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24 Jan, 2025 by Ivy b
09 Jan, 2025 by Naomi brown
19 Dec, 2024 by Anthony larocco
I went to the law firm Finkelstein and Partners for my case where I was injured badly while on the job. My team at the firm was so good! My attorneys Elyssa Fried and my trial Attorney Sharon Scanlan worked so hard for me. Lynn my paralegal was always available to answer my questions. This firm is really on top of things. My trial attorney Sharon somehow found a way to get me a settlement even though the defendant went bankrupt. She never quit on me. I hope I never get hurt again but if I do I will definitely call Finkelstein and Partners. No doubt.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Ivy b
09 Jan, 2025 by Naomi brown
19 Dec, 2024 by Anthony larocco
I went to the law firm Finkelstein and Partners for my case where I was injured badly while on the job. My team at the firm was so good! My attorneys Elyssa Fried and my trial Attorney Sharon Scanlan worked so hard for me. Lynn my paralegal was always available to answer my questions. This firm is really on top of things. My trial attorney Sharon somehow found a way to get me a settlement even though the defendant went bankrupt. She never quit on me. I hope I never get hurt again but if I do I will definitely call Finkelstein and Partners. No doubt.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Tina pascal
You wont find an attorney who is smart, and empathetic at the same time as William Cooper. I have spoken to many personal injury attorneys who would go no further than a phone call. Mr. Cooper took the extra step and made inquiries for me just to try and help me with an issue that's been unresolved. He is patient, clear and concise in conversation and does not rush, he waits until you have a full understanding of all aspects of the situation. Don't waste your time searching for the right personal injury attorney, look no further than William Cooper. He is a rare find!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Eric goldfine
Joe, as someone else said, is "The best of the best" for estate planning purposes and estate matters.
He is extremely busy so sometimes he comes off as being abrupt. My parents used his services, their friends used his services and now I use his services. You will do yourself a big favor using Joe for your estate planning - he loves what he does and he does it so well.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Hugo spindola
As a practicing attorney for over 25 years in New York, I refer all of my clients (including family members and friends) to Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. for legal representation in all personal injury matters.
I have known William H. Cooper and his team since 1999, and they have always treated their clients with the utmost respect while providing the best results in their respective cases.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Ashley hernandez
I highly recommend! I was well taken care of and they made sure to communicate every detail. I am beyond grateful for their hard work.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Samantha fuster
My husband and I recently worked with attorney Pat Micek. She guided us through a potentially stressful process—setting up a trust and completing wills and advanced health directives. Pat and her staff were calm, patient and professional. Pat listened, advised and took time to ensure that we understood the process.
She was knowledgeable and responsive, answering our questions and providing up-to-date guidance. We found her honest, efficient and reasonable. She is accessible and never too busy to answer questions. We recommend her without reservation.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Bill sterling
Very timely service and understanding. A pleasure to work with.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Darren gannon
18 Jun, 2018 by Rodriguez
I had been referred to Ms. Woods by a family friend and it was the best thing that could have happened. I was dealing with an ugly ex who demonized me. Ms Woods took all the information, facts and had a very kind ear to my dilemma. She used the law and her kindness to help me through a very difficult situation. Anyone can hire a lawyer, but if you need a human being on your side, then Ms. Woods is for you! I was so impressed and touched by her abilities, I had her do my Will and Last Testament. What a great lawyer and a fine human being. I strongly endorse her!
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05 Jun, 2018 by Dionne
She did a great job. She passionate about her clients well being. And she always have time to listen.
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05 Jun, 2018 by Dana
I highly recommended her. She is professional, knowledgeable,courteous. I felt very cared for in her oresence. She helped me with my divorce. She is understanding and compassionate. She raised questions to me that I wasn’t even thinking of. If I should every need legal advise Judith woods is my 1st choice always!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Segundo quituisaca
27 Mar, 2024 by Angelica cabrera
11 Sep, 2023 by Stephi fleitas
18 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I was recommended to him by another firm, which he immediately criticized.He looked at my injury and saw the damage , and said he had a knowledgeable Dr. that could help us through the process.I went to his Dr. who wanted to treat me but did not want to testify against another Dr..At the time of my deposition he sent a fellow attny who was not at all familiar with my case. At one point Joe told me the Dr who injured me seemed like a nice guy, who was just trying to help me. But he would go to court if I would like but felt accepting an offer out of court before trial would be a better option. I was young and trusted him,. I received a paltry sum for my injury ,and have gone through life in constant pain. Always regretting I trusted him as I felt he was just out to make the quickest amount possible with the least amount of effort.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
How do I report my former lawyer to the Bar? He already has been Centured.... probably looked at that as a merit badge. I am a true victum of medical mal., I was obviously unknowingly practiced on for dollars. Have all the backup to all claims.
Back to, I was scared to death of "my"s attorney for good reason, he lied about his background, laughed when I cried, and I am so not a cryer. I was having, still have symtoms of stroke, anyersyms, granulomas, that is what is finally being admitted to by the FDA, blinding and stroke. I saved my entire life for the rainy day, spent some, saved some, their isn't a surgeon on the planet who can fix. Not a Specialist with a magic bullet pill.
Brain damaged, disfigured, close to toothless (infection); chronic facial nerve pain. The surgeon who did this to me, well, the drug co. made him a Trainer "after" of course, 1/2 million a year plus. The judge asked me, did you5 lawyer explain what you are signing, (my rights away for basically medical bills, but in court "my" lawyer, he would have been clueless) I was so afraid of this gorilla type, I said yes to the Judge. There Isn't a second I am not in pain, disfigured, constant inflammation, infections. I lost my good life, my savings, my ability to take care of myself. Any suggestions. Aside from jump. Sort of like stepping out on the curb and not seeing the bus coming but the trauma is repeated every second or every waking moment.
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19 Jan, 2017 by Jessica
I contacted Joseph J. Brophy in hopes of pursuing a psychiatric medical malpractice case. He told me immediately on answering the phone that he isn't currently taking clients, but despite this *still* offered to speak with me about my case so that he might offer feedback concerning my odds in court, other potential attorneys, etc.
Mr. Brophy –– or "Joe," an address of familiarity and a complete lack of pretension –– proceeded to talk me through the specifics of my case for nearly twenty minutes, conveying both immense sympathy for my experience while also being very blunt about the difficulties I would face in proving lasting damages. He provided a very accessible outline of the way contingency cases work in the area of medical malpractice, and explained the limited types of psychiatric case likely to be taken on by a reputable attorney. He ultimately said he would not refer me to anyone, as he believed the case would prove too difficult, but was very humble in saying that he might be wrong, and encouraged me to keep looking if I feel I can, or must, meet the bar for a compelling case.
I finished the call with the knowledge that I likely do not have a case –– and yet I *still* felt compelled to look up a forum online where I could sing his praises. Mr. Brophy is an extremely kind, empathetic, and *smart* attorney who seems genuinely invested in helping others, to the point of providing unpaid educative labor to a rather clueless caller. Even given my disappointment with his conclusions, he still somehow left me feeling empowered by my new (albeit limited) understanding of this area of law.
If Mr. Brophy is this generous with individuals he knows he *won't* be representing, I can only imagine what it must be like to have him as one's attorney. 17 stars.
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01 Apr, 2020 by Stanley
I was unlucky twice, first with my buyer and then with Carolyn Weiss as my litigator. Lack of focus, poor communication, many contradictions in her directions are some examples of my bad experience with her office. She is very quick to charge and slow to react.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
This Attorney was horrible. He charged me a lot more than the other Attorney I had. He did not get me a fair deal. He is extremely rude and shows no concern for the client. Please do your research and hire a competent Attorney unlike Ed Odesser!
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31 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney. His behavior & the quality of his representation was inconsistent. At times, he was pleasant & worked competently. Unfortunately, he could also be so rude that it was difficult & unpleasant to deal with him. He didn't keep his promises & dropped the ball on some issues (more than once), & this made it difficult to trust him. His fees were high and not worth the attention my case received. In the end, I felt that he had never really understood my case, and that he didn't care about its outcome.
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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.
