning attorney and reached out to few of them. Bis understood what I am looking for, he provided clarity by jumping on a call with me and he discussed my options, and he executed super quickly which is amazing. he worked with my MetLife legal plan as well.
Bis is awesome and definitely will hire him again!
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30 Apr, 2021 by Rena
We contacted Robert to help us with a land dispute. Robert was very responsive, gave us some great information and advice in the first phone call. He helped us get a positive outcome on our case and made the process much easier than we imagined it would be. Highly recommend!
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24 May, 2019 by Joshua
Robert was great. I put out information to get help buying a home without using a bank and Robert called me instead of just sending an email generic response. We spoke a few times while getting my issue resolved and it was always a pleasure to chat with him. I will contact him first any time in the future if I need legal help and I trust that if he isn't the right person for the job he will direct me to who is. Robert was personable and professional in all our dealings.
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28 Apr, 2019 by Jacob mcginnis
01 Mar, 2022 by Steven
Mr. Feir was responsive, prompt and professional in handling our issue. Having to contact a lawyer to resolve issues is never a good situation, but I would recommend Mr. Feir's service to anyone needing guidance and legal counsel for any landlord/tenant issues.
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08 Jul, 2021 by Brad
Scott defended my small property management company in a landlord/tenant dispute that my company became ensnared in. I could not have asked for more thorough and skillful representation. Scott successfully had my company dismissed from the suite quickly and as painlessly as possible. I was kept constantly apprised of developments in the case and felt fully informed of my current posture in the suit. Scott was exceptional at explaining the procedural elements of my case as well as the more involved legal and strategic considerations. Scott is a highly intelligent fighter and it was a great relief to have him on my side. I will without a doubt engage Scott in any future legal issues that my company encounters.
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24 Nov, 2020 by Rose
I can't say enough good things about Scott. In addition to being a great strategist, he was also incredibly considerate and wonderful to work with. At every turn, he was sensitive to the emotional nature of my case and committed to making sure I understood my rights and how the case was evolving. With his guidance, I felt confident advocating for myself — and his care and concern went above and beyond my expectations.
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03 Nov, 2018 by Maryhelen
I procrastinated on getting a will for years. A friend recommended Jamie Clausen and I finally called. Working with Jamie made that task I had avoided and dreaded for so long vastly easier than I had imagined. Jamie reviewed our situation, answered our questions, and made suggestions for how to title our accounts given what we wished to do for our estate. The part I had struggled with for so long was made very clear by the helpful worksheets Jamie provided. It was a huge relief to get our wills done. I've since recommended Jamie to friends, including one with a fairly complex estate situation who was equally happy with Jamie's work for her. Jamie Clausen is a gem!
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29 Oct, 2018 by Adams
Jamie (Phinney Estate Law) did a great job for us on our wills and estate planning. I am one of those annoying clients that always wants things a *little* bit different, and she fine-tuned things until I was happy. We felt very safe and very well taken care of. I heartily recommend her!
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28 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
The team at Phinney Estate Law provided me and my husband with excellent legal service when we needed to put together an estate plan. Their intake was simple, and the questions they ask on their worksheets makes the challenging task of thinking through one's future much easier than it could be. We could not have been happier with our choice to engage their services, and we recommend them to literally everyone we know in Washington state.
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10 Sep, 2020 by Wen
I have nothing else to say. He solved all my problems. Best attorney in Seattle!
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16 Jan, 2020 by Angela
Our family needed help for debts we were unsure about. Thanks to Jeffrey, we were able to understand everything easily, and thoroughly.
I cannot express my gratitude enough for all of Jeffrey’s work. He was extraordinarily thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable about everything we threw at him. We had consulted with several attorneys regarding out debt, and he was the only one who was exceptional.
He truly gave us the peace of mind of understanding every avenue we could take to settle our debts.
Thank you again.
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13 Dec, 2019 by Chris
Highly recommend Jeff! He worked incredibly hard and achieved results beyond my expectations!
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03 Aug, 2019 by Steven
Erin made the estate planning process smooth and pain-free for me. I had previously contacted two other Seattle attorneys who turned me down as a client simply because an S-corp is part of the mix for me—you would think that most estate planning lawyers would have some experience dealing with S-corps, but apparently not.
Erin went out of her way to double-check that she was handling my S-corp correctly. She's low-key, personable, no-drama, organized, efficient and professional, and prices her services fairly, no pun intended.
I'm confident referring anyone to Erin who needs the basic docs: Financial POA, Health Care POA, Advance Directives, Disposition of Remains, and of course, a Will. She supplies both official hard copies and PDF files of everything and also gives you tips about what else needs to be taken care of and understood, from setting up mutual fund beneficiaries to probate and estate taxes. I enjoyed discussing legal "what ifs" with her.
Erin, you really made the whole thing easier than I expected! Of course, it does help—whomever you choose to draw up your documents—if you do some advance reading about estate planning and familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and basic concepts. Nolo Press, for example, publishes some good primers on the subject.
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30 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Working with Erin is delightful, even with sensitive issues. Happy to recommend her.
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05 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Pleasant discussion with Ms. Fairley on transferring of legal personal documents from another law firm to her.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Spencer responded in a very timely manner. He is professional and kind and would advocate well for any client.
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31 Oct, 2017 by Seth rosenberg
I have known James Spencer for as long as I have practiced law. He is the attorney I always recommend whenever someone asks me for an attorney who handles wills, trusts and estates. In fact, I have used him myself. He is smart, very honest, and a wealth of knowledge. On top of that, he is a skilled litigator - something that is rare for attorneys in his field.
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01 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
My wife and I were lucky enough to be referred to James Spencer for our legal needs (will, power of attorney, health directive, etc.). He was very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable about LGBT issues. He is also affordable, and INCREDIBLY patient with us, given that we would often delay in getting him information. Yet he always responded immediately. We felt very taken care of, and have complete trust in him. I fully recommend him!
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05 Apr, 2012 by Ken
Janna handled two of our three adoptions. She was helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I'd easily recommend her to anyone looking for an adoption attorney in Washington State.
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26 Feb, 2011 by Galena
Janna helped us with two different domestic adoptions. One was handled in partnership with an adoption agency. The other was a completely private adoption. In both cases, Janna was professional, prompt and thoughtful. The stress of the adoption experience was limited because Janna always communicated clearly and quickly with us. She and her staff went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect and precise, so that the adoptions would not be impeded in any way, now or in the future. I highly recommend Janna Annest as an adoption attorney.
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31 Jan, 2011 by Courtney & jennifer
Janna has been open, honest and welcoming from our initial meeting with her regarding the legal finalization of our adoption. Her expertise and professionalism is coupled with friendliness and a true interest in having her clients successfully complete the adoption process. I highly recommend Janna Annest and her staff!
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21 Oct, 2014 by Wenarto
I had a problematic tenant, and Ian helped me out from beginning to the end. Ian is selfless and put his priority to resolve his client instead of making money, he always said "don't pay yet, think about what you want to do..." and "I am going to save your money by doing...." Ian always answers your question, call you back and respond on time. I am happy to have him representing me, and in the future, I would hire him again if I face another difficult tenant. Thanks Ian.
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19 May, 2014 by Anonymous
This lawyer met with me in a timely manner. He answered all my questions & concerns with specific information. He displayed detailed knowledge of my specific legal concerns. I recommended him to all my friends and family.
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18 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Ian was exceptionally helpful reviewing my potential case. He spent quality time with me, carefully explaining the issue and possible outcome scenarios with me. He also, very honestly, let me know how much time and money the pursuit of a case might require. This attention to both detail and client helped me make a very informed decision. I am grateful for his expertise and the time he took with my case. I highly recommend him.
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01 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
We were referred to Dave by a social worker based on some of her clients superb reviews. We could not have been more pleased with his services. Dave was very thorough, thoughtful and a great communicator. We used him for re-adoption services for our international adoption. He handled everything from filing our court petition to receipt of our birth certificate. He has always been quick to respond to any questions we have had. In addition, he ensured we had a solid understanding of the court process and walked us through everything step by step. We highly recommend Dave and his services!
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14 Aug, 2014 by Dee
After experiencing some complications with finalizing our adoption in California, we were referred to David Andersen to help transfer our case to the State of Washington due to the year-long finalization process in CA. He was very helpful and knowledgeable on how to transfer the case and worked with our attorney and the birth-parents in CA in a very professional and caring manner. His communication about the process throughout was exceptional. Approximately a month and half from the case being transferred to WA, we finalized the adoption of our beautiful baby girl right before the Christmas holiday. I cannot express how much he did for us by taking our case so quickly under the circumstances. We are truly grateful and appreciative of all his work.
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10 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
David was listed on an attorney referral handout provided by our adoption agency. We communicated via email prior to adoption day, met at the courthouse the morning of the finalization, and all went smoothly and swiftly. Several months later, we contacted David regarding estate planning. We met with initially at his office to review our options, and a second time to sign all the documents. Again, everything was smooth and swift.
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22 Jun, 2023 by Theresa
A friend suggested Ralph Maimon to me. I knew that I needed good help with the insurance. Ralph and I worked out the medical billing and records information and a contract for services. All of what I needed was provided, especially the good will and a balance of flexibility and firmness.
Ralph and his paralegal got the job done. Thank you to my friend and to the Law Office of Ralph Maimon.
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26 Jul, 2011 by Alan
I actually put off my will/estate, but was greatly relieved and pleasantly surprised at the ease with which Mr. Ralph Maimon handled everything. His depth of knowledge is remarkable.
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19 Jan, 2011 by Patricia
Ralph handled a business dispute for me. I found him to be knowledgeable, responsive and extremely diligent in his representation of me. He has a calm and sincere manner which inspires trust and confidence. It was clear he understood the issues involved and was committed to working for the best possible outcome. I strongly recommend him.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Mark
Recently my aunt passed away leaving behind an estate that had property in two different states (WA and PA). At the time we felt overwhelmed not knowing where to start. Anna helped my family walk through the different tax considerations for each state, consulting with attorneys in PA to make sure all details were considered and covered. Every step of the way she made us feel like our concerns were being heard and was always available to answer our questions. My family not only appreciated Anna's knowledge and expertise, but also the patience and time she devoted to making sure we knew what was happening and that we understood all of our options. We feel so fortunate to have had Anna advising us during a difficult time for our family.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Jane
Anna helped my husband and I draft a will for our family. It was one of those tasks that we dreaded doing but Anna made the whole process easy to understand and painless to follow through on.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Dennis
OK, this was a great experience. My wife just had twins! That made me think I should have some plans in place. A colleague at work referred me to Anna Cashman for financial, estate, and 'future' planning. She walked the 'four' of us through the process, which Anna made very simple, straightforward, and easy. It showed us how knowledgeable she was. Boy do I feel great having a plan for my new family. Thank you Anna, keep up the GREAT work!
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13 Mar, 2019 by Shaun
Stephanie and her team helped our elderly parents navigate the estate planning process with ease. She provided professional guidance to our family in consideration of Medicaid, a reverse mortgage, and veterans' benefits -- all very daunting tasks for the "Regular Joe". Her company is so aptly named because her compassion shone through at every step of the way -- including coming to our parents' home for meetings and signings, and visiting our father while he was in hospice. Without Stephanie and her team, our family would not have been as prepared as we were for essential legal decisions at the end of our father's life. For my sisters and myself, it was truly a gift that my parents had the foresight to plan and that we found Stephanie to be the one to make those plans happen. To our family, she is a true professional with a big heart and we are so very grateful.
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16 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Stephanie is a truly compassionate lawyer. She listens to her clients and goes out of her way to fulfill their wishes. She is fun to work with, and very good at explaining all of the intricacies of estate planning and making it understandable.
We really enjoyed working with Stephanie, and found the whole process to be very painless. She is a genuinely kind and caring person, and that comes out in her work.
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13 Jul, 2016 by Winnifred
Ms Haslam came to our home (we are seniors) to write our new wills. We had met her previously to give her the basics & she brought complete, professional documents to our home to be reviewed, signed by us, with our neighbors
as witnesses.
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03 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Lars helped up put together an LLC for our rental properties. He took the time to explain everything to us and even found ways to teach us how to do things ourselves to save money. He is ethical, knowledgeable and kind. Exactly the kind of attorney that I need.
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02 Oct, 2014 by Brian
I have worked with numerous attorneys in the course of my personal needs as well as the needs of my clients. Lars stands out head and shoulders above! He is extremely patient, attentive and asks great "probing" questions to get at the real need. Lars was much more thorough than previous attorneys on my behalf.
I would and do refer Lars without hesitation to my clients, co workers, family and friends!
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28 Feb, 2014 by Dawn
My title is important when reading this review. I have used a lawyer in the past and never felt as comfortable as I do when working with Lars Anderson. The need for a lawyer is a personal one and I would recommend Lars as your go to person. He is very patient, genuine and gives educated advice.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Michael
I utilized Karl on two occasions. The first was to update my elderly Mother's will and the second was to update my will and create a Power of Attorney for both me and my Wife.
On both occasions (10 years apart) he provided great expertise along with appropriate questions to ensure he knew what we wanted to accomplish and we knew the ramifications of the requests we made.
He also willingly answered follow up questions over the phone. I would hire him again without hesitation and refer him to anyone needing a good Estate Attorney.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted Karl after seeing his Avvo profile as I had some trust- related questions. He spent 15 minutes patiently answering my questions and explaining things to me. At the end of the call, I asked him if he needed to charge me for giving me his legal advice. He said no need, too much trouble he said! What a nice guy! He said if I ever needed to hire an attorney, give him a call. You bet Karl. Thanks a lot. Much appreciated!
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17 Nov, 2013 by Daniel
My father passed away and I was chosen as the estate rep. My parents had used Karl before so I called him. It was a pretty difficult time for me and was very unsure of what to do. After my meeting with Karl I was very relieved to have found him. Flash forward one year and I'm done with the estate and Karl has been there with me the whole time. He is extremely knowledgeable and well versed. Karl is also very down to earth and personable. He strikes me as a genuinely caring person at work and I'll have to assume off work too. I would go out of my way to recommend Karl to anyone willing to listen.
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15 Jul, 2014 by Roxanne
Johanna is my go-to estate planning attorney in Washington State. My own estate planning practice is based in Bay Area, but I often have clients or colleagues ask me for referrals to a trustworthy and personable attorney in Seattle. I always refer them to Johanna, because of her hardworking reputation and professionalism. I have also witnessed first-hand her patience and attention to detail in walking her clients through the estate planning process. Simply put, in an area of law that can be difficult to navigate, Johanna is someone I trust. My staff and I happily refer clients and colleagues to her.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Duyen
Johanna Coolbaugh was proactive, thorough, and knowledgeable. She took the time to understand our personal situation and needs, thus making sure that our estate plan was comprehensive and appropriate for our family. Estate planning was something my husband and I had discussed for a long time, but were overwhelmed with the options and legal speak. Johanna put us at ease and made sure our plan was comprehensive--she ask questions that we hadn't even thought of. Additionally, Johanna was super responsive, whether it was via email or phone. No question was a dumb question, she answered all of our questions quickly and in language that we understood. We would definitely recommend Johanna to friends an family.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Harte
As a CPA and estate planning peer, I've had the pleasure of working with Johanna's boss, Jim Treadwell, for several decades on mutual estate planning clients, several of which are multi-generational. In the last few years, Johanna has taken on the lion's share of the work at their end on these clients and I find she is completely on-board with all the family dynamics, issues and able to devote the right about of time to managing all the details which can make or break relationships like these. I look forward to having my CPA firm work with Johanna on mutual clients in the future.
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08 Oct, 2018 by Jeanne
I have worked with a number of attorneys in my lifetime and it has very often been a draining experience. Sarah was a breath of fresh air! Warm, compassionate, knowledgeable, and patient, she guided my husband and me through a second marriage estate plan. It was an entirely different process than anything I'd ever experienced. I wish I met Sarah sooner! I would highly recommend her for any of your estate planning needs. She's a keeper.
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03 May, 2018 by Aamer
I hired Sarah to work on a probate and a will. At the time we hired Sarah, our family was going through an extremely difficult time due to the unusual, unique nature of our situation.
Sarah was helpful, responsive, and readily available when we needed. her. I appreciated the fact that she took a practical approach, giving fair advice on what steps we should take while also looking out for opportunities to avoid unnecessary waste of time and money.
Most of all, I was appreciative of her empathetic approach; it made the whole process easier for me and my family. A few months after I hired her, I ran into an unexpected, separate legal matter and we again turned to her for advice during this difficult time. Though it was not an area she works in, she came to my help as a friend and guided me in the right direction. Her advice quite literally may have changed the course of my life.
Thank you, Sarah, for your help during a difficult time and for being there for our family when we needed you!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Roxane
Sarah is an attorney that you can really trust to make the best recommendations for you and your family. She is intelligent, quick thinking, honest and has a lot of integrity in her work. What really makes me feel safe and confident with her work is that she thinks of things that I don't and that is the kind of lawyer I want working for me. I trust Sarah completely. When I sit down with Sarah, I can tell that she really cares about her work and wants to help me and my husband make the best decisions for our future.
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18 Nov, 2019 by Michele
Marisa is very knowledgeable and well informed woman. She took over a very traditional firm and has respected the values and integrity of the former founders. She runs the firm with both the old-school values and the new millennium sophistication. She helped me with a very complicated estate plan. She listened, gave sound advice and treated me in a very caring and real manor. In the end we came up with a strong plan that will ensure protection and financial security for my child. The peace of mind and professional outcome was incredible. I have referred many people to her since in hopes that they follow through and contact her.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Jenna
Attorney Marisa Broggel recently helped me with some estate planning work I needed to do. She is compassionate and very knowledgeable. She is good at breaking down the legal terms into language I could understand. She did a great job for me and my family. I would highly recommend McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Chaz
Marisa's qualifications, education, and experience are excellent. She is very customer oriented and takes her time getting to know her clients and often they become long term customers. She's an exceptional listener, knows how to take the legal terminology and communicate it into terms I can understand, rates are reasonable and she cares. I have no hesitation recommending her as your attorney.
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24 Jan, 2022 by Randy
I hired Phil due to some property issues I was having with a developer working an adjacent property to mine and concern over city decisions that would affect me and my property. Phil made himself available when needed coming on-site a couple of times to review the situation, also met with the developer when I needed questions answered and made himself available for meetings with me - some on short notice. He helped guide me to a settlement with both the city and developer which provides minimal impact to me and my property and even provides some benefits from the development, all while identifying and utilizing the only leverage I had. Phil was recommended to me by another attorney I worked with for another issue. She stated she heard good things from other clients regarding Phil. I definitely would recommend Phil to anyone and am thankful I was able to find him after being disappointed trying to work with several other attorneys - some who overstated their level of expertise. I was really impressed with him and liked him the first time he came out to my property and we talked in person. I knew he would be able to answer my questions and help me achieve a satisfactory resolution. He is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise and set the tone regarding legal ramifications – just what I needed. I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs help in his legal field of expertise.
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11 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I worked with Phil Mattern and Adria G at Demco Law on a Quit claim deed and REED. It was nothing but an excellent experience. They are responsive, flexible and provided excellent customer service! I highly recommend them.
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28 Mar, 2017 by Vic
We had some questions as sellers about an addendum to a purchase and sales agreement for some open land, especially on the issue of avoiding liability for any issues that could arise in the future, and also on proper wording to be legally sound. Phil grasped what we needed done immediately and made excellent suggestions for changes in a very timely way, and in a very short period of time. All this through a phone conversation and emailing of documents. His grasp of real estate issues allowed him to be extremely efficient and therefore cost effective. Would recommend him for any real estate issue.
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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:
-
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.
