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Best Probate lawyers in California

3,128 Probate Lawyers in California

>3.1k

experienced lawyers

Julianna Makler Malis

1514 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Consumer Protection Elder Law Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

23 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous

Julianna and her team helped and addressed all of my concerns. I'm definitely sticking with them and I'm very satisfied with the work done. I highly recommend that anyone needing estate planning go directly to her and her team. You wont be disappointed.

05 Sep, 2020 by Maureen

Julianna is both insightful and empathetic with her broad understanding of all legal issues dealing with elder care. She has gone above and beyond in all areas. I feel like Julianna is part of the family; fighting for my mom’s welfare, looking out for the best aspects of care for my mom, and making sure both her and her family are protected during these difficult times.

04 Feb, 2020 by Susan

Julianna was recommended to us. In our initial consultation my husband and I felt very secure in moving forward with a restatement of our trust. Everything was explained thoroughly, conversation was easy, questions were answered clearly, and when we came in to sign the documents were were astonished that this new document was by far a more thorough and better organized document than our former trust document. Julianna'a knowledge, and her friendly, assuring demeanor made us feel like we were her only clients. I have recommended Julianna's qualities and capabilities to many others who I knew could benefit from her thoroughness in carrying out the services she offers. My husband and I look forward to a long relationship with Anacapa Law.

Eric Peter Francisconi

2 Park Plaza, Suite 850, Irvine, CA

Business Insurance Litigation +3 +6

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

25 Mar, 2021 by Simon

I consulted with Eric about a complex property line issue for an investment property of mine. He brought clarity to an otherwise convoluted situation. Fully understanding the situation Eric looked out for my best interest ahead of his own. An attorney with less integrity would have seen me as an earning opportunity. Instead Eric gave me great advice and saved me thousands. Thank you Eric

27 Dec, 2018 by Richard roberts

Mr. Eric Francisconi handled my dispute professionally, cost effectively and to my satisfaction. I was able to put trust in Eric to handle the process and all proceedings with very little input after giving him the groundwork and facts up front. I would highly recommend using Mr. Eric Francisconi in the future.

28 Nov, 2018 by Dan

I retained Eric to negotiate a severance agreement with a former employer. Eric was the consummate professional and he achieved the results that I sought. He always kept me apprised of the status of the matter and provided sound advice throughout. I would definitely recommend Eric and his firm.

Randy Marvin Spiro

9100 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA

Estate Planning Probate +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

16 Apr, 2010 by Andrew

Randy has helped me and my parents before me with many legal issues regarding Living Trusts, Estate Planning and related matters. I have highest regard for him and strongly recommend his as an attorney.

16 Nov, 2009 by Mr. & mrs. rodriguez

Mr. Spiro is very intelligent and professional. He did an excellent job for us. He was very thorough and his staff is friendly & curtious.

14 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous

Randy Spiro has worked with my family since 1988 and now serves three generations. He handles our wills, trusts, estate settlements and other associated matters. He interfaces smoothly with our financial advisor and accountant which is extremely important during estate reorganization, transition and settlement situations. Randy is extremely knowledgeable and competent. He provides periodic updates over the years so that our family is kept abreast of estate law issues. He has turned some of these topics into a series of easy to understand articles which he has posted online. I particularly like that fact the he delivers an initial draft for complete review and discussion rather than just providing a finished product accompanied by a bill. His documents are tailored to each client situation following comprehensive information gathering meetings. His work is completed in a very timely fashion. He does not swamp his clients with unnecessary legal overkill. He is available via telephone and email to answer questions that arise. Inquiries are responded to promptly. His office staff has been with him for years and adds that special touch of remembering and caring. Randy has been a valued member of our family advisory team for over twenty years. We continue to recommend him to all our friends and associates.

Amanda Lisa Sinclair

18 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 380, San Ramon, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

03 Mar, 2022 by Liz

We had Amanda complete a special needs trust for us in an emergency situation in July 2021. Ms. Sinclair was quick, professional, supportive and bent over backwards to ensure that our special needs trust was completed ASAP. She was a lifesaver! I cannot recommend her highly enough. As a special needs parent, she truly gets how to write a SNT. We plan on hiring her again in the future for our regular estate.

02 Apr, 2019 by Smadar

I cannot begin to explain how lucky I feet to have found Amanda! She is SO kind and extremely knowledgable with Special Needs Trusts and in helping us create our wills and trust. We highly recommend her! Her fees are reasonable and her ethics are superb!

27 Mar, 2018 by Pam

Amanda Sinclair has made our complex estate process as clear and simple as possible. She and her wonderful paralegal are responsive, readily available and patient in directing my actions as executor. Amanda has been able to professionally quell some sensitive issues, her advice has been spot on and her recommendations for other needed professionals have been excellent. I highly recommend Ms. Sinclair.

Tara Renee Burd

501 W Broadway, Ste. 1100, San Diego, CA

Estate Planning Litigation Probate +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

25 May, 2016 by Kenny

Tara Burd was without a doubt a true blessing to me and my wife. Our situation seemed unbearable but her ability to not only educate us but help facilitate our issue legally was unmatched. She was available when we needed her and was extremely professional and detailed. I highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking for representation from a smart and savvy attorney. Thank you Tara for everything! I can only imagine the headache we would have endured without your help and expertise.

10 Mar, 2016 by Leah

I had a very difficult case, though I am sure they all are, and had a consult with Tara Burd. Tara was the third lawyer I interviewed, and although ultimately the case was settled a different way than with attorney's, I would have hired her over all the others. I was impressed with the meeting as Ms. Burd addressed issues that were overlooked by the other attorneys. I unfortunately have had to hire many lawyers for different business reasons over the last few years. Tara was most impressive. Her professionalism and intellect were clear, but she also had a true kindness and concern over my situation. I was and am highly impressed with her both personally and professionally. Very impressed.

20 Feb, 2016 by James

I thought investing in bullion might be a good idea given the recent upheavals in the stock market. I made a verbal contract to buy gold bullion from an online dealer. However after researching the company and finding some very alarming reviews, I no longer had the confidence to invest in them. Speaking with Tara on the telephone, at no cost to me, she told me her views and recommendations. Later she followed up with an e-mail giving more sound advice. She'es a great help. If I need legal representation I know where to go.

Darcie Colihan

550 W. C Street, San Diego, CA

Business Estate Planning Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

28 Jun, 2017 by David

My wife and I engaged Ms. Colihan to prepare and implement a comprehensive estate plan and living trust. Not only was Ms. Colihan most pleasant to deal with, her work was thorough, careful, and very well planned and executed. She and her firm provided a robust and resilient plan that serves our needs very well. The cost was fair considering the detailed and vomprehensive nature of the work performed, and we are very happy with the results. I highly recommend Ms. Colihan and her firm, and have done so personally on several occasions.

23 Jun, 2017 by Donna

Darcie helped us set up our trust. She was very professional and helpful. Darcie guided us through this process with great knowledge and professionallism. We recommend her and will use her again in a heartbeat.

20 Jun, 2017 by Bethany

this past year we had a circumstance that required an Attorney that handles Estate issues. A family member had removed a property from an irrevocable trust which incurred major tax implications. Darcie, who was refereed by a friend, was so, helpful understanding, thorough and timely! She is organized, extremely thoughtful, and exhausted every avenue in efforts to help us come to a solution, which at first we thought could be possible. in addition to Darcie being a pleasure to work with in a situation that was not ideal, she went above and beyond to lay out the implications each action we in tale. In my opinion, educating us beyond her scope for our own good, was far beyond what was being asked of her. It was apparent that Darcie truly wants more than just the desired outcome for her clients! She strives to help her clients through the process by holistically looking at the issue at hand and not just point A to B. i would recommend Darcie to anyone who is looking for an Estate planning Attorney.

Kathleen J Patterson

6939 Schaefer Avenue #D-239, Chino, CA

Business Estate Planning Litigation +3 +6

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

15 May, 2019 by Nick

Only spoke to her on the phone and I'm totally satisfied that she was not able to take my particular case. Lol. Kathy Jo was intelligent, down-to-earth, accommodating my ignorance of the probate process and honest. Thank you for your time and your attentiveness.

24 May, 2013 by Anonymous

Honest, smart, great stratigist, amazing legal skills and knowledge and nice. Saved me 10s of thousands by avoiding court battles and out smarted the opposition. Will use her on any case we ever get!!!

22 May, 2013 by Louis

Ms. Patterson is a true professional lawyer. I have used her services at least three times in the past 8 years. She was always pleasant to discuss my cases by walking me through the legal process and discussing my options. She always made herself available to sit down and go over the issues step by step and update me on a regular basis on the status of my cases. What I appreciate the most is that I always felt being protected when she is handling my cases. She really fights to get the issues settled to my best interest. In all three cases the issues were settled in my favor. Two of those were contract disputes and the third was a real state transaction worth $80,000. I saw her in real action through mediation sessions and let me tell you....she was a real aggressive lawyer fighting to the end for an acceptable resolution to my case. Her fees were extremely reasonable and she will always be my first choice to go to lawyer.

Ali Talaishahir

21900 Burbank Blvd Ste 300, Woodland Hills, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous

Ali, is a great attorney very assertive and great attention to detail. If you want it done right and professionally he is your guy!

15 Sep, 2017 by Shadi

Ali is diligent with great attention to detail. He delivered the documents on a timely manner and accommodated by busy schedule. Very thorough.

09 Jul, 2015 by Michael

I had always heard derogatory and negative comments about attorneys, but Mr. Talai sure made me think differently. All I have to say is that he is an excellent lawyer with great personal skills. So if you would ask me if you should hire him to represent your case, I would say YES

Karrie Linda Bunting

5104 Lake Isabella Blvd, Suite B, Lake Isabella, CA

Estate Planning Probate +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

11 Jun, 2019 by Gary & vera

Ms Bunting helped us with our own living trust and reviewed my mother's trust and will documents. She pointed out specific areas in mom's trust that left unanswered assignments and created potential future litigation conflict for us as trustees. We knew it didn't sound right and Karrie was able to clearly explain what needed changing and why. Our trust was reviewed and she answered all of our questions, leaving us feeling assured that we had assets in their proper place. We would recommend Ms Bunting highly and will be utilizing her services again as life changes occur.

25 Mar, 2017 by Mary ann

Karrie prepared our family trust for us after coming to our home and consulting with us about our desires. She was extremely thorough and helpful. In addition to preparing our family trust, she prepared a Special Needs Trust for our daughter, giving us a peace of mind that is worth much more than the cost. We would recommend Karrie Bunting to anyone looking for a family lawyer with a very high level of integrity and concern for her clients.

15 Feb, 2017 by Marci

I had three lawyers prior to hiring Mrs. Bunting. None of them would advocate for me. Each of them told me lies, drug out my case, and ripped me off. Mrs. Bunting literally came to my rescue. She was honest, upfront, and actually did her job. I highly recommend her.

Jennifer DeRosa Ellis

249 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

28 Sep, 2011 by Kathe

I've known Jenna and her family for a number of years. I have known her to be interesting, funny and informed on many topics. I needed to have my will, Health directive and trust re-worked to better reflect my current needs. She took my old documents and agreed with me to the re-write because several laws have also changed over the years. She called and e-mailed me with questions, discussed possibilities and then produced the draft in a timely manner. I looked everything over and then we met for her to answer any remaining questions that I had. Since I do not speak "legal-eese", I had many questions. She explained everything fully and to my complete satisfaction, without making me feel uninformed. We were then able to complete the documentation and I expect the final documents soon. I have requested her card(s), to recommend her to several of my friends who also wish to update their documents. She is a delightful person and a consummate professional with a style that puts you right at ease. Highly recommended.

16 Jun, 2011 by Megan

Ms. DeRosa handled a personal legal matter for me several years ago and I was extremely satisfied with the job she did. She was able to walk me through every step of the process, always keeping me updated on time frames and possible scenarios. The confidence and skill with which she handled every facet of my case put me at ease during what was an otherwise stressful time for me. She manages to be both professional and warm at the same time, and her quick wit is a welcome bonus. I have since recommended her too many times to count.

14 Jun, 2011 by Andrea

Jenna Ellis has been monumental in establishing our firm - she filed all necessary paperwork to establish our LLC and drafted our operating and buy/sell agreements to name a few. She has continued to provide legal assistance and guidance to our company as we've evolved over the past few years. Her legal knowledge is extensive and she takes the time to dig deeper if needed. Jenna is always on top of our legal issues and communicates clearly and concisely and takes the time to explain difficult (or foreign concepts) for new business owners such as ourselves. We highly recommend her.

Mark Thomas Bradshaw

2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

Business Elder Law Estate Planning +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

02 Apr, 2015 by Dion

Mark was extraordinary at explaining and guiding me through the process of creating a revocable trust. His layman terms made an otherwise tedious and troublesome task understandable. Throughout the process I always felt I was in very professional and capable hands.

28 Jun, 2014 by Stephen

After a friend died suddenly, Mark helped so much to make sense of all the paperwork I found in the cottage. As executor of the estate, I was at my wits' end to find out how to proceed with probate. Mark handled all the documents with the court. He was able to probe numerous pages to find critical financial information. He was extremely responsive to my calls, emails and faxes. And he continued to be right on top of details after the probate closed. I am totally pleased.

19 Jun, 2014 by John

Mark represented me in creating my estate plan and starting my llc and business. He was prompt in returning calls and emails, answered all of my questions and was easy to work with. I definitely recommend him to others.

Robert Leroy Hewitt

2980 Stormes Avenue, Oroville, CA

Estate Planning Probate +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

29 Dec, 2022 by Dixie taylor

A very knowledgeable man. He was very helpful amending my trust last Spring. He even pointed out a few items that were incorrect in originals. I highly recommend.

08 Oct, 2022 by Kristal buchholz

Mr Hewitt is very profesional. Thank u for your time. Wish I could give u a hug for all the moral you gave my camp. God bless. N amen. Hey my dad did pass away unfortunately. And perhaps you could look into exactly how special 181 ,182, 190 gambke rd berrycreek, ca is. well the whole area really is? My dad Gary Carrrranzzzzza was really protecting all that inhabitants from destruction 47 years worth. And going strong. Even plant life n micro organizums need a roof over their heads too...love mehaw... Miss u pops

21 Jun, 2021 by Kristal buchholz

Very helpful.

Rebecca L. Matthias

1771 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

23 May, 2023 by Dave

Working with Rebecca was such a seamless and smooth process! My wife and I utilize your services in developing a family trust. Rebecca was very clear and detailed about the process. Finally, Rebecca has very reasonable pricing for the work and the quality of the product she produces. Highly recommended!

14 Oct, 2018 by Mary

My husband and I were directed to Rebecca by a close friend. We are thrilled to have her help us with our estate planning. We felt comfortable from the first moment we met. She is very engaging and patient . She keeps us on the right track and gives us suggestions to think about.. Wonderful lady!

22 Dec, 2015 by Christina

Rebecca gave my husband and I a thorough understanding of all of our options when it came to putting together a will and/or trust. She was so easy to understand and made us feel comfortable with any questions we had. We especially loved the family emergency card she gave us to put in our wallets. This makes us feel even more secure that if anything should happen to us, people will know we have children and who to get in touch with concerning their care as fast as possible. We have recommended Rebecca to friends, and would definitely do it again if we knew someone looking for help with estate planning documents!

Estate Planning Probate +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

19 Oct, 2017 by Eric

Sabrina helped us update our wills and set up a trust for our assets. She knew all the details and advised us well.

18 Oct, 2017 by Cheryl

Sabrina Johnson did our estate planning for us. She was knowledgeable and very prompt and we are very happy with her work. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing estate planning.

31 Mar, 2017 by Teresa

I hired Sabrina Johnson to do a trust and a will for me. She was great about discussing what I wanted to accomplish with the trust and she would clearly explain terms and what was being accomplished with the documents. I felt that she was really listening to what I said so that all the documents were being designed for my specific needs and not just a "canned" document that would work for anyone.

Victor L Waid

777 Campus Commons Road, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

01 Dec, 2023 by Robert leinweber

Matthew Becker is hands down the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure dealing with.

17 Nov, 2023 by James rohn

Richard is extremely knowledgeable and helps the underdog

20 Apr, 2023 by Dimitrius taylor

Best lawyer in Sacramento , very helpful and he knew what he was doing, i would recommend him to anyone .

James Morris Kosareff

200 Sandpointe Avenue Ste 150, Santa Ana, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

10 May, 2023 by David

James is a genuine person who has worked hard to become a trustworthy professional in the legal field. Our personal interactions have been satisfactory, informative, and pleasant. A person of faith who lives it! Thanks James.

11 Jul, 2022 by Rich

My wife and I absolutley love the care and committment your firm has given us while we have gone through the process of administering my mother's trust and will. We have been associated with the firm for many years and have always had not only positive interactions when needed, but have felt that we are cared for as people, not just clients! Thank you, James, and your amazing assistants for giving us the care needed during this time!

26 Oct, 2021 by Sergio p.

I have had the pleasure of having James as my attorney for the past 20 years. James is a brilliant Attorney, I am grateful for his passion,dedication,professionalism and the personal relationship that we have stablished. It is always a pleasure in meeting with him, he is always willing to listen, and have the compassion to take the time to answer all of my questions, he always offers me different ideas and suggestions to look at my questions no matter how trivial or important they might be. I sincerely value his expertise and opinion, he is a person of high integrity and concern for his clients. I highly recommend James, you will not be disappointed.

Nathan Culford Rien

210 S. Sierra Avenue, Suite 201, Oakdale, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

5.0

3 Reviews

20 Sep, 2024 by Agustin beltran

Nathan and Teresa recently reviewed and updated our Trust documents. They went out of there way to ensure our documents were prepared before we left on our trip. They were both a pleasure to work with, very informative.

20 Sep, 2024 by Agustin

08 May, 2024 by Robert vaughan

I had the pleasure of working with Nathan Rien recently for my estate planning needs, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment I stepped into his office, I was impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and genuine concern for my family's future. Nathan took the time to thoroughly understand my unique circumstances and patiently walked me through the entire estate planning process, explaining complex legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand. He listened attentively to my concerns and goals, offering valuable insights and recommendations tailored to my specific situation. Throughout the process, Nathan demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of my estate plan was meticulously crafted to meet my needs and objectives. His expertise and experience were evident at every step, instilling confidence, and peace of mind. Not only is Nathan a highly skilled attorney, but he is also a compassionate and empathetic professional who genuinely cares about his clients' well-being. He went above and beyond to address all my questions and concerns, making me feel supported and valued throughout the entire process. Thanks to Nathan's expertise and guidance, I now have a comprehensive estate plan in place that provides me with the peace of mind knowing that my family will be taken care of according to my wishes. I am incredibly grateful for his outstanding service and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of estate planning services. Nathan Rien is truly a five-star attorney in every respect. Robert Vaughan

Brent David Grider

1700 Hamner Avenue, Norco, CA

Bankruptcy Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

11 Jul, 2014 by Aimee purser

Mr. Grider is wonderful. He is very intelligent and down to earth. He knows the law and is very professional. He has a great presence and was very impressive during trial. He kept my kids safe and I couldn't thank him enough. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to others.

18 Apr, 2012 by Emily

The Grider Law Office set up our trust account. It was quick and easy. They were very efficient and professional.

17 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous

We needed a trust drawn up, and I thought the law office did a fine job. It was fairly painless, should have done it a long time ago. The office is not pretty, but the paralegal and attorney were personable and answered our questions. Exactly what we needed.

Andrew Ryan Stilwell

3160 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego, CA

Appeals Estate Planning Foreclosure +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

19 Jan, 2012 by Craig

I was the executor for my mother's trust when she passed away in 2006. After checking around with friends seeking a recommendation for a good Estate/Probate attorney, all I can say is "Wow!" what a great recommendation I was given. One meeting with Andrew and I could tell what a person of character and integrity he was, and he did not disappoint during the entire two years it took to resolve the estate. One of my brothers created some difficulty during the process by refusing to honor our mother's will. Andrew guided me step-by-step through the process, recommended other good attorneys that were needed to resolve issues outside his area of expertise, and was there for me like a friend while performing his professional responsibilities with great care and knowledgeable ability. If there was an Excellent+++ rating, I would not hesitate to give him one.

16 Jan, 2012 by Dennis

Andrew handled a complicated trust for our family and did an excellent job through out. The direction he provided was top caliber.

13 Jan, 2012 by Barry

I’m a professional who is competent & confident in my area of expertise but often feel inadequate in dealing with our legal system. This has been the best experience and one of the few times that I have left the court room with a sense of being represented to the full extent. I would highly recommend this Attorney and his firm to anyone seeking a knowledgeable representation, honest communication and spirited advocacy.

Randall James Burton

1325 Howe Ave #214, Sacramento, CA

Car Accident Child Custody Child Support +5 +8

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

27 Nov, 2023 by Jason

Like most, I never expected that I would find myself going through a divorce. This, however, was not the worst part of it. I was served with a temporary DVRO from my ex-wife that was full of the most slanderous statements that I ever could have imagined and an expressed desire to move out-of-state with our 6-year old daughter. I was feeling scared, desperate, and nearly without hope. I was referred to Mr. Burton by a dear friend of mine and I wasn't sure what to expect. However, within a short period of time, he and I found our way to craft what we believed to be a winning strategy. We were outspent 5 to 1 and went through a grueling six day trial. But, at the end, we kept my daughter with me and I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to the work and dedication to the truth that Mr. Burton demonstrated during our shared ordeal. With my divorce final and my daughter near me, I can, without hesitation, state that if I had any other attorney, I doubt my life would be the same. Thank you, Randall.

17 May, 2010 by Rheau cramsey

Mr. Burton demonstrated all of the qualities that you expect and HOPE that you will find in a lawyer. During an extremely difficult time in my life, I experienced his knowledge and professionalism as my lawyer and yet found it very easy to converse and explain to him my feelings and emotions. He gave me encouragement and a sense of value as a person. I would not hesitate to call on him again or recommend him to my friends.

05 Apr, 2010 by Edwin

I was referred to Mr. Burton by a friend who chose him based on his low Bar number, which indicates a high number of years in practice. Besides (or rather in spite of) his many years of experience, Randall Burton offers some of the most competitive rates for comparable services of anyone practicing in the state. Communication between the client and his lawyer and any persons in opposition is key to the succesful resolution of any litigation and Randall's skill in this area, along with his ability to focus his attention on my areas of concern, resulted in a more than satisfactory outcome to my divorce proceedings. From the outset of the action Randall was able to manage my expectations by educating me about the proccess and keeping me fully informed throughout the ordeal. Because of his even temperment and innate grasp of the principles of advocacy, Mr. Randall Burton has a life-long fan in me; I continue to utilize his services for my legal needs.

Tecla Morasca Lunak

71-780 San Jacinto Dr., BLDG A-3, Rancho Mirage, CA

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

15 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous

Tecla and her team pay attention to detail. They send items back and forth to make sure it is correct and in a timely manner. The team is always easy to get ahold and an answer the same day. Business wth them has been great so far.

30 Dec, 2015 by Kyle and mike

Tecla has represented us in an on-going custody issue for over a year. Throughout the time that Tecla has represented us her devotion and hard-work to our case has been unwavering. We would recommend Tecla to anyone looking for a family law attorney in the Valley. We live out of state and even despite this Tecla is extremely reachable and flexible. With her expertise and advice we were able to receive everything that we were hoping, including an out of state move away. Tecla and her firm answer emails and voicemails promptly, never leave any question unanswered and are extremely personable. Tecla went to court numerous times for us over the course and her organization and court experience is blatantly clear. She helped us decipher laws and codes and always made sure our questions were answered. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty for our family numerous times. She is very very good at what she does. Anyone that hires Tecla and her firm will not be disappointed in their choice. We cannot recommend her more highly. We never would have got as far as we have with our custody case without her. Tecla works hard and dedicates her efforts to her cases. She really does not treat you as just another client, she truly cares about her cases. She is extremely easy to talk to and she is extremely diligent. She will also be honest about the case and realistic. She will give you all possible outcomes and she always gave us a clear idea of what to expect. She is not just an attorney that will tell you what you want to hear, she will tell you the truth. If you are considering lawyers, we highly recommend Tecla.

11 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous

A friend of mine who was a client of Attorney Lunak referred me to her. The very first time I met her, I knew I had made the right decision in hiring Mrs. Lunak as my lawyer. Mrs. Lunak was very professional, pleasant, honest but most of all caring, which was huge factor in me hiring an attorney. Mrs. Lunak answer all my questions and trully helped me alot. I definitely recommend Attorney Lunak to everyone. Mrs. Lunak is a trusworthy attorney who will assist you with her experience and knowledge.

Jill Kaori Hiraizumi

3420 Bristol Street, 6th Floor, Costa Mesa, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

03 Jun, 2022 by Mary

Jill and her team were amazing. They were patient when we didn’t understand the legal terms. When it came down to signing all the documents the process was easy, Jill walked us through each step with patience. She provided us with a beautifully organized binder and a flash drive to download for us and share with our trustee. Without a doubt I would recommend Jill.

02 Jun, 2021 by Nathan

During the past six months we have worked with Jill Hiraizumi Law Group on writing our Family Living Trust, Will and related documents, writing a Will for our 92 year old mother, and a Will for an individual who was very ill and did not have the financial resources to fully pay for her services. In each instance, Jill and her team tailored these important documents to each personal situation with thoroughness, professionalism, and compassion. Jill clearly explained legal issues and presented us with alternatives in plain language that were easy to understand. She is easy to work with, very personable, and clearly has her clients interests at heart. We would continue work with her firm on future needs and would recommend her firm to others.

16 Nov, 2016 by Christen

I requested some legal advice from Jill in regards to my business and she responded with a wealth information that I would have never even realized I would have needed. She unraveled and dissecting aspects of what I was considering, and she exceeded my expectations ten-fold in return. I absolutely recommend Jill and her partner for legal advice, estate planning, and referrals. Jill went above and beyond for me and I know she would do that for anyone who needed her. Thank you for your help!

Colin Tobias Smith

777 Campus Commons., Sacramento, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

01 Dec, 2023 by Robert leinweber

Matthew Becker is hands down the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure dealing with.

17 Nov, 2023 by James rohn

Richard is extremely knowledgeable and helps the underdog

20 Apr, 2023 by Dimitrius taylor

Best lawyer in Sacramento , very helpful and he knew what he was doing, i would recommend him to anyone .

Tamsen Ross Reinheimer

2855 Michelle Drive, Irvine, CA

Estate Planning Probate +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

07 Jun, 2013 by James

Our family has had the good fortune to work with a person like Tamsen for approximately 7 years . She has been most knowledgeable, professional, and helpful in terms of both our estate planning, as well as my recently deceased parents estate. She guided us through some sensitive areas/issues with my parents estate and was always available to assist via in-person meetings, telephone or email. I've strongly recommend other family members and friends to her for consultation.

25 May, 2013 by Eileen

Tamsen was referred to me by my sister who spoke very highly of her. After meeting Tamsen and having her update my multi-year old trust documents I know why. She is caring, thoughtful and able to communicate so that I understood every aspect of the documentation and the reasons behind it all. She is knowledgeable and very compassionate.

09 May, 2013 by Verna

Tamsen has been part of assisting in putting my parent's trust together, maintaining connection with us and after my parent's death, assisting me as the trustee. Her office was impeccable when it came to returning calls, getting me information or seeing me in person. The information provided has made my trustee duties less complicated and I don't have any worries that I have not handled the trust correctly so there are no future problems.

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What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You

A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.

Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.

When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:

The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.

Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?

A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:

Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.

How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?

Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.

It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:

Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.

Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:

Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.

By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.

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