Murphy Thomas J

Lawyers Near MeArizonaMaricopa CountyTempeRaintreeWest Elliot Road

51 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

3.0

My mom, when she had terminal cancer, used Mr Murphy to create a will and power of attorney for care of my father (who has dementia). He was very helpful, came to the hospital, quick and thorough. But when it came time to act upon her wishes, we found that nothing he created for her was legally binding; not her power of attorney, not her DNR, NOTHING. The financial planners said the will gave me no control over their account, so I called Mr Murphy, whose response (over voicemail) was “it’s in there, those bankers, they just lie. You tell them it says in the paperwork that it’s legally binding and we will take legal action if needed.” I called him back to ask where, specifically in the power of attorney, it was designated (so I could show the financial planners) and he never called me back. Called several more time, as well as emailed, never got a response. Now I’m stuck paying more legal fees to get a conservatorship over my father and to be able to manage his finances. He took advantage of a dying woman in a state of distress and time sensitivity, so disgraceful.

Tamara Cederbaum
  • Overview
  • (480) 838-4838
  • murphylawaz.com

Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Murphy Thomas J Introduce

This introduction addresses the legal practice of Murphy Thomas J, located at 51 W Elliot Rd in Tempe, AZ 85284, USA. For local users searching for "Lawyers Near Me," understanding the experiences of past clients can be crucial in making an informed decision about legal representation. The available reviews for Murphy Thomas J present a mixed picture, with one detailing significant issues with estate planning documents and a lack of follow-up, while another offers a positive assessment of his handling of estate matters.

Given the conflicting nature of this feedback, this overview aims to present an objective summary of the information available, highlighting both the positive and negative experiences reported by clients. Local users considering Murphy Thomas J for their legal needs should carefully weigh these perspectives and conduct further due diligence to determine if this practice aligns with their specific requirements.

Environment: The office of Murphy Thomas J is located at 51 W Elliot Rd in Tempe, Arizona. This address suggests a commercial office space, potentially within a smaller building or a complex. One review mentions Mr. Murphy coming to the hospital, indicating a willingness to provide services outside of the traditional office setting when necessary, particularly in situations involving clients with mobility issues or health constraints. However, there is no specific description of the office environment itself in the provided reviews.

Services (Based on Reviews): The reviews provide insights into specific areas of law handled by Murphy Thomas J:

  • Estate Planning: One client engaged Mr. Murphy to create a will and power of attorney for healthcare and financial matters for her mother who had terminal cancer, as well as a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. This indicates that Mr. Murphy offers estate planning services, including drafting wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
  • Probate and Estate Administration: Another reviewer stated that Mr. Murphy helped their family with both of their parents' estates, suggesting experience in probate proceedings and the administration of estates after a person's passing.
  • Conservatorship: The negative review mentions the need to incur additional legal fees to obtain a conservatorship over the client's father due to alleged issues with the documents prepared by Mr. Murphy. This implies that conservatorship cases, which involve managing the affairs of individuals deemed incapable of doing so themselves, may fall within his area of practice, although the context here is problematic.

It is important to note that these are the specific services mentioned in the reviews. The full scope of Murphy Thomas J's legal practice may include other areas of law. Local users with legal needs beyond estate planning, probate, and conservatorship should inquire directly with the office to determine if their specific requirements can be met.

Features (Based on Reviews - Mixed): The client reviews present contrasting features of Mr. Murphy's practice:

  • Positive Aspects (from one review): The positive review describes Mr. Murphy as "very helpful," "knowledgeable," and "credible" in assisting with estate matters. The reviewer found him to be "honest."
  • Negative Aspects (from the other review): This review details serious issues, alleging that the legal documents created (power of attorney, DNR, and will) were not legally binding or did not provide the intended control. The client also reports a lack of follow-up and unanswered calls and emails when seeking clarification on these critical issues. The reviewer expresses the opinion that Mr. Murphy "took advantage of a dying woman in a state of distress and time sensitivity," which is a grave accusation.
  • Responsiveness and Thoroughness (Initial Stages): In the negative review, the client initially found Mr. Murphy to be "very helpful," "came to the hospital," and was "quick and thorough" during the document creation phase. This suggests that the initial interactions might be perceived positively.
  • Lack of Follow-Through: A significant concern raised is the alleged lack of response to the client's inquiries after the legal documents proved ineffective. This breakdown in communication is a serious issue for clients needing support and clarification.

The stark contrast between these two reviews highlights the importance for potential clients to conduct thorough research and potentially seek references before engaging Mr. Murphy's services.

Promotional Information (Implied and Negative): The positive review serves as a form of implicit promotion, suggesting that some clients have found Mr. Murphy to be knowledgeable and helpful in estate matters. However, the detailed negative review acts as a significant cautionary note, effectively negating any positive promotion. The allegations of ineffective legal documents and a lack of follow-up are serious concerns that would likely deter potential clients.

Objective Assessment and Cautionary Note: The available online reviews for Murphy Thomas J present a deeply divided perspective. One client found him to be a "good honest lawyer" who was knowledgeable and credible in handling estate matters. However, another client recounts a distressing experience where critical estate planning documents allegedly proved to be legally binding, leading to further legal complications and expenses, along with accusations of taking advantage of a vulnerable individual. This significant discrepancy necessitates extreme caution for local users considering Mr. Murphy's services.

Local users searching for estate planning or probate lawyers on the "Lawyers Near Me" platform should:

  • Carefully consider both the positive and negative feedback: Recognize that experiences can vary, but serious allegations should not be dismissed.
  • Conduct thorough due diligence: Seek additional reviews from other sources, check Mr. Murphy's standing with the Arizona State Bar, and consider requesting references from past clients.
  • Ask detailed questions during initial consultations: Inquire specifically about the process of drafting and ensuring the legal validity of estate planning documents, as well as the firm's communication and follow-up procedures.
  • Seek a second opinion if necessary: If you have any doubts or concerns after an initial consultation, consider speaking with another estate planning attorney to get a different perspective.
  • Prioritize clear communication and documented agreements: Ensure that all legal documents and the scope of representation are clearly defined and documented.

The serious allegations raised in one of the reviews, particularly concerning the validity of legal documents and the lack of follow-through, warrant a high degree of caution. While the other review offers a positive experience, the potential risks highlighted in the negative feedback should not be taken lightly. Local users must prioritize their peace of mind and financial security by thoroughly vetting any legal professional they consider hiring.

In conclusion, the legal practice of Murphy Thomas J in Tempe, Arizona, has received mixed online reviews. While one client found him to be helpful and knowledgeable in estate matters, another reported significant issues with the legal documents prepared and a lack of follow-up, raising serious concerns about the quality of service and ethical conduct. Local users considering Murphy Thomas J for their legal needs should proceed with caution, conduct thorough independent research, and carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits based on the available feedback.

Murphy Thomas J Location

Murphy Thomas J

51 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

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Reviews

My mom, when she had terminal cancer, used Mr Murphy to create a will and power of attorney for care of my father (who has dementia). He was very helpful, came to the hospital, quick and thorough. But when it came time to act upon her wishes, we found that nothing he created for her was legally binding; not her power of attorney, not her DNR, NOTHING. The financial planners said the will gave me no control over their account, so I called Mr Murphy, whose response (over voicemail) was “it’s in there, those bankers, they just lie. You tell them it says in the paperwork that it’s legally binding and we will take legal action if needed.” I called him back to ask where, specifically in the power of attorney, it was designated (so I could show the financial planners) and he never called me back. Called several more time, as well as emailed, never got a response. Now I’m stuck paying more legal fees to get a conservatorship over my father and to be able to manage his finances. He took advantage of a dying woman in a state of distress and time sensitivity, so disgraceful.

Sep 20, 2023 · Tamara Cederbaum

Tom Murphy is a good honest lawyer. He helped my family with both my parents Estates. I found him to be very knowledgeable and credible.

Jul 18, 2019 · Rox Wood

Very helpful.

Mar 18, 2021 · Cindy Morrall

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