Best Estate Planning lawyers in California

11,353 Estate Planning Lawyers in California

>11.4k

experienced lawyers

Lauriann Christina Wright

130 S. Jackson St., Glendale, CA

Estate Planning Litigation Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

03 Jun, 2014 by Lee

Lauriann and her team were our lifesavers as we navigated though a probate, a conservatorship and a second probate filing over the span of 4-1/2 years. We had never had to do anything like this before and had the added complication of living out of the state of California. Lauriann coached us through every proceeding and explained what would happen next so we were prepared up front. Lauriann was very knowledgeable and highly skilled when dealing with the expectations of the Court and the Judges that handled our cases. We never had to go back and re-do or re-file anything....in fact, our paperwork was done so well that our filings and petitions were almost always "recommended for approval" eliminating our need to appear and make a trip from out-of-state. My wife and I highly recommend Lauriann and her team.

23 Apr, 2013 by Janet

Wow! Ms. Wright is an energetic and tireless advocate for Seniors. Even though the Probate Case was pro bono, she treated us with amazing dignity and respect. Ms. Wright went above and beyond to ensure that my mother's estate would not be usurped. Thank you Lauriann for keeping expenses in check and making the best use of your time!! We are grateful.

08 May, 2008 by Anonymous

I hired Ms. Wright for a complex family law matter involving a conservatorship and substituted trustee action. She is very intelligent and honest and her work is of the highest caliber. I strongly recommend her.

John Christopher Martin

1145 Merrill St, Menlo Park, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

26 Oct, 2020 by Red g

The universe smiled upon me when I was referred to John Martin. Just being able to explain my very emotionally charged issue(Probate) to someone who actually listened, asked valid, pertinent questions and was able to explain the reality and totality of my situation was the RELIEF I desperately needed. After speaking to John, I felt as if a huge weight was lifted and hope returned. I don't know if he is going to take my case but just speaking to him was enough for me. He restored belief in, not only myself, but my reason & cause for going through this horrible situation. I cannot adequately express in words what he did for me! 5 stars isn't enough!

09 Nov, 2013 by Maureen

We used John Martin to create our Living Trust and later, to draw up a legal papers regarding a shared equity purchase. In both cases, John Martin was incredibly knowledgable, professional, a wealth of wisdom - truly went beyond what we had expected. John is personable and very comfortable to work with. We have referred him to numerous others and every time people thank us for doing so.

07 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous

John is a very professional lawyer that clearly explains his services. He listens to your concerns and gets back to you in a timely way. His prices are fair and his ongoing service is very useful. After a serious accident last year he worked with my family to find the proper legal sources that I needed. I then could recover in peace knowing things had been taken care of.

Angela Bellanca Klenk

3528 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA

Estate Planning Probate Tax +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

5.0

5 Reviews

30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous

I spoke at length with Angela regarding a variety of high-level issues specific to California estate planning, including a bunch of different approaches to how to handle second-marriage planning and how to treat all the kids. She was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and I really liked her friendly, low-key, low-stress style. Terrific.

04 Apr, 2023 by Rob mcgarry

Angela Klenk is a trusted legal advisor for our family. She is incredibly knowledge and responsive. We are grateful to have her as a resource!

04 Apr, 2023 by Karla cruz

We would highly recommend the efforts of The Beach Cities Estate Law, especially the high quality professional efforts of Angela Klenk. She Has secured the smooth transfer of our assets after our passing as to our wishes in a very concise and easy to follow legal document. Angela and her staff at Beach Cities Estate Law established our trust, Estate plan and Power of Attorney with professional skills, honest advise, efficiency and very organized documents and she has been always available to clarify any of our questions. Leonard & Karla Cruz.

Ryan Ann Alexeev

3142 Tiger Run Ct., Carlsbad, CA

Estate Planning Immigration Tax +3

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

06 Feb, 2023 by Natalia

Couldn’t be happier with the help Ryan and her team provided for me. They made my application for the citizenship a breeze from being extremely organized, timely and responsive to preparing me for the interview process and what to expect. Highly recommend!!

16 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous

She has given a lot of useful suggestions and opinions to me, and you can tell from her words that she is a very nice person,

06 Aug, 2013 by Muhammad

Ryan Alexeev is an amazing lawyer and a good friend. I went to her office regarding my wife's case for citizenship a year ago. She is one of those persons who would listen to your case, give you personal attention before she takes up your case or not. She is not like other lawyers out there who listen to you only when you pay them. Before going to her, I went to couple of other lawyers who didn't give me any hope regarding my wife's citizenship. Ryan looked into my wife's case in detail and came up with a plan on how to go about it. She helped us every step of the way and was there for us when ever we needed her. Due to her efforts, my wife' s case was approved for citizenship and after that she helped me as well in filing my green card. I would highly recommend Ryan to people regarding their immigration issues. She is knowledgeable, detailed oriented and goes out of the way in helping her clients out. She is a very nice person with an amicable personality.

Mark Tad Malachowski

870 Market Street, San Francisco, CA

Estate Planning Litigation Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

19 May, 2018 by Anonymous

I was impressed by this lawyer's knowledge and I will keep him in mind for future needs. Thank you

24 Nov, 2015 by Erica

Mark comes highly recommended! He contacted me right away after an initial consultation request online, and then spent over an hour with me in his office giving advice and answering my questions. I hired him right away, and was very pleased with his care and attention to my time-sensitive case. Mark's legal consultation allowed me to enhance my financial situation significantly, and I cannot thank him enough. I strongly recommend Mark Malachowski to everyone I know and would use him again if necessary.

17 May, 2015 by Anonymous

Mark was the first attorney to call me back to help me with my situation. He and his staff have been very responsive and have answered all of my questions. I'm looking forward to working with him further on my aunts business affairs.

Todd Jeffrey Vigneux

280 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Ste A, Thousand Oaks, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

07 Feb, 2024 by Derrick

After restating my in-laws' trust, my wife and I hired Pederson Law to restate our trust. The documents are thorough and Todd took the time to clearly answer all of our questions. I feel comfortable knowing that our estate is well taken care of.

07 Sep, 2023 by David

The entire staff at Pederson Law, and particularly Todd Vigneux and Darlene Real, made it such a pleasure to deal with the unpleasant subject of planning for death. They were patient, thorough, and answered every question with detail and grace. Great Experience.

07 Jul, 2019 by Lisa

Great service. Answered all questions and explained all options clearly and patiently. Really felt like I had my own preferences handled w sincere respect and a desire to serve me as the client. Timely reaponses to emails and phonecalls too.

Ryan J. Casson

1601 Carmen Drive, Suite 215-C, Camarillo, CA

Estate Planning Tax +2

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

22 Jun, 2024 by Catherine tabor

Ryan Casson recently drafted a trust and will for my family. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and he explained things in a way that was easily understandable. He is very detail-oriented and left no task undone. This was our first time having a will/trust drafted and he made the process easy. I’m an attorney myself so I know what to look for when hiring a lawyer. Ryan is the real deal.

19 Apr, 2024 by Frank hagan

We are very happy with our estate plan created by Ryan Casson! Ryan helped us navigate the issues we knew about, but more importantly helped us identify and address several problematic scenarios we hadn't even thought of. We appreciated his knowledge of both tax and elder law as both became important for our planning. Ryan was easy to discuss issues with, and took the time to really understand our needs. We never felt rushed or embarrassed to ask him questions, and he was great at listening to our concerns. We feel confident that our plan is right for us as his attention to detail and obvious care to make sure we understood all issues removed any doubt. We can highly recommend Ryan to anyone who wants a comprehensive estate plan that covers all the bases.

14 Mar, 2024 by Edie hughes

if you are needing a greatTRUST attorney Ryan Casson should be your choice, knowledgeable, patient, answers any question, and time sensitive. We highly reccomend

Russell Kieth Marne

Marin Justice Center, San Rafael, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

11 Jul, 2015 by Karen

Russell represented me in a car accident case. He did a stellar job. I received a fair settlement in a timely manner, and he helped me negotiate payments to my healthcare providers. Great job Mr. Marne!

30 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous

I was in a very dicey situation and was at a loss of who to contact. A friend recommended me to Russell and I have to say it was one of the best decisions of my life to retain him. He is a very good person, I consider him a friend after this and he will always be my go to resource if I or anyone else ever needs legal help

12 Jul, 2013 by Clare

I have seldom met an attorney who is accomplished, knowledgeable, humble, trustworthy, decent, caring, affordable and efficient. Russell Marne is an exception. Russell is accomplished in his field yet humble in spite of this, caring and decent yet efficient and straightforward in getting what you need doing, done. I have used his services on several occasions for trusts, and other legal issues. He was always very responsive, explained the process to be undertaken, and the result to be obtained. From start to finish I was confident that he was in full command of my issues at all times. He rarely, if ever, failed to take my calls (even if he was busy with something or someone else) and I was always able to get the answer I needed with questions and/or concerns. I am very happy with all the work he has done for me and recommend him to close friends for legal services. Russell Marne attended to my legal issues properly and in an excellent, efficient and affordable manner. If that were not enough, he is a personable and enjoyable individual. We need many more Russell Marne's in this world. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Kenneth Maynard Cavin

790 W Shaw Ave #395, Fresno, CA

Child Custody Domestic Violence Estate Planning +1 +4

+1 (559) 272-8074

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

28 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous

I was being harassed by an ex. I mean this guy was following me, threatening to kill me and left the most vile messages on my voicemail. This was after I dumped him after finding out that he was a wacko. I was terrified he'd find me alone and kill me. Finally, Mr. Cavin came to my rescue. He successfully got a restraining order and in fact this wacko followed me to my attorney's office! I arrived at Mr. Cavin's office visibly shaken and crying. Mr. Cavin immediately ran out the door and caught up with my tormentor. He apparently scared the daylights out of him by saying a bunch of legal stuff I don't understand but after that, he left me alone. That day he was my knight in shining armor! I still looked over my shoulder for this wacko for months for fear that it would start up again and eventually I moved away from Fresno because I was so afraid. But I believe that he would have left me alone after the talking to that Mr. Cavin gave him. I remain grateful for Mr. Cavin's tenacity and going the extra mile to help and protect me. He's the best!

05 May, 2017 by William

Even wih the judge favoring my ex here and facing possible difficult out of state jurisdiction. With Kenneth's legal counsel I got full legal and physical custody of my children. Special thanks to the leg work done by Loy! Worth every penny.

06 Jun, 2016 by Terra

When I hired Mr. Cavin I had been trying to battle for myself in court trying to get back four children that had wrongfully been taken away. My Ex earned over $100,000 a year and I had no earnings. He had hired a lawyer and had representation while I had tried to defend myself. I lost everything without a lawyer. I had been a homemaker for 9 years and he emptied our bank accounts leaving me barefoot and homeless. He got a restraining order that kicked me out of the house, despite the fact he knocked me out in my home, claiming I was unconscious because I was drunk. I was in jail for 19 days until all charges were dismissed by a Judge at the first hearing. But my Ex and his attorney concealed that from the Family Court and got 100% custody. When I first contacted Mr. Cavin I didn’t have the funds to hire him, but he talked with me on the phone for 90 minutes trying to encourage and educate me anyway. A few months later I borrowed the money and that was when my life turned around. I now have my children half the time, and I am working on getting full custody. I hadn’t seen my children for almost two years when Mr. Cavin and I worked together and gathered the evidence to prove I had been set up on a false Domestic Violence charge by my husband. The evidence showed the Judge he was a liar and I now have three days every week with my 4 children. Mr. Cavin also got the bogus restraining order dismissed and got me child support and alimony that had been withheld for 2 years. It is retroactive, and my Ex owes me thousands, AND was ordered to pay my attorney’s fees. Mr. Cavin and his staff handled my case with the utmost professional attention. As a client I feel that had it not been for Mr. Cavin I would never have been believed by the Court. Mr. Cavin truly has been my champion fighting a battle for me that only he could have won. The true care and concern I have received from Mr. Cavin has extended beyond my case and the court room. During my case I graduated from college. Mr. Cavin and his wife surprised me at my dinner with gifts for myself and my 4 children Mr. Cavin had gotten a court order that they be present for my college graduation despite my Ex’s opposition. My case has been in the process for two and a half years. It is not over as we are now dealing with custody evaluations. But I know that no matter how long it takes Mr. Cavin will be there till the end. When Mr. Cavin takes you on as a client he invests his heart and soul into getting you the justice you deserve. We all deserve to have a champion who will stand up for us and fight for us. If you’re in need of a champion your best choice is Kenneth Cavin, my attorney.

Juliya Alex Spiegel

2019 S. Westgate, Los Angeles, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

08 Feb, 2022 by Farid t.

DO NOT LOOK ANY FURTHER: JULIYA is the ONE …... After weeks of searching for estate planning attorneys, Juliya was the ONLY one who answered all of our questions with pure transparency! Never did she lie to us nor try to trap us into doing unnecessary steps. From the second we started the estate planning process till the very end, Juliya left not a single ounce of doubt in our minds about our future. Juliya answered ALL of our questions, went above and beyond to ensure that we understand EVERYTHING there is to know. Her level of professionalism, organization, dedication, and commitment are unmatched! Everything was recorded throughout the process on Zoom, and when it came to notarize everything, the entire process took less than an hour!! The notary she recommended for us, came over and took care of everything. Even the notary was telling us that she is THE MOST ORGANIZED estate planning attorney that he has ever worked with! Everything comes in a SUPER organized, color-coordinated binder with clear, easy-to-read instructions on how to access each and every aspect of our Trust when necessary. We also get a virtual copy of all of the documents! There are further directions on how to reach out to doctors, banks, insurance, etc and Juliya follows up to make sure that everything is in order. Please do not look further! She will take care of all of your family needs. No stone is left unturned! Thank you for helping secure our future! We are so grateful to you!

20 Jun, 2019 by Adina

Juliya was wonderful to work with. She was incredibly caring when I approached her to set up our living trust after a terrible personal loss, which is unfortunately frequently the reason people realize they need to get their affairs in order. She was extremely responsive and turned documents around fast which is #1 for me, took time to explain unfamiliar concepts no matter how many times we asked, and gave us the pros and cons of various scenarios we posed. I'm an attorney and this is not my field, and I trust her completely. Her rates are extremely reasonable.

15 Jan, 2019 by Nikki

Juliya is one of my most trusted referrals for estate planning. She takes amazing care of her clients. Her knowledge and expertise make her an incredible attorney.

Guneet Kaur

1114 State St Ste 231, Santa Barbara, CA

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

06 May, 2024 by Tomas

I am very grateful that Guneet Kaur was recommended to me as a family attorney. She and her team worked hard and tirelessly to ensure that I did not get a bad deal and got my right to be in my child's life as a father. Family law is not pleasant, but having Guneet by your side will set you in a good position.

25 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous

Thanks to the hard work of Guneet Kaur and her team, I came out victorious in a very depressing divorce case. Guneet Kaur was able to turn around all the dishonest attacks from the opposite side and justice prevailed. My ex didn't get a single thing she wanted other that the equal custody which was predictable and, the judge awarded me a large amount to paid back almost half of my legal fees. Now there can be some peace in my soul and my sons. For ever grateful to Guneet Kaur and her team, Dianna and Brooke. Many blessings to the Ladies of Justice. Pick up your phone and set up an appointment with Team Kaur, you're next to win your case!

12 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous

As grandparents we had little chance of maintaining our visitation orders with our grandchildren. Guneet gave wise advice as to what we should and shouldn't ask the judge for. We had an unusual case that required our attorney to think outside the box, and of course inside the law. Guneet fulfilled that for us and won our case. With her expertise, intelligence and knowledge of the Santa Barbara court system we and our grandchildren continue to enjoy regular visits together. I plan to use Guneet's services if ever needed again.

32932 PACIFIC COAST HWY, Dana Point, CA

Business Estate Planning Tax +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

29 Sep, 2023 by Minh

Working with Nick Yoccum in helping me to start my new business was excellent. He covered all the legal aspects and requirements and completed all the necessary documents and filing timely. He is extremely responsive and thorough in his work. Great person to work with for corporate legal matters.

09 Oct, 2022 by Marie ashby

I very much appreciated working with Nick Yocca. He represented me with attention to detail and the quickest most cost effective legal closure I've ever experienced. Not only did Nick Yocca provide great wisdom, he is always a calming voice of reason. He is also always available. He returned my calls and inquiries in a very efficient manner. I highly recommend Nick Yocca Law Firm for your legal needs.

31 Oct, 2020 by Mark

Nick acts as our GC and securities counsel. He is an extremely sharp legal mind who is thoughtful and thorough. He truly cares for his clients and I recommend him in full confidence. -Mark S.

Samer Hanna Danfoura

700 Airport Boulevard, Burlingame, CA

Business Estate Planning Intellectual Property +3 +6

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

25 Sep, 2024 by Suzy colton

I don't usually give a review for services rendered, however, I absolutely recommend the law firm of Danfouralaw, in Burlingame, CA. We utilized the estate planning services of Lisa Law Kohli, in particular. Ms Kohli intently listened to our many wishes and executed our many needs while quickly preparing our needs within our almost impossible short time frame. Her expertise is clear and sharp as a diamond. I will be referring her to our friends and family.

24 Jun, 2024 by Inna baranova

We had fantastic and very positive experience with Danfoura Law group. They helped with preparing a professional contract and did it in timely matter. We are very grateful! You are the best!

06 May, 2024 by Anelya

Amazing service! So lucky that Yelp suggested it - great value. My issue was with SF Office of Short Term Rentals and subpoena for my records. I had a call with Chris, they wrote a letter and my matter was resolved in a week! From stressed, depressed to lemon zest in less than 7 days! Thank you, Chris.

Gary Harvey Ruddell

1102 N Chinowth St, Visalia, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

27 Dec, 2023 by Luther khachigian ii

Our family has been doing business with these folks for 40+ years. Great service, great staff, great lawyers.

13 Jul, 2022 by Omar jimenez

09 Apr, 2021 by Gary davis

Matt helped set up a Trust. He did an excellent job.

Daniel Lauren Evans

1102 N Chinowth St, Visalia, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

27 Dec, 2023 by Luther khachigian ii

Our family has been doing business with these folks for 40+ years. Great service, great staff, great lawyers.

13 Jul, 2022 by Omar jimenez

09 Apr, 2021 by Gary davis

Matt helped set up a Trust. He did an excellent job.

Steven Edmund Bates

2727 Camino Del Rio S Ste 206, San Diego, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

01 May, 2024 by Rex garver

Working as a Realtor and being a homeowner I have learned just how important a great trust is to a family. Steven Bates is someone who knows his craft and keeps his clients from having headaches on top of heart ache. I do not hesitate to refer Mr Bates to our clients when they need legal advice of this nature. He has done workshops to educate our home owners on the value of trusts and why they are important.

28 Jan, 2023 by Cheryl

Extremely professional attorney with strong work ethic and good communications with clients.

02 Dec, 2021 by David petri

Mr Bates is a very professional attorney, with 40 years of experience managing client's estates, and my wife and I were delighted to have him set our affairs in proper legal order so that we did not have that concern to face in our future. In addition to being an expert at his practice, Mr. Bates is one of the nicest, most honest and considerate persons that we have ever had the pleasure of conducting business with!

William Louis Walker

11140 Fair Oaks Blvd Ste 100, Fair Oaks, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

17 Mar, 2023 by Thomas steinbach

19 Nov, 2020 by Richard koger

Very helpful.

24 Mar, 2019 by Kelly evers

Mitchell Alan Jackman

700 Frederick St Ste 306, Santa Cruz, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

10 Apr, 2024 by Robert garcia

01 Dec, 2021 by Amie levy

14 Jun, 2017 by Gary booth

A member of the jury came to me outside the courtroom after a long and complicated trial in which I was awarded a $1MM judgement and asked what it was like to have Atticus Finch as my lawyer. You can guess what my answer was then and remains today. I have been with David and Pam for a long, long time. Their patient explanations of the law and distilling the complex out of much of our legal system relieves the frustration and dread one (at least for me) feels when faced with a legal issue, as plaintiff or defendant. One of David's stand out skills is in taking depositions, it is a joy to behold and be part of.The other is that juries like him. The respect he gives to them is well received and reciprocated in kind. Judges don't like anyone. If you see one or two stars in this review section, the reviewer was likely not being represent by David or Pamela.

Robert Allen Smykowski

16776 Bernardo Center Dr Ste 203, San Diego, CA

Estate Planning +1

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

05 Aug, 2014 by Debra

I put off doing estate planning for a while but finally got my act together and called several attorneys to get this going. From the beginning, Robert Smykowski and his staff were professional and made the process very user-friendly. Robert was extremely knowledgeable, honest, practical, and thorough. I liked the set fee rather than an hourly rate, never felt rushed, felt like I was in good hands. While I can't say the process was fun (reflecting on my own death and all), Robert made the process very efficient and simple and I'm quite pleased to have this off my shoulders. Thanks!

16 Jul, 2014 by Mary

This was easy, painless and done within 2 weeks. Robert was very informative and answered all of my questions. I really appreciate his very reasonable flat fee of $495. It has made me much more comfortable than the hourly rate that other attorneys charge. It all went just perfectly. How nice when that happens.

24 Oct, 2013 by Anna

He is so wonderful. My husband passed away. I needed a lot of help. I called Mr. Smykowski. he was able to help me with all the issues I was going through at the time. Also, at a very reasonable fee. Definitely call him if you need help.

Tu Tuan Dao

12862 Garden Grove Blvd Ste 260, Garden Grove, CA

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

29 Sep, 2023 by Hayley le

I consulted the firm for estate planning earlier this year to make sure that our children are well-taken care of in case something happens to us. We had so many questions but Tu explained everything in detail, discussed different scenarios that we should consider and helped us formulate a plan that works well for us. We felt so much better after consulting with him. He also helped me understand what I should consider before agreeing to be an appointed guardian for a friend. He brought up very valid points that I would not have thought of if I hadn't talked to him. Beside his expertise and sense of humor, his work ethic is what will bring me back!!

29 Sep, 2023 by Hien mai

Our family has always come here for our immigration needs. Not only that their team is knowledgeable and professional, they are always on top of our cases. We never had to reach out to them for follow up. They knew exactly what they’re doing and our green cards arrived much earlier than expected!!!

29 Sep, 2023 by Helen h a

Dao Law group is the best in the business. Their service and expertise exceeded all my expectations every time. They helped me almost 10 years ago when I went through a complex legal name change, took care of all the process and details in such professional yet friendly approach, and they have been my trusted legal counselor ever since. They specially excelled in estate planning, asking thoughtful questions and always having our best interests in mind. I would recommend them to everyone that need legal services!

Steven Edward Oakley

2600 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA

Business Elder Law Estate Planning +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

10 Sep, 2017 by Gail

It is important to Steve that his clients fully understand different ways to structure a trust, so that we are able to make informed decisions. He addresses both the legal and more affective aspects of the trust. He also stresses the importance of regularly revisiting the trust so it remains accurate & up to date. He uses subsequent appointments to continue to educate his clients, and offer criteria for making adjustments given changes in law or family circumstances.

07 May, 2014 by Violet

From the moment I talked to Steve I was impressed at his promptness to return my call. He listened thoughtfully, I could hear the concern in his voice; it was as though I had been handed a (cup of instant kindness). He even gave me a little boost of much-needed self confidence). Thank-you, Steve, my friend!

22 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous

I researched a long time before I finally settled with Steven Oakley. He was very professional and had a great presentation and made us so comfortable from the beginning. We trust our estate planning with him and would recommend others to do the same. It takes 3 meetings to get your estate planning done. The first is a free initial meeting where he explains what he does and the pricing options. Then if you do decide to go with him then during the second meeting you provide all your information for your estate planning. You get a DPOA , an advance directive, beneficiaries if you or your spouse dies all set up and more. Then during the third meeting he hands you your estate planning folder with everything in it along with a CD copy and he goes through everything with you. You also receive an Emergency Medical Information Card you can keep in your wallet if ever you get hospitalized. He answered all our questions and everything that I wanted on my checklist for estate planning was marked off because of him. There is a yearly annual review that you must pay for but it is worth it because you need to keep your estate planning updated or else some things might become invalid. The price is on the higher end but you definitely pay what you get for and I wouldn't want to pay cheap when it comes to my family and estate planning. Like he said to us during his presentation, think of it as an investment into your future for you and your loved ones.

Ashley L. Dudley

3411 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

12 Mar, 2024 by Cat

Ashley worked on my case with another attorney. I met Ashley the day of the court hearing, and she was very professional. We talked about the legal issue that I had right in the court house, and from there she worked her magic. She is definitely on your side and will 100%. She sees through bluffs and nonsense in people, which I wholeheartedly respect. She was able to talk to the opposing party before we met with the judge to agree to dismiss the case, which was amazing. Hire her for your needs, you will not regret it. She is 100% worth it. Don’t think about the money, think about the peace of mind she will give you at the end of the day.

10 Dec, 2022 by Priscilla

Ashley picked up my case at the end of 2021 and after almost a year (not her doing), she helped me beat it last week. There aren’t enough words to describe her! She not only is a phenomenal attorney but an amazing human being as well. She is one of the few attorneys that I can say actually cares. She didn’t just help beat a custody case, she helped me finally stand up for myself. I am forever grateful for Ashley.

03 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous

I needed an attorney to assist with a pseudo-domestic issue and Ashley was extremely professional, diligent, and helped to keep the costs down as well. Her legal advice was concise and understandable to someone such as myself with little to no legal experience in this area. She was extremely accommodating with working around my schedule, and she was able to handle all signatures on documents electronically, so I did not have to go out of my way to go to her office to sign documents. She also gave me a payment plan to pay off my balance. Overall, very high value and extremely happy with Ms. Dudley. If I have legal issues in the future, I would work with her again.

Amy Anderson Howse

4100 Newport Place Dr Ste 230, Newport Beach, CA

Business Estate Planning Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

13 Feb, 2016 by Janai

Amy was my attorney for an estate settlement after my grandfather passed away last year. She helped guide me through the best way to handle the situation. There was a will and a trust, and another family member and his attorney involved. She did an amazing job, and we had great communication through it all. The end result was exactly how my Grandfather wanted it to be. Amy is amazing.

29 Jun, 2015 by Jennifer

I can't say enough about how amazing Ms. Howse is as a person and as an attorney. I retained Ms. Howes's services along with my 2 siblings during a really terrible time in our lives we had just lost our father and now needed to embark upon litigation against our fathers wife due to her intentionally interfering with our inheritance. Amy was so incredibly compassionate and understanding. She was incredibly thorough and patient with us because we had no clue what we were getting ourselves into. Amy walked us through every step of the way for almost 3 years. Hands down this was one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through but I never felt lack of support from Amy. She was open to hearing our thoughts and long winded explanations at times. She was protective of us when opposing counsel was attempting to bully us she was right there to back him down. She worked tirelessly and efficiently as we are young adults trying to fund a very expensive law suit. I would retain Amy as my attorney again a minute no questions asked her and her firm were incredible!!! I can’t thank Amy enough for all she did for me and my siblings!!!

22 Jun, 2015 by Jan

I live in NJ and had to hire Amy Howse and the Peterson firm strictly through a phone call. Amy immediately gained my confidence through her ability to listen, ask relevant questions in a non judging manner. She was able to grasp all the different aspects of a complex case, build the right defense and ultimately negotiated a very good settlement. She was always available to discuss my questions, provide a point of view and help me to make an unemotional decision. She provided the right level of empathy and reality for me. I would highly recommend Amy.

Joellen Plaskett

8652 Fensmuir St, San Diego, CA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

01 Sep, 2021 by Dr. joseph

Help me with my trust. JoEllen was very professional and Knowledgable. I had several friends who she helped and they told me about Ms. Plasket

09 Sep, 2015 by Brian

Joellen took me on as client to assist me in getting paternity and custody of my 2 year old son. She is an excellent listener and give advice, even if it is not what you want to hear. She does an amazing job in front of the judge in the sense that she gets your case seen in a light that helps make things turn out the best for you. Joellen was patient with me and handled my times of emotional distress professionally and she has a way of making the light at the end of the tunnel much brighter! I would highly recommend her for any of your legal needs!!! Very excellent attorney!

28 Dec, 2014 by David

Joellen was extremely helpful with some problems I was having with my HOA. She responded patiently to my frantic calls and walked me through my options with great care. She was very knowledgeable and practical.

Kiran K. Dhillon

5530 Birdcage Street, Suite 200, Citrus Heights, CA

Business Estate Planning Real Estate +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

21 Feb, 2022 by Jeena

My husband and I were thrilled to find such great law firm for our estate planning and business law needs. We worked with Kiran who was extremely detailed oriented, knowledgable, professional, and efficient. She also provided thoughtful insights, helping us navigate various difficult decisions. We highly recommend this firm!

17 May, 2018 by Beth

Kiran Dhillon represented me, the Trustee, in the modification of my parent’s trust agreement. She was very good at guiding me through the process of obtaining all the necessary documents to complete the court case. She always responded promptly to my phone calls and emails. I found Kiran to be professional, knowledgeable, friendly and very efficient. I would highly recommend her.

22 Mar, 2018 by Alvin

Kiran Dhillon is an excellent attorney, she represented me in my brother estate case after his death. I had no problems with the way she handled the case, very professional, and very knowledgeable everything was on time and accurate .

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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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