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12 Aug, 2019 by Kathy
We hired Attorney Hiller to update our will. She was very helpful in advising us as to what needed to be done to be current with the law. She helped us to set up documents that were very specific to the needs of our family. She is very thorough and knowledgeable. Attorney Hiller is very friendly and yet very professional. I would not hesitate to contact her in the future.
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19 Mar, 2019 by David
Attorney Hiller completed our estate planning, including our wills, POA’s for finance and healthcare as well as declarations to physicians and HIPAA documents. She is very personable, she answered our questions and explained changes in laws in terms we understood. She identified a problem with our homestead deed and made the changes necessary to prevent future probate problems.
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07 Oct, 2017 by Ron
We found Kayla to be very easy to work with. She is very knowledgeable for updating our family trust, plus other necessary documents. I would highly recommend her for any estate planning or updating that you need.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Dwaine and barb
Att Curtis was very helpful in helping us set up what we needed for our will and trusts. He was responsive to OUR needs, throrough,, worked within our timeframe and not over priced. We have recommended him to others.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Scott was great in answering questions and preparing the documents for our family. He was especially good at working with my elderly parents.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Jacob
Scott Curtis is very capable lawyer who has helped me immensely. He helped me file a small claims suit and arrange a settlement. Without him, I would have been completely at a loss for legal advice and guidance during a tumultuous time in my life. I highly recommend him. He's very honest, open, forthright, and he has a high degree of expertise in his field. I honestly wouldn't have preferred to have my case handled by anyone else. I can fully recommend him as a competent and reliable attorney to guide you through your legal troubles and fight for you and what you are justly entitled to under the law.
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12 Jan, 2018 by Angela
Ashley was recommended by our banker for a land contract. She made the process very easy and would use her again if we have the need.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Irene
We hired Ashley to help with my father's estate. We had worked with a different attourney who kept dragging things out and charges were getting quite large. It turns out after hiring Ashley the former attourney never even filed the trust with the court. Ashley did in a few months what the prior attourney did not do over several years. She is wonderful to work with and very efficient. She made a horrible situation much less stressful. Will work with her on any future needs. I highly recommend her.
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09 Sep, 2014 by Natalie
Over the past several months I have gotten to know attorney Hawley very well. She has proven herself trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, pleasant and down to earth. She is the real deal and not out to "make a buck" on my family. I trust her completely. And that is not easy for me to say after being taken to the cleaners by a different attorney. She had to work hard to convince me of her ethics. But, she did!
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12 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Michelle truely has her clients best interests at heart. Her professional demeanor, enveloped in care and consideration, allows for clear navigation through difficult conversations and life decisions. Michelle graciously walked us through the legal processes ensuring all of our questions were addressed and understood; meeting our needs on both a professional and humanitarian level.
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28 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
I worked with Michelle both when purchasing my home, as well as having her handle my premarital agreement. In both issues, she was thorough and professional. She came up with several issues/solutions which looked out for my best interests, while keeping costs reasonable. She was easy to contact and a pleasure to work with.
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28 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
All we can say is that you can never go wrong by having M.TL. Hernandez handle your legal work.
Thank you!
Respectfully
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23 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
We are so very grateful for the excellent services of Collin Ritzinger. His ability to clearly frame our needs (and even needs we had not thought of) in the estate documents was invaluable. We also greatly appreciated his warmth and the way he put things in understandable language when he spoke with us.
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12 Jul, 2016 by James
I was looking to setup a special needs trust for my brother and I know very little about what I needed to do. Attorney Ritzinger was able to provide me with the knowledge I needed in order to determine what is best for my brother. Thank you!
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12 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Our non-profit organization worked with Collin to establish a Special Needs Trust for a gentleman who was deemed incompetent. Collin took care of all the notices and paperwork, making the process seamless and efficient.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Tony
I have consulted with Patrick on many legal issues in the past and he has been great to work with. He is a great listener and spends the time needed to come up with a solution that benefits his clients. He is very experienced and I trust his judgement. I highly recommend Patrick for any estate planning needs.
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15 May, 2017 by Matt
Pat Hessling provided counsel for our first real estate purchase. As first-time home buyers, he patiently walked us through each stage of the home buying process. He answered all our questions promptly & thoroughly. We will absolutely recommend Pat to friends and family in the future for real estate services.
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02 Mar, 2014 by Michelle
Mr. Hessling was very knowledgeable and walked me through the estate planning process with ease. He responded quickly to all my questions. I have no hesitation giving him the highest recommendation.
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04 Feb, 2016 by Kendle
My wife and I were referred to Juscha by a local real estate firm. Juscha's knowledge and experience were quite evident; we felt we were in good hands throughout the selling process. She was easy to contact and always responded to us promptly. We highly recommend Juscha.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Kevin
Juscha was a referral from our corporate counsel in Chicago when my wife and I entered into a real estate contract for a vacation property in the Wisconsin Dells. The purchase was very complicated due to multiple mortgages, liens, judgments, encroachments, HOA delinquencies, and other "surprises". We were skillfully guided through the whole process and eventually found safe passage. She had our back at all times, explained the relevant law clearly and concisely, and helped us finally close on our dream property. I cannot imagine this process without her expert help and guidance.
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31 Mar, 2014 by Jean
I was referred to Juscha by a member of a different firm in Madison, WI who could not handle my matter due to a conflict. The attorney himself felt she was outstanding and that I would be happy with her service. She exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend her.
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18 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
James clearly walked us through each decision in the process and earned our complete confidence and trust. He is very knowledgeable and paid careful attention to any concerns we had. I would recommend James to anyone who needs estate planning.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Bonnie
Attorney Ledvina established a trust for my husband and myself and we are extremely pleased with it. He is very knowledgeable about these matters and I will no longer need to worry about what happens to our assets once we are no longer able to manage them.
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16 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
James was an excellent attorney to work with; we are now all set up with a great estate plan to protect our family and assets if something were to happen to us! Peace of mind is worth a visit with Atty. Ledvina.
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30 Jul, 2017 by Harlan
My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and I knew that at some point in time I'd need financial assistance so my retirement savings won't be totally depleted. With our health care support changing rapidly and minimal support from our county ADRC, I needed somebody that has the knowledge of the Medicaid regulations. Carol Wessels presented several classes to an Alzheimer's Support Group and gave me enough information to think that we might be approved for Medicaid assistance. She gave me the guidance I needed to gather the information for her office to complete the application and respond back to many additional questions that came back from this application. What a relief to have her support and eventually accepted for Medicaid assistance.
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28 Jul, 2017 by Julie
Carol is very knowledgeable and empathetic. She has the ability to look at the whole picture and give the family a plan.
I met with Carol when I was overwhelmed with the changes in my husband, due to dementia. Her calm demeanor and kindness to my husband touched my heart. She knows how to relate well to those with Alzheimer's. Without her, the Medicaid application and process would have been daunting. I highly recommend her!
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12 May, 2012 by Julie
Ms. Wessels has done an exemplary job handling my mother's legal affairs. Her case was difficult and at times frustrating, but Carol managed all with incredible patience, competence, and compassion. I would highly recommend her.
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08 Apr, 2016 by Megan
Attorney Sullivan was able to help us through the entire estate planning process. The piece of mind we now have is priceless, and we were so fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and trustworthy expert guiding us every step of the way. I've already passed her information onto others looking for these services. In my opinion, she is one of the best in the area.
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24 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Sullivan helped me with some credit issues that I needed taken care of. She was professional, informative and explained my options to me so I could make a smart decision. She was great during a stressful overwhelming time in my life.
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07 Jun, 2013 by Dawn
I met Attorney Sullivan at a community speaking engagement. I was highly impressed with her knowledge and expertise on Estate, Will & Trust Planning. She can handle all the legal aspects and circumstances that a family may have, to make sure all of your affairs are in order to protect Financial & Health Care Decisions. I was put at ease knowing my affairs are in order.
Pinkert Law Firm is very fortunate to have such an outstanding lawyer with their firm for our community. I would highly recommend Attorney Sullivan for her work ethic, professionalism, and for making a client comfortable by answering all questions and concerns for all the decisions needed to be put in place for our personal affairs for all family members.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Clare
I am happy to recomend Erin Fay to any one that needs legal help. Erin is an amazing Woman, Lawyer, Mother, Daughter and Friend. I always felt important to her and she kept me informed on what to expect and when to expect it. She is very smart and negotiates with all parties involved so every one ends up pleased with the outcome. I was in a car accident and sustained injuries that left me unable to work for a short time and with many medical bills. Erin helped my family through the most difficult time of my life and I was compensated beyond my expectation. If any one gets the honor of working with Erin I am sure they will be pleased.
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21 May, 2015 by Alexia
Erin Fay has handled various legal matters for me over the years, from the simple to the far more complex, and has never failed to do an excellent job, whatever the circumstances.
I've always felt comfortable with her expertise and never doubted her abilities to get the best possible results. She's truly a lawyer you can trust to "have your back" for lack of a better word.
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26 Aug, 2012 by Mike
Krislyn was recommended to me by my long time tax services providor and she has been just as advertised...very good. Krislyn spent time with me to determine correct product/service and was very attentive to both myself and my wife throughout the entire process. The final product is well organized and very clear. I tease Krislyn that while estate documents are not as exciting as a brand new car or house or exciting life events, she made the process and the product well worth the investment and did generate excitement around the final product.
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05 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
My extended family and I have all used Krislyn Holaday's legal services for a variety of real estate, as well as trusts and estates. In all of our dealings, we have found Krislyn to be both highly competent on the legal issues involved, but also very attentive to our concerns. Before we found Krislyn, we thought it was impossible to find an attorney who returned calls or took the time to get to know the unique needs and concerns of clients. We couldn't be happier -- or more confident -- in the representation that we have had over the years using Krislyn. You simply won't find better more attentive representation. I recommend her services without hesitation or qualification.
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09 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Chris is an excellent attorney, he is fair but honest. He is loyal and very clear and direct about what is to be expected through out the process. Chris has handled one of our children in their cases and helped tremendously. She would have been in severe trouble and he helped us and her to get on the right track. We will use him again for any issue that pops up and will feel confident that he will fight for justice and us as a family.
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29 Nov, 2012 by Jean
I have used Attorney Bailey for ten years, and he has always delivered excellent results. He has handled cases for family and friends, and they have nothing but good things to say about him.
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16 Mar, 2017 by Ann
Charity has done legal work for my family for many years. She's always responsive and provides good advice on how to structure our estate plans based on our changing needs. We highly recommend her.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Hannah
Charity has provided great legal services for us. She's always respsonsive and flexible with our needs. And charity consistently has provided pragmatic and timely counsel. I don't know what we would do without her!
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15 Nov, 2015 by Samantha
Alyssa always explained everything very thoroughly so I knew exactly what was going to happen and she worked very hard to make sure I had the best result possible. She is a fantastic lawyer, and person in general. I highly recommend her!!!
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27 May, 2015 by Sheldon
She helped me with a pretty rough paternity action and really took a lot of the worry away from what was going on. She promptly returned my phone calls, explained & kept me informed regarding all aspects of the case and went over my available options. Very down to earth, knowledgeable and has an obvious wholehearted want to help I would without a doubt retain her again if the need should arise.
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23 Aug, 2019 by Cw
I was in a bind with a technically complex legal issue. Matthew fit me into his busy schedule on short notice. Within 36 hours, he gave me a much better understanding of my case, the evidence, and my legal prospects. Matthew analyzed extensive documents quickly and demonstrated an understanding of the complex matter. I would not hesitate to work with him again and confidently recommend him.
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24 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Cromheecke was very approachable and was very knowledgeable. Whenever we had a question he took the time to explain things until we understood. We always felt like we were a priority. I have and would refer him to any of my friends and family.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
We have been working with Mr. Williams on difficult estate issues for a very long time. He is always professional and knowledgeable and we are grateful to have his help and support.
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19 Dec, 2014 by Bruce f.
When looking into establishing a Will, an Individual Trust, and an Irrevocable Trust I found attorney Charles Williams both knowledgeable and educational as to the implementation of each.
Over the years he has guided me thru the changes and updates regarding these in order to best service the original intent.
With the recent passing of my mother Chuck has overseen the closure of these Trusts and I intend to utilize his knowledge to prepare additional Trusts in the near future.
I recommend him based on his professionalism and his understanding of the laws governing Trusts and Wills.
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20 Jun, 2016 by Joe
I have used Roy on several occasions in negotiating employment contracts and reviewing employment agreements. He has always been very thoughtful and analytical in his approach, and I appreciate his perspective and experience. I have some estate planning work to do in the near future, and I plan to use Roy for those services as well.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Michael
Roy Fine has served me and my family as both a business and a personal attorney for over 20 years.
Roy is a fine person, and an excellent attorney.
I recommend him without reservation.
E. Michael
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25 Jul, 2016 by Juanita
I felt very comfortable at our meetings. All questions were answered. I appreciate being able to ask questions and receive answers after the trust documents were completed.
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26 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr Ross is a true professional and a trusted adviser. He is able to take complex issues and explain them in very uderstandable terms.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Cynthia (rainey) dargitz
I hire the Julie Nommensen and her father David. My estate case went on for 3 years, the opposing party appealed (appeal stayed in me favor) They did everthing possible to make it so. They are precise, factual, knowledgeable on the law, attorneys come to them for answers.
They take on your issue as though is was their own. Open communication, knew everything as it was happening. Extremely helpful, supportive, kind, good souls
Best attorneys, I would rehire them.
I was very blessed they represented me.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie helped me update my Will and estate plan. She was caring and knowledgeable, and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand and appreciate. Her prices were also very reasonable. I recommend her to all of my friends.
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21 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I was so impressed with Jessica. She didn't push any additional services upon me. Her prices were more than reasonable. Her fees were also structured as a flat fee so I knew the cost up front. In fact, her fee was so in line that I felt a little guilty for all the work she performed for me. I will recommend her to anyone who will listen. She will be my go to attorney from now on.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Jessica spent ample time with us, answering all of our questions and ensuring that she was creating a plan that fit our unique circumstances and needs. She did a great job explaining the options for our plan as well as what the options meant. She also ensured that our plan was funded; no detail was left out. In addition to her professionalism, I really appreciated how personable and caring she was. I would highly recommend Jessica to everyone!
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11 Mar, 2010 by Karen
Attorney Fey was more than extremely helpful to me. After my husband's death, she handled the estate. The estate included various CD's, stocks, personal property, real estate and a very old Trust from the 1950's with husband as beneficiary and his now adult children as beneficiaries at his death. This meant she had to deal with numerous adult children from his first marriage, plus his present wife. Things went south between the parties and Emily had much work to do to keep all informed and satisfied with her progress. With the short delays experienced, due to the client's and children's bickering, and the fact that she had to have various CD's and stocks combined into the Estate Account to later be appropriately distributed, it is my opinion that she has a lot of knowledge and experience and is well thought of by the court.
Attorney Fey also helped me in necessary wordage to be put into the real estate contract when I put my house up for sale. Since I was going to be leaving the state, this wordage was so necessary, but would not have been thought of by realtor or myself. I am so thankful for all of her help. She is a true lady.
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19 Feb, 2010 by Eric
Emily handled the complexities of my father's probate perfectly, keeping in mind the special needs of our entire family. What really made a difference for me was her willingess to go above and beyond to accomadate things right. I highly recommend her as a attorney, you will not be dissapointed.
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10 Jul, 2013 by Joe
I needed someone to sue a municipality. He took on the city and we won. Didn't over charge me either.
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19 May, 2011 by Gene
His office and staff were low key and personable. His dog is also in the office. He was thorough and very good. He understood a real estate problem we couldn't get two other lawyers to figure out. He got it done in 1/5th of the time the other two took to let me know they couldn't help me further.
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08 Aug, 2017 by Tom
Calvin worked on my father's estate. He is friendly, knowledgable, helpful, and very easy to work with. He made a complicated procedure go smoothly and stress - free. After this very positive experience, my wife and I will be using him for our estate planning. What a wonderful man.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Ellen
I was very comfortable working with Attorney Calvin Dexter. He listened to and cared about all of my concerns. He answered my questions and discussed things in terms I could understand. He identified many legal issues I was unaware of and explained how to handle those issues to meet my goals. I'll contact Calvin if I need legal help again.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Local 9460
Eric was super helpful, gave me great advice and information on my father's estate and recovery issues. He was always fast to respond to my questions. I would highly recommend this firm to my family and friends.
Tracy O
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12 Sep, 2024 by Greg mueller
The Grosskopf & Burch Law Firm has helped my family out several times recently. If I could give them 10 stars, I would have.
We were able to get an appointment in a timely manner. The fees they charged did not break the bank. The advice and services they provided were spot on.
The office staff was awesome.
I really found the ability to do Zoom meetings was a time-saver.
I live out of town and the rest of my family is scattered around the state. Zoom made it possible to use a high-quality Law without having to drive hundreds of miles to see an attorney. Thank you!!!!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Sharen warden
Mr. Burch was very helpful, everyone over 60 should see an elder care lawyer, and Mr. Burch is a wise choice. Kind and helpful as is the staff. Thank you again Sharen Warden and family
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27 Sep, 2015 by Pete
Whitney really went the extra mile for us in our lawsuit against our former landlord. She even worked most of the weekend immediately prior to our hearing. We won our case - in large part due to Whitney's thoroughness and excellent preparations pertaining to our case. She is very personable, professional and approachable. She isn't one of those typical lawyers who take forever to respond to your questions. I highly recommend her!
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30 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very impressed with attorney Greenhalgh and his staff. It was clear he was well versed in this specialty. He and his staff were very organized with regard to preparation of the documents and the necessary follow up meetings. I was completely satisfied and will recommend him to anyone that needs estate planning.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Ted
Scott is very knowledgable and precise. He assisted me in administrating several trusts and always kept me informed. He is easy to communicate with and made me feel comfortable.
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13 Jun, 2015 by Loren
Mr. Carlson recently prepared Trusts and Wills for my wife and I. This something that we had put off for all too long for various reasons none of which were valid. Mr. Carlson and his staff made these tasks very understandable with their expertise in this field, help us make some decisions that need to be made. We were extremely impressed with the service that this law firm provided us and now will continue to have Attorney David J Carlson as our family lawyer.
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19 Feb, 2018 by Sandy
Mark has been my attorney for the past nine years. He has always been more than professional, kind and responsive to any and all of my Estate Planning needs and decisions. I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend him to anyone who may be in need of an Attorney who is knowledgeable in Elder Law.
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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:
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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.
