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31 Dec, 2024 by S. sherman zhang
First time I called Attorney, very friendly in detail to information and inquiry very good attorney love to call back to really
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16 Dec, 2024 by Cathleen mcclelland
Great firm! They provided my company a wonderful and informative CEU about Medicaid and Medicare. Lea and Michael are amazing!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Joey leone
After I had gotten a speeding ticket, I contacted Attorney Sherman Abdo. Him and his team quickly and easily handled the situation. He took care of the points, and I only had to pay a fine. I cannot thank Attorney Abdo and his team enough for doing amazing work! If you ever need help with any legal issues, I would 100% recommend Sherman Abdo!
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04 Nov, 2024 by Kyle karas
Hired kevin on a pretty serious case, he did an outstanding job working through my case with an exceptional outcome. He also stayed within his retainer which was just the icing on the cake! I personally would highly recommend Kevin as an attorney. He’s THE BOMB!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jamie lynn
Kevin from the start was fantastic and eased my mind about the stressful situation. I’d recommend Kevin to anyone who needs a legit attorney for any case . 5 star
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12 Sep, 2024 by Scott stowitts
Kevin's demeanor and legal expertise made the process go smoothly. He skillfully prepared the documents for filing, provided updates on the status of the filing, and prepared us prior to meeting with judge. Great experience despite the gravity of the situation.
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08 Apr, 2013 by Joan
Helped us with my husbands mothers estate documents, quit claim deed, etc. Very informative and answered all our questions. Very professional and would recommend to anyone.
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12 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Matt Joswick is a very thoughtful and caring attorney. Matt put together a "Special Needs" trust for my developmentaly disabled sister. Matt's knowledge of the field and the courts was very thorough. Matt has excellent court room demeaner and worked well with the judge. Matt was very proficient at drawing up the legal documents that I needed to establish the trust. I was very pleased with Matt's legal services.
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19 Aug, 2018 by Robert
I hired Joe Coraci to draw up my living revocable trust just prior to undergoing major surgery. Although it was the week of Christmas, Joe completed everything prior to my surgery. Joe is very kind, thoughtful and patient. He is very knowledgeable about estate planning from his previous work experience prior to opening his own practice. He can explain legal matters in a way that can be understood by ordinary people. His fees are competitive and reasonable. He is very customer focused with a priority on customer satisfaction
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17 Oct, 2017 by Jason
Joe has worked with several of my clients, all of whom have greatly appreciated his even-handed advise. My wife and I have also used Joe for our personal estate planning needs and were extremely happy with the product and service.
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06 Jan, 2022 by Charles
"Speak softly and carry a big stick. You will go far." -Teddy When my rights were being trampled over, Bedford twp Veteran Center pointed me to Mr. Blume as a lawyer. He is very good at rerouting your mind when you are speaking to him about your case, if you get distracted with non important details, he keeps you on track essentially saving your money/time. When you hire Mr Blume, you are getting a lot more than you think for your retainer and continued fees. He is simply worth more than what he charges, and that is my bottom line. If you give him all of your evidence and annotations etc, he handles the court room; You can mostly sit back and watch him work. Unless I am spoken to, I keep my mouth shut entirely unless directed, and it works out every single time. When you hire Mr. Blume, he really is All In on your case. He is very very perceptive of peoples' mannerisms, and knows how to approach multiple situations that are all pretty high stress. He is respectful to the court, and he will make sure your concerns are heard while in the hearing. *Have patience, always*; court often moves slow. Sometimes there are days you all show up with lawyers and the court doesn't handle the business You wanted. That's more often than not, out of a lawyers control. In the end, do you want what's best for you and yours? This man will help you get there. I type this as I was awarded majority custody of my kiddos through our efforts together, and I cannot thank him enough for his efforts.
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03 Jun, 2018 by Emilie
Sean A. Blume steps in during family crisis and shows incredible support. He is understanding, attentive, organized, realistic, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. Family court is very stressful and scary when don’t understand what is going on. He walked me through everything and continuously backs up my family’s needs. I am very grateful for Sean.
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22 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I will always be so grateful and appreciative for how Sean Blume handled my divorce. I was so lost, vulnerable and alone once I realized my marriage was over. Sean was supportive and comforting during my emotional times. He never tried to hurry me through and took the time to listen. I felt secure and protected as he represented my children and I. While my ex's attorney was trying every slimy move. Sean would not go down to his level and I could see how much the judge appreciated that. Sean kept the proceedings as quick as possible and thankfully his morals and ethics are above most of my friends attornies. I was worried after hearing their cases of long drawn out divorces due to attorney greed. Thank you so much Sean for keeping my children's and my best interest at heart.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
What does an ambulance chasing attorney look like? Works for a sleazy client? This guy!! Once he realized he wasn’t getting the big bucks he banked on, he dropped ‘em like a hot potato. Kind of attorney that gives them all a bad name.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Charles
Sterlin handled my case efficiently, correctly and did what he said he would do without embellishment, hype and I could not be more happy with the outcome. He was fast at getting things done and informed me of the process on the case. I am very happy.
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26 May, 2016 by Anonymous
He handled my case good and was punctual at all my court dates.
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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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