A Probate Attorney can be a valuable asset to anyone who has been appointed as executor of an estate. They can make the process much less stressful, especially if you’re trying to balance the grieving process with a full workload and responsibilities at work. However, not all Probate Lawyers are created equal and it’s important to find the best fit for your family. In this article, we’ll discuss the top questions you should ask any prospective lawyer to help determine if they’re the right choice for your needs.
Do you offer a flat fee or hourly rate?
It’s important to find out how the attorney charges for their services, as this can have a significant impact on the cost of your case. Many attorneys charge on an hourly basis and will bill in 15-minute increments, which means that every phone call or email you send could result in a costly legal bill to the estate. This can be a problem for small estates or those with limited assets.
You should also ask the attorney how long they expect the probate process to take and if there are any other cases on their docket that may delay matters. Probate is a complicated process and can be very time-consuming, even in states that follow the Uniform Probate Code (UPC). It’s important to hire an experienced probate attorney who understands how each judge and county handles the case.
If you want your attorney to handle all of the estate’s tasks, including identifying and gathering assets, filing tax returns, paying bills, and making final distributions to heirs, you should find out whether they’ll charge for each task or whether they offer a complete representation model. Some attorneys will charge a flat fee, which can be more economical for smaller estates.
Are you a licensed Florida attorney?
In order to become a Florida licensed attorney, you must pass the bar exam and fulfill other requirements. The law requires all lawyers to be licensed, which ensures that they have the knowledge and skills to practice in their field. The state board of law examiners oversees the licensing and discipline of all lawyers in Florida.
The Gedeon & Morales Law Group is an estate planning and probate law firm located in Hollywood. The firm guides first-time clients through the probate process and helps them identify key beneficiaries and assets for distribution. It also prepares advance health care directives, powers of attorney, and trusts. The firm’s founders are both immigrants and have more than 70 years of combined experience.
When a loved one passes away, it can be very challenging to balance grieving and handling the estate. If you have a complex estate, you may need the assistance of an experienced Broward County probate attorney to avoid the pitfalls and complications of a protracted probate battle. If you believe that a deceased person’s will doesn’t reflect their true wishes or that the personal representative is not carrying out their duties properly, it may be necessary to file probate litigation.