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26 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
She handled my mother's probate, and was caring, compassionate and very competent. She made a tough time less stressful for all of us. I recommend her highly.
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11 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Teresa stays focused and agressive in the court room. She is accommodating and easy to work with.
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11 Oct, 2013 by David k.
I had never had a need for an attorney before, but after mom&dad became ill the need for protection for my sister and I became a reality. Zach (coming to my parents house) helped us create wills/power of attorney that led to a completion of probate upon their passing. While my sister and I grieved and dealt with things(family/funerals) Zach held this family together from behind the scenes(dealing with the court and debtors) doing all the work that I/WE were not prepared for. My sister and I will now always be linked and thankful for the compassion and professionalism we received from Mr. Luce.
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25 Sep, 2013 by Mr. bill
Zach was very responsive in assisiting in the admnistering a will and a trust. He understood what our needs were and address them quickly and accurately. Was glad to have him to handle some of the diffiuclt task that I did not want to undertake. Zach has a very strong moral compass and it always pointed to do it right and upfront. I feel fortunate that we met. I intend to continue to use Zach if the need arise. In life we need to know a good electrcian, plumber, tax accountant and an attorney. So far i have 2 of the 4!
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02 Jun, 2020 by Dawn
I needed assistance with my mother's estate and Eric stepped up and helped me with research, probate law in Oregon and support that was a lifeline in a time of confusion and fear. He knew I would ultimately need to hire an attorney in Oregon, but I have used him as much as possible for his skill and ability to make complicated legal issues easier to understand. You could do no better!!
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14 May, 2020 by Brett
I rely on Eric for advice and counsel when I am faced with complex legal issues. He is an excellent lawyer that can easily identify the key Issues for his clients. As a result, he provides me outstanding guidance and gets tremendous results for his clients.
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22 Jul, 2021 by Jim
My wife and I had a hard time knowing where to start, but we knew we needed to get our will redone. I got referred to Mike and Moulton through a friend. I started by watching the webinar online and we met with Mike the next week. He was a very friendly guy and not what I was fearing in an attorney, but I had watched the webinar so I had some idea. He helped us put together our Living Trust and I just cannot say enough about the peace of mind that comes with knowing it was done right. I talked with a friend who recently went to a different elder law group and they charged three times as much and they didn't even get a trust. Start with Moulton, you won't be disappointed.
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17 Jan, 2014 by Cheryl
As I have no knowledge of trusts or how to go about the final affairs of my dad passing, my dad always told me to "just call the card in the front of the book and he will tell you what to do!" I will say I have had a lot of questions for Michael Gunning and he is very friendly, informative, and helpful with any question I have either called or emailed! I have been surprised at how swift he answers my emails and his amount of patience he has with explaining in detail how to handle each question or situation I have encountered! I am sure I will have more questions, but he puts me at ease with the knowledge he will take the time to help me through this difficult task! My dad loved him and trusted him with his final affairs and I now understand why!! Michael is a wonderful lawyer with a kindness that I would recommend to anyone who needs to set up a will or trust!
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13 Oct, 2022 by Lauren
I chose Ryan, Montgomery & Armstrong, INC. after seeing Anne Montgomery work with my brother during his custody battle. I was extremely impressed with her knowledge of Washington Family Law; along with her strong, tactful presence in the courtroom. Anne Montgomery has been gracious and kind with me, yet bold in action. She was able to deliver in every aspect and in court; we received the same parenting plan that we proposed. She has a thorough knowledge of my case and she has been with me every step of the way. Anne and her assistant Nikki respond quickly any time I have a question and they have been able to guide me through each step of the process. Anne has rolled with me through the lies, antics and tomfoolery that my ex has added to our action. She’s helped me stay focused on the facts when it seems the focus of his council is distracting the court with anything other than our daughter’s best interest. I am less anxious about the outcome working with Anne because It’s also important to her that our child will grow up in a loving, nurturing home with emotional and mental stability; feeling loved, wanted, valued and heard instead of a path of possible anguish, or worse. I highly recommend Anne, and her assistant Nikki. Together they are persistent, quick-witted, personable, professional, and on top of every aspect of the case from start to finish and even beyond. They handled my case as if it was their top priority and I couldn’t thank them enough for everything. Trust the process, trust this Attorney.
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07 Jul, 2016 by Brittney
Anne represented me and my children during my divorce. She is the best by far!!!! She was clear in her communication, responsive and made me feel like I was her only client, when I know she had many. She is a 'pitbull' when it comes to representing her clients and their best interest during any legal battle. She adequately advised me on what I needed to do. She was patient and answered all of my questions, even though I'm sure many of them were annoying but she never once made me feel dumb. I have recommended her to several of my friends and my clients. I would highly recommend hiring her if you want the best representation in your legal matters.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Elizabeth has represented me well in a complex matter involving the financial exploitation, medical neglect of a loved one. Elizabeth has been an invaluable teammate. She is a clear, prompt communicator, a smart, level-headed advisor, and a thorough, effective attorney. Additionally, Elizabeth is a good listener. She takes client concerns seriously and genuinely cares.
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08 May, 2017 by Chris
Elizabeth and I worked together at Beresford Booth for almost four years – so when I had a personal estate planning issue that needed to get done, I knew who to call. She did a great job resolving my legal issue quickly, efficiently, and under budget. Her rates are excellent and she has a solid knowledge of WA estate planning law and and I would not hesitate to use her again. I also regularly recommend her to clients seeking estate planning services and all of the feedback I have received has been more than positive.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Eric
Claudia was great in conducting the probate process with my parents' estate. I had zero knowledge of what the process was, and Claudia was great at explaining each step. Any time I had questions, I received prompt answers. Very patient and understanding of our grieving process as well. Highly recommended for assisting in the probate process!
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04 Nov, 2017 by Nikki
My husband and I hired Claudia Augustine to write our wills- which we had been putting off forever. We were intimidated by the idea of it all, but Claudia put us at ease and talked us through the process. Not only was she thorough, but she made it very easy for us as she came to our home to go over and sign all of the documents. Claudia went over every line on every page, and made sure we understood what was written and helped us make it our own. In addition, she made an unpleasant thing to do (who wants to talk about their death?!) a very comfortable and easy experience.
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20 Dec, 2013 by Patrick
Tom has the knowledge and experience to handle legal matters such as we had. He advised us of our options and explained which way was the best to handle our situation.
We have had Tom handle other matters for us and he did a terrific job. This is why we hired Tom again.
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21 Mar, 2012 by Lynn
Tom has the commitment, knowledge, and performance needed to accomplish goals and meet the needs of our business. He keeps us informed of our options, assesses risks and benefits, and helps us make good decisions for ourselves and others. We have known Tom for over 30 years and his integrity, quality of work, and responsiveness have remained consistent throughout this time.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
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15 May, 2017 by Eric
I recently purchased a business, which can be a daunting task. Tim was able to help guide me through the process of reviewing purchase agreements, entity formation, and tax structure. Tim was prompt in all our communication and proved himself to be very skilled and knowledgeable. Highly recommend him for anyone needing assistance navigating the complex nature of business formation and tax law.
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25 May, 2016 by Jim
Sought out Tim for tax advice on a IRA issue. Promptly researched and specific citations provided, along with some sage advice. Also completed will & other directives promptly, completely and well done. Professional and well done by all in the office.
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04 Oct, 2017 by Kim
Sharon Eldredge was compassionate to my situation and helped me move in the right direction, gave me sound advice and followed up with me on how to resolve my situation, a smart, thorough and professional attorney. Highly recommend her to look after your affairs.
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27 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
This attorney helped me in a short amount of time at the King County Neighborhood clinic. She was professional and friendly and made me feel comfortable giving her information. She was able to answer my questions quickly and get me where I needed to go.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Melissa
My review is for the specific purpose of recommending Melissa Storch as a Collaborative attorney . I heard her speak eight years prior to hiring her and was so impressed I wrote her name and phone number in my contacts in case I would ever need her . And when I did need her and hired her I was right away put at ease in the midst of my despair knowing I was in the best of hands . She is highly intelligent and disarmingly equipped to take on what I would consider one of the more complex of cases . While she is a great listener I was impressed with the larger perspective she conveyed to me and I felt secure by her experience , intellect and attention to the matter at hand . Without sounding cryptic , no matter what is going on in your marriage if you decide to get a divorce try Melissa Storch If it is at all possible . A lot of people are not aware of the benefits of this process but it is like the Mayo Clinic of divorce . Melissa Storch has the presence of the consummate professional while at the same time helping you feel like you have the security of sitting with a true friend . Not to discount her education , intellect or experience yet all of this is given to you as a client with an extra comfort . Nothing is harder than going through the divorce process in my experience but if you HAVE to go through it like I did I would recommend Melissa hands down because of my own experience . And it has been five months since I last worked with her and I am still sitting here writing this because of the impact she had in my life .
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03 Mar, 2015 by Erin
I was very lucky that a good friend recommended Melissa Storch's services for assisting me with my divorce. Melissa was an excellent advocate for exploring all avenues in drafting a fair settlement. My sister and a close friend told me that I would end up hating my lawyer when my divorce was final. I can happily state that I feel very satisfied with Melissa's services and heartily recommend her if you want to pursue a cooperative or collaborative divorce.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Sean walked us through every step of the estate planning process with skill and patience.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amanda and james
We hired Sean to help us with establishing a will and trust. He was easy to work with, clear in communication (and helped us to understand the legal jargon), prompt, and exceptionally accommodating of our schedules and needs as we coordinated meetings. In areas we were uncertain about, Sean offered suggestions and insight from his professional and personal experience, helping us to make informed decisions that supported our family's needs. We are glad to have worked with Sean and are relieved to have our estate planning complete.
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27 Jun, 2022 by J
I contacted Sean about a will and the proper way to assure my children would be well cared for upon my passing. The free consultation convinced me that I would be able to work with Sean easily. With Sean's guidance, I now have a will and trust that put me at ease about my assets.
We communicated primarily via email. Sean responded quickly and fully to any questions I raised, and changed a few items at my request, no problem. He guided me in several areas with which I wasn't familiar.
I'm pleased to have taken care of this end-of-life planning, and to have used Sean's services.
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04 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Caleb Stewart helped me through the process of settling the estate of a dear family friend. He patiently answered my many questions and offered several options for handling the complexity of the estate. So thankful for his guidance in solutions that made a difficult situation less stressful!!!
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22 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Caleb represented us in a very sensitive and emotional family matter. From day 1, he instilled confidence and peace in us and guided us through the process answering our MANY questions about the status, legal options and future implications of the case which he handled for us.
Ultimately, he achieved the desired outcome as promised and took the entire burden of our situation off our plate and handled it for us.
As much as any legal matter can be low-stress, Caleb went above and beyond.
If you are looking for a reliable, trustworthy attorney who operates aggressively but with integrity, Caleb is your guy!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
TAYLOR WAS VERY KNOWLEDGABLE QND WAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN LEGAL ISSUES IN AN UNDERSTANDABLE WAY. FRIENDLY AND HONEST COMMUNICATION AND QUICK ANSWERS TO OUR QUESTIONS. WOULD HIRE HIM AGAIN AND RECOMMEND HIM .
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01 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Taylor is an exceptional attorney who teaches and guides his clients through the process of formulating the best plan to cater to his clients needs.
Taylor is very friendly, professional, he knows what he’s doing and he works with you at your own pace while thoroughly explaining your options.
He created a will for my family and I would definitely recommend him to anyone in the area. He is more affordable than other estate planning attorneys and he does an excellent job.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Geoff and Tom created our estate plans. They took the time (over 6 months) to answer all of our questions patiently and guided us very smoothly and pleasantly through a complex process. Our estate is large and has a a high degree of complexity.They devised a clever and creative solution.
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06 Jul, 2010 by Bruce
My relationship with Geoff began in the final weeks before the death of my dad. As a college professor, I'm a professional but not in the way of being a Successor Trustee. That loomed large as a serious undertaking. That's where Geoff came in. I was able to do all the footwork, which was enormous and time-consuming, but at every turn I was able to count on Geoff guiding me through the thicket. Amazingly, he was always responsive...never a time he failed to return my call expediently.
Initially, I was apprehensive about meeting with Geoff because of previous encounters with attorneys, but we connected immediately.
I liked this man! He was gracious, friendly, professional, easy to understand, and came across as a man sincerely eager to help me through the legal exercise he knew I faced at a time I was emotionally strained by my father's demise.
I especially want to note that where other professionals were all business, I was so impressed that Geoff stepped out of that role for a moment to be human enough in my first moment of grief to be one of the only professionals to quickly offer his condolences to me. That was kind and thoughtful. I wasn't just a client, I was a fellow pilgrim on this dusty journey called life, and he wanted to share my pain, my loss.
I should also note that his fees were incredibly fair, far less than I expected.
Bottom line, I would rate Geoff a 10 +... off the charts, really! So if you need an attorney, especially on estate matters, let me encourage you to employ the services of Geoff Garrett. I'm truly confident that you will soon sing his praises as much as I am doing here. Feel free to contact me for further verbal confirmation of all that I have outlined above.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Robert
First of all i want to thank Katie for the prompt , professional way she took care of a very hard emotional, estate, and family situation with the death of my step mother..she stood by me , gave me good advice, stood up for me, with the other side of family being very , well hard to deal with, but hung in there for me, and quickly we got a settlement in which i was happy with.. and i could move on with my life! I am so grateful for her , i dont think she even knows how much..I feel like i had a attorney but also a friend forever, and that is priceless.. so if you want a person who will listen, but will give you her advice also..she as class, professional and one wonderful person and lady.. i highly without any hesitation recommend her for your legal needs...HIGHLY..
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18 Mar, 2015 by Dianne
Katharine Hanson has been and continues to be great help to me regarding all questions deal going with my you mother and the Estate.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Karen
Jeff currently represents us and we are very pleased. He is very knowledgeable and accessible, and we are happy to have wise counsel.
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24 Dec, 2009 by Carol
Jeff really knows his stuff. I went in to get my estate plan reviewed and fixed. When my husband died, I realized that I really didn't know what our status was. My husband had always used Minnick for many years. Jeff is definitely a little bit intimidating at first, but it's just because he takes his job very seriously. By the end of our first meeting, we were laughing and I was really comfortable. Turns out, he knows lots of details about trusts, and he gave me many options. He explained things so well and he was so patient. I felt very comfortable and I know my legal affairs are done right and in good hands. Very sharp young man!
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03 Nov, 2009 by Lisa
Darcy is professional, knowledgeable, honest and level-headed. She provided my family much-needed guidance in working through some estate issues during my father's terminal illness. I am happy to provide Darcy my highest recommendation.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Matthew ellis
I have recommended Darcy to many people who have retained her. NO ONE is as good as Darcy, she is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Mike
We were referred to Craig from our corporate law firm. He was very responsive in returning our call. He spent a generous amount of time on the initial consult and was clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter. If a friend were to ask me for a reference to an elder law attorney, I would be comfortable suggesting they call Craig.
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06 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
My family received Craig's name from 3 different sources. We needed a very experienced lawyer to handle a complicated guardianship. We ended up finding a lawyer for life. Craig was thorough, available, compassionate and did an outstanding job. He is a true professional, and an asset to his field. I couldn't recommend him more highly.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Patricia
Heather and her capable team have been a wonderful resource for my company and our clients. Heather provides clear and accurate legal advice while also paying attention to the underlying needs of her clients. I feel confident in referring my clients to DeVrieze/Carney because I know they'll receive excellent attention at a reasonable rate by truly caring individuals. Thank you for all you do to keep seniors safe, happy and healthy! -Trish, Owner, Eldercare Consulting
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29 Jun, 2010 by Michael
Highly recommend Heather De Vrieze as I was involved in a rather contentious estate settlement and she resolved the issue in an amicable way. It was very refreshing to find an attorney who puts her client's needs first and who is extremely fair when it comes to fees.
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11 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Advised us in a number of issues including guardianships, estate settlement, durable power of attorney and other legal matters. She was prompt, provided information clearly and is a great resource. We would not hesitate to recommend her services.
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08 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
She was very thoughtful, kind and patient. She seemed to have a clear understanding of the situation and our choices. She answered her own phone and returned our calls right away. She was inexpensive compared with other lawyers. We were satisfied with the results and would definitely recommend her.
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24 Oct, 2014 by William
As a real estate broker, there are sometimes instances I need an attorney to consult to figure out difficult matters. I have utilized Mr King's expertise numerous times for my own circumstances and have never been less than impressed by his knowledge, attention to my concern, and creative ways to move forward successfully.
Moreover, I have recommended him to several of my clients and friends. Inquiring after their experience with Mr King and his firm, they have universally give extremely positive and enthusiastic feedback. I will continue to use Mr King as my "go-to attorney" for any and all matters.
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18 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
With an estate issue in my family, and a sick family member leaving me unable to come to him- mr king came to my house to revise an estate. He was very helpful and accommodating. He also made us feel very appreciated as clients. Full recommendation.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Emma
We met Steve in his beautiful office conveniently located off the 405 in downtown Bellevue. We had no idea what to expect but Steve walked us through our estate planning making sure we had all of our options explained carefully and considerately. He made it a pleasure extending hospitality with a glass of champagne which helped break the awkwardness of talking about delicate subjects. Thank you Steve we do appreciate your help and guidance.
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24 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I recommended Steve for estate planning. I had a very simple "estate" but a lot of questions. I felt he was prepared, considerate and brought up interesting questions to planning my documents. I highly recommend the experience and Steve.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Taylor maidd
I highly recommend this law firm. They went above and beyond for me without being a client. I needed help and they helped me when no one else would. With no benefit to them, because they really care. Thank You for your help and time.
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26 Jan, 2025 by Cindy
Kind and helpful in giving us an avenue where we hope to get legal help.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Adam nagrone
Amazing lawyer Phil & his team have been great.
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21 Feb, 2025 by M cox
Thorough explanation of the work. Friendly, professional.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Susan stonecipher
20 Feb, 2025 by Susan santilli
Diana explained the trust process in depth and let us know what information we had to follow up with... Banks, DMV. Homeowners insurance, etc. She gave us copies of everything and her contact number if we had any questions. I feel confident that we made an informed decision about securing a living trust as a major part of end of life planning.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Cadsharp
Avoid William Ball, unless you're looking for a milquetoast middleman who masquerades as a lawyer. I had the misfortunate of hiring him from Beaty Hatch during my dissolution. I went in the assumption that he was going to fight for me and resolve the dissolution in a timely fashion. That is all I asked for in our initial meeting, regardless of the outcome.
After just two months, I was so baffled by his unresponsiveness and lack of interest in the case (he'd routinely take days or weeks to reply to even simple questions, if he'd respond at all) that I asked him what additional compensation would incentivize him, to which his secretary replied that she would print out my last email for him. Imagine hiring a lawyer for 300 USD / hr who is so disorganized that he can't even keep track of client emails and needs a secretary to hold his hand. Well, you don't need to imagine. You can just hire William Ball.
As time went on, who the lawyer was between us become increasingly blurred. Numerous emails to the judge and opposing counsel were just him forwarding text I wrote with his name attached. Here are more instances of poor work on his part that I'd like to highlight.
1. Before the first "mediation" session with the opposing counsel in mid-April, I had made it extremely clear that I wanted to resolve the dissolution as quickly as possible. By that point, opposing counsel had two months to prepare. So what does Mr. Ball do just a week before mediation? He agrees with the opposing counsel to push it out two more weeks, so she can prepare more! I immediately emailed him asking why on earth he would do that, to which he basically replied, "oops, too late."
2. Mr. Ball failed to inform me that I was allowed to hire my own business valuator to valuate my LLC. I only found out later because another lawyer told me. Considering that this valuator's work contained factual errors and bad analysis, this kind of information would have been incredibly useful. Another lawyer reviewed Mr. Ball's work shortly after I fired him. Upon learning about his failure to recommend our own valuator, the other lawyer commented, "[This] seems UNBELIEVABLE and incredibly negligent."
3. During the second "mediation" session, Mr. Ball was given an opportunity to question the valuator's work. His efforts were nothing short of embarrassing. Instead of homing in numerous lines of evidence indicating that she had put little effort to her analysis or had relied on problematic assumptions, he spent forty minutes tossing her softball questions that did nothing to bring into question the credibility of her valuation.
4. The verdict of the "equalization" provided by the arbitrator included false information about statements made during "mediation". What did Mr. Ball do in response? Absolutely nothing. Not a peep of protest, despite acknowledging that the arbitrator's decision contained factual errors. I was dumbfounded. At that point, the reality sank in that I was just another case he could cram into his schedule and extract money from. I had spent months thinking, "OK, soon he's going start fighting. He's just waiting for the right moment to pounce." Nope. By the time I realized I had been had, it was too late.
The total amount I had to pay this firm for such low quality work is nothing short of horrifying. I gave a long list of grievances regarding his performance. His equally unprofessional manager, Valerie Nack, responded to with a cheeky claim that I'm merely disappointed by the outcome of the dissolution. No, let's not mince words: even if I had "won" (if such a thing can even happen in divorce), Mr. Ball is still incompetent. The outcome was unjust, even by Mr. Ball's own admission, but that is the arbitrator's fault, not Mr. Ball's fault. Mr. Ball was asked to perform a job with a certain level of quality and professionalism and he failed to do it. Not once have this firm offered any sort of apology. Not once was I offered a refund of any kind. Instead, they chose to harass me with collections.
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18 Nov, 2024 by David w. drichas
Attorney Mike Beaty is kind and got me what I expected.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Arcace1
21 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Olivia's services were professional, quick, responsive and well-priced. I appreciated her flat fee and patience answering my questions about the process. I am so glad I found her!
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23 Feb, 2023 by Richard
Thor was fantastic he did everything he said he was going to do. He handled it professionally and I have no complaints if I ever needed him again I would never hesitate to call that law office.
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21 Jan, 2020 by Leanne
We used Jennifer as a notary. Then we hired her for several documents to update our wills, power of attorneys, estate planning, medical directives. She was fabulous. Thorough and gave us peace of mind.
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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:
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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.
