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02 May, 2013 by Timothy
I hired Mr. Treacy on behalf of my family to handle a complicated guardianship/estate/probate matter on behalf of our family. Mr. Treacy was not only extremely knowledgeable about the law, but he also was responsive and supportive during a challenging time. Our entire family appreciates his professionalism and attention to detail.
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04 Apr, 2020 by Ryan
Paul and his office staff are punctual, knowlegable and thorough. I have complete confidence in their legal work for me in both selling a home and the probate process. Paul helped me and we figured out a solution to signing closing papers in the Philippines. Not easy!
Paul was always easy to reach, responds well and thoughtfully.
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29 Feb, 2012 by Jack
I had a real tough case with very little time for discovery. Hayes did an outstanding job with what he had to work with and definately gave it his all! Too bad we did not have adequate time for arbitration and we couldn't proove our adversary was lying because we would have done even better. He was definately very very focused, well spoken, responsible and tracked this case with zeal and determination. I would definately us him again as I have hired many attorneys in my career and Hayes is top notch. Thank you Hayes!!!!
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05 Dec, 2018 by Nikki
I consulted with Bret about my landlord tenant issues, myself being the tenant. I had called a few other law firms but they didn't want to help me unless I was the landlord. Bret was different, straight forward about the pros and cons of my case. He gave me the hand up I needed to get through this trying time.
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04 Nov, 2020 by Evan
Doug is the most caring, thoughful, experienced in his field than anyone can imagine. He is a pillar and a deacon. Fair, honest, and just a real nice person.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Gini
I met with Patrick today to discuss what I should do in response to a violation issued by a police offer in Edmonds. I contested this, thinking the infraction was an error. I consulted with Patrick Carter, Atty, today. He was very helpful. First he listened carefully without interruption to my too lengthy explanation of the circumstances. Then he reviewed the documents that I brought with me, recommending I contact the DOL about the matter, which I did, learning that the infraction for which I was cited. Patrick kept me cool, calm and collected and altered the way I will respond to this matter. Many thanks.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I found Mrs. Misty Hayes an excellent attorney who has everything a client needs to get the best result in a family legal matter. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, detail-oriented , compassionate and absolutely wonderful lawyer. She does not miss something and pay attention to every detail. I highly recommend her for family legal matters.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Jeff
After dealing with a loss in the family I reached out to Rachel to help plan my own estate. Rachel provided an incredible amount of information and walked me though the whole process. She also helped me with other business and estate matters going forward. I cannot stress enough how much I would recommend Rachel and her firm across the board. I have been working with her for years and will continue to recommend her to anyone that will listen!
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07 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
He came to us after one call,he was professional and kind in a difficult situation.He really went above and beyond then did not charge us when the job did not get completed for circumstances that were beyond his control.
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26 Nov, 2008 by Keller
Tim provided legal services to me and my family in handling an estate and probate matter after the death of one our family members. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend him.
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07 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Lora assisted my family with estates/trusts work and did a great job, was very efficient and a joy to work with.
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06 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Knowledgeable, reasonable, responsible and honest. Best lawyer I've ever had to work with. I would never think of going with anyone else.
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04 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I have referred him to many people. We had an employer take our paychecks from us--he got the money back from the,-and it really meant a lot to us. He is a great attorney!
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06 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Kamrar is knowledgeable in all aspects of estate planning and I and my family now have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are prepared.
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01 Apr, 2013 by Paul
Mr. Rayan resolved a thorny real estate title problem for me with exemplary promptness and efficiency. I recommend him highly.
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18 May, 2015 by Judith
i appreciate how Mrs. Merrill listened to my concerns and made sure that they were incorporated into my documents. She is very empathetic and it was easy to talk to her. I will highly recommend Mrs. Merrill.
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09 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
This review is for Sharon Perlin who is an Attorney at Flaccus Law.
It's easy to have an estate plan written. It's also easy to put off having an estate plan written, or in my case, updated. Ten years ago we managed to write estate documents including wills, health care directives, organ donor instructions, burial instructions and other estate planning documents, but ten years later, despite job changes, a new house, investments, etc. they had never been updated. And, while I suppose out of date documents are better than no documents at all, as we prepared to head on an extended vacation to a sometimes unstable part of the world, we thought maybe this is a good time to update everything.
The first time we did our estate documents it was at one of the fancy downtown law firms and while we were perfectly happy with the outcome, you couldn't help but be aware of the setting and the fact that every half hour meant another $150 to the bill. This time around we made a conscious decision that we wanted to stay away from the high priced, high rise firms and find someone in our neighborhood who could provide personalized care and advice in a more casual and affordable way.
Meeting with Sharon for the first time we immediately felt comfortable. She is warm and friendly and as we started talking about our estate documents and our objectives for updating them, it was also clear that she is very knowledgeable. Sharon also has that important ability to take complex legal concepts and distil them down to layman's terms. At that initial meeting and subsequent conversations Sharon took us through a thorough recap of all the elements of our current documents and, section by section, walked us through changes we might consider and why. Her suggestions were based on sound logic and at all times we felt like our estate planning goals were front of mind.
The entire process took a few weeks with the final visit to Sharon's office to actually sign the new documents. As we were just about to take off on our vacation, Sharon was gracious enough to mail hard copies to our estate executor.
Taking the time to create an estate plan is a responsibility that all adults should take seriously. There is simply no reason that anyone should ever pass without having their estate in order. Don't have an estate plan? Need to have your estate plan updated? I would wholeheartedly recommend Sharon. I would also not hesitate to use her for any of the other legal areas that she specializes in, including trusts, probate and probate litigation, guardianships, and IRS tax controversies.
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01 Jul, 2017 by Aaron
AWESOME PROFESSIONAL CARING TALENTED KNOWLEDGEABLE LIST GOS ON AND ON GREAT ATTORNEY EVEN A BETTER PERSON.
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18 May, 2022 by Jon
Jodine has worked with us on both family and business law issues. She is highly competent, professional, and courteous. I have total trust in her because she has earned my trust.
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17 Aug, 2023 by Claire
We retained Mr Yoke in 2020 to represent us in a Will contest with a family member. We found him to be very thoughtful and organized in his presentation and would highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance as to a will!
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26 Mar, 2012 by Linda
I was in a motor vehicle collision and Greg Able helped me all the way through. He returned my call typical in 3 to 4 hrs. but never more than 24. He got me the settlement I desrved. Mr. Able also did my will. I would recomend his service to anyone who wants a great lawyer. My parents are using him to settle a probate issue
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Bob was very helpful and accessible. He was patient and worked closely with me to attain an excellent result. My will was concise and covered everything I wanted. I recommend him highly.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Eric
I rely on David from time to time for state and local tax planning. Any given year, my business has a number of jurisdictions where potential liability may arise. David's advice has been essential in cutting through the regulatory issues and associated risks to deliver sound, cost effective advice that we can act upon with confidence. I highly recommend David to anyone facing state and local tax issues.
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16 Dec, 2021 by Irving rosenberg. esq.
I am a practicing criminal defense and family lawyer in Walla Walla. I have retained Mr. Wittlake both for my personal business work and several times for clients. Mr. Wittlake is very approachable and fully competent in all business and probate matters that I have asked him to handle again, both for me and for clients I have referred to him. I, personally, will not practice in any probate or business matters (because I do not know a lot about those areas of law). I send that work to Lenard because he is the expert there. Those clients I do refer to Mr. Wittlake, have been quite pleased with his timely and professional work product and his fair and reasonable fee.
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02 Oct, 2011 by Gage sifuentes
From late 2009 - early 2011, our band, "Stabbingback", was in a legal battle regarding contracts with a record label. Legal counsel who could clearly communicate the legal preceding without alienating anyone in the process was required. Jim Jackson fit the bill to a T.
From the first meeting at his office in downtown Seattle, Jim was kind, courteous, professional and very sympathetic to our situation. From the beginning, he made us priority by working with us on issues such as budget and by timing meetings set around our schedule. In fact, there was very little he was not willing to do for his clients to ensure we had the best chance for success.
The one trait which really prevailed during this entire ordeal was Jim's honesty. We cannot emphasize enough how amazing it was to get the truth, good or bad, whenever we had a meeting or phone call. Questions were always answered , strategy was always clear, and details were never hidden. When a lawyer gives you bad news you expect to walk away irritated or angry, but not with Jim. He has the skill of presenting information to remind you it is not the end of the world. No dramatization. No additional stress. Needless to say, it was appreciated.
The question comes up often, "Did you win?". The answer, no. But we did not lose either. We have not been able to make all responsible parties get the their just reward, but we were able to shut down the responsible record label for good. We feel like out of all the outcomes that could have come from this, ours was certainly an acceptable one. Thank you Jim for all your hard work on our case. We know without a doubt, without you, we would not have been able to do so much with so little. Thank you.
Gage Sifuentes
And
Josie Straka
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03 Dec, 2010 by Kristy
I was the victim of an auto accident a little over a year ago. I chose Paul (Bud) Houser, Jr. to represent me. I got his name from the bar association, checked his website, and did a quick internet search to check out his history. I called Bud and he immediately started documenting facts and even met me at the site of the incident to gather information. Bud not only acted as my lawyer, but after being completely disregarded by insurance companies and the involved parties, Bud was there to comfort me. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. He told me not to worry and just take care of myself. He listened to my concerns and never once made me feel like any of my questions were dumb. He never cut me off and never seemed irritated with my ramblings or opinions. He did not ask for any money up front and they completed all the paperwork at his office. It took a little over a year to settle my case (which I have come to discover is a great timeframe). He was able to convince the other side to settle for a reasonable amount out of court, sparing me further inconvenience and stress. He walked me through the process, helped me obtain medical care that was much needed, completed all the paperwork, made all communications necessary, and the thing I liked the most is he made me feel comfortable. He provided me with a check the same day it cleared at the bank and is taking care of any follow up issues directly with the insurance. Bud Houser is a great attorney. I am very pleased with his services and the amount of support I received. I would definitely recommend that anyone with a legal need seek his advice and/or services.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Jordan
Haley, was so much more than just a lawyer to me. She quickly became someone I trusted, confided in and leaned on. The amount of care and passion she handled my case with, made it feel as if it was her own child at the heart of this case.
I originally hired her only to handle updating and changing a parenting plan that was out date and needed revision. Not only had my child (still) not seen their father in over 2 years, but there was a DVOP against him and other complications that made this mess. The DVOP was due to expire around the time I hired her, and I had made it clear I could handle that on my own as I had the last two years prior and I only needed her for the original request.... well... cue me calling her in tears, in the middle of the day a couple weeks later, having a panic attack because I needed more help than I thought handling the DVOP. As embarrassed as I was to be so upset, she handled me so well. She took in all the information she could, reassured me, consoled me, and grabbed the reigns from there. THAT DAY, she has documents written up stating she would be representing me to all parties. Her attention to detail was astounding. She combed over 100+ pages of documentation and had our statement ready within a week. Not only did she come with enough information to handle winning that case alone, but she found past cases similar to mine to reflect WHY it should go in our favor, and by a landslide we got the DVOP renewed. She was so professional yet aggressive when it came to defending me or pointing out holes in the information the other party presented, easily discrediting any slander or false statements.
When it came to editing/changing the parenting plan she really took the time to hear what I wanted and why I wanted it, and even (based on the DVOP case and how that was handled by the other party) provided ideas or things I hadn't even thought of to be better obtain our needs. She had seen first hand what I was dealing with in the other party and knew how to handle it with ease. She was diligent in chasing down the other party for things we needed, and never missed a beat when it came to keeping me up to date. She was honest when it came to the advise she gave, she told me when/if what I was hoping for was farfetched and also advised when I should be hoping for more. She was mindful of my financial situation as well, and really made sure to help there while still doing all she could. She wouldn't back down from something she knew was attainable even if it took presenting past cases, current situations or even going to court if through mediation we couldn't get what we needed to feel safe. Luckily in this case we were able to handle this through mediation, but if it was not for her fighting for me and my daughter I am not sure if it would be that simple. We came with a plan. An informed, well thought out, data supported plan that she wouldn't back down from to ensure we left feeling safe, confident and whole. She fought for me and my child like she was fighting for her own. She was upset when I was upset, she was happy when I was happy she was always there with me. Every step of the way.
Mediation was a little over 6 months ago and it was amazing that something that is usually a really heavy, long, painful event, feels like a shining moment in the case overall.
I cannot speak enough about Haley and all she has done for myself and my family. She is honest, hard working, LISTENS, cares about all aspects and really felt like a friend more than a lawyer. Her attention to details, honesty, straight forward communication and through process all just add to the already amazing lawyer that she is. She will forever be my go to when it comes to handling this situation. There truly are not enough words to convey how grateful I am for her. She is the BEST!
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01 Feb, 2016 by Liz
David was hired to help me with a real estate contract for a for sale by owner home purchase. David was thorough in his explanations and helped facilitate a purchase that otherwise would have been a lengthy process.
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27 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Carol has been representing me for over 7 months, and I will tell you that she is above reproach, her honesty, integrity and trust is her greatest strength. You add compassion and hard work; and what you have is a recipe for success.
She also demands the same from me, and expects me to be above reproach as well, this is very important to her, because it makes for a winning combination.
She is very knowledgeable, responsive to how I feel, and she keeps me informed every step of the way, whether the issue is in my favor or not, she tells me the truth about each situation, but remains positive and upbeat, when things are not exactly going our way.
She is not just my lawyer, but also my advocate, I am so proud that she is in my life and very happy to recommend her to others.
--Gregory J Nashif - Vancouver, Washington USA
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12 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Lindsay after she came recommended from an attorney I consulted with and who did not have time for my case. Not only did Lindsay settle my divorce, but she was also compassionate and caring to me as my ex tried to humiliate me in every way he could. If you want an attorney who actually cares about you as a human, I recommend Lindsay
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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.
