Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC

For the residents of Long Island City, New York, finding the right legal support for sensitive matters like estate planning and probate is crucial. Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC, situated at 30-10 41st Ave in Long Island City, operates within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, offering legal services to the local community. The available client reviews provide contrasting perspectives on their services, highlighting both positive experiences with estate planning and probate, as well as significant dissatisfaction regarding estate administration.

The physical environment of Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC, located on 41st Avenue in Long Island City, is likely to be a professional office space designed to accommodate client consultations and the handling of legal documents. While specific details about the office's ambiance are not available, it is reasonable to expect a setting that ensures privacy and facilitates efficient legal work. The location in Long Island City offers accessibility for local residents seeking legal assistance in their neighborhood. The office would likely be equipped with the necessary resources for managing legal cases, including communication systems and document processing capabilities.

Based on the positive client review, Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC appears to offer services in the realm of estate planning and probate:

• Estate Planning: This includes drafting essential legal documents such as wills and potentially trusts to ensure the proper distribution of assets according to an individual's wishes. The positive review mentions the firm assisting with drawing up wills for parents.
• Probate: This involves the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, which can include validating the will, identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. The positive review specifically praises the firm for explaining the probate process to a grieving family.
• Estate Administration: This is the broader process of managing an estate, which can sometimes be more complex and time-consuming, as indicated by the negative review.

The features of Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC, as gleaned from the client reviews, present a mixed picture:

• Positive Aspects (Based on one review):
  • Comprehensive Service: The firm handled both estate planning (drawing up wills) and estate administration (probate) for the same family.
  • Patient and Explanatory: They took their time to explain the probate process to a grieving family, ensuring understanding at each step.
  • Dedicated Staff: The paralegal, Taisha C., is specifically commended for being on top of affairs, keeping the client informed, and being easily reachable.
  • Friendly and Professional: The firm and its staff are described as friendly, amazing, and exemplifying professionalism.
• Negative Aspects (Based on another review):
  • Exploitation of Grieving Individuals: The firm is accused of taking advantage of grieving individuals.
  • Withholding of Documents: Allegations are made that the firm is withholding a will until thousands of dollars in fees for "avoidable mistakes" are paid.
  • Protracted Estate Settlement: The estate in question allegedly remained unsettled after four years.
  • Questionable Advice: The reviewer suggests that they could have handled the estate as a voluntary administrator themselves, implying that the firm's handling led to unnecessary complications and costs.
  • Lack of Accountability: The reviewer claims the firm did not own up to their mistakes and provided false information regarding whether pension funds counted towards probate.

The promotional information for Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC is mixed due to the starkly contrasting client experiences:

• Potential Positives (Based on one review): The firm can be recommended for their handling of estate planning and probate, particularly their patient approach with grieving families and the dedication of their staff. The positive testimonial could attract clients seeking compassionate and thorough assistance with these matters.
• Potential Negatives (Based on another review): The serious allegations of exploiting a grieving person, withholding a will for disputed fees, and prolonged estate settlement could deter potential clients. The firm's response to the negative review, denying false information and stating the pension amount tipped the decision to probate, indicates a disagreement on the handling of the case.

Given the conflicting client reviews, local users in Long Island City considering Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC for their legal needs should approach with caution and conduct thorough due diligence. The positive review highlights positive aspects of their estate planning and probate services, particularly their communication and support for grieving families. The commendation for the paralegal, Taisha C., suggests a capable support staff. However, the serious allegations in the negative review regarding estate administration, fees, and communication cannot be ignored.

The negative review raises significant concerns about the firm's practices in estate administration, including transparency regarding fees, the handling of estate assets, and the duration of the process. The accusation of withholding a will pending payment for alleged mistakes is particularly troubling. The firm's response, while denying false information, acknowledges a disagreement regarding the inclusion of pension funds in the probate decision, suggesting a potential point of contention in their legal advice or handling of the estate.

For local users in Long Island City seeking legal assistance with estate planning or probate, Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC is a local option to consider, but with a strong emphasis on careful evaluation. It would be prudent to seek additional reviews or references, if available, and to ask detailed questions about the firm's processes, fees, and communication practices during an initial consultation. Understanding the firm's approach to both estate planning and estate administration, as well as their fee structure and communication protocols, is essential before making a decision. The contrasting experiences of past clients underscore the importance of thorough research and due diligence when selecting legal representation.

In conclusion, Wheatley Pritchard & Associates PLLC in Long Island City offers legal services in estate planning and probate. While one client review praises their patient and comprehensive approach, particularly in explaining probate and their supportive staff, another review raises serious concerns about their estate administration practices, fees, and communication. Local users in the "Lawyers Near Me" category should carefully weigh these contrasting experiences and conduct thorough research before engaging their services.