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Stephen R Ketaineck, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in West Haven, CT with 10 reviews
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39,31
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5.0/5
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5.0
10 Reviews
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22 Aug, 2020 by Lee
Stephen is by far the best real estate lawyer I have ever come across. I recently bought a house that took me more than 7 months to close. Just days before the scheduled initial closing, the bank took the property from the owner which meant the house was foreclose and was offered as a short sale. Stephen, stood by me knowing that I wanted the property. he encourage me, reached out to the other party's attorney to ensure the short sale process was sped up. At the end I got the key to the property with many thanks to the selfless help of Stephen. He is very indispensable and I was able to reach him at work, though his cell phone even at his home phone. This is my second dealing with Stephen, he help closed my first home which I sold in 2018 and now to my new home. I will highly recommend with Stephen.
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01 Aug, 2020 by Carra
We have used attorney Ketaineck several times. He is professional, knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend him as well as use him again.
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19 Jun, 2020 by Michael
Steve helped with my home closing. He was professional, thorough, and responsive -- I recommend his services. Thank you, Steve for making my closing go smoothly.
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Peter C Barrett, experienced Estate Planning, Personal Injury attorney in West Haven, CT with 2 reviews
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39,06
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
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05 Dec, 2009 by Candee
Attorney Barrett represented me in a Workers' Compensation case that was not an ordinary case but one that was unique and complex. He always took the time to answer all my question, listen to and address my concerns, and returned my calls in a timely manner. I found him to be caring, compassionate, and very understanding as to what I was going through due to my injury. Over the years I also used him for various other legal matters with the same results. Attorney Barrett is truly a lawyer and a man of intregrity.
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03 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Attorney Barrett helped with the closing on my home - it was a bit of a tricky case because the property is on a town line, and needed to be recorded in two towns - but Attorney Barrett and his team was right there to explain all my questions and to help ensure it was handled properly.
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Vincent N Amendola JR, experienced Family Law, Personal Injury attorney in West Haven, CT with 1 reviews
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39,03
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5.0/5
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5.0
1 Reviews
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19 Oct, 2016 by Bob
Always did what was explained to us-And was very professional-Bob Jarvis
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Vincent Robert Falcone, experienced Personal Injury, Probate attorney in West Haven, CT with 1 reviews
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39,03
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5.0/5
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5.0
1 Reviews
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26 Sep, 2022 by King
Just wonderful in every way. What a joy to deal with such an intelligent man. A true Catholic , he exemplifies the ideals that we all strive for. Tooboot, he played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. As a humble Christian, he never forgot his best friends; Tommy Bilodeau, shortstop , and “the red neck” King Triplett.and , “the red neck” King Triplett, third baseman.
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Kristen Cutting Wolf, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in West Haven, CT with 11 reviews
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34,71
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4.6/5
Avvo
4.6
11 Reviews
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10 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I am so glad that I chose Kristen Wolf as my attorney for my collaborative divorce. She guided me through the most difficult of times with a calm and measured wisdom that I so appreciated. She is a steadfast advocate, and I must say particularly oriented to a woman's experience when the marriage has been a controlling one! She is an excellent attorney.
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01 May, 2019 by Chantelle
Attorney Wolf was the BEST attorney I have ever worked with. She made me feel protected and confident throughout this whole process. She is extremely knowledgeable and knows how to use her knowledge to win. She always gave %110. I am MORE than satisfied with how she handled my case as well as the outcome. I would absolutely recommend this firm and attorney Wolf to anyone seeking fierce representation.
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26 Apr, 2017 by Amanda
During a really tough time Wolf & Shore, LLC helped me so much. Dealing with an estate is too overwhelming so having them take over was the best decision I ever made. I will use them again in the future if I ever need to! I hope that others will use them for any probate matters.
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Jeffrey R Fischer, experienced Consumer Protection, Elder Law attorney in West Haven, CT with 15 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
31,27
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4.7/5
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4.7
15 Reviews
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18 Feb, 2024 by Kevin conlan
Very kind, and helped my mother with important legal documents. I will certainly consider their services again in the future and I highly recommend them to others.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Jeneisis
Attorney Fischer helped me thrifty since the dark times when my sister and mother passed at 21' & 22'. He got me through my mother's passing, her probate, and the sale of my mother's home seamlessly. I will always be grateful. 🙏🏾
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16 Jul, 2023 by Lynn citarella
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Jerome Lacobelle, experienced Litigation, Personal Injury attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Kristen Wolf, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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Mark A Healey, experienced Estate Planning, Personal Injury attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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William A Butler III, experienced Bankruptcy, Business attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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4,00
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E Michael Heffernan, experienced Personal Injury, Probate attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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Peter C. Barrett, experienced Personal Injury, Probate attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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Anne C Reinert Leavitt, experienced Personal Injury, Probate attorney in West Haven, CT with 0 reviews
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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