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27 Nov, 2024 by Deyvi
Fantastic lawyer. Janet took my case with less than 2 days before my hearing. I didn’t even have to say a word in court. She handled everything and my case was dismissed. Highly recommend her.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Melissa r
Attorney Jackson represented my son on extremely serious charges. From the first time I spoke with her about his case, I knew that she would do her very best to represent him and get him the best outcome. For his charges, we collectively decided it would be in his best interest not to go to trial. Every step of the way I felt like we were family members and that she represented him as if it were her own child. We cannot thank her enough for her kindness and sincerity. She was able to secure him a fair plea deal and we were extremely pleased with her service. I would not hesitate to use her again for any type of issue.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Sonya c
I think attorney Janet Jackson was an excellent choice for my family. She was thorough, experienced, and this showed in the way she handled my daughter's case. She also went above and beyond what I expected to get my daughter the help she needed. I sincerely applaud her kindness and work ethics.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Candace s.
Best lawyers I ever worked with! I highly recommend Attorney Allu. She is literally the best. Everything went smooth and worked out. She is great and understanding. If ever needed, call them!!
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09 Dec, 2024 by Pocono eagle
ARM Lawyers is an excellent law firm that I highly recommend. ARM may be a "small town" firm, but it had no trouble crossing swords with a multi-million dollar public utility in my case. I was very impressed with my attorney Brett Riegel. Neither Mr. Riegel nor I know much about taxes. In the middle of a rather intense settlement session, Mr. Riegel was able to get immediate answers to complex tax questions simply by calling another ARM team member. The tax advice I received saved me from paying an additional several thousand dollars to Uncle Sam. It pays to hire good people. When you hire ARM you don't just get an excellent attorney; you get an outstanding legal team.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Andrew lovins
Patrick was very attentive and went the extra mile to help me get my student loans forgiven. Even after it appeared that our goals seemed elusive, Patrick stayed the course with me and together we accomplished our objective. A major burden has been lifted. Patrick was professional, respectful, and knowledgeable. He gets the job done.
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16 Apr, 2017 by Norma
Attorney Cerato handled my father's estate. She made a complex process easy to navigate. All her communications were clear and detailed. All requests for information were answered promptly
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22 Jan, 2017 by Philip
Upon recommendation of my personal attorney, I contacted Lori J. Cerato, Esq. with questions regarding Elder Care issues. At our first meeting was very satisfied with her approach to settling my Aunt's Estate. I was impressed with her candidness regarding fees. I recommend you check out her website for her most impressive credentials. (www.attorneycerato.com) Attorney Cerato's staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Emails and phone calls were answered promptly. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Attorney Cerato an 11!
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30 Mar, 2016 by Charles
My wife and I have worked with Lori for well over 15 years. She has been especially helpful for our estate planning and wills, and I would recommend her to anybody. Her demeanor is professional and not judgmental, and she is open and clear in her discussions. I always feel very comfortable working with Lori, and I know that she is available to answer any of our questions with clarity and knowledge of the law.
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01 Jan, 2025 by Taia benejan (lastamazon)
Choosing the right lawyer is obviously a very crucial step in such a weighted circumstance and Brian C Jordon absolutely has been the best choice. Brian was the consummate professional, extremely communicative and accessible. Brian found the very best options and walked us through our choices and help us to arrive at the best choice for our situation. Brian was well versed in all letters of the law and has positive professional relationships with everyone throughout the legal process to also help streamline getting to our goal. Brian was very personable and had a good energy that showed a great deal of compassion. Those personal touches are often missed in these type of exchanges but Brian was extremely thorough and dotted every "i" and crossed every "t"! We felt confident in Brian and when dealing with the stress and confusion of any legal matter, having a legal soldier on your team is definitely a relief and a benefit. I fully recommend Brian as an attorney you can trust with your life or the life of your loved one. Prices were fair and customary based on what other attorneys charge for the same predicament. Legal fees/attorneys are expensive, freedom isn't really free but I felt like it was money well spent, that's important too, especially in these inflated and difficult economic times. Brian ticked all the right boxes! We are extremely GRATEFUL for all of his service and support I think he should run for Governor or something political and he'd have our vote! Additionally, but maybe less important, he was the best dressed lawyer in court, great style and a great added representation for us and our case. It was a comfort that his self representation was a measurement of how he'd represent us. It was important for us to leave an honest and forthright review because if you have an issue, you're going to need Brian. He's one of the good guys!
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01 Jan, 2025 by Nash harman
Very helpful through the whole process help me out a lot .
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09 Dec, 2024 by Jessica graves
Brian Jordan was accessible and exceptionally responsive to my questions. He offered insights on what to expect and thorough explanations, handling this matter with professionalism and, frankly, kindness. He has continued to follow up with me throughout the process. I recommend him highly.
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04 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Mary was professional. She was also competent and seemed to be genuinely interested in my case. I felt her rates were reasonable. I was pleased with Mary and her staff.
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01 Jan, 2025 by Taia benejan (lastamazon)
Choosing the right lawyer is obviously a very crucial step in such a weighted circumstance and Brian C Jordon absolutely has been the best choice. Brian was the consummate professional, extremely communicative and accessible. Brian found the very best options and walked us through our choices and help us to arrive at the best choice for our situation. Brian was well versed in all letters of the law and has positive professional relationships with everyone throughout the legal process to also help streamline getting to our goal. Brian was very personable and had a good energy that showed a great deal of compassion. Those personal touches are often missed in these type of exchanges but Brian was extremely thorough and dotted every "i" and crossed every "t"! We felt confident in Brian and when dealing with the stress and confusion of any legal matter, having a legal soldier on your team is definitely a relief and a benefit. I fully recommend Brian as an attorney you can trust with your life or the life of your loved one. Prices were fair and customary based on what other attorneys charge for the same predicament. Legal fees/attorneys are expensive, freedom isn't really free but I felt like it was money well spent, that's important too, especially in these inflated and difficult economic times. Brian ticked all the right boxes! We are extremely GRATEFUL for all of his service and support I think he should run for Governor or something political and he'd have our vote! Additionally, but maybe less important, he was the best dressed lawyer in court, great style and a great added representation for us and our case. It was a comfort that his self representation was a measurement of how he'd represent us. It was important for us to leave an honest and forthright review because if you have an issue, you're going to need Brian. He's one of the good guys!
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01 Jan, 2025 by Nash harman
Very helpful through the whole process help me out a lot .
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24 Dec, 2024 by John hughes
Brian Delivered
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01 Jan, 2025 by Taia benejan (lastamazon)
Choosing the right lawyer is obviously a very crucial step in such a weighted circumstance and Brian C Jordon absolutely has been the best choice. Brian was the consummate professional, extremely communicative and accessible. Brian found the very best options and walked us through our choices and help us to arrive at the best choice for our situation. Brian was well versed in all letters of the law and has positive professional relationships with everyone throughout the legal process to also help streamline getting to our goal. Brian was very personable and had a good energy that showed a great deal of compassion. Those personal touches are often missed in these type of exchanges but Brian was extremely thorough and dotted every "i" and crossed every "t"! We felt confident in Brian and when dealing with the stress and confusion of any legal matter, having a legal soldier on your team is definitely a relief and a benefit. I fully recommend Brian as an attorney you can trust with your life or the life of your loved one. Prices were fair and customary based on what other attorneys charge for the same predicament. Legal fees/attorneys are expensive, freedom isn't really free but I felt like it was money well spent, that's important too, especially in these inflated and difficult economic times. Brian ticked all the right boxes! We are extremely GRATEFUL for all of his service and support I think he should run for Governor or something political and he'd have our vote! Additionally, but maybe less important, he was the best dressed lawyer in court, great style and a great added representation for us and our case. It was a comfort that his self representation was a measurement of how he'd represent us. It was important for us to leave an honest and forthright review because if you have an issue, you're going to need Brian. He's one of the good guys!
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01 Jan, 2025 by Nash harman
Very helpful through the whole process help me out a lot .
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24 Dec, 2024 by John hughes
Brian Delivered
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27 Apr, 2024 by Jelisa k
Don went above and beyond
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20 Dec, 2022 by Sue ran
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16 Dec, 2022 by Justin buchman
Victoria Strunk has been my guardian angel for years now. The staff is always friendly and always informative. Best firm in PA.
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02 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Kelly met with me and my husband and reviewed everything with us. She was very thorough and made sure we understood everything in our documents. We feel very sure that our estate plan will serve us well, now, and into the future. If we ever need to make any changes we'll definitely be coming back to Kelly.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
My wife and I consulted Attorney Lombardo about having simple wills and powers of attorney prepared. There was quite a bit of discussion about our beneficiaries, financial assets, and levels relative to the law regarding tax levels, and we had no apparent complications relative to our documents. We asked her to prepare the simple documents, with only levels of financial assets, not all details. After another visit was scheduled, presumably to review the documents prepared, we received a letter that indicated that she discussed this preparation with her associate, Attorney Cerato, and they were refusing to prepare these documents for us. She indicated that this was because we would not disclose 100% of our financial assets, even though they were below the inheritance levels of concern as we discussed together. Her focus on needing all financial assets and details were disturbing and made us wonder about her intentions. Other attorneys subsequently consulted, then hired, had no interest in the comprehensive details of our relatively minimal financial assets. Based on this simple task of preparing routine documents, with no unusual aspects identified or discussed, I would not recommend the use of attorneys Lombardo or Cerato.
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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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