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03 Jun, 2020 by Kent
I hired Angela to handle a legal dispute with a former business associate. She was great! She quickly absorbed all the facts and minutiae related to case and effectively used her experience and legal to develop a winning strategy. Her knowledge and confidence was a tremendous help in getting me through a tense and stressful situation. I was very pleased with her performance and the results.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney Kelly was honest and upfront about this case and his advice was spot on! Have a list of items needed and fought hard and diligently to get the case disposed. I would highly recommend Atty Kelly in any situation big or small.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Allen morrison
Very professional
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12 Jul, 2024 by Radha krishn
Hi Jacob, Thanks a lot for being such an angel when I needed. I really appreciate all your timely response and actions taken by you through out the process. Without your professional service, I could have been stuck in so many places in these testing times. I would definitely recommend you to everyone who is looking for professional service. Thanks a lot from the bottom of my heart.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Amelia piperato
I had all my legal affairs taken care of today in one visit. Mr. Pelley was professional, but very personable. He explained everything in terms I could understand. I highly recommend his services. I couldn’t be more relieved and pleased!
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16 Feb, 2024 by Pm814 moore (plmjdm)
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18 Jan, 2024 by Ryan cluck
We have used the Munson firm for a number of different things including real estate transactions, various business matters and estate planning. They have always done a fantastic job. Their fees are very reasonable, and they are upfront about what a given project will cost. Highly recommend them.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Justin miller
Such an easy process. Had a deed made for a place that never had an address. Though it was going to be a way bigger deal than what it was and they made it simple.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer rosso
When you think of a “court appointed” attorney you think, “You get what you pay for” which is NOTHING, but NOT THIS TIME! Lacinda LeBron-Brese was AMAZING with my husband. While he was incarcerated his 24 year old daughter died. Lacinda had already finished the job she was appointed to do, remember we paid NOTHING for her services. I called everyone in the jail, the DA, the sheriff, the Chaplin, warden, the bond officer, sent letters to the state, TDC & 3 other attorneys who had also done work for my husband while appointed…..NO ONE wanted to help me get my husband a furlough to go to his only daughters funeral! “It was a lot of red tape, hassle, extra work, and simply just impossible” I was told by everyone EXCEPT Lacinda LeBron. Ms. LeBron went OVER & ABOVE what any appointed atty has ever done in my lifetime! She went over all the heads that told me “NO” and she got my husband his furlough to attend his baby girls funeral and say goodbye when NO ONE ELSE COULD! I would send anyone I care about to this woman for any legal matters they may have because I KNOW PERSONALLY THAT SHE WILL FIGHT FOR HER CLIENTS whether they are free court appointed or paying clients. Thank you so much Lacinda for everything you did for us!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Michael thomas
Highly recommend Lacinda! was there with me from the very start got to drop my case from a misdemeanor A to C and was by my side until the end.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Madisyn rausch
Lacinda and her paralegal Bailey are awesome!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer rosso
When you think of a “court appointed” attorney you think, “You get what you pay for” which is NOTHING, but NOT THIS TIME! Lacinda LeBron-Brese was AMAZING with my husband. While he was incarcerated his 24 year old daughter died. Lacinda had already finished the job she was appointed to do, remember we paid NOTHING for her services. I called everyone in the jail, the DA, the sheriff, the Chaplin, warden, the bond officer, sent letters to the state, TDC & 3 other attorneys who had also done work for my husband while appointed…..NO ONE wanted to help me get my husband a furlough to go to his only daughters funeral! “It was a lot of red tape, hassle, extra work, and simply just impossible” I was told by everyone EXCEPT Lacinda LeBron. Ms. LeBron went OVER & ABOVE what any appointed atty has ever done in my lifetime! She went over all the heads that told me “NO” and she got my husband his furlough to attend his baby girls funeral and say goodbye when NO ONE ELSE COULD! I would send anyone I care about to this woman for any legal matters they may have because I KNOW PERSONALLY THAT SHE WILL FIGHT FOR HER CLIENTS whether they are free court appointed or paying clients. Thank you so much Lacinda for everything you did for us!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Michael thomas
Highly recommend Lacinda! was there with me from the very start got to drop my case from a misdemeanor A to C and was by my side until the end.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Madisyn rausch
Lacinda and her paralegal Bailey are awesome!
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12 Jun, 2024 by N johnson
Ms. Angela Norris handled my will contest case professionally and efficiently. Her office communication was clear and straightforward. She was the best attorney I could ask for during that difficult time, and I'm happy with the case results. I returned to her office to get my own will done. I highly recommend her.
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07 May, 2024 by Hope believe
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30 Apr, 2024 by Cindy berlanga-orellana
Absolutely amazing Attorneys! Cannot say enough of how their work ethic and care for their clients truly comes through in anything they do. An absolute blessing!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Destiny thompson
Best attorney in Grayson county!!! He does his job 100% I highly recommend!!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Haley whitworth
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11 Dec, 2023 by Casey fisher
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10 Mar, 2024 by Rhonda corley
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14 Dec, 2022 by Sam owen
Gary Corley always had my back,great at what he does!!!
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11 Sep, 2022 by Ryan | monarch hospice
Have used Gary and Jared for multiple contracts. They are very through and make sure to breakdown everything to where its understandable and come up with creative ways to accomplish what is needed.
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09 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Easy to keep in contact by email, but doesn't know about the services he helped me with. I had to turn to the internet.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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