Overcomplicated and Excessively Expensive Estate Documents…read moreWe hired Alan Dickerson to prepare a straightforward will and trust for my husband and me. Our needs were simple, but Mr. Dickerson produced an almost 100‑page trust and a 36‑page will filled with dense legalese, irrelevant clauses, and redundant provisions. The result felt like "word salad" and created documents that would be difficult for any executor to follow or administer. We were charged thousands of dollars, which we believe was excessive given the simplicity of our estate. We provided Mr. Dickerson with a Maryland will and trust that were drafted to our preference for simplicity and asked him only to revise them to be compatible with North Carolina. The Maryland attorney's documents were readable, about one‑tenth the length, and cost roughly one‑tenth of what Mr. Dickerson charged. Pros: If you put your trust in Alan he will push you through the process. Documents are thorough (if you need a highly complex plan) Cons: Unnecessarily lengthy and complicated documents for a simple estate Excessive fees Many provisions did not apply to our situation and added confusion Did not simply adapt our Maryland documents as requested

I needed to simply make a few updates to my estate documents, which were done eight years ago in…read moreNC. I hired Mark Costly, who produced all new documents, but he would not let me read them. Instead, at my review before signing, he speed-read parts of them to me so fast that I couldn't tell what they were referring to or what they meant, although I was able to spot some important errors. When I asked for a copy to study, I was told that they do not provide copies to clients until they are finalized and signed. Why? Because "clients would have questions that would take too much time of his time to answer"! I lost my deposit, which was half his fee and nearly as much as I paid for the original documents.

Unresponsive to error in trust even though office staff stated attorney would return the call more…read morethan once

Navigating a high-conflict divorce is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go…read morethrough, and I was no exception. I walked into Attorney Averett's office terrified of my ex, having endured years of erratic behavior, substance abuse, betrayals, and emotional abuse. From the very beginning, Melissa Averett's expertise came front and center, and I never lost confidence in her ability to see me through my legal matter. Melissa and her paralegal, Marissa, not only helped me put the pieces back together for myself and my children, but they also empowered me throughout the process. They provided the guidance, support, and knowledge I needed to move forward and build a new life on the other side. I learned so much during this journey, and I am stronger today because I chose Averett Family Law. I cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone facing a similar situation.

Thanks to Becton Law Firm! Attorney Becton and the team handled my client's closing with precision,…read morefrom start to finish. Their follow up was impeccable. I appreciate them so much!! Carol Small: Realtor + Mobile Notary Public (919)923-2637 sold@callcarolsmall.com

So far not so good. You call him and get sent into voicemail...very 1995. They called me often when…read morethey were trying to get me to sign the paperwork to sell my land. Once I got it signed and emailed to them and then snail mailed to them... I called to see if they received the snail mail a week later.... I haven't heard a word....so now they have the documents signed and haven't released funds and have left me not knowing that they have received the paperwork or cleared title.... so obviously I'm getting nervous. I'm guessing it's OK, but they have totally left me in the dark.

Cheri, Ethan, and Wills were amazing to work with. They supported me and my family through a very…read moredifficult time with my DVPO and made sure I never felt alone. They were responsive, compassionate, and truly cared about my situation. I'm so grateful for all of their hard work and for making me feel like I could count on them every step of the way. I highly recommend them to anyone needing support and guidance during a tough time.

Had a 6-year case divorce case. The estate was worth about 9 million and ex was proven to have…read morecheated with a working prostitute. Mrs Patrick dismissed my case intending to refile and did it WRONG. The opposing attorney told her TWICE that she was doing it the wrong way. As a result my entire case was dismissed. I had to allow her to fix her mistake . The NC bar has already agreed she did indeed mess up. She lost the appeal and Rule of 60 (do-over) cases. As a result...I got nothing- no child support, alimony OR retirement. She has the least amt of liability insurance an attorney can get (100k) and NOTHING is in her name. I paid her over 50K- she had to do an appeal and rule of 60 for free. She now has several attorneys representing her, and their attorney fees are paid by liability insurance. She refused to settle or discuss a settlement. I never felt she had my back, intentionally put things off, and was a terrible advisor. We never had a meeting before mediation, she was never prepared, and always seemed lost when appearing in court, and was dominated by the opposing attorney. I do not recommend using her !

I have had the opposite experience from Chris K. I am selling my house and got an email with no…read morewarning asking for a ton of personal information and making what seem to me as veiled threats. "Failure to provide all necessary information within five (5) days of the date of this email will delay closing, may affect your proceeds". I assume they are a legitimate layers office, but that sounds very much like what a scammer would send. When I replied to their email saying I did not know who they were, and that I did not feel comfortable sending the information over unsecured email, the person who responded said "I clearly stated who I was in my email below, please take the time to thoroughly read it over." Lockamy Law Firm is making me strongly consider pulling out of the deal until the buyer gets a lawyer with a little more professionalism and courtesy.

I heard about Darin Meece from two local friends who had recently bought or sold homes - both had…read moregreat experiences with him, so I took their advice and contacted him. He was quick to respond and provide all of the information I was looking for. He ultimately worked with the seller and I to draft the contract, and then handled all the paperwork for the closing on both ends. His staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and contacted me throughout to give me all the information needed and keep us on track for closing. Ryan Lockamy handled the closing itself, and was friendly, very patient, and explained each and every form I signed so I understood everything clearly. Even so, and despite a lender mistake, I was in and out within an hour - an easy process and not taxing at all. Would highly recommend working with these guys to anyone looking for real estate attorneys!

Deserves a zero. Complete fail when my daughters tried to close on the first home. Lawyer was…read morecompletely unprepared. Paperwork wasn't ready, waited until the last minute even though they had almost 2 months to get everything together. Costing my daughters lost work time, delaying their move and costing the money on a place they can't move into. Requested a discount for their ineptitude and they refused. Stay away from this firm.

I don't normally do reviews, however, I happen to see this one star review, and was completely…read moreshocked. I have had dozens of real estate closings and other transactions with Tom Holt, and his amazing team, including Jennifer, Tonia and Melina, and have always been 110% happy. I use them because my clients are always happy and well-serviced. bagwell, Holt, Smith is one of the most preferred law firms around, and I highly recommend.

Great resource and very professional. Attorney was very helpful and kind. Will be a returning…read morecustomer.

Several years ago, a lawsuit was filed against me based on a perceived problem with a property I…read moresold. Mr Messick handled the case in an exceptional manner and the suit was quickly dismissed. I would highly recommend Gunn & Messick for any real estate issue and appreciate their professional assistance.

They did good in my case. Answer my calls right away. Really honest from the beginning in what to…read moreexpect about my situation. Thank you Noel McDevitt.

I've rarely had to use a lawyer until a bit back but if I had to rate a legal service, well 5…read morestars. First and foremost, it's not one of those companies that market hard to get your business. I found these guys by word of mouth. The place seems to be run by mostly family. The lady at the front desk is beyond kind, friendly, and helpful. People have to retain legal services and the people in this place take the edge off the stress you have. They don't nickle and dime you. They charge you a fair price and that's that. They also take genuine interest in your case. I like this place mostly because it seems to be the first firm I've visited that doesn't look like a "luxury apartment complex." It's decorated classy and traditionally. Makes me feel like I'm being charged for their services and not for their furnishings. They are also really good. Beyond professional and smart. They stay on top of everything. With my paper work I have copies of everything. They answer emails timely and spend a decent amount of time with you. Mostly mid to older lawyers with a lot of professional experiences in multiple fields.