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20 Nov, 2017 by Paul collins
30 Aug, 2016 by Michael disabatino
Need HR help... This is the firm that gets my attention.
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18 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
it was truly my lucky day when I was referred to Amy Dilbeck. She explained the process to us in detail and in terms that we understood. She was extremely professional and had all the knowledge necessary to work through our process. Not only was she informative, she was also very personable and responded to my emails on the weekend! I surely would not hesitate to recommend Amy to anyone. The company is truly luck to have someone like Ms. Dilbeck on their staff.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Monica
I personally hired Amber Rodriquez to assist me in the administration of my parents trust. She also represented me in a civil lawsuit against my parents trust by my sibling. She assisted me in my own personal estate planning as well. She came highly recommended by and I quickly could see why. Amber is a very knowledgeable lawyer who is also very calm and focused. She kept me informed constantly, along with her excellent staff. I cannot thank Amber and her wonderful staff enough for all that they have done for me through such a difficult time.
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01 Jul, 2019 by Suzanne
I was fortunate to be represented by Amber Rodriguez in what
became a drawn out mess with my former husband's daughter.
We had impossible, frustrating months dealing with her refusal
to cooperate in any way. Amber hung in till the very end.
Mediation was required and she hands down won the day as I
am convinced only she could have done. I could not recommend her any more highly.....I trusted her totally and you can too! Just speak to her awhile, and you will understand.
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07 Jul, 2015 by Barbara mcgarr
Amber updated a trust for me by consolidating several complex trusts into one simple trust. After originating a new trust, we placed several pieces of property in it. It was a complicated procedure as we were selling one under the new trust and exchanging for other properties. This process was handled efficiently and everything went smoothly. I have had a lot of experience with lawyers over my career and Amber rates amount the top.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Zena
Crista Hermance, and her staff, are the perfect choice for putting together your plan when you need estate planning. I consulted Crista on this sometimes difficult topic and she taught me so much I didn't know about the subject - but need to know as the mother of minor children - and had excellent guiding materials to help me make decisions, including a step by step guidebook. She's a mom herself and she gets how difficult this can be. She really cares about her clients.
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04 Dec, 2019 by Sarah
Crista is truly a maven in her field, she prides herself on being a true advocate for the young parents. She is compassionate and caring and is not intimidating which helps her get her clients to protect what is most important to them, thier family. I really enjoy working with her with my clients as she has flexible hours and can even have her team go to the clients homes.
Truly a gift to the community!
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06 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I had a great experience here with Crista and her team! They are very knowledgeable and I totally trust them. I know you’ll have a great experience too!
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26 Jul, 2011 by Brenda allison
We thought our trust would be complicated since we have several properties, bank accounts, children and businesses. There was only one person we knew that had the advanced expertise to create our trust. We first hired SusAnne and her team in 2004 to create our trust. She asked questions that had never occured to my husband and I. We were actually not looking forward to the appointment for obvious reasons. When we left, we were more confident in our family's future through the warm, realistic conversation we had throughout the initial process. We made little updates until 2011. In 2011, we sat down with SusAnne because we recently had another child. We learned that the initial trust was so well-written and thorough that it took into account our son even years before he was born. After seven more years of marriage, conversations between spouses change and our need to take care of each other's parents have developed. Again, we knew we could count on SusAnne to provide a warm, trusting, respectful environment where we can openly discuss each other's wishes for our family together and our parents. SusAnne brought up other relevant questions and issues for us to consider. Since she is dedicated to estate planning, she has first-hand knowledge of family dynamics after one spouse has passed away. We both feel confident that our collective and individual wishes will be carried forward and have SusAnne to thank for it. I strongly recommend her for your trust and to refer your clients and friends to her.
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17 May, 2010 by Doug
Ms. Kvale is the antithesis of lawyer stereotypes. She is caring, compassionate, honest and moral. She is also extremely knowledgeable and hard working. She completed my family's wills and trusts in a timely manner for a reasonable cost.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Joe miller
I recommend this group of attorneys to anyone, they know what their doing!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Rodrigo velasco
Attorney Lawrence Gund is extremely professional and honest.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Michael goldman
09 Jul, 2019 by Angelica
I hired this guy to help me with a small yet very important eviction and he failed (forgot) to turn in the response to the court which then lead them to give me 1 week to be out of m my house instead of the 4 months Michie said hed get me to find a place! Michie also found an error on the court papers my pervert land lord made (who happens to be on parole) that he said he was going to bring to the courts attention, my lanlord pretty much committed a crime by changing something on court documents and there was proof however when it came time to do all of this MICHIE did NOTHING he said he would do for me, what did i pay him for, so ya he refunded me my money (which proves he knew he was in the wrong) howver it didnt make any difference i still had one week to vacate my house with a 2 yr old baby & a disabled mother! Hes a horrible attorney if u want my opinion!
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13 May, 2016 by Alexis
A family member recommended Doug Michie and we were not initially sure whether we wanted to use a lawyer. Doug fights for you and works hard following-up on your case. My husband and I felt like we finally had a voice and that there was someone sticking-up for us. Doug's hard work paid off and he won our case. We would use him again if needed and highly recommend working with him.
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20 Jul, 2015 by William
Doug Michie is an extremely knowledgeable estate planning attorney whose first thought will always be to serve the best interests of his clients. As an estate planning attorney myself, I would feel very secure in recommending anyone to use his services.
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30 May, 2024 by Ryan abundis
Scam artist
Didn’t tell me his previous client was angelique friend
He got 22.5k cash from me and another 50k was given to him by af probate services
He was hired to dissolve the trust and in mediation was told “well that isn’t happening angelique isn’t giving up her job”
He is a weirdo too and has represented many criminals who he knows how and witch strings to pull.
He is one of the worst kind of human beings on earth. With no morality and will manipulate and lie to get his way.
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10 May, 2024 by Sofia makaryan
Probably this was one of my best choices I made with professionals. I had to evict my tenant who were not paying their rent from February. Due to their prompt work and professionalism they were able to evict those tenants in 3 months. Kept very quick and good communication with me too taking me through all the steps of the way. Highly recommending their services
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10 May, 2024 by Monique moore
RIco.......XoXo
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01 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Brian has been very helpful to us on several occasions, he is very warm and easy to talk to as well as very knowledgeable and experienced. His response time is terrific.
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13 Jun, 2022 by Margarita
Oscar is the worst. His contract don’t make sense nor does his sense of morals. Oh my gosh if he gives you a referral don’t take it your better off looking through the phone book. Idk this guy seems like he has a stick up somewhere and he needs help getting it out.
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11 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent to work with. Very professional, informative and responsive. My case was very small (but still very imporant to me) which I thought he would not be interested in taking and if he did I wasn't sure if he would actually respond to me in a timely manner. I was wrong. I was very impressed with him and would recommend him to everyone!
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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.
