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09 Aug, 2022 by Mike
I worked with Karen to create a trust. The whole process was efficient, easy to understand, and thorough. She and her team listened to my needs and we got it right the first time, without any need for significant changes. I also learned about (and implemented) some planning directives I wasn't previously familiar with, such as the Advance Directive for Dementia. Overall this was a great experience, even though it can involve some difficult choices.
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20 May, 2020 by Sandra
Karen Dawson is excellent to work with. Her preplanning materials for our wills and trust were easy to fill out. We have put this off for years believing it was going to be super complex but she made it easy. She was also very patient through my endless questions and she asked us questions to clarify our thinking. Her final package was thorough and gave us a step-by-step of next actions. We could not have done this without her. We highly recommend her for wills and trusts.
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23 Feb, 2020 by Melissa
Karen is wonderful to work with. She clearly explains the process and laws of estate planning in Oregon, especially since it is unfamiliar territory for us. She is thorough and offers council when we needed specific guidance, but never directly told us what decision we should make, especially in regards to end of life care and decisions. We hired her specifically for estate planning, writing our wills, and establishing trusts. It can be a very daunting task, since we have never had to face the reality of planning for the future after our deaths, but Karen's process is very smooth and reassuring. We enjoyed working with Karen's calming demeanor and vast knowledge of the law surrounding trusts and estate planning. We highly recommend her!
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23 Mar, 2020 by Jessica
Don is down to earth, knowledgable, and very helpful. After speaking with him I learned that I didn't need an attorney at the time and was very thankful for his honesty. I will definitely contact him in the future when I need further advice.
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23 Mar, 2020 by Rosie
Our meeting with Don on Estate Planning was very informative. He was able to provide us with options and solid advice on how to move forward.
My Family and I highly recommend using Don expert services.
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10 Feb, 2020 by Tausha
I would recommend Don Rolfe to anyone seeking estate planning that wants a professional, friendly and talented attorney in their corner. He is a smart and savvy and yet approachable and down to earth. He is someone you can count on to help with any estate planning need. You know that he genuinely has your best interest at heart. We were lucky to find him.
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14 Apr, 2013 by Glenn
They did a great job putting our trust in order. They included advanced directives and a will all for a very fair price. I would recommend to everyone to take care of this stuff before it is too late and your family winds up in probate which is a mess. Richard and his son Tom just do estate planning and they are efficient.
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18 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
This estate attorney firm near Lake Oswego OR. provides a very good service. They specialize in estate planning and they offer a very complete package that was a lot less than others wanted to charge me. They are very pleasant and knowledgeable. I received a very good value.
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04 May, 2015 by Curt
Scott provided very useful legal advice to me on a consumer debt matter. He listened to my situation and gave me several suggestions to help resolve my issue. He was professional, courteous and non-judgemental. I highly recommend him for your legal matters.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Rose bond
While Estate planning is not my favorite activity, the folks at Edgel Law really made the whole experience much easier. From Michael's first welcome consult, which set the tone and assured me they would listen and take in my circumstances, through reviewing written drafts to the final signing, I felt my questions were heard and addressed. At the final signing, Heather did a super job of going at the right speed and making sure I understood the legalese - she made it human. I left happy and proud of myself for finally getting it done!
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24 Feb, 2024 by Kathie currey
Edgel Law Group is the best law firm I've ever dealt with. Mary at front desk is so efficient and will help you out whenever needed. Heather and Michael are very knowledgeable in all aspects of Family Trusts , POA, Income Cap Trusts, They all are great at customer service and are willing to help you when needed. Thank you so much for all of your generosity and kind service thru our families issues.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Diane jukofsky
Handling the legal and emotional aspects of preparing a will can be challenging, but Nicole Sakys and Mary Lundstrom immediately made us feel welcome and at ease. Nicole is superb at clearly explaining somewhat complicated provisions and laying out our options. We feel entirely confident in and comfortable with the resulting documents.
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30 Sep, 2022 by Wp3 llc
I do not feel good about writing this, but after significant consideration I found it to be important for me to share my experience: if you are looking for an attorney to waste time, sabotage your case, bail on you right before trial, and literally take your money without your consent, look no further. This was my nightmare experience for over a year working with Henry Rau.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Mary hennessy
07 Nov, 2021 by Bill long
13 Feb, 2024 by Candace whitman
11 Oct, 2023 by Tim wagner
When I opted to call Dave about a real estate transaction that I was being sued over, I never knew how fortunate I was in making that call. What should have been an easy matter to resolve turned into a 2.5 year battle - all because of the unprofessional behavior of the opposing council. I knew very little about the civil litigation process and statutes that govern them. Dave was very patient with me and made sure I understood along the way what to expect and the options I had at each decision point. In this way, he was a coach and trusted teammate. I could always depend on Dave to communicate quickly and openly everything that was going on between him and the opposing counsel. When I would ask for his opinion I could expect a calming voice on the phone often talking me off the ledge as I would catastrophize the situation. His advice was invaluable. These were the “soft” skills that Dave brings to the practice. Things that maybe you wouldn’t consider in choosing a lawyer. He presents himself as the neighbor next door and has a wide range of contacts and resources to draw upon. In addition to his personal style, Dave is an excellent lawyer and his years of experience shine in his knowledge of the law and the steps that need to be taken at each point in the case. In the end, we won the case without having to go to trial. But I had total confidence that if we would have gone to trial, we would have prevailed because of Dave’s preparation and full understanding of the case and the approach he would have taken. What could have turned into a financially ruinous situation for me turned into a windfall with a partial return of money that I had spent defending myself. DO NOT HESITATE TO MAKE THE CALL if you find yourself in need of a responsible lawyer that you can trust and depend on to represent you fairly and when necessary aggressively.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Polly steenhagen
Just make sure that if you receive a check from them for settlement, that they bother to sign the check!!! We had to drive an additional 2 hours back and forth to get our check signed !!!!
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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.
