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23 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I spoke once to Denise and she suggested a process forward and asked for a check to continue the case my sister and I were pursuing. After more than adequate time for her to receive the check at first she didn't even know who I was when I called. Then she was totally rude in cutting me off and telling me she wasn't taking the case.
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17 Jan, 2016 by Janine
I had a very emotional case of trust fraud. My brother stole all of my inheritance and Denise handled this with honesty, patience and willingness to see justice prevail. Eventually it finally did. Could never have gone through this process without her!!!
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11 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
We retained Denise to negotiate a settlement agreement for my son's estate after he passed away Christmas Day 2011. We hired her because she assured us, given all the facts of the situation, that she could help us avoid probate. Out of the many attorneys we spoke with this was the key motivation for retaining Denise. Our main goal was to save our family the pain of a lengthy legal process after our loss.
Her first recommendation to us after receiving a retainer was to file for probate. Her actions during a very sensitive turning point cost all of us dearly, in legal fees and in emotional health. She alienated the parties by bolstering the party's attorney rather than proposing a settlement agreement.
We canceled our retainer check. To make matters worse she is actually going to take my living son and I to small claims court over $2500.
After the loss of my son.... the worst decision I made was talking to this firm and to Denise Chambliss.
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18 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
This is specific to the law firm The Legacy Lawyers (supposedly, run by lemons).
Before hiring - look at other Avvo and Yelp Complaints!!!
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02 Nov, 2012 by John
After a disastrous experience with another lawyer, I did my research and selected the law firm of Phillip Lemmons. After crafting a 3 pronged approach, Mr. David Chon, an attorney at the firm, was able to reverse almost all the damage caused by my first lawyer, and the law firm of Phillip Lemmons continues to represent me to this day. I am reminded of a sign that used to hang on the wall of my father's retail store: "Buy the best and cry once." With Mr. Lemmons and Mr. Chon, you can expect the best.
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01 Nov, 2012 by Sheri
I have worked with Mr. Lemmons and his staff since 2004. It took he & his staff 7 long years to end an awful divorce situation due to the lack of support my ex-spouse. He & his staff were always there for me and helped me through a very difficult situation.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Anyiam is extremely unprofessional and rude. In working with him I found that if you ask a question, he gets offended and snaps back. In addition, he can be very condescending and does not communicate well. If you hire him, I can pretty much guarantee that he will take your money, not provide an accounting of the expenses, and not follow through with your case. In fact, he will probably try to remove himself from your case. He definitely lacks integrity. Run while you can.
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22 Mar, 2021 by Brian hepinstall
A good man, with a good heart and also an excellent attorney.
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18 Jun, 2016 by Ronnie
I was referred to Christian Anyiam to represent me in a personal injury case. Mr. Anyiam was professional, patient, friendly, and listened to me. I am not easy to please but I experienced very little stress and no guess work regarding my case status. He kept me informed by not hesitating to return telephone calls, emails or other inquiries. Prior to settling my case, he wanted to ensure I understood the settlement terms. Mr. Anyiam discussed the economics, advantages and disadvantages of settlement with me. We, as a team, agreed to settlement. I would highly recommend Christian Anyiam. He gets the job done!
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15 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Don't ever go to AutismLaw.com Sheila Bayne
They don't care for kids with special needs, she and James her assistant, treat people really bad. They have too much pride, they don't have any kind of communication with parents, they don't answer emails, phone call, thay get mad if you ask any kind of questions, it was a horrible experience having these two people, especially Sheila Bayne. Waist of time, bad experience, horrible people to work with. I am very unhappy and disappointed at their kind of work they do, especially how they treat people. Don't waist your time with Autism law.com, Sheila or James, they're not what they say they are, or do what they say they will do for your kids with special need.
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01 Jan, 2019 by Aydé
Sheila helped my husband and I with our living trust. She is very knowledgeable and was able to guide my husband and I through the process very easily. I thought her fee was very competitive. Thank you Sheila!
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18 Feb, 2017 by Clara banks
This attorney will claim she will help you , but she will totally ignore your case . Her and 'Elmer' will take your money and ruin your credit. This attorney made me do a bankruptcy, charged $5,000 and still let me loose my property. Very undeducated. Please do NOT HIRE HER AS YOUR LAWYER.
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22 Oct, 2023 by Brittani wagner
15 Sep, 2023 by David arebalos
I would like to express my utmost gratitude and appreciation to Attorney Susan Hemp and her paralegal Channing for their exceptional work in handling my court battle. After having worked with three other attorneys previously, I was feeling hopeless and financially burdened. However, Attorney Hemp and Channing stepped in and accomplished what seemed impossible to others, ultimately saving me thousands of dollars.
Their expertise, dedication, and attention to detail were truly remarkable. Throughout the entire process, they exhibited professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Their comprehensive knowledge of the law and strategic approach were evident in every step they took.
Not only did Attorney Hemp and Channing tirelessly fight for my rights, but they also provided invaluable guidance and support during such a challenging time. They consistently kept me informed, promptly addressed my concerns, and patiently explained complicated legal concepts to ensure I understood the proceedings.
Thanks to their unwavering efforts, I can confidently say that I received the justice I deserved. Attorney Hemp and Channing's exceptional performance not only saved me significant financial strain but also brought me much-needed peace of mind.
I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Susan Hemp and her paralegal Channing to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication make them true assets in the legal field. Thank you once again, Attorney Hemp and Channing, for going above and beyond to secure a favorable outcome for me.
-David A. Arebalos
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17 Jan, 2023 by Edward monk
31 Jul, 2012 by Patrick
I was referred to Mr. Stewart by two elder attorneys in the San Diego area. Mr Stewart was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable regarding not only the legal aspects of the elderly, but also how the elderly age and what the family may expect in the future. His recomendations regarding asset protection and medicare enrollment allowed my father to have health care far beyond what we could have provided otherwise. Scott's detailed estate plan also allowed us to provide personal private care for my father as my father's health declines. Scott also advised me on what skilled nursing facility would best serve my father's needs in our area. I have found Scott to be very personable and extremely wise in his consultation with me regarding complicated family estate planning issues. I have personally recommended several people already to Scott as I have received excellent advice from him.
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21 May, 2012 by Anonymous
My first meeting with Scott was wonderful. I was so nervous about my situation and he really took the time to listen and give a realistic strategy for how to handle my case. After that initial meeting, I had gathered all the information Scott needed and called back a week later. He didn't get back to me for 2 weeks. His secretaries attitude and attire were unprofessional every time I went down there, the way he handled my case was sloppy. Eventually when I called after trying to set up a second meeting for over a month his assistant Bonnie informed me that Scott wasn't even handling my case anymore.
Having wasted over 2 months of my time, constantly being put on hold and never actually doing anything besides that initial meeting, he didn't even have the decency to say he wasn't handling my case anymore.
My only recommendation for clients going to Scott is to find another lawyer.
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10 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
As a geriatric care manager, I often need to refer clients to attorneys with a particular expertise in the areas of elder law and Medi-Cal planning. Mr. Stewart has extensive knowledge of eligibility criteria, asset protection strategies, and issues related to incapacity planning. He was a helpful advocate as my clients navigated their way through the benefits planning process and the transition into care in a long-term care facility. Even more importantly, he has continued to provide help and information beyond the Medi-Cal qualification process, which I greatly value and appreciate.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Brian schram
07 Aug, 2023 by Richard hutchins
I had a fantastic experience working with Justine Dell as my family lawyer. Her fairness, attentive listening, and dedication to addressing my concerns and needs were truly commendable. I am extremely thankful for everything she did for me.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Monica martinez
20 Jul, 2024 by Eliot wagner
Unprofessional and unethical lawyers. Run away
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04 Oct, 2023 by Alethea brown
Jason Luros is sharp legal eagle with deep knowledge of the law, and a pragmatic approach to conflict resolution. It doesn’t hurt that he’s one of the most kind-hearted people I have met, sincere in his help of others. Highly recommend having him on your side.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Solveig prudlo
I mistakenly rated Jason one star 2 years ago, I cannot get into that account at this time but will be changing my rating when I am able in 48 hours, acc. to Google.
Anyway, we were not Jason's clients, our landlords were but we just want to say that Jason was very thorough, he definitely knows the law but even though he was opposing counsel, he treated us respectfully and was kind to us for what we were going through yet never crossed any ethical lines, he was definitely working hard for his client. If I ever needed a tenant-landlord attorney, I would use him, especially after talking to all the other attorneys with this specialty in Napa, we were sure sorry our landlords got him, we would have loved to have had him represent us.
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18 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I came to this conclusion too far along in my case to do anything about it. She expressed annoyance that I did not currently work and seemed to look down on me for it. Money was not an issue for me and it seems she sensed that. I’m currently investigating her billing practices for my case. No, I did not prevail and it has cost me a lot. I did not feel like she was on my side and I felt patronized by her in court. I have little confidence in these reviews. I did my homework and thought I was making the right choice by hiring her. I am totally disillusioned by the whole court process now.
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29 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Who does that? Her assistant at the time, a guy, showed up at court in her place. I was NOT informed nor did I approve. He wasn’t up to par with my case and the opposing attorneys railroaded him. I felt like a fool and the judge didn’t appear too pleased either. It was humiliating and disrespectful. How do you avoid hiring an attorney like this? How was I supposed to know?
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24 Apr, 2019 by Michele
I think I know who posted the 12/17/2017 review, and they didn't hire Carolyn Cain - I did. After years of having a do-nothing attorney for an incredibly complicated case and multiple attempts to wrest free of that one, Carolyn Cain took me on and within days Carolyn got me out of a serious fix and within months we were all caught up. I think the 12.17.17 reviewer actually wanted me to fail, and Carolyn definitely mucked up those plans!
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19 Dec, 2022 by Shelby moschetti
30 Nov, 2022 by R. brohawn
30 Nov, 2022 by Emma jones
29 Feb, 2016 by Joseph
Let me start off by saying I am a father. And yes this father and his son got what they wanted . Jeff is a great lawyer straight to the point does not take any bullshit. gets down to business he will fight for you. I see some negative reviews on Jeff but he always got back to me by email and informed me about what was going on he changed my child's life thank you Jeff and Stacy. These guys do not charge an arm and a leg for there services great prices.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Cerena
He's straight to the point. He always gets back to me when I contact him. He's hilarious and he's an awesome person. If you need someone to help you, he will.
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29 Aug, 2013 by Samuel
I hired Jeff Grotke to represent me in my child custody/ support case. Mr. Grotke and his staff performed awesomely!!. From the first interview until the final judgment I was informed of any updates, including court dates and was provided constant feedback throughout the process. Mr. Grotke and staff were able to secure proper visitation through the courts for my non-custodian child as while as primary custody of my youngest child. He fought hard with the Child Support Services Department to ensure my ex-wife provided accurate income verification which resulted in the reduction of support paid by 80%. Thanks to Mr. Grotke for doing something I’ve tried to do for over 10 years. I would recommend this law firm to anyone that needs real results.
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09 Sep, 2023 by Nia james
pls contact us if u were abused by her services as minor counsel or attorney. You are not alone.
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21 Apr, 2023 by Rosario
Never once did I doubt I was in the best possible hands. I not only recommend attorney Elise Mitchell, but I'm sure that once you have used her services you too will look no further. I'd recommend Elise Mitchell for most any legal matter and she has given me some of the "Best" legal advice I have ever received. There were no empty promises made just to keep the client happy which I know sometimes occurs when seeking counsel.
Perhaps the thing that impressed me most about Elise was nothing was "sugar coated". She was very straight forward and told me what to expect each step of the way. Going through Family court, custody, and eventually our adoption case.
Elise has been my lawyer for over three years and has done an excellent job in not only fighting FOR me, but also PROTECTING my interests! I highly recommend her for any family court needs or Adoption case you may have. There is no other attorney that will work as hard for you. I have used Elise Mitchell for custody, Adoption and various other matters and she is a wonderful attorney I could not have been happier and I will never go anywhere else! From start to finish, Elise and her team kept me informed of each step and what the options were. Elise is aggressive, knowledgeable and effective. She made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome.
AN EXCELLENT ATTORNEY
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17 May, 2018 by Bobby taylor
Elise is the ambassador of truth. She might not be able to answer all your simple questions when you would like due to her busy case load and popularity. Trust that she is busy because she is honest and good at her craft. Connected in the community and knowledgeable beyond measure. She follows the letter of the law to a T and I trust Elise fully.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Denise I'm coming for you, you took my hard-earned money AND did nothing with my Divorce case, then split to SoCal.
Your doing nothing hurt my case, you put me in a bad situation with the Martinez Court. What a scam you're running. you said you had Covid after you ghosted me for 90 days. FINE, then Zelle me my $3200. You asked for more money, then removed yourself from my case without consulting me on the very next day.
Shame on you!!!
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07 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Stay away from this lawyer. I paid the retainer back on June 14, 2022 although I was not ready to file for the dissolution of my marriage because we were trying to get the house sold first before my husband and I filed but Denise had told me that to be assured of her availability, I needed to pay her the retainer fee. So I gave her my credit card and bank info, I figured, she’s a lawyer, she will not scam me right?
I told her that I will let her know when I am ready for her to file. So I’ve emailed her requesting an appointment over the phone on August 17, no response. I’ve sent her another email on August 27 requesting the same and she finally told me that she was available to talk on Sunday evening at 5. I spoke with her and she had told me that she will be sending two forms for me to fill out (I remember later that I had already filled out two forms that she needed to file) but that she just had moved to a new office and will have to hook up her computer first-she was going to send me those forms later on that night. A whole week passed, and I haven’t received any form of communication from her, I’ve sent sent emails on 8/29, 8/31, and 9/1 following up on the forms that she was supposed to send but not once did she respond. I’ve left messages on her phone, sent her text messages on 9/5 & 9/8, still no response. I thought of calling her on my work cell phone on 9/8 and I’ve received a text from her saying right away stating”please text me”.
On 9/16, I’ve emailed her notifying her that I wanted to opt out of my contract with her since she hasn’t done anything for me and I had not heard back from her despite many attempts of contacting her. She called me on 9/19 and told me that she was ill. I told her again that I want to cancel our contract and I want my retainer back. She said it had to go through accounting first, that was 14 days ago and I’ve still not received any reimbursement.
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15 Jan, 2022 by Latifa
My ex filed an emergency ex parte order which the court holds hearings on pretty fast. He also requested child support. I was so lost in the process as things happened suddenly and had no representation during the first two hearings. I was lost as to what was happening or why it was happening.
I requested a consult with Denise who called me back. I'd spoken with a few attorneys before getting to Denise, none of which gave me the time of day other than to say they worked in family law and what their rates were. During our consult, she took her time to explain (although I'd already been to court twice) what was happening, ask me me questions to ensure she understood specifics related to my case, and then explained what defenses we could present and what the process would be moving forward all before I paid her a dime. She was honest in that this may not be a fast process, transparent, and most importantly (especially as I have never had to deal with family court before) sympathetic. Although we are still in court, she has been able to get some pretty nice wins - legal rights such as educational and medical access, ex was interfering with my ability to communicate with our child. Denise was able to argue this and have judge order him to purchase her a cellphone so I could communicate with her directly. ALL of this was done in her 1st court appearance on my behalf!
She calls prior to court hearings to make sure we are on same page with strategy, what may possibly happen/what to expect and what we're going after during the hearing. She also calls to debrief after court hearing with next steps.
Denise representing me has given me hope where it felt hopeless before and helped me to understand more about the process where I had zero understanding and knowledge.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Ralph rodriguez
Exelent Lawyer.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Nick doe
25 Feb, 2021 by Duane eightch
11 May, 2022 by Stacy sanders
This firm is an awful collection of unethical and amoral lawyers who have consistently sided with the wealthy and powerful to undermine the fabric of the Healdsburg community. They have gleefully participated in the destruction of longtime family businesses -- They are everything that is wrong with Healdsburg today. Boycott this bunch. They are not good people.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Christina wedgwood
They better call me back
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28 Jul, 2021 by Jair sanchez
20 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
EN REALIDAD ESTE ABOGADO APARTE DE QUE LO SENTI QUE NO LE AGRADE POR SER LATINA, LO UNICO QUE HIZO FUE ACEPTAR LAS EXIGENCIAS DE LA OTRA PARTE, NUNCA ME DIJO QUE IBA A IR A LA CORTE, ME CITO A FIRMAR PAPELES LA NOCHE ANTES DE LA AUDIENCIA, A LA CUAL NO ME INVITO Y QUE POR SUPUESTO PERDI, Y CUANTO ME PRESENTO LA CUENTA DE SUS HONORARIOS, ME ESTABA COBRANDO DE MAS, ESTOY MUY DECEPCIONADA PORQUE HASTA AHORA ESTOY PAGANDO LOS ERRORES DE ESE ABOGADO, NO SE COMO LE DAN LICENCIA
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29 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Thompson's office made no real attempt to help our family resolve our issue. From our perspective there was no follow up or research done for our case and they were regularly absent from court dates to work with the court to help us. I'm not really sure I understand why they offered to accept our case from the very beginning.
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12 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Trent was very professional and knowledgeable. He was detailed oriented and excellent on reporting back to me quick, I would highly recommend him to anyone with a dispute or lawsuit.
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08 Jul, 2015 by Annalyn
Mr. Lampel was the kindest and most responsive lawyer id ever had. He got me granted full time custody of my daughter when I originally only had half of the time with her, and kept me up to date every step of the way. He was prompt, supportive, and very knowledgeable. He got the judge to side in my favor fairly quickly. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't hire him as my lawyer!
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04 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Lampel helped me with a custody settelment over my two children and was simply brilliant. He got my ex to support his children financially and i was able to keep my house. I could not thank Mr. Lampel enough, or ask for a better lawyer.
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25 Apr, 2014 by Michelle
Mr. Lampel took a $3000 retainer and then became completely unresponsive to contact. His phone did not work. He was unaware of a court date coming up. He did not read court documents or correspondence. (As evidenced by what he wrote to me in emails ) When I was able to contact him by phone, his voice would fade in and out. "It's an old phone..." He said but he did not purchase a new one. Often, there was no one to answer his phone. There was no voice mail. The phone would just ring and ring. He was extremely friendly with the other party. This made me feel uncomfortable. You would think she had been paying him instead of me. He would not do as I asked. I asked to see the signature on a document as I am legally entitled to, he did not tell me it required a court order (or he did not know. "You can do that yourself at the courthouse", he said) and I wasted several hundred dollars coming to Los Angeles, getting a hotel for the night and being refused at the court house the next day. With an impending court date coming up and Mr. Lampel having no knowledge of my case, I was forced to get another attorney. Lampel did not file one piece of paper on my behalf for my $3000. When I changed attorneys, he had still not even informed the court that he was my attorney of record. I would receive documents on my case in the mail and be forced to fax them (at my further expense) to Lampels office. Although the opposing council sent copies to him as a courtesy, he apparently did not open or read them. Lampel wanted me to accept a dubious document as fact, would not facilitate the review of it and hung up on me when I asked him to do this. He wanted to take the course of least resistance (and work) on his part by accepting a questionable will without question when he had been hired for the precise reason of questioning that document.
I do not feel I could recommend him to anyone. He has not returned my fee. He has been the most disappointing hired person I have ever come in contact with.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Barbara
They canceled appointment the night before it was scheduled. Said they sent an email prior which I never received. Had my information for over a week before they said they couldn’t handle it. Very unprofessional. Waste of time!
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23 Oct, 2020 by Zhanneta babayan-fisher
After passing my husband, Suzan A Katzen helped me with our trust, and with all paperwork.
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18 May, 2024 by J.
After reading such glowing reviews we engaged Silverman’s firm. They sounded great on our initial call. It shouldn’t became a parent that their timeline was their timeline and my impression was, since fees are court mandated, they were not going out of their way if something different was required. We found members of their staff to be arrogant and haughty. We were told it would take weeks and even months before appointments and items could be addressed. After terminating our relationship and engaging our new lawyer within days we had necessary appointments and issues had been resolved. The impression we had was Silverman’s firm only wanted to do the bare minimum And anything extra we felt like we were demanding or that they were being put upon. They knew our circumstances from the beginning and they were not that extraordinary in our opinion and when we engage. Bottom line, in my opinion, I would not recommend them for anything other than a very , bread and butter probate and would not expect the best or fastest service Without a certain amount of attitude to accompany it!
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01 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired Robert Silverman to handle our Estate Planning from a friend's recommendation. Mr. Silverman took the time to get to know us and then fully explained what we did (and did not) need. He offered us a flat rate for end to end Trust creation. His staff was courteous and totally on top of our work. The output was a comprehensive document based on our needs and his expertise. Estate planning is an emotional and financial process. Mr. Silverman made it painless. What a sense of relief we have!
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03 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
The consult was great! You are told everything you want to hear. After you become a client, and one who pays on-time, you will be treated like you take up too much of their time. Mr. Newnham and his team will get you to continuances in court and not resolve matters. There are too many people handling your case that no one there seems to know what is going on. You will be given different information when you ask the same question. Beware, there is a reason he has been disciplined by the board in the past. You will be told they are busy working on other cases. When you finally decide to hire an attorney that is willing to work and get things done they will keep your file for weeks before they release it. The person who works on files is hardly there and when she is, she seems overwhelmed. She knows more about your case than the attorney. She will try to convince you that you need separate court dates for every single matter, but that is only to fill the calendar with court appearances, and guess what happens at the court appearance? A continuance for another court date, so to resolve a matter it could take several court dates. By the way, other attorneys will not make you show up if they know ahead of time of a continuance and save you a day off work, or they can also arrange for them not to go in and just file paperwork. My divorce case was not moved forward in over 6 months and when I hired this office I was way past the 6 month waiting period, when I asked why nothing regarding my divorce was moved forward I was explained that there was a 6 month waiting period, clearly, this was another example of how they do not know about your file and just speak nonsense with confidence because my divorce was filed a year and a half ago, which means it is way past the waiting period. Also, I was told I would have child support ordered and after waiting 5 months I gave up and hired someone new. Sorry this review is disorganized, but I think you get the point. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere where they do not treat you like you are a burden, yet they always bill ahead and call you for that, but when you try to talk to someone no one answers or returns messages left on the answering machine. The entire office is outdated, literally, they share one e-mail and they prefer you to fax instead of scanning and e-mailing, I am not even going to get into the office itself. Good luck!
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04 Mar, 2014 by Andrea
I contacted Mr. Newnham's office because I had been told I needed to go through Probate. His secretary gave me a telephone appointment for the same day because I live an hour away. Mr. Newnham explained what I needed which was not a costly Probate procedure. He patiently told me which forms I needed and how to complete them myself in order to successfully transfer some real estate for which my mother had Quit Claim Deeded to me prior to her death but had been lost after she died. He was knowledgeable, professional, patient and soft spoken, not to mention that the consultation was free of charge.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Hartnell was hired to remove a trustee, my disappointment actually comes from the lack of communication. He nor his assistant would ever keep me up to date on my case, or whether the emails I sent him were received. I was always kept in the dark, which is my biggest complaint. A simple, " hey I got the docs", or "I received the emails" or I am working on your case, would've helped. I felt like I had to do all the work, and yet he never kept me up to date on what was on going. He if it was negative news, some news is better than no news. I always had to call and follow-up, and push things along to the next step. There was a draft pending and he had questions, but I was not made aware of this till I called in to ask what the hold up was. I hired him so I wouldn't have to stress, and all I did was stress. The process dragged on longer than it should have. My experience with him was not a good one unfortunately.
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16 Sep, 2015 by William
Mr.Hartnell a well adversed conservatorship attorney excellent choice that i would recommend to anyone in need of his services. He really made my situation quite painless and i am grateful he even called me on a sunday afternoon and eased my concerns
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12 Oct, 2019 by Christine
Recently consulted w/ Mr. Geis. Planned to hire him and he then stated he took on 2 new cases so didn’t have time for us. Also stated he was going to be busy w/ his kids activities,. Instead of telling us this ASAP in the fee based consultation, he waited and was unresponsive to messages at the office and to track him done about 2 weeks later to find out this news. Very unprofessional behavior. Just sent us off w/ 3 other names of lawyers to try.
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09 Jan, 2012 by Rich
Joe helped my wife and I build peace of mind into our lives for the future of our four children. He explained all of the opportunities, and options for us to protect our family, assets and hard work.
I highly recommend Joe for any Estate Planning, or Guardianship legal work.
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08 Nov, 2020 by Gregg k
Tatiana assisted me with legal advice and counseling from the darkest days near the beginning of my family law case from about 2009. She listened to me and helped me find strength at my weakest moments to pursue my family law case. It was a long and rocky ride in the court system and with the challenges of raising a child, but she was always there for me for direction for the case and assisting me with understanding the laws and why the case evolved the way it did to today. I highly recommend Tatiana if you want an attorney you could trust, to tell you the truths about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, to explain the legal system, and to assist you with reaching the best results possible for the realities of your budget and your case.
Cheers
Gregg
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15 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
My simple custody-support case was handed off to Ms Doran by the attorney I originally hired. She represented me for 2 months. It cost me $20,000. There was zero effort to come to an agreement with opposing counsel outside of court. I was so embarrassed as she accused opposing counsel of lying about multiple things with absolutely no proof. The judge was quite frustrated with the lack of preparation. Tatiana asked for an additional hearing without even talking about the possibility with me, as if I could afford it. Opposing counsel was now asking that I pay for their legal costs as well. It looked as if there were a good possibility that the judge would grant their request. I’m a struggling single parent. I could not allow it to go any further partially because I drained my entire savings on something that could have been easily resolved. I had her immediately removed from my case. It put me and my children in a very difficult position just as we were hit with the pandemic, and I had other major stressors. Ultimately, I contacted opposing counsel to attempt a resolution. They had some sympathy as they saw the representation I had. I was able to work out an agreement where I was given $500/ month over disomaster guidance. They dropped the request for me to pay the $16,000 in retroactive overpayment of child support, and the request for attorney fees which amounted to $10,000. However, I did suffer tremendously with anxiety and depression triggered by this event and it took a toll on my health physically also. I would not recommend her my worst enemy .
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03 Jun, 2021 by Anne
I was told that if I did a review on the performance issues and treatment I received by Ms. Varga she would file suit against me. Enough said?
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17 Sep, 2015 by Vincent
Excellent service
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04 Aug, 2014 by Paul
I used the services of Mr. Chappell for my divorce which had dragged on for a number of years under prior representation. Mr. Chappell handled the matter and got it resolved, once and for all. Subsequent to that, he has handled my estate planning, completing my will and establishing my living trust. Overall, I give Mr. Chappell top ratings and would utilize his services in the future, without hesitation.
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02 May, 2014 by Anonymous
unfortunately this is not the lawyer to hire if you need someone to advocate for you in a divorce. lawyers are expensive and court appearances are scary so one hopes to be fully informed and have their options well explained as they go along. I trusted that he was the 'expert' as i have never divorced before. Mr chappell had a habit of making promises to me as his client which i see now he had no business doing. he was continuously unprepared and vague and if it werent for the fact that my judge is very good and fair i would have walked away with only a bill. i am still divorcing and had to fire him and hire a mediator on my own to try to get things moving. perhaps his other fields of speciality are ones he is better at but sadly i would never reccommend him for a divorce.
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17 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Bonnie is Semi retired and running a small home office. She prepares some Wills and basic documents but she is overall pretty ignorant about probate law. I hired Bonnie and many of the questions regarding my case were unanswered, she said she would get back to me later on the questions but she never did. I needed help on State planning but Bonnie turned out to be un dedicated to Law. She works from home and most days she has no help or staff making everything slower to process when she is charging over $450/hour.
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02 Nov, 2012 by David
Bonnie Braiker-Gordon was a god-send for my wife and I. My mother-in-law passed away almost immediately after my father-in-law, and there was no provision in the meantime for financial controls and home ownership, as my mother-in-law had severe Alzheimer's and my father-in-law failed to change his will to reflect things such as home ownership, etc. With Bonnie's amazing help, we were able to declare my mother-in-law a ward of my wife and ownership of the home and all property as well as the control of my mother-in-laws welfare was granted to my wife as well. Bonnie did a fast and efficient job of convincing the court (rightly) that her parents would have wanted their home to be in her control, and not go to the state as a way to pay for her medical treatments. I cannot recommend Bonnie highly enough, as she and her team helped expedite a very difficult (and emotional) situation for us and did it with care and concern.
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14 Jul, 2023 by Arellano
After my fathers recent visit with Peter Keon to update his Will/Trust my father reports that Mr. Peter A. Keon treated him very unprofessionally and condescending. My father even scheduled an interpreter for their meeting and Mr. Keon kept insisting that my father should, “speak English” repetitively. Mr. Keon even made and comment to my father “you’re crazy” regarding something he didn’t agree with.
The interpreter was passive as she wasn’t equipped to translate correctly or even advocate for my father. My father felt miss represented throughout the entire meeting as Mr. Keons unprofessional demeanor resulted in Mr. Keon walking up out his seat to handle other matters as the translator was interrupting what my father was stating.
Mr. Keon’s was not only passive aggressive with certain statements and comments towards my father in the meeting but he was also very discriminating that my farther felt the aggression and had to walk out the meeting.
This company has been overall extremely disappointing and unprofessional. My father mentioned that it took several weeks to get this meeting scheduled with this law firm. To get treated this way is truly insensitive toward their clients. Especially ones who pay for their service.
We Do Not recommend this company to other and if you’re looking to get involved Stay Away especially if you are a Latino. The company is Not worth your time and especially not your money. My father no longer wants to be represent by this law firm and will take his assets elsewhere.
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10 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
A recent opportunity working with Mr. Peter Keon, and I will definitely recommend my other clients to him. Two thumbs up.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Aaron
I hired Mr. Hranek to prepare my estate plan. He was extremely professional and very knowledgeable. I was very happy with the prompt and thorough service. Extremely reasonable and personable. I recommend him to all my friends.
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27 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
From 2000 to 2003 our family employed Mr. Hranek in order to set up a Living Trust, Last Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive for our 90 year old mother. $30,000 later in legal fees, we have been advised, by other attorneys, of multiple errors in everything he provided us. We don't even have a valid Power of Attorney that I can use to file my mother's income taxes.
In early 2014 Mr Hranek closed his office in Sun City and literally disappeared. I left multiple voice messages but never got a return call.
I just discovered he has opened an office in Placentia, Ca. Be forewarned.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney, I paid $15,000. and never felt that she communicated her plan. This firm is not worth the money or time !
I warn everyone to steer clear BEWARE!!
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19 Jul, 2023 by Lisa
I am grateful for Attorney Fahrendholz and Elder Law Center. She assisted me with my parents estate planning and help me get my father into a nursing home, which I thought would be impossible to do. She know what she is doing and has been helpful through this process. I would absolutely refer her to anyone who needs estate planning or elder care. This attorney rock!!! Thank you again for help.
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27 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Twice Scott tried to transfer title on a property into my trust. Both time, the transfer was denied. He does not return phone calls or emails. Three, four, and never go by without a response to emails and phone calls, particularly when he is in the wrong and doesn't know how to correct his errors.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Scott was very helpful in amending my grandmothers living trust. He was very patient with our lack of knowledge and explained everything in detail. He was also more than fair with his fees.
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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:
-
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.
