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15 Nov, 2024 by Lamiya laviolette
Mr. Carl Jordan was very good in my sister case and was very informative. She was looking at 11 months and she was released in 2 and a half months with his help. If you need a good Attorney, I recommend Mr. Jordan. Thank you again for everything!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Tyler lockhart
Mr. Carl Jordan was both patient and informative throughout the entire process. Was able to get me the best possible outcome in my case. HIRE CARL JORDAN!
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02 Mar, 2024 by Jamie rose
Honest to God I am so blessed to have stumbled upon this man, Carl Jordan! I had another attorney at first who advised me to just settle and take the first offer the prosecutor gave...I myself knew that something didn't feel right about my case and knew that I didn't want to just settle so after speaking with my husband we decided to look elsewhere and we found the one and only CARL JORDAN! Two court dates and one motion later and all charges dismissed! If you have any need for a criminal attorney he's not just the best choice in my opinion he's the one and only choice! Thanks Carl Jordan for making my life so much better! Well done ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
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08 Dec, 2021 by Mike
Jim knows what he is doing and gets the job. Never fun thing to have to go through or even want to do , Mr. Warr does not judge you just helps you with getting all the needed documents to file your case and takes care of business. so you can continue your life with your head up. Thank you Jim.
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18 Feb, 2021 by Anwar
He is a great lawyer. I explained to him my bankruptcy case and provided him with all docs needed. He advised and directed me professionally. Story short, he knows what he is doing.
Definitely I will recommend him to others.
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15 Oct, 2020 by Charlene
James C. Warr is a very kind man that help my husband and I through a Chapter 13. He was very kind and knowledgeable. He handled our Ch. 13 from the first day to the last day with professionalism. I would highly recommend him.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Barry
Trevor was the least effective counsel that I have ever dealt with. Excellent at avoidance,frivolous billings and avoiding court orders. Made a horrific situation even worse with his lack of accountability.
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12 Jan, 2011 by Kathy
Trevor helped me not only legally but emotionally as well,while dealing with my fathers guardianship and health issues. It is a very stressful time and his expertise and emotional support made things much clearer and easierto deal with in such a sad and stressful time. He is also fair when it comes to cost, he is the only attorney I have ever met the puts people first. I will always recommend him, and appreciate him being there for me.
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20 Oct, 2010 by Ed
I was referred to Trevor by a friend, who said he was knowledgeable and inexpensive. After my first dealing with Trevor, I would add responsive and through when recommending his service. Having recently gotten married I knew I needed to take care of some basic estate planning but didn't know how to start. Trevor walked me through a comprehensive process that didn't take too much of my time and didn't cost a fortune.
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29 Apr, 2024 by D'lo
I hired Burt Sallinger to represent me in a child custody case, but unfortunately, I found his services to be unsatisfactory. He consistently spelled my name incorrectly in court filings and did not correct the errors when brought to his attention. He also conveyed messages to the defendant's attorney inaccurately on multiple occasions.
Mr. Sallinger was disrespectful and failed to provide clear explanations of the legal process. When I asked questions about child support to understand my rights better, his response was dismissive and unhelpful. He refused to advocate for increased custody time as I requested, initially providing no reason, and later claiming the Friend of the Court wanted the child to be with the mother longer.
There were billing issues as well, with Mr. Sallinger calling me directly for payment when my company had already paid him. His administrative assistant was also rude and unprofessional during phone calls.
When I asked Mr. Sallinger to withdraw from my case, he was unpleasant and uncooperative, refusing to forward contacts and claiming he was no longer my lawyer, despite still being legally responsible for my representation.
Throughout the case, Mr. Sallinger failed to use relevant evidence I provided to support my position and seemed more interested in reaching a quick agreement than fighting for my rights and my daughter's best interests. He also failed to send documents to the mediator in a timely manner, causing delays in the case.
Overall, working with Mr. Sallinger added unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. I have sent a letter of grievance to the Attorney Grievance Commission due to his unprofessional conduct and poor representation.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mistakenly hired with little due diligence due to the immediate need and lower cost (seemingly). Rude tone, seems disorganized, frequent typos and errors including exposing other client's information. Did not fight for anything we asked for. Just was a presence, checking boxes. Rate will be just as pricey as any other attorney because he nickles and dimes you to talk to you and do his job. If you want good representation that will fight for you, don't hire this guy. In the end it would have been better to hire a more competent attorney for the higher rate.
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23 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Burt has assisted my family on several occasions. He is personable, quickly comes up to speed on the particular situation, and provides insight and feedback on how best to move forward. In terms of bottom-line results, I have never had a setback while represented by Burt. I recommend him without reservation.
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05 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Linden was extremely rude and careless during our very difficult time! He was a HUGE mistake to hire! The only good experience out of this was his receptionist but that's it. Howard insulted me and my intelligence OFTEN! I felt like hanging up the phone many times and walking out of his office which I ended up doing. Firing Linden was the best decision made out of this ordeal. I had a very bad experience with Howard!
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30 May, 2015 by Joanne
When my mother died I was referred to Mr Linden to handle all our legal and probate matters. I found him to be attentive, knowledgable and KIND during a very sad and stressful time in my life!
My husband and I were not only grateful for his expertise but also appreciated his compassion.
It is because of this positive experience that I am taking the time to write this review.
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04 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Caring attorney who goes above and beyond to assist his clients, I would highly recommend his services. He got all the charges dismissed in my case.
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27 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I requested this attorney for a simple property insurance claim. He sent in wrong documentation. Waste of money and time. I do not recommend this attorney’s service.
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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.
