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07 Oct, 2024 by Rowan carter
I appreciate S.L. England so much! He really helped me every step of the way! If there was anything , I mean anything I needed, he was there to help. If I didn’t understand something, he made it very clear for me to understand. He helped in every way possible. I was super nervous, paranoid, everything you can think of and all he said to me was “ I got you, don’t worry!” And surely enough I DID NOT have to worry at all!
He always had a solution which was helpful on my end and he is just a very understanding person!
Overall, I personally feel as though he is one of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in the DMV. Hands down. I would recommend anyone to hire him!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Karla zuniga
I have worked with Mr. England for corporate and personal reasons and I am extremely grateful and satisfied with his services. He is very responsive and easy to work with. In all the circumstances, he has delivered the service and results we expected.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Bruno
very helpful and confident in what he does
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03 Aug, 2024 by Kathy
I contacted Robert Bullock on a Saturday morning and he spent 30 min discussing with me how I might best assist my neighbor in seeking legal advice on a very time-sensitive legal matter. He was respectful, informative, professional, and compassionate. Robert went above-and beyond in providing assistance -- even working to find a way to set up a same day meeting if needed -- on a Saturday! As a 30-year, retired lawyer, I know the demands of his work. And to be available like this for someone who is not a paying client -- this is truly impressive and admirable. Robert Bullock is a dedicated professional who has my absolutely highest recommendation, not just as a lawyer, but as an ethical, incredibly wise, and just all around great person.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Chris
I had a consultation call and a follow up discussion with Mr. Bullock and his team. On both calls we discussed the situation that I was requesting help with, and he shared with me his guidance, advice, and contacts that he recommends. Much appreciated!
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25 May, 2024 by Tiffany
I reached out to Mr. Bullock for a consultation on an estate matter. He quickly understood my matter and explained the process needed to properly address my issues . He doesn't mince words, and I really appreciated his direct, sharp and witty style. His breadth of knowledge regarding probate matters left me confident he'd be able to accomplish the mission at hand. I'm looking forward to working with him!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
My knowledge of estate planning has definitely advanced thanks to Attorney Aimee Griffin.
I initially contacted her via her lcounseling services on Facebook. This meet and greet and overview of services was enough for me to formally consult with her law firm.
My experience was great, and I’m so happy that I complete the planning!
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02 Feb, 2024 by Nickie
Aimee and staff were incredible. Very detailed, and supportive. They made sure all my questions were answered and that my documents were complete. !!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Jimmie
We hired Aimee D. Griffin to organize and establish my wife and my trust for the benefit of our children, grandchildren, and descendants. Her law firm provided excellent advice, counsel, and the collaborative preparation of a comprehensive trust that we believe will benefit our descendants for generations!
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26 Jan, 2024 by Damien
Mr. Sternberg did an excellent job educating me on the different paths forward and how his firm's experience and capabilities could assist me. He also advised me on methods that would be less complicated and cost-effective. The consult was worth every penny.
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30 Jun, 2023 by Douglas
I paid a retainer for consultation and the drafting of a letter of reply to a not-for-profit organization that was attempting to collect on a claim of a twenty-year-old debt incurred in a European country. Mr. Sternberg took the full hour to listen to my situation and position on the matter, answered all my questions, and left me with a sense of confidence that he was experienced and capable of legally handling my matter. His assistant, Mr. Martz, drafted an eloquent and robust response, which the other party continued to dispute, and I have retained their firm for whatever come next.
I greatly appreciated their responsiveness; they were timely and set up the first consult within a few days of contacting them and the letter they drafted was sent out in a business week. I also felt that they listened to me and took the time to explain the matter to my satisfaction. They often caveated their statements, as many legal matters cannot be fully defined, it depends on a multitude of controllable and uncontrollable items, and they were diligent in ensuring that they understood what I could expect and what the most likely (but not guaranteed!) outcomes would be. Lastly, they took the time to reach out when this process was upsetting or making me nervous and ensured that we were progressing in a manner that was organized, coherent, and deliberate as opposed to making hasty, snap judgements.
I would unreservedly recommend Mr. Sternberg for anyone that has a civil matter involving real estate and international law.
(1st copy of review, posted to multiple websites)
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10 May, 2023 by Lawrence
I had a tricky situation with a real estate purchase that had gone awry, and Richard Sternberg was extremely helpful in evaluating the options and helping me sort through them. Highly recommended!
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26 Jan, 2017 by Andrew
Kerri assisted me with my will and estate matters. She was very skilled and professional. I would highly recommend her to others.
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12 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I am a personal injury attorney, who needed immediate assistance in opening up an Estate in a wrongful death case. Kerri was professional, efficient, and easy to work with. I will use in the future again if needed!
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14 Nov, 2016 by Gabrielle
Kerri Castellini did a simple will package that included a will, general power of attorney, health care directive, and health care power of attorney. My situation isn't complicated, but I do have rental properties and some related estate planning issues related to my mother's estate. Kerri was very knowledgeable and she and her staff were warm and personable. Her services were reasonably priced and high quality.
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24 Jan, 2021 by Cassie
I was going through a traumatic time in my life dealing with personal issues and needed a lawyer to consult and get professional advice on how to move forward. Christina was first and foremost attentive and compassionate about my situation and assured me that she will provide the best professional closure to my situation. She had profound knowledge of the legal aspects based on my criteria which made me feel comfortable. She worked diligently to resolve and finalize my situation. I highly recommend her based on my experience and also her professionalism.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Thomas was professional and extremely knowledgeable! She was a pleasure to work with. My husband and I sought out Ms. Thomas’s services to create a will and more information about trusts.
We would highly recommend Ms. Thomas and would hire her again!
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20 Jan, 2021 by Wiley
Christina took her time to when working with my family to plan next steps regarding our estate. She is extremely knowledgeable and has works with the best in her field. I’m extremely grateful for her assistance and her knowledge-base that guided the structure of our family estate.
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07 Feb, 2019 by Stager
If you are seeking a highly competent, extremely effective and trusted legal advisor to assist you navigate through less complicated or nuanced probate and non probate matters, I would recommend that you retain the services of Attorney Constance G. Starks. Attorney Starks is responsive, provides practical guidance that helps meets your needsand she cares about her clients. My sister and I, in our roles as PR's for our father's estate, have received the representation that helped us resolve a highly complicated matter and she has a vast network of resources that answers the questions you need to make sound decisions. I would highly recommend that you hire this lawyer!
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30 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Starks is an exceptional attorney. Probating an estate in a dysfunctional family can be difficult to say the least, however, Ms. Stark's professionalism made a difficult situation manageable. She is patient and kind, yet very much about staying on task. She refered me to an exceptional paralegal who worked with me to identify and access resources. Ms Starks was available to me and my family by phone and electronic media. She was responsive, resourceful and knowledgeable. She went above and beyond the call of duty to bring my case to a successful conclusion. She was worth every penny, in fact, given the hassles caused by family in-fighting, I believe she was underpaid. I will forever be indebted to her for her help.
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28 Feb, 2015 by Vernell
I was introduced to attorney Starks through a family member that is also an attorney. I do not live in the D.C area but my situation was there. Because of this we had to do a lot of long distance alternatives to face to face meetings. The flexibility she had was very much appreciated. All communications were clear and all documentations were thorough. My case was completed in a very timely manner. I have since referred Ms. Starks to other clients and later will be obtaining her services again for my own personal needs.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Sebastian Krop was our Immigration lawyer who is very friendly, organized and hard-working!
why is he great:
*Free Consultation
* replies emails and phone calls very quickly (even answers the phone first try)
*will set up any type of payment plan with you so you can afford his fees and services and gets to work right away! (unlike some lawyers refuse to do any work at all until they have the full amount paid.)
*very organized and keeps you prepared on everything you need way in advanced
* explains everything to you very well so you never get confused
*friendly
*very helpful so you never get confused
*organized
*He is always happy to answer and explain any questions you have at any given moment
Now that i see he is not only an immigration lawyer, we will definitely hire him again for other purposes! I would highly recommend this lawyer! :-)
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02 Oct, 2014 by Sylvia
Attorney Krop helped me file my green card application. He was always very responsive to all my questions and emergencies. I felt he always handled my case with utmost attention and care. Really, highly recommended lawyer.
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20 Jan, 2014 by Jared
Mr. Krop came highly recommended to my wife and I from a mutual acquaintance, and the recommendation was severely under-stated, with nowhere near the credit given that he is most deserving of. We were always promptly and cordially greeted, either by an assistant, co-worker, or Mr. Krop himself. He was informative, unbiased, vastly knowledgeable on the subject of our issue, and concise in what options we had as a couple, as well as the most beneficial way to navigate our legal proceedings. From e-mail or telephone correspondences, to in-person meetings in his cozy, intimate, and highly professional office, to attending and representing (and his all-around amicable, supportive nature towards) us throughout every step of our filings and interviews, Sebastian made an absolute joy out of an otherwise nerve-wracking endeavor, and displayed and instilled an rock-solid confidence that has made the dreams of my wife and myself a joyous reality! I can not speak highly enough of his demeanor, knowledge, and litigious skill. Highly recommend, would definitely retain again in the future!
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28 Jun, 2018 by Matt
Cliff prepared my trust and did an excellent job with it. He was always professional, helpful, and walked me through the process. He was always available to answer any questions or concerns I had. I would highly recommend using his services. I know my trust was done perfectly.
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20 Jun, 2018 by Phil
I have known Mr. Cohen for several years. I hired him to do my estate plan and recommended him to my sister to do her estate plan, which he did to her satisfaction. All in all I have been very pleased with his work for me and my family members and have no reservation in recommending him.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Elisa
Cliff Cohen has been my parent's estate planning attorney for many years now. I have only had the pleasure of meeting him the past few meetings as my folks have gotten much older and require more of my care. It is such a relief to know they are in such good hands with Mr. Cohen. Not only is he incredibly thorough and knowledgeable, but he's so thoughtful and caring. He clearly cares about my parents' well being. And when there is something we could do for free for ourselves, he always let's us know about that option. I can rest easy knowing all the bases are covered for my folks and we have any questions or concerns, he is there for us.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Jo
I rated Ms. Jones excellent because she has provided prompt and thorough responses to our requests for employment related issues/concerns. She explains information so that the non-legal person understands the response. She researches similar cases so that she can provide the thinking of the courts and juries in their decision making as it relates to your issue. She returns your calls and emails quickly and gives you a comfort level that she will provide the best legal advice.
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09 Jan, 2015 by Tiffany
Cecilia helped my husband and I prepare our wills and trusts. She was very helpful in explaining the documents and process. Not only responsive, she came in on her day off so we could sign the docs. She has a great personality and made us feel comfortable.
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22 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
We had a very complex probate matter with multiple parties and properties. Had a hard time finding someone to handle, but Ms. Boddie took on the challenge. She was quite knowledgeable and knew exactly how to navigate the courts and the various deed offices where the properties were located. She also assisted with negotiating differences between the parties and helped to move this process along smoothly, timely and painlessly. I would highly recommend her for any future probate matters.
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23 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Ms. Boddie helped my family a lot with our case. She knew all the legal information and she even met with all my family members that were involved in the case. We saved a lot of money too.
Thank you Ms. Deborah!
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03 Jun, 2017 by Tyeas
Mr. Haley is a great lawyer. He goes above and beyond to help his clients get what they are entitled to and more. He works with your schedule and keeps you abreast on your cases. I would highly recommend Mr. Haley for lawyer services.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Diane
We meet with Mr. Haley to assist my son with his divorce as well as with the settlement of the estate of one of our relatives. Mr. Haley took the time to listen to our concerns and explain every detail that we had concerns about. He responded to our telephone calls within 24 hours as he told us he would. He kept us informed about the progress of our cases from start to finish. He gave us clear and concise guidance as to what was going to be the process and it happened as he said it would. I highly recommend Mr. Haley to my friends and relatives.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Ben regarding my divorce and child custody/support. Ben was knowledgeable and honest while explaining the process to me. He gave clear advice and I felt much more settled about my next steps.
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12 Nov, 2017 by Patricia
The time I spent with Ben was so extremely helpful. I appreciated his honesty, integrity and professionalism. He managed a tough and emotionally laden situation with sensitivity and was able to keep me focused in order to conduct a thorough and highly productive consultation. Invaluable to me.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Dee
Working with Kyle Epting and the team at Epting Law PLLC was an exceptional experience. Mr. Epting’s depth of knowledge, combined with his kindness and straightforward approach, made the process much easier for me. Despite the inherent stress, he consistently put me at ease, guiding me through each step with professionalism and care. Additionally, Mr. Epting was incredibly attentive and responsive, promptly addressing all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend Kyle Epting and Epting Law PLLC for anyone in need of legal services.
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08 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Our financial advisor Nathan Garcia provided referral to Kyle Epting to review our estate planning legal documents. We took the opportunity to have my mom participate so we both updated several legal documents. Kyle was exceptional and helped guide us to additions and subtractions from prior documents. Kyle was willing to drive to a convenient meeting place which helped with the commute time picking up my mom and joining Kyle and Nathan in Columbia, MD. Kyle’s use of DocuSign made it simple to complete an engagement letter to start work immediately and he answered all our questions in preparation for document review and then additional questions during the review. Kyle had timely follow up which provided an overall great experience to know we have our legal documents updated and executed.
Great job Kyle!
Barrett
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11 Oct, 2015 by Kristen
Dorene represented me when I had to go to court to evict a tenant. I am just an individual landlord, and don't have some massive company or anything, so for me this was a somewhat emotional process. Dorene knew the ins and outs of landlord/tenant law in DC, and really made me relieved to have her on my side! She was very responsive and made me extremely confident that she knew exactly what she was doing. Also, since she does this a lot she knows the reputation of the various judges, mediators, etc and knows a lot of the people you will deal with in the courthouse. Also, I found her services to be affordable for me and she doesn't nickel and dime you for every question (phew!). I have consulted her since this time several times to ensure I know exactly how to legally protect myself in the future. I highly recommend her!
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30 Sep, 2013 by Clarise
Dorene Mary Haney was very expeditious in following up with me in regards to my inquiry. After her following up with me I was able to assess what was the next steps in which I needed to follow through with. I did not end up using Ms. Haney because I did not end up needing a lawyer but if I had needed a lawyer she would definitely be someone that I would trust.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Johnbaird
He helped me out with my father's intestate estate. Without him, I don't know where I'd be. God bless the man!
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15 Oct, 2012 by April
As a current client of Ms. Levadas I would highly recommend her legal services for any legal matter. She is very knowledgeable with the different codes regarding the law and she is extremely reliable in regards to filling out necessary documents to the court on time and keeping you informed regarding your case. She makes herself readily available to answer any of your questions or address any concerns that you have regarding your case.
Ms. Levadas is not only my lawyer for my late mom's estate, but she has become a very close friend to the family. She is enthusiastic about what she does and she will keep your best interest in mind for each decision she makes. I truly feel grateful to have had her appointed by the court to my team when my mom was incapacitated in the hospital. As a result of her excellent services, my family and I have retained her for other legal matters.
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19 Mar, 2016 by Susan
I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Curtin regarding a complex situation with an estate.
He was amazingly knowledgeable, took the time to listen and process the information and came back with a great solution.
This gem of an attorney deserves to be recognized and I highly, highly recommend him!
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07 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Although I had worked with five attorneys prior to working with Mr. Guiterman, I never had an advocate until I hired him. Mr. Guiterman is not only knowledgeable about family law, he is a no-nonsense aggressive attorney that will do everything he can to help you. He has the courage to tell you when you are not on the right side of an issue and the skill to find the opposition’s weakness. He comes prepared to litigate, if necessary, and to give you the strongest hand in negotiation. While other attorneys seemed to be concentrate in creating billable hours, he focused on helping me efficiently and effectively as possible. Frankly, I do not know what I would have done without his assistance. I highly recommend him for custody and father rights issues.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Linda
"Better call Chris " Christopher Guest is the man! From day one he was friendly, professional and all around cool guy, he was in the mix and on it. This is your probate guy. He has nerves of steel, because I was a pain in the neck but he just kept it going and on the points. Cheers to you Christopher Guest.
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03 May, 2016 by Tim
Very thorough. Has a good grasp of the case, knows the rules of procedure and understands his client's needs.
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07 Nov, 2013 by Stephen
Many moons ago, while still in the throes of a virulent addiction to cocaine, and on parole, I was charged
with possession of the same. Even though I had volunteered the illicit substance to the policeman,
Abraham Blitzer urged and counselled me to take it to trial. After prosecutorial continuances, on the day of trial I noticed that my name appeared twice on the court docket. When the Judge called my case,
the prosecutor pulled the other Stephen Palmer's file out of the basket. She requested yet another continuance. My lawyer, Abraham Blitzer, jumped from his seat and objected with: "Your Honor,
move to dismiss for lack of prosecution!" The Judge said: "Case dismissed", and pounded his gavel.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Janice schiff
Extremely professional AND human in my recent association with this firm. I found them intelligent, strategic, empathetic and they anticipated problems before they could arise. Integrity is foremost to these people that is coupled with intense preparation and detailed work. I would recommend them to anyone, but especially those who have been exposed to negligence in the financial arena. Very grateful there are attorneys at this level.
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16 May, 2024 by George traub
Boyle & Jasari are excellent in knowing how to help and represent their clients. Their knowledge is extensive and their experience in handling issues is first rate. I recommend them wholeheartedly!
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28 Feb, 2024 by Stilianos papadimitriou
The very best!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Keon harris
I would highly recommend Mr. Howlett for your legal needs. Not only was he knowledgeable but he was patient with me and provided prompt service. Please give him a call if you are need of a great attorney.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Danny sanni
Bad experience. Incompetent and rude. I have a $5500 bill as proof of the bad service I got. I can attach the proof here if the firm disputes this review. Solon Phillips gets into an emotional shouting match when held accountable. This might be the only real review here. Don’t fall for it.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Mark pogue
She is very good at what she does. Puts the customer at ease and is very patient with the elderly
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26 Sep, 2024 by Keon harris
I would highly recommend Mr. Howlett for your legal needs. Not only was he knowledgeable but he was patient with me and provided prompt service. Please give him a call if you are need of a great attorney.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Danny sanni
Bad experience. Incompetent and rude. I have a $5500 bill as proof of the bad service I got. I can attach the proof here if the firm disputes this review. Solon Phillips gets into an emotional shouting match when held accountable. This might be the only real review here. Don’t fall for it.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Mark pogue
She is very good at what she does. Puts the customer at ease and is very patient with the elderly
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19 Sep, 2024 by Olga f
Peter, Kendal and Daria helped us through our estate process multiple times and their work was excellent. They explained everything clearly and helped us make the right choices for us.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sarah saint-laurent
I am so happy I was referred to Peter and the Antonoplos & Associates firm. I required some Estate work and Peter and his firm were delightful to work with. The quality of work coupled with the level of professionalism and speed of delivery were outstanding.
Peter is an attorney that is genuinely engaged and on top of things. His entire staff was great to work with, prompt in replying, educated on the matter, and courteous. I’ll also mention that the front of house client care received from Daria was a breath of fresh air. I’m not sure when I’ve received total customer care at this level of quality. I thought it was a thing of the past. I highly recommend this firm.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Michael recachinas
Peter and his team made the process as seamless as possible, provided very thorough explanations, and moved swiftly in support of our estate planning. Absolutely will use their services in the future and would certainly recommend them to others.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.7
15 Reviews
06 Jul, 2024 by Life with london g
I am glad I had the pleasure and
time to spend with Sharon legal she is thorough in her work, hard working and results driven she knows the law very well and is willing to get her clients what they need. I can say she is very intelligent, and overall a good lawyer and knows alot. She is a breath of fresh air and she is confident in her work and always responsive.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Alejandro gamarra
Ms. Legall was very helpful helping me navigate and understanding the issues i was dealing with at the time. She explained the different options and possible consequences of each scenario. This es very helpful because when you make a decision regarding a legal matter it’s. It just about the here and know. You want to make sure your covered moving forward and are protected from any future legal action or liability. It was a pleasure working with her. Thank you for all you help.
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24 May, 2024 by Bernie
I was referred to Sat Nam by another firm when seeking to resolve a dispute with VA tax dept about my status while living overseas. What I found was a skilled listener, talented communicator and sharp legal mind. He expertly prepared a detailed and persuasive appeal that resulted in a reversal and full refund. Definitely not an experience I'd want to repeat, but working with Sat Nam was a great pleasure, and a really good decision!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Keon harris
I would highly recommend Mr. Howlett for your legal needs. Not only was he knowledgeable but he was patient with me and provided prompt service. Please give him a call if you are need of a great attorney.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Danny sanni
Bad experience. Incompetent and rude. I have a $5500 bill as proof of the bad service I got. I can attach the proof here if the firm disputes this review. Solon Phillips gets into an emotional shouting match when held accountable. This might be the only real review here. Don’t fall for it.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Mark pogue
She is very good at what she does. Puts the customer at ease and is very patient with the elderly
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26 Sep, 2024 by Keon harris
I would highly recommend Mr. Howlett for your legal needs. Not only was he knowledgeable but he was patient with me and provided prompt service. Please give him a call if you are need of a great attorney.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Danny sanni
Bad experience. Incompetent and rude. I have a $5500 bill as proof of the bad service I got. I can attach the proof here if the firm disputes this review. Solon Phillips gets into an emotional shouting match when held accountable. This might be the only real review here. Don’t fall for it.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Mark pogue
She is very good at what she does. Puts the customer at ease and is very patient with the elderly
Read more
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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.
