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13 Nov, 2020 by Maria
I was so glad that a close friend recommended Mrs. Barba to update our outdated Trust. She is very honest and explains all the charges up front. She has a wonderful grasp of the law and made it really simple for us to make our Trust current again. She cares about her clients so it's truly my pleasure to recommend her to others!!!!
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01 Oct, 2020 by Melinda
I feel so fortunate that we found Claudia Barba! Years ago, my parents fell for a large company that solicited elders. It was not a good experience, and they never finished the trust. My husband found Claudia through her online reviews. He chatted with her first by phone and was very impressed. The experience we had with her was so different. I was glad we filled out all the financial information. It helped me find a benefit I wasn't aware of and made me get everything organized in one place.
Claudia took her time in interviewing my mom about her wishes. When it came time to sign the documents, she came to our house and sat outside with a mask on to make it easier for my mom. This was much appreciated.
Everything has gone smoothly so far. I am confident that if we need help, we will get a quick response. I highly recommend Claudia Barba!
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09 Apr, 2020 by Cynthia
I recently consulted with Ms. Barba on drafting a living will for my elderly father. She was very thorough and clearly explained the process and details. I was impressed with her professional, warm manner, and she will be the perfect person the guide my father with patience and compassion. I feel she is trustworthy and knowledgeable and highly recommend her.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Derrick
After restating my in-laws' trust, my wife and I hired Pederson Law to restate our trust. The documents are thorough and Todd took the time to clearly answer all of our questions. I feel comfortable knowing that our estate is well taken care of.
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07 Sep, 2023 by David
The entire staff at Pederson Law, and particularly Todd Vigneux and Darlene Real, made it such a pleasure to deal with the unpleasant subject of planning for death. They were patient, thorough, and answered every question with detail and grace. Great Experience.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Lisa
Great service. Answered all questions and explained all options clearly and patiently. Really felt like I had my own preferences handled w sincere respect and a desire to serve me as the client. Timely reaponses to emails and phonecalls too.
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5.0
1 Reviews
03 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
We contacted Greg as we needed his expertise on an issue we encountered recently. I was not a client of Greg's and was calling off the cuff. He was more than gracious with his time and provided us with valuable advise. We spoke for quite some time and he informed me of my options and course of action. He was very knowledgeable and personable. It was an absolute pleasure to have called him.
I can tell he really cares about his clients as he spent time to speak with a total stranger in need of advise. If he cares this much about someone that is not a client, I can only imagine what he would do for his clients. If I need further consultation with him, I would not hesitate to contact him in a second.
Thanks again Greg for your help.
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30 May, 2024 by Joe
In leading me through my long delayed passage of Will and Trust, Bob was the kind, stalwart , patient, knowledgeable and wise guide without whom I might have gone running and screaming.
Truly thanks, Bob.
Joe
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09 Aug, 2022 by Andy
I hired Mr. Triplett to handle the probate of a deceased family member.
Mr. Triplett explained the law as it pertained to my case. He was honest and up front about what each beneficiary would be entitled to.
I was worried that me living out of state would be a problem, but Mr. Triplett assured me everything could be handled remotely. Not having to travel to CA saved me thousands of dollars.
He recommended and worked with a real estate broker when it came time to sell the property. The property sold fast, for top dollar and I am ever grateful for both of their efforts.
The probate settlement would have been much easier had it not been for a few difficult beneficiaries, but Mr. Triplett delt with them and their attorneys. I was never worried because Mr. Triplett knows CA probate law inside and out and the law was very specific in my case.
In the end each beneficiary got exactly what Mr. Triplett said the law would allow during our first consultation.
My advice, if you find yourself in the position of estate administrator hire Mr. Triplett to handle the legal side. You will not regret it.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Harriet
I was treated with the utmost respect by Mr Triplett as well as his staff. I had peace of mind and had no anxiety or fears when discussing my last wishes
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23 Oct, 2013 by Ildi
Mr. Rodgers not only very knowledgeable and professional but very friendly and honest. He is very responsive via email and on the phone as well. He is AVAILABLE!!!! That is rear. Extremely patience. My English is far away from being perfect yet he listened and was very respectful.He did not try to pull me into something and create something that was not there. It was the opposite. I posted a question. He answered. I called on the phone. He answered. I sent him an email. He answered. Everything was part of the free consultation. That is one in a million. Thank you. Highly recommend him.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Dave
Mr. Rodgers was kind enough to answer my question(s) within an hour of my contact. I found the content of his response informative and directly related to my question. Thank you for the rapid succinct response!
DR
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12 Jul, 2013 by Walter
Rick represented me on an easement dispute. His writing skills and attention to detail made a request for summary judgement by the opposition go away. He took my case at the eleventh hour after I fired my first attorney and came up to speed very quickly. I interviewed a lot of attorneys and Rick's interest in my case and his experience as a former real estate broker won me over. Rick was able to help me arrive at a reasonable resolution to my case.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Kristin
I was interested in becoming my brothers conservator. Claire explained to me in detail the options I had, the best paths to take and what the costs could be. Claire was so patient in listening to my story. I am so glad I found Claire and I highly recommend her.
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12 Jan, 2019 by Jolie
I first consulted with her regarding a Trust I had previously drawn up with another attorney. She soon gave me important advice I had not been given with previous attorneys. I then hired her to rewrite a new Trust with a Conservency Contract.
She is very professional while also helping you feel comfortable while making some difficult decisions.
I will continue to seek her advice in the future.
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08 Nov, 2017 by Mel
I worked with Chris on behalf of my Mother to establish a clear path for a loving, graceful transtion to a new place. She walked our family through the options for establishing health directives, trust, power of attorney, guardianship and the flow of proper paperwork. My Mom enjoyed the process, Chris's advice was practical and supportive for the entire family. Much gratitude for her experience and work style.
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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.
