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10 Dec, 2024 by Big john
Super people, very helpful, professional, knowledgeable
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19 Nov, 2024 by L m
Everyone is so professional and helped me out.
I was really impressed with my attorney. Gabe was so friendly. I also enjoyed Kaylin, Michelle, and Teresa - they provided so much work on my case.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Darren young
Excellent people to work with.
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30 Jul, 2023 by Richard turner
13 Jul, 2018 by Sarah floyd
18 Feb, 2017 by Danny phillips
10 Dec, 2024 by Big john
Super people, very helpful, professional, knowledgeable
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19 Nov, 2024 by L m
Everyone is so professional and helped me out.
I was really impressed with my attorney. Gabe was so friendly. I also enjoyed Kaylin, Michelle, and Teresa - they provided so much work on my case.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Darren young
Excellent people to work with.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Commander buck56
21 Oct, 2024 by Ada lindsay
Lia was very professional and knowledgeable. She assisted us with estate at a reasonable rate.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Chuck fletcher
We used the services of Lia to update our wills and powers of attorney. She is professional, thorough, timely and was quick to answer our questions and concerns in providing our documents at a very reasonable price. We highly recommend Lia for any personal or family trust and will products you may need.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Shannon shattuck
Worth every dime will rehire if needed
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08 Feb, 2024 by Delight carig
21 Oct, 2023 by Rebeccamccoy
28 Oct, 2024 by Commander buck56
21 Oct, 2024 by Ada lindsay
Lia was very professional and knowledgeable. She assisted us with estate at a reasonable rate.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Chuck fletcher
We used the services of Lia to update our wills and powers of attorney. She is professional, thorough, timely and was quick to answer our questions and concerns in providing our documents at a very reasonable price. We highly recommend Lia for any personal or family trust and will products you may need.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Shannon shattuck
Worth every dime will rehire if needed
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08 Feb, 2024 by Delight carig
21 Oct, 2023 by Rebeccamccoy
29 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
He spoke as our case would be no problem. We paid him half and after repeatedly asking him to show us work a year later thinking we were moving close to our goal. He ghosted us and moved practices.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Amanda
I hired Mr. Wilson in a family court case that came up unexpected after reading a few positive online reviews. That's why I am writing this so no one will have the same problems. In consultation he spoke of how he believed it would go and quoted a price that would retain plenty of hours allow him to have time to accomplish it as lawyers do. I gladly paid in full thankful for all the work he spoke of to provide the best he could. Preliminary day came and he was gathering the right information in notes to accomplish his agenda. After speaking with me the court granted a no contact order on my behalf until we returned to court. The weeks between that day and court it was violated multiple times with malicious intent. The courts instructed that I contact my lawyer about the violation. I left multiple voicemails, text& emails to no avail for 3 weeks. Three days before court he responds through message to confirm court. Mr. Wilson had left directly after preliminary for 3 weeks vacation completely unreachable until court. I had paid quite a handsome retainer gladly because I needed his time and services. I was left with no counsel when the order was violated repeatedly. When I asked him for an itinerary as to what he had prepared Mr. Wilson had not pursued anything in preparation in the least. Everyone deserves uninterrupted vacation. I just feel strongly he should have been forthcoming about his schedule, not accepted a pricey retainer for his time that would be spent completely vacationing. If he had I could have obtained other counsel that could have prepared work on my case with the many hours I retained from him instead of vacationing on them only to show for thirty minute court session with only "playing it by ear" as his agenda in a life altering case for me. This is a caution for anyone who has a case that needs counsel you can trust to do the footwork only lawyers can do in the legal system to accomplish your needs. Especially if the lack of diligence could yield results that not only fail the client but their loved ones also.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Christine
Mr. Wilson is very thorough and a good communicator. It is obvious that he has his clients' best interest at heart. He worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome for my case and I recommend him as a great choice for an attorney.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
David Webb handled a misdemeanor case for me. After paying 1500 and traveling all the way to Tennessee, he had my case taken under advisement. This judgement is neither guilty nor not guilty. It is meant to be that way so the individual has to pay another fee ( $500) to have the case expunged. I called David and his secretary was uncaring and rude to me. David said he would have a judge sign a paper and have my case listed as dismissed or non pros. He never seemed to get around to doing anything and now I still have an open case in Tennessee. He doesn't seem to like out of towners because after my case he made a rude remark about not visiting the area again. Wish I had taken my business elsewhere.
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30 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
David and his staff were the most professional people I could have hoped to deal with. Without them I am not sure where I would be now. From knowing David and his staff for years, I can only assume the negative reviews are falsified by clients who happen to be on the opposing side.
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09 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
He will not communicate with client unless your sitting in the office being charged, but will send you an occasional letter telling you he advised you when he hasn't. Will not respond to certified letters. Schedules mediation and court dates without informing you. Likes to schedule them when you've notified him in advance that your unavailable for certain dates. It took 6 months to get a copy of a modification request that he drafted for me. That was to be sent to the other party. Eventhough I reviewed it and had to fix his screw ups stating facts in the request during an office visit. I was charged an additional .5 hrs for him to redraft and fix errors in the original. Did not respond to a certified letter requesting a copy of the documents and response of contempt sent by opposing attorney. I only knew about the contempt allegations, because the opposing parting told me that they had be sent months ago. Legal assistant continiously lies about mailing out documentation. It took over 3 months to get papers served to the opposing parties. However a bill for services found it's way with no trouble; even though he has not did the one thing he was retained to do. I did not recieve my mediation dates in writing until I showed up at his office one day prior to mediation. I was told that it was mail out, but I never got it in the mail. During mediation he scheduled it so that if it took over two hours he had to leave. Really! Left his client in the middle of mediation to take care of personal business. The mediator did not attempt to rule on a decision, but deffered to give options which were all speculations of possibilities not the facts which were in front of him that showed just cause and burden of proof. So that was another $200.00 spent for nothing. Did I meantion I recieved a bill for just shy of $1000.00 even though I've already paid $1500.00. Heres the kicker if I don't pay with my court date coming up in a few months. Will I be standing there without a laywer. He has not even attempted to propose a settlement with the correct income to the opposing parties, but sits around waiting on them to propose to him. Reminder here I retained him to modify a child support obligation that showed a decrease in income of over 40%. You only need 15% to legally do this. On top of that he tells me that if I use the state to do it. That's it would be my ace in the hole and to save money and attorney fees I should just settle on something. Even though all the numbers preposed are speclative of possible income that could be made. But when pay charts and income made up to this point are shown as facts they are ignored. Every facts supporting document that has been requested has been provided. Income made and base pay charts provided. So where's my lawyer for my lawyer? If your smart enough to review facts before committing. Run now here's strike three on this guy. Find someone else; anyone else!
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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.
