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16 Jul, 2020 by Tony l.
We hired Alli Keller after going to a famous downtown firm that advertised themselves as the best. They were the best in billing us timely for barely any results. They nickeled and dimed us, and did not even call us to explain to us what our adoption process would be like. When we raised the issue that we needed more information, they showed us the door, and thank god we found Alli Keller's firm. Her entire office was very caring, and she cared very much about our family situation and our child. Would absolutely contact them again for future matters and highly recommend Alli as an attorney who will be thorough and careful. It is so hard to find honest lawyers who care about you as a person.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Keller is a courteous professional. She listens, offers relevant advice, and puts one at ease. My husband and I hired Ms. Keller for estate matters and were very satisfied with how she handled the entire process. Although the process took several months, due to our delays she remained accommodating throughout. In addition, the fee charged was reasonable and we did not think we were taking advantage of like other legal experiences in the past. We highly recommend Ms. Keller.
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08 Mar, 2014 by Janet
I am happy to tell of my professional relationship with Alexandra Keller.
Since moving to the Seattle area from California, I wanted to assure that my estate documents were up to date and legally binding in the state of Washington.
I found a number of lawyers who could help me. When I asked for a price estimate, I found that some required money upfront or a retainer fee. Others stated that their fee would be as much as $350 an hour but would not give a time estimate. I could not promise an unspecified amount without a price range estimate. When I contacted Alexandra, telling her exactly what I wanted, she told me that iwould be $400 - $800.
She rewrote my Revocable Living Trust, my Will, a Durable Power of Attorney for Finance, a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and a Health Care Directive. Due to a family death, I needed my trust agreement to reflect a change. I have been extremely pleased with the five newly written documents. Alexandra did charge the $800, but justifiably so. She made several helpful suggestions for my consideration while writing these documents. and it all takes time and effort.
When we met for the final signing and notarization, she went over everything allowing me to ask questions. She followed up by sending me an itemized statement of her charges and wrote off all of the extra time to stay within her stated estimate. She also sent forms upon which to list personal tangible property, naming a recipient for those items that do not need to be included in any other document.
You will find Alexandra to be very kind and patient, very intelligent, and focused upon service that meets your needs.
If in the future I have any legal needs, I will seek counsel with Alexandra. If a concern is outside her area of expertise, I know she will make a wise referral. In addition, I want to add that her office is easy to get to, on 35 th Avenue, close to the University with ample free parking.
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08 Oct, 2021 by Jason
Kjersti was a pleasure to work with in regards to our estate/family planning documents! She was quick and responsive throughout the process, and took the time to thoroughly explain things to us. I would happily work with Kjersti again on any legal needs.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Kristen
Kjersti was very professional and responsive. She got back to me extremely quickly and walked me through the process of creating a living will and testament. She was willing to meet with me whenever it was convenient and even came to my work so I didn't have to travel. She was very good at explaining my different options and being unbiased so that I could make the best decision for myself. This was my first time writing a will so having someone who was patient and explained terminology really helped!
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13 Jan, 2020 by Jennifer
My husband and I were in need of drafting a will and reached out to Kjersti for help. She was very professional, timely, and explained every part of the process in a way we could understand. It was clear that helping others is her passion and was very thorough in doing so. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of these services!
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23 Apr, 2020 by Markos
Raymond is really oriented and friendly , he answer all questions professionally, he answer all phone calls and explain you all details. He is one of best lawyer in Seattle, I really recommend him for any case.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Christa
Years ago when my husband and I were trying to navigate a tricky legal issue Raymond was very helpful and answered all of our questions knowledgeably. Today I had need of him again and he promptly returned my call and should this issue come to court I know he will get me the justice I deserve.
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26 Feb, 2012 by Leo
Mr. Connell is one of the most experienced and caring lawyers I have ever encountered. I have worked with him on two cases, one involving an political asylum case and one a criminal case defending a wrongfully accused. In both cases, Mr. Connell showed a deep sense of caring and understanding and went above and beyond the call to stand up for his clients.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Elias
Eric is a thorough, dependable, and highly effective attorney. He has a top-notch sense for legal strategy and has provided me excellent legal advice. Moreover, Eric has deep ties to the Seattle-area legal community and has been able to steer me to other outstanding attorneys with other areas of legal expertise. With Eric, I receive big firm experience and firepower with the attention and focus only a smaller firm can provide. I highly recommend him.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Elias
Eric is a thorough, dependable, and highly effective attorney. He has a top-notch sense for legal strategy and has provided me excellent legal advice. Moreover, Eric has deep ties to the Seattle-area legal community and has been able to able to steer me to other outstanding attorneys with other areas of legal expertise. With Eric, I receive big firm experience and firepower with the attention and focus only a smaller firm can provide. I highly recommend him.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Ryan
My wife Sarah and I used Eric for estate planning, more specifically to get our wills setup. Eric made the process super easy and painless, and explains everything in an easy going manner. He's also just a nice guy. I also use Eric as my business lawyer, and he has always given sound advice.
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08 Dec, 2012 by Boyce
My wife and I have been working with Kristina for over 14 years, beginning with estate work for one of our parents and continuing with our own legal matters since then. In a word, she is phenomenal. She always offers us outstanding legal advice and counsel, she knows current laws and regulations, and her work has been flawless. Whether small issues or large, she takes the time to fully understand the situation and carefully reviews various options before advising us. We have complete trust in her, appreciate her attention to detail and know that she will give us the best advice, even if it may not be what we want to hear. We have recommended Kristina to friends who have been equally impressed. It is always a pleasure working with Kristina and her very capable paralegal, Janet. Although they have many clients, we always feel we are treated as special, and that we are getting the best possible legal assistance.
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12 Mar, 2009 by Joann
I have used Kristina Udall for estate planning and have recommended her to others. My mother used her services after my father passed away for probate. I'm an attorney and I consider her to be superb in her field.
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12 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
From the fist meeting to the final signing of the papers, Ms. Udall was very professional, knowledgable and timely.
We believe her hourly charges were just and valued.
We will use Ms. Udall again.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Elizabeth has represented me well in a complex matter involving the financial exploitation, medical neglect of a loved one. Elizabeth has been an invaluable teammate. She is a clear, prompt communicator, a smart, level-headed advisor, and a thorough, effective attorney. Additionally, Elizabeth is a good listener. She takes client concerns seriously and genuinely cares.
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08 May, 2017 by Chris
Elizabeth and I worked together at Beresford Booth for almost four years – so when I had a personal estate planning issue that needed to get done, I knew who to call. She did a great job resolving my legal issue quickly, efficiently, and under budget. Her rates are excellent and she has a solid knowledge of WA estate planning law and and I would not hesitate to use her again. I also regularly recommend her to clients seeking estate planning services and all of the feedback I have received has been more than positive.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amanda and james
We hired Sean to help us with establishing a will and trust. He was easy to work with, clear in communication (and helped us to understand the legal jargon), prompt, and exceptionally accommodating of our schedules and needs as we coordinated meetings. In areas we were uncertain about, Sean offered suggestions and insight from his professional and personal experience, helping us to make informed decisions that supported our family's needs. We are glad to have worked with Sean and are relieved to have our estate planning complete.
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27 Jun, 2022 by J
I contacted Sean about a will and the proper way to assure my children would be well cared for upon my passing. The free consultation convinced me that I would be able to work with Sean easily. With Sean's guidance, I now have a will and trust that put me at ease about my assets.
We communicated primarily via email. Sean responded quickly and fully to any questions I raised, and changed a few items at my request, no problem. He guided me in several areas with which I wasn't familiar.
I'm pleased to have taken care of this end-of-life planning, and to have used Sean's services.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Robert
First of all i want to thank Katie for the prompt , professional way she took care of a very hard emotional, estate, and family situation with the death of my step mother..she stood by me , gave me good advice, stood up for me, with the other side of family being very , well hard to deal with, but hung in there for me, and quickly we got a settlement in which i was happy with.. and i could move on with my life! I am so grateful for her , i dont think she even knows how much..I feel like i had a attorney but also a friend forever, and that is priceless.. so if you want a person who will listen, but will give you her advice also..she as class, professional and one wonderful person and lady.. i highly without any hesitation recommend her for your legal needs...HIGHLY..
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18 Mar, 2015 by Dianne
Katharine Hanson has been and continues to be great help to me regarding all questions deal going with my you mother and the Estate.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Lisa
Darcy is professional, knowledgeable, honest and level-headed. She provided my family much-needed guidance in working through some estate issues during my father's terminal illness. I am happy to provide Darcy my highest recommendation.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Matthew ellis
I have recommended Darcy to many people who have retained her. NO ONE is as good as Darcy, she is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Patricia
Heather and her capable team have been a wonderful resource for my company and our clients. Heather provides clear and accurate legal advice while also paying attention to the underlying needs of her clients. I feel confident in referring my clients to DeVrieze/Carney because I know they'll receive excellent attention at a reasonable rate by truly caring individuals. Thank you for all you do to keep seniors safe, happy and healthy! -Trish, Owner, Eldercare Consulting
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29 Jun, 2010 by Michael
Highly recommend Heather De Vrieze as I was involved in a rather contentious estate settlement and she resolved the issue in an amicable way. It was very refreshing to find an attorney who puts her client's needs first and who is extremely fair when it comes to fees.
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11 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Advised us in a number of issues including guardianships, estate settlement, durable power of attorney and other legal matters. She was prompt, provided information clearly and is a great resource. We would not hesitate to recommend her services.
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08 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
She was very thoughtful, kind and patient. She seemed to have a clear understanding of the situation and our choices. She answered her own phone and returned our calls right away. She was inexpensive compared with other lawyers. We were satisfied with the results and would definitely recommend her.
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24 Oct, 2014 by William
As a real estate broker, there are sometimes instances I need an attorney to consult to figure out difficult matters. I have utilized Mr King's expertise numerous times for my own circumstances and have never been less than impressed by his knowledge, attention to my concern, and creative ways to move forward successfully.
Moreover, I have recommended him to several of my clients and friends. Inquiring after their experience with Mr King and his firm, they have universally give extremely positive and enthusiastic feedback. I will continue to use Mr King as my "go-to attorney" for any and all matters.
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18 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
With an estate issue in my family, and a sick family member leaving me unable to come to him- mr king came to my house to revise an estate. He was very helpful and accommodating. He also made us feel very appreciated as clients. Full recommendation.
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30 Sep, 2022 by T t
Really hands on helpful and worth every cent.
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10 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
My and my partner's experience with Mr. Rose was extremely positive. Knowledgeable, professional, trustworthy and creative, Mr. Rose exemplifies what good counsel is all about. My highest recommendation
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25 Dec, 2023 by Caroll
I hired Carol Vaughn to help with a particularly difficult probate case. She was not only competent but also settled the matter in an expeditious manner. I highly recommend her!
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14 Mar, 2018 by Gini
I met with Patrick today to discuss what I should do in response to a violation issued by a police offer in Edmonds. I contested this, thinking the infraction was an error. I consulted with Patrick Carter, Atty, today. He was very helpful. First he listened carefully without interruption to my too lengthy explanation of the circumstances. Then he reviewed the documents that I brought with me, recommending I contact the DOL about the matter, which I did, learning that the infraction for which I was cited. Patrick kept me cool, calm and collected and altered the way I will respond to this matter. Many thanks.
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06 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Ms. Janick helped us with a disput over a family trust. We then had her write a trust and other documents for our us. We couldn't be happier with her work. She was able to gain the trust of those who were opposing us. She knows her stuff and responds promtly. Her fees are reasonable and she responds promtly to my calls and messages. I highly recommend Ms. Janicki if you have trust or elder care needs.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I found Mrs. Misty Hayes an excellent attorney who has everything a client needs to get the best result in a family legal matter. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, detail-oriented , compassionate and absolutely wonderful lawyer. She does not miss something and pay attention to every detail. I highly recommend her for family legal matters.
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07 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Lora assisted my family with estates/trusts work and did a great job, was very efficient and a joy to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Bruce
Michelle has represented me over the last year, and made the process of become my mother's guardian very smooth. Michelle always kept me aware of the next steps, and there were no surprises. I am 100% satisfied with her representation.
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15 Aug, 2015 by Kathy
I highly recommend the Law Office of RaeAnn Persell, she went above and beyond my expectations and even wrote a letter that helped my kids and I get into an apartment. She is very knowledgeable, friendly, responsive and all around a great person.
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09 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
This review is for Sharon Perlin who is an Attorney at Flaccus Law.
It's easy to have an estate plan written. It's also easy to put off having an estate plan written, or in my case, updated. Ten years ago we managed to write estate documents including wills, health care directives, organ donor instructions, burial instructions and other estate planning documents, but ten years later, despite job changes, a new house, investments, etc. they had never been updated. And, while I suppose out of date documents are better than no documents at all, as we prepared to head on an extended vacation to a sometimes unstable part of the world, we thought maybe this is a good time to update everything.
The first time we did our estate documents it was at one of the fancy downtown law firms and while we were perfectly happy with the outcome, you couldn't help but be aware of the setting and the fact that every half hour meant another $150 to the bill. This time around we made a conscious decision that we wanted to stay away from the high priced, high rise firms and find someone in our neighborhood who could provide personalized care and advice in a more casual and affordable way.
Meeting with Sharon for the first time we immediately felt comfortable. She is warm and friendly and as we started talking about our estate documents and our objectives for updating them, it was also clear that she is very knowledgeable. Sharon also has that important ability to take complex legal concepts and distil them down to layman's terms. At that initial meeting and subsequent conversations Sharon took us through a thorough recap of all the elements of our current documents and, section by section, walked us through changes we might consider and why. Her suggestions were based on sound logic and at all times we felt like our estate planning goals were front of mind.
The entire process took a few weeks with the final visit to Sharon's office to actually sign the new documents. As we were just about to take off on our vacation, Sharon was gracious enough to mail hard copies to our estate executor.
Taking the time to create an estate plan is a responsibility that all adults should take seriously. There is simply no reason that anyone should ever pass without having their estate in order. Don't have an estate plan? Need to have your estate plan updated? I would wholeheartedly recommend Sharon. I would also not hesitate to use her for any of the other legal areas that she specializes in, including trusts, probate and probate litigation, guardianships, and IRS tax controversies.
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22 Oct, 2015 by Mike
Mr James Purcell, Has helped me on several occasions over the years. He is a great and trustworthy lawyer with impeccable work ethics and great knowledge in his field. He is truly an honest and efficient lawyer who gets the job done thouroughly and with the utmost confidence, He is truly above the rest. I would recommend him to anyone!
Thank you Jim Purcell for all you have done to help me with my legal issues.
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06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
My husband and I are extremely pleased with the estate planning work that Heidi Orr provided to us. Heidi is very professional, confident, knowledgeable and personable. She was able to answer all of our questions and concerns regarding our estate plan. I would HIGHLY recommend Heidi to others.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Eric
I rely on David from time to time for state and local tax planning. Any given year, my business has a number of jurisdictions where potential liability may arise. David's advice has been essential in cutting through the regulatory issues and associated risks to deliver sound, cost effective advice that we can act upon with confidence. I highly recommend David to anyone facing state and local tax issues.
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02 Oct, 2011 by Gage sifuentes
From late 2009 - early 2011, our band, "Stabbingback", was in a legal battle regarding contracts with a record label. Legal counsel who could clearly communicate the legal preceding without alienating anyone in the process was required. Jim Jackson fit the bill to a T.
From the first meeting at his office in downtown Seattle, Jim was kind, courteous, professional and very sympathetic to our situation. From the beginning, he made us priority by working with us on issues such as budget and by timing meetings set around our schedule. In fact, there was very little he was not willing to do for his clients to ensure we had the best chance for success.
The one trait which really prevailed during this entire ordeal was Jim's honesty. We cannot emphasize enough how amazing it was to get the truth, good or bad, whenever we had a meeting or phone call. Questions were always answered , strategy was always clear, and details were never hidden. When a lawyer gives you bad news you expect to walk away irritated or angry, but not with Jim. He has the skill of presenting information to remind you it is not the end of the world. No dramatization. No additional stress. Needless to say, it was appreciated.
The question comes up often, "Did you win?". The answer, no. But we did not lose either. We have not been able to make all responsible parties get the their just reward, but we were able to shut down the responsible record label for good. We feel like out of all the outcomes that could have come from this, ours was certainly an acceptable one. Thank you Jim for all your hard work on our case. We know without a doubt, without you, we would not have been able to do so much with so little. Thank you.
Gage Sifuentes
And
Josie Straka
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03 Oct, 2012 by Andy
Pat advised me w/ my criminal case. He was extremely easy to work with, knowledgable, and on the ball. I highly recommend Pat and will be hiring him again - hopefully next time for something more innocuous.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I've been a client of Nancy's for many years, and she has always been forthright and easy to work with, blending high ethics and business acumen. Highly recommended!
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12 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Lindsay after she came recommended from an attorney I consulted with and who did not have time for my case. Not only did Lindsay settle my divorce, but she was also compassionate and caring to me as my ex tried to humiliate me in every way he could. If you want an attorney who actually cares about you as a human, I recommend Lindsay
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15 Aug, 2011 by Ashley
Mike did great work putting together my estate planning packet for Phinney Estate Law. He translated my notes into effective estate planning documents, and did it well within the agreed-upon time frame. I would (and do!) recommend him to my friends and colleagues who have estate-planning needs.
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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.
