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17 Apr, 2018 by Bill
I first consulted Scott Hartley in October 2010. My wife and I wanted to review and revise our Wills, and also a Family Trust that we had established many years previously. Also, we needed to do a Durable Power of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directive. It was apparent immediately that Scott Hartley had broad expertise in all these areas. He listened carefully to what we said, and asked critical questions in order to understand our wishes and needs. He did a first rate job in setting up all the documents for us and taking us through them so that we understood what they meant. We have recently needed to meet with Scott again to re-visit the documents drawn up in 2010, and seek his advice regarding some changes that we had in mind. Again, the whole experience has been very positive. He listened, and asked the right questions to make sure he understood what our concerns were. then, he told us in clear language what the options were, and the consequences of each option from a legal standpoint.
Scott is thoughtful, and clearly an expert in his profession. I have a great deal of confidence in him, and I am delighted that he is our lawyer.
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14 Apr, 2018 by Melanie grossman, phd, lcsw
Choosing an estate planning lawyer is tricky if you plan to live a long time! After two other lawyers retired, we decided to use one that was younger, and have been very pleased with Scott Hartley in every way. He listens carefully to us and advises us to take the right actions to meet our goals. He is thorough and meticulous, while also taking the time to understand us as people. It has been a pleasure (and a relief) to work with him in making plans for our future and for our children and grandchildren.
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06 Apr, 2018 by Shawn
Scott, helped me with the incorporation of my small business and then has continued to help me with contracts and legal advice over the past three years. This was my first sole proprietor business so Scott's experience gave me confidence. His quick turn-around and quick sense of humor make him a pleasure to work with.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Joshua sim
I was referred to Shin Law Group and Jonathan through a family member that was actually sued by his group due to a car accident (they got 25k for a SCRATCH against my family member) and boy am I happy to say, that things were as smooth as they come using their firm. From personal experience handling a car accident ESPECIALLY against a driver who has no insurance or minimum insurance, I can't recommend getting a lawyer enough. And what a team Shin Law Group has. From quick referrals to chiropractors and other forms of pain management, quick responses by phone and a clear explanation of how things go down after an accident with insurance, look no further than Shin Law Group. I will be definitely coming back in the future if I am in need of a lawyer in a field that they specialize in.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Joseph
Jonathan and Kim have been handling my case since my initial injury, and their expertise and dedication were key to securing a higher than expected final payout. Their strategy throughout the process was excellent, and they stand out as some of the best in the industry, not just for their results but also for their professionalism and integrity. The best thing you can do to help your case is to follow their instructions exactly and give them as much time as they need.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Rich pak
I was rear ended back in October 23 and immediately searched for an attorney from a car enthusiast group and was recommended Jonathan from several people. This is the first time I had been in an accident but I already knew I didn't want to deal with insurance or the other party. Jonathan gave me a call the next day and explained the complete process. He was able to secure a great settlement but the best part was his office was always available for questions when I had them. I highly recommend Jonathan and his team whenever you get into an auto accident!
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14 Jan, 2020 by Randy
Darin was hired by us to fight a biased lawsuit.
Each time we called or emailed him he responded right away. He kept us up to date on all the actions of the case. He has a cleaver and analytical way of seeing the law. Also he was extremely generous with his time in helping to stop the suffering of animals which was at the core of our case.
If we were to ever need an attorney in the state of California again we would hire him again without any hesitation.
We wish more attorneys had his expertise, common sense , notion of fair play and intelligence!
Randy Kassal
VP, National Humane Society
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24 Oct, 2017 by Lynda
Darin is an excellent attorney. Darin always took the time to clearly explain the legal process so I knew what was happening and what my options were. Darin was extremely patient, responsive, and always answered my concerns and questions in a timely manner. I always felt like Darin was one step ahead of me, Darin will provide you with the best preparation & deliverance of your case possible. I am not sure how I would have made it through this last year without Darin's support and help.
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12 Aug, 2016 by Mary
Darin was always prepared and respectful of me. He was very easy to communicate with and was available to talk .
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03 Nov, 2018 by Stacy
Ms. Writer took care of business contract documents for me. She was highly professional and extremely quick in her work. When a small hiccup developed with the other party’s attorney, she was quick to resolve it. I plan on having her do more work for us on our family trust. I highly recommend her!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Greg
Courtney handled my uncle's estate to the utmost timely manner. She was very therow and understanding of my family's needs in the matter. Explained the laws of California, since I do not live in the state of California. Keeping us updated with current and future needs and results from the courts. Thank you, Courtney, for a great job.
Greg
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04 Oct, 2018 by Anthony and rudy
Ms. Writer was very thorough, she first sent us a detailed questionnaire to fill out so that she could prepare our trust and wills. My wife and I don't have very much but it was important for us to have what we do have protected from probate for our four children. We had the questionnaire for a few weeks and Ms. Writer called to follow up with us to see if we needed any help with it. She answered all of our questions and was pleasant and patient. Once we got the questionnaire back to her office, she sent us a draft to review, there were only a few changes that we wanted to make but as soon as we sent them back to her within a day or two, we received a call from her office that it was ready. Unfortunately, we were not able to come into the office to have the documents signed, my wife had to have emergency surgery and so instead of us signing the documents in the office, we signed in the hospital right before her surgery. Her office set us up with a mobile notary that came and took care of us. That was a huge relief for us. I most definitely would recommend Ms. Writer to anyone without a doubt.
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05 Jan, 2023 by Karen
Unfortunately, it was determined that I wasn't geographically close enough to feasibly have my case represented by Ms. Zitano; however, the level of personal attention she showed to me, listening to my entire case with sincere patience and empathy, complete with professional insight and guidance was top notch and so appreciated. I honestly wish I was closer in proximity to have been able to have to Ms Zitano represent me, without any doubt.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Patricia
Elisa worked with David Smith on my case; she was always more than helpful; kept me well informed, and was diligent, detailed and clear in her communications. Elisa was extremely friendly;answered any question I had and was a huge help in settling my case. I received a very nice settlement and really enjoyed working with her.
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12 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
The Smith and Zitano team were a Godsend. We had a tragic medical issue occur to our family. I had contacted numerous lawyers who basically had stated, our case would not have been economically feasible for them. However, from my first interaction with David and Elisa, I knew that they were not only experts in the field, but compassionate individuals. They had spent hours with my family and were the utmost prepared. It was such a relief to know we had them on our side. Even the other lawyers had mentioned how prepared and knowledgeable they were. In the end, we reached a decision that we were completely satisfied with. They treated us with great respect and helped us manage through these terrible times. I would recommend them 110%. They are the utmost professionals and I will be indebted to them forever.
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I have worked with Derryl Molina with numerous clients. All of them are very happy with her knowledge, patience, compassion and responsiveness. I have always found her to really care for her clients and will go the extra mile to make sure they are taken care of.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Diane
Derryl is one of the most efficient and trustworthy lawyers out there. She asks great questions, is organized, is well-versed in her field, priced very reasonably, is thorough, is friendly and compassionate. If there is anything that Derryl was not sure of, she always researched it thoroughly instead of doing what other lawyers tended to do; "make up" the answer. I have worked with many lawyers over the years for various reasons and I have to say, honestly, she is one of the best! She handled my prenuptial agreement, my living trust, my health care directive, my power of attorney, my will etc. and I highly recommend her to people who need these type of services. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Derryl and I am grateful for her services and expertise.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Derryl Molina did a terrific job preparing a living trust for our family. She explained complicated concepts and answered our questions thoroughly in terms we could understand. Derryl is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about her clients. She is very dedicated to doing the best for her clients and is willing to go the extra mile for them. Our Family highly recommends Derrly Molina to anyone seeking help with wills and trusts.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Violet
Victoria was very thorough going through my trust and explaining it, out loud, what’s in the trust and I heard something I wasn’t aware of and didn’t want. She made the adjustments to my satisfaction and I am very please. She also put my binder back in order. Thank you Victoria!
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24 Jun, 2020 by Doris
Victoria took us through the settlement of my parents trusts very efficiently and made the entire process, which could have been stressful, smooth and easy to understand. She also very efficiently reviewed our trust and made sure we were up to date. I highly recommend her.
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23 Jun, 2020 by Cathryn
I needed a new attorney to handle my estate planning. Although not ultra complex, I needed someone who could handle multiple trusts, carry out specific objectives, udate provisions, and correct some issues created by a former attorney.
I was referred to Victoria Horvatich and Copenbarger and Cooenbarger. After an initial consultation I felt confident that she would be able to handle our families estate planning needs.
Working with her was very easy. She was both responsive and attentive to detail. Setting up appointments and completing documents was easy. She took time to explain everything and helped develop a plan for the tasks I needed to do. Unfortunately, before we were able to complete all of the tasks, the COVID-19 shelter in place went into affect. Government offices were closed yet Victoria continued to work on my case.
Estate planning is never fun, but Victoria was able to make the process manageable and helped me complete a process that I had too long postponed.
I would highly recommend retaining Victoria Horvatich and will be using her in the future.
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16 Feb, 2016 by Dean
David Walker is a quality attorney with a great reputation. I’ve known Dave for my entire legal career. Dave is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the law and has an amazing recall of specific cases and resources. In addition to being a great attorney he is an exceptional mediator. Mediation is always a tough part of legal work and Dave is excellent. His good reputation for mediation is known throughout the legal community, which is helpful when we collaborate. I refer Dave regularly, he is always in my top 2 or 3 when I am asked for a reference for local mediators.
Dave is the one that coined the phrase, “If you don’t have my cell phone, you certainly should.” With Dave it’s not just a phrase though, he means it. He’s always available.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Thomas
At various times throughout David Walker's career, I have relied on him for legal advice and actions on many subjects which have included real estate, employment issues, wills, and family matters. I have found Mr. Walker to be professional, personable and knowledgeable Dave is an effective listener with an intuitive understanding of the needs at hand to get to the heart of the matter. Furthermore, Mr. Walker is approachable and compassionate while maintaining a professional style to effectively and successfully execute our legal needs . I refer Mr. Walker regularly, and those I have refered have routinely been very pleased with his services.
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02 Jan, 2016 by Mike
I’ve known Dave since 1984, but I didn’t need his services until about the year 2000. Since then, I’ve utilized Dave for everything from estate planning and benefits to investments and personal liability issues. Dave is a man of character who truly knows the law. He’s very thoughtful. He takes time to listen to what I have to say and then responds with pertinent questions and ideas, allowing me make the best decision based on the circumstances.
I also really respect Dave for his connections within the legal community. When I’ve had something that he feels would be better served by a colleague, he not only refers me, but paves the way so that it’s an easy, comfortable contact for me to make. Through the years, he has always been more than willing to help me.
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14 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
She just completed a rather complex family trust for us and was a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable, through, and I would recommend her highly.
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18 Dec, 2016 by Vickie
This Trust Sandra is working is the3rd for my family. She is very help filling in information we likely would have over looked.
Great Attorney and pleasant person.
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04 Nov, 2016 by Christopher
Very knowledgeable, very competent. Looks for the most efficient and effective solution. Took a very complicated situation and distilled it down to the essential elements that needed attention. Very fair with her billing. i would recommend without hesitation. C
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17 Dec, 2023 by Megan
Amy is an excellent communicator and she’s also highly intelligent with great integrity. I really appreciate all of her legal expertise with Special Needs Trusts and Trustee services. I am glad I can trust Amy to do whatever she can to help me, with my best interest in mind. I highly recommend her for Trustee/Special Needs Trust services.
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17 Mar, 2022 by Jonathan
I hired Amy to represent me in a high conflict case. Amy assessed all the details and drafted pleadings to move my case forward. Because she listened to me, I felt confident that my case was fully understood by the Court. Going to Court is always difficult. Having a experienced litigator working with me on my case reduced the length of time my case persisted. I was able to resolve the case shortly after Amy began representing me.
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09 Mar, 2022 by Franza
Amy is perfect for my law practice, which is exclusively focused on fiduciary services. She is available to answer my questions whenever they arise and knows the law thoroughly in all aspects. Her moral code and ethical standards are excellent and in line with this area of practice that relies on Trust. Anything to do with probate, trusts, and fiduciary services Amy knows about and can advise quickly and competently. I am lucky to have her counsel.
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30 Apr, 2018 by Sabina
If there were 10 stars I would absolutely give her the full 10. I found Mina on Google and it was our lucky break because we worked with 5 attorneys that charged a fortune and were completely negligent with all of our legal needs. We worked with her for the last 2 years on a family estate case and she was effective, worked hard, and was aggressive to get to the finish line. She is the most honest attorney that we've worked with and I would highly recommend her and could write a novel about Ms. Sirkin's excellence.
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24 Jun, 2013 by Yolanda
I found Mina to be top notch. She is extremely knowledgeable and clearly goes the extra mile for her client. She is aggressive, responsive and forward thinking. I would highly recommend Mina and wish her continued success.
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24 Jul, 2012 by Charles
Ms. Sirkin did excellent work for me in a very difficult (for me, not so much for her) probate situation. She got all the specifics handled without rework. Her staff was there for me 100% of the time. My case involved a trial and I was still trading emails with her at midnight -- on Saturday, before the trial - WOW! She (we) prevailed. I attribute success to her diligence, hard work, and leaving no stone unturned.
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12 Aug, 2015 by Eugene
Ted represented me in a lawsuit which went to court. This case was won in our favor.
Ted is an outstanding attorney. He and I had an outstanding working relationship. It was available at any time. At times we would meet on the weekends. He is fastidious. Was able to present my case with clarity and bring it to a favorable outcome.
I would recommend this attorney to anyone facing a malpractice suit.
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07 Aug, 2015 by Todd
I've had the pleasure of working with Ted for 10 years in a medical malpractice defense capacity. His inimitable attention to detail and his availability for time-sensitive matters never failed to provide great comfort for both my insurance carrier employer and its clients (medical professionals). From day-to-day issues requiring specific legal advice and analysis, to a very medically-complex jury trial in Sac. Superior Court (and the several years of representation and navigation that led up to it), Ted has proven time and again that he is worthy of mention with the very highest echelon of his peers in Northern California and beyond.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Eugene
Mr.Poppinga represented me in a case that was held in my favor. He's an excellent attorney. Hard-working, diligent, available even on weekends. He and I developed an excellent working relationship.His manner during the trial was extraordinary, confident and knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to recommend Ted.
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05 Nov, 2017 by Arturo
I was involved in a car accident that left me in the hospital for multiple days due to a major head injury. I was highly recommended to speak to Charles Prenice by a close friend. Charles is highly knowledgeable, efficient and very professional. I speak highly of Charles work and would strongly advise anyone to contact him for his insight and guidance.
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01 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Charles represented me in my auto accident. He negotiated successfully with my insurance company to get me a settlement, without ever having to go to court. His expertise and knowledge of the system helped me to feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I would definitely use him again!
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08 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Charles Pernice represented me very successfully in a Personal Injury case recently achieving the best possible results and settlement! Charles Pernice is an extremely knowledgeable and professional attorney whom I found was thoroughly respected in the legal field by all. I highly recommend him!! Make the smart choice when you need the best attorney to protect your rights and provide you the best possible outcome, choose Charles Pernice!
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20 Apr, 2016 by Jacques
My name is Jacques Delacroix. I am a retired professor of Management. I live in Santa Cruz, California with my wife, Krishna Delacroix who is an artist. Recently, we went to John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation in Monterey, California for help to deal with the complex and forbidding business of making end-of-life legal preparations. We dealt entirely with Brandie Luis Esq. ,and with the pleasant office staff person (whose name escapes me right now because, well, I am writing a will am I not?)
Ms. Luis deployed incomparable patience and perseverance in dealing with our passivity (and perhaps, with our unconscious resistance). She guided us skillfully through the meanders of legal dispositions we did not even suspected to exist. As a result of her quiet efforts, my wife and I now think that we have done all the right things with respect to our offspring and with respect to the world at large. We believe that thanks to Ms Luis, our passing will not trouble much the peace of those we leave behind. We even think we will leave behind us a slight wake of benevolence. Those are satisfying and probably rare feelings.
Ms Luis ' disposition is so conscientious and so kind that once, she ever made a house call to us! (I hasten to add that this may not be a service the firm offer routinely and to all is customers. We may well have received favored treatment, on his occasion though I am sure we did nothing to deserve it.)
Obviously neither I nor my wife have any previous experience with this kind of endeavor. However, we suspect we stand more on the side of clients from Hell than on the side of angelic clients. Ms. Luis never lost her cool with us and she continued to direct us with a firm but friendly hand until the task was completed. If loving lawyers were not a human impossibility, we would say we have come to love Ms Luis!We could not recommend her personally and the John D. Laughton firm more highly.
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20 May, 2015 by Scott
Brandie Luis, was able to help our family through some difficult legal challenges we had recovering funds that other firms had told us couldn't be done without going through a long and expensive legal process.
She was able to assess the situation quickly and worked with the State and the banking institutions on our behalf to resolve the issues we encountered all to a successful outcome.
Brandie was always prompt with her communications and updated us frequently through the whole process.
I especially appreciated her support and concern for us, we really felt that our situation was as important to her as it was to us, this is a rare commodity that you don't find very much these days.
I would highly recommend Brandie Luis to anyone looking for a Lawyer in her area of expertise.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tracy
Brandie both informed us on our options and helped educate us on what the different choices would mean for the estate. She was very knowledgeable, had clear explanations, and was responsive in her replies when we had further questions. She was very thorough in ensuring all our assets made it in to the trust which was very reassuring as I have heard other peoples horror stories when they found out too late their assets weren't actually in the trust. Brandie's thorough nature ensure we are in good hands and the estate will remain a legacy for generations to come!
I would highly recommend Brandie as an attorney that you can trust with your families future in mind.
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05 Mar, 2020 by Terrence
Rob was referred to me and I very much appreciated his consultation on a real estate and estate planning matter. He has established expertise in these areas and provided reliable and thoughtful guidance based on the nuance of my situation. I highly recommend Rob and am glad to have him as a resource moving forward.
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13 Dec, 2013 by Shaun sullivan
Mr. Dieringer is a true original. When I needed an estate planning attorney to assist me after the untimely passing of my father, I interviewed a number of attorneys in the field. Mr. Dieringer stood head and shoulders above the rest because of his intellect, zeal, and thoughtful consideration. More than any other attorney I've encountered, Mr. Dieringer internalizes the concerns of his clients and wrestles with them until reaching the soundest strategy. I know this based on nothing more than our discussions; but during all of them, he is so well-prepared and able to anticipate my ever concern, along with providing needed reassurances along the way, that I am confident in my gut instinct. Mr. Dieringer has heart to go with the brains. I won't refer an elder law case anywhere else.
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01 Nov, 2021 by Vlade
I've been a client of Ms. Perreault in two cases--probate and civil. With her expertise and passion to fight for justice I’ve accomplished more in a shorter period of time than with my previous two lawyers. Hopefully, I won’t need legal services anymore but if I do I feel safe to have Ms. Perreault on my side!
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Perreault is highly knowledgeable and informative in the areas of Conservatorships, Estates and Trusts. She helped me to understand all the legal matters concerning my elderly parents, their assets and transfers to different trusts. Extremely helpful.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Leslea
Ms. Shoup was great at walking me through the process and answered all my questions. She was professional and very patient during all the steps. I would recommend her to everyone who hasn't established an estate plan for their family. I feel so much better now knowing my family will be taken care of after my passing.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Priscilla daniels
Andrea and her team helped me and my husband with our Estate Planning. At first we felt the process would be very complicated since we both have our own businesses and a blended family with 4 kids. Andrea made the process simple and timely. We have a peace of mind and great confidence in the documents that were prepared, but mostly for the peace of mind and comfort that we have in knowing our family's future is protected.
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17 Aug, 2019 by Antonio
Monica came highly recommended by a friend. In a city that is reputed to have as many attorneys are there are actors, I was a deer in headlights when I was an inaccurately named party to a small-business lawsuit. Monica genuinely listened to my side of the story, and explained my options for tackling the case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit before, and was relying entirely on her counsel. She explained her background, fees, and her assessment of the case. She was calm, collected, and presented my options. All my instincts indicated that she was the perfect lawyer to represent me, and I hired her on the spot.
Monica checked in with me regularly, explained what was happening, and never left me in the dark. After a few months, my case concluded in my favor, and I couldn't be happier.
Monica is an empathetic communicator, and executes. She is analytical, thoughtful, and a performer. As the first attorney I've ever hired for a lawsuit, I don't have a reference point for her attorney rates relative to others. However, there is no question that the value of her services are worth every penny. I highly recommend her.
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21 May, 2018 by Noel
Monica helped us with a trust sale on one of our property. Monica was Very professional and was always there for any questions or concerns. She guided us through the whole process which made us feel very comfortable.
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08 Sep, 2018 by Gabrielle
I had to hire a CA attorney for a complicated case involving 5 states. I’m based in Boston. I found Robyn after multiple referrals.
I was pretty well versed on the case law and was very prepared. Robyn was professional, compassionate, and fair. She followed with every note. She handled my case beautifully.
I could not happier. I would highly recommend Robyn Christo for your matter. She will not let you down!
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04 Feb, 2017 by Martin
My Siblings were the trust administrators of the family trust and I needed a Marin County Trust and Elder Law Litigator. It is unfortunate when your own sibling were not able to be fair, honest and decent as trust administrators. In this era of financial elder abuse, when your some of your siblings get their hands on the money, it's just too easy for them to not use it like their own personal checking account. It might get worse if your family attorney dies and they are able to hire their own attorney for themselves and the trust.
Robyn Christo was a quick study, knew the details of the case and was able to help me focus on a reasonable outcome. She went into the Marin County Probate Court and was able to get me a subpoena of the bank finanical records that I wanted. In the end, she was able to get me a final distribution of trust assets so I could move forward with my life.
Epstein Law Firm does not handle estate planning case, they specialize in trust and estate and elder ligitation. It is unfortunate that I did not find her earlier when one of my parents was still alive.
I would highly recommend Attorney Robyn Christo.
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26 Jun, 2014 by Assly sayyar
As a business attorney, I knew I needed to prepare a trust and did not want to attempt being my own attorney. I utilized Patty instead and she was knowledgeable, diligent, and even went above and beyond looking into what I needed to set up a practice manager for my own business in the event of my death or incapacity. Being the client in this situation was eye opening and I could not have asked for a better attorney than her.
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16 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Particia is one of the smartest and best attorney's in San Diego for wills, trusts, estate planning and probate. She has high interity and eithics. Highly recommend her!
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07 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I have worked with Kendall VanConas for many many years. She is truly wise and experienced beyond her years and . When it comes to Kendall's clients, her communication, responsiveness, and quality service are a top priority. Kendall's perspective is valuable, and I have gained so much insight as a result. It is always a great pleasure to work with Kendall VanConas.
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09 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I've known Ms. Van Conas for several years and have had an extremely satisfying experience with her and her staff. Both Ms. Van Conas and her associates have been the most professional and courteous attorney firms that we've had the pleasure of working with. A 10!
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22 Sep, 2016 by Frank
Mark helped communicate the options in a complicated situation. His knowledge of the non profit world and the complexities of 501(c)3 regulations both Federal and State is considerable. His ability to communicate clearly the options was excellent.
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01 Apr, 2013 by John
Mark helped my family through a very tricky situation. He was always patient with us. He explained complex issues in language we could understand, and he helped us feel comfortable making important decisions. Several attorneys were involved in the situation, but Mark's advice was always the most practical and helpful.
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02 Feb, 2018 by Larry
Lee Werner is truly an outstanding attorney. During his representation Mr. Werner displayed the following characteristics, was extremely knowledgeable, reliable, incredibly prepared, strategic, diligent, attentive, compassionate, trustworthy, engaging, experienced, optimistic, patience, skillful, provided good advice, was quick to respond to my needs, respected, maintained perspective, reassuring, honest, displayed integrity, and stood by my side throughout a long and emotional case, which we won! Mr. Werner is not only a good attorney, he is also a good person.
I recommend Mr. Werner without reservation.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
A person who failed to qualify for founding shares of our company, brought a law suit against the founders, claiming he was owed equity. Lee crafted a defense strategy, executed and delivered a bench trial verdict in our favor. He additionally navigated us to a successful outcome on the plaintiff's appeal.
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29 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I reached out to Maryann for legal representation / advice.
She helped me out even when there was no benefit to her whatsoever.
She patiently took the time to call me back, in person, talk about my situation and answer my questions, even though she probably knew there was no case, (ie future business) before she picked up the phone.
She put my mind at at ease so I knew I was taking the best course of action. She really made me feel like she was on my side.
If you are considering Maryann Gallagher, this is a glimpse into how she treats people.
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05 Nov, 2015 by Kenny white
I love everything about the Law offices of Maryann Gallagher and her staff. Mrs. Gallagher treated me as if I was her only client. Her knowledge of the law is second to none. If I could rate my experience with her a "20" I would. I felt like family and I will always use Maryann for my legal needs. Kudos MPG.
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23 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I needed some questions answered about my mother's trust to see if I needed to pursue some legal options. Monica was well versed and very knowledgeable about the information we needed. We received everything we needed to know in our free consultation and even though we didn't need to hire her I will return to her for future needs.
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02 Apr, 2015 by Regina
I picked Monica randomly from your site because I needed a probate lawyer in a hurry and she had an opening the same day. My father had recently passed away without a will and had a reverse mortgage and I was in the process of adopting a baby who was being born that week, so I really needed someone to help me get my fathers affairs in order. Monica was so pleasant and reassured me that she could take care of everything and even offered to mail me documents to sign if I was too busy with baby to come in. I recommend her very highly and will also use her to handle my own affairs in the future. She is excellent!
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14 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Mock to defend me in a debt collection lawsuit. I was unsure about having to pay a retainer because I never needed a lawyer before, but it was worth it. The credit card company's lawsuit against me was settled within 3 months and I don't have to declare bankruptcy now. It was a big relief to be able to ask my attorney questions and get answers quickly through the whole process.
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03 Mar, 2012 by Erik
Out of 8 attorneys I contacted, Ms Mock was the only one responded to my need to prepare for my unemployment appeal with my former employer . She kept me informed the whole process, and was there to provide the support I needed at the hearing. Ms Mock is efficient, detailed, knowledgeable, and a trust worthy professional attorney . She will work for your day in court.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Damon
Met with Mary once so far with a tangled up trust situation also I was so upset about it all I could barely get the words out she caught on right away to what was going on. Very attentive and preceptive also very reasonable fees. Highly recommend.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Marina
Mary took over my case in a very difficult probate situation and solved it to my entire satisfaction. I can honestly say that she saved my share of the family estate. She is knowledgeable, supportive and an excellent strategist in probate matters.
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16 Apr, 2013 by Jasmine
I have been searching for a constuction lawyer to help me out with a Mechanic's lien. I talked to several Lawyers and most were dissmisive when they found out they can't make money from my case and hung up. Mr. Hibbard was very helpful in guiding me over the phone and was not pushy to solicit future work. Gave great advise on his first contact with me. Loved it when he did his lawyer thing when I didn't answer him the way he wanted me to, " I asked you a specific quetiosn..." LOL! I will definitely use him in the future.
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22 Aug, 2011 by Brenda
Last October I used Mr. Hibbard's services after my dog was involved in a fight with another dog. Within a few days, I received a threatening letter from the dog owner's attorney saying that if I didn't give them a large sum of money immediately, they would take further legal action and have my dog impounded.
Mr. Hibbard reviewed the letter and knew immediately that I was a victim of extortion. He reassured me their demands were unethical and I had nothing to worry about. After receiving Mr. Hibbard's response to the letter, the other attorney called and said the matter was completely dropped. I am very grateful to Mr. Hibbard for his services.
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22 Feb, 2014 by Jill
I consulted George in a sex discrimination matter. He took the time to listen to me and fully understand my issues. George was able to negotiate a strong settlement with my former employer. Although we did not have to go to Court to resolve my case, I would have been quite comfortable with George representing me in Court.
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29 Sep, 2010 by Deborah
George was an incredible resource and support for me. I worked with George for over 10 years and, to date, have found him to be the best in-house employment counsel, I've ever encountered. So much of what I know, today, about employment law stems back to the initiation I had with George. He's a brilliant strategist and an excellent strategic partner. He doesn't "pontificate" about how to handle a situation, but instead, asks his "client" what they want the outcome to be, and then helps them find a realistic solution, with a thorough risk assessment in the process. I would highly recommend George Duesdieker.
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30 May, 2022 by Blue
Laurel has been an exceptional attorney for my family and for my corporation. She has helped me start and complete a living trust for my wife and kids which meant the world to us! Several years later she helped me form a corporation and has helped me write successful contracts for 5 years now! She has a basic approach and yet extensive knowledge in multiple areas of law. I highly recommend her!!
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12 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I used Laurel for my trust & will documents. I was very happy with my experience. She is clearly smart, knowledgable, & a real go getter. I felt confident in her abilities & would definitely recommend her to a friend.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with elder law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the best approach for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends. -
How long will the process take?
Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly. -
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.
How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
- Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
- Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
- List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
