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18 Apr, 2024 by Ginny
Mr Sewell & his staff were immediarely responsive to any of my questions - i never had to wait as someone was always available. It was an immense source of reassurance.
There were no surprises from opposition as this team was a step ahead of them- what a comfort!
Thank you Robert, Liz, Letty & Patty
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03 Mar, 2020 by Stephanie
I came to Bob's firm with a unique and difficult probate case that I was hoping wouldn't have to go to arbitration. I was drawn to his firm because of a positive experience in my family, but I was still nervous about who I would choose to represent me. I had a very delicate situation and knew I needed a specific kind of attorney to take on this case with me. I met with Bob for an initial consult, and I immediately knew I wanted to hire him. Bob went above and beyond in my case and made sure that he would get things to end in my favor. I appreciated his honesty and straight forwardness from start to finish; I had expected to have to interpret the real truth in what was being said to me, but Bob always told it like it was - even when I wasn't always thrilled with what he was telling me. His work ethic is admirable and the persistence he showed in my case blew my expectations out of the water. Bob fought for me tooth and nail and still kept everything realistic in our conversations. I truly respect and revere his efforts and performance. While I don't doubt that other lawyers are capable of handling what I was going through, I don't believe I would have found a better match in my case than with Bob. I cannot recommend him enough. Thank you, Bob, for your help in everything.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Margaret
Bob took over our case and definitely went above & beyond all expectations at a difficult time. My Developmentally & Intellectually Disabled friend was in need of someone to oversee her basic daily needs, manage her money & make sure she is safe. Bob helped us with the legal necessities of my becoming her Guardian in addition to the “Big Sis” she calls me. Bob & his assistant are always personable, patient & easy to understand in a world where I have no knowledge. What a God Send and a Blessing to me and mine! When I come of Probate age myself, I Know who to call!!!
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23 Jul, 2021 by Tristan
Just awesome services and team all around. We used his services for both an LLC formation but also a tradename/DBA filling. Performed all the due diligence you'd except and at a very fair rate compared to all of the potential competitors. Would highly recommend if you're in the market for a first time or new business attorney.
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08 Oct, 2019 by Timur
I first met Yaser Ali when I attended his seminar on wills and trusts in classical Islamic inheritance law at our local center ICNEV. The presentation was excellent, and I came away understanding the importance of trusts, how to fulfill my religious obligations, and leave a legacy after my death through Islamic estate planning. After our first son was born, we decided to contact Yaser Ali Law Firm to prepare our trust. His quality of work, professionalism and knowledge in designing religiously compliant estate plans made us feel very comfortable and we are pleased with our decision to use this law firm.
We highly recommend Yaser Ali Law Firm.
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05 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I needed help in preparing a trust & will that would allow me to fulfill my religious obligations towards my future inheritors, and I needed it in a rather short timeline. Yaser was able to get it done, and address all my (sometimes rather specific or obscure) questions and concerns with patience and thoughtful answers. He will be my top recommendation for similar services to all my friends and community members.
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11 Jan, 2017 by Daniel
We hired Mr. Morrison to establish a living trust for our estate. With a new child in our family, property in multiple states, and assets we needed to ensure remained with the family, it was important to us that a document be prepared which outlined all of our wishes. Mr. Morrison took the time to listen to our concerns. He was both friendly and professional. He provided an outline of our living trust and then once we agreed to the specific instructions, he drafted the document promptly and on schedule.
Thank you Andrew for your professionalism and kindness, I look forward to recommending your services to all my friends and family as they are required.
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29 Nov, 2016 by Ron
Andrew led us through the creation of our Living Trust. Provided the support we needed to complete the steps we were required to do ourselves. Redirected us around the roadblocks put in our way by the unknowing individuals we had to deal with. Andrew was there personally whenever we required his support.
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22 Nov, 2016 by James
Mr. Morrison comprehensively explained the Joint Trust concept and process. He ensured that we understood each segment, our role in providing the required information, his role in ensuring that all Joint Trust legal requirements were met, and walked us through each step of the Joint Trust procedure. Mr. Morrison answered each of our questions in language we could understand and completed the Trust documents consistent with the timeline he originally proposed and we accepted. Most importantly, he walked us through the final Joint Trust documents section-by-section, ensuring that we understood each section and that we could easily locate information as needed. Mr. Morrison also advised us of information that only we could enter into the Joint Trust document and ensured that we understood what was required in those unilateral entries.
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25 Mar, 2023 by Sarah
Mark A. Wilson’s legal expertise is second to none.Mark is one of the very few attorneys certified by the State Bar of Arizona as an Estate & Trust Specialist. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of receiving his expert counsel regarding several estate and trust matters. We find Mark to be extremely client centered because he patiently listens and readily answers all of our questions before identifying the pros and cons of alternative courses of action tailored to our situation. His ever professional and always cheerful, enthusiastic “glad to see you” demeanor reinforces our feeling that Mark A. Wilson is truly the" complete package" who you can, without any doubt, personally trust.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Cody abbott
Mark Wilson was great to work with. He is knowledgeable, upfront, clear in his communication and was always there when I needed to speak with him. Out of all of the lawyers I have worked with, Mark is my favorite by far!
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01 Sep, 2021 by Frankie
Excellent experience with Mark Wilson. Great communication, takes my call, answers all questions with authority and expertise. Got the business done as promised. 100% recommend! OUTSTANDING. Ciao
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01 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Sage Law Firm LLC did a Living Trust for my wife and I. Jeff did a thorough and professional job, and was very patient with us as we slowly made the necessary decisions. This is not the type of task that we wanted to leave to someone we couldn’t trust with our information. Sage Law took every precaution to make sure our information and correspondence was handled securely.
We have also used their services for contract writing and reviews.
I will be recommending Sage Law to others.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Kip
Jeffrey Hrycko is outstanding. I am so grateful he helped me with my Living Trust. He is so knowledgeable and went over every single detail with me. When we met he went through everything, answering any questions I had with patience and kindness making sure I was comfortable before signing. I'm ashamed of myself for taking so long to tell him how much I appreciate all he did for me! Thank you Jeffrey.
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06 Jul, 2023 by Lori
I am extremely grateful for his assistant with estate planning. Jeff explained complex topics well to my elderly mother. He was patient and understanding. His rate was reasonable. I definetly recommend his legal services.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Kevin
Kelsi handle all issues regarding the estate including probate my personal representative ruling the sale of our house and the distribution of assets and of course the closing of the estate
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08 Aug, 2023 by Preston
Kelsi Lane, Esquire Recommendation Letter
To Whom It May Concern
It is a distinct privilege to write this letter with a most profound recommendation on behalf of Kelsi Lane, Esquire. Spanning a probate and litigation matter of over a year in duration on my behalf, Ms. Lane rendered an exceptional resolution to an extremely complex set of legal issues.
As a healthcare executive of over 35 years in hospital administration with some of the largest healthcare organizations in the US; I served as president of organizations that delt with highly regulated, volatile and ever-changing legal requirements and issues. I have employed attorneys and interacted with opposing counsel in many varied issues of origin with business entities, physicians, patients and employees.
Only after an extensive search for highly qualified law firms with experienced counsel did I select and was fortunate to engage Ms. Kelsi Lane, Attorney at Law, for probate, conservatorship, guardianship, real estate and litigation services. It was a decision that was validated in every aspect of the process up to the final moment of closure in the case. I am so blessed to say that Kelsi not only met, but vastly exceeded, the expectations of a challenging legal and emotionally charged situation for myself and also for my family members.
Ms. Lane’s skills were evident from the onset with the application of superior research and analytic skills in addition to the ability to process, retain and commit to memory large volumes of data quickly and formulate effective tactics and strategies. Her MBA degree was of great value as she analyzed and documented complicated financial transactions, assets and documented the findings in logical formats.
Her writing skills produced many well-researched and compelling briefs, motions, document filings and arguments that reflected a deep commitment to minute detail preparation and the application of knowledge of the historical details that occurred over decades in this particular matter. Ms. Lane and her team are proficient at utilizing secure software and protocols to secure, store and disseminate protected legal information.
As a consequence of the scope and complexity of the case many activities were required to produce work product and to dialogue and educate me on the evidence and findings so as to construct a good outcome. Throughout the process Kelsi was mindful of the fees associated with the case to optimize the management of everyone’s time to the best benefit of me as the client. Ms. Lane is extraordinarily trustworthy in the allocation of her and her team’s time.
In addition to her keen intellectual legal capabilities, what is equally noteworthy and highly valued is the compassionate interpersonal interactions that is ever present in all of the communications with her that transpired over the course of a year till resolution was achieved. This case was particularly emotion ladened for me and my children and grandchildren as it involved our beloved deceased parents (grandparents and great-grandparents). Ms. Lane was sympathetic to the family dynamic and provided significant wisdom, support and insight into the legal dilemma and human impact such that we ultimately exercise good judgement in our decisions.
Kelsi was accessible, responsive and proactive in communications throughout the process. Requests for informational updates were enthusiastically supported with timely responses, emerging legal events were disseminated quickly and with clarity, and her team members were equally accessible.
After much thoughtful consideration, I recommend Ms. Lane with vigor and without reservation. I can assure all that she is an exceptionally gifted advocate that will demonstrate a deep love of the law and also will apply her vast knowledge with expert results.
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08 Aug, 2023 by Steve
I hired Kelsi's law firm after my father passed away in September of 2022 in Arizona. The estate went into probate and Kelsi walked me through the process step by step. She was friendly, informative, and timely and consistent with all facets of the probate. She always answered all of my questions and provided knowledge on things I hadn't even considered. I would highly recommend Kelsi for legal issues!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Lori
We have worked with Gwen on a few different issues. She has been extremely helpful with our general contractor case, rental questions, wills and aviation questions. She is invaluable to us and will continue to consult with her for any legal questions we have. We highly recommend Gwen.
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19 Nov, 2023 by Karen
Ms. Bjornson assisted me in navigating through property issues that I encountered when my husband passed away. She was able to refer me to the appropriate people to help me get the property issues resolved. She also helped me with understanding the financial issues related to the death of my husband and the circumstances if his death.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Sophie
Gwen used her legal expertise to help my husband and I get our 5% deposit back from a home builder! We patiently waited 6 months since we signed the termination agreement promising a full refund, yet the home builder was still trying to delay returning it. We hired Gwen and she was so quick in taking action that the home builder returned our full deposit to us within 10 days after hiring her! She also kept us updated each step of the way and was a pleasure to speak with. We highly recommend her for your legal services!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Dolores
Liz is such an amazing attorney. She is very dedicated and so helpful. I love the fact that she looked into everything from the opposing party and is so crafty to find things that seem odd. She is on top of the game. She has amazing skills and is very clear and direct when speaking. I am so thankful she was a part of my divorce team.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Aaliyah porter
We cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal support provided by Elizabeth Nañez and her Paralegal Aly Maravilla. From the moment we engaged her services, she exhibited unwavering dedication, professionalism, and expertise in handling our family matter case.
Elizabeth demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the law and a deep understanding of our unique circumstances. She navigated the complexities of our case with precision and skill, keeping us informed and reassured every step of the way. Thanks to her tenacity and strategic approach, we achieved results beyond our expectations.
We wholeheartedly recommend Elizabeth and Davis | Miles to anyone seeking top-notch legal representation. She is a true advocate for her clients and a credit to her profession. Thank you for your outstanding service!
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31 Jan, 2024 by James
I hired Ms. Nañez when I was having issues with not being able to see my daughter after repeated court order violation on behalf of her mother. She was able to present a strong and damming case to the courts that got the games to stop on her mom's part. The case was so well presented and organized that the judge also ordered some very strong penalties if she were to violate again. I am VERY satisfied with the work she did for me and given the chance/necessity, I would hire her again! The one negative thing I would say is she refuses to give up on that old laptop of hers, that thing needs to be put out to pasture... If you hire her, ask her about it.
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29 Mar, 2013 by Don
I have used attorneys in the past to help with my wills and trusts (estate planning). Never has an attorney taken the time to thoroughly understand my intentions and goals that Matthew Bowles took! I thought I had a good grasp of my will and living trust and the changes needed to update it. I was surprised how much knowledge I lacked and all of the things Matthew Bowles explained that needed addressing. I am very thankful to have such a thorough, in depth and updated will and trust that more than meets my needs and expectations!
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28 Mar, 2013 by Michael
Matthew conveniently came to our home. He is very knowledgeable, thorough and affordable. Due to our family situation, we had to make some difficult decisions. Throughout the whole process, Matthew was patient and willing to give advice. We received our estate plan both in a nice organized binder and as a digital copy. I would recommend anyone who does not yet have a will or a trust to speak with Matthew right away.
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28 Mar, 2013 by Mary
Matthew drafted my estate documents and made the process easy. He clearly explained the different options available to me and the pros/cons of each. He returned correspondence promptly. He was flexible with the location, even coming to my home to complete part of the process. He did excellent work at a fixed fee, with no surprises to the pocketbook. I would recommend him to anyone needing estate planning.
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23 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Answered and helped with any concerns questions I had.
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17 Sep, 2016 by Hamid
For the first time I have found an attorney I can trust.
He has done several Trusts and tax planning for me with great results.
He also does my personal and corporate taxes.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Charity reilly
So grateful to have been represented by Doug!
He is the epitome of ethics, and his extensive knowledge of the law and best practices, is irreplaceable!
His whole team is amazing! They make a very uncomfortable and stressful time in your life, a little less so.
Every person I worked with in this office was knowledgeable, compassionate, understanding, and I was always treated with dignity and respect. And his sweet little pup, Daisy, who often comes to the office with him, brightened my day every time I was able to see her.
I hope to never need the services of an attorney again, but if so, I would be contacting Doug for representation!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Mary jones
Douglas took the time to meet in person to review my case. He even made a recommendation that I was not ready to proceed with a bankruptcy. I found him to be very thorough, knowledgeable and clearly had integrity. I highly recommend him.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Janet steinert
My brother is disabled and needed help with his estate planning. Atty Price and his assistant were efficient and were able to provide my brother with a complete package at a reasonable price. Because my brother cannot travel, they came to his residence and spent hours reviewing his plan. This kind of personal service and attention to detail is rare these days. We trust the integrity and knowledge of Douglas Price and his associates and highly recommend the Law Offices of Douglas B. Price.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Jenna krammes belknap
29 Aug, 2024 by Ahmad aqqad
Very Professional and detail oriented. I Needed an attorney in AZ and he was recommended by a friend and I will recommend him to others
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29 Aug, 2024 by Dean saidy
Alhamdulillah Brother Yaser and his team did an excellent job in helping us to form our nonprofit for our masjid. They made it a very smooth and easy process for us and also gave us very good advice about how to structure the organization to our advantage.
By the blessings of Allah, we obtained tax-exempt status after filing with the IRS. Brother Sami, the operations director, was always very helpful and clearly communicated exactly what we needed to do in order to complete the process.
I ask Allah to bless Yaser, Sami, and the entire team and to allow them to continue serving the community in such a great manner.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Jenna krammes belknap
29 Aug, 2024 by Ahmad aqqad
Very Professional and detail oriented. I Needed an attorney in AZ and he was recommended by a friend and I will recommend him to others
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29 Aug, 2024 by Dean saidy
Alhamdulillah Brother Yaser and his team did an excellent job in helping us to form our nonprofit for our masjid. They made it a very smooth and easy process for us and also gave us very good advice about how to structure the organization to our advantage.
By the blessings of Allah, we obtained tax-exempt status after filing with the IRS. Brother Sami, the operations director, was always very helpful and clearly communicated exactly what we needed to do in order to complete the process.
I ask Allah to bless Yaser, Sami, and the entire team and to allow them to continue serving the community in such a great manner.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Toni s
I want to be clear, the 5 stars i chose to grade is specifically for the work of one person only and that’s Chenique Smith! Chenique is the only person in this firm who treated me and my mother with thoughtfulness, professionalism and respect. If the words Cook Law weren’t next to her name i would swear i was dealing with my best friend or a close family member. She definitely made my mother and i feel important. Chenique paid close attention to detail and was timely in her response to our messages while remaining proactive in getting things done, whereas others simply made us feel forgotten. I hope Chenique is paid her worth because she definitely is keeping that office afloat.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Shar-day tolliver
I Saw This Law Firm On T.V. And I Gave Them A Phone Call They Services Was Awesome I Spoke With A Very Respectful Woman Who Took On My Case She Introduced Me To Her Team All Of Them Were Fantastic They Handled My Case Conversation Wise Counsel Was On Point Gathered All Details Stood By Me Now I'm Watching Them Fight For Me I Appreciate This Law Firm I Would Recommend It To Anyone Five Stars All The Way They Are Team Players
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14 Aug, 2024 by Eden pehota
Let’s be honest. Chenique is such a beautiful soul. I truly felt like I was talking to my big sister. She advocated for me, even though my case was extremely complicated and unique. She made me feel like I’m worth fighting for and genuinely expressed concern to rescue me from this crazy situation I’m in.
When I got off the phone with her, my boyfriend asked me if I was talking to my best friend… I told him that I was talking to the firm that was going to represent me for my accident and he was like… “You guys were talking to each other like you had known each other for years! I thought it was your bestie!”
So much gratitude for this firm and every person I’ve talked to that’s heard me out and helped me along the way. Thank you so much you guys! I feel lighter knowing I’m in the hands of people that I know are going to do their best. 💜💜
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29 Feb, 2024 by Sarah
This guy is knowing and actively participating in a fraudulent scheme and conflict of interest for his client the Wings of Flight Foundation, and two disgraced Board members of the Falcon Warbirds Foundation. As a statutory agent at the ACC for both organizations, on a multi-member LLC with no EIN #.
Using the rejected filings on the ACC filed fraudulently by disgraced Board members, he created a Assignment of the Lease to gain control of a Historical World War II Landmark and instructed the parties to damage what property the Wings of Flight didn't want and take what they did want. Also, he collaborated with the Falcon Field Airport Director to deny the tenant access to their property and this allowed the disgraced board members to destroy evidence of their embezzlement, forgery, and theft.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Richard
Mr. Vasin is an extremely intelligent, thorough and thoughtful attorney. He explained in detail every aspect and resource needed in my case. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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31 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
A simple case with zero opposing evidence to attempt overturn of a Last Will. All we needed to do was have the treating doctor testify (he charged zero) and the Last Will witnesses (zero cost). My case should have cost $14,000 and I was charged $54,000. I am taking him to fee arbitration and plan to file with ACAP to determine the violations in this case. I will update this review with the panel determination of my overcharges of $40,000 per my analysis and documentation.
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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.
