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05 Nov, 2022 by Dale
Sandra helped my family and I with my father's probate. We could not have done it without her. And on top of that she is a very nice person. (Her dog is pretty wonderful too)
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31 Oct, 2022 by Mike
From beginning to end, Ms. Green walked me through every step of an estate probate. She explained it in a language that I could understand and was more than ready and available to answer all of my questions, no matter how small they may have been.
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19 Oct, 2022 by Sherry
Sandra Green is incredibly down-to-earth and easy to talk to.
We had many questions and limited knowledge; Sandra had all the answers.
She also gave us useful nuggets of information we could use but wouldn’t have known to ask.
Excellent experience!
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16 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Catherine represented me in a civil litigation matter. She explained to me what was happening every step of the way and I got the outcome I wanted! If I ever need a lawyer again then she will be the only one I hire. I HIGHLY recommend her.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Angela
Catherine is the most compassionate lawyer I have ever worked with. She handled a child support case for me and even though it was her first time you couldn't tell by her court room presence. She is a great attorney and puts forth 100% effort in making sure her client is treated fairly. She is truly a blessing to me and my kids!!
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05 Feb, 2016 by Alfreeka
When I found Catherine she was a God sent, excuse my vocab, nut crushing attorney at law! She has been such a blessing to me and my boys. She is fair but fights for you. Professional as well as down to earth and relatable. I would recommend her to anyone with any legal issues. I will always keep her on speed dial for any legal circumstances I may encounter in the future.
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23 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. McConnaughhay took care of my uncle's estate and trust planning in a timely and thorough fashion. She was very patient - there was a language barrier-- in listening to his needs. She also gave him honest advice and explained everything to not only him, but also to his selected family members upon his request. She took everyone's questions, but continued to protect his interests. Her staff is very helpful and discrete. I will continue to recommend her to anyone who has probate, wills, estate, trust or guardianship issues.
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13 Jul, 2014 by Toni
Jana completed my will several years ago. After a divorce she updated my will and gave me very sound advice and direction. I have complete confidence that she works with MY best interests in mind. Her work is professional, timely and thorough.
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11 Jul, 2014 by Betsy
Jana completed our estate planning in a very professional and expedient manner. She is well versed in all aspects in estate planning and especially elder law.
Jana is compassionate, patient, knowledgeable and thorough. I found her price structure to be reasonable.
My experience was so positive, I have recommended several folks to Jana. She has also completed my parents estate planning.
If you get the opportunity to work with Jana and her team, you will find her expertise and customer service to be excellent. I highly recommend her services.
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06 May, 2014 by Lee
Absolutely fantastic attorney. Mr. Dariotis has great expertise, judgment and intellect. He assisted me in a difficult family trust and estate matter. I know many attorneys in Tallahassee and he is in a different league than most. He is unassuming but exceptional and highly ethical.
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03 Apr, 2014 by Lee
Absolutely fantastic attorney. Mr. Dariotis has great expertise, judgment and intellect. He assisted me in a difficult family trust and estate matter. I know many attorneys in Tallahassee and he is in a different league than most. He is unassuming but exceptional and highly ethical.
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5.0
2 Reviews
02 May, 2023 by Joe
I presented Belinda with a very challenging case after discovering some unclaimed funds in Florida. It took some very good lawyering to figure out a complicated set of circumstances regarding beneficiaries, and there was an error in my uncle's will to boot. She steered around probate and protected me from any specious claims that could have arisen. This all required Belinda to apply some creative thinking, but she figured out a way to get to the result my uncle would have wanted. Since I am out of state, I found her via the Florida Bar Association, and I could not be more happy that the fates led me to Belinda France.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Pamela
Ms. France has a vast depth of knowledge and years of experience in many areas of law. What sets her apart from the rest is her personal commitment to her clients. She makes you feel like she is a member of your family and will do whatever it takes to do the very best job for you, with the utmost attention to detail. She never made me feel like I was just another $$ per hour, she made me feel like a person she really cared about.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Fancyrou
I emailed Ian a question on a weekend & assumed if I got a reply it would be the next business day. Imagine my surprise when Ian not only replied to my email inquiry immediately but gave a very detailed response as well. He was very polite & professional and he even answered a follow up question I had as well. I truly appreciated him taking time out of his weekend to answer my question as I was stressing quite a bit over my issue. Awesome, professional! Lisa~
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09 Aug, 2011 by Jim
Ian took our probate case and did a GREAT job. The judge was located in another county from where we live and seemed to be going out of his way to make things difficult. Ian kept his cool and managed to wined his way through all of the barriers placed in his way. He kept us up to date on what was going on and we would use him again if we have a need for an atty.
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04 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Audrey Ehrhardt executed living wills, health care directives, power of attorney, pre-need guardian, and last will documents for my husband and I. She listened to our needs and created a plan to meet them, making the process very smooth and easy. Mrs. Ehrhardt has also been helpful with subsequent consultations regarding arrangements we may need to have in place as our parents age. She is extremely knowledgable with elder law issues, and knowing she is only a phone call way is a great comfort. I would highly recommend Mrs. Ehrhardt if you need an attorney specializing in elder law and/ or wills.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Dr. soleil
Let's be honest, starting a business is hard enough; but to have a complaint put forth against you for simple semantics and legal jargon, it's scary. Raj was the prosecuting attorney who was fighting AGAINST me therefore I expected to be treated as such. Not at all. He was not only professional and honest, he was helpful and a HUMAN. He assisted me in understanding the verbiage and was willing to direct me to resources for the future regarding my business. My case was dismissed and I cannot express how important that is to me. Mr. Misra is the best prosecuting attorney for the state of Florida. I never thought I would say that about a lawyer but I suppose the good in the world is still present. Thank you Raj!
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07 May, 2015 by Jennifer
This is my first experience hiring an attorney and loosing a loved one followed by the administration of a will and the probate process. I have been extremely pleasantly surprised with how kind, responsive and wonderful everyone at this firm has been. I am very grateful to them for their help during this sad and stressful time.
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29 May, 2018 by Roxanna ford
I went in and saw Mr.Brice and has a consultation with him after meeting with him I new then he was the perfect attorney to handle my case very thoughtful and sensitive to the situation I’m very pleased with him I no this will be a long fight but at least I have a awesome attorney to fight for me and my daughter!!
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11 Aug, 2017 by Elise
Attorney Sampson is an awesome attorney. When my family was seeking legal counsel, we were a bit nervous and honestly, felt somewhat defeated. However, when we contacted Mrs. Sampson, her warm demeanor made us feel so much better. She is competent, she does not rush, and she really cares about her clients. I would recommend her to everyone.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Alan
I was hesitant about going through the process of Chapter 13 bankruptcy but Kathryn Hathaway explained the process thoroughly. After our initial consultation, I knew I had made the right decision to do this and in choice of attorney to guide me through it. Now, five years later, I'm so glad Kathryn handled my case. She and Tara were always there to answer questions, provide any documents I might need, and be at my side in the courtroom. Always professional and caring, that's the way Kathryn Hathaway and her team treat their clients. I very highly recommend them!
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20 Jul, 2024 by Melanie mason
Mr. Thompson and Ms. Rebecca were so friendly and helpful. They were both easy to work with and provided top notch customer service. I would highly recommend this firm.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Tony bower
Mr. Thompson and his para legal, Rebecca Martin, gave us pre service consultation, said what they would do and did it, professionally, timely and kept us informed throughout.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Jimmy h
Have been a joy to work with. Very skilled in dealing with all kinds of matters. Helped me deal with something that came out of the wood work from almost 20 years ago. Would highly highly recommend!
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20 Jul, 2022 by Toby chapman
Website was thorough and easy to navigate
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15 Jun, 2021 by Tommy sparks
No one answers the phones and after leaving messages no one contacted me back. This was after several attempts over the course of a couple of weeks.
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21 May, 2020 by Chris higgins
Mr. Mathews and his team represented our family in a complex, multi-state case. From day one we were treated with compassion, professionalism, and clear communication. Mathews Law Firm was extremely responsive and went above and beyond to assist. Thank you Mathews Law Firm.
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30 Apr, 2024 by L simmons
Atty Butters really takes care of her clients and puts you at ease especially as it relates to estate planning. One stop shop. Excellent advisor, professional and personable and her staff sets the standards in how an office should be run. I feel like family.
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10 Jun, 2023 by Veronica adderson
19 Apr, 2023 by Anabel hall
Excellent legal representation. Patrick is a professional and well knowledge regarding my specific construction legal issues. I highly recommend this firm.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Mopowerup onlyup
15 Jul, 2024 by Randy jones
I spoke with John back in early June to see if he could handle something for me. He took the information needed and said he would call back. After a couple of weeks I called again and left a message. I spoke to a Rebecca and she stated that he would call me back also. After several attemps, no one to this date has called back or followed up with me. Either the job was too small or there was a conflict of interest. Just let me know either way is all I wanted.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Lane stephens
Obviously a professional operation. Top notch attorney and awesome legal staff.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jose
Needed an attorney after a death in the family and issues arose with the will and some property. Mr. Richardson took on the issue, kept me posted in all events, was very thorough, did very diligent and unremittingresearch and was able to conclude the case in a very favorable manner. His way of explaining the issues along the way was very helpful and kept me at ease.
I highly recommend Jeff if in need of an attorney.
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14 May, 2024 by Robert
Mr. Richardson believed in the merits of my case and agreed to take it on when nobody else would. He spent over a year working on the case and after his presentation the other side agreed to settle in my favor. I am forever grateful for his willingness to look beyond money and champion a just cause.
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19 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Do NOT hire this attorney. He has utterly destroyed my case with his incompetence. He has repeatedly failed to fulfill his contract as well as properly represent me. He makes no effort to properly communicate or respond to me. He has repeatedly conveyed information to opposing counsel without my knowledge that has helped the opposing party to avoid accountability. He has actively avoided providing me with court documents, communications from opposing counsel, filing court documents, and has gone so far as to fail to uphold my court ordered rights.
Do yourself a favor and run as far away from this attorney as you possibly can. He has no conscience.
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18 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mrs. Williams is a honest and did a excellent job representing me on a family matter for time share and support. She is very honest and direct and will do what is best for the child. She is compassionate and available for questions related to your case. If you are unable to reach her by phone, she is just as fast with emails. I would recommend her for anyone who has a legal matter. I definitely will hire her again if in need of a lawyer.
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24 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
She was horrible I hired her and she barely saw me and never talked to me yet she overcharged me and my family.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired John Williams for a divorce. He overcharged me and then sued me for fees. Avoid him at ALL COSTS.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Antonette
John Williams has represented me for several years, through multiple family law proceedings. I continue to have him represent me because I always feel that I am in good hands; he is an expert in the law and is also very wise when it comes to the personal aspect of the case. He is never afraid to fight for me, but he doesn’t pour fuel on the fire as some family lawyers do. His prices are very fair. And he looks out for me and my case. I highly recommend him!
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28 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Williams to help me during a really bad divorce. He said he could help and because of my financial situation he would not charge me his regular fee. In short, I had to let him go because he charged more than he said and was not nice in the process. Find someone else if you can.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I hired James Banks for a divorce and child custody battle. Or shall I say there wasn't a battle because he couldn't misrepresent me fast enough. He mislead me with every question he was entrusted to answer. Awful results because of his advice and counsel. Never again and I'd never recommend.
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12 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I was a client of Mr. Banks on a family law matter. To be fair, I must say that a colleague of mine, who had gone through a divorce two years before, had recommended Mr. Banks. In my case, I found Mr. Banks not prepared, unwilling to listen and communicate what is important, and the office was not well run.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Tabitha
This lawyer refused to addressed a
white lawyer that lied in court about me talking to my kids and my husband and a safety plan was put in place and I provided all the evidence and knowing the damage that has caused myself and my kids she worked in the same field as the dcf lawyer and to continue to let Mrs Barren to misuse her position to lie in family court and not to act shows favoritism and towards the white lawyer that remain un punished for lying she worse then the lawyer because she has delayed investigating this matter because I'm sure she going to say Mrs Barren didn't do anything wrong so I can let the high court review my complaint and then she if they feel that this attorney working for the bar grievances intake handle it correctly
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01 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired this lawyer to help us protect our mother from an abusive temporary guardianship. She said she knew a few judges and could easily come against the opposition and get us in court quickly to overturn the injustice. She took our retainer and did nothing except ridicule us in emails with another attorney who had referred us. Isn't that a breach of client/attorney privilege? We researched Florida laws that had been broken, sent her case law, sent her legal questions, sent character references and statements from witnesses, all to no avail. She ignored all our efforts to assist her in the case. Instead she told us she talked for an hour with the opposing attorney and then began to make threats as if she was voicing the other side's attacks against us, accusing us of lying and disobeying her instructions. When asked which instructions she was referring to she could not produce any. It was devastating. She did more harm than good. She did not care that my mother was being injured, in danger and this was a life or death situation. She had absolutely no empathy for me or my mother's pain and life-threatening situation. She went on vacation twice and accomplished absolutely nothing!
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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.
