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16 Sep, 2024 by Marisol cajero
Mi experiencia con ellos es muy buena. Me ayudaron en mi proceso los recomiendo 100% muy buen servicio.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Liz h
I would highly recommend Grande Law firm!! With the help of these amazing, kind hearted people, my mom was able to successfully complete her immigration case! They where able to help her obtain residency, she will now be able to travel to her home country for the first time in 20+ years! They made the process stress free, and where always upfront and honest! Me and my family are forever grateful thank you Cynthia/ Rebecca for everything!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Grace
My husband and I are very thankful for the support throughout the whole process of obtaining my residency. Cynthia and her team explained everything to us thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand. I want to give a special thanks to Rebecca for always being available to answer any of our questions. Her professionalism and attention to our case made us comfortable and confident throughout the process. We will definitely recommend them to our friends and family.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Marisol cajero
Mi experiencia con ellos es muy buena. Me ayudaron en mi proceso los recomiendo 100% muy buen servicio.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Liz h
I would highly recommend Grande Law firm!! With the help of these amazing, kind hearted people, my mom was able to successfully complete her immigration case! They where able to help her obtain residency, she will now be able to travel to her home country for the first time in 20+ years! They made the process stress free, and where always upfront and honest! Me and my family are forever grateful thank you Cynthia/ Rebecca for everything!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Grace
My husband and I are very thankful for the support throughout the whole process of obtaining my residency. Cynthia and her team explained everything to us thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand. I want to give a special thanks to Rebecca for always being available to answer any of our questions. Her professionalism and attention to our case made us comfortable and confident throughout the process. We will definitely recommend them to our friends and family.
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5.0
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5.0
29 Reviews
26 Jun, 2024 by Ada liu
My family and I have worked with Belma for several years on our EB-5 long journey. Throughout this time, she has been consistently professional and immensely helpful. She has extensive knowledge of immigration law and is always responsive and available to address our questions and concerns.
We highly recommend Belma to anyone seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable immigration attorney.
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30 May, 2024 by Saadet arzu berilgen
We had the opportunity to work with Raj for me, my husband and my son on our journey from the immigration process to the green card which was began with O1 visa. At every stage of this process, he responded to our all questions without getting bored and very quickly. With his expertise and professional approach, he brought the process to a successful end. He and his colleagues handled all the paperwork with perfect meticulousness. I am very pleased that we carried out this process with him. I strongly recommend anyone who wants to work with him in the immigration application process to get help from him without hesitation. He is one of the best in the immigration matters. Raj, thank you for all you did for us.
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30 May, 2024 by Joel awerbuck
Entire team made a very complex process possible. We would recommend their services to anyone looking for immigration experts who go the extra mile.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Marisol cajero
Mi experiencia con ellos es muy buena. Me ayudaron en mi proceso los recomiendo 100% muy buen servicio.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Liz h
I would highly recommend Grande Law firm!! With the help of these amazing, kind hearted people, my mom was able to successfully complete her immigration case! They where able to help her obtain residency, she will now be able to travel to her home country for the first time in 20+ years! They made the process stress free, and where always upfront and honest! Me and my family are forever grateful thank you Cynthia/ Rebecca for everything!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Grace
My husband and I are very thankful for the support throughout the whole process of obtaining my residency. Cynthia and her team explained everything to us thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand. I want to give a special thanks to Rebecca for always being available to answer any of our questions. Her professionalism and attention to our case made us comfortable and confident throughout the process. We will definitely recommend them to our friends and family.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Alejandro ibarra
La abogada Teresa Gutierrez y su equipo realmente hacen un excelente trabajo, su atención y profesionalidad me gustó mucho , gracias por todo
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17 Aug, 2024 by Edie lenhart
I would like to share what an Amazing job Ms. Teresa Gutierrez did on my father Pedro Medrano estate, I would like to thank you for helping, advising and giving me the confidence and knowledge to proceed, with your profesional advice I felt supported and guided and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you🙏thank you dear Teresa Gutierrez for all your support, God Bless you and your wonderful knowledge and kindness, forever grateful, Mrs. Lenhart
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15 Aug, 2024 by Eminem dodanim méndez
Es una gran abogada y resuelve todos los caso ayuda muchisimo la recomiendo es muy buena
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01 Feb, 2024 by Donna
I did a conservatorship for my Mom of 92 with Dementia at The Probate House . Very hard thing to have to process and deal with. Worked with Sibylle Grebe and her assistant Nikki. They were very professional and easy to work with. They made me feel like I was more than just a client. Very compassionate. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of this service.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
A very long overdue thank you to Sibylle Grebe and Lorenzo Stoller for taking control of a seemingly out-of-control situation during the early days of Covid in 2020 in protecting my father and his estate from his deceased wife's children. I initially met with Sibylle to have her represent my dad after his wife had passed, in figuring out how to best protect his assets. While she was unable to represent him due to capacity issues, she was able to represent me. Sibylle had me move quickly to find the original trust documents which had likely been drafted without much input from my father a few years earlier, floating everything from making sure I had co-power of attorney and co-trustee powers on all the documents to considering a conservatorship. Lorenzo then took over the case and seamlessly helped draft new documents that protected my father and helped me keep oversight over his wife's children. My dad now resides with me in Washington state, and has since regained some capacity. Although he has shaky recollection of that year due to the stress of his grief and Covid, I am forever grateful to The Probate House for doing what needed to be done to protect the livelihood for which he had worked his entire life as a physician in Los Angeles. At 85, he has never been happier and is healthy. As a former estate planning and probate attorney, The Probate House is easily the best. Thank you, Sibylle and Lorenzo.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Patrick
I highly recommend this firm to handle your estate needs. Sibylle, Lorenzo and their dedicated staff are simply as good as you'll ever find to handle these matters. They are friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, informative and have your best interest at heart. Estates and trusts can get complicated and messy. You will need proficient attorneys to navigate this process to successful completion. After talking with a few other attorneys, it was clear that The Probate House was by far the most qualified firm to hire. Give them a call today, you'll be glad you did!!
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07 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I needed an estate planner to create a Revocable Living Trust to protect my Real Property and finances. During my 30 minute free consultation, Mark discussed my options for my particular situation, and what would best protect me. I fully trust that protecting my assets, and providing the most comprehensive and iron clad Trust is his primary objective. I was undeniably impressed and happy with the end result, and his attention to detail, as well as the support and custom tailored attention paid to my specific case.
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04 Dec, 2019 by Cindy
Mark Swatik is beyond great! He is professional, knowledgeable and patient. He answered all my question every step of the way when doing my Will and Trust.
Just do yourself a favor, call and make an appointment with him!
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21 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
My wife and I reached out to Mark to discuss estate planning. He spoke to me by phone several times and then did a video call with my wife and I. He explained things with great clarity and answered all of our questions. His staff were very easy to work with and they setup our trust in just a few weeks. Highly recommend!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
He doesn't state the obvious, like 'get a lawyer'. Some of us cannot afford a lawyer. He gives advice the way old-school lawyers do - and that's good. Straight to the point.
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28 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
James is an excellent attorney, and I cannot recommend him more highly. He's as old as the hills, so he knows the law better than anybody, being one of the founding fathers of modern jurisprudence. He took care of all my needs with patience, competence, and assurance, and secured me a fantastic settlement. Here's to another 100 years of fine legal practice!
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13 Jan, 2021 by Laurie
Thank you for your quick honest help. Thank you for going above and beyond and giving me a link to the information I needed, the forms to fill out my self in this tough time.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Paul
Nadine is incredibly thorough. She knows my case better than I do. She knows the system, knows the right steps at the right times so that she will win your case with minimal charging and stress to her client.
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20 Aug, 2020 by Sabrina
Nadine is very good! She’s so sweet and very busy! She takes time to discuss things with you and go through everything so you aren’t confused. If your case is anything like mine it’s lots of paperwork because your ex husband won’t stop taking you to court for every little thing. She is trying to help make that stop. Her office manager Candice is very helpful. She knows her stuff and very to the point. I love her for that! I feel confident Nadine going to advocate for everything she can for me.
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21 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I just wanted to take a minute to say how amazing Nadine was when we dealt with her. She was meant to be an Advocate for the child’s best interest, and she truly dug deep to really see and understand both parties while keeping in mind what was best for the child.
She changed her court order when she saw that one party clearly did not have respect for the court. Because of that action- she recommended reunification counseling. Anyone who has been separated from a child knows that isolation from one parent can have a huge affect on a child and whether or not they want to see the other parent, even if the other parent has done nothing wrong. The counseling allows the child to reconnect with the other parent with no barriers or influence. I feel it’s key in a custody battle especially when most law enforcement jurisdictions don’t force visitation. We spent a year in court trying every possible way to see her even-though we already had 50/50 custody . She listened to our pain and struggle when no one had before. As the Wife of a husband who has tried dearly to be part of his daughters life for over a decade with very little success, and no obvious allies, she stepped in and quickly saw the situation for what it was, someone finally to see the injustices that we had been experiencing for years, she did what was in the child’s best interest, she didn’t take sides she just went on the evidence that was presented before her, and I thank God for that, she was an angel to us. She is the only one who we ever felt cared, and really wanted to repair the situation for the child sake, she didn’t favor the mother, she didn’t favor the father.
She went with what they revealed to her in there many meetings and Conversations. She is truly a public servant who really cares about reunifying families whenever ever possible. I feel she went above and beyond the call of duty, and I will be eternally grateful.
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12 Jul, 2022 by Kathleen
I went with Meinzer at a girlfriends recommendation. Just finished my trust\will. It was a much easier experience then I had worked it up to be. Everyone in the office were completely helpful, and knowledgeable . I’m happy to say it is a relief to have everything wrapped up. Thanks to all of you.
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03 Apr, 2022 by Anna
I would highly recommend Andrew Meinzer and his excellent team for any and all family trust situations. They were consistently knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, and available to provide guidance and assistance to our family as we navigated a complicated family trust. Always highly professional, they were just a phone call or email away to help. I am happy to offer this recommendation as our journey together ends.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Bonnie
Andrew Meinzer represented me in a trust litigation case. He did an excellent job. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. He kept me up to date on everything in the case and answered any questions I had on it. He was very prompt in responding back to me whenever I needed to contact him. I would highly recommend him!
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22 May, 2024 by Zachary ellison
Mark was excellent and made a great referral for further consultation.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Michelle french
I am extremely grateful to Mark for his help in resolving the harassment of a person that was stalking me. Mark was able to resolve this issue for me quickly and without any issue by giving notice to cease and desist the behavior of stalking, harassment, and intimidation. Mark's calm and caring manner help me to feel safe; moreover, I have had no further incidents with being harassed by this person. I highly recommend his services to anyone dealing with this same issue. Mark has a good heart, and truly cares about taking care of his clients.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Rolland kiroloss
My family hired Mark Velez after our former attorney withdrew from our case. It was the best decision that we have ever made! Mark is the most friendly, compassionate, honest, trustworthy, caring, and knowledgeable attorney that I have ever met! Mark was always going above and beyond and always stayed on top of our case! He would consistently update us about our case and he cleared up all the miscommunication that our former attorney caused with us and the city. We were charged with 4 code violations that our tenants created which was unbeknown to us. The case was tied up in court for 3 years because our former attorney caused so much miscommunication between us and the city. When we hired Mark to take over the case. He got all charges dismissed after only 2 court appearances. Throughout the whole process, Mark made us feel safe and stress-free. We definitely felt like we were in good hands! Mark was our superhero and I definitely consider him to be part of my family! I would recommend Mark if you are ever in legal trouble! Thank you Mark for all your hard work! We greatly appreciate you!
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10 May, 2021 by Emmanuel
We would highly recommend Atty.Edwin Barnum. He is reliable knowledgeable, honest and hardworking attorney. He made the whole immigration process easy and enjoyable. Thank you, Attorney Barnum for doing such an exellent job.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Kendrick
Attorney Barnum is absolutely amazing to work with. He takes his time to understand my situation, very quick to respond and punctual during all of the meetings without having to rush. His service fee is reasonable as well. I have two legal services taking care of by the good lawyer. Very satisfied with his legal service. Thank you Attorney Barnum
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23 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
My tenant refused to pay me for 17 months rent, got 2 pitbull in the house destroying my properties ,dog feaces every where ,,open my car in my absence and made away with my car batteries it was Edwin Barnum intervention that led to my money
Being paid,dogs removed from my properties and the tenant will be moving in 90 days.Thanks for the good job.
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13 May, 2020 by Lee
I spoke to Ms. Brown and her paralegal, Carol, a couple of months ago regarding the conservatorship of my daughter, who is in a longterm care facility. I talked to Carol several times before speaking to Ms. Brown. Based upon my experience with a previous attorney, I was taken by the compassion, understanding and kindness that Carol showed me in those initial encounters. She offered me some ideas for handling a particularly difficult situation before setting up an appointment with Ms. Brown. When the need became more pressing, I finally talked to Christine, who took a practical approach to the predicament in which I found myself and in the end, saved me from a prolonged court fight and significant fees. I can't recommend this firm highly enough. In my experience, there aren't many attorneys who will take on conservatorship matters as they can be fraught with emotion and contentiousness. These women have kind hearts and that is rare in the legal profession, whether due to training or personality. I found in this firm that it is possible to have compassion and still be professional.
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16 Feb, 2016 by Jacob and mary
Christine Brown and her staff made what we thought would be a very difficult process very easy. She has a wonderful sense of humor which is important in tense situations.
She is very attentive to details and makes sure everything is included in the trust as well as all supportive documents.
My wife and I have already recommended her to a number of our friends.
The hardest part of preparing a will and setting up a trust is JUST GETTING STARTED. Christine made it all easy, timely and we know it will be correct.
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13 Jan, 2016 by Hildegard
I am more than pleased with the professional and caring service I was provided by the Law Offices of R. Christine Brown during the process of getting my estate plan in place. I am grateful for their kind assistance and advice.
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19 Sep, 2018 by Norma
Beti did a fantastic job. She is compassionate and honest, direct and patient with us when it was warranted. Very skilled in interpreting or reading the courtroom's temperature. She comes prepared and manages precarious courtroom situations with aplomb.
Everything that needed to be done, she managed to pull it all together, handled promptly with great detail by her and her office. I am extremely pleased with the successful outcome of our case!
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27 Aug, 2018 by Ll
I hired Beti to represent me in a family dispute that had been brewing and knew would become extremely contentious. To save costs, Beti directed the associate lawyer who later left but then was replaced by another associate attorney, Lorne who was very detail oriented, responsive and capable. I was always advised honestly of what would happen. Beti and Lorne did not escalate any matter in order to pad their bill. Beti is a tough lawyer and not afraid to fight. But she and her associate always gave me the landscape of options and what would happen if I chose one option over the other. And when I did chose an option, they played a strong hand. It was a painfully emotional and protracted ordeal, and in the end, it concluded in a way that I still kept my rights, stopped the one upsmanship with the other side, and my restored my well-being.
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14 Aug, 2018 by Jennifer
I met Beti almost two years ago after my husband helped me search and search and finally narrow down the right attorney to represent my case. Her area of expertise, in living trusts, probation and litigation, was exactly what I was looking for. However, her upmost qualities of being a mother and protecting family values is what connected me to her. Beti and her team, at Peninsula Law, were amazing to work with. Beti tactfully handled my situation and continuously followed up with me to make sure we were always on the same page. She successfully represented me when my case went through litigation and a few appeals. My case recently closed. I can truly say she surpassed my expectations and helped my family and I, ease in the transition of one of the most difficult times in my life. I would highly recommend working with Beti and definitely plan to work with her again in the planning of my own personal legal decisions for my family.
Thank You Beti for being passionate in the work that you do!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I spoke at length with Angela regarding a variety of high-level issues specific to California estate planning, including a bunch of different approaches to how to handle second-marriage planning and how to treat all the kids. She was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and I really liked her friendly, low-key, low-stress style. Terrific.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Rob mcgarry
Angela Klenk is a trusted legal advisor for our family. She is incredibly knowledge and responsive. We are grateful to have her as a resource!
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04 Apr, 2023 by Karla cruz
We would highly recommend the efforts of The Beach Cities Estate Law, especially the high quality professional efforts of Angela Klenk. She Has secured the smooth transfer of our assets after our passing as to our wishes in a very concise and easy to follow legal document. Angela and her staff at Beach Cities Estate Law established our trust, Estate plan and Power of Attorney with professional skills, honest advise, efficiency and very organized documents and she has been always available to clarify any of our questions.
Leonard & Karla Cruz.
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20 Jul, 2015 by Tamara
Brian Brandlin was excellent helping me plan my estate. His extensive knowledge, attention to detail, and professionalism made this a smooth process. His staff is wonderful and made me feel comfortable. I highly recommend Brian Brandlin.
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21 Jun, 2015 by Lolita
I needed to set up my living trust, so my neighbor recommended Mr. Brandlin. He has been Mr. Brandlin’s client for over 10 years and spoke of him with great admiration. Of course, I did my due diligence and researched Mr. Brandlin and I was very impressed with his credentials. His confidence, enthusiasm & professionalism were fantastic! I was a bit nervous that I would have a hard time understanding the lawyer-talk, but he spoke very clearly in plain language which I could understand and he was very thorough.
My trust was created fast & hassle free. Mr. Brandlin also recommended that I establish an LLC to own my investment property in order to limit my personal liability. I agreed, but understanding it was a difficult process. I kept finding all kinds of information on the Internet and I asked Mr. Brandlin lots of questions by email or at meetings. Mr. Brandlin was kind and patient and answered ALL of my concerns/questions with a big smile on his face. Some of my friends set up their LLCs on their own and comparing their setup to mine is almost comical (the knowledge, paperwork, etc.). Mr. Brandlin was hands on every step of the way - everything from helping me to choose the LLC's name to setting me up with a registered agent for service of process (where I will be receiving a lifetime discount thanks to Mr. Brandlin’s membership!).
Now that my trust and LLC have been created, everyone who knows me praises me for the extremely smart choices I’ve made and I proudly take all the credit. But in reality - all the credit should go to Mr. Brandlin! Not only he is intelligent, competent, responsible, straight forward and funny, but most importantly he is a really good human being. And that’s what counts most of all!
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18 Jun, 2015 by Pat and ann
We met Brian Brandlin over 10 years ago. He has been a consummate professional all through those years. His reassuring,calm and confidant demeanor are attributes that define him. He exhibited his extensive knowledge and expertise in the specific situations that we needed a tremendous amount of guidance on. For example, he took a very complex matter and guided us to completion, explaining every step along the way to a successful outcome.
We would highly recommend Brian Brandlin for all of your estate planning needs.
Sincerely,
Pat and Ann
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24 Apr, 2015 by Linda
Walt helped my husband and I establish a living trust and wills for both of us. He is very knowledgeable; offering suggestions and situations for our consideration so that we had a comprehensive final product. He ensured that we understood the all aspects of the documents. He even called us on a Friday evening to answer our last minute questions so that everything was ready to be signed when we went to his office the following week. He kept us informed throughout each step and told us how to proceed in moving bank accounts into the trust. Both my husband and I are Navy Veterans and it was a plus that he too, is a Navy Veteran. Because of his expertise, he made this process easy.
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18 Nov, 2014 by Bill kollar
My wife and I needed legal advice and then preparation of our Living Trust and Will during a period when we were very busy with career, family, and elder care. Walt understood the situation and provided a great presentation regarding 1) the function of the Living Trust and Will; and 2) how these critical documents would be prepared for our unique situation. All of the documentation was provided in a timely way. Thanks to Walt's professional guidance, our family has the peace of mind that comes with being professionally and legally prepared in the face of what may be very difficult life events.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Mann helped my aunt with her will and trust. He is thorough and takes the time to answer any and all questions. I highly recommend him!
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06 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
You want a lawyer who is smart, and meticulous. Mr. Mann is both, and very professional, patient and friendly. He will review the details and explain the law to ensure accuracy and that you understand your legal document.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Darla
John Guy is handling our family trust. He makes adjustments as required and keeps us abreast of changing laws. I am comfortable that John is in charge of our future plans. I highly recommend his Estate Planning Services.
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29 Apr, 2013 by Denise
I met John through friends of mine that he was representing. He helped me with a quit claim deed for what I think is a reasonable fee. I'm going to have John help me with a living trust soon. Highly recommended.
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11 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Janine is one of the nicest attorneys I have ever dealt with. She prepared my estate plan and was timely, competent and reasonably priced. I would recommend her.
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23 Jul, 2016 by Gary
We retained Ms. Holt from Seattle and although we were out-of-state clients she was always available to us either via telephone or email, day or night. She was very respectful of our budget and would give us several options to our problem concerning a family estate dispute. We highly recommend her services to anyone seeking assistance with estate disputes, probate issues, etc. She is wonderful!
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03 Oct, 2023 by John
28 May, 2021 by Joel peredo
24 Jul, 2020 by Ritchie sonata ono
28 Jan, 2015 by David
Heather Miller completed a long overdue update of an existing trust for my wife and I in June 2014. In working with Heather we found a number of items which were outdated based upon current CA State Trust law and changes in our family finances & structure. Because of her attention to detail and asking thoughtful questions, Heather was able to complete a new trust to meet our needs for the future. During the entire time Heather was very professional and created a high degree confidence & trust. The new trust was delivered in both hard & soft copy formats and in a timely manner. Heather also provided detailed instructions on executing the trust to ensure all assets where properly identified & named for the trust. Heather also made the process more convenient by the use of email, fielding phone call questions, and coming to our home twice in Ventura County. I highly recommend Heather for the creation of a new trust or updating an existing one (particularly if it is over five years old)!
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17 Nov, 2014 by Claire
John took such good care of my mom's estate planning, he was very patience and took the time to make sure she understood all her choices and tax benefits and, what results would happen in each senario, so she was able to find the best solution and have peace of mind. (Which is so important) When she passed away, he was very kind and sensitive for our loss, and we're so grateful that he is taking care of the distribution of the estate and has helped all 8 of us with our individual needs and give us plenty of information to guide us forward. I will definitely use John for my personal estate planning and I would recommend him to my friends and family.
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03 Oct, 2023 by John
28 May, 2021 by Joel peredo
23 Feb, 2021 by Hans
I was referred to Christina by a title company representative who had just seen a webinar that she did in conjunction with the L.A. County Assessor's Office. I consulted with Christina during what was probably the all-time busiest week in the estate planning world in California - the week before Proposition 19 took effect. Even though she was clearly super-busy, Christina took the time to speak with me and listened to me. I am an attorney myself. The situation that I presented Christina with was complex and outside of the capabilities of all but the most competent practitioners. Christina demonstrated that she understood the issues, offered a good solution for a complicated set of concerns, and was able to offer a timeline that would get the job done before the looming deadline. Speaking with Christina was a big relief. I have no hesitation in recommending her as a resource for those with complex estate planning needs.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Shah azarian
I have had the pleasure of working with John Chang at Patinelli & Chang, LLP for our client's estate planning needs for several years, and I couldn't be more impressed with the exceptional service provided. From the initial consultation to the final execution of the estate plan, our clients have always been impressed by the professionalism, expertise, and compassion. Additionally, the responsiveness and accessibility of John Chang and the entire team were truly commendable. Any follow-up questions I had were addressed promptly, and I always felt like they valued their clients.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Michael harkins
Professional and very easy to work with.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia abutin
Mr. Chang is one of the most knowledgeable, professional, and experienced attorneys I’ve met. He is extremely efficient on addressing our questions and getting things done. He’s also very friendly and honest, which gives us 100% trust and confidence on his work. When I called his office, the staff were also very friendly and fast to call me back. Overall it’s an absolute pleasant and easy expedience to work with Mr. Chang. I’d definitely recommend him to others and go back to him if our family has future needs. Thank you Mr. Chang for your great job!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Shah azarian
I have had the pleasure of working with John Chang at Patinelli & Chang, LLP for our client's estate planning needs for several years, and I couldn't be more impressed with the exceptional service provided. From the initial consultation to the final execution of the estate plan, our clients have always been impressed by the professionalism, expertise, and compassion. Additionally, the responsiveness and accessibility of John Chang and the entire team were truly commendable. Any follow-up questions I had were addressed promptly, and I always felt like they valued their clients.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Michael harkins
Professional and very easy to work with.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia abutin
Mr. Chang is one of the most knowledgeable, professional, and experienced attorneys I’ve met. He is extremely efficient on addressing our questions and getting things done. He’s also very friendly and honest, which gives us 100% trust and confidence on his work. When I called his office, the staff were also very friendly and fast to call me back. Overall it’s an absolute pleasant and easy expedience to work with Mr. Chang. I’d definitely recommend him to others and go back to him if our family has future needs. Thank you Mr. Chang for your great job!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Kerry chafey
She was very helpful. She listened to what I needed and was able to refer me to where I needed to go.
Thank you for all your help.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Sarah greene
Kelley is truly fantastic! She is easy to communicate with and she has been so wonderful from beginning to end. I highly recommend her!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Joseph levin
Kelley and her team were incredible! Her help navigating the confusing and stressful waters of family law were absolutely invaluable. Kelley was always honest and forthcoming, and her advice was instrumental in our decision making. Communication was always prompt, and she continuously helped to keep the entire process on track. I can't recommend her enough.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Lea martin
Mr. Gaugh was so helpful after the sudden loss of a loved one in our family who passed without having a will. He always had a patient and calm demeanor and took time to explain things to us in laymen’s terms so we can understood what was happening and what to expect throughout the multiple processes. Highly recommend. Thank you Ken!!
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29 Mar, 2022 by Sara fullenkamp
Amazing and super helpful!
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30 Sep, 2016 by Veronica mejia
09 Feb, 2023 by Cameron osteen
Integrity is important and that's what you get .
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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:
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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.
