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03 Apr, 2024 by Shoukat
I am grateful and Impressed by Mr. Ben Ader’s honest effort and investment of time into resolving the legal matter for me, His expertise simplified the situation which had me overwhelmed, i would not hesitate to recommend him.
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08 May, 2023 by Patty larin
Great lawyers
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04 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I had a dispute with my tenant and was having a hard time dealing with their ridiculous claims, constant threats and refusal to leave the property on lease expiration. Ben handled the case from start to finish smoothly, always being professional, attentive and responsive. I was amazed how quickly he picked up on the case details and was very reassuring in my first conversation with him. He was polite, firm and very objective/calm with the tenants. His thorough knowledge and prompt action was instrumental in making the tenants leaving the property on time and without any ongoing issues. It was my first time using a real estate lawyer and the experience was excellent and hassle free. Thank you Ben!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Ahmad farid farzan
I had the pleasure of working with [Mrs. Masumi], and I couldn’t be more impressed. From the very first consultation, they displayed an incredible level of professionalism and expertise. They took the time to thoroughly explain every step of my case, answered all my questions, and made me feel confident and supported throughout the entire process. Their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome truly set them apart. I highly recommend [Mrs. Masumi] to anyone in need of legal representation—they are a true expert in their field!
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31 Dec, 2024 by Dee ana
I cannot thank Johnson and Masumi enough for their outstanding assistance with my green card application. After receiving a request for evidence (RFE), I was anxious and unsure of how to proceed. Their team stepped in with experience, professionalism and genuine care, guiding me through every step. They meticulously prepared my response to the RFE, ensuring every detail was addressed, which ultimately led to the approval of my case. Thanks to their hard work, I now have my green card. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of immigration assistance. They truly go above and beyond to deliver results!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Lee lee
I cannot recommend Johnson & Masumi, P.C. enough for their exceptional expertise, professionalism, and dedication to their clients. They handled my complex I-751 case with the utmost care and precision, demonstrating a deep and thorough understanding of immigration law.
From the very beginning, their team was meticulous in ensuring that every detail of my case was covered. They made sure every “t” was crossed and every “i” was dotted, leaving no room for error. I also appreciated their proactive communication; I was kept updated on the progress of my case every month, which gave me confidence and peace of mind during what could have been a stressful process.
Their comprehensive preparation and strategic approach ultimately led to the approval of my case, and I’m thrilled to have recently received my 10-year green card. I am incredibly thankful for their hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to my success.
If you’re seeking immigration attorneys who are not only knowledgeable and reliable but also genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for their clients, Johnson & Masumi, P.C. is the firm to choose. They exceeded my expectations in every way, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
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02 Jan, 2021 by James
As outside counsel, Mr. David Mendes provided superior legal services for my probate practice before the DC Superior Court including compliance, supervision, and accounting for my conservatorships. He is a kind, generous, loyal, and reliable attorney with outstanding character and ethics seasoned by his years working as a criminal prosecutor. He successfully worked through many of my complex cases despite laws, facts, and liability not necessarily in my favor.
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29 Dec, 2020 by Miki
Needing legal representation can be daunting, so the attorney you work with can make such a difference. David is knowledgeable, patient, and responsive. I needed legal representation in a case, and I was so happy I hired David for the job. We ended up winning the case/getting what we asked for!
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22 Dec, 2020 by Katrina
I began my professional relationship with David Mendez because of a personal recommendation from a family member who understood the urgency of my need to have a conversation with an attorney in the area of David’s specialty. Upon meeting David, I was immediately drawn to his pleasant personal disposition and kindness as well as his sense of life balance. I proceeded to provide David with the details of my family situation, and he took notes and listened intensively. After I finished and with specificity, David began to counsel me on the legal nature of my situation and proceeded to provide me with a very thorough analysis of viable short- and long-term solutions.
It was after that meeting that I understood who I needed to advise me through the legal stages of my situation. Through each stage of what has been a very emotional and trying time for me and my family, David has operated with integrity and competence and been with me and my family every step of the way. I would recommend him and his services to anyone.
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18 Sep, 2021 by Christopher duman
Law office regarding my mom's estate. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
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31 Aug, 2020 by Rick mikszan
We have relied on Michele for all of our Estate Planning needs, for years! She is knowledgeable, responsive and an extremely good listener, to help make sure we will have as little stress as possible in an area that can be quite complex.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Bobby greene
Many thanks to Ben Inman for his legal assistance in preparing our Estate Plan. We appreciate his professionalism, availability, patience, and thorough explanations. We had a previous estate plan which he gracefully restated and updated on our behalf. He is very well versed in VA state and local government procedures. We highly recommend his legal services.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Leslie chappell
Ben helped make the overwhelming task of settling my mothers trust very easy. He was on top of all items that needed to be completed and always professional, helpful and kind. Thank you Inman Law, PLLC!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Clivia bettelli baskin
Benjamin prepared a trust for me and he was thorough, thoughtful, informative and did a wonderful job of explaining it all. He really wants to make sure you understand it and that it works for you. I was impressed by not only his knowledge but his desire for me to understand it. I highly recommend Benjamin Inman.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Bobby greene
Many thanks to Ben Inman for his legal assistance in preparing our Estate Plan. We appreciate his professionalism, availability, patience, and thorough explanations. We had a previous estate plan which he gracefully restated and updated on our behalf. He is very well versed in VA state and local government procedures. We highly recommend his legal services.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Leslie chappell
Ben helped make the overwhelming task of settling my mothers trust very easy. He was on top of all items that needed to be completed and always professional, helpful and kind. Thank you Inman Law, PLLC!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Clivia bettelli baskin
Benjamin prepared a trust for me and he was thorough, thoughtful, informative and did a wonderful job of explaining it all. He really wants to make sure you understand it and that it works for you. I was impressed by not only his knowledge but his desire for me to understand it. I highly recommend Benjamin Inman.
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11 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I am a govt employee and hardly never ever leave reviews. But heartbroken beware....
Lisa did not have my best interests in mind. I could never reach her by phone when needed, and emails went unanswered for weeks. We received an email from opposing counsel that we responded to on September 9th, I received the email from Lisa with the follow-up letter. She never reached out to me to let me know that the letter she sent was mishandled at the post office, came back to her, and needed to be resent I found this information out because I reached out to her to her on 10/21 to see the status of my own case. It is December and I had still not heard back from Lisa about this issue. I could send an email and she would turn around and call me for me to explain the same thing that was in the email and charge me. No follow-ups to actions that she said would be taken on my behalf were ever given.
When a client hardly ever calls you or sends you emails, when they finally call you and call you four times in a row, email you three times in a row, a normal person would think that there is an emergency and reach out. Istead of reaching out to see what was wrong, she textS me to tell me to stop calling her "incessantly" because she's in court. A simple "as soon as I'm out of court I will give you a call" would possibly have cats my anxiety down and our relationship intact.
At 10:30 p.m. on the West coast, I leave my house to walk my dog to find court papers from the East coast just lying on the ground. No envelope... nothing. No one ever knocked on my door. They are divorced papers giving me 21 days to respond and dated November 9th. The 21 days has been up. So what is the first thing you do even at 10:30pm...you call and email your lawyer. And then you wait till 9:00 a.m. West coast time where it's noon on the East coast to call her. But you constantly get voicemail. It's unacceptable.
A divorce is already a stressful time, emotional, jarring time. The person representing you in that matter, should have compassion towards your situation and your mental health. Being ignored by your attorney who is extremely uncommunicative....makes everything just a little bit worse because you already feel alone and ignored. You shouldn't have to take that from your attorney too.
Especially when you pay every bill on time, in full, and provide all the information requested.
Lisa did nothing to further my case but bill me for letters that never reached the opposing attorney. I did all of my own legwork. I would not recommend her business to anyone if they want results.
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23 Aug, 2016 by Janine
Ms. McDevitt was very professional and extremely personal when dealing with me through my divorce. She returned calls promptly, made sure that my case proceeded through the court system, quickly. I wish more professionals were like her. I have already referred 2 clients to her.
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22 Apr, 2015 by James
Ms. McDevitt handled my uncontested divorce. She was very efficient and responsive. She always kept me informed as to the status of my case and always returned phone calls and emails. She made my divorce a breeze. I have already recommended her to a friend and will continue to do so in the future.
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28 Jan, 2021 by Paul
Wrote to several people and only got a response after two weeks. I responded immediately asking for a meeting - and no response to that. Quite rude, no?
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03 Nov, 2014 by Michael
Ms. Morini was engaged by us to update a prior trust based on a recommendation we received from our former trust attorney and, independently, our financial advisor. Her knowledge of the evolution of elder law, estate planning, and the exigencies of trust crafting in an era of shifting tax laws and jurisdictional regulations is nothing short of superb. She is extraordinarily intelligent, professional, courteous, and "actively listens, hears, and understands" client needs--in our own case, impacting three generations of family. From a value perspective, Yahne's worth exceeds her billing rates/fees. From a trust perspective, it is difficult to quantify the credibility and comfort factor beyond saying that her integrity is unquestioned and greatly appreciated. Ms. Miorini's dynamism is evident in everything she does; which further translates into impressive results marked by "on time" performance, timely feedback and communications, and ultimately, complete confidence that we are in good hands and well-positioned for whatever legal matter eventuates in terms of our trusts.
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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.
