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Best Probate lawyers in California

3,128 Probate Lawyers in California

>3.1k

experienced lawyers

Sally G Bergman

1900 S Norfolk St, San Mateo, CA

Consumer Protection Elder Law Estate Planning +1 +4

+1 (650) 931-6807

4.8/5

4.8

9 Reviews

03 Aug, 2022 by Michele

It's extremely rare in today's world to meet a person who does things out of the goodness of their heart and because it's the right thing to do. Sally is such a person. She gave me excellent advice. She spoke with me at length, knowing I was too far away to be a client. She never even mentioned a consult fee. She's a rare gem and anyone that is lucky enough to hire her should know they are in very good ethical compassionate hands.

17 Sep, 2019 by Patricia

Atty. Bergman helped me promptly and perfectly helping me to identify specific problems needing resolution. She proved to be a true gold mine and I trust her expertise and integrity unconditionally. Atty. Bergman also gave me a referral for an attorney in my area, which I appreciate. I'd have hired Atty. Bergman in a flash if she practiced in my area. I recommend her highly.

19 Aug, 2019 by Frank

She was very helpful with my difficult legal question and provided me with answers I wouldn't have thought of. Very caring regarding my dilemma and showed me my option possibilities. Thank you.

Anne Marie Healy

1109 North Broadway, Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana, CA

Probate +1

4.8/5

4.8

8 Reviews

20 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous

Annemarie has been my attorney for more than a year now and she has been great to me and my case. I have been in a nasty custody battle since my child was a year old. During this time Annemarie has been very sensitive and understanding towards me and the matters in my case, relieving my stress levels and bringing me comfort during this difficult and confusing time. She is a very strong and aggressive attorney, Annemarie will push to get you what you want but keep you grounded and let you know what is fair and what is realistically attainable. There were times that i did not like her decisions (from a mother's point of view) but glad i trusted her decisions based on her knowledge and experience. I am very happy with her as my attorney and the progress of my case. I will continue to go through battles in my case but very happy to know i will have Annemarie on my side.

22 Oct, 2013 by Rosy

Anne Marie helped me with a case a few years back. Thanks to her, I got all my money back (from a scam). Anne Marie is very professional, trustworthy, caring, and overall a genuine and nice person. I would highly recommend her service to anyone.

18 Oct, 2013 by Carol

Anne Marie is a very competent and enthusiastic attorney. She is assertive, without being condescendingly agressive. She works quickly to the point, resolving the issue at hand, whether it be a custody issue, financial issue or safety issue. Additionally, Anne Marie is a great negotiator; she makes sure her clients are treated fairly and are well protected. I highly recommend Anne Marie Healy.

Vincent Michael Casiano

4420 Hotel Circle Court, San Diego, CA

Elder Law Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

4.8/5

4.8

8 Reviews

13 Dec, 2021 by Gene

When I recently found myself in need of legal counsel, Mr. Casiano was recommended to me by a trusted friend. A few years ago, he had helped her and her family with trust and will matters, and she didn't hesitate to send me to him. In addition to Vinnie's prodigious knowledge of wills, trusts and estate planning, his expertise in Elder Law proved to be immensely helpful when the matriarch of the family reached the age where she needed to go to a permanent skilled nursing facility. He guided the family through the confusing realm of Social Security, Medicare and Medi-Cal, and he showed them how to best utilize those programs for the benefit of the lady. Just as importantly, he provided the family with information on how to deal with the sometimes less than helpful nursing home and hospital doctors, administrators and staff, so that their loved one got the best care at the least expense possible. Subsequently, upon her death, Vinnie's legal expertise and actions resulted in maintaining the maximum value of the estate that she was able to bequeath to her children. The situation I needed Vinnie for was very similar. I had a relative whose health was in steady decline, and I enlisted Vinnie's help in dealing with hospitals, emergency rooms and nursing homes. He was in the process of gaining a conservatorship status for me, when my relative died. At that point, he shifted to helping me with processing a will that was executed by my relative, and with the necessary filings with Probate Court. His advice and counsel have been stellar, and he is helping to move things along expeditiously. He has a genuine desire to treat his clients in a friendly and respectful manner, and his sense of humor helps to blunt some of the inevitable angst that occurs when dealing with legal matters and the court system. In short, I highly recommend Mr. Casiano to anyone looking for expert legal advice from a highly skilled and knowledgeable attorney.

28 May, 2021 by Laurie and kim

Vincent was great! We recommend him if your looking for a great lawyer to setup a living trust. He’s extremely knowledgeable about elder law and estate planning. He explained to us how and why we needed to set up our living trust the way that we did.

30 Apr, 2021 by Rachel

After my father passed away, we were left with a lot of questions and concerns. We called Vincent Casiano and he spoke with us about our situation. He put our minds at ease which was very helpful. He was knowledgeable, professional and we would not hesitate to use his services in the future.

Judith May Copeland

1230 Columbia Street Suite 680, San Diego, CA

Elder Law Estate Planning Probate +3

4.8/5

4.8

7 Reviews

03 Nov, 2009 by Bob

Absolutely fabulous. Very impressive. Attention to detail. Very knowledgeable in all aspects of the process. Could not imagine doing this without her.

21 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous

I've worked with Judy on several cases and have found her to be a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgable, thorough, patient and considerate. She takes a real interest in her clients and the circumstances they are facing. She handles even the most challenging circumstances professionally, rationally and successfully. She's a great find.

21 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous

My wife and I have known Judy for more than 25 years. We have used her services through out those years for our Wills, Trust, Probate and Guardianship and feel very fortunate to be one of her clients.

John Crandall Foster

30 Keystone Ave, Morgan Hill, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

4.8/5

4.8

6 Reviews

27 Oct, 2017 by David

Del is perhaps one of the most qualified and capable attorneys for estates, wills, trusts, and probate issues. Although my issues are reasonably straight forward, he handled our issues quickly and responsibly. Del understands the complicated issues of blended families and more importantly the complex issues of on-line accounts. You will be hard pressed to find better representation in the South Bay Area.

13 Oct, 2017 by Rich

Mr. Foster's father is an attorney so he comes from a great background. He grew up in the business and has specialized in Probates, Trusts and Estate planning. He is not only personable, but very analytical with his clients. He did the trust for my wife and me as well as several of my friends who I have recommended. He is very well connected and can guide people through the process whether it's a very large case or a simple one. I highly recommend him.

01 Apr, 2016 by Audrey

When my sister became critically ill I phoned my friend and financial advisor for guidance regarding her outdated trust. He immediately called John and explained my predicament to him. Though I had never met John before within days he met with my sister and I to update her trust. My sister has since passed and John has been guiding me in all aspects of closing out her trust/estate along with executing the necessary legal documents. I find John extremely knowledgeable regarding trusts and probate procedures explaining everything to me in a manner I can understand. In addition to his professional side John is a very caring and understanding person offering support when needed. His advice has been invaluable to me and I feel very fortunate to have him as my attorney. As my husband and I need to update our trust John will be our attorney of choice as he specializes in estate planning and we are confident that he will guide us in customizing our trust to our specific needs. I enjoy working with John and highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for an excellent estate planner. Thanks John.

Randolf Krbechek

9477 N. Fort Washington Road, Fresno, CA

Business Foreclosure Litigation +2 +5

4.8/5

4.8

6 Reviews

05 Feb, 2018 by Brett

I’m addition to being very kind, caring and understanding, Randolf is very knowledgeable about real estate law and knows how get to the bottom of the situation and give great legal advice. He was kind enough to tell me as a friend that mine was not a legal situation but a financial one. What else can I say, except he is helpful and he knows what he is talking about. This was only a consultation, but If his services had actually been required, I wouldn’t have hesitated to hire him.

22 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous

I had water related issues on a property I was purchasing in Fresno. Randolf was extremely knowledge and helpful. I felt much better about my situation and would absolutely recommend him to others

05 Aug, 2016 by Roy

I have know Mr. Krbechek for many years. The few times my company has used him we we're quite pleased. He is very straight forward, to the point and takes the matter at hand firmly. After evaluating the issues he gives you options and recommendations His fees are fair and we will use him again if needed.

Gary Robert Kershner

1425 Leimert Blvd Ste 403, Oakland, CA

Elder Law Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

4.8/5

4.8

5 Reviews

01 Dec, 2019 by Sandy

I highly recommend Gary Kershner for anyone looking for a Trust attorney. Gary was extremely helpful, thorough, and endlessly patient during the process of rewriting my Trust, Power of Attorney, and all the rest of the documents I wanted. He was sensitive to what I hoped to accomplish and helped me achieve it. He was remarkably clear in his explanations of arcane legalese and, all in all, was an excellent guide through the process. He was accommodating in scheduling and a pleasure to work with! .

20 Jun, 2017 by Doreen

Earlier this year I had an urgent need to modify a living trust. I did not know what to do or where to go. Not only did Mr. Kershner answer my frantic call, he saw me that same day, he went above and beyond. Thank you so much! I now will only use Mr. Kershner.

08 Dec, 2016 by Heather

Gary was very good at walking through the estate planning process in "chunks". This is important since there is a lot to consider for Living Wills and Trusts, etc. He also did a great job of working around our schedules and was very flexible. He also provided the documents back to us via hardcopy and a thumb drive for ease of storage.

Richard Alan Rodgers

3125 Old Conejo Road, Thousand Oaks, CA

Business Litigation Probate +1 +4

4.8/5

4.8

5 Reviews

23 Oct, 2013 by Ildi

Mr. Rodgers not only very knowledgeable and professional but very friendly and honest. He is very responsive via email and on the phone as well. He is AVAILABLE!!!! That is rear. Extremely patience. My English is far away from being perfect yet he listened and was very respectful.He did not try to pull me into something and create something that was not there. It was the opposite. I posted a question. He answered. I called on the phone. He answered. I sent him an email. He answered. Everything was part of the free consultation. That is one in a million. Thank you. Highly recommend him.

10 Sep, 2013 by Dave

Mr. Rodgers was kind enough to answer my question(s) within an hour of my contact. I found the content of his response informative and directly related to my question. Thank you for the rapid succinct response! DR

12 Jul, 2013 by Walter

Rick represented me on an easement dispute. His writing skills and attention to detail made a request for summary judgement by the opposition go away. He took my case at the eleventh hour after I fired my first attorney and came up to speed very quickly. I interviewed a lot of attorneys and Rick's interest in my case and his experience as a former real estate broker won me over. Rick was able to help me arrive at a reasonable resolution to my case.

Shahram Michael Miri

80 Gilman Ave Ste 27, Campbell, CA

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

4.8/5

4.8

5 Reviews

09 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous

Shahram was very responsive to my questions and thorough with his explanations ...

23 Sep, 2011 by Tamara

I have been consulting with Mr. Miri regarding estate planning issues. He has always been reliable and offered sound advice. I highly recommend his services.

07 Apr, 2010 by Michael

Shahram helped my wife and I draft our revocable trust and did a wonderful job. He was expedient, knowledgeable and affordable. I have recommended to my friends for estate planning.

Faith Allison Ford

7100 Hayvenhurst Avenue Penthouse - Suite F1, Van Nuys, CA

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +2 +5

4.8/5

4.8

5 Reviews

20 Dec, 2022 by Alejandro

Faith es una persona mui onesta serbicial MUI dedicada asus casos exelente defensora en la que puedes depender y confíar alta calidad humana

18 Dec, 2022 by Raja

She is one of the best. She knows what she is doing. Honest and very helpful and friendly.

17 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous

Faith is a good attorney she nice thank you for everything faith. She is excellent

Vincent Thomas Martinez

215 N Lincoln St, Santa Maria, CA

Business Probate +2

4.8/5

4.8

5 Reviews

22 Apr, 2021 by Linda austin

02 Nov, 2020 by Sonny s

Excellent and very professional service...highly recommend

27 Oct, 2020 by Jose a. farias

This law office provides the legal professionalism with the legal experience that local bussinesses and families really need.

Eric Jerome Gold

23901 Calabasas Road, Suite 1074, Calabasas, CA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

+1 (818) 918-2483

4.8/5

4.8

119 Reviews

27 Sep, 2024 by Nrtucker4

Eric and Wendi made setting up a trust so easy. They are communicative, happy to answer all questions, timely, and knowledgeable. My wife and I appreciate them giving us peace of mind. We highly recommend Eric and his team.

14 Sep, 2024 by Kevin brady

Eric and his office were responsive, timely and professional in getting my family trust in order. I would definately recommend him.

03 Sep, 2024 by Robert navarro

Katherine Hope Chew

3424 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA

Estate Planning Probate +2

4.8/5

4.8

102 Reviews

02 Oct, 2024 by Nohbdylovespluto ulloa

“well here’s one! Thank…” I had to click the phone after that! Who answers the phone FOR A REPUTABLE Probate Office this way!? 😅 TAKING MY BUSINESS ELSEWHERE thank you very much! Smh

18 Sep, 2024 by James sor

I would look elsewhere if you need someone to handle your probate case matters with compassion and understanding. A few years back, I contacted The Probate House to see if they could help with some a la carte Guardianship services after my wife had passed away unexpectedly, leaving me as a single parent of 2 young kids. After a few email exchanges, it was clear The Probate House wasn't interested in helping me unless they received full Guardianship case representation. That's fine, no hard feelings...we're just not a good fit for each other. It was then the principal of the firm inexplicably chose to mock me in an email for asking for a la carte services (rather than full representation). This email was likely meant to be private to her staff but in hitting reply all I was cc'd on it. The exchange was wholely unprofessional and showed a total lack of compassion and empathy during a vunerable time for me; the behavior was particularly surprising because the principal later claimed in a follow-up apology she had just recently lost her own spouse. Probate matters are particularly sensitive in nature, and clients deserve to be working with genuinely supportive and understanding staff in these proceedings but I didn't receive any semblance of that here.

10 Jul, 2024 by Blake orchard

I was very lucky to be referred to Deborah by a friend. For a hard situation - to handle with care and professionalism - Deborah is the best in the business. Deborah has an approach and the knowledge of how to approach each situation to find the right outcome. Thanks again!

Andrew David Wertheim

41593 Winchester Rd., Ste 200, Temecula, CA

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

4.8/5

4.8

89 Reviews

19 Aug, 2024 by Martin speer

My experience with JustDocPrep was straightforward and efficient. The documents were prepared correctly and submitted promptly. I was kept informed of the status and all my questions were answered as they arose. I'm very pleased.with the service they provided.

29 Jul, 2024 by Genesis dacas

Highly recommend. I have used their services twice. Staff is knowledgeable, helpful, kind and professional. I am very satisfied with the service, and would use them again if needed.

22 Jul, 2024 by Ctwalters1961

Have been going here for years now. Always helpful. First time I had Annette do paperwork she was working from her home office. I trust going to her and her staff.

17702 Mitchell N, Irvine, CA

Litigation Probate +2

4.8/5

4.8

35 Reviews

06 Oct, 2024 by G s

Beware! They ruined my life - I was their client - the turned on me and filed lawsuit and put liens and levied my bank accounts. It was never their intention to uphold fiduciary duty to me. I realized this too late. Very harmful.

21 Aug, 2024 by Sharareh chantel majdi

I cannot say enough positive things about Madison Law! I highly recommend them for all of your legal needs. Legal matters are always a nightmare/dreadful but when you have an attorney like Jenos Heidari—the legal process becomes so much more pleasant. She gave me updates throughout the process and was very understanding /empathetic to the situation. She maintained professionalism while being thorough and maintaining effective communication. Her attention to detail is key! Paige Sirey also helped me with my case, and I had the same experience with her! If I ever need another legal team, I will definitely call Jenos Heidari and Paige Sirey. Thank you to both of you!

01 Aug, 2024 by Nancy jacobo

I was dealing with a case that I was getting overwhelmed and stressed from constantly going back and forth in court. My mom found Madison Law, Laura Hassan on a flyer at a church she attends. She saw good reviews of this law firm and a plus to us was that she speaks Spanish! When I walked into their office the receptionist was kind and helpful. When I met Laura Hassan she heard my story and noted down all the information. She was very honest and confident. At first, her colleague took the case but towards the end of the case Laura took over and was able to help me and end the case. Not only did she see what was in the best interest but she went above and beyond. She made me feel safe and stress free. I wish I would've met her before when I had this case in 2013. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a family attorney.

Edna Tsz Chin Fok

700 Flower Street, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA

Probate Real Estate +2

4.8/5

4.8

32 Reviews

14 Aug, 2024 by Christian macias

Excelente abogado rapido y economico tengo mi caso de visa u en ñas oficinas de huntington park numero dd caso 111760 atendido ppr AP

09 Jul, 2024 by Daniela gil

Excelente servicio, mi caso salió tal como esperaba , muy capaces.

21 Jun, 2024 by Tatiana ayala

Muy buen servicio.

Ronald Key Mullin

1355 Willow Way Ste 110, Concord, CA

Elder Law Estate Planning Mediation +2 +5

4.8/5

4.8

22 Reviews

16 Feb, 2024 by Ellie er

We couldn't be happier with the legal assistance provided by Ron Mullin and his firm! Mr. Mullin helped us with business entity formation - choosing an entity type, registering our company name with state and federal agencies, preparing foundational documents such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and much more! Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to our case were truly outstanding. They communicated effectively, addressed all our concerns, and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. We highly recommend Ron Mullin to anyone in need of legal representation of business. Thank you for your exceptional service!

28 Jun, 2023 by Barbara doherty

Very knowledgeable and always helpful estate planning office.

27 Mar, 2023 by Ken wright

Answered my question and provided a Link with more Information. Many Thanks. I'll be back if I need to engage Law Services.

Scott Thomas Holman

316 W Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA

Business Elder Law Estate Planning +4 +7

4.8/5

4.8

10 Reviews

10 Oct, 2023 by Simone d

Very caring office, these people actually want you to succeed.

19 Mar, 2023 by Cindy ranger

Very knowledgeable and friendly!

03 Jul, 2022 by Shawn grinstead

Richard Lewis Kimbell

322 W Center St Ste 3, Yreka, CA

Probate Real Estate +2

4.8/5

4.8

5 Reviews

07 May, 2024 by Lisa day

Excellent experience. Very nice man. He was very helpful.

30 Jul, 2023 by Carolyn elliott cpcp

I hired John Rollins to write a letter for me which yielded the results I wanted...peace and privacy. I was very pleased with my decision to use his expertise, as he listened to my complaint, was very attentive, personable, likable, and knowledgable. No body ever plans to need an attorney, but if I should one day in the future, I will definitely use his services again, without a doubt.

16 Mar, 2021 by Shelly roberts

Ronald Zigmond Berki

1625 The Alameda, San Jose, CA

Criminal Defense Juvenile Law Personal Injury +2 +5

4.7/5

5.0

5 Reviews

4.7

210 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Sharon garell

> GJEL was recommended by a longtime friend of the family. Jim Larsen and his team were such a pleasure to work with and achieved excellent results. Jim was very kind, thoughtful, a good listener and readily available to answer my numerous questions. I would be happy to refer him to a friend without hesitation.

30 Aug, 2024 by D rose

highly recommend Mr Limon, he is my divorce attorney. Its not an easy case and especially your ex is a narcissist and do not want settlement at all. Anyone is going through Contested divorce please reach out to Mr Limon, all people in his team are highly professional and proficiency to react to the divorce process.

03 Aug, 2024 by Said mohamed dunia

Paul Rudolph Miller

703 Second Street, Suite 414, Santa Rosa, CA

Elder Law Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

4.7/5

5.0

9 Reviews

4.6

151 Reviews

16 Oct, 2024 by Evan weise

He is an extraordinary lawyer. I know three other people who have used his services, and we are all amazed in his performance and professionalism inside and outside the courtroom. He goes above and beyond, making sure you reach the most favorable and fair deal/ verdict possible with the prosecutor.

07 Oct, 2024 by Gerardo amador

Evan Zelig was very supportive, clear, and understanding throughout the whole process of my legal case. Evan answered all my questions in clear detail and made sure I completely understood the following steps. Evan was very realistic when it came to certain legal outcomes (considering the circumstances), but reassured that he would do his absolute best in achieving the outcomes we both set in mind. For the record, Evan was able to achieve the best and favorable outcome for my situation. I am very happy that I hired Evan Zelig to represent me in my legal case and could have not asked for a better representation on my behalf. I would highly recommend Evan Ziegler for legal representation.

04 Oct, 2024 by Esme valencia

I hired Evan Zelig for a friend and I am so happy I did. Evan is an amazing attorney I will highly reccomend him! From start to finish he worked hard to get my friend the best outcome even though it was not easy because he had gotten 3 DUI within a one year period. When we met Evan he was very kind and was honest about what he thought could happen. Once he took the cases he always kept us in the loop of what was going on thru the entire process with the courts. He always communicated and was fast to return our calls when he was unavailable. When we looked online to find someone to help many choices came up but we decided to go with him and are so happy we did. Thank you so much for all your hard work Evan we will for ever be grateful! If you need an attorney do not hesitate call Evan Zelig!

Jeff William Leblanc

1365 W Foothill Blvd Ste 2, Upland, CA

Business Personal Injury Probate +1 +4

4.7/5

5.0

20 Reviews

4.6

56 Reviews

08 Aug, 2024 by Terri di marco

Jeff LeBlanc is a true professional! When I asked for his support to review legal documents, he responded quickly, gave great, detailed advice and I was able to make sound decisions. Thank you for your support! I recommend Jeff 's services and legal advice!

04 Jul, 2024 by V8

I secured Jeff LeBlanc as my attorney on two occasions, and he was successful in obtaining the outcome I desired in both cases. Jeff is everything you can hope for in an attorney: professional, competent, hardworking, excellent with communication, and he genuinely cares about his clients. I highly recommend Jeff LeBlanc’s services and would absolutely use him again.

11 Apr, 2024 by Natasha schwetz

Jeff is knowledgeable, professional, and trustworthy. Would definitely use his services again! Would highly recommend.

Danny Lee Moore

6929 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA

Probate +1

4.7/5

5.0

1 Reviews

4.5

60 Reviews

19 Apr, 2024 by Donald junco

Friendly. Reasonable rates. Easy accessible location. Very happy with the quality of service that I received.

14 Mar, 2024 by Sunday ayodele ogundele

07 Mar, 2024 by John bealessio

After leaving Mr. Ditaranto's office, we discovered an error with our document. Mr. Ditaranto made the correction and mailed us another copy of the document. Very quick turn around.

Robert Samuel Parada

262 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA

Probate Trusts +2

4.7/5

5.0

11 Reviews

4.7

48 Reviews

28 Aug, 2024 by Levi davis

Wade Law Group’s handling of my business partnership dispute was a disaster from start to finish. I sought their help when I was being pushed out and needed to recover my equity. Despite providing all the necessary documentation upfront, including the operating agreement and financial statements, their incompetence quickly became apparent. For seven weeks, my attorney at Wade Law Group engaged in fruitless exchanges, sending threatening letters based on California law and drafting a lawsuit complaint. Only after all this time did I discover that my attorney hadn’t even read the operating agreement—a crucial document in any partnership dispute. This neglect led us to almost violate the agreement by bypassing mandatory mediation and filing the lawsuit in the wrong state. Predictably, my former business partner exploited these errors, leaving me with a much weakened case and a significant financial loss. After incurring over five figures in legal fees, I made the decision to terminate our relationship. I requested a meeting to discuss the situation, but my attorney not only ignored my request but also responded rudely when I followed up. Eventually, the firm’s owner reached out and offered a partial refund for drafting the complaint in the wrong state. However, the amount he offered was far less than what I had actually been billed, forcing me to go line by line through the invoices and finding the correct amount was five times higher than what he claimed. I then posted a review of my experience on Yelp, and the owner reached out and offered me a full refund of over $8K in exchange for removing the review and signing a contract agreeing not to post additional reviews about my experience with the firm. When I pointed out that this felt unethical and possibly illegal and proposed that I edit the review to give credit for the refund, he withdrew the offer, falsely claiming that I had rejected it.

26 Aug, 2024 by Daniel feldman (daniel j feldman, phd)

These people are rude. And they can't read. I set up a consultation with them, but they canceled before even talking to me and told me that my trial is in three weeks when it's not. They didn't read anything about it, have the nerve to not even meet with me or have a discussion, followed with "best of luck on everything" which is just more insulting, absolutely insulting. i am sorry I called.

20 Aug, 2024 by Mark shen

They provided services so poor that they even mixed up my name with the person I’m trying to sue in the demand letter, and their justification for that was “oops, but pay us”

Mark Aaron Abell

33 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA

Estate Planning Probate +2

4.7/5

4.3

6 Reviews

4.7

51 Reviews

07 Sep, 2024 by Agnieszka petynia

I would like to highly recommend Mr. Ronald Kedikian.The bancrupcy process was painless, fast, and efficient .Mr.Kedikian explained step by step procedures of the bancrupcy. Mr. Ronald is a very experienced attorney who is extremely patience with his clients.Thank you so much for your help.

02 Aug, 2024 by Julianne vandergrift

Mr. Mohajer is a consummate professional. I've worked with him on multiple cases where he represented a parent and I represented the minor children. He is a strong advocate for his clients and also one of the nicest attorneys to work with. He is articulate, knowledgeable, and effective in and out of the courtroom.

02 Aug, 2024 by Nina lee

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What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?

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

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

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

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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