Lawyers map
>11.4k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
14 Jul, 2022 by Parvez
If there was perfect attorney and human being all wrapped in one, it would be Jason. Jason took over as my counsel with a very stressful case. Not only was he compassionate, knowledgeable and kind he actually appeased all my concerns. He was transparent. This was during the beginning of the pandemic and amidst all the uncertainty Jason was able to guide and reassure me through tough times. Please consider him. He is an excellent trial lawyer. He is logical, tough, smart, and honest. That's the counsel you need. Thank you Jason!
Read more
18 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
He was kind, considerate and respectful since Day 1. What I appreciated the most was that he always took the time to explain things to me whenever I asked for clarification and never made me feel lost or rushed.
Read more
04 Sep, 2014 by Kassius
He helped update my complicated estate. I was very impressed with knowledge and his ability to help me with my issues. He was a pleasure to do business with. I would recommend him to anyone that needs his services. The cherry on top of this situation was that he was affordable.
Read more
10 Mar, 2011 by Stephen
If you're looking to find a skilled and reputable attorney who is local to South Orange County, I highly recommend Jerome J. Carrasco. Jerome helped us with the will and estate when our mother passed recently, providing expert knowledge and a refreshingly humble, down to earth demeanor. We've known Jerome for over ten years, over which time he has become a close and trusted advisor to our family. I'd recommend Jerome without hesitation.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
23 Oct, 2010 by Lindsay
Stephanie Lord did an outstanding job handling our estate planning (and all of the related documents) both immediately before and following the birth of our son. I HIGHLY recommend her and her firm's legal staff. We were initially intimidated by what seemed like a complicated process to set up our will and trust and all of the healthcare directives, etc. before our son's birth. We wanted to make sure everything was in order in the event of an emergency during labor or an unforeseen event during our son's adolescence. Stephanie explained the complicated rules and documents in CLEAR terms and took care of everything for us. We had one brief meeting to sign documents before our son was born, and then another brief meeting to sign our will and trust documentation following his birth. Stephanie also provided information and simple instructions outside of those meetings to help us prepare. We were blown away by how smooth the process was once we arrived at Stephanie's office. ALL of the documents were prepared and ready for signature and a paralegal was standing by to make copies following our signatures. Stephanie was present at both meetings to explain everything we were signing. We left with a user-friendly binder containing copies of all documents, a very clear understanding of how our estate was set up according to our wishes, and simple steps for how to transfer our existing assets to the trust. Several months later, Stephanie also stepped in to handle the purchase of our home in the name of our trust. If you are looking for an easy process, quick and understandable responses to all of your questions, and the perfect estate plan for your needs, call Stephanie! The added bonus is that her rates are also very reasonable!
Read more
04 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Stephanie to prepare my will and trust. This was during an unusually stressful time of my life. Stephanie handled the preparation of my trust in the most professional manner with a sensitivity to my issues.She was always available for my questions and responed very quickly with any requests I had. I am extreemly happpy with my trust and would recommond her to anyone he needs a excellent lawyer
Read more
25 Jun, 2016 by Stephanie
We did our family trust before our boys were born. Once they were born we realized that some of the plans we had made if something happened to us needed to be changed. We were referred to Lucas to review our trust. He helped us amend our trust and do new documents. He was professional and knowledgeable. We are glad we met him and appreciate his help with our documents.
Read more
23 Oct, 2015 by Melissa
I was Attorney Woodward 's first client when he was fresh out of law school. He protected me, my inheritance and stopped opposing counsel harassment.
Read more
5.0
2 Reviews
01 Oct, 2012 by Karen
I hired Peter Bochnewich to assist me with a very difficult and complex legal issue that involved a family member. Peter was immediately responsive, and continued to aggressively fight for my interests for the duration of the litigation. We were ultimately successful, and I am grateful for the time and attention he gave to my case. Peter is very, very smart, extremely knowledgeable in his areas of expertise, and more than fair with his time and billable hours. Finally, I have to say that Peter is also an unusual attorney in that he is compassionate and has a sense of what is just and appropriate; he will be honest and forthright with his client, but will absolutely fight to right a perceived injustice. I can't say enough great things about this attorney.
Read more
01 Oct, 2012 by Paul
I would like to personally offer the highest possible recommendation for Attorney Peter Bochnewich.
In 2008, my sister and I were faced with a situation where the executor of our uncle’s estate had used what we believed to be deceitful practices to get my uncle to assign all of his financial holdings in joint accounts with rights of survivorship, he had then kept all virtually all of the financial assets of the estate for himself.
Our family lawyer told us that the situation was hopeless, that we could not win a legal challenge and we would only be wasting our money if we tried.
We were almost ready to give up when a lawyer in Palm Desert recommended Peter Bochnewich. We were told that he was one of the most experienced and effective trust and estate litigation attorneys in all of Southern California. After an initial, detailed consultation, Mr. Bochnewich was cautiously optimistic about the possibility of recovering some or all of the estate.
Throughout a long and sometimes difficult legal battle, my sister and I were constantly impressed by the depth of Mr. Bochnewich’s understanding of the law, his energy in applying it, and his intelligent and effective presence in court. We were also deeply appreciative of his warmth toward us and the deeply ethical behavior he exhibited both in and out of court.
In the end, Mr. Bochnewich’s skills were responsible for removing the executor from the estate, and in our receiving a seven-figure judgment. I would not hesitate to recommend Peter Bochnewich to anyone seeking highly skilled legal assistance with estate and inheritance issues.
Read more
21 Aug, 2012 by Paul
Organizing my family's legal affairs was badly overdue. We needed the full kit - a family trust, living wills, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, etc.. We found Lee on a recommendation, and the recommendation was well deserved.
Lee was great to work with. We know nothing about these things, and he led us through it step by step. He explained each legal document, why that document did (or did not) apply to our family, and how to gather the information to produce the final documentation. My wife and I feel much more comfortable now that we have this process behind us. It was quicker and easier than we expected.
I recommend that any family get their legal documents in order - it's a relief once it's done. And I highly recommend Lee Kaster to help guide you through the process.
Read more
31 Jul, 2012 by Rose
I had the pleasure of working with Lee to set up a living trust. I am not the most organised person but with his help and patience the task was completed efficiently. His direction and advice was so very helpful and I found him to be easy to talk to and attentive to detail. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Read more
06 Sep, 2013 by Jack
I had a difficult situation in getting a contract dispute settled. Attorney Pierson took my case and did a thorough job researching and finding the law that favorably applied to my case which he then used to convince the other attorney to have his client make a settlement offer. Attorney Pierson kept me up to date on what was going on and always called me back when I needed to talk with him. He always gave me a chance to say what was important to me and also gave advice on my options. I would recommend him!
Read more
05 Sep, 2013 by Arlo
I strongly recommend Michael Pierson- he thoroughly reviewed my personal injury case and was very responsive throughout the entire settlement process. After having switched from a less attentive lawyer I was relieved to receive such great service even while traveling abroad. He is professional, effective and we ended up receiving a settlement amount much higher than I originally anticipated. He is an excellent lawyer and I am very satisfied with my time as his client.
Read more
26 Jun, 2020 by Frances
I found Attorney Middleton and her office assistant to very professional yet easy to communicate with. All questions were answered and call backs were done in a timely manner. I found her to be very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in completing court documents and filings.
Read more
15 Nov, 2017 by Bridgette
Antoinette Middleton successfully guided me through a legal process that I was unfamiliar with. She was always prepared for meetings and court apprearances. I appreciated her professionalism, and compassion during times when I did not think I would make it through the difficulties of my case.
Antoinette informed me of resources that will help me fulfill my duties as trustee of my mother's estate. She also informed me of organizations that I should contact for support.
The case was determined in my favor and I will trust her in the future should any legal needs arise.
Read more
15 Sep, 2009 by Aaron
Ken has been my attorney for over 10 years for various legal matters (estate planning, real estate law, etc...). In addition, Ken has completed the living trust for my family and several of my in laws including my mother. He did an excellent job; I referred him to all of my closest in-laws and family members.
Read more
13 Sep, 2009 by Nicky
Very helpful and informative; went out of his way to help us build a trust while we were dealing with a failing parent; was able to sort out a 29-year old inheritance issue - including a change of tactics that sped up the process and reduced his fee; highly recommended.
Read more
03 Aug, 2015 by Ryan
I consulted with Alex about a real estate deal I had in mind. He was very prompt and apprised me of different issues I hadn't thought of.
Alex has also helped me and my mother by explaining and interpreting a trust document in which my mom is successor trustee. We spoke over the phone and I appreciate his ability to cut through the legalese. He answered all of my questions and made sure that I understood his responses.
I feel good knowing I have someone to go to for my legal issues.
Read more
14 Jul, 2015 by Valerie
I called Alex Biddle as a referral from my nephew since my family was looking for an attorney to review of my parents Living Trust. At the time, we were very anxious to get this done as soon as possible. Alex was very prompt at returning my call and immediately set up a time to give him copies of the trust. However, the next day my family instructed me to hold off on the review. He was very understanding of my request even though he had already spent several hours of his time. Despite my willingness to pay him, he waived his fees and also spend time scanning the lengthy documents back. When my family decides to have the trust reviewed, I will not hesitate to use his services again. It was a pleasure to work with Alex even though it was short lived. He showed his promptness and professionalism to my needs. I will have no problem recommend his services to any of my family and friends that need estate planning assistance.
Read more
23 May, 2021 by Diana
We highly recommend Ashley Teague for estate planning. We found her based on her stellar reviews and after looking specifically for an estate planning specialist. We were impressed by her level of organization, knowledge, and attention to detail. She was patient and knew how to explain things very well, given this was the first time creating an estate plan. She made what could have been a stressful process as seamless as possible.
Read more
19 Apr, 2018 by Kelly
I went to Ashley with a business situation that had potential legal ramifications. In working with her, I found her extremely knowledgeable, professional and personable. She has the unique ability to relate to clients. She was thorough and able to review the situation from all angles. She offered sound legal advice that was easy to follow. These situations are often really stressful, but Ashley walked me through every step until I felt at ease. She's very skillful at breaking down complex legal concepts into layman's terms. I very highly recommend using her as an attorney.
Read more
17 Mar, 2016 by Sherry
We hired Kevin to create a family trust for us. He was knowledgeable, professional and accessible throughout the process as well as prompt in answering follow up questions we had. I would not hesitate to recommend his services and would readily use him again.
Read more
01 Mar, 2016 by R. l.
Kevin prepared an estate plan for my family and I couldn't be more pleased. We had a number of complicated issues that we wanted to resolve and he exceeded my expectations in proposing creative and alternative solutions. He is very knowledgable and thorough in his explanations. I really learned a lot about the process and highly recommend him!
Read more
23 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Or if you want more details... my husband and I were involved in a probate case several hours away from our home. We were able to scan anything relevant from our full filing cabinet of docs, and Jeanne selected just what we needed for our case, she did additional research at the local courthouse saving us several long trips, she worked well with the other probate attorney, filed the paperwork with the courts well in advance of our case, and when we traveled up for the hearing, our portion was settled in our favor in a matter of minutes. We're so appreciative of her careful and thorough work, how little time it cost us despite travel time, her rates are reasonable, she is incredibly responsive, and she's flexible and so pleasant to work with. And gave us a fabulous resto recommendation in Ukiah before our travels home. We can't recommend Jeanne highly enough!
Read more
27 May, 2017 by Joan
We were in need of a local attorney to create the will, advanced directives and trust documents for an older relative living in the area. We are from the east coast and just took a flying computer-generated chance with Ms. DeJong and we could not be happier. She is personable, patient, extremely knowledgeable and thorough. She was able to explain everything...not just to her client, our relative, but also to us. She was also able to help with some side issues and helped us to plan for some future eventualities.She took the time needed to get the job done and we never felt rushed or like we were "on the clock"
It is difficult to choose a professional from across the country with nothing to go on, but I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms Dejong to all near and far.
Read more
02 Sep, 2019 by R.a. - los angeles
I was in a contract dispute, and was referred to Kramar by one of his clients whose case he had previously won. I hired Kramar for a breach of contract issue I was having with a business I had hired. Kramar was always honest and never "sugarcoated" the realities of litigation. Kramar had the lien lifted from my home and fortunately, won my case. It's difficult to find an attorney you feel you can trust. His rates were competitive and I'll be using him in the future.
Read more
09 Dec, 2016 by Steve
Steven has always been there for me whenever I have a business or estate planning need. His staff is great. I couldn't recommend him more.
Read more
13 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Hiring Yuen and Yuen and working with Erika and Frank Yuen to help us settle our parents’ complex estate was the best decision my brother and I made. We found Erika and Frank to be very knowledgeable, easy to work with and available to us for in-person meetings and phone consultants throughout every step of the process. We couldn’t have settled the trust without their help. Thank you Erika and Frank!
Read more
23 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Erika in 2014 and the ongoing legal relationship has continued to this day. Our Probate was VERY complex and sensitive, involving interactions with additional litigators in different fields. As a former Assistant DA, Erika has experience and contacts outside the Probate arena, which proved helpful to our situation. She is professional and knowledgeable, along with the stamina to 'get the job done' for you. Most importantly, she is sincere about your personal well-being during this difficult process. Our highest recommendation.
Read more
09 Apr, 2018 by Richard and tami
I have been working with Richard McBurnie for over ten years. Richard did our Living Trust and he was very thorough and settled for nothing less then 100% accuracy. He was very concerned about our needs and worked hard to attain the desired results we expected. He did not try to push us through the process. Instead, he focused on doing it right the first time. I did not realize the level of experience needed to do a Living Trust correctly but, I am so thankful we found him. We have now done about 30 Probate and Trust sales with him. With 100% success on every project, why would anyone look to someone else. Call him, you will be happy you did.
Read more
29 May, 2013 by Earl
Mr. McBurnie has been like a breath of fresh air. He has taken over a very complex probate case for me which he has been able to bring through the paper work of dealing with well over 100 legal heirs and has kept the ball rolling. In short I am amazed at his depth of knowledge of his subject and his humane consideration for his clients. He is available and reliable and on time. I would recommend him without reservation.
Read more
06 Jun, 2012 by Michael
I have used Mr. Yocum on a number of occasions here in my position as Special Assets officer in a Community bank. He found ways around or through obstacles, while pursuing a case to the end. His fees are very reasonable. When Mr. Yocum calls it is for a valid reason and not just to run up time on the clock.
Read more
07 Dec, 2010 by Judy
Mr. Yocum was available to answer any question immediately. He would always follow thru with anything our organization asked of him. His work on our behalf with the Franchise Tax Board was key to a satisfactory settlement for our organization. His work was done in a timely and professional manner.
Read more
10 Feb, 2020 by Kenneth
Gary took the time to advise on various options to customize the estate planning based on my preference and needs. Very capable and efficient staff.
Read more
09 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Great to work with. Clear in his explanations. Very organized, timely, efficient, reminded us of what we needed to do. Excellent service by Patricia.
Read more
04 May, 2021 by Jessie
I went to ask her some questions unannounced and she was more than happy to answer them for me and give me a piece of mind of what I'm going through and I left feeling not as upset when I got there she made me feel real comfortable and I like that. Thank you Elizabeth I would really highly recommend her sincerely Jessie
Read more
21 Jan, 2020 by Alex
I went to her to help filing documents after the passing of my grandparents. She was kind, listened,helpful, and got what I needed done.
Thank you Liz
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
07 Aug, 2017 by Paul
I hired this attorney two months ago and am very pleased with his performance thus far. He is straight forward and direct, and I feel he has my best interest in mind.
Read more
21 May, 2016 by Mike
Scott Fisher is a very trustworthy and honest professional. My father passed away and he was able to assist in a timely manner and had great communication through the entire process. Very grateful for his professionalism as he assisted me during the loss of a family member and made this difficult situation seem effortless. If you need support with estate planning or probate you can trust that Scott will give you proffessional, honest, and timely results. Thank you again Scott.
Read more
15 Apr, 2016 by Walter
Having been named Executor of Ramona Burns Estate by a legal Last Will and Testament,it became clear that the Estate had to go through the process of Probate according to California law.Sarah was recommended to me by a good friend who had engaged her services in a previous Probate case involving one of her own parents.She was highly recommended.
Because of my particular circumstances,it was essential that the advice I received from a legal professional was on point and helped me to navigate the unique problems that I faced when my good friend died and left me to wind up her affairs as nominated Executor.I might add that Ramona Burns nominated me as Executor with power for her health care decisions(she had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was hospitalized for several months before her death),but not with Power of Attorney over her Finances.Essentially,I was left with the maintenance of her home with very little income to maintain the property during the period that she was in intensive care and unable to make any decisions regarding her day to day financial obligations.
With this in mind,it was important that Sarah could counsel me in what I could and couldn't do in the use of assets belonging to the Estate.
The decision to hire Sarah after an initial consultancy was a fortuitous one.
Sarah advised me on what I needed to do.She told me exactly what paperwork I needed to find and provide her with.She informed me of important Court dates that I needed to be aware of and what powers the Court would provide me with in order that I could arrange for the wishes of the deceased to be met with.She performed all the legal State requirements that were incumbent upon her for me and all the paperwork that accompanied these.I never had to go to Court as Sarah made all of it unnecessary.
I can't imagine having a better professional experience with an Attorney .She was exemplary.More than Highly Recommended.5 Stars.
Read more
20 Nov, 2014 by Kristi
Sarah Kirland successfully represented me in a tough case for conservatorship of my 18 year old son with a traumatic brain injury. She was very informative, honest, available and thorough. Very professional with a personal touch, she seems to really care for her clients and their families best interests. I would most definitely recommend her and call on her in the future if needed.
Read more
27 May, 2015 by Gary
Mr Nematbakhsh has helped me on three different lawsuits and all were resolved or settled in my favor. I have worked with many attorneys in the past and Mr Nematbakhsh is by far the best of the best !!!!
Read more
29 Jan, 2015 by Amir
I met tom in early part of 2014 and he ended up setting up my family trust. Tom is a very knowledgeable, caring and compassionate attorney. His prices are very fair and it seems like when dealing with him you have found a new friend. Since my family trust was set up I have referred him to both by sisters and my cousin and all of them are happy with his services.
Read more
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.
Read more
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!
Read more
02 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mrs. Battram is the most honest respectable lawyer ever. She is very knowledgeable, and she works very hard, beyond my expectation. Mrs. Battram always treated me with the upmost respect at all times. She always took the time to understand my problems, and promptly took care of the entire process. Whenever I email or call her about any questions, I got an instant comprehensive response. She is highly recommended.
Read more
31 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Linda took on our legal case and has been there every moment that something happens. She is very knowledgeable in the law and responds quickly to phone calls or emails and is welcoming for us to just stop by her office for help. We have complete trust in her for this and upcoming court cases. She files in a timely manner. I overall would recommend her!
Read more
19 Mar, 2018 by Ann
Ms. Choudhury provided excellent legal work for the estate of my children's father. She asked pertinent questions and kept our family in the loop during all of the proceeding and filing processes. She was very personable and never made us feel like we were asking dumb questions. I would recommend her for any estate planning work!
Read more
15 Feb, 2018 by Leslie
I hired Devika Choudry after my mom passed away when I wasplaced in charge of her estate. There were several issues I needed help navigating, and Devika was not only knowledgeable and skilled at handling my probate case, but also kind and understanding. Devika ensured that all debts that were able to be were written off, and that the investment company released my mother's funds to her estate when they were resistant to doing so. I doont believe I would have been successful in handling this case closing the probate without her.
Read more
28 Sep, 2016 by Pam
My husband and I hired Rebecca to create a Family Trust for us. She was very thorough in leading us through this process. She asked questions and took notes. She asked us to fill out paperwork and send her copies of documents which we gladly did. The whole experience was very professional and pleasant. We highly recommend Rebecca because of her skills as a lawyer and knowledge of California Estate laws.
Read more
15 Jul, 2016 by Patty pottenger
Rebecca is a wonderful lawyer that is patient, listens and makes you feel very comfortable with your personal planning. I will be recommending her to my friends.
Read more
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.
Read more
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!
Read more
01 Jan, 2021 by Jeff
Dan advised me on some foreclosure and bankruptcy issues as well as employment contract. He is brutally honest and ethical to a T!
Read more
20 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Great lawyer affordable I saved my house! I was in foreclosure and needed help. I was able to get a low repayment. Dan explained everything to me.
Thanks Dan!
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in California - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Los Angeles
-
San Francisco
-
San Diego
-
Sacramento
-
Irvine
-
Oakland
-
San Jose
-
Beverly Hills
-
Newport Beach
-
Palo Alto
-
Pasadena
-
Santa Monica
-
Santa Ana
-
Fresno
-
Walnut Creek
-
Long Beach
-
Glendale
-
Encino
-
Woodland Hills
-
Costa Mesa
-
Riverside
-
Redwood City
-
Santa Rosa
-
Menlo Park
-
Santa Barbara
-
Sherman Oaks
-
Orange
-
Torrance
-
Berkeley
-
Westlake Village
-
Burbank
-
Mountain View
-
Carlsbad
-
San Rafael
-
Bakersfield
-
San Mateo
-
Ventura
-
El Segundo
-
Roseville
-
Santa Clara
-
Calabasas
-
Tustin
-
Culver City
-
Stockton
-
La Jolla
-
Huntington Beach
-
Modesto
-
Pleasanton
-
Manhattan Beach
-
Anaheim
-
San Luis Obispo
-
Santa Cruz
-
Van Nuys
-
Sunnyvale
-
Burlingame
-
Fullerton
-
San Ramon
-
Rancho Cucamonga
-
Ontario
-
Salinas
-
San Bernardino
-
Encinitas
-
Napa
-
Monterey
-
Cupertino
-
Fremont
-
Thousand Oaks
-
West Hollywood
-
Los Gatos
-
Redding
-
Redondo Beach
-
Alameda
-
Monterey Park
-
Palm Desert
-
Cerritos
-
Folsom
-
Agoura Hills
-
Chico
-
Visalia
-
Mission Viejo
-
Marina Del Rey
-
Temecula
-
Oxnard
-
Aliso Viejo
-
Laguna Hills
-
Davis
-
Brea
-
Chula Vista
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in California
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Intellectual Property
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Tax
-
Workers Compensation
-
Civil Rights
-
Insurance
-
Consumer Protection
-
Immigration
-
Government
-
Appeals
-
Probate
-
Trusts
-
Car Accident
-
Mediation
-
Entertainment
-
Class Action
-
Child Custody
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Domestic Violence
-
Wrongful Death
-
Bankruptcy
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Child Support
-
Elder Law
-
Discrimination
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Debt Collection
-
Employment / Labor
-
Copyright Application
-
Divorce
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Federal Crime
-
Sex Crime
-
Foreclosure
-
Adoption
-
DUI / DWI
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Drug Crime
-
Construction
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Constitutional Law
-
Education Law
-
Environmental Law
-
Contracts
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Corporate
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
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.
