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15 Oct, 2019 by Douglas
John Balian has saved me so much $ over the years. There is no question my tax liabilities were far less than they would have been if a CPA had been advising me.
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16 Nov, 2012 by Greg
I met with several lawyers and he has been the best. I am a small business owner. The IRS was trying to say that I owed over 90k in taxes due an audit which i was was represented in effectively. He saved me and my family. Also, he set up an estate plan for me so that my family and the business would be taken care of in the event that anything happens to me or the business.
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17 Nov, 2016 by Travis
I'm Administrating my uncles estate and am not legally savvy. Every questions I asked was answered to a 'T'. I caught Barry at the airport and he went out of his way to talk to me. Thanks Barry, Travis
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15 Jun, 2015 by Steve
Mr. Adams(Barry) handled our legal issue w/ professionalism, care and enthusiasm. He told us all of our options and clearly discussed our rights. He is very patient with questions, and treats you like a person, not a number. I highly recommend Barry for any legal issues you may have.
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27 Dec, 2023 by Warren
Robert helped me with estate planning and far and away I noticed he was the most helpful, patient, and communicative of any attorney I've ever worked with. Most importantly, Robert explained everything very, very clearly, and used that same communication skill to thoroughly answer my questions. Now I know when I have questions, Robert Ashikyan has answers.
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08 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Robert is an amazing attorney! He recently wrote our will and trust and we couldn’t be a happier. He is very on top of everything. He answered any questions that we had and always made himself available to us. He is very detail oriented and meticulous. A lot of attorneys make critical errors when doing estate planning that go unnoticed but Robert makes sure he does a perfect job for all of his clients
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02 Sep, 2015 by Michelle
Marleen helped me through the probate process after losing my mom. She was very simple, and helpful. In a state of shock and grief she took over and handled everything for me! She charges an estate flat free and any extra services such as if she negoitates with a creditor. She saved me a lot of money! Very pleasant lady . I did not have do much, except sign a few documents. She has a wonderful assistant, Dakota. Who makes the process as easy as possible and is very knowlegable of the legal process as well. i would highly recommend Marleen.
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16 May, 2015 by Diane
I had Ms. Brady assist me with setting up my Trust and a few revisions to my trust. She assisted me in areas where I wasn't clear and answered my questions thoroughly. She was very patient with me because I just wasn't clear as to some specifics of my trust. Her legal assistant is also very knowledgeable and I can tell that they have an excellent working relationship because she treats her staff with respect. In addition, Ms. Brady pretty much charged me a flat fee for the hours she put in. And when she says it will take approximately so many hours to complete a task, it's pretty much what the total bill will be; i.e., not extras for calling and asking a basic question and certainly no surprises when you open the final bill. In other words, everything is pretty straightforward. Ms. Brady is a true professional and what I like even more is that she is a real down-to-earth person.
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11 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Wenzel prepared a complete trust package for me, including a will and advance health care directive. I chose her because she was recommended both by colleagues and clients, because she specializes in this type of law and because she was not in a large firm. I found her very easy and comfortable to work with and was very satisfied with the work that she did. I recommend her with no reservations.
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16 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Ms. Wenzel is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She even makes housecalls for her elderly clients who find travel to her office difficult. Ms. Wenzel works very well with clients, who due to their age or condition, are sometimes difficult (and crochety). She is very patient, answers all questions completely and returns calls very quickly. I have been very pleased with her help for my parents and my uncles. I recomend her very highly.
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29 Jun, 2015 by Linda
Helen Baumann has been handling our family estate matters since 2014. She was very highly recommended
by three Stanford families living near us.
Helen has been very helpful and fair. She is a good, compassionate person aside from being a top lawyer!!
I am so happy that she is handling our family trust!L
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I worked with Helen Baumann for over 4 years, and in that time found her to be one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in Estate Planning. She always went the extra mile for me and her other clients, sometimes even doing extras without charge. Helen is a member of the San Mateo County Lawyers Referral Service and helps clients who might not be able to afford an attorney otherwise. She is a very generous and caring person, as I'm sure all her other clients would say as well. Most of her clients are referrals, so she comes highly recommended.
She has an excellent staff now, who work as hard, if not harder, to make sure every one of her clients is well cared for. She and her staff helped me understand how to plan for my needs, and was extremely patient as we worked through this process.
Helen is an excellent choice to handle all your estate planning needs. You will not be disappointed.
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09 Aug, 2015 by James and nancy
Ms. Barrett is the consummate professional. We received excellent advice and speedy service.
She always checked with us to make sure she understood out wishes. We couldn't have had a better experience!
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08 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Years ago, a trusted Financial Planner recommended Cheryl Barrett as an expert in estate planning. Cheryl won us over with her preparation, knowledge and cheerful demeanor. She prepared a revocable trust for us. Recently, we contacted Cheryl to revise and update the documents.
It’s easy to talk with Cheryl. She listens to our concerns and responds in easily understood language -- no legalese here. She provides sound advice and her recommendations are spot on, especially as we work through numerous changes that affect beneficiaries and trustees. Cheryl is accessible and responds to calls/inquiries in a timely manner. We trust her and she makes us feel as if we are valued clients.
We are pleased with the revised trust and will gladly recommend her services to others. If she were to be rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, Cheryl would receive 5+. She is definitely an expert in her field and we highly recommend her services.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Curtis
Naima was very professional and helpful. My initial consultation was for another personal matter. It was solved quickly and to my satisfaction. Upon her making sure I if I had any questions. I realized I need to get my living trust in order.
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09 Nov, 2015 by William
Ms. Solomon expertly handled the intended acquisition of my Corporation by a multi-national investment group. When the deal ultimately unwound her true worth came out. All the upfront negotiations and agreements protected my Corporation and allowed me to come out whole in the end. She handled everything from the other Attorneys to the IRS with incredible professionalism.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Dominique balabat
25 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Scott was easy to communicate with and did everything that he promised. At no time did Scott judge, ridicule or place himself above me, his client. Scott was always available when I called, always answered my questions or addressed my concerns.
His focus was to assist me through a difficult time by communicating with me and performing the necessary legal work to get through the Bankruptcy process, with as little pain as possible.
If you retain Scott, get all your paperwork done and delivered, you will make the process move along very fast, and before you know it your BK will be discharged and you will be on your way to rebuilding your credit and life.
I recommend Scott Jordan to anyone contemplating a personal Bankruptcy. This was not an easy time, however Scott helped me make the best of the situation.
Thank you again Scott, I hope I never need your services again:)
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12 Aug, 2024 by Susan
She is so kind & the best attorney! I can’t thank them enough for helping me & going above & beyond in all tasks! Thank you very much & god bless!
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06 Apr, 2018 by Richie unterberger
Deb did a great job with setting up an estate plan for me. She's extremely thorough, and not just on the routine matters of distributing assets. She also made me aware of plenty of important things about how my my finances and creative content (I'm a writer) should be handled that many other lawyers would have overlooked. She works in a personable and compassionate fashion that everyone will appreciate, with fair and reasonable rates, and is accessible for any question or problem that might arise. I've recommended her to friends that are also planning their estates, and they are just as satisfied with her work.
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05 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
My dire divorce situation took a very strong, positive and productive turn when I hired Holly Mattice. I finally felt like I had had some control and there's no doubt this is because Holly and her team actually cared about my case and lifted me up from the dirt I was shoved in by very unfair circumstances. If you want justice in your case, Holly and her team will make sure you get it, and on top of that, they will kindly and firmly educate you on the process so you can be a leader in your case and truly change your life for the better. I cannot thank her enough. Thank you Holly
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16 Oct, 2017 by Cheri
Holly is a rock Star! She is quick responsive and down to earth and get's the job done quickly. Divorce is never easy and the last thing you need is a lazy attorney. She was on-top of my case from the start to the finish. Thank god!
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02 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mark really cares about his clients and it's obvious. I've used probably a dozen lawyers in my career and having someone with hands on experience in the development world was a huge asset. Mark understood my business, how things worked, and it saved so much time not having to explain processes. I never want to need a lawyer again, but if I do, I will definitely go back to Mark.
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19 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I found Mr. Mazzarella to be an exceptional attorney when it came to knowing the law and making the prudent arguments. His passion for his work and committment to his clients are obvious.
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25 Sep, 2011 by Michael
Michele helped my family and I through a very difficult and emotional situation. My mother-in-law is in the later stages of Alzheimers. Unknow to me, my wife's sisters took their mom to four different attorneys until they found one that would change her estate planning doucments. I knew my mother-in-law was not competent to change her estate plans but I didn't know what my options were. After interviewing several law firms we choose Michele and her law firm.
Michele prepared a very comprehensive trial plan. She guided us through the depositions, trial preparation, and explained what would happen each step of the way. The judge ruled that my mother-in-law was not competent and placed her under conservatorship of the estate and the person. My mother-in-law is now protected and we are continuing to undue the wrong my wife's sisters tried to do.
I feel that because of Michele's all-inclusive trial preparation we prevailed and the proper outcome was acheived. She is like a bulldog, leaving no stone unturned while showing compassion during the entire process
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23 Sep, 2011 by Ralph
One of the few attorneys I have met in my lifetime that is ethical, excellent communicator, hard working, and very knowledgeable. If you were to email your attorney at 11:00 pm, would expect to receive a reply within 15 minutes. I did on several ocassions! All attorneys should be as honest and dedicated to their clients best interest as Michele is,
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31 May, 2018 by Adam
I have frequently consulted with Yasha Bronshteyn on matters related to probate litigation. Yasha is an experienced, aggressive and caring probate court litigator, who specializes in helping families when they have disputes about wills, trusts and conservatorships. Many lawyers like to handle easy, non-contested probate cases. Not Yasha. The more contentious, the more complex, the better. Yasha is a light for his clients when their families are in dark times. I refer my clients to Yasha Bronshteyn without reservation.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Nicholas
Lawsuits are complicated, draining, long, and isolating. Having an attorney you can TRUST by your side during this process is important. After having a nasty experience with an attorney who wouldn't get back to me for two weeks at a time, it was time to find someone new. With the recommendation of a trusted attorney, I found Yasha. Yasha was professional, on point, empathetic, responsive, provided sound legal advice, and made my life easier. With the help of Yasha, what could have been a many years long ordeal was handled in a year. Yasha gets the job done, will not try to maximize his earnings for your suffering, and is truly on your side while representing you. I hope I don't need an attorney again, but I would gladly use Yasha again and trust any recommendations he would have to offer. I can't stress it enough: IT IS HARD TO FIND AN ATTORNEY WHO IS COMPETENT, SELFLESS, HONEST, FAIR, and DAMN GOOD.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Though not evident at first, Mr. Hrouda gave very insightful advice with a slight but critical human touch especially after comparing to other lawyers' usual runaround of cost and limitations. Clearly an intelligent man with depth of legal knowledge and practice suitable to handle even complex cases.
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12 Feb, 2016 by Tamra
I have not worked with Tom, actually, but he was the only one, who took the time to actually educate me, on how to be successful in what I am trying to achieve. Though some may have taken his brevity differently or offended, "it was perfect", Thank you Tomas, It shows how effective you are.
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27 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Angeles was professional and ethical but most of all personable. He is down to earth and highly detail orientated. He gave me a honest and thorough explanation when weighing out the pros and cons for my case. He understands that not every case is one size fits all so he makes sure that the result that you as a client is seeking will perfectly fit your needs. As far as my experience with him, it was absolutely wonderful, HE HELP ME WIN MY CASE!!!!! I am fortunate to have found him.
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03 Apr, 2018 by Pann
My mother and I consulted Mr. Angeles regarding a situation with my grandfather's citizenship. Not only did Mr. Angeles give give us detailed information regarding the situation that we didn't know about, but he also gave us multiple options and even provided websites to the relevant information. He also went above and beyond and kept in touch with us asking if we needed extra information, despite the fact that our meeting was only a consultation. Mr. Angeles was very professional, but also friendly and approachable, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal advice or assistance!
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20 Feb, 2019 by Bryant
I hired Ryan McEachern and his partner Navid Noorparvar 2 years ago for a difficult custody issue. They were honest with me about the difficulty in winning our case but still had a strategy for maximizing my chances. They were responsive, intelligent, prepared, knowledgeable, and the advocates I needed to protect my rights.
They helped me achieve the positive result I desired despite the odds against me. I have worked with them multiple times now and EVERY time we’ve been to court they have achieved positive results and will continue to utilize their services again should the situation arise. They truly care about their clients and their cases. I am truly grateful for their expertise as they have enabled me to protect the most important person in my life, my son.
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08 Jun, 2012 by Rubi
After 3 years of being left in the dark by other attorneys, I finally found a trustworthy one. Ryan kept me informed and up to date on everything regarding my case and was able to provide me with the peace of mind I needed. Completely professional and thorough, I would definitely recommend Ryan and his staff to anyone in need of a good lawyer.
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23 Jan, 2016 by Sheila bonbright
So nice to find a lawyer who works hard, doesn't over charge and wins your case flawlessly above and beyond your expectations. He isn't just my lawyer he is now a friend I am blessed to have. He is always reachable and always supportive no matter what the time.
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21 Dec, 2013 by Robert prevett
Just before the turn of the century Mr. LemMon represented me on a couple of cases I would have sworn there was no chance of me winning. Mr. LemMon came through with both wins. One was a traffic case and one a criminal. But both could have landed me in the gray-bar hotel for sometime. He believed in me, came up with a couple out of the box defenses that were winning ones. I would recommend him to anyone, for anything. If the case can be won he will win.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Amy
Ms. Bayleigh Jordan Pettigrew has represented me in the past year as I have dealt with a blossoming career as a dancer, fitness trainer, and business owner. I would highly recommend her to any position that you are considering, as you will be acquiring a strong asset to your firm or business.
Ms. Pettigrew's most valuable asset is her careful attention to detail. She has caught wording and language in several contracts that I have been presented with that could have been incredibly detrimental to my career, and has been able to negotiate and change said documents so they were more favorable towards me. We've worked on a variety of issues, including intellectual property rights, salaries and payments for my services, and liability releases. In addition, Ms. Pettigrew also keeps me informed and updated during every step of the process, so that I feel in control of the situation and understand both the benefits and consequences of every decision that I make. She's always willing to make time to discuss the pros and cons of each situation, and I feel that she is highly invested in my satisfaction and success. Her blend of both the detail-oriented, intelligent, and hardworking law skills, plus her friendly and personable demeanor have a unique place in this industry.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Mayte
I knew Bayleigh Pettigrew even in her law school days at U.C.L.A. and she has always impressed me with her legal knowledge and her willingness to go that extra mile to find me the resources that would best help me when I needed legal advice. When I came to her firm for estate planning, I was very pleased with the way they thoughtfully considered my individual situation and spent the time to answer my questions. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney and trust that she will always look out for my best interests and give me answers quickly and clearly.
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16 Mar, 2017 by Charlotte
she is great lawyer , knows exactly how you are feeling , speaks on your behalf , Helps in all your needs .
I Highly Recommend Her For An Attorney.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Mary n.
Kelly represented me in a disability claim and I am very happy with her. She is personable and knows her stuff.
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04 May, 2015 by Anonymous
- Petition The Court for a Limited Conservatorship for my disabled daughter in the Contra Costa County at her Walnut Creek office in 2012.
- It was an excellent first time experience in Family Law.
- She kept me informed and communicated updates every step of the way.
- I would recommend her services to anyone in a similar situation .
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13 Sep, 2014 by David
Sarah helped us with our wills and trust. She was excellent--low key, highly competent, responsive, excellent in her clarity and communication. We liked the fact that she was low-key and professional--a great combination. Additional plus for her being "in-network" on our legal insurance plan through UC (ARAG). High marks.
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19 Jun, 2020 by Natalie aguilera
08 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
shes the best i should say she helped me alot with my corperation paper work and all the documents with signing the deal with realestate buying and selling.Shes the only one i can trust with my paperwork i dont have to review it at all what shes does thats how much i can trust i would recomend kimberly charlene vaughn.
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08 Mar, 2019 by Lori dutra
Mr. Bosshard is ethical and compassionate. He is a very knowledgeable professional and offers his clients the time and information necessary to move in a forward direction. There are no hidden fees or “surprises.”
I will absolutely contact Jeffrey Basshard if I need legal representation in the future!
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31 Mar, 2018 by Lisa rojas
03 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
I was looking for my living trust lawyer on the internet and the profile of Robert Howell met my needs. I contacted him for consultation and decided to hire him. Because, not only did he know everything about law, but he also listened to my needs carefully when I had many questions where he explained to me until I understand very patiently. He processed the living trust perfectly in a timely manner and I am very satisfied with his service, I definitely recommend Robert Howell as your lawyer!
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30 May, 2014 by Jo ann
We originally met with Gerald Stauffer who set up our family trust. Mr. Stauffer has retired, and we now meet with his partner, Robert Howell, who has made sure we are current with everything in our family trust. We consider him to be honest and worthy of our trust.
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11 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I loved working with Ms. Grewal! She is incredibly intelligent, knowledgeable and was understanding to my situation. I had her help in both Family law and immigration and I continue to recommend her to everyone I know.
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15 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
I have been in touch with this attorney since I had gone for a free initial consultation with her. For some reasons, I could not hire her, as she said she did not have the time to take up my case at that point. I truly admire and appreciate her candor and sincerity in doing that. I have quite often asked for her advice and she has always been responsive, even though I had not hired her.
I hear wonderful things about her work every day from my friends about how she fights for them and I have seen her doing a great job in court.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Phebe
I browsed this website to look for a probate lawyer and of the 7 lawyers i tried to communicate with, Ms Quaranto replied within a day. It turned out that she was indeed a blessing to me. She is very accommodating and helpful. She worked immediately on the issue i consulted her with. She explained very well the legalities involved. Although i have not achieved the outcome i wished for, I am very well pleased with what came out of it. I highly recommend her to those who needs legal services.
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03 Jan, 2017 by Maggie
I worked with Kelsey first in a difficult family situation for which she'd paired up as a secondary with another lawyer. The situation did not go as I'd wished (through no fault of her own), but I'd noticed her calm yet friendly professionalism from the get-go, so decided to hire her for my own estate planning. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Estate planning can be difficult, but she stuck with me like a champ, giving me time but gently prodding me when I really needed to take action, and ultimately delivered a really well organized set of documents. I can easily say that this never would have gotten done without her care, tracking, and communication. In all our interactions, her demeanor always struck that tricky balance between compassion and professional rigor, interpersonal warmth and cool-headedness. She will be my go-to for anything in the future, and I'll be recommending her to my friends.
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04 Jun, 2023 by Riley
Mandie helped us set up our trust and wills, explaining very clearly in our meetings and by written notice of what our options were and what would happen with and without these documents in place. She was understanding when we needed to reschedule one meeting and helped us personalize our estate! We are forever grateful for her service!
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17 Oct, 2020 by Monty
Mandie was very good at explaining our different options and what they included.
She asked questions about our family and our goals and what we would want for our family. She clearly explained every option and gave us her opinion on what she would suggest for us.
This is not an easy subject to think about, however it is a reality. She made us feel very comfortable and we have recommended her to our friends and family!!
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26 Jul, 2013 by Jerome
It is obvious that Gary is a very experienced and knowledgeable attorney. He was very responsive tom my needs and always kept me informed as to the progress of my matter. My experience with Gary was excellent.
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08 Jun, 2013 by Ed
Gary is a true professional. He is a skilled practitioner and an outstanding person. He is fair and even-handed, but can be aggressive when called for. You can count on Gary to use a no-nonsense approach and to consider the client's best interest at all times. He is an expert on Estate planning matters and can litigate these issues as well. I have referred him other satisfied clients. I can't recommend him highly enough.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Carla
Great experience! She took care of everything and was always prompt to return any messages . Highly recommended.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Kathy
We hired Brigget a few months ago and she completed the trust in a timely manner and she kept in contact with us the entire way. She is very professional and we have recommend her to all of our friends.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Michelle
Mr. Lechman helped my husband and I create trusts. He was patient and walked us through the entire thing, answering all of our questions thoroughly. He was available in Westlake Village as well as Camarillo which was convenient for us.
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17 Feb, 2011 by Linda
Joe is a very patient lawyer who explains everything to you. He is not like an average lawyer in a fancy business suit. He is down to earth and is very fair. He is looking out for your best interest and can tell he cares about what is best for each individual.
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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.
