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20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
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19 Nov, 2015 by Julie
I had a probate issue and Mr. Loew was extremely generous with his time, talking to me at length on two occasions about my options and never charging me for his time. I decided not to pursue the case. I felt Mr. Loew was quite fair and rational in his discussions. I felt confident that he was providing me with the best information to make a decision.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Michele
It's extremely rare in today's world to meet a person who does things out of the goodness of their heart and because it's the right thing to do. Sally is such a person. She gave me excellent advice. She spoke with me at length, knowing I was too far away to be a client. She never even mentioned a consult fee. She's a rare gem and anyone that is lucky enough to hire her should know they are in very good ethical compassionate hands.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Patricia
Atty. Bergman helped me promptly and perfectly helping me to identify specific problems needing resolution. She proved to be a true gold mine and I trust her expertise and integrity unconditionally. Atty. Bergman also gave me a referral for an attorney in my area, which I appreciate. I'd have hired Atty. Bergman in a flash if she practiced in my area. I recommend her highly.
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19 Aug, 2019 by Frank
She was very helpful with my difficult legal question and provided me with answers I wouldn't have thought of. Very caring regarding my dilemma and showed me my option possibilities. Thank you.
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07 Feb, 2016 by Robert case
I will hire on 2/8/16. Stay tuned...
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02 Oct, 2014 by Rich
I was in urgent need of an attorney to file a summons and complaint on my behalf in order for me to receive some unclaimed funds that I was entitled to being held in the Superior Court of Contra Costa County.
Paul was referred to me by a friend. I contacted Paul, he was on vacation but still handled my case that I consider over and above the call of duty. We communicated telephonically, by email and by fax and my lawsuit was submitted on time.. I left the country for a month and Paul continued to act on my behalf with the Court. When I returned Paul had it all in place for me to sign a Release and to receive the entire amount of unclaimed funds that I was entitled to.
I highly recommend Paul. He is knowledgeable, dependable and cost effective.
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01 Feb, 2012 by Anthony
Paul was a very knowledgeable attorney when he handled my manufactured home lawsuit. He is a man who puts his all into supporting and helping his clients with all sorts of useful information and directions to proceed in. He methodically investigates all existing material and info.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
After talking with Roxanne and another legal firm about my estate planning needs, I selected Roxanne because of the referral I received for her, her knowledge, her genuine and friendly rapport, and focus on getting the plan done. She did not make it a drawn out, rigorous process. She clearly presented my options in straightforward terms and kept the process moving. Her flat-rate was competitive. I enjoyed working with Roxanne and am happy to have her as a legal resource going forward. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again or refer her.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Alexander
Roxanne is great to work with. Not only does she know her stuff legally/technically, she has a wonderful way of working with you on this rather macabre topics. I mean who wants to talk about what happens after we get too sick or even pass away?! The process is clear and my responsibilities were easy to complete. We talked through various scenarios and options and I felt very comfortable and supported all the way. And everything is documented and memorialized in a binder so it's at hand when the time comes!
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17 Dec, 2015 by Vickie
Roxanne Jen was intelligent, informed, detail oriented, personable, and efficient. I ended up with a complete estate plan. I have since recommended her to others, and would definitely use her again myself.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Lauri
Trusted made protecting our family easy. Although our situation was pretty straightforward, Trusted identified and explained multiple options for us to consider in the future as the size of our estate grows. Trusted also made the whole process and clear and even kept
things moving when we were stuck on certain issues. After our plan was complete, Trusted helped guide us to make sure we funded our trust and informed our guardians. Thanks Trusted.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Brian
We asked Pamela to help us establish our trust. In our initial consultation, Pam neatly laid out all of our options. She was mindful to explain new words and complex concepts in easy-to-understand language. (And was very patient when we lost grip on a couple of them later in the process.) With little effort on our part and cost, we now have a smart living trust (advance health care directives included) and lifelong peace of mind. We also have an experienced professional we can count on for quick and affordable consultations and to make changes to our trust going forward. Thanks, Pam.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Valerie
Everyone at different times in their lives experience life changing events. I found myself on a roller coaster ride for over the past 3 years. I was blessed to meet a wonderful man who I'm proud to call my husband now. I left a career in banking of over 33 years, started my own Professional Life Coaching business, became a grandmother and sadly lost my father. During all these personal and emotional monumental moments Mrs. Pamela Cheong Bobowski has been my guiding light.
I met Pam over 5 years ago. During our first encounter I felt a genuine connection. She expressed her passion for helping people and I felt she was very sincere. As my life started to take on new meaning I called Pam for help.
Our first meeting was to discuss amending my formal trust. Pam was very professional and explained in detail the forms and paper work needed to process my request. I hired her on the spot. I knew she was the one who could help me get my life in order.
Over the years our connection has grown even stronger. There has never been a time when I've reached out to her have a felt disappointed. She has helped me navigate through this game called life.
Pam, I want to thank you for providing me with exceptional service. My trust is now complete. I'm also more knowledgeable regarding estate planning and probate laws.
I would definitely recommend Mrs BOBOWSKI. Let her be your guiding light!!!!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Sunshine rose
From my first phone call to GFF&F, all the way to reaching the settlement of my case, every individual in this firm has been professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and informative. This was my first ever (and hopefully last) claim against another party’s insurance company, due to an accident. Dealing with a physical injury and incapacitation was very overwhelming, and it would have been impossible for me to deal with the other party’s insurance company on my own. GFF&F gently guided me through this, and had me take important steps to get the care and information that I needed in support of my case. GFF&F won my case and obtained a fair settlement on my behalf. I highly recommend this firm to family, friends, and anyone in need.
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22 Jan, 2025 by L. eberhart
I came to work with Chantel and Justine at GFF&F after I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog. My dog perished on scene and I was devastated afterwards. While I was healing from 4 broken bones I decided I could not deal with insurance companies and my grief at the same time. I am so glad I found GFF&F - Chantel and her team were so compassionate and understanding. They helped me understand what I needed to do and helped me resolve the case in record time. I recommend them very highly.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ty seng
They handled everything involving the insurance claim which let me focus on getting better after my accident. I felt like they kept me updated on their progress and were very clear on how the case was developing. If Im ever unfortunate enough to be hit by a car again they'll be the first people I call!
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20 Mar, 2019 by Cali
I recently purchased a new home and decided that it was a great time to establish a plan for the future. Honesty, I had no clue what an estate plan really was and the difference between a will, trust, etc. Loung Law came highly recommended to me by one of my friends. I contacted Mary and she was extremely responsive. She encourages open communication and was readily available to discuss my concerns and answer all my questions. The absolute BEST thing about Mary is that she was able to explain all the legal terms and conditions to me in an easy way for me to understand. She used real life examples to help me understand the in's & out's of all the different aspects of the estate planning documents. Mary was extremely efficient and within just a couple of weeks, my estate plan was finalized! I have to be honest, before I started this, I thought it was going to be a long, tedious process -- but in fact it was just the opposite! It was so much easier than I expected and it's really nice to have that sense of peace now that everything is done. Thank you Mary at Loung Law!!!!
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31 Oct, 2018 by Jeanne
Seldom do I write reviews. Mary Loung deserves this one. In addition to her true professionalism, knowledge, integrity, great communication skills, and thoroughness, she is easy to work with. She cared about our personalized outcome and guided us through this very important estate planning process with sensitivity and proficiency. We asked countless questions and she was incredibly patient. I have already highly recommended Mary and will continue to do so!
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18 Sep, 2018 by Mahsa
It was truly a pleasure to work with Mary. I had longed postponed preparing a trust for my son as I viewed the process as gruesome and challenging.
I finally made the decision to take the step and had the great fortune to connect with Mary.
Mary was not only knowledgable, organized, patient and thorough but also a delight to work with. Her charming personality and lovely humor made the process feel seamless and even enjoyable.
I highly recommend Mary to all friends and family.
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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.
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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.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Kevin Taheny provided excellent legal advice for my son who was dealing with an acrimonious separation. He got back to us immediately, and was able to explain the applicable laws clearly.
We took his advice and the situation is now resolved.
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05 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Taheny was professional, prompt and competent. His fees were extremely reasonable. I recommend him without reservation.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carl
We talked to Larry Dugoni about a family trust issue. His office was efficient on scheduling a appointment with Mr. Dugoni and he was very generous with his time and advice that shows the many years he has been in the practice of law. Larry will be our go to lawyer whenever we have any issues requiring legal help.
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06 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
After consulting with other lawyers, I chose Mr. Dugoni to be my estate planning lawyer. Mr. Dugoni was the obvious choice, not only because he is clearly intelligent, thorough, trustworthy and otherwise professional, but because he is a decent human being through and through. He made a naturally unpleasant process (planning for your own demise) simple and painless. That he is a CPA in addition to a lawyer provided extra reassurance that I was in good hands and getting my money's worth. I highly recommend Mr. Dugoni to anyone and everyone who wants peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be cared for after their death.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Carmelita
Jamay was my attorney in a probate matter involving my a dispute about my cousin's will. We won at trial and she also won a motion for attorney's fees against the other party. She is very professional, knowledgeable about her area of practice, and very responsive. I would highly recommend Jamay.
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05 Oct, 2011 by Liza
I have dealt with Mr. Vale on many occasions and have found him to be extremely professional, knowledgeable, reliable and down to earth. He truly knows his stuff and has a real gift of being able to explain the complicated avenues of estate planning and trust execution in a way that anyone can understand. As a real estate professional, it is very important for me to know that who I refer my clients to will be well taken care of with the utmost professionalism & knowledge. Bob is all that and more. Personally, Bob has helped my family with our complicated estate plan and I would have no one else besides Bob handle it. Bob is a rare find and you will be lucky to have him as your lawyer. I highly recommend Robert Vale and his staff...they are the best!
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23 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I want to say "Thank You" Angel Riley for your help, your expertise, and your patience. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who may need guidance in developing a trust or a will.
I, myself, was not familiar with either if these matters. Angel helped my wife and I work through the details of both, and in a timely manner. When the time came for me to act as executor and trustee, I could not have been in better hands. Angel made time for me when I called or came into her office with questions or issues. She was there to help me move things forward and step through the actions needed to complete the duties that I had promised to fulfill for my family.
Again, Thank You Angel. You are the best... I could not get through this without your help.
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12 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
He clarified every aspect of the case and left nothing to chance.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
Read more
28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Lee mendoza
Although he did not take my case, Allister spent time explaining all my options, and offered his services if I have any questions in the future.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Simone cheng
I had a great experience working with Allister on my personal injury case. From start to finish, he was incredibly attentive, always taking the time to answer my questions and provide clear, thoughtful advice. His thorough approach to the case gave me confidence, and he was genuinely helpful every step of the way. I’m grateful for his dedication and expertise in handling my case and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled personal injury lawyer.
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08 Oct, 2024 by W l
even though I didn’t use this law firm I give them 5 stars for taking the time to answer my questions concerning my mom’s accident. Allister was very patient, kind and generous with his time. Thank you so much.
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14 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Paul Barulich represented me through one of the most complex, high-stakes probate situations in the history of San Mateo County, and in the process became my trusted advisor and advocate. The litigation was resolved successfully due to Paul's excellent guidance, and he continued to offer strategic input afterwards to the great benefit of myself and my family. I highly recommend him and his firm.
Paul's deep knowledge of the law and workings of the local court system, along with his sharp strategic guidance, creative thinking and consistently thoughtful response to my many questions along the way were invaluable to me. He treated me with the respect of an esteemed colleague while guiding me wisely past my occasionally impetuous tendencies or naive suggestions. He was adept at keeping things calm and steady in the potentially charged emotional situations that can come up in litigation.
Paul and his team were confident, assertive and bold on my behalf, but never overly aggressive. They followed my requests and concerns closely. Their counsel was based in reason and balance, and always with the highest professionalism, integrity and respectful treatment of all involved. They never lost sight of the higher, long term goals we were striving to achieve in planning for the estate and trust.
Paul brings the true meaning of "advocate" to the term. More than just representing me, he and his staff had my and my family's best interests at heart at every turn, and in the process earned my deepest gratitude.
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11 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
was referred to this firm and met with him and another attorney...paul is very intelligent and knows what he's doing but also arrogant and condescending and didn't feel comfortable with him. on the other hand, if you want a shark on your side, he's the man. he doesn't come cheap though...$565/hr! yikes...
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08 Feb, 2025 by Charles kyle
24 Jan, 2025 by Hazel swinton
21 Jan, 2025 by Lori goff
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.
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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.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Kai-man lee
I hired Matt Metzger in a bankruptcy case where I was the creditor. He usually works on the behalf of the debtor. The debtor cheated myself and 49 other creditors, then fled to bankruptcy court to escape her debt. So this was a different case for Matt who normally works for the other side, but could be an advantage since he would know their usual strategy.
Matt is an energetic, hard working, and innovative attorney. To say that he is a multitasker underestimates all that's going on in his head. He is good at looking for and finding "out of the box" solutions to legal problems. His persistence and diligent hard work ultimately pays off. I only had one issue with Matt, he wanted me to settle at a sum that I felt was insulting and ridiculous so I refused. The debtor ultimately came up to my sum and we settled. I would recommend Matt to anyone who needs legal assistance in the realm of bankruptcy. I don't think you will find a better or harder working attorney. BTW, he appears to have a solo practice, unusual these days but seems to fit his lifestyle.
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10 May, 2023 by David michlin
Having skillfully led the navigation of a complex legal challenge we were facing, I can say from direct experience that Mr. Metzger has consistently proven himself to be an extensively seasoned, highly effective, and genuinely caring lawyer.
Matt generously applied his expertise to our case with rare focus, unwavering execution, and incredible client loyalty.
While Belvedere Legal needs no further 5-star client testimonies to find its diverse law services as being ranked among the finest in the San Francisco (a simple Google search will confirm the firm’s bonafides and peer recognition), ultimately it was Matt's direct "hand-on" approach to client and case management that earned our trust and made all the difference.
In our search for top-tier legal counsel we reached out to 11 leading Bay Area firms to find the right fit, but wish we’d have called Belvedere Legal first. Within the first five minutes (of an entire half hour initial discovery call - free of charge), we knew we had found the capacity, expertise, and professional care we were looking for.
If you're facing challenges which require unquestionably top counsel, Matt at Belvedere is a smart first call and the only law firm we’ll be using from here on out.
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bryan bent
Matt’s calming presence with my case through some very anxious times, was a godsend! His vast knowledge and experience steered me through my different steps of my legal preceding. When things got tough, he knew exactly what to do and say. I will be forever indebted to him.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Ashley scates
20 Jun, 2024 by Pablo o'brien
The attorneys and staff at McDowall Cotter are always professional, prepared and respectful of their clients. I have worked with them jointly with a number of my clients and they have always provided high quality results. Roxanne Jen, Karishma Patel and Alison Youssef are all smart, sensitive and creative in helping their clients through the complexities of estate planning.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Anita gat
Roxanne Jen of McDowell Cotter is a true professional estate planning attorney helping my senior clients update and amend their trusts. She is a trusted, caring and empathic expert. Anita Gat, Keller Williams Realty, A Realtor for Seniors.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
Read more
28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
Read more
20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
Read more
28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Keri p
My experience has been really great. Cary is very knowledgeable, and makes me feel heard. In a situation that seemed insane, he really had my back. His help is extremely valuable in the advice he offers. Also he and his team were really quick to call me back. He’s a good person to have in your corner.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Anthony estelita
Cary and Kletter Law was able to address matters with my rental property fast and effectively. Thank you for the help!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Garrett kelly
Cary is by far the most thorough, thoughtful, knowledgable, professional, and ethical lawyer I've ever worked with. With how expensive hiring legal representation can sometimes be, I always want to feel that my lawyer cares about me as a client and that I'm getting exceptional value. From day one I've always felt both from Cary. If you find yourself in need of legal support, I couldn't recommend Cary and his team enough!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Vishal gupta
I just talked to Steven about a case I wanted to pursue, and his honesty was quite refreshing. I will be recommending Steve to friends and coworkers. And, if I ever have to work with a lawyer in the future, I know who to reach out to.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Sushant raj
01 Aug, 2023 by Jared
Jon was very knowledgable and a pleasure to work with. Angela, his assistant was also very patient with us through the whole process. From our first initial phone call, to finally helping my wife obtain her green card, we are grateful to have met Jon and worked with him and his team.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Vishal gupta
I just talked to Steven about a case I wanted to pursue, and his honesty was quite refreshing. I will be recommending Steve to friends and coworkers. And, if I ever have to work with a lawyer in the future, I know who to reach out to.
Read more
21 Dec, 2023 by Sushant raj
01 Aug, 2023 by Jared
Jon was very knowledgable and a pleasure to work with. Angela, his assistant was also very patient with us through the whole process. From our first initial phone call, to finally helping my wife obtain her green card, we are grateful to have met Jon and worked with him and his team.
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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.
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.
