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09 Oct, 2024 by Rich
A word to the wise. ALWAYS check an attorneys record with the Bar Association before hiring anyone.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Kelly marquart
John Dorris was the attorney I prayed for🙏 He was extremely thorough and helped my daughter get her children back to the state she lives in. I highly recommend this man and his fabulous team 🙏😀
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26 Jan, 2024 by David hahn
30 Jul, 2024 by Peggy ollerhead
Professional, timely service. Appreciated the text boxes provided on the draft that explained potentially confusing passages.
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23 May, 2024 by Xxheatdrxx
My thanks to Dane.... a great attorney and a true heart.
He helped me "figure out" if i had any inheritance from an estranged father. He told me my options and in a way I could understand. I highly recommend this law firm. I dont understand why there are any reviews under 5 stars for this law firm!
Kenneth
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07 May, 2024 by Leona kay
09 May, 2024 by James b
08 May, 2024 by Andrew steitz
My parents lived in Sierra Vista. I live out of state. My parents had a living trust and a will. The living trust made it so easy to settle much of their estate. Unfortunately, there are a few out of state assets that they did not transfer to the trust.
I spoke to Mr. Robert Way yesterday and he indicated that I actually would be better served by contacting an attorney in the states where the other assets are located. Refreshing to get that kind of honesty in today's world. If I lived in Arizona, I would definitely use his services for anything he would be willing to handle.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Billie m
The best.
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27 Mar, 2020 by David
I am an out-of-state resident but my parents live in Arizona. With my mom's passing in the fall, my father has been living alone for 6 months and recently fell gravely ill. He has been hospitalized for over 2 weeks and is incapable of managing his finances. Unfortunately the only POA on file was over 20 years old and listed mom as his financial AIF. Thus a conservatorship was needed. Mr. Wood answered the phone himself when I called, and secured me as my father's temporary conservator in less than 4 business days! I never imagined it would happen that fast and relatively easily.
Personally, this is nothing I ever wanted to do. I wanted my father to continue to self-manage his financial affairs, but the situation necessitated it. Mr. Wood was very sensitive to our situation and communicated with clarity, respect and compassion throughout. I plan to continue working with him as the permanent conservatorship process unfolds and in helping me to remain in good standing with the court for as long as I must act in this capacity.
I highly recommend him to anyone needing such services too.
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21 Mar, 2015 by William
In the 10 plus years I have know Henry Wood he has provided everything in an extremely timely manner. He goes out of his way to be helpful. Thanks to his knowledge level and proactive stance everything is done ahead of time. If you want things done correctly you have Mr. Wood on your side!
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16 Mar, 2015 by Laura
My brother passed suddenly in 2014. In his Will I was named executor or as I later found out from Mr. Wood, a Personal Representative. Not knowing a thing about probate and the duties of a PR, Mr. Wood was there to help guide me through the process of a Probate. He was forthcoming with fees and kept me informed of each step we were taking. Since I live in CA, I couldn't imagine doing all this by myself, without his help.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Nancy
Angela is very knowledgeable and pays close attention to important details. She is good at reviewing the trust every few years to update any changes. I highly recommend her. Dr. Nancy O'Connor
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20 Apr, 2016 by Jim and jo
We had a trust done a few years ago but because the company was located in Phoenix, we decided to make an appointment with Katrina Hillman who has a satellite office in our community.
We are so glad we made that decision and choice. Katrina has been very diligent in understanding our needs and making changes as they occur. Her advice has been invaluable...
I do not hesitate to recommend Katrina to friends and new comers to our community. She has always gone the extra mile to make our decisions doable.
Great Attorney and staff. No complaints here...
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02 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Would not recommend Hillman for estate planning services. We got documents from her that, eventually, became outdated and in need of revision. We had moved across town by then and went to other counsel to get fresh versions done--he was able to point out numerous defects in the construction of our estate plans that would have become costly obstacles for our survivors had we passed away with the original plans in effect that Hillman prepared. We feel we wasted money on her.
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30 May, 2012 by Adam
My wife and I recently worked with Katrina to establish a trust for our family. She was extremely helpful and knowledgable. She answered all our questions without talking down to us or talking over our heads. We never felt rushed throughout the entire process. She seemed genuinely interested in our individual situtation and preparing documents that best fit our needs. Our initial consultation was free and the final documents were prepared for a flat fee so we new exactly what we were getting and what it was going to cost before we ever had to pay a penny. I would highly recommend her to anybody searching for estate planning advice and services.
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25 Jan, 2020 by Rebecca
I was extremely disappointed with the lack of interest and caring on the part of Paul Willman and his staff in preparing a trust. I consulted with Paul in July along with my ex-husband, Don. He assured us he could take care of the trust work we needed. What should have taken maybe 6-8 weeks dragged on for months. We were prompt whenever we were contacted for something, but no amount of prodding got the process going any faster. In the end we wrote large segments of it ourselves. Then the staff completely garbled it, causing us to have to carefully review each detail to be sure they had not messed it up again. Very bad service.
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20 Oct, 2019 by Terri
From our first meeting and right up until our final meeting, I felt very comfortable and knew I was in good hands. Paul is knowledgeable, easy going, yet in control. Those attributes made me feel at ease during a very difficult time in my life. His office staff was helpful, efficient and a pleasure to work with. Hopefully I won't need legal help again in the future, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to call Paul Willman.
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17 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Paul Willman was slow to respond, if he responded at all, and didn’t inform me about pertinent information regarding my case, whether out of incompetence or greediness, and fired me for my lack of confidence in him. And yes, I lacked confidence in him for good reasons.
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05 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Joy for a custody case with my ex husband, she was extremely unprofessional both with me and him. She milked the retainer and charged me enormous fees for miscellaneous items and "copies" and would want to call me in to discuss my case only to talk about herself half the time and have me repeat myself with information multiple times so she can charge me $250 and hour for consulting. I did not feel like she cared about the best interest of my children or me but was only trying to make the most money from our case.
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20 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Joy gave my spouse half truths throughout her representation, causing more animosity than necessary. She would not reply in a timely manner to cancel trials, therefore opposing counsel would devote a week or more in trial preparation. Accordingly, this tactic would raise attorney fees for opposing counsel and gave her access to opposing counsel's exhibits which Joy never filed. She would miss the exhibit deadlines. Joy would not give any indication she was canceling a trial and still never provided exhibits . I did not consult with her, but I had to choose "consulted" to submit this. If you would prefer an attorney that does not give you the full truth and charge you hourly, she's your person.
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23 May, 2016 by Tim
Joy helped me a great deal getting through a difficult divorce. She was succinct with answers to all my questions and performed to the highest standard in court. During my most stressful times, she has been there for me. I could not ask for more from my lawyer.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Jamison clark
Jane did an incredible job with my case. It was really complicated and she researched all of the legal issues and made sure she was ready for every hearing. She gave me her cell number so I could text her and she was really fast answering my questions. I would recommend her!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Hilda
She screwed me big time so many errors in my petition. Does not know what she's doing. Her and her paralegal can't communicate at all. You'll loose your case and money. Don't hire
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24 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms. Jacobs served as my legal representation in family court proceedings involving my daughter being taken from her custodial parent by the state. She was honest and realistic in her evaluation and consistently provided practical and concise advice. I should also point out that she was the ONLY person involved in the situation who I never had difficulty keeping in contact with. Getting the attention of the state's overloaded case manager was often impossible, but Ms. Jacobs never failed to respond in a timely manner.
Although I had to reduce my expectations for gaining custody simply as a result of Arizona's legislative disregard for what I would interpret as "common sense" (specifically, returning a child to a parent who has a history of multiple dependencies stemming from their illegal drug usage), Ms. Jacobs empowered me to go as far as the system is designed to allow. I'm left in a highly advantageous position if the other parent ever steps out of line again.
She is reliable, pragmatic and an effective communicator.
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07 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Do not hire David Polan to represent you if you want an aggressive attorney that will advocate for you! I no longer trusted David when I had to do the leg work in my case. I had to tell him what I wanted said and argued in court instead of him doing his job. His communication is horrible and the only way to get a timely response is to call the office. While he may be knowledgeable in family law none of his actions proved to me that he cared what was happening in my case and that I just had to deal with it. I was not informed of happenings in my case to the degree I would expect from an attorney. I would expect detailed information and would only receive general information. Bottom line is that he did not care to put time or energy into representing my interest.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Zenaida
I have had Mr. Polan twice and by far is a amazing Lawyer. Best way to describe Mr. Polan, he is the Dr House of lawyers!! He knows what he is doing and will not sugar coat it. He is caring. Be honest with him and h. Will fight for you!
If you want someone to do their job amd fight for your family Mr. Polan is your guy. Hes there to do his job right. His secretary as well is caring and i promise these two will not let you down!!
Thank you David Polan for all you have done for my family!
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28 Jul, 2022 by Null: ɨnđɨffɇɍɇnŧ đɨsŧøɍŧɨøn;vexare
Scammer
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18 Feb, 2017 by Ibe_erica_m m
19 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I went to get help on a probate issue. He wandered mentally all over the place. He repeated things he had said several times. He charged me $400 for a consultation that was 40 minutes long, my choice. I felt he addressed issues that were not relevant. When i questioned him he said "I am the lawyer". Never did answers of what forms were needed and a quess on a timeline.
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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.
