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13 Sep, 2022 by J jaff
Mr..Von Esch is a great lawyer. He's very down to earth, caring and intelligent. He's very helpful and highly recommend him!!
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26 Feb, 2022 by Ron swoverland
Good people, trust +
Dear friend
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29 Dec, 2020 by Bowdoin swenson
Mr.Von Esch help My family create our family trust that is very comprehensive and detailed. Appreciate the kindness of he and his team.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Bill
I first consulted Scott Hartley in October 2010. My wife and I wanted to review and revise our Wills, and also a Family Trust that we had established many years previously. Also, we needed to do a Durable Power of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directive. It was apparent immediately that Scott Hartley had broad expertise in all these areas. He listened carefully to what we said, and asked critical questions in order to understand our wishes and needs. He did a first rate job in setting up all the documents for us and taking us through them so that we understood what they meant. We have recently needed to meet with Scott again to re-visit the documents drawn up in 2010, and seek his advice regarding some changes that we had in mind. Again, the whole experience has been very positive. He listened, and asked the right questions to make sure he understood what our concerns were. then, he told us in clear language what the options were, and the consequences of each option from a legal standpoint.
Scott is thoughtful, and clearly an expert in his profession. I have a great deal of confidence in him, and I am delighted that he is our lawyer.
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14 Apr, 2018 by Melanie grossman, phd, lcsw
Choosing an estate planning lawyer is tricky if you plan to live a long time! After two other lawyers retired, we decided to use one that was younger, and have been very pleased with Scott Hartley in every way. He listens carefully to us and advises us to take the right actions to meet our goals. He is thorough and meticulous, while also taking the time to understand us as people. It has been a pleasure (and a relief) to work with him in making plans for our future and for our children and grandchildren.
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06 Apr, 2018 by Shawn
Scott, helped me with the incorporation of my small business and then has continued to help me with contracts and legal advice over the past three years. This was my first sole proprietor business so Scott's experience gave me confidence. His quick turn-around and quick sense of humor make him a pleasure to work with.
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24 Mar, 2020 by Sam
Natalie helped me through the process of creating a trust for my family. I am so glad I decided to work with her. She walked me patiently through all of the important points and worked with me to create a plan that works best for my family.
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24 Jun, 2016 by Garry
I am an attorney with an accounting degree and when I needed help with establishing a Trust I consulted with Natalie Elisha and had her draft my trust instrument. She is knowlegable, responsive and reasonable. I recommend her highly
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29 Feb, 2016 by Scott
Natalie was my lawyer for estate planning. I am single but her tax recommendations and planning techniques are second to none. She took the time to sit with my accountant and financial advisor at no extra cost to me. During our time working together she made sure to emphasize the need for the entire financial planning team to be part of the process. I wholeheartedly recommend her. I have never seen such an empathetic attorney who really cares about her clients.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Laura
Melissa assisted my husband and me with some complex items of a property lease agreement. It was very clear that Melissa is adept in contract law. Her communication and timeliness were stellar, and the issues that she identified and helped us successfully negotiate literally saved us from significant problems down the road. I would and will hire Melissa again in the future.
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17 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
A friend recommended Melissa to me, and I hired Melissa after our consultation. Melissa was able to review my situation regarding contracts and provide me with effective advice. She was extremely thorough and was able to provide an objective analysis of my situation. Melissa always responded quickly to my emails, and is a great communicator. I highly recommend Melissa!
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21 Apr, 2018 by Aj
I have used Melissa's legal guidance/expertise multiple times for a variety of issues and all were handled with tact, effectiveness (ideal outcomes), and efficiency. She communicates well throughout the issues, helped mitigate my level of stress, and gave details that eased my mind. I have continued to consult her for smaller legal related issues and always content with her services.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Very professional, Jerlisia loves what she is doing for her client . She is very dedicated to her clients needs . I will definitely recommend Jerlisia Farmer to anybody.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Elizabeth
Jersilia is so knowledgeable! Highly recommend her! She has been very helpful in establishing our Corp. and makes herself very available
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10 Jul, 2020 by Christine
Jerlisia is professional and knowledgeable. I most appreciate her prompt response and how quickly she resolved my case. Her attention to detail and experience made the process seem less. I recommend her services.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Gerald
Our office has engaged Tim Kindelan's services on several occasions. Tim is a pleasure to work with, very professional and very responsive with regards to our legal needs. Each instance was resolved quickly and in our favor.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Kindelan and found him to be the best Lawyer I had ever worked with in my 40 years of business. Super smart but also practical. If you need an Attorney to give you the best advice, best representation and work harder and smarter than any other Lawyer, you need to hire Tim.
Honest, ethical and brilliant!!!!!!!!!
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08 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
After 25 years of no child support payments, Tim Kindelan successful brought me a check totalling back support, interest, penalties and lawyer fees. This was not an easy task. He succeeded where others had failed.
Mr. Kindelan came to my aid recently when my landlord locked me out of my business illegally. In need of immediate help, he succeeded in getting the doors unlocked, a new key handed to me and my landlord set right. He was aggressively respectful and handled the situation flawlessly.
Tim Kindelan is a man of honor. I have known him for years on a professional level and he has continued to maintain his integrity and skillfully bring me the results I have wanted. That certainly has not been true of other lawyers I have hired in the past.
I highly recommend Tim Kindelan if you are in need of legal advice or help.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Helped our entire family with our estate planning needs. They were great!
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10 Dec, 2010 by John
Very skillful. Also very knowledgeable about the nature of our problem and likely outcome of our dispute.
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16 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Throughout the course of our litigation, Mr. Ostwald was extremely considerate of our plight. We had never been involved in any legal matters previous to our lawsuit so it was an extremely trying and difficult time. We were always kept up to date and totally informed. He made the whole "nightmare" tolerable. Part of our case was an area of law that he was not familiar with, i.e., equine law. His knowledge of medical malpractice was exceptional and he was able to combine the two areas with ease. All I can say is that he did his "homework" and did an exceptional job in the courtroom representing us.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
David has helped me greatly since successful defense of impeachment hearings by student counsel. Helped organize and promote fundraising for music and sports events and been a valuable guide and a good friend through some of life's most confusing corridors. I highly recommend him.
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07 Oct, 2013 by Edith
David Frenznick is an excellent lawyer, knowledgeable, well informed, honest, consistent, and patient. I would definitely use his service again, and I would highly recommend him. He achieved what I need.
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24 Sep, 2013 by Troy
I have worked with David in the past and I hold him in high regard as an attorney and a business associate. I would work with David again and trust him with representing our interest in the future!
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19 Jun, 2014 by Jenny
We found Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz very kind and easy to talk with and so very much knowledgeable regarding Estate Planning. We would definitely recommend Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz for we felt save and secure as our meeting continue we knew we had made the right choice, Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz.
Thank you.
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23 Feb, 2012 by Gerardo
When my father passed away, I was 22 and was named trustee. I was silently freaking out, and thanks to Sam's reassurances that I was doing everything correctly and his ability to guide me through the process of administering my father's estate we managed to close my father's estate fairly quickly.
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06 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Ledwitz listens closely to client concerns and is able to tailor solutions to their problems with care and humor. He is exceptionally hard working and knowledgeable. One can tell that his state board certification in estate planning was the result of a great deal of learning and experience.
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20 Aug, 2020 by Trish
My mom specifically wanted to look for an estate lawyer within her home town who was female and has great reviews. I'm glad I used Avvo's website to find Edalina. She was extremely calm, listens very well, very thorough, and has a very kind disposition. She explained and addressed the nuances of my mom's needs. I am very glad we worked with her and the staff at this office. I highly recommend her!
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27 Mar, 2017 by Amber
Lina is very professional and knowledgeable. More importantly she takes the time to listen to her clients, and sincerely cares about the wellbeing of all parties involved. Working with Lina has been a dream in a nightmare of a situation.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Cristina
Lina took the time to listen to my issues and help me without nickel and diming me for every question I had. I love her!
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14 Jan, 2020 by Randy
Darin was hired by us to fight a biased lawsuit.
Each time we called or emailed him he responded right away. He kept us up to date on all the actions of the case. He has a cleaver and analytical way of seeing the law. Also he was extremely generous with his time in helping to stop the suffering of animals which was at the core of our case.
If we were to ever need an attorney in the state of California again we would hire him again without any hesitation.
We wish more attorneys had his expertise, common sense , notion of fair play and intelligence!
Randy Kassal
VP, National Humane Society
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24 Oct, 2017 by Lynda
Darin is an excellent attorney. Darin always took the time to clearly explain the legal process so I knew what was happening and what my options were. Darin was extremely patient, responsive, and always answered my concerns and questions in a timely manner. I always felt like Darin was one step ahead of me, Darin will provide you with the best preparation & deliverance of your case possible. I am not sure how I would have made it through this last year without Darin's support and help.
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12 Aug, 2016 by Mary
Darin was always prepared and respectful of me. He was very easy to communicate with and was available to talk .
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03 Nov, 2018 by Stacy
Ms. Writer took care of business contract documents for me. She was highly professional and extremely quick in her work. When a small hiccup developed with the other party’s attorney, she was quick to resolve it. I plan on having her do more work for us on our family trust. I highly recommend her!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Greg
Courtney handled my uncle's estate to the utmost timely manner. She was very therow and understanding of my family's needs in the matter. Explained the laws of California, since I do not live in the state of California. Keeping us updated with current and future needs and results from the courts. Thank you, Courtney, for a great job.
Greg
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04 Oct, 2018 by Anthony and rudy
Ms. Writer was very thorough, she first sent us a detailed questionnaire to fill out so that she could prepare our trust and wills. My wife and I don't have very much but it was important for us to have what we do have protected from probate for our four children. We had the questionnaire for a few weeks and Ms. Writer called to follow up with us to see if we needed any help with it. She answered all of our questions and was pleasant and patient. Once we got the questionnaire back to her office, she sent us a draft to review, there were only a few changes that we wanted to make but as soon as we sent them back to her within a day or two, we received a call from her office that it was ready. Unfortunately, we were not able to come into the office to have the documents signed, my wife had to have emergency surgery and so instead of us signing the documents in the office, we signed in the hospital right before her surgery. Her office set us up with a mobile notary that came and took care of us. That was a huge relief for us. I most definitely would recommend Ms. Writer to anyone without a doubt.
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20 Mar, 2019 by Cali
I recently purchased a new home and decided that it was a great time to establish a plan for the future. Honesty, I had no clue what an estate plan really was and the difference between a will, trust, etc. Loung Law came highly recommended to me by one of my friends. I contacted Mary and she was extremely responsive. She encourages open communication and was readily available to discuss my concerns and answer all my questions. The absolute BEST thing about Mary is that she was able to explain all the legal terms and conditions to me in an easy way for me to understand. She used real life examples to help me understand the in's & out's of all the different aspects of the estate planning documents. Mary was extremely efficient and within just a couple of weeks, my estate plan was finalized! I have to be honest, before I started this, I thought it was going to be a long, tedious process -- but in fact it was just the opposite! It was so much easier than I expected and it's really nice to have that sense of peace now that everything is done. Thank you Mary at Loung Law!!!!
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31 Oct, 2018 by Jeanne
Seldom do I write reviews. Mary Loung deserves this one. In addition to her true professionalism, knowledge, integrity, great communication skills, and thoroughness, she is easy to work with. She cared about our personalized outcome and guided us through this very important estate planning process with sensitivity and proficiency. We asked countless questions and she was incredibly patient. I have already highly recommended Mary and will continue to do so!
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18 Sep, 2018 by Mahsa
It was truly a pleasure to work with Mary. I had longed postponed preparing a trust for my son as I viewed the process as gruesome and challenging.
I finally made the decision to take the step and had the great fortune to connect with Mary.
Mary was not only knowledgable, organized, patient and thorough but also a delight to work with. Her charming personality and lovely humor made the process feel seamless and even enjoyable.
I highly recommend Mary to all friends and family.
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21 Nov, 2015 by Kris
Richard Lewis is an excellent lawyer who is a true advocate for his clients. He handled our case with grace, ease, and consistent contact. Whether through email or a personal phone call, Richard always kept us up to date with the progress of our case. He's always very courteous and very patient. He is excellent at communicating with us in simple, common language and was always willing to assist us in understanding every element of our case. He was always willing to assist us in determining our next move and would openly give honest, direct suggestions. Richard Lewis is an outstanding lawyer. I would absolutely recommend him and his services.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Rosanne
We have been clients of Richard Lewis since 2011. We are very pleased with him being our representative in court and we have also trusted him with other legal matters. Because of Richard Lewis, we were successful in our petition for Removal of Conservatorship, and we will continue to rely on his knowledge as an attorney to help in the future.
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12 Nov, 2015 by Francine
Mr. Lewis has been my and my family's attorney for 26 years. He has handled a wide variety of issues, always with honesty and integrity. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
she took the time to work with us to find a solution. unfortunately we hit a road block. she would be a great attorney for anyone.
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23 Nov, 2018 by Shirley
Tracy put our minds at ease with professionalism with living trust.. She did amazing job. She made it all so easy for us but it was in depth what we got back. Meaning she did all the hard confusing work. Thank you Tracy Nieradzik.
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20 Dec, 2017 by Betty
Tracy is caring and professional. She took a problem, diffused the situation and quickly wrapped things up. Her fees were more than fair and fit the situation. I talked to several law offices before finding Tracy, I am so glad they were too busy to help me.
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04 Apr, 2018 by Rebecca
Andrew, with RSC Law Group, was the 3rd attorney I worked with in the course of my messy and protracted divorce. Andrew was amazingly patient with me as he helped me navigate through that legal nightmare. He spent a lot of time explaining to my stress addled brain all my options and suggesting next steps. He was a tremendous advisor to me and I truly appreciated that he and his firm gave me the guidance that was best for my family and not what generated the most billable hours. Divorce is not a clear cut process and I took a lot of comfort knowing that I had a place to turn to when I needed help. In court I felt well represented and I liked that he didn't spend time arguing with opposing counsel outside of the courtroom arena. If things were different he'd still be my attorney but I appreciate that they left my family and I in a safer and more secure place than they originally found us in.
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06 Mar, 2018 by Stacey
Andrew was an amazing lawyer through my 2 year divorce. Always clear, concise, and upfront. Very diligent and communications were immediate. Compassionate and honest. I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
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27 Feb, 2018 by Lauren
Andrew has handled our family law case for the past 4 Years here in Monterey. Our case was very complicated and involved child custody, visitation, and support. He was very attentive to our needs and patient with us during the difficult and emotional experience. He was knowledgeable and paid special attention to detail which helped us win each time we went to court. Andrew was always prepared and swift to answer any questions via phone or email and there were even some times that he helped me during the weekends or holidays. I have recommended him to many friends here in the area and will continue to recommend him and utilize him for my own case as needed.
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29 Oct, 2014 by Sheila
Shelley Rizzotti represented me and my nonprofit organization on a case that involves contractual, nonprofit, and animal law. She took on our case pro bono and stuck with us from beginning to end. She was very knowledgeable on the statutes pertaining to our case. She was meticulous and thorough in her research. Her letters were all skillfully written, and in the end we prevailed!
Shelley made the entire process easy for us. She assured us that she would be properly handled our case and she told us not to worry. She explained everything to us along the way. She gathered all pertinent documents and evidence; she allowed us to focus on our day-to-day operations rather than dwell on our case. This certainly lifted a huge burden off our shoulders. She gave us regular updates. She was readily available to answer any questions over the phone or by e-mail... even though she had taken on this case pro bono amid her busy schedule!
Shelley is an attorney with compassion, grit, and integrity. She is not one to take on a case if she does not fully believe there will be a positive outcome for her client(s). She will fight for her clients, and she will never back down. When she takes on a case, she comes up with a list of strategies to use to win the case. She has excellent people skills and was professional and firm in her dealings with the other party's attorney.
Overall, we are incredibly grateful to Shelley for her expertise and phenomenal help to our nonprofit organization. We highly recommend Shelley! She is by far one of the most effective lawyers we came across in the 10 years we have been in operation.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Lance
Shelley Rizzotti provided my business partner and I with excellent, detailed service. We were able to avoid a long, difficult case with her assistance. She examined and recommended points on all aspects of the case in a way that showed she was very engaged and extremely competent. She went far beyond our expectations and I am truly grateful to have found her.
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24 Jun, 2011 by Ken
I came to attorney Shelley Rizzotti with a few vague ideas about some kind of estate planning for my future. Shelley was quick to understand the uniqueness of my situation, and skillfully articulated her recommended solution in a way that would make sense to me. Shelley became my ally in developing a detailed, comprehensive, personalized estate strategy which included a trust, an advanced health care directive, a will, and a nomination of conservator. Throughout the process she was impressivley attentive to detail while courteous and patient with my questions. I have entrusted Shelley to oversee my personal legal affairs as such services may be needed. I have made this decision based on my assessment of her as a capable, diligent, compassionate professional who understands both legal and personal matters of importance to her clients.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Mimi
I had the opportunity to work with Teresa on estate planning. Teresa did an exceptional job leading me through the process and making everything understandable and straight forward. Where there were choices to be made, she made sure I understood the options and the implications of my choices. Teresa responded promptly to questions and met every deadline she set. I enjoyed working with her and have no hesitation recommending her to my friends and family.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Catherine
Teresa breaks setting up a trust into discrete chunks of work which makes the process less daunting. and easier to complete without stretching out the amount of it takes to finalize your trust.
More importantly, Teresa listened to me, learned how I live my life and, my distribution goals. In turn she made custom recommendations to create a trust which is personal to my life and memory.
Teresa guides you through some difficult decisions. I always felt that she was working for my benefit rather than pushing to finish up.
Another huge part of Teresa's service is to ensure that you understand how trusts work especially the changes that you can make to tweak it in the future. The real definition of a living trust.
Teresa/Caplan Wilkinson provides simple to use tools to document your assets, your plans and final chapter care. I'm happy knowing that my trust is not fixed but will continue to age gracefully with me.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Lance
I highly recommend Teresa Wilkinson for any estate planning work like creating trusts and wills. She updated our family trust and will documents that were over 20 years old. There was a lot to update in the trust structure and wording and for me the new documents are much easier to understand.
What stands about working with Teresa are her trustworthiness and thoroughness. We've known Teresa for many years and trust her implicitly. Knowing she's an expert in estate planning and elder law gave us complete confidence in choosing her as our lawyer. Teresa was extremely thorough during our interviews to cover all aspects like advanced medical directives and a number of topics I hadn't considered.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Suzanne
My father had developed rapid onset dementia without making any plans for his estate or his care. After interviewing several attorneys, I hired Kyle to be my father's attorney. He set up a trust that assured Dad's on-going care and protected his assets. When dad died, Kyle settled the estate for the family.
Kyle was professional, knowledgeable, extremely responsive with a "can do" attitude. He is easy to talk to, responds quickly to emergencies, and deals well with difficult personalities. I highly recommend him.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Robin
We put off estate planning forever -- too expensive, our family too complicated, etc. Kyle just walked us through it, helped us make the best decisions and followed through. A great service and at very reasonable prices.
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21 Sep, 2011 by Mary matis
Worked with Kyle on estate planning. He is professional friendly and sensitive to issues which inevitably come up in estate planning. it was a pleasure doing business with him and highly recommend him
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22 May, 2019 by Lauren
My husband and I hired Mr. Wells to represent our interests in two matters involving real property my husband inherited in Solano County - one was a complicated probate issue and one was what turned out to be a complicated eviction. From our first conversation, Mr. Wells had a straightforward action plan in mind and an impressive command of the law and facts of our case. Other lawyers we spoke to either didn't understand what we were asking them to do, or were seeking large retainers for unnecessary action plans. Mr. Wells accomplished all of our goals, acted quickly, charged a reasonable rate, and kept us informed at all steps. As a lawyer myself, I can confidently say that Mr. Wells is top notch. I would not hesitate to hire him again for any real estate or probate matters. Highly recommended!
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
My father and I came to Mr. Wells with a tough eviction issue. My father was getting on in age and his health was failing so we decided to sell his house and move him closer to family. Unfortunately we had at-will tenants (nephew and brother who refused to leave.)
Mr. Wells helped us process an eviction in a thoughtful, systematic and legal manner. He and his staff were always available to answer question either by e-mail or phone. Even if we did not have any questions, his staff would call to keep us informed of what was happened or what we could expect to happen next. The process was easier than I thought it would be and his fees were very reasonable.
I would recommend Mr. Wells to anybody to process and eviction.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Robert is primarily a landlord attorney, who specializes in tenant evictions. He does other real estate transactions, but his main focus was to help me evict my non-paying tenant. Eviction took about 6 weeks.
He is efficient, cordial, prompt and punctual. He corrected errors in my 3 Day Notice To Pay Or Quit and resent the notice to prevent lost time if the case was thrown out for improper notice. He usually responded back within 1-2 business days with detailed replies to my legal questions. He informed me of notice delivery, summons and court dates.
His office was conveniently located across from the county courthouse, but I believe he moved to another nearby location.
I wished we had more rehearsal time prior to our court appearance. Though our case was pretty straightforward, I wanted to ensure my responses were eloquent when he examined me. He was a little nervous before the intimidating judge, but it's only human nature.
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11 Mar, 2017 by Abel lopez
She gave me facts didn't dance around things direct to the point very useful now I know my basic 101 to have a direction. Now I knwo what i need to do. Thank you very much. I'm still in need of representation
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21 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Without even charging me, she reviewed a complex special needs trust issue and found an attorney for my mother near where my mother lives.
Leslie clearly knows her stuff but is also caring and compassionate. I recommend her highly.
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12 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
A friend referred me to Leslie when I needed some legal advice. I was in a jam and all the attorneys I contacted didn't know how to help me. In fact, one said "There isn't a way to resolve this". I was panicked! Then I spoke with Leslie who calmly told me what I needed to do. It worked like a charm!
She is the BEST!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Talking with him on the phone for 30 minutes gave me immense confidence that he knew what he was doing and he could win my child custody battle for me. Once I hired him and saw him in action, I was blown away. Very smart, very talented, very honest with me. I highly recommend him and I will continue to use him for all my family law needs.
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02 Jan, 2017 by Katharyn
Greg Girvan is a master negotiator and will fight for you. He saved my life by negotiating my divorce settlement to my benenfit even though I was the major bread winner in my marriage. I was also the victim of Breach of Fiduciary responsibility and he is an expert in dealing with this issue. At our court appearance, he wiped the floor with opposing counsel because he was prepared and ready to out strategize her. I am beyond grateful to him and the FMBK professional team. You will not be sorry by hiring Greg and the firm to represent you during this difficult time.
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13 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
From the get-go, Steve Mindel and his team proved their worth in handling my case effectively, efficiently, and with smarts.
Greg Girvan, my appointed attorney, demonstrated the perfect balance of professionalism and camaraderie in our relationship, from day one, creating a trust. I truly felt "protected" in the hands of FMBK Law. His insight into my case and his talent for writing gave my case the "champion" that it needed to reveal the truth of my matter in the eyes of the law.
Furthermore, Greg never lost sight of the bigger issue at hand, in what has been described as a complicated case, which I believe is what gave me leverage at the end of the day.
Hire Greg. You'll be glad.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Regina
Karlo and Olivia Nebres provided exceptional assistance and guidance throughout the planning of our living trust. They made the entire process very comfortable and really took the time to help us understand the details required to complete our trust. My husband and I are would highly recommend The Nebres Law Firm.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Sought the advice of Mr. Nebres regarding estate planning. We have a little one now and wanted to plan for her. Mr. Nebres was very thorough and made all the difficult concepts easy to understand. He is very knowledgeable about our concerns in relation to estate planning and brought great suggestions to work around probate.
Aside from being very personable, unlike common lawyer stereotypes, I really like the fact that he let us make the decision on our own. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to plan long term for their family members.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Karlo made things easy for us to understand. He took the time to expain the entire process and answer all our questions. He is very responsive and is always quick to reply. I highly recommend Karlo as an Estate Planning attorney.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Elana
My husband and I were long overdue in creating our estate plan. Heather made it meaningful, simple and actually enjoyable to vision into these end of life issues to determine what would be best for us as a family. It is a pleasure to be in Heather's presence, truly. She is extremely easy to work with, thorough, and made the process much simpler than I expected. I highly recommend working with Heather.
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21 May, 2015 by Iris & john
We asked Heather to update our existing living trust, of which we were rather uninformed originally. Our experience with Heather was outstanding in every respect - she is amazingly organized, thorough, efficient, and a pleasure to do business with. We were left with a binder that is so complete and so easy to understand and follow that when the time comes to reference it, every step is outlined and explained so that even our 11 year old (brilliant) granddaughter will be able to understand and follow it!
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06 May, 2015 by Iris & john
We retained Heater Reynolds to review our existing but out of date living trust. Her knowledge, expertise, organizational skills, and professional attitude is amazing and very comforting. I will recommend her to all of our friends and business associates.
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I have worked with Derryl Molina with numerous clients. All of them are very happy with her knowledge, patience, compassion and responsiveness. I have always found her to really care for her clients and will go the extra mile to make sure they are taken care of.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Diane
Derryl is one of the most efficient and trustworthy lawyers out there. She asks great questions, is organized, is well-versed in her field, priced very reasonably, is thorough, is friendly and compassionate. If there is anything that Derryl was not sure of, she always researched it thoroughly instead of doing what other lawyers tended to do; "make up" the answer. I have worked with many lawyers over the years for various reasons and I have to say, honestly, she is one of the best! She handled my prenuptial agreement, my living trust, my health care directive, my power of attorney, my will etc. and I highly recommend her to people who need these type of services. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Derryl and I am grateful for her services and expertise.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Derryl Molina did a terrific job preparing a living trust for our family. She explained complicated concepts and answered our questions thoroughly in terms we could understand. Derryl is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about her clients. She is very dedicated to doing the best for her clients and is willing to go the extra mile for them. Our Family highly recommends Derrly Molina to anyone seeking help with wills and trusts.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of consulting with Mr. Park about an existing trust that I thought needed updating. Mr. Park was honest and kindly explained I did not need his services at this time and further explained what I could do to update our trust for now. I appreciated the fact he did not needlessly sell his services, and while I did not hire him, I will be retaining him when the time comes.
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16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired David for my estate planning. He was thoughtful, responsive and easy to work with. He was also flexible about where and when we could meet, and this was really helpful given I work long hours. If you have any questions or you're looking for an estate plan, I wouldn't hesitate to give David a call.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of retaining Mr. Park to prepare my estate plan. He was responsive, professional and provided an excellent service from start to finish. I highly recommend him for anyone considering an estate plan.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Jan and david
It would be difficult to find a better estate planning attorney than Analisa Pratt in the Bay Area. She is thorough, organized, and extremely smart. She worked with us to revise an outdated trust, and gave us an estate plan, and we are thrilled with the final product. Now we can forget about it, and focus on other things. Here are some of the things we liked:
• Flat Fee: We paid ½ of fee upon signing the agreement, and the rest upon completion of the finished product. She offered to redo anything we didn’t like at any time for no additional charge. There were no other fees.
• Questionnaire: We filled out a questionnaire with our own information before the first meeting. This prevents numerous changes and greatly reduces the chance for errors.
• Graphics and Explanations: We found her visual explanations made the intricacies of the estate plan much easier to follow
• Trust Language: The estate plan used easy to follow English instead of legalese. It was clear and concise and easy to understand.
• Communication: She stayed in touch by E mail and phone to address any questions we might have.
• Summary: We found Analisa Pratt to be an excellent estate planning attorney. We recommend her without any reservations.
Jan and David W
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01 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Analisa and I were laws school classmates. Although we weren’t that close, we had quite a few classes together as we were both in the Honors program. Even back then, Analisa had always striked me as an extremely intelligent, hardworking and genuinely kind person with great work ethics. Upon learning that Analisa has opened her own practice, I immediately went to her for my estate needs even though her office is 1.5 hours away from me. I didn’t bother to shop around as I knew that I could count on Analisa to do a fantastic job. Analisa was very patient and a pleasure to work with throughout the process. Every time I had questions(and I had quite a lot), she always responded quickly and thoroughly addressed any concerns I had. Towards the end of the process, Analisa was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond her scope of service in helping me get everything wrapped up before I started a new job. I’m completely happy with Analisa’s service and would highly recommend her.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Michael
I was referred to Analisa by a friend and had a very positive experience. Analisa is extremely knowledgeable and does a fantastic job describing complex estate planning issues. She takes the time to understand your situation and objectives before offering advice. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a professional, competent and down-to-earth estate planning attorney.
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14 May, 2018 by Taryn
Dawn Stark and her assistant, Ellen Burin, are the best team you could ever have if you need a great litigator. They went out of their way to help me with a complicated and difficult probate litigation compounded by familial insanity that they were able to traverse with ease and grace. It was amazing to work with them, and I would highly recommend Dawn Stark over any other attorney in Southern California. She took my case after I had problems with another attorney who didn't know what they were doing. She is an excellent attorney and outstanding person.
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06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
She's smart, savvy, and (shockingly for an attorney) delightful to deal with. Easy to recommend her!
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16 Aug, 2012 by Elizabeth
I had the pleasure of working with Dawn Stark over the past year and I feel compelled to speak about my experience with Dawn and her staff. Dawn is the consummate professional and she has the most positive reputation that precedes her in the area in which she works. This holds true for Dawn also in her influential network of people, many of whom I know. I also know quite a few of Dawn's clients and they all say the same about her and those that support her in her chosen area of expertise. I HIGHLY recommend Dawn to anyone who needs estate planning since her broad knowledge base, professionalism, and charming personality make her one of the best attorneys in the business.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Violet
Victoria was very thorough going through my trust and explaining it, out loud, what’s in the trust and I heard something I wasn’t aware of and didn’t want. She made the adjustments to my satisfaction and I am very please. She also put my binder back in order. Thank you Victoria!
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24 Jun, 2020 by Doris
Victoria took us through the settlement of my parents trusts very efficiently and made the entire process, which could have been stressful, smooth and easy to understand. She also very efficiently reviewed our trust and made sure we were up to date. I highly recommend her.
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23 Jun, 2020 by Cathryn
I needed a new attorney to handle my estate planning. Although not ultra complex, I needed someone who could handle multiple trusts, carry out specific objectives, udate provisions, and correct some issues created by a former attorney.
I was referred to Victoria Horvatich and Copenbarger and Cooenbarger. After an initial consultation I felt confident that she would be able to handle our families estate planning needs.
Working with her was very easy. She was both responsive and attentive to detail. Setting up appointments and completing documents was easy. She took time to explain everything and helped develop a plan for the tasks I needed to do. Unfortunately, before we were able to complete all of the tasks, the COVID-19 shelter in place went into affect. Government offices were closed yet Victoria continued to work on my case.
Estate planning is never fun, but Victoria was able to make the process manageable and helped me complete a process that I had too long postponed.
I would highly recommend retaining Victoria Horvatich and will be using her in the future.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Jason
Fate represented me in a couple legal matters. She was very professional and got the results I was looking for. i would recommend her legal services to anyone in need of good representation. Great attorney.
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05 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Fate is a very hardworking, and caring attorney who shows true compassion for her clients' needs. She was very patient and took the time to clearly answer all my questions, provided great legal advice, and guided me through a difficult time in my life. She went above and beyond to help me with my legal matter. Working with Fate was a wonderful experience, I highly recommend her services.
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04 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
She was not only diligent and thorough but expressed a level of care that went beyond that of any hired attorney. I felt as though she was helping me the way she would herself, something I've found rare in the field.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
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What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
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.
