Reviews

It's daunting to choose a trust and estate attorney and begin these complicated plans. We chose Stefanie West after checking out friends' recommendations, reading reviews, and looking at professional sites. We could not be happier. Stefanie is not only professional, direct and knowledgeable, she is a delight to work with and an excellent communicator. We now have all the pieces of the estate plan we have procrastinated about for years. Thanks, Stefanie!

Since it's said that patience is a virtue, I must proclaim Stefanie virtuous! She's accessible, responsive and patient (and she likes dogs). She was recommended to me by another lawyer. I called her after my husband died as had the lawyer who wrote our Trust and its amendments. Stefanie wrote to-do lists for me and made my life easier. She even went above and beyond the call of duty caused by a typo in the last amendment. One cannot ask for more than the cheerful and excellent service she gives!

For years I'd encouraged my LA-based sister to sort out her health care directive, will etc. She kept putting it off as something that's too hard and "not needed for a while anyway". I live outside the US and am concerned that I won't be immediately available to help my sis when most needed. Finally, she recently contacted Stefanie and now all the paperwork's been done in amazingly short order! Stefanie was happy to meet with us via Zoom. She patiently explained each document in plain English, ensuring that we understood every key point. Stefanie had a very clear, simple answer for every question. Although the documents are standard, she adapted them to meet my sister's particular needs and took into account all her concerns. Stefanie clearly has a lot of knowledge and experience with estate planning, and a sharp eye for the important detail. At the same time, she offers an understanding, sympathetic ear to ensure that your personal needs are met. We really appreciated Stefanie's calm 'presence'. She made us feel like we were being looked after by someone who really cares. What also stood out for us is her follow-up. Stefanie guides you through very specific, clear, step-by-step directions about what needs to be done. She then checks later to see how things have worked out. My sister and I both now feel confident that her papers are in order. It's a huge relief for us both, living so far away from each other, knowing that we've now significantly reduced the chance of difficulties in future.

Stefanie helped me make heads AND tails of my will and health care directives that were twenty-five years out of date. Believe me, she knows her stuff, and equally important is an absolute pleasure to work with. Your needs always come first, your questions answered, and she has the gift of explaining your options in layman's terms, translating the "legalese" in a practical and concise way... couldn't recommend her higher. Do yourself a favor and contact Ms. West for your estate needs... you WON'T be disappointed!

Stefanie West is a very easy person to work with. She set up a living trust for me and did a wonderful job. It was complete and precise. She has lots of knowledge and compassion for her customers. She was very helpful during time that I was suffering from lung cancer and came to my residence to assist me with writing the trust. She was very patient with me and spent time answering my questions. She explained legal concepts so I could understand. I trust Stefanie and highly recommend her.

Stefanie is truly the best Estate Planner around! She communicates clearly, documents everything, and helps to determine the next steps in an understandable way for her clients, all while delivering with a smile and amazing energy throughout. She was tremendous when we first met in 2015 in helping to handle everything with my Great Aunt. I went back to her for my personal Estate Planning/Living Trust and it was so easy to work with her for both the initial setup and changes afterward. I recommend her to any friends/colleagues who need an Estate Planning lawyer. Professional, responsive, and trustworthy.

Stefanie prepared our living trust. She is thorough, insightful and proactive. She assumed nothing and created a personal document for my husband and I that represented our individual wishes. She is a true professional.

Stefanie is absolutely the best. So personable and kind, such a gem at heart. Two years ago, she made my living trust set up process extremely easy and walked me through everything that needed to be done. I am so glad to have found her and chosen to work with her. Now, she is again showing what a generous soul she is by providing easy answers to a power of attorney question I had for my offspring who is headed to college. Thank you so much for everything, Stefanie. (Imagine puffy hear emoji here.)

Stefanie West is a highly competent estate planning attorney and is also an outstanding teacher. She excels in taking an abstract or scary topic and teaching you the main points with engaging and illustrative examples that you can relate to in real life situations. For example, did you know you may need to have a “Pet Directive”, aka a plan for taking care of the beloved pet(s) in your life should something happen to you? Our online education learning company, OnCareerSuccess.com, teaches individuals the essential knowledge on job search, professional development, career management and financial knowledge to help early career and mid-career individuals start, maintain and grow their careers for financial security. We believe financial knowledge, as a holistic pillar of a person’s career successes, is important to learn because it helps an individual to ask the right questions so as to make informed decisions, and to formulate plans that fit your individual situation to realize the hopes and dreams you have for yourself and your loved ones. The webinars Stefanie taught on the subjects of “Wills and Trusts – What You Should Know To Protect Yourself” and “5 Things About Estate Planning Parents Should Share With Kids” have been very well received. Many attendees were surprised to learn that an “estate” is everything you own and that estate planning is not just for the rich. We look forward to having more webinars taught by Stefanie West!!

Had a grate experience with Rita Holder Law!

We met Stefanie West through our accountant when we were looking for an attorney to guide us through the estate process following the death of our father. She helped us with all aspects of the process and communicated everything in great detail over the phone. She is very knowledgable in the area and would highly recommend her. We wish we could have used her for our estate planning but we're out of state.

I believe my mom became acquainted with Stefanie through a group for seniors in Lafayette. Stefanie did my parent's trust and then revised it several years later. Then when my parents died within a week of each other in 2015, Stefanie walked me through each step of handling their trust and closing their estate. Stefanie was a pleasure to work with. She was very professional. She was quick to response to calls and emails. A number of years ago, I needed a disability attorney and she recommended a wonderful attorney; one we are still working with. I highly recommend Stefanie!