Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Wendell Belknap is described as an excellent, professional, and knowledgeable lawyer who provides exceptional service
“Wendell is an excellent choice for my uncontested divorce. From start to finish it was unde”
2
Wendell is praised for his caring and personable approach, as well as his effective communication with clients
“Wendell was very helpful in getting me through 2 complicated probates which had to run at the same time. He and his staff were very thoughtful and knowledgeable and accomplished all in a shorter time than we expected.”
3
Wendell is noted for his ability to guide clients through complex legal processes, such as probate and estate settlements, and making the experience as easy and stress-free as possible
“Fortunately Wendell Belknap became my attorney and got me through the estate closing process I could not have handled without his expertise.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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05 May, 2021 by Eric
Mr. Wendell Belknap has been handling legal documents such as Last Will and Testament for my wife and me for many years. When my wife passed away last year, I asked Wendell for help with settling an IRA account that my wife had forgotten to link to a beneficiary. He was immediately helpful, explaining the various options available. After we selected probate as most appropriate, he carefully explained all aspects of the process, guiding me through how to get the personal representative class, summarizing assets, and formal notification (listing in local papers) for creditors, which he took care of. He referred me to another attorney who specialized in estates to help with determining the value of the estate. Additionally, Wendell personally handled communications with the IRA administrators regarding the probated estate so that appropriate paperwork would be completed. Wendell was always available for my questions and was clearly concerned that the process should be as easy and painless as possible. While probate can take a long time, and this one did, I was never concerned with the process knowing that Wendell was watching it every step of the way. I would highly recommend Wendell as your first contact lawyer.
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07 Apr, 2021 by Kathy
Wendell is an excellent choice for my uncontested divorce. From start to finish it was under 2 weeks! He was not only kind and caring but also knowledgeable and thorough. His secretary is also caring and they make a great team. I highly recommend Wendell for your Attorney! If ever I am in need I will be calling on him again.
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24 Dec, 2020 by Sue and sam
Wendall handled our case with knowledge and experience. Wendall was great in communicating each step of the process. We had another attorney that ended up dropping the case that is when we retained Wendall and he got us a full settlement for a car accident.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Ed
40 years experience as an insurance claims representative did not prepare me for what I encountered as a first time personal representative for the estate of a close friend. Worse, I am not very computer literate or capable when it comes to modern technology. Fortunately Wendell Belknap became my attorney and got me through the estate closing process I could not have handled without his expertise. I have dealt with many attorneys during my claims career but Wendell is unique and rates at the top. He is seemingly always available, very personal. provided great guidance and counsel and got results in a very timely manner. I cannot say enough good things about him and his assistant Lori. They form a great team. They did a great job at a very reasonable cost with a minimal amount of stress for me.
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10 Apr, 2020 by Dennis
My dad hired him years ago for his will and was happy. I went to him for Power of Attorney,Personal Representative, and the Probate nightmare and will be going back to do my will soon. Very easy to work with and keeps you up to date. He helped me understand my Personal Representative responsibilities and the Probate process. Lori who is the in office Notary Public is great as well. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer in his area of practice.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chip prescott
Listens to concerns and easy to work with. Would recommend to friends or family
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17 Aug, 2024 by Helen bloemen
I found Wendell Belknap Knowledgeable, easy to talk to and completely comfortable. His work is extraordinary good in my opinion, and he is an honest man. Thank you Wendell.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Georgia bartel
Wendell was very professional, and helped us understand the whole process of wills, probate, etc. His sense of humor is great. We highly recommend him and his firm.
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03 May, 2017 by Jessica
I had hired Brian over a period of months. He was very responsive, answered any questions I had, and even explained legal jargon that I did not fully understand. He helped me get acquitted of all charges and even went above and beyond in helping me navigate the legal repercussions that presented on my background during the whole process. If you have to hire a lawyer, hire Brian. I would hire him again, but hopefully I won't need to!
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Sam helped me solve my problem with Clackamas County zoning. Thank you Sam!
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
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  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
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  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
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  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Oregon City, Oregon?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
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    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
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    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
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    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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