The Hinson Law Firm, P.A.

For many Floridians, dealing with legal matters surrounding the passing of a loved one, especially involving wills, trusts, or estates, can be an emotionally taxing and legally complex process. When questions arise about an inheritance, a will's validity, or the administration of an estate, having experienced legal guidance is crucial. In Jacksonville, residents and those throughout Florida may encounter situations requiring specialized legal assistance in probate and estate litigation. This article provides an overview of The Hinson Law Firm, P.A., a local firm located in downtown Jacksonville, which focuses on these sensitive areas of law.

The process of probate – the legal procedure for proving a will and distributing assets – can be intricate, and even more so when disputes arise. Estate litigation, including will contests or claims of breach of fiduciary duty by executors, demands a deep understanding of Florida's specific probate and trust laws. The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. positions itself to assist with these challenging situations, aiming to help clients navigate what can often be a highly emotional period. Matthew H. Hinson serves as the managing partner, and Kathryn E. Stanfill is also listed as an associate attorney.

When choosing legal representation, particularly for such sensitive matters, locals in Florida need clear, factual information about a firm's services, location, and crucially, their approach to client communication and service. This article will present publicly available data about The Hinson Law Firm, P.A., allowing potential clients to consider this information as part of their comprehensive decision-making process for their legal needs in Jacksonville.

The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. is centrally located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, providing a convenient and accessible office for clients throughout the city and surrounding areas. Their office can be found at 300 W Adams St #500, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA. This address places the firm in a well-known and professional part of Jacksonville's central business and legal district.

The downtown Jacksonville location offers several advantages for accessibility. For those relying on public transportation, the area is typically well-served by local transit options, making it feasible to reach the office without a personal vehicle. For clients who prefer to drive, various parking garages and lots are usually available in the vicinity, though it's always advisable to plan your parking arrangements in advance, as is customary in urban centers. The walkability of the downtown area also provides a convenient option for clients who are nearby or prefer to walk to their appointments.

Being situated in a professional building on West Adams Street underscores the firm's presence in the local legal community, aiming to provide a straightforward point of contact for individuals seeking specialized legal assistance in probate and estate matters.

The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. specializes in areas of law critical to individuals and families navigating the complexities of post-mortem legal issues, particularly where disputes may arise. Their core services revolve around probate, guardianship, and estate litigation. Specific services include:

• Probate: Assisting personal representatives and beneficiaries through the Florida probate process, including the validation of wills, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritances. They also specifically assist with probate needs related to wrongful death or personal injury matters.
• Estate Litigation & Will Contests: Representing clients in disputes that arise during the probate process or challenging the validity of a will. This can involve claims of:
  • Lack of testamentary capacity (the deceased person was not of sound mind when making the will).
  • Undue influence (someone improperly pressured the deceased person).
  • Improper execution of the will.
  • Breach of fiduciary duty by executors or trustees.
  • Disputes among beneficiaries or heirs.
• Guardianship: Providing legal assistance for guardianship proceedings, particularly for minors or incapacitated adults, especially when these matters intersect with personal injury or wrongful death settlements.
• Minor Settlements: Assisting with the legal complexities involved in settling cases for minors, ensuring court approval and proper establishment of trusts or guardianship for their funds, especially in personal injury or wrongful death scenarios.
• Estate Planning: While their primary litigation focus is on contested estates, their expertise in estate matters suggests a foundational understanding of estate planning, including wills and trusts, though their site highlights litigation more heavily.

When considering The Hinson Law Firm, P.A., potential clients should be aware of the following features and also take into account the direct feedback from past clients.

• Specialization in Estate and Probate Litigation: The firm’s primary focus on estate litigation, will contests, probate, and related guardianship/minor settlement matters highlights their specialized knowledge in these often sensitive and complex legal areas. Matthew H. Hinson, the managing partner, is specifically noted for his work in these fields.
• Experience with Intersecting Legal Areas: They explicitly assist with probate, guardianship, and minor settlements related to wrongful death or personal injury matters, demonstrating an understanding of how these different areas of law can converge.
• Local Jacksonville Presence: Being located at 300 W Adams St #500 in downtown Jacksonville offers a local point of contact for residents in need of these specialized legal services.

However, it is crucial to present the provided customer reviews as direct feedback regarding the firm's service and client communication:

• "Hinson Law Firm handled the probate case after my father in law passed away. I would NEVER recommend them to anyone in this situation! They do not answer phone calls or emails. They give inaccurate information and in the rare event they do follow up with you they do not provide the information you requested. Every single time they mailed paperwork for us to sign they would send my husband's copy to his brother and vice versa so we had to switch paperwork before we could sign. Our main contact was Amber Spearman, Administrative Assistant and she NEVER answered the phone and only answered emails after multiple attempts and usually when the information was no longer relevant. If I could give 0 stars, I would!"
• "My attorney recommended me to have this law firm to handle my twins trust. I have called several times trying to reach someone even left message no return phone call. The phone rang constantly and when I spoke to someone I think it's a 3rd party answering service and ask to speak to someone in the office I get transferred to Kathy voicemail and left messages no return callback. My next option will be for me and my children to go to the firm if I do not receive a return call. I highly recommend you to not go to his firm."

These reviews indicate significant concerns regarding responsiveness, communication, accuracy of information, and overall client service, which are critical factors in legal representation, especially in emotionally charged probate cases.

Like many professional legal service providers, particularly those specializing in litigation and complex areas such as probate and estate law, The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. typically does not publicly advertise traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. The value in legal services is derived from the firm's expertise, legal strategy, and the successful resolution of complex cases.

However, standard practices within the legal profession that potential clients can often expect include:

• Initial Consultations: Many law firms offer an initial consultation to discuss a prospective client's specific legal matter. This allows the firm to assess the case and the potential client to understand the firm's approach. It is advisable to inquire whether this consultation is complimentary or involves a fee when contacting the office.
• Transparent Fee Discussions: During the initial engagement process, a reputable firm will discuss their fee structure clearly and openly. This ensures that clients understand the costs associated with their legal representation, whether based on hourly rates, flat fees for specific tasks, or other arrangements, before proceeding.

Given the significant concerns raised in the provided customer reviews regarding communication, it is particularly important for potential clients to clarify all aspects of client interaction, case management expectations, and fee structures during any initial discussions with The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. It is always recommended to contact them directly for the most current information regarding their services and any potential for initial discussions.

To get in touch with The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. to inquire about their services in probate, estate litigation, or related matters, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 300 W Adams St #500, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
• Phone: (904) 527-1700
• Mobile Phone: +1 904-527-1700

Direct communication is the most effective way to inquire about their services and discuss your specific legal needs. Given the importance of communication in legal matters, it is crucial to establish clear lines of contact and expectations from the outset.

For Floridians, particularly those in the Jacksonville area, who are navigating the often sensitive and complex legal landscape of probate, estate litigation, will contests, or guardianship, The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. is geographically suitable due to its central downtown Jacksonville location. Their stated specialization in these areas of law indicates a focus on providing support for specific, challenging legal situations that many individuals and families in the community may face after the passing of a loved one or when dealing with trust matters.

However, it is paramount for prospective local clients to consider all available information when evaluating this firm. While their practice areas align with critical needs, the provided customer reviews raise substantial concerns regarding client communication, responsiveness, and service delivery. Issues such as unreturned phone calls and emails, inaccurate information, and difficulty obtaining necessary updates or documents are serious impediments to a trusting and effective attorney-client relationship, particularly in emotionally charged probate cases.

The suitability of any legal service for locals hinges not only on their stated expertise and convenient location but, crucially, on their ability to provide responsive, accurate, and supportive communication throughout the legal process. Therefore, while The Hinson Law Firm, P.A. is present in the Jacksonville community, individuals seeking legal counsel for probate, estate, or trust matters are strongly advised to perform extensive due diligence, seek clear and documented commitments regarding communication standards, and carefully weigh the firsthand experiences of previous clients before making a decision on representation. Choosing a lawyer is a profoundly important step, and ensuring that the firm aligns with expectations for professionalism and responsiveness is vital for a positive outcome.