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23 Sep, 2024 by Cassia perea
I was recommended to Ron Laba by family after we were involved in a car accident while I was picking up my daughter after school. It was my first and hopefully last time I have to go through this episode in my life. I had so many questions, concerns in regards to my family Medical care bills expenses. Ron is very knowledgeable all my questions were answered, he was always available to talk to. If you need a lawyer who you can trust exceptional work ethic and satisfactory settlements, and will fight for you give him a call you won’t regret it.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Sandra villasenor
Ron Laba and his team are amazing! I loved the service and how much Mr. Laba explained everything to me. He's so knowledgable and made this whole experience so much easier. I highly recommend his services. Thank you so much Mr. Laba for all the guidance and for going the extra mile for us.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Sallie taylor
We have been at Doug’s side since the time of the accident that destroyed his truck and left him with injuries that limited his daily activities.
Throughout this ordeal, Mr. Laba has advised Doug and supported him as the insurance company slowly came to the conclusion to act responsibly. Mr. Laba guided the research, but more importantly, was always on Doug’s side with advice and encouragement.
We are grateful that Doug wisely chose an attorney who worked so hard on his behalf. We would recommend Mr. Laba to anyone facing a similar challenge.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
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26 Apr, 2024 by Hector munoz
11 Mar, 2023 by Marcus spencer
Thank you for your knowledge and professionalism.
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03 May, 2022 by Josh
Even though it was a small case, Mr. Rose was very interpersonal, professional, and down to earth. I would recommend him to anyone thinking about hiring an attorney. Give him a call you wont regret it!
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07 Nov, 2024 by Katerin hernandez
Excelente servicio, se los recomiendo muchisimo, todo fue muy rapido el tramite se pudo realizar en cuestion de una semana, me siento muy contenta de haberlos contactado.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Lawdefensoras firm
Gabriel is hands down a professional and knowledgeable individual. He helps with custody cases and treats all his clients either dignity and respect. Our firm has referred several people to him to help them with their family law cases when they cannot afford to hire an attorney or where it’s a “simple” divorce.
We highly recommend Gabriel and his team!
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12 Oct, 2024 by Maribel hernandez
Gabriel at My Legal Assistant is truly dedicated to helping his clients find the best solutions for their legal needs. I learned that you are not always required to go to court and spend thousands of dollars in legal fees, mediation can be a great alternative. His dedication, extensive knowledge, and personalized approach ensure that every case is handled with care from start to finish, whether in English or Spanish. If you’re looking for a professional who can guide you through a more affordable and stress-free legal process, I highly recommend reaching out to Gabriel!
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09 Jan, 2020 by Carlos
After having my motorcycle accident back in May of 2017 Daniel Petrov took over my case from a previous law firm that thought I had no case , Daniel believe all along I had a case he and Christie work very hard and put a lot of effort and time in to my case , if I had any questions throughout the hole thing they were great about answering then no matter how many I had , they did such a great job we were able to close the case without a Trial trial and they were able to get me a large amount in my settlement, I will definitely be recommending to other’s, thank you so much again Daniel Petrov and Christie, definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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31 Jan, 2019 by Eric
Daniel made the process of setting up our estate incredibly seamless. He was professional, always responded to emails promptly and thoroughly, and we were pleased with the final result. We will highly recommend him to other families.
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13 Jul, 2018 by Tyler
I have personally used and have sent them other people to do a trust as well and they are awesome. Daniel and anyone that he works with are the best!!! I have sent them clients for trust and personal injury and regardless of which one my referrals were always taken care of with professionalism and great customer service. You can't go wrong by hiring Petrov Law. Thanks Daniel for being such a great attorney and taking care of me and my clients!!!
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14 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
My mom died, and I needed help transferring her property to my sisters and me. I was in charge, and I learned that mom's first attorney had made some mistakes.
I found Paul's website, made an appointment, and met with him. Wow! He explained what was wrong, gave me an estimate of what he thought it would cost to clean things up, and wouldn't even take a check on the spot. He told me he waits a couple of days, so that people won't feel pressured.
The best part is that he actually listened to me. He didn't talk down to me. He even explained some pretty complicated things to me without using a bunch of legalese.
I was really impressed with Paul. If more lawyers were like him, maybe people wouldn't make so many jokes about them.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Jim
Debra and her team do an outstanding job of providing excellent legal service in preparing and updating a trust. We had her create our trust a few years ago, she assisted us when we bought a new home to take the title of the deed in the right manner and just completed an update to our trust and wills. We appreciate the great service from her and her staff. I highly recommend you use her services for your legal needs.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
We needed a lawyer to advise us on some family matters as well as a family trust. Debbie listened to our concerns, advised us with some valuable information, and setup a trust for us. The staff at her practice was also very helpful, and kept us in the loop at all times. We are very satisfied with the service that we received, and we would recommend Debbie to anyone seeking advice and service for family trusts and related matters.
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12 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Ms lefflers sevices on a recent probate case. She not only charged for attorney to attorney phone calls of 300.00 but actually charged 75.00 to give the mortgage agent the number to the administrator. She did not give options just dragged out a already tiredome situation. in addition to charging for anything she could think of. 75 dollars for a missed call. To charging for the mortgage agent that was to sell the house the number of the new administrator. She took over two months to decide to stop working and send resignation. She never filed petition I paid for and said she worked with. New administration but facilitated a adminstration that has takin a year and a half to close an already final probate. Her lack of concern cost my family and I thousands in extraordinary fees,. A definite disappointment.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Maria nava
21 Dec, 2024 by Laura orozco
He tenido muy buena experiencia con ellos, Dayana siempre es muy atenta a mis preguntas durante este proceso. Siempre está lista para ayudar y es muy paciente conmigo cuando les llamo.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Kimberly baldwin
02 Oct, 2023 by Bree castle
My grandmother passed in June, she chose them for her attorney to handle her will. Not only did they get 2 out of the 4 siblings addresses wrong but it also took multiple attempts to get the address fixed. Not to mention when we reached out to get information about when the checks had been sent we were given a horrible explanation on top of all of us siblings being treated like idiots. We’re grieving the loss of our grandmother, there’s no reason to be told “I don’t know every case off the top of my head.”
I wish I could give negative stars. The way they’ve handled everything has been horrible, with no explanation.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Robert lynch
Cary Cotton won my civil case for me, thank you for your expert professional care in my case.
Robert Lynch
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07 Sep, 2022 by John baas
08 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
When I got a clue pretty quick and fired him he charged me $237.50 for the 30 minute consultation that he claims are free and he charged me $118.75 for a 15 minute phone call between myself and one other person. I know I spoke to him for 1 min 12 seconds
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31 Aug, 2023 by Lawrence
I hired Jeffery Vanderveen, January 2015. Upon my first few conversations with him, he came out of the gate as a very strong and competent Probate litigator. He stated that he knew Att'y Noel Allen, the attorney assisting my brother / Trustee and who had 'illegally' assumed the role as Successor Trustee when I was, as stated on the 'cover page', as Successor Trustee. He further stated that Att'y Allen was incompetent and not an attorney that he would hesitate in litigating my case with.
Att'y Vanderveen required a $4,500 retainer, which I provided in January 2015. He filed my case, and a hearing at the San Diego Probate Court was scheduled June 30, 2015.
Approximately July of 2015, after the June hearing I was notified by Atty' Vanderveen that my retainer was 'expired' and that I needed to deposit additional funds into his account. To say the least, I was livid. He basically filed the case and appeared at that June 30 hearing, and my retainer was 'gone' !!!
Basically, I refused to pay him another cent, until I saw results. In March of 2016, and after multiple senseless continuances, I was told by Att'y Vanderveen, that the upcoming July 2016 hearing was going to be the 'win' for us, and demanded the additional $5,000. In that hearing, Att'y Vanderveen did not show, but appeared telephonically and said nothing regarding the issues at hand. No defense whatsoever !!!
The case was continued to Dec. of 2016, where Att'y Allen was 'ordered' that he 'must' show the 'court mandated' accounting, or would be removed as Successor Trustee. On Dec. 20 and Dec. 28, 2016, I sent two letters to Att'y Vanderveen, requesting the status of my case.
Att'y Vanderveen ignored my requests. I then, in February 2017 contacted the Probate Court, only to find that my case was 'Dismissed w/o Prejudice. This communication w/ the Probate court was two months after that Dec. 2016 hearing, and not a word from Att'y Vanderveen.
After 'firing' him, he refused to give me my 'complete' file, physically pushing me in his attempt to extricate the 'complete' file from me. I did eventually get my 'deleted, edited, expurgated' file from him. Why did he find it necessary to literally remove articles from my file before handing it to me, stating, "And don't come back!"
You get the picture !!! Stay as far away as possible from this Attorney !!!
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09 Dec, 2015 by Deborah hignite
Two separate times he over charged me. When I questioned him about the charges he immediately and abruptly responsed "if I'm going to nit pick his fees then get another attorney". I said to him "but I have questions" and he said get another attorney and hung up on me! That was it! Very rude and abrupt! He was so nice during the initial consultation. He fired me for questioning his fees but he was more than happy to have a conversation with me concerning those fees before they occurred! Rude, unprofessional, untruthful concerning fees and extremely arrogant. As his client, he failed me because refused to speak to me again concerning his fees -- after he charged me. This is my experience with him. I only retained him for 3 months. He has forced me to drop everything to find another attorney immediately because I have to have one retained by court order. My husband is very sick and close to death and this attorney knows this. He is a very cold person to put me in this situation and as his client I feel he treated me very badly.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
This attorney was going to revise my aunt's trust. He didn't listen to the changes she wanted to make. He told her that if she didn't make the changes HE wanted then he refused to be her attorney.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
