Lawyers map
>3.1k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
19 Jul, 2019 by Tom and jackie
We needed our family trust updated and we went to Sara to incorporate the new laws and rules of estate planning while adding our family changes.
We were completely satisfied with her process, listening and consideration of our questions and update of our trust documents. We recommend her without reserve!
Read more
30 Mar, 2019 by Duane
Sara Tasch of Tasch Law Firm guided my wife and I through the process of creating, assembling, and completing our Family Trust. It was truly a pleasant and comforting experience from start to finish. Thank you, Sara, for your expertise and meticulous attention to detail and to the needs of our family.
Read more
20 Feb, 2019 by Lori
Sara was wonderful to work with. She explained everything very clearly and she is very efficient and personable. So glad I have her as my attorney. I would highly recommend her to anyone that needs a estate planning
Read more
07 Jul, 2021 by Idida
Kristine did an awesome job for my parents & brother. She was caring & professional & you can tell she's not about just making money. She was the best family representative; she took very well care of my family's desires. She dealt with the entire process while my sister & i were able to mourn. I absolutely recommend her 100% thank you Kristine
Read more
22 Mar, 2021 by Linda
Since my previous probate attorney was not able to handle my case, I was referred to Ms. Borgia. I was very pleased how quickly she was able orientate herself to the complexities of the Conservatorship that was in place for my developmently disabled adult daughter. I found her knowledge of probate law and issues to be complete and her legal advise on my case to be viable. She helped me to feel comfortable with the outcome of my last court hearing which supported my daughter's current board and care placement and the current Conservatorship.
Read more
14 Dec, 2020 by Erwin
She helped us with a new family trust. Very professional and thorough. She was and is excellent to work with
Read more
26 Oct, 2021 by April
Called for a consultation and I was given lots of information. Their information was very helpful and they are very knowledgeable.
Read more
22 Jan, 2021 by Patricia
This is really *THE* Probate Guy you need to have on speed dial! We were unprepared for an unexpected death of my father in law. After the difficulty coordinating plans and working with a mortuary totally overwhelmed from covid we were left with a new daunting task... his messy and confusing estate.
I'm kicking myself for not reaching out sooner. Robert really cares about people and you can tell loves what he does -- most of all he's GREAT at what he does! He's upfront and 100% transparent with what's practical and is willing to point you in a different direction if you need to be.
I really hope this review helps anyone who was in my shoes. It was awful while grieving to have all that stress not knowing what we should do or who we should talk to over my father in law's estate. He instantly put us at ease, saved us a ton and lifted almost a month worth of stress right off our shoulders.
Forever grateful! Thank you!
Read more
23 May, 2019 by Jeannie
So, you're looking for a Probate Guy. I'm here to tell you Robert Cohen is your man! He was the answer to my prayers...literally! Dealing with probate at such an emotional time is not easy. If you're like me, you don't know much about the process. I found him on line & read his reviews. I called & he took a lot of time answering & explaining. The time he spent, & at no charge, was impressive. He has the knowledge & experience. His confidence is comforting. He keeps you informed & gets the job done. He admits he "pushy" but I see him as aggressive. That's the kind of attorney you want. He doesn't waste time or money. You can trust him. He will even listen when you find yourself emotional. That's really something when you realize he deals with this all the time. He cares, but his goal is to complete your case. He knows that will bring you some peace. Highly recommend.
Read more
01 Sep, 2023 by Joann
Barbara was very thorough in covering the details of our estate. She is a great professional and very pleasant to work with!
Read more
21 Dec, 2022 by Tony
We worked out a estate planning portfolio, so when the time comes everything would taken care of, and my children would have some comfort knowing that it will be ok.
Read more
07 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Barbara Sonin helped us update our trust. She is knowledgeable in her field and thorough in the process. She and her office staff are kind and personable with much experience. They guided us through in a very organized manner.
Read more
13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
This was the smartest thing I have done. Carol was professional, organized, and knowledgeable. Carol made a complicated topic easier to understand and explained everything in terms my wife and I could understand. This was money well spent and after researching attorneys to complete the update of our trust, I am extremely pleased with the final product. I am happy I chose Carol to complete this task.
Read more
13 Sep, 2023 by Diane
Extremely happy with living trust Carol created for me. Carol is both skilled and easy to work with, very good value for money expended. Have recommended her to my adult sons for creation of living trusts.
Read more
05 Oct, 2022 by James
Carol is articulate, and takes the time to explain the plans we were pursuing. I was there to have a Estate Plan put into action, she walked me through each point. I left there, feeling I had achieved my goal. She also left the door for follow up consolations.
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
29 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Tom was my lawyer for a recent probate matter. I was impressed with his deep knowledge of the law and his ability to translate complex legal concepts into terms I could understand. He was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. Although the process took longer than I initially anticipated, I am happy with the final outcome. Tom secured a satisfactory resolution that met my needs. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable lawyer.
Read more
26 Jan, 2024 by Carolyn
I cannot thank Mr. Dominick (and team) enough for seeing me through a long and tedious legal dispute. Mr. Dominick was extremely professional, knowledgeable, responsive and understanding throughout the entire process. I’d recommend him to anyone needing legal representation as he will protect your interests and will facilitate your best outcome/resolution. Thank you Mr. Dominick and team.
Read more
25 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I can't imagine going through our trust litigation without Mr. Dominick. I am so grateful for his invaluable help and council. As trustee, I was chosen to resolve the result of decades of family dysfunction that made me a target of unhappy family members. There were several law firms involved, some who also specialized in probate litigation. Time and time again, Mr. Dominick was the most knowledgeable attorney and successfully countered and protected us from law firms who use the law for cynical and dishonest purposes via the flawed and expensive trust litigation process. Mr. Dominick's knowledge of the process combined with his frank honesty provided invaluable and necessary council. We will be forever grateful for his tenacity, aggressive protection when called for, and expansive knowledge that yielded the best result possible.
Read more
22 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a highly adversarial case, where a trustee had to be removed and money recovered. It was truly a mess at every level and the firm supported me every step of the way, putting my best interests as a client first. Patient, meticulous and a ferocious advocate, I would recommend this law firm to anyone in a similar situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2022 by Tracey
Brad assisted me in helping settle part of my late father's estate. I was having problems dealing with one of my father's banks, who were extremely unhelpful and basically just giving me bad information (causing me a great deal of stress in the process). He got back to me the same day I called. I explained the issues with the bank, and he took me through all my options, explained what the pros/cons were of each, and helped reduce my confusion and let me know that I could get this settled relatively easily. I really felt supported and appreciate everything. Also, his legal secretary, Hazel, was absolutely amazing, keeping me informed about everything.
Read more
16 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Brad helped me settle a very stressful, complicated, and potentially financially devastating estate issue with understanding and expert care. He demonstrated what only years of experience can teach...patience and wisdom. We avoided having to go to court AND, in the end, I was the recipient of all I could have asked for and more! I consider myself very fortunate to have been referred to him and very much appreciate the way in which he handled it!
Read more
19 Jul, 2023 by Faye
Kellie was recommended to me by a family member who raved about her legal expertise. I did some research and decided to hire her to review and update my family trust. At my request, all meetings were conducted over video chat and Kellie accommodated this with ease. She quickly identified and corrected numerous mistakes in my existing trust made by another attorney. She took the time to truly gain a complete understanding of my desires for the trust. The entire process was smooth and efficient. Kellie is very personable and completely professional!
Read more
05 Nov, 2021 by Susan
Hired Kellie for our first time need for Estate Planning and wills for the two of us. End of life documents were set up to benefit all our grown children and eight grandchildren, Kellie came to our home which really helped us. Polite and extremely intelligent. Really knows her stuff!!!
Read more
15 Jul, 2020 by Jim
Kellie went above and beyond our expectations! She is the epitome of professionalism. I have already recommended her twice.
Read more
07 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I needed an estate planner to create a Revocable Living Trust to protect my Real Property and finances. During my 30 minute free consultation, Mark discussed my options for my particular situation, and what would best protect me. I fully trust that protecting my assets, and providing the most comprehensive and iron clad Trust is his primary objective. I was undeniably impressed and happy with the end result, and his attention to detail, as well as the support and custom tailored attention paid to my specific case.
Read more
04 Dec, 2019 by Cindy
Mark Swatik is beyond great! He is professional, knowledgeable and patient. He answered all my question every step of the way when doing my Will and Trust.
Just do yourself a favor, call and make an appointment with him!
Read more
21 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
My wife and I reached out to Mark to discuss estate planning. He spoke to me by phone several times and then did a video call with my wife and I. He explained things with great clarity and answered all of our questions. His staff were very easy to work with and they setup our trust in just a few weeks. Highly recommend!
Read more
20 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
After we had our first baby, we finally decided to do the living trust after years of education from Shadi. She was really professional and educated us the importance and little details about different trust. We are really happy with the service and going to refer all my friends with kids there. My wife was so please of her work that she would like her to review the family trust her family had done from other attorney years ago. Thank you Shadi!
Read more
15 May, 2019 by Shelia
Shadi is very knowledgeable, professional and kind. All of our questions regarding our trust were answered. 100% satisfied with her work!
Read more
11 May, 2019 by Ladan
Shadi Alai Shaffer helped my family and I get organized in protecting our assets with clear guidance and full support. She also updated our Living Trust. She is very professional and you feel her care with every question and difficult circumstance you present her with.
Read more
31 May, 2024 by Bill & jane
We are so pleased with Desert Law Group. We brought our four (4) Trust to Desert Law Group to review and help us update and simplify them. We first met with one of the lawyers (Joe) who was very knowledgeable and more importantly, easy to talk to and ask questions about our trusts. Later Kimberly came in and explained the Trusts distributions and the differences between revocable and non- revocable Trusts. We have both. We revised two Trust and left the other two Trust as they were. Office Staff is great! Very professional, willing to help where they can, and always greeted us at the door with a smile and a friendly hello. We recommend Desert Law Group.
Bill & Jane
Read more
26 Mar, 2024 by Elaine
We initially met with Lawyer Joe Capobianco and he was very personable, professional and he explained everything in simple terms in regard to putting together a Trust and Will and the huge advantages in doing so (and the headaches and huge costs in not doing so). We answered lots of questions initially and then got back to him a few weeks later with more specifics. The documents were prepared in a timely manner. We then met with Nathan Martinez who took us page by page through the documents so we could sign them (and they were highly organized in a leather binder)…and he explained everything and answered all our questions. Very impressed and we definitely highly recommend the Desert Law Group!
Read more
24 Mar, 2024 by Rod
My wife and had our trust prepared by Joe Capobianco took the time to explain the whole process we had already filled out question sheets.
After reviewing our information the team prepared our trust when it was complete we came into their office. Nathan Martines reviewed page by page and verified that we understood it.
We are very happy with our trust and the confidence it has given us.
Very happy and helpful office
Read more
07 May, 2021 by Heddy
The staff at the law offices of Daniel A. Hunt was very helpful and handled my legal matters with the utmost care and professionalism. I would highly recommend them to serve your legal needs.
Read more
01 May, 2021 by Wes
I am a current client and this firm is the best of the best in Sacramento. They are currently helping to protect my grandmother who has been victimized by a live-in caregiver, who changed the locks on her house, and manipulated her to sign legal documents. Daniel's paralegal Miranda is exceptionally talented, bright, professional and friendly. I highly endorse using their office for any estate planning or probate need.
Read more
18 Dec, 2020 by Jasmine
Craig Harris and Andrew Sanchez at Dan Hunt's office setup my trust documents. They were very diligent and provided excellent service. I will definitely recommend this firm to my family & friends.
Read more
07 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
We consulted with Sona and she did an excellent job at consulting our issues regarding where we stood with Probate.
Read more
07 Jul, 2014 by Michelle
I have two daughters and was very concerned about setting up a trust that would take care of them should something unspeakable happen to my husband or me. Sona was very helpful and walked us through every step of the estate planning process while answering every question we had. Her approach to creating our estate plan was well organized and easy to follow. We were able to wrap up the entire process in about two months with a total of four meetings. I have every confidence that if and when the trust needs to be enforced, everything is properly in place.
Read more
23 May, 2014 by Sam
My wife and I had been looking for someone to redo our estate plan for far too long.
After a considerable search for the right attorney, we found Sona Tatiyants. Sona is a smart, engaging person and a very capable attorney.
Once you’ve met her and her staff, the reasons for the consistency of positive reviews for Sona is apparent. My wife and I echo every positive review.
It was simple to arrange a free consultation with Sona, who took all the time necessary to listen to what we wanted to accomplish, and then explain a plan to accomplish our goals. It was an easy decision to engage her as our estate attorney.
The process went smoothly. Meetings were always timely. There was always time to allow for questions and discussion. Email was returned within a few hours.
Telephone follow-up, when needed, was, again, easily scheduled and always prompt.
At all times during the process, we felt connected to and cared for by either Sona, herself, her excellent office manager Ellen and her law clerk, Lilith.
Our estate plan is in place. Our assets are protected, as are each of us. We received exactly the advice and the outcome we sought.
We highly recommend that anyone looking for estate planning advice, contact Tatiyants Law, P.C., and arrange an appointment with Sona before deciding to go anywhere else.
Read more
11 Mar, 2020 by Ileana
This year I finally prioritized planning my estate and that of my parents. I sought out Pablo Palomino because he is bilingual and because of his volunteer work. I wanted to support someone who supports our community. I anticipated the process to be daunting but Pablo, and his highly skilled team, did a great job of painlessly walking me through a comprehensive plan, proactively researching and correcting some abnormalities on my property title, and delivering a full package including a revocable living trust, will, power of attorney, health directive and more. We brought in my parents the following week and Pablo and team made them feel very welcome and they left feeling a great sense of relief that their house was now in order.
I recommend Pablo and his Legacy team for their customer service, competency and final product. Their price was fair, their offices are right off the freeway with plenty of parking. Come as you are.
Read more
24 Jul, 2019 by Danielle
Thanks Pablo for giving us your full attention and putting your brain to work! You really care about your customers and are a great source of information. I highly recommend you for estate planning!
Read more
06 Feb, 2019 by Leslie
We contacted Mr. Palomino after my mother's attorney failed to help us administer a trust. He explained everything in clear and concise language so even my aging mother could understand. Mr. Palomino resolved many complicated and painful blended family issues regarding the trust with tremendous patience and respect for all involved. He was ethical and understanding and kept things moving forward toward a resolution. Our family is very grateful for his dedication and support during a very difficult time.
Read more
12 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
He doesn't state the obvious, like 'get a lawyer'. Some of us cannot afford a lawyer. He gives advice the way old-school lawyers do - and that's good. Straight to the point.
Read more
28 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
James is an excellent attorney, and I cannot recommend him more highly. He's as old as the hills, so he knows the law better than anybody, being one of the founding fathers of modern jurisprudence. He took care of all my needs with patience, competence, and assurance, and secured me a fantastic settlement. Here's to another 100 years of fine legal practice!
Read more
13 Jan, 2021 by Laurie
Thank you for your quick honest help. Thank you for going above and beyond and giving me a link to the information I needed, the forms to fill out my self in this tough time.
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Rho-nee
After enduring a challenging and complex legal battle for years, and having worked with multiple attorneys to no avail, I finally found success with Jeremiah Raxter. His exceptional legal acumen and unique approach were evident from the start. Unlike others before him, Jeremiah brought innovative strategies and insights to the table, which were instrumental in resolving my case.
Throughout the entire process, his dedication never wavered. He demonstrated remarkable consistency, always staying vigilant and proactive. His commitment not only led to the resolution of my case but also brought about several additional positive outcomes that exceeded my expectations.
Jeremiah’s determination and expertise were truly the game changers in my legal journey. I am immensely grateful for his service and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and dedicated attorney. The best possible outcome in my case was a direct result of his hard work and perseverance, and for that, I will always be thankful.
Read more
09 Dec, 2021 by Mak
We were involved in a very contentious probate case as Legal Guardians. Our grandson is a child with significant special needs. His parents were unwilling to admit their son has disabilities, and insisted to court that we had made them up to try and limit parent visitations. The parents attempted to have our Guardianship revoked. Mr. Jeremiah Raxter did six things extraordinarily well for us: kept us on an even keel when we were reeling, gave rock solid legal advice that kept us on firm footing, did the research necessary for us to feel confident in front of the judge, was on top of it strategy-wise, helped us understand rationale for every step. Most importantly, Mr Raxter's strategy in the courtroom led to the parents agreeing to withdraw their petition to have the guardianship revoked. He then helped
negotiate a deal for us with the parents' attorney to gradually increase visitations based on parents' participation in our grandson's treatment and in his education.
We couldn't be happier!
Read more
11 Mar, 2021 by Chuck
I went to Raxter law to seek help with a probate because son was killed in a car accident. Mr. raxter helped me with the probate and then informed me that I could seek money from the other driver. His office then helped me with the wrongful death and we received more than I ever hoped for. I am in tears and very thankful. I would use Mr. raxter and Raxter law again.
Read more
14 Feb, 2023 by Anjie
I approached estate planning with trepidation and (as I would later learn) plenty of misconceptions. The Usher legal team provided clarity and organization to guide me through the process, and when I hit a very frustrating roadblock because of my specific property circumstances, the team made the extra effort to connect me with someone who could resolve my issue efficiently and at a reasonable rate.
Read more
07 Feb, 2023 by C.l.d
The Usher team is very professional. Charlene was patient taking time to walk us through the process, was available to answer questions and has an exceptional administrative team.
Read more
07 Feb, 2023 by Sher
Very knowledgeable and down to earth understanding real life situations and how they can impact you legally. I felt completely at ease and the process was fully explained throughout until completed. Highly recommended!!!
Read more
06 Jul, 2022 by Julio
I gave Eric Ridley a good five stars because of his professionalism and how patient he is. He will guide you every step of the way to financial freedom. I did have lots of questions throughout the whole process and he was very respectful and professional about it. I thank Eric for giving me a fresh start. If You want a good lawyer to be on your side then Eric Ridley is your best Attorney for your case. Thank you Eric for everything.
Read more
24 Dec, 2020 by Don
When I first contacted Eric, I was in dire need of a financial rescue. Eric was easy to talk to and helped me to understand the best path forward. I was not an easy client. I think Eric and I changed the original filing documents more than maybe ten times. But through it all, Eric was right by my side, and he never made me feel like I was a burden to his practice. Eric was finally able to get my bankruptcy approved. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to get through the arduous tasks of filing for bankruptcy. I would definitely recommend Eric to anyone seeking support through a difficult process.
Read more
12 May, 2020 by Rhonda paul sims
I had a great experience working with Eric, he was very helpful and knowledge assisting me with the bankruptcy. When I went to court he was not able to be there, but the person that he provided me was so wonderful and was right by my side as if he was Eric himself. I would recommend Eric over and over again.
Read more
05 Jul, 2017 by Jojo de la fuente
very fine attorney. Helped save my home with a chap 13 filing. Listens,discusses, researches and comes up with solutions. Added bonus-works off his computer producing bare minimum of paperwork saving environment. Writes legal briefs that are very concise and crystal clear saving communication time with opposing counsel, Matthew's criminal law background helped a lot in coming up with a strategy for my case He is a gentleman and will work with you.
Read more
10 May, 2017 by Owen
Matthew recently worked together with my wife and me to update our trust. He was excellent to work with; knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. Trusts and estate planning touches on many personal and confidential considerations. His approach to estate planning matters made us very comfortable at all times and helped us to work thru the various considerations and decisions we needed to make. I would definitely recommend Matthew for estate planning needs and will work with him again.
Read more
09 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Working with Matt was easy and straight forward. Highly recommend!
Read more
31 Mar, 2022 by Paige
I contacted Wade Law Group for assistance with a small claims suit. I have worked with Brett and Dave McGraw, both have been dedicated, helpful, and have gone above and beyond to meet my expectations. Dave has provided effective legal advice and detailed explanations about the process as well as developed a plan for my hearing. Dave has gave me confidence in my abilities and quelled my anxiety. If I ever need representation or consultations again in the future, Wade Law Group will always be my first and only choice.
Read more
10 Jan, 2022 by Dave
A leader, innovator and most importantly, a terrific lawyer. No one wants to need an attorney, but when you do need one, Amiel Wade is the one to call.
Read more
27 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cent
I hired Mr. Wade to expedite my divorce after being with an ill-prepared attorney for 1 1/2 years in which I didn't get past the discovery stage. I got quick results with Mr. Wade and my divorce was finalized after 4 months. His support staff quickly responded to all my emails and returned my calls. Mr. Wade is very experienced and knowledgeable and found an error in a filing by my ex-spouse's attorney and took immediate action on her behalf which saved me money and didn't prolong the divorce proceedings. He is involved in all the cases in his firm. Every Wednesday he conducts a meeting with his associate attorneys to consult and monitor their progress and provides them with his expert advice when necessary. Hopefully, I won't need Mr. Wade in the future but if I do, I would retain his services again because I was very pleased with his work and professionalism.
Patricia Cent
Read more
02 May, 2024 by Anonymous
In the haze of ambiguous and partial answers out there from other lawyers and their websites, her response was quick, short, to the point and absolutely the correct answer, as later confirmed by the court in question. Thanks!
Read more
12 Dec, 2023 by Yuni
She called me back after I leave her a message.
Answering my question, guiding me, through my mom’s divorce case.
I wish I can afford to hire her as my attorney in any cases.
But I definitely will RECOMMEND her as your attorney.
She has a broad knowledge and also super super helpful.
Read more
02 Sep, 2023 by David
After reading another great legal answer from Attorney Routledge here on Avvo, I came today to write a review thanking her. Then I saw another similar recent review (from July 2023) saying many of the things I would say; I would recommend you read that review, if available, from July 28, 2023- I fully agree with the author's feedback.
But as for me, I am a paralegal helping my wife with a custody case, as we previously had a disastrous experience with an attorney (someone with a family law "specialist" designation, no less). With that person, we expended significant amounts of money to not only fail in our case but also to largely receive far less valuable insights and good information than received just from reading Attorney Routledge's detailed responses, including her feedback to a handful of our questions.
Based on her thoughtful responses here on Avvo alone it is clear that Attorney Routledge cares about helping people and that she is VERY good at what she does. She is a true family law specialist, someone we would absolutely be happy to be represented by if we were in her geographical area. I would also recommend anyone call her for a consult, if she has time, to clarify issues and get insights for hiring someone in your area. We definitely plan to do this.
Like I said, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND talking to Attorney Routledge; I was self-educated on the family law process the first time my wife went to trial (including after hiring an attorney) and then got my paralegal certification as a result. And I can say Attorney Routledge's answers could serve as a Family Law class in and of themselves.
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Vk moudgalya
Jennifer~ I am writing this note to express my sincere thanks for your professional representation in 2016, San Jose, CA. You have stuck by me through my tenure in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire your composure, work ethic, and most of all excellent representation.
Read more
27 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I learned about Jennifer from my work union and she is truly amazing. Even though I been working for over 20 years with the courts, her expertise was beyong average. I received so much unanswered questions in short period of time and Jennifer helped me to see these clearly based on her level of expertise and wisdom! Service can't be better.
Read more
07 Nov, 2023 by Harold
Ms. Ereno was very dependable, professional, knowledgeable, calm, and positive throughout the visitation and child support case. I definitely recommend using her for your family law troubles. I was very happy with the outcome of my case.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Inderjit khera
We were referred to Rob by Joel Bonjour regarding a life threatening injury.
Rob did an excellent job in getting us the best possible settlement. We loved our experience working with Rob.
Read more
20 Jun, 2024 by Ekkehard
From the first consultation to the final settlement the team at Golden State Lawyers was supportive and professional. They made a challenging time in my life much easier to handle..
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Peter sparke
Golden State Lawyers went above and beyond to ensure my case was handled efficiently. Their attention to detail and dedication was evident from start to finish...
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Sharon
Working with Peter Vittas is a pleasure. I am so happy to have found such a personable lawyer online. His fees are very reasonable and he is very generous with his time. Each time I met with Peter, my stress level decreased. He made the process of creating my will, trust and other documents as easy as possible. I highly recommend Peter Vittas.
Read more
03 Dec, 2023 by Paul
Peter made the process so easy and efficient for us. Everything was done online and he held our hands every step of the way. He is very thorough and professional with attention to detail. This was my first time doing this and I expected to be sitting in a lawyer’s office for hours with the billing clock running. Not with Peter! I am a retired computer consultant and I appreciate having a proven process to drive complex problems to satisfactory conclusions and that’s how Peter does it.
Read more
01 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Peter did a great job setting up my Living Trust. He applied a custom approach to my unique case to secure the best outcome.
Read more
05 May, 2024 by Jay day
I really felt heard after speaking to Alan and Chris and experience speaks volumes. Appreciate you guys.
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Sheikh israil
Couldn’t be more happy with the legal service I received from Adamson Ahdoot.
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Francisco tembo
Thank you to Mr. Alan, Mr. Arash, Mrs. Maria, Mrs. Genesis, Mrs. Khadidja, and the entire firm of admson ahdoot for really going to bat for me, trusted them and they came for me. A well established firm who believes in their clients. Thank you for long hours that was put in and quick response. Thank you.🙏🏿
Read more
05 May, 2024 by Jay day
I really felt heard after speaking to Alan and Chris and experience speaks volumes. Appreciate you guys.
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Sheikh israil
Couldn’t be more happy with the legal service I received from Adamson Ahdoot.
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Francisco tembo
Thank you to Mr. Alan, Mr. Arash, Mrs. Maria, Mrs. Genesis, Mrs. Khadidja, and the entire firm of admson ahdoot for really going to bat for me, trusted them and they came for me. A well established firm who believes in their clients. Thank you for long hours that was put in and quick response. Thank you.🙏🏿
Read more
27 Sep, 2019 by Ron
I am a tax professional for over 38 years in the area. Jennifer and her staff are the best i have ever experienced. Service was exceptional and Jennifer's Knowledge and listening skills are above any others. I strongly recommend Jennifer Daniel and her staff.
Read more
18 Apr, 2019 by Kelli
My financial planner recommended Jennifer Daniel for estate planning after another local attorney cashed my check and abandoned the process. She has completely exceeded my expectations. Jennifer is bright, articulate, organized, and professional. She spent a considerable amount of time with me in order to individualize the package (will, trust, power of attorney, etc.). This wasn't just a fill-in-the-blank process on a generic template. She took the time to get to know me before she ever generated the documents. All of my concerns were addressed and she helped me understand potential issues to which I had not given adequate - if any - consideration. No one wants to talk about estate planning, but I left our final signing meeting feeling relieved. The process is complete and there should be no questions as to my wishes and intentions. Jennifer has my highest recommendation.
Read more
07 Jul, 2018 by Linda
Based upon two people who referred Attorney Jennifer Daniels to me I decided to make an appointment to obtain information relating to Estate Planning. She took time to answer my questions and go over the checklist paperwork that I need to locate prior to making my next appointment. I intend to hire her because I felt she was patient and I felt I could easily work with her personality. Very Professional, very knowledgable lady.
Read more
27 Aug, 2015 by John & marianne
William Lanuti in our opinion is an exceptional estate planning attorney. He is personable and knowledgeable of current governing estate planning laws. Mr. Lanuti demonstrates patience and persistence in assuring us, the client, understand the information provided by him. It is evident he and his staff work as a team to assure our needs are met. Any questions we have after our meetings with Mr. Lanuti are responded to quickly which we appreciate. We would highly recommend Mr. Lanuti as an estate planning lawyer.
Read more
27 Aug, 2015 by Holli
I was introduced to Mr. Lanuti by a mutual friend. We utilized Vito's expertise to update and organize our estate planning.
Both of us are very pleased not only with the professional input Vito provides but also his very friendly staff particularly, Kelly.
Read more
27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Great care and concern over my situation. Always timely in getting back with any info that I might need or would be helpful and has a real knack for making a very difficult situation survivable.
Read more
12 Jul, 2022 by Kathleen
I went with Meinzer at a girlfriends recommendation. Just finished my trust\will. It was a much easier experience then I had worked it up to be. Everyone in the office were completely helpful, and knowledgeable . I’m happy to say it is a relief to have everything wrapped up. Thanks to all of you.
Read more
03 Apr, 2022 by Anna
I would highly recommend Andrew Meinzer and his excellent team for any and all family trust situations. They were consistently knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, and available to provide guidance and assistance to our family as we navigated a complicated family trust. Always highly professional, they were just a phone call or email away to help. I am happy to offer this recommendation as our journey together ends.
Read more
13 Sep, 2021 by Bonnie
Andrew Meinzer represented me in a trust litigation case. He did an excellent job. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. He kept me up to date on everything in the case and answered any questions I had on it. He was very prompt in responding back to me whenever I needed to contact him. I would highly recommend him!
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
30 May, 2021 by Syl mynx
In our case, Julia got a great outcome by having a great strategy and pursuing it quickly. Julia is very very smart, which you can gather from the other reviews. She also listens, which was key to our case. She listened to us, she listened to the prosecutor, and she used all of the information she gathered. She communicates clearly, and made sure that we understood every step in the process and also the strategy that she pursued so energetically. She was effective at working with the experts that we needed. I highly recommend Julia.
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in California - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Los Angeles
-
San Francisco
-
San Diego
-
Sacramento
-
Irvine
-
Oakland
-
San Jose
-
Beverly Hills
-
Newport Beach
-
Palo Alto
-
Pasadena
-
Santa Monica
-
Santa Ana
-
Fresno
-
Walnut Creek
-
Long Beach
-
Glendale
-
Encino
-
Woodland Hills
-
Costa Mesa
-
Riverside
-
Redwood City
-
Santa Rosa
-
Menlo Park
-
Santa Barbara
-
Sherman Oaks
-
Orange
-
Torrance
-
Berkeley
-
Westlake Village
-
Burbank
-
Mountain View
-
Carlsbad
-
San Rafael
-
Bakersfield
-
San Mateo
-
Ventura
-
El Segundo
-
Roseville
-
Santa Clara
-
Calabasas
-
Tustin
-
Culver City
-
Stockton
-
La Jolla
-
Huntington Beach
-
Modesto
-
Pleasanton
-
Manhattan Beach
-
Anaheim
-
San Luis Obispo
-
Santa Cruz
-
Van Nuys
-
Sunnyvale
-
Burlingame
-
Fullerton
-
San Ramon
-
Rancho Cucamonga
-
Ontario
-
Salinas
-
San Bernardino
-
Encinitas
-
Napa
-
Monterey
-
Cupertino
-
Fremont
-
Thousand Oaks
-
West Hollywood
-
Los Gatos
-
Redding
-
Redondo Beach
-
Alameda
-
Monterey Park
-
Palm Desert
-
Cerritos
-
Folsom
-
Agoura Hills
-
Chico
-
Visalia
-
Mission Viejo
-
Marina Del Rey
-
Temecula
-
Oxnard
-
Aliso Viejo
-
Laguna Hills
-
Davis
-
Brea
-
Chula Vista
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in California
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Intellectual Property
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Tax
-
Workers Compensation
-
Civil Rights
-
Insurance
-
Consumer Protection
-
Immigration
-
Government
-
Appeals
-
Probate
-
Trusts
-
Car Accident
-
Mediation
-
Entertainment
-
Class Action
-
Child Custody
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Domestic Violence
-
Wrongful Death
-
Bankruptcy
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Child Support
-
Elder Law
-
Discrimination
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Debt Collection
-
Employment / Labor
-
Copyright Application
-
Divorce
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Federal Crime
-
Sex Crime
-
Foreclosure
-
Adoption
-
DUI / DWI
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Drug Crime
-
Construction
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Constitutional Law
-
Education Law
-
Environmental Law
-
Contracts
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Corporate
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
