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29 Jan, 2015 by Susan
Tamarae is very knowledgeable, respectful and pleasant to work with. She helped me out with any questions I had. Whenever I needed to talk to her she was always available or would call or write back in a very timely manner even on weekends. I strongly endorse Tamarae!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Karrin jordan
Exemplary legal services. I have had McNeice Wheeler complete a family member's will and also create a Power of Attorney for an ill family member. They have an excellent team of attorneys and support staff.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian fish
My wife and I had been talking about getting our will done for years. This year was the year we got it done, and Tyler with McNeice Wheeler was fantastic. We scheduled a phone call with him due to COVID and was patient as we worked out the three way calling between my office, his office, and my wife at home. He gave a high level overview of the process and conversation we were going to have, then filled in some of the details, and then walked us through each step asking us questions about what we wanted and what our goals were. We had a less than typical case and he recognized that a traditional will was not the best option and helped us set up a trust. He asked lots of questions and allowed us to as well. It was a very collaborative process. He had the documents drafted and sent to us quickly. Due to an error on our end, we didn’t realize we had them for a few days, but when we realized it, we reviewed the drafts and were happily surprised at the small details included that we had never thought of. He was patient with our (mostly mine) several emails asking questions and requesting clarification and answering hypotheticals. Once we were satisfied, we scheduled a convenient time for us to go in and sign. They had everything ready and laid out in the conference room with the necessary witnesses and notary (all socially distanced of course!) and made it super easy to pop in, sign, and continue with the rest of our errands that day. If you need your estate planning done, or any legal support, McNeice Wheeler deserves your attention.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Whitney gamber
29 May, 2024 by Sally miller
We would recommend Josh Grewe to anyone seeking estate planning. He is an exceptional communicator, able to explain legal issues and options in clear and understandable terms. His level of expertise and personal attention makes him a standout attorney in our area.
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25 Aug, 2017 by Jackie
Jeanne is one of the most honest, reliable, hardworking, knowledgeable and very personable attorneys I have dealt with. Jeanne proved to be the most integral attorney I have ever met. In our dealings with other local attorneys, Jeanne is by far one of the most decent human beings in her field.
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Glenn patiently explains the law and gives sound legal advice, while also considering the costs and ethically billing for his time. Every divorce has different details to work out-some more difficult than others-so Glenn's experience and attention to detail were valuable to me. I would recommend hiring Glenn.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was provided with very useful information that helped in my situation greatly. I feel way more confident in my standing now and that boost to my morale alone has pivotal even in a short period of time. My deepest gratitude because this advice was done as volunteered time by Mr. Tanner.
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28 Aug, 2020 by Jj
I really appreciate the help received from Mr. Tanner and his assistant Kailee. Understanding and not pushy at all, professional and prompt response. The rate is very reasonable too.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Tanya keeble
I cannot say enough good things about working with Kathy Pauktert. She represented me in a State Farm car accident case, that went on for 6 years and was quite stressful. Every step of the way, I really felt that she was representing me fully, with no evidence of influence because it was a State Farm case, and she gave me excellent guidance but ensured that I made my own choices regarding next steps. She communicates very promptly, is kind, and gives an extremely persnalised experience. Her expertise was evident and I would recommend her (and do!) to folks going through similar cases. Knowing how competant she is, I would use this group for any case that they have expertise in.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Nikolai jones
I have never had a better experience with a law firm than the experience I had with Gilbert Law. They kept me updated on the process and the direction we were going every step of the way. They also fought hard to make sure I was covered in my recovery.
There experience and compassion was evident every step of the way.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Ian maye
Terry took the time to walk me through some legal options. The outcome was not what I had hoped for. Still Terry saved me money and time with the advice he shared. I feel confident in my path forward now.
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17 May, 2018 by K
Steven Anderson was recommended to me and I am so very appreciative of the genuine care and professionalism he showed to me.
He and his assistant went above and beyond and I am so very thankful he was my lawyer.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Howdie. I wanted to tell you that we had a wonderful experience with Mr Anderson. He is very knowledgable and helpful. He answered all of our questions, and I mean all of the questions. We had so many, I did not think we would get answers to all, and yet we did. He has helped us out tramendously. I would recommend him. He made us feel that we were important and that we mattered. What a wonderful person in general. He cared about what we had to say and answered our endless question. Thank you.
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08 Jan, 2015 by Jeff & linda
Steve was recommended to us from a family real estate professional in the Spokane area. We found Steve to be efficient and highly effective in resolving our issue while cognizant of the economics involved. Our matter settled out of court with full receipt of our expected recovery in just a matter of a few weeks. We would highly recommend Steve to anyone seeking sound legal and financially reasonable advice.
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13 May, 2019 by Kayla
I hired Winston earlier this year as my attorney in my Family Law case, specifically my divorce. He was professional, but kind, and responded to what felt like 1000 of my questions promptly and thoroughly. Winston had lots of great advice, but made it clear from the start that I was in control. He was positive and courteous, but was also very realistic about his expectations for the case. His advice and knowledge helped ground me in a time when I felt ignorant and confused. I would highly recommend his services to friends and family in the future!
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
This was my first time needing legal assistance. Winston listened. He was always professional and was very good at communicating via email. He kept me in the loop as to when he was available and what next steps would be taken. His rate is very reasonable. I would rehire him.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Andrew
Winston guided our family through probate after our parents passed away. He was professional, and gave us fantastic legal insight during a difficult time. It was reassuring to know we had representation who knew how to lead us through the process. We highly recommend Winston, and would not hesitate working with him again. Thank you Winston.
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25 Jan, 2023 by Deepak malhotra
Lisa is an amazing business law attorney. She helped me close an international transaction that nobody else wanted to touch.
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07 Jan, 2023 by Mike
Great attorney, she takes care of all of my legal issues for my business. She's very knowledgeable and always provides great advice in a timely manner.
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02 Feb, 2011 by John
Wish that we would have found Lisa to start...would have saved us a bunch of money....she came in on a two year old litigation...was a total mess...even final judegment had been entered by the Court....In a matter of a few weeks she was able to have the judgement overturned..negotiated the payment requested down to one-third of asking amount. Totally cleared up my Son's credit report in the process..have nothing but wonderful things to say about Lisa...Total Professional...we dealt with this case totally be e-mail...which is very convenient for both parties...she was very fair in her charges for the e-mail service...I would not hesitate to use Lisa's services again. Thank You Lisa!!!
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13 Mar, 2015 by Ruby
When I came to Steven Schneider's office I was afraid of what was happening to me. In a short time, he took care of my problem. I was very satisfied with the outcome. Thanks, Mr. Schneider
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22 Oct, 2014 by Penny
our bankruptcy was handled so well and so quickly that I couldn't believe it was over! I would heartily recommend him to anyone, especially if they are nervous about the proceeding.
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21 Oct, 2014 by Kathryn
Mr. Schneider was very kind and made me feel a lot better about my situation. It was easy to get an appointment and my issue was taken care of quickly. He made everything understandable and I felt much more in control of my life.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Nicholas
Patrick Haywood was a pleasure to work with. He put forth tremendous effort on my case and reached a favorable settlement on our behalf! I would recommend him to anyone who is nervous about the legal process. His communication is exceptional and he is invested to his clients. I could not thank him enough for his hard work he put forth for my family!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Debbie
Pat was a wonderful person to work with Kind, Caring, Professional and Great with details! Will work with him again!! Thank You!!
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09 Mar, 2017 by Wendi
Imagine my shock after a one small accident landed me in the midst of a substantial lawsuit. I had no experience with anything of the kind when I was served with papers. Scared, stressed, alone and ignorant of any means to help myself out of the situation. I knew I needed help and I got it with Mr. Harwood. From our first phone call my fears were put to rest. He was knowledgeable about the law and more importantly, my own personal case. I am a single mom and cannot express the gratitude I felt after talking to Mr. Harwood. I had someone on my side who cared about helping me. He cared that I was scared and listened to all my concerns and addressing each one. He was honest with me about the factors in my case even when they weren't beneficial to my side of the case. He allowed me to see exactly how the land lay and how we were going to go about defending it. He was very thorough about sending me all the necessary documents I needed to stay informed and up to date. I wasn't just dealing with secretaries and paralegals, I talked to him personally and at length several times. He also assured me numerous times that I could call at any time for any reason. To put it plainly, he had my back and showed genuine concern for me. He made me feel like I was an important client to him but maybe that is how all his clients feel. Either way it's a good thing! I would highly recommend Pat Harwood to anyone who is lost and alone in a sea of legal jiggery-pokery. He will help you find your way back to shore!
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09 Jun, 2022 by Troy
Having a blended family, we needed as simple a solution as possible (for our will) to complex financial scenarios. Lisa listened and provided extremely sound advice that took into account our needs, and goals while protecting each other and our children. I am grateful for her ability to give us guidance and not try to saddle us with a one size fits all solution.
I am sure she could provide a simple will if you needed, but i will sleep better knowing that Lisa had my best interests at heart.
Lisa is also the winner if the 2022 Washington State Bar HERO award for her service to the community and this means a lot.
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13 Oct, 2015 by Mike
I have had limited need for a lawyer but when I did I was fortunate enough to get Lisa. Her professionalism and friendly way of handling my particular issue gave me confidence that the law profession is not so bad after all. She listens and advises, I never felt she was dictating what must be done. She made me feel like a friend and not just a client. Working with her made a difficult time more comfortable. I will definitely use her in the future for legal needs that might arise as I feel she truly cares.
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15 Apr, 2013 by Shannon
Lisa and her staff completed services for me quickly, kept me well informed, and were very professional.
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01 Dec, 2021 by James
Megan and her team expertly guided my wife and me through the process of establishing our Living Trust. Her patience and excellent communication kept us informed and comfortable throughout the entire experience. We are very pleased with the service Megan and her team provided us.
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01 Jul, 2021 by Sigrid
We finally got our "affairs in order" (something we've been avoiding for some time).
Big thank you to Megan and her team, their professionalism, empathy and patience made this easier than expected.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Barry
Megan was very helpful and provided excellent service with my estate planning needs. She took the time to explain and in ensure that I understood the documents associated with my estate and answered any questions I had with the process. She offered suggestions that would be of benefit to me and my family.
I would recommend Megan to anyone interested in estate planning.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
She handled my mother's probate, and was caring, compassionate and very competent. She made a tough time less stressful for all of us. I recommend her highly.
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11 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Teresa stays focused and agressive in the court room. She is accommodating and easy to work with.
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22 Jul, 2021 by Jim
My wife and I had a hard time knowing where to start, but we knew we needed to get our will redone. I got referred to Mike and Moulton through a friend. I started by watching the webinar online and we met with Mike the next week. He was a very friendly guy and not what I was fearing in an attorney, but I had watched the webinar so I had some idea. He helped us put together our Living Trust and I just cannot say enough about the peace of mind that comes with knowing it was done right. I talked with a friend who recently went to a different elder law group and they charged three times as much and they didn't even get a trust. Start with Moulton, you won't be disappointed.
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17 Jan, 2014 by Cheryl
As I have no knowledge of trusts or how to go about the final affairs of my dad passing, my dad always told me to "just call the card in the front of the book and he will tell you what to do!" I will say I have had a lot of questions for Michael Gunning and he is very friendly, informative, and helpful with any question I have either called or emailed! I have been surprised at how swift he answers my emails and his amount of patience he has with explaining in detail how to handle each question or situation I have encountered! I am sure I will have more questions, but he puts me at ease with the knowledge he will take the time to help me through this difficult task! My dad loved him and trusted him with his final affairs and I now understand why!! Michael is a wonderful lawyer with a kindness that I would recommend to anyone who needs to set up a will or trust!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Adam nagrone
Amazing lawyer Phil & his team have been great.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Jenny vigil
Phillip called back within hours after I called for a free consultation. He was very kind, reassuring and sympathetic for everything I'd been through with my work injury, dead ends and L&I denial. He was so knowledgeable advising me on what to do next, assured me he could get the denial reversed and offered contact information for a psych nurse practitioner who was familiar with work injuries like mine. Phillip also suggested I call around to check with other attorneys before deciding to hire him. I can't say enough about how much this refreshing perspective and encounter changed my outlook. Phillip genuinely cares and gave me light at the end of a very dark tunnel! I highly recommend having him on your side fighting for your L&I rights.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Bryton redal
23 Feb, 2023 by Richard
Thor was fantastic he did everything he said he was going to do. He handled it professionally and I have no complaints if I ever needed him again I would never hesitate to call that law office.
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04 May, 2021 by Melaia tutanekai
Ross is a stand up guy. Great advisement.
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20 Aug, 2020 by Tiffany foster
I would definitely recommend him to others he is very good at what he does .hes very awesome hes the best one i have ever had we were blown away how fast he is to jump into a case an fights good in court
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03 Jan, 2020 by Donna evans
Knowledgeable, personable, willing & able to explain & answer questions in layman’s terms and on top of all that a nice & good person!
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10 Dec, 2023 by Cda spine and brain
Extremely professional. Expert advice. No task to difficult. She gets it done!
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25 Feb, 2024 by Margaret miller
A family member used this law practice- took over two years to close a very straightforward, simple will. The bill included charges for ‘case review’ - was this because the law firm hadn’t touched the case in over nine months? When my family member called about the status, she was was told she was interfering with the paralegal’s work and that it would take longer and she would have to pay for the phone call. I cannot in good conscience recommend this law practice.
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02 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Spencer went above and beyond to guide us in our title transfer. A very reliable attorney who is ethical and professional in his approach while being a bit flexible. Given his time is valuable, however he didn't hesitate to provide different angles of information for us to be able to think through. We are lucky to have had him represent us.
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27 Jan, 2023 by Glenwood villa
Me and my fiancée were in India and stuck with a situation of title transfer . Attorney Spencer Stromberg and Kelsey Rychalski have been super awesome, approachable and very patient in answering our questions & thorough. The firm is very reliable, professional and rightly priced. We are lucky to have come across this firm and attorney spencer . Anyone who needs a attorney representation need not look further.
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14 Aug, 2019 by Debra
The exceptional service and support we received from Matthew Luedke with Moulton Law Offices have spurred me to write and thank him for all he did for our family in settling our father’s estate. Matthew was unfailingly skilled and patient through what was a challenging time for us. He was available, knowledgeable and professional throughout the ups and downs of this new experience of being executor of an estate. No matter what the challenges along the way, and there were many, he navigated all of them on our behalf with outstanding expertise. We can’t thank him enough for his legal expertise, kindness, and guidance.
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27 Mar, 2019 by Monica
Our family has been working with Matthew Luedke of Moulton Law Offices for the past 5 plus years. He has assisted our family with a trust and all of the details with this trust. Matthew is always very patient answering all of our many questions over the years. We highly recommend his legal services.
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12 Mar, 2019 by Ross
Matthew has helped with elder issues for my mother spanning ten years. He set up a Living Trust, Irrevocable Trust, a VA pension, and helped with a Senior Discount for property taxes. His expertise has helped my mother's financial situation, and made my job of caring for her much easier.
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17 May, 2020 by Ari
I was introduced to Megaen through a colleague who had hired her for estate planning purposes and who'd highly recommended her.
Because estate planning involves very personal and emotional decisions, I wanted to make sure that my attorney wasn't just competent, but also empathetic and flexible to my and my family's specific needs. On my first call with Megaen, it was clear that I'd found someone who met all of my requirements and more.
Throughout the planning process, 3 things distinguished Megaen:
1. Megan clearly understands all the intricacies of estate law, but just as importantly, she explains things in a way that laypeople can understand. This is a huge help, particularly with something as important and nuanced as estate planning. As a husband and a parent, I want to make sure I understand all my options and exactly what I'm signing - Megaen always responded quickly to my requests and questions, and took all the time needed to explain everything in a way that gave me confidence in my decisions.
2. Megaen has what I consider to be a pretty remarkable memory. Throughout the planning process, each time we'd chat, it was as though no time had passed. Megaen remembered all the details of everything we'd discussed in prior meetings, even when I'd already forgotten some of them. Again, this gave me confidence in working with Megaen.
3. Megaen not only exudes great professionalism in all her interactions, but she's also very personable. This distinguishes her from other attorneys I've worked with over the years, and I believe it's one of the most important characteristics to look for in an estate planning attorney. In all my interactions, I felt as though Megaen was approaching the planning process with the same level of empathy and care that I'd get from a family member or close friend. In combination with the points above, this established Megaen as a trusted advisor to me and my family, and I'm very grateful for that.
Just as Megaen came highly recommended to me, I highly recommend her to anyone interested in planning for their estate.
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20 Dec, 2018 by Amy
I came to Megaen for help handling my late aunt’s estate/probate. Megaen was willing to take on my case when others wouldn’t. I didn’t have the resources to pay up front so others refused to help me. For this reason, messy family issues I was dealing with regarding the estate, and the fact that I lived in southwest Idaho and my aunt’s estate was in Spokane, I was extremely stressed and overwhelmed when I came to Megaen. Megaen helped ease that and guide me through the messiness. In addition to the standard probate process she had to deal with senior abuse, financial abuse, family issues, theft & fraud, major financial mistakes made by a bank and their, etc, etc, etc. She handled all of this smoothly, efficiently, and very professionally. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. No words can truly capture how thankful I am for her and all that she did. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. If you need someone that can handle a probate case, and all of the various issues that may come with it, professionally, effectively, smoothly and with compassion, Megaen is the person for you. I VERY highly recommend her to anyone needing help like this!
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04 May, 2018 by Anonymous
We retained Megaen Childress to assist us in separating from a family owned LLC without losing what legally belonged to us. The legal system is very complicated for a lay person and Megaen was able to answer a million questions and represent us through mediation and litigation successfully. She was very responsive to us and occasionally called back even on the week-ends when we were in need of immediate advice. Our situation was both contentious and complicated and not once did Megaen lose her cool, even in the face of threats. We were very satisfied with Megaen's representation and would use her services again if there was a need.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Mackinze wallace
John is an amazing lawyer!! He takes your case seriously and personal. John will do everything in his power to make sure you get an amazing deal. John is also one of the most respected, empathetic and sympathetic people that I have ever met. Whatever your situation is it can be scary and you may have a million questions. John has always been there to awnser my questions no matter what. Him and his legal team are the best especially for their fair and amazing prices. He’s wiling to work with any budget! I highly recommend John for any needs you may have in the Justice system he will guide you through everything and make your voice heard. I don’t know if I would be able to get through what I went through without an amazing attorney like John! He will get you awnsers and he will get you a resolution. If you ever find yourself in a bad situation I couldn’t recommend any lawyer more than I could recommend John!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Jess shatney
Great help, helped me get a no protection order and assault charged dismissed within less than two months of occurring the charge. Helped explain what their plan was to fight that charge and also Jon made me feel very heard when sharing my experience while looking for legal advice.
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03 Dec, 2024 by David partovi
I'm a lawyer, I've known Troy for decades and the poor reviews here are obviously from unqualified sources. Troy is a great lawyer, I only found these bad reviews as I was trying to refer someone to him. Hire Troy with confidence, I would.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Cass & wendy
Nick Pontarolo, and the rest of the staff at this office were thorough and proffesional and did a great job on educating us on the whole process. Thank you for the help you gave us in dealing with the state.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Joy sherman
I couldn't be happier with my attorney(s)
They have done so much for me, they take care of everything so you don't have to worry.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Max johnston
22 Jan, 2025 by Nelson
One of the hardest things to go through. Like many others, this decision wasn't easy but Jason and his team made the whole process simple. Great communication and guidance. Would highly recommend to anyone!
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11 Jan, 2025 by Mark benjamin
Thank you so much for your profession , you are really helpful 🙏
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11 Jan, 2025 by Donald brock
My sister recommended Jason Couey to help us navigate the bankruptcy, and a great job he has done. Was always available, mostly through email, but calls were always available and he is very professional and personable. Will chat at both the personal as well as legalese with you to help you understand what is needed. The best part of the experience has been how he kept things orderly and easy to understand.
I highly recommend him.
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11 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Brad helped us with our estate planning including preparation of Life Insurance Trusts. He was very informative and helpful. He helped us consider our options and listened to our needs, and his work was timely and professional. I would recommend his services to anyone.
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25 Mar, 2013 by Lorine
Mr. Briggs guided me through a divorce in a timely and respectful way that allowed my ex and I to mutually settle everything regarding our divorce without a long and expensive court battle. As a result of Mr. Brigg's work and advice, my ex and I are friends and share a mutual respect for one another. Mr. Briggs made a very stressful situation manageable.
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05 Jul, 2014 by Tonya
We had to go up against the government for a sexual harassment issue and Dianne was recommended to me by my neighbor. Oh em gee!!! She ROCKED my case! We did settle out of court and Ms. Rudman got everything we asked for and more. She was amazing, well prepared, smart, awesome....I just can't putdown enough words to describe how much I appreciate her. Thank you Dianne!!!!
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06 Oct, 2023 by Randy potter
06 Dec, 2021 by Johnathan bowers
I would highly recommend their services for anything to do with estate planning, trusts, wills, etc. They were professional, courteous, and very easy to work with. They were speedy and timely in all aspects. The entire staff did a fantastic job. I would highly recommend!
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16 Feb, 2021 by Josh soehner
11 Jan, 2025 by Tanya keeble
I cannot say enough good things about working with Kathy Pauktert. She represented me in a State Farm car accident case, that went on for 6 years and was quite stressful. Every step of the way, I really felt that she was representing me fully, with no evidence of influence because it was a State Farm case, and she gave me excellent guidance but ensured that I made my own choices regarding next steps. She communicates very promptly, is kind, and gives an extremely persnalised experience. Her expertise was evident and I would recommend her (and do!) to folks going through similar cases. Knowing how competant she is, I would use this group for any case that they have expertise in.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Nikolai jones
I have never had a better experience with a law firm than the experience I had with Gilbert Law. They kept me updated on the process and the direction we were going every step of the way. They also fought hard to make sure I was covered in my recovery.
There experience and compassion was evident every step of the way.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Ian maye
Terry took the time to walk me through some legal options. The outcome was not what I had hoped for. Still Terry saved me money and time with the advice he shared. I feel confident in my path forward now.
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17 Sep, 2023 by Paul long
I worked with Becki and her team to close a business transaction for a mutual customer. Becki did a great job closing a not so easy deal. I would absolutly recomend them. Great job McNeice Wheeler!
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14 Jun, 2023 by Karsten chart
24 Jan, 2023 by Hj johnny
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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:
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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.
