Best Estate Planning lawyers in California

11,353 Estate Planning Lawyers in California

>11.4k

experienced lawyers

Paige M Etcheverry-Barnes

5701 Truxtun Ave Ste 110, Bakersfield, CA

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

05 Mar, 2023 by Michelle

Great experience! Very straightforward, and transparent. She represented me on my family law case. I appreciated her dedication. Thank you.

04 Apr, 2022 by Mike

I've had the unfortunate need to use Ms. Etcheverry a handful of times over the last decade or so. My cases have ranged from Dissolution of Marriage to Custody and Abandonment. Ms. Etcheverry has exceeded my expectations every time. Her staff is friendly, compassionate and understand how to deal with a client who is going through some of the toughest situations in their life. Ms. Etcheverry is outstanding in Court and is not scared to take your case to Trial if necessary. I cannot recommend her enough! I would not waste time with another consultation, this is the Attorney you need.

05 Aug, 2021 by Jaymie

After watching Ms. Etcheverry in court, I changed lawyers and hired her in the middle of my divorce. Best decision I ever made. She's worth every penny that I paid, plus more.

Kristine Suzanne Cummings

8035 Madison Ave., Suite E-1,, Citrus Heights, CA

Child Custody Child Support Estate Planning +1 +4

+1 (916) 414-9487

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

27 Jan, 2024 by Sidney

After being with a nationally advertised law firm for a year, I was given a list of alternative litigators for my life event. Kristine Cummings listened and followed up and within a month did more than the my previous attorneys could do in a year. In doing so, she saved my life. Kristine, along with her team treated me with dignity and respect. You can search long and wide for an attorney but you’ll never find one better than Kristine. She is quite literally a life-saver!!! Eternally grateful, Sidney in Elk Grove, CA

22 Nov, 2023 by Teresa

Kristine walked me through every step of the process of my divorce, ending a 34 year marriage. She always knew when to be direct and when to show patience and compassion. I was overwhelmed by the legal process, but she was savvy and always looking out for my best interests. The highest compliment I can give her is that I was able to relax during this difficult process, knowing she had everything in hand. I highly recommend Kristine to anyone looking for competence, expedience, professionalism and compassion.

05 Jul, 2023 by Mary

Kristine is not just an amazing lawyer, she is patient, kind, and a truly wonderful human being. Going through the divorce process is not for the faint of heart, but Kristine is wicked smart, is well respected by her peers, and made the process bearable. She is patient with questions, quick to answer emails, and has a wonderful staff. She is a gem!

Christopher Walter Dull

65 Enterprise, Suite 300, Aliso Viejo, CA

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense +3 +6

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

11 Apr, 2022 by Kate

We were very happy to have Chris represent our family. He's sharp, no-nonsense, and helped us navigate through the slow legal process. Chris is very diligent, he does quality work, and he made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole process. Chris is very professional, informative, and knowledgeable about family matters. He was patient and spent a lot of time answering all our questions. We highly recommend Chris to anyone who needs a competent and efficient family law attorney.

24 Dec, 2021 by Helen

I hired Christopher to finalize my divorce. He worked with me to make sure everything was done right regarding my paperwork. I hired him after reading so many positive reviews from other clients. I can say I had a positive experience as well.

10 Dec, 2021 by Adam

I hired Christopher to do my prenuptial agreement. He took my information, explained the process and did things timely without delay. Good work and I would hire him again.

Charles Joseph Morris Jr

1343 E. Gladstone Street, Glendora, CA

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

10 Aug, 2019 by Breonna

Mr. Morris represented me in a move away case recently and i cannot express my satisfaction enough. All family law cases are difficult on everyone involved no matter what the situation is. Mr. Morris and his staff made the process less stressful from beginning to end and they focused on what really mattered and that was what was best for my daughter. Mr. Morris and his staff exhausted all efforts to make sure my daughter ended up with the best possible outcome and the Judge ruled in our favor because, in my opinion, he saw that we were focused on what was best for the child. I highly recommend Mr. Morris. He has experience, a heart and he and his staff are relentless. Another bonus is that he personally handles his cases and does not outsource his work to associate Attorneys. He KNOWS his clients!

25 Jul, 2019 by Kevin

Kevin K.- Charles Morris (& staff) recently assisted me and my wife with our Estate Plan. We had many questions and concerns during the entire process and Charles was there to answer each and every one in a timely manner. He was responsive, extremely professional and detail oriented with each and every aspect of creating our Estate Plan. We had no idea of the level of detail required for an Estate Plan, but because of Charles (& staff) we now have the peace of mind that our desires will be fulfilled.

11 Jul, 2019 by Fritz

It’s with great pleasure I recommend Mr. Morris. The law office helped with my divorce and I’m very grateful everything turned out the way Mr. Morris said it would it finished on time and on budget and I got A fair amount of time with my kids.I also got to keep my house.

Robin Courtney Grant

9870 Research Drive, Irvine, CA

Estate Planning Family Law Litigation +3

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

29 Nov, 2018 by Nick

Robin, was referred to me by a good friend who also works in Law Enforcement. Her knowledge about law enforcement financials and family law is second to none. She was head and shoulders above the few other attorney I interviewed. I kept all my retirement, deferred comp, and no child or spousal support. I have 50/50 custody and 90 percent on my third child. The best by far!!!!!

03 Oct, 2018 by Keeley

Robin Grant’s knowledge and experience in collaborative divorce and law enforcement benefits were instrumental in negotiating the best settlement for me and my kids. I truly appreciate her professionalism, quality of work, and attention to detail. Robin took the time to listen, answer my questions, and explain the collaborative process to me...with compassion and patience. She helped me navigate the difficult situation of unwinding a marriage and household, while minimizing conflict. I am so grateful! Thank you Robin!

27 Sep, 2018 by Dominic

My divorce was, as most are, contentious. Robin instantly made me feel at ease. I felt that she understood me and my case. She was the perfect blend of knowledgeable professional, aggressive (when necessary) lawyer and empathetic advisor. My outcome was better than anticipated and she ensured that the impact to me, my career and my children was as minimalized as possible. She is truly a master of her craft. I highly recommend Robin Grant. Thank you Robin.

Nadine Marie Jett

2340 Sepulveda Boulevard, Torrance, CA

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

29 Aug, 2022 by Paul

Nadine is incredibly thorough. She knows my case better than I do. She knows the system, knows the right steps at the right times so that she will win your case with minimal charging and stress to her client.

20 Aug, 2020 by Sabrina

Nadine is very good! She’s so sweet and very busy! She takes time to discuss things with you and go through everything so you aren’t confused. If your case is anything like mine it’s lots of paperwork because your ex husband won’t stop taking you to court for every little thing. She is trying to help make that stop. Her office manager Candice is very helpful. She knows her stuff and very to the point. I love her for that! I feel confident Nadine going to advocate for everything she can for me.

21 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous

I just wanted to take a minute to say how amazing Nadine was when we dealt with her. She was meant to be an Advocate for the child’s best interest, and she truly dug deep to really see and understand both parties while keeping in mind what was best for the child. She changed her court order when she saw that one party clearly did not have respect for the court. Because of that action- she recommended reunification counseling. Anyone who has been separated from a child knows that isolation from one parent can have a huge affect on a child and whether or not they want to see the other parent, even if the other parent has done nothing wrong. The counseling allows the child to reconnect with the other parent with no barriers or influence. I feel it’s key in a custody battle especially when most law enforcement jurisdictions don’t force visitation. We spent a year in court trying every possible way to see her even-though we already had 50/50 custody . She listened to our pain and struggle when no one had before. As the Wife of a husband who has tried dearly to be part of his daughters life for over a decade with very little success, and no obvious allies, she stepped in and quickly saw the situation for what it was, someone finally to see the injustices that we had been experiencing for years, she did what was in the child’s best interest, she didn’t take sides she just went on the evidence that was presented before her, and I thank God for that, she was an angel to us. She is the only one who we ever felt cared, and really wanted to repair the situation for the child sake, she didn’t favor the mother, she didn’t favor the father. She went with what they revealed to her in there many meetings and Conversations. She is truly a public servant who really cares about reunifying families whenever ever possible. I feel she went above and beyond the call of duty, and I will be eternally grateful.

Dianne Drew Butler

3031 W March Ln Suite 224, Stockton, CA

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +3

+1 (209) 546-6289

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous

Great lawyers. Very professional. The lawyers at this firm are very knowledgeable.

20 Dec, 2022 by Elissa

I am very satisfied with the lawyer hat helped me throughout this difficult process. Karina was extremely knowledgeable and kind. Knowing that she would be at my side the day of court helped to relieve a lot of my anxiety. I am very thankful to her for all that she did.

17 Nov, 2021 by Eva

I was in need of a divorce attorney and a friend referred me to Dianne Butler‘s firm. She has been amazing to work with because when I first filed, I was living in California. Then, I moved out of state and she was able to handle my case through emails and phone calls all the while, I was 3,000 miles away. She was very clear as to what I needed and what the outcome could be. She was smooth and effective in court and I was able to attend through a telephone call. She helped me attain the goals of what I wanted…..She was worth my money! Her office staff was always friendly, pleasant and would redirected my calls to someone who could possibly answer my questions if she wasn’t available.

Andrew T. Nguyen

8333 East Foothill Blvd S, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Bankruptcy Debt Settlement Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

28 Jun, 2024 by Antonio

The process of filing for Chapter 7 was very intimidating at first. However, Andy and his team at Nguyen Law Group were incredibly accommodating and helpful throughout the entire process. At no point did I feel like I was being taken advantage of or misled in any way, which was a fear I had after dealing with questionable attorneys in the past. Andy and his team ensured that everything went smoothly from beginning to end. Thank you, Nguyen Law Group, for all your help and support.

25 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous

As my husband and I were going through tough times, we got in touch with Andy, he assured us he would be able to help us and true to his word. He was very professional and patient. He stayed in touch with us throughout the whole process. We are so grateful to him. Thank you Andy

09 Apr, 2024 by Noemi

We were referred to Andy by an old coworker. Andy from the start was very helpful and understanding. He was very thorough and transparent with the process. My husband and I never thought of filing for bankruptcy ch. 7. But after speaking with Andy and Tracy going through it all I don’t think we would have been as relieved and happy as we were with Andy Nguyen. We can now have a fresh start to our lives and peace without the burden of the debt. Thank you for everything!

Lisa Lynn Thiessen

3031 W March Lane #224, Stockton, CA

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +2 +5

+1 (209) 390-4553

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

21 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous

Ms. Lisa Thiessen is extremely professional, knowledgeable, straight forward, and personable. There was not enough time to hire her for my case, but I wish I had found her sooner! I was representing myself, up against a long practicing lawyer. The opposing sides lawyer was no match for Ms. Thiessen's valuable advice. She helped me tremendously. I cannot say enough great things about her. I highly recommend Ms. Thiessen!

04 Feb, 2022 by P i

Hired Lisa for my custody case. She made me feel very comfortable and confident during our initial consult and I decided to hire her right away. Lisa and her assistants (Gabby especially) were always very helpful and professional. Very good in court and very helpful with explaining things for me. She fought for me and the children and we got the results we needed. She helped change our lives for the better and I will always go to her for my family law needs, I will always recommend her to others.

26 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous

I had a really great experience with Lisa and Gabriella. They were both very helpful with my case and helped me get the results I was looking for. Although my case was not looking to be the strongest case, Lisa never gave up on me and continued to exhaust all options possible. She also made sure I did not waste my time or money. Lisa is a very kind, smart, strong, caring lawyer. She knows what she's doing and does not go after your money!!! I definitely recommend her and would definitely reach out to her again if I ever need a family law lawyer in the future. Thank you Lisa!!!

Elisabeth Aimee Lord

1200 California Street STE 118, Redlands, CA

Estate Planning Family Law Juvenile Law +3

+1 (951) 848-5590

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

12 Apr, 2023 by Natalie

I hired Ms. Lord to deal with my divorce. After getting consultations from other attorneys she seemed like a perfect fit and I was right. She is fair, she is extremely knowledgeable in everything family law, and when I was either upset or didn’t know something she explained it to me in a way I would understand it. Hiring an attorney is always going to cost money but you will not regret the money spent on her services it was well worth every penny. Once you find her there is no need to look further.

22 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous

We hired Elizabeth in early 2019 and we successfully obtained legal guardianship over our grandchildren. Than 2 in a half years later she represented us for terminating Parental Rights of parents which was granted, and from there she helped us with finalizing our adoption. She is very thorough, knows the law and will not say something can be done unless it can. She will respond to your e-mails and listen to your concerns.

23 May, 2022 by Rupert

I cannot express in words how amazing Elisabeth is at her job! I was thrown into a world I knew nothing about — Family Law. Elisabeth never once sugarcoated anything— she worked her butt off! Walked me through every step of the process! Elisabeth has a work ethic that is unmatched and continued to deliver at every appearance! I was beyond impressed watching her command the court room with grace, compassion and most of all— knowledge of the law!

Herbert Lee Chavers

5041 La Mart Dr Ste 240, Riverside, CA

Elder Law Estate Planning +2

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

21 Dec, 2022 by Roger

Just got out trust set up and very happy with the way everything was done. Everything we needed to know was answered making us feel happy with the outcome, highly recommend this firm.

13 May, 2022 by John

We hired Herb outside of Avvo. He was great! He knows what he is doing and he does it well. He couldn't be happier. He was patient with my mother and went out of his way to help us. My mom was in a skilled nursing facility during Covid. Herb had no problem meeting us at the facility. We were happy with his services. I will be hiring him again to work on my estate planning. I would give him more than 5 stars if it was possible.

04 Feb, 2022 by Thalia

Herb was recommended by a financial visor. In our meeting, Herb truly provided a lot of support and helped us understand the whole entire process of preparing and creating our estate settlement portfolio. We truly appreciated that he went step-by-step through the entire document to help us understand what we were creating, who will be the successor of our assets and how our children will be taken care of, and, overall, the entire family if an incident were to happen. This is an amazing life responsibility that everybody needs to truly take advantage, for the protection of children, assets, and family members. Complete our estate settlement portfolio gave us peace of mind, especially since the process was easy to understand and Herb took the time to teach us the importance. The meeting environment was very comfortable and the staff was really helpful. Our meeting was greeted with a welcome sign in mine and my husband's name. That small touch of customization really shows the caring and importance of our meeting. Overall, it was a quick and easy process, and anybody can get this done if they really put their time aside to complete it. My husband and I have been thinking of completing this for over 4 years and we have finally done it! Thank you, Herb and the staff for a great experience.

Edwin Ray Westbrook

27345 Ortega Hwy Ste 200, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Estate Planning Real Estate +2

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Donald evans

Friendly ... informative

08 Jul, 2024 by Ivan yerena

I highly recommend The Law Offices of John P. Burns. After having my vehicle totaled by an uninsured motorist on the freeway, Mr. Burns and his staff went above and beyond in resolving an overwhelming situation with the utmost care and professionalism. It is very reassuring to have such a wonderful team in your corner looking out for you.

08 Jul, 2024 by Michelle

The Law Office of John P. Burns got me a great settlement on my car accident case. Attorney John P. Burns got me excellent doctors and a significant settlement. I am very happy with my results and would recommend him to anyone. Michelle R. Hemet, CA

Michael David Lee

333 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA

Bankruptcy Business Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

21 Aug, 2024 by Inderjit khera

We were referred to Rob by Joel Bonjour regarding a life threatening injury. Rob did an excellent job in getting us the best possible settlement. We loved our experience working with Rob.

20 Jun, 2024 by Ekkehard

From the first consultation to the final settlement the team at Golden State Lawyers was supportive and professional. They made a challenging time in my life much easier to handle..

11 Jun, 2024 by Peter sparke

Golden State Lawyers went above and beyond to ensure my case was handled efficiently. Their attention to detail and dedication was evident from start to finish...

Peter Vittas

12777 W Jefferson Blvd, Playa Vista, CA

Estate Planning Litigation Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

28 Jun, 2024 by Sharon

Working with Peter Vittas is a pleasure. I am so happy to have found such a personable lawyer online. His fees are very reasonable and he is very generous with his time. Each time I met with Peter, my stress level decreased. He made the process of creating my will, trust and other documents as easy as possible. I highly recommend Peter Vittas.

03 Dec, 2023 by Paul

Peter made the process so easy and efficient for us. Everything was done online and he held our hands every step of the way. He is very thorough and professional with attention to detail. This was my first time doing this and I expected to be sitting in a lawyer’s office for hours with the billing clock running. Not with Peter! I am a retired computer consultant and I appreciate having a proven process to drive complex problems to satisfactory conclusions and that’s how Peter does it.

01 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous

Peter did a great job setting up my Living Trust. He applied a custom approach to my unique case to secure the best outcome.

Linda L. Harper

27345 Ortega Hwy Ste 200, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

14 Jan, 2023 by Lisa rose deronde

Mr. Burns handled my auto accident and was able to get me a fair settlement.

14 Jan, 2023 by Steve velasco

John Burns did a great job on case he got me more compensation then I expected.i would recommend him to all my friends,thank you John for your professionalism and helping me with my case!!

22 May, 2022 by Chad goforth

Thomas P. Pattenaude

3166 Midway Dr Ste 103, San Diego, CA

Estate Planning Family Law Real Estate +3

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

20 Aug, 2024 by Christina macias

Thomas has helped us with several services over the past year. He takes his time to explain everything and answer questions. He is efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly. I would recommend him for all legal document needs.

29 Jun, 2024 by Victor tarango

Thanks to the document pleople ,they make our divorce easier and helps us on filled out every form& give us a good understanding on all the procedures,I will recommend document people 100% ,I was tired of looking for another’s mediators that only send a you bunch of paper to filled out with out explaining anything or help ,document people walk the extra mile to help us in person step by step thanks Tom for all your help you deserve five stars

26 Jun, 2024 by Sabrina marina

spent weeks trying to find lawyer or someone to help clean up the mess I made trying to save $ and do it myself. This is confusing and tricky stuff!Normally you think deed trust, oh people are fighting over stuff. Not in this case, our problems are dif. My aunt is disabled mentally and physically and we are tryying to give her the freedom anyone deserves, so this is how we help without conservitorship. Now my gpa actually was very well preparedbut still we needed help. One day I got lucky finding a small buisiness card tucked away. I wish they had a closer location but we will be returning for future plans! Lawyers say oh this is tricky my retainer is 5000$ and thats not to say that will cover it! So unnder 1000$ Tom did all the right paperwork, had them filed and recorded.... ugh I wish Id known sooner! So if you are dealing with a death and inheritance issues this is the place ! 1 flat rate did all we needed! I bet divorce and such filings are similar... couldnt hurt to check them out 1st they might make things easier on you during a very dark time.

Lindsay Gunn Spiller

595 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Business Entertainment Estate Planning +1 +4

+1 (415) 501-9736

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

09 Nov, 2023 by J.nagler

The first things I must say about Lindsay is that he is generous of heart and wise. He offered me direct and strong guidance, was open to listening to my concerns, but most importantly, expertly explained the legal ins and outs (and potential costs) of the situation should I take it further. Let me be more specific: I had a book agent who lied and misrepresented submissions to editors, hid pertinent information, then tried to damage my reputation when I caught her in falsehoods. Lindsay helped me understand the pieces of the situation which are actionable, and which ones I need to leave behind me. His advice is clear, well-thought-out, and founded upon a practical approach to the law. He absolutely helped me clarify what I can do versus what direction I really want to take. I recommend him highly and without reservation.

08 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous

Lindsay Spiller is a trusted advisor who has counseled me in my business with legal issues from incorporation to employment and IP. I trust his judgment. He has good intuition. I’ve avoided litigation through his intervention and negotiation. He has financial acumen and understands from the perspective of a business owner.

12 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous

I had many questions that needed to be addressed in regards to my business formation and Lindsay was able to answer each and every question with detail. I would definitely recommend him!

Corey Evan Parker

3680 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

Appeals Estate Planning +2

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

16 Aug, 2021 by Raymandc

I have nothing but the highest praise, admiration and respect for Corey. He will level with you, he is kind, he is patient, and he is extremely knowledgeable. Corey will give you his time, his attention and his expertise. He's flexible and will work with you. He's the real deal. And this was just a consultation. We ended up not working together because it made more sense to not go forward, but even in that Corey was honest and open to communicating. And that's before you make it 'official'. As your attorney, I have no doubt that Corey will give you the very best representation in your appeal. He is just that good.

29 Sep, 2020 by Pavle

Corey and His firm helped with my court appeal, worked hard and we got a win. Very professional and organized, will recommend them to anyone.

24 Aug, 2020 by Sherri

one of the best appeals lawyer. He is extremely helpful and do everything for his clients to succeed. I feel very fortunate to have found a passionate attorney to take on this very personal case. Highly recommended!

William Reid Cumming

3080 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA

Business Estate Planning Litigation +3

+1 (714) 360-0221

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

03 Mar, 2023 by Tommy

It gives me great pleasure to supply this commendation for a man of great wisdom and insight, Mr. Bill Cumming, our attorney who successfully defended our case. I was impressed by his services. He took time to explain legal terminology and methods employed in our case using speech that gave us clarity and understanding. His listening ear is one of his many hallmarks. Mr. Cumming took great care to manifest the road ahead of us and the direction and delays which might confront our course. The case against us was cruel and overwhelming, and stretched over many years. We received first class treatment, always professional and courteous. We also sensed compassion and empathy in just the right amounts. During the long route, Mr. Cumming, in his tireless approach, showed himself to be a strong defender, encouraging us along the way as our case took some turns. Mr. Cumming was skillful, sharp and accurate. Our defender never lost his cool under fire. His task and preparation was entire and thorough. I was impressed to note the late or early hours of his communications. In summary, I am certain that no better services of legal defense could exceed the work of Mr. Cumming. My observations are that he is brilliant and has great insight. We are so very thankful for his efforts and work on our behalf.

22 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous

I was approached by my primary multi billion $ supplier to purchase my company. I was sure I could negotiate the deal myself and use a local Minnesota attorney for the details. After my first phone conversation I realized I was hopelessly out of my league. I was put in contact with a consultant I had worked with previously and he suggested I include Bill Cumming of Cumming and Associates as my attorney. What a home run that turned out to be. My stress level initially was off the charts when I saw the scope of the due diligence required to close the sale. Obviously, Bill handled the legal portions. He proactively told me not to be overly concerned about my legal record keeping because he knew most small business owners didn't have time to keep track of all the details and he could help me with that. The peace of mind that gave me was tremendously comforting. Bill didn't make me feel embarrassed that I didn't always do a good job keeping my corporate minutes up to date while trying to run my company. The finished due diligence product he delivered was well received by the purchaser even though Bill pushed back on some of their proposals. I struggle with legalese and was pleased with the attention to detail Bill paid, to my benefit. All in all, what would have been one of the most difficult experiences of my business life turned out to be remarkably smooth thanks to Bill's efficiency, demeanor and sense of humor.

18 Jan, 2023 by Rick

Recently, I was faced with the prospect of trying to sell the business I had owned and managed for 35 years to a Fortune 500 company. Having never negotiated such a complex process, I (wisely) decided to enlist the services of a reputable consultant, and his first recommendation was that I should hire a stellar attorney--one with solid experience, integrity, and careful attention to detail. Fortunately for me, he suggested I contact Bill Cumming. In retrospect, I can say that hiring Mr. Cumming was one of the best business decisions I've ever made. He is honest, affable, knowledgeable, accessible, and very efficient. Over the following 12 weeks, he handled all the legal complexities of our negotiations, making certain my interests were protected at every turn, and at the end of the process, produced a very favorable outcome. (He also refunded the unused portion of his initial retainer fee!) Needless to say, Bill Cumming has earned my undying respect and gratitude. I can recommend him and his staff without reservation.

Gahram Kang

915 W. Imperial Hwy., Brea, CA

Business Estate Planning +2

+1 (844) 753-7394

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

19 Jun, 2024 by Ronnie

Excellent service, step by step thorough guidance and explanation of all that's involved in setting up a trust. From the beginning to the end received professional and courteous service. Answered all my questions promptly.

22 May, 2024 by Soonho

My wife and I hired Mrs. Gahram Kang for trust and estate planning, and she was great. From the start, she and her team explained everything really clearly, and they made the process for providing our information really simple to follow even though we had lots of assets to record. Gahram responded quickly to all of our questions, and helped us wrap up the whole process within a month! We felt like we could trust her and her team from start to finish, and would definitely recommend them to others!

09 Apr, 2024 by Alex

I just had an initial consultation with Gahram. I'm in a sticky situation, but she helped figure out a few ways to move forward, so I have much more peace of mind. It's very clear to me now what she has a perfect review record of (90) 5-star reviews. I'll gladly be 5-star review number 91!

Paula Ann Schaefer

US Bank Building, Huntington Beach, CA

Business Estate Planning +2

5.0/5

5.0

19 Reviews

09 Feb, 2024 by Mark anderson

10 Jan, 2024 by Cindy glenna

I have nothing but good things to say about Robert. He was very straight forward from the get go. He was helpful and walked me through the process and told me what to expect with the process and what he needed from me. He also worked with me on making payments. I met with him initially and only one more time only to wrap up all the paperwork that was to go to the court. After that we just had a conference call-in court date. When you are not a lawyer yourself, it is very helpful that the lawyer you have entrusted to handle your BK provides all the information about what to expect. Knowing this is so important, since you are being recorded by the court trustee. I had no stress the day we had our conference call and there were no surprises. I would highly recommend him as an attorney of choice. No games, no extra costs outside of what is quoted and down to earth and approachable. Thanks so much Robert!! Cindy Glenna

28 Oct, 2022 by Lisa d

I called this office and left a message for BK information. I quickly received a callback from Attorney Rob Taylor. He was kind, professional, knowledgeable, and happy to help me by answering all of my questions. If you’re considering a great attorney for assistance in filing for bankruptcy, he’s my go to choice of all of the local attorneys in my area! And believe me, I did research on quite a few. Highly recommended!!

Byron G Sun

75 Broadway Ste 202, San Francisco, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

19 Reviews

05 May, 2024 by Jay day

I really felt heard after speaking to Alan and Chris and experience speaks volumes. Appreciate you guys.

01 May, 2024 by Sheikh israil

Couldn’t be more happy with the legal service I received from Adamson Ahdoot.

11 Jan, 2024 by Francisco tembo

Thank you to Mr. Alan, Mr. Arash, Mrs. Maria, Mrs. Genesis, Mrs. Khadidja, and the entire firm of admson ahdoot for really going to bat for me, trusted them and they came for me. A well established firm who believes in their clients. Thank you for long hours that was put in and quick response. Thank you.🙏🏿

50 Osgood Pl Ste 500, San Francisco, CA

Estate Planning Family Law Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

18 Reviews

01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino

I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.

24 Jan, 2022 by George

Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.

30 May, 2021 by Syl mynx

In our case, Julia got a great outcome by having a great strategy and pursuing it quickly. Julia is very very smart, which you can gather from the other reviews. She also listens, which was key to our case. She listened to us, she listened to the prosecutor, and she used all of the information she gathered. She communicates clearly, and made sure that we understood every step in the process and also the strategy that she pursued so energetically. She was effective at working with the experts that we needed. I highly recommend Julia.

Douglas W Housman

150 N Wiget Ln Ste 105, Walnut Creek, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

18 Reviews

06 Mar, 2023 by Justin reece

She was very helpful, and her fees are quite reasonable.

09 Dec, 2022 by Anna d

I highly recommend Kelley Way for estate planning! I have talked to at least 6 other attorneys prior to meeting with Kelley and I am so glad that I chose her to do my estate plan. Kelley is very professional, friendly, organized, responsive and easy to work with. I had a lot of questions and concerns, but she addressed all of them timely and put my mind at ease. She provided great recommendations on some items, walked me through the process and explained the plan in more simple terms, which makes working with her so easy. She also provided timely revisions of my trust. The quality of her service is top notch, and her fees are very reasonable. Lastly, I enjoy reading her blogs and newsletters because they are very informative! I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs to get their estate planning done!

23 May, 2022 by Scott williams

Kelley was the perfect partner to prepare my estate planning. I am the father of (2) special needs children, which required a special needs trust to go along with the typical Living Trust, Will, DPA and Advanced Health Care Directives. Kelley was very patient and flexible with my busy life/work schedule. She was a joy to work with and answered every question during the process with clarity. Which in my case were plentiful. The fees were very reasonable and Her experience shined through during the entire process. The final Special Needs Living Trust was organized and nicely placed into a three-ring binder, and she even gave me a e-copy on a flash drive. Which is another testament to Her first-class customer service. I have, and will continue to recommend Kelley Way to family, friends and acquaintances. Thanks again Kelley and BTW, thanks for the yummy homemade barbeque seasoning rub. Wish you the best. You deserve it! And feel free to list me anytime as a reference for your future clients. Thanks again.

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What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You

An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.

By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.

When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?

Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:

Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.

Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.

What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:

Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.

How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?

Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:

Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.

How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:

Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.

Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.

How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:

Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.

By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.

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