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30 Dec, 2024 by Michael day
I was very pleased with Harlan, Nolan, and their team. They were compassionate and very professional throughout the long process. Whenever a tragic injury event occurs with family or friends, we always recommend the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Kendra black
I went through this Law office due to being involved in a car accident February 2023. A family member recommended them and I don’t regret it. Nolan and his team are knowledgeable, transparent, professional, caring, and informative. I recommend anyone in need of their services, that they go to them due to their experience and ability to treat their clients’ like a person and not just a paycheck.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Julie lozano
I couldn't be happier with the Kistler firm. The attorneys Kistler, Katie, Lynn and the entire office staff were always very professional and kind. They handled the entire case from beginning to fruition with diligence. Always receptive, helpful, available when I called and responded to emails and messages promptly. I am very happy and pleased with how the firm handled my case and the outcome was quite positive. I highly recommend the Kistler firm.
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10 Dec, 2024 by J. m.
I was able to contact Mr. Gutierrez one day before court. He listened and helped me understand more about my case. After analyzing, he referred me to a more experienced colleague on my type of problem. Not before giving me hints, in case i wasn't able to reach out to his colleague in time. More important If I hadn't spoken to Mr. Gutierrez, the day before court, without a doubt, I'll be in jail right now. This level of honesty and care for the community should be acknowledged. Gracias Ausentes de Jalos
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29 Nov, 2024 by Ivan gutierrez
Thank you for helping me in my case. You are the best.
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29 Nov, 2024 by Arthur uribe
I am happy having retained the Gutierrez Law Offices. They handled my case very professionally. Their prices are very affordable, and they have payment plans. I really recommend Gutierrez Law Offices, they are good.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Angela wong
I would not give any stars for this company. I had dealt with Chris Kiernan in evicting a nonpaying tenant back in 2022. Chris Kiernan was not communicative with me at all throughout the almost two years (10/2020 - 8/2022) that it took to evict the tenant. I had to follow up constantly to see what the status was, and often times I wouldn't receive a response back until a month after I send the initial follow up email. The company ended up serving the papers the wrong person, the judgment/writ of execution/possession was filed incorrectly and needed to be resubmitted 2-3 times to the court. There were also significant delays that were avoidable with getting the sheriff to accompany us to change the locks to the property. From 1/2022, I was informed that the writ of possession was received and he would sent it to the sheriff so that we could change the locks with the sheriff that following week. It wasn't until four months later in 5/2022 that I took matters into my own hands and called the sheriff's office since I wasn't getting any updates from Chris. They informed me that the writ was sent back to the lawyer's office as it didn't include the cashier's check and the case number was written incorrectly. Chris resubmitted it for processing with the sheriff and told me that it was delivered, but when I called the sheriff, they said they didn't receive anything. Working with this company was extremely frustrating. Multiple documents needed to be resubmitted for processing with the courts and sheriff's office. I understand this was during a time of COVID where processing get delayed; however these delays were due to multiple avoidable user errors. Overall, I would not recommend this company to people dealing with evictions.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Will v
I had some property line issues a couple months back and Scott gave me the advice I needed to move forward. I wasn't sure how to go about the situation, he gave guidance and insight on how things work. I outreached to a few attorneys and none of them got back to me but Scott took the time to reach me and help me out right away. Thank you guys.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Fernando maciel
We highly recommend Nick Moss from this law firm. He has been very respectful, clear, understanding and hardworking.
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12 Aug, 2023 by Paul
Retained Company after becoming Administrator in Pro Per to file 850 Petition and recover assets for probate in March 2021. They filed an incomplete 850 Petition which had to be corrected and refiled by another law firm, after the Judge asked for additional information. Never even asked for an inventory or Trust accounting, ever. The invoices however, never stopped. After 2.5 years they recovered $0 and charged over $50,000 in fees.
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13 Jan, 2021 by Deanna
Kyle was very supportive, and listened to me. Would highly recommend him for anyone that is having family problems. He settled my case, and won. After four lawyers, I finally found him thank God. Thank God and him. He had to deal with some real devious people, and was never intimidated by them or their lawyers. Thank you Kyle for supporting and representing me. Thanks also for your People. They were wonderful to work with❤️
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04 Mar, 2020 by Merci
I cant enough regarding Kyle Patrick and his staff. Professional, knowledgeable, compassionate. Fought for me. Went above and beyond .
Top notch attorney. He knows his stuff !
Thank you Kyle for being there for me through this difficult time.
Highly recommend
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21 Feb, 2025 by Raponie smithfield
20 Feb, 2025 by Claudia cardenas
07 Feb, 2025 by Eric wilson
Wow just unbelievable my mother has had questions about her Trust and wants to make changes...Wanting to make a appointment to come in..Was told that someone would call to have her trust in front of her and her questions ready..She is in her 80s and gets confused sometimes..And so if the legal assistant cant answer her questions then she will be given a appointment to come in...Screening a clients concerns before allowing a in person sit down ..She pays a good amount of money for services why cant she come in by making a appointment..Was told over the phone that's just the way it is was a rather abrupt and very disheartening phone call rather unprofessional....
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25 Oct, 2024 by Austin huerta
Stacy Albelais, along with everyone at her firm provided exceptional service and support through out my entire case. I'm glad I trusted them to represent my case and I would recommend to anyone.
Stacy Mascitti was my assigned paralegal and truly is an amazing person and was so responsive and considerate to my concerns and situation. Truly couldn't ask for better.
Thank you all!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Lisa fernandez
From the moment my mother stepped foot into Karen’s office, she felt safe and comfortable discussing her needs and her progress with creating the trust. Karen didn’t pressure her to sign anything until I had given my consent and had a chance to speak with her. After our conversation, I was impressed with how well she recapped everything and reassured me that things would be handled exactly as we needed.
Karen’s staff was also incredibly responsive, answering all my questions in a timely manner and providing clear timelines for when we would receive the necessary paperwork. When I went to the office to sign the documents, I was pleasantly surprised to meet Karen’s son, who is also a legal professional working alongside her. The assistant who handled my emails is also a notary, and he and his mother offer a mobile notary service in Riverside. It was reassuring to see that this family-run team, from lawyer to notary, made us feel understood and comfortable during such an important process.
For anyone looking for probate or trust services, I highly recommend Karen and her team. I spoke to over six lawyers in the LA and Riverside areas—some recommended by my company, others by my mom’s church—but none of them made us feel as supported as Karen and her team did. I’m surprised more people don’t know about her, as she and her team are truly amazing. Karen is so humble and modest about promoting herself, which may explain why there aren’t more reviews, but she absolutely deserves recognition for her exceptional service.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Jones a
This team is awesome. Stacy got my divorce done quickly . All my thanks and gratitude for a job well done.
A Jones
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19 Feb, 2025 by Grafik productions
Best lawyer I could ever have hired for my case just got out of court and got justice and my custody for my daughter thank you for you service I highly recommend it
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10 Nov, 2024 by Abed ali
I went and explained everything to Xavier and he told me he will help me but I discovered that they are scammers. He told me everything will be ready after two days. I discovered that they did not do anything on my papers, and then I called them to see what happened, but their answer shocked me. What is your case and what are its details? They forgot everything, even though I sent them everything by email. But when I spoke to them, the price changed and rose insanely. The agreement was from the beginning on something clear and specific, but I discovered that they are scammers and they do not care about your case or anything except the money. It is all lies upon lies.
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10 Nov, 2024 by Grace pahlinha
I found this law firm to be more harmful than helpful to our case. It originally went well until the payment terms of our settlement agreement was changed without our knowledge while we waited for the check to arrive. It was not disclosed until the check was already cut to include their name on the check which, was not on the agreement we signed. From there, an additional large amount was invoiced to keep some of it and we are still trying to get it back nearly a year later. I think the shocking part was being billed over 40k for work they did not even do. Took a year to receive our files to even discover that. A material expert witness opinion was also never shown to us before settlement. I gave 2 stars for the law clerk who did help a bit but this firm should stick to defending DUI's and dealing with probate. Personal injury, med mal, and elder cases will fail here.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Raponie smithfield
20 Feb, 2025 by Claudia cardenas
07 Feb, 2025 by Eric wilson
Wow just unbelievable my mother has had questions about her Trust and wants to make changes...Wanting to make a appointment to come in..Was told that someone would call to have her trust in front of her and her questions ready..She is in her 80s and gets confused sometimes..And so if the legal assistant cant answer her questions then she will be given a appointment to come in...Screening a clients concerns before allowing a in person sit down ..She pays a good amount of money for services why cant she come in by making a appointment..Was told over the phone that's just the way it is was a rather abrupt and very disheartening phone call rather unprofessional....
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10 Sep, 2024 by Guillermo quintero
10 Sep, 2024 by Matthew fuller
10 Sep, 2024 by John
21 Sep, 2023 by Robert
this lawyer is the worst thing ever happened to me
he works very slow and he never answer the phone his secretary is very mean and unrespectful she likes to argue with you for no reason I try to get rid of very bad tenants and they finally vacate the property after nine months. because this lawyer takes for ever to file a case against these people.
they left the property and never recuperate any money they own me.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Martha
I came to Gilbert Gutierrez with my Uncle to set up a Family Trust. This Family Trust was not a straight forward Trust. It has some components in it that made it a bit complicated. Shortly after the Family Trust was set up my Uncle pasted away. Gilbert's office was very professional and helpful through this whole process. I had many questions on how to proceed as the Trustee of the Trust. Mr. Gutierrez's office guided me all along the way. Helping me step by step. They handled the transferring and recording of several properties. This process has been very smooth. The staff has always been friendly and helpful when I have questions or concerns. Jiri has been great at communicating and keeping me informed. Making time to sit down and bringing me up to date on where we are in the process. Never rushed through, always making sure my questions were answered. Gilbert has been great to defend and address issues that came up legally. I did not have to worry about attending court or how to respond when corresponding with other attorney's. Gilbert has taken care of all of this. I have been very happy with Gilbert Gutierrez and Jiri and office staff. As the Trustee of the Trust I have responsibilities and duties to fulfill that are mine to complete. Gilbert's office has been great at keeping me on track throughout this process. I am very happy with the work they have done and are doing for me.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Lisa
Mr. Gutierrez was incredibly professional, upfront and honest about dealing with my case and costs involved. He offered options and provided extremely helpful advice. I would not hesitate to return for any legal issue handled by his office.
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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.
