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28 Nov, 2023 by Mike merrill
Michael Brady has been our family attorney for almost 30 years and handled my divorce, the writing of my will, my late Dad's divorce and another legal matter in fair compensation for tutorial services I performed awhile ago. He is an excellent lawyer and thoroughly professional in all of his areas of expertise. Highly recommend!
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17 Apr, 2022 by Joseph carron
In 2021 I was personal representative for an estate. Mr. Michael Brady was the attorney involved. His probate specialist Debbie Mattson was involved as she assisted with all details regarding contacting creditors,beneficiaries and others including financial institutions and life insurance companies etc. Debbie's was very much an asset to me regarding assisting and portrayed expert professionalism. She was extremely detailed and dedicated. This .made my involvement much less stressful which was very important at the time. I would highly recommend Mr.Brady and Mrs. Mattson for all probate needs.
Joseph Carron
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12 Mar, 2022 by Aida mae
I am so grateful that I found Mr. Brady and Debbie during a very stressful time in my life, they took care of everything during the probate process. Mr. Brady was the only lawyer in town that called me back within hours and took the time to answer my initial questions, very straightforward and extremely knowledgeable. They were able to walk me thru every step of the process and treated me like a friend from the initial visit to the last documentation that had to be signed. I
highly recommend this team! If I had to go thru probate again, I wouldn't look elsewhere.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I went for an initial consultation regarding my mother with whom I am her sole caregiver. I had many questions and Rep took the time to answer each one and provided guidance to help as I make decisions for her future. I highly recommend Rep if you are seeking guidance and answers regarding the care of your loved one.
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12 Nov, 2023 by Mike
Met with Rep DeLoach, and he was fantastic. He was very patient, knowledgeable, and treated our case with the utmost importance and professionalism. Highly recommend
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20 Oct, 2022 by Steve
Mr. DeLoch, and his excellent staff, handled my Probate matters in a very efficient and timely matter. They pay close attention to all matters that can effect outcome and are very responsive to phone and email inquiries. Additionally, they provided excellent information regarding non-probate related matters. A refreshing experience . Highly recommend.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Chris
So honestly, I'nm not the easiest person to please, or be impressed by human nature in general but,
Both Susan and Shelly continually met and/or exceeded any ration expectations to be of help while being very caring. It's so rare that I feel such a sincere degree of satisfaction or positive impression with people in general, let alone professional services. While dealing with difficult, and sensitive family issues it was a true blessing. They hung with us till the end...& then some.
I'm thankful. They truly deserve the high marks!
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11 Mar, 2016 by Bob
I have worked as an IT director for two major Law Firms for 30 years and I know the business well. Susan Rooth was initially hired by my parents to prepare the standard paperwork for estate planning. This was done with a high degree of competence at very fair rates. Approximately five years ago, it become clear that my parents, in their mid 80s, could no longer care for themselves. In a meeting with me and my wife to review some of the paperwork, Susan took a very active role and helping me find home care resources that fortunately we could afford, and stay involved up through today to see that they were well cared for. They have both since passed away, and Susan and her staff did an excellent job in assisting me with handling both estates, and she is still assisting today. It was a lot of work that would have been very difficult for me to do on my own. Her rates continue to be very fair and her staff is highly competent and responsive. Also, she is well known by many of the local banks and that made things go much smoother when needed.
Although as stated, her Firm provides an excellent work product at reasonable rates, what I am most impressed with about Susan and what motivates me to write this review is the level of personal interest and compassion that she displays for her clients and the level of assistance and concern she has that goes far beyond the basic provision of legal services. It is truly exceptional, and I say this as someone who has been in the industry. Overall, for anyone with aging parents who needs these services, or in need of estate planning for the themselves, I offer this unqualified recommendation - you will not find anyone better, or more caring and helpful on a personal level.
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02 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Recently I had to put my father in a nursing home. I lived out of state and was unprepared for how quickly he went downhill. With no funds to pay for a nursing home, he needed Medicaid. I called several attorneys and I felt like just another number until I called Susan. Susan and her assistant Shelly made me feel like one of the family. They were very sympathetic to my emotional and financial situation. They explained everything clearly and walked me through the process. Whenever I had a question, they were always there for me. I was amazed how quickly they were able to get Medicaid approval. I would highly recommend them.
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03 Feb, 2018 by Edris
I had the pleasure of consulting with David about a business litigation case where the landlord severely damaged my lease for no reason. The case is quite complicated with lots of factors involved and David always took his time whether on the phone or in person to give his honest overview of the situation and what roads can be taken. I have yet to meet another attorney that is of such help as David has been. Highly recommend him to anyone!
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17 Oct, 2017 by Andrea
This is a review for David Blum; he was sharp, helpful and decisive when responding to my frantic landlord issues. I was able to call him and get advice promptly. Very direct, very helpful and I would recommend him for someone who needs a smart, vibrant attorney. David Blum is your guy.
*PS - I may be in touch again very soon!
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16 Aug, 2016 by Lynn
Mr. Blum represented me on a Partition Lawsuit and I had the priviledge of witnessing the BEST information gathering deposition that I have ever seen! He is the most thorough Attorney and pays attention to every detail. He is the same in the Courtroom as a Litigator! Personable, easy to talk you and truly wants to get you the results you need. He has a great understanding of why you are in a lawsuit and what he has the ability to do to help! Great Attorney!
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30 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen
I recently had the privilege of working with a young probate and estate litigation attorney, and I must say that his exceptional legal expertise and dedication impressed me. However, I expected no less, as Michael is backed by many years of experience, to include his father, along with several skilled attorneys and the remarkable staff at DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A.
I appreciated his responsiveness. He promptly answered my emails regarding questions and concerns I had about selling a Condo in a 55+ Community. He helped me understand legal terms and spoke to me in a way that made the transaction flawless from start to finish. Many emotions happen during an Estate Sale. Family members are still sad about the passing of a loved one, and they really need someone they can trust and lean on. I highly recommend Michael to anyone in need of professional legal assistance in probate, estate litigation or trust and will administration. I know he will continue to achieve great success in his career and provide wonderful service to his clients.
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20 Feb, 2015 by Roni
Norm Nash handled my mother's probate estate. He kept all four siblings informed despite being geographically diverse. He offered helpful suggestions on how to meet our needs and save on probate costs. He did just what needed to be done, and kept us in the loop as the case progressed. Norm is personable, communicative, and was very helpful in a difficult time.
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06 May, 2022 by Attorney patrick smith
06 Mar, 2022 by D. hoodchef
They're the bees knees
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29 Jan, 2020 by Mary vogler
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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.
