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21 Mar, 2015 by Nardie
Attorney Georgina Lepe assisted us in completing our living trust. She was very knowledgeable and would patiently explain everything to us in layman's terms, so we had a complete understanding of what we were signing. She is both professional and warm and friendly. It's difficult to find an attorney with this combination. If you are looking for someone to assist you with legal services, we highly recommend Georgina Lepe. An added bonus is that she also speaks Spanish, so we can recommend her to our Spanish speaking friends.
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25 Aug, 2014 by Erik
Georgina Lepe has been a great outstanding lawyer, I as a client would refer Georgina to my friends and family, she has been handling my case and has done a great job she is responsible very knowledgeable and is on top of her work. I trust in her fully in which gives me peace of mind, i'm a happy client keep up the good work thank you Georgina.
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22 Aug, 2014 by Julian
Georgina Lepe is an incredible attorney. After interviewing 6 different living trust attorneys, I came upon Georgina and she was a godsend. My grandmother had terminal cancer and it was a very difficult time for my family, when I meet Georgina I knew she was the one. Georgina was very patient, explained everything very clearly, was able to answer all of our questions, and she made us all feel very comfort with the process. On top of it all she is able to speak Spanish which is my grandparents first language. My family and I were very happy with our experience with Georgina, she is hardworking, knowledgeable, caring, and a good person. I am planning to use Georgina again very soon, she is someone you can count on which nowadays is very rare to find.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Whitney
Marivel helped me through a difficult time after my grandmother passed away. I wanted to protect the assets that were gifted to me and create provisions of my Trust to give to certain charities, as well as have a power-of-attorney and medical directive. I knew what I wanted and she facilitated everything quickly and easily. When I contacted her a couple years later she was more than willing to answer additional questions about my Trust. Thank you for the peace of mind.
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09 Jun, 2017 by May
My family came to her when our mother's health took a turn for the worse . Marivel was patient especially with my father who did not understand the process and was overwhelmed by all the paperwork. Marivel took her time explaining what needed to be done and broke it down for us. Thank you for your patience and ensuring that our elderly father didn't feel overwhelmed by the whole situation.
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07 Jun, 2017 by Leanne
When my mother got diagnosed with a terminal disease, my brother and I were so lost. Family and friends told us we needed to get my mother's affairs in order, yet we did not know the process let alone the first step. That is when Marivel came in. My boyfriend had recommended me to her and I called her right away. She made it so easy for us and she came to our home to set everything up. She explained everything we needed to make sure we were all taken care of. She put our minds at ease so my brother and I can focus on the most important thing - to spend as much time we had left with our mother. Thank you, Marivel for all you did for our family. Not only were you available every time we had questions, you were so professional and willing to help. Best of all, you showed us compassion. You treated us as if we were your own family and not just a client.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Vanessa
We reached out to Genoveva for her services of a will/trust for my Mother. She took time with my Mother and created a seamless process that now has my Mom feeling relief because her affairs are in order.
From start to finish, we felt Genoveva really cared about my Mother and her wishes.
I highly suggest Genoveva, you will not be disappointed.
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02 Jan, 2019 by Cynthia
I consulted with her regarding a child custody case. She offered great advice and was able to help me prioritize what I really needed help with given my financial situation. She was professional and followed through with everything she said she would assist me with. I would of hired her to represent me if I was in a better financial situation and hope others will highly consider her services.
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22 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr Overfield has been working on my case for about 3 months and everything is going good. With him and god's help I will get my papers soon.
I talked to other lawyers but they wanted too much money, and I did not feel good about them.
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13 Apr, 2011 by Jorge & ana
Jennifer was exceedingly helpful in setting up our Estate Planning. From the beginning we felt at ease in working with her. She is highly competent and answered all our questions to our satisfaction. She is very approachable and friendly and we could see she looked after our best interest. The process was simple and direct. We highly recommend her services.
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25 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
My family has literally been waiting months for copies of my mother's will, etc. since she passed at the beginning of this year. We had one call with him wherein he promised copies but to date we have received nothing. We have called and left messages, emailed him, texted him and even wrote a letter to him and he has not responded to ANY of these requests. Needless to say, this is not only inconsiderate to us but also very unprofessional. I myself worked in a law firm for more than half of my life and we never treated any of our clients with such disregard. I would not recommend hiring Mr. Scarcella.
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19 Apr, 2020 by Misshia grant
Chris Scarcella is by far GOD SENT this man is a christian attorney who is very honest and trust worthy. He is absolutely the best attorney I have ever met thus far. He is extremely dedicated and hard working. Chris is an EXCELLENT attorney who is KIND, he is LOYAL, he is very HONEST and very TRUTH WORTHY. There are so many bad attorney's in California I have had so many steal from me, take me money, and do nothing for me. I have prayed day and night for a good attorney and I have finally found the attorney that I have prayed for Chris Scarcella.
I have met a lot of BAD attorneys who I have hired, who have took ALL of money. But Chris is a good man, he is not in this for the money. He is truly a good person. I thank God day & night for a good attorney like chris who is not motivated by money bbut motivated to do the right thing. I want to point out that the (one bad review) is a FRAUD because this is so hurtful to speak falsely on such a good man. I have had so many scum bag attorneys that have done horrible things. Chris is NOT like that, he is a gentle soul, he is humble, soft spoken, kind hearted, and loyal.... I am thankful every day to have met Chris. He has helped my sister and I with our very troublesome estate. My sister and I are so grateful for Chris.
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08 Nov, 2019 by Alpert
Chris Scarcella is an exceptional attorney. He did my living trust and guided me through the process making sure i understood everything along the way. He is professional, honest, and knowledgeable. I would 100% recommend!
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31 Dec, 2023 by Mario m
(I use legal insurance with MMZ Law)
MMZ Law has done great stuff for me. They saved me a lot of money, fixed something for me. They're good at communicating. I recommend them.
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13 Jul, 2023 by George lowry
Friendly understanding highly ethical
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17 Jun, 2023 by Roland e
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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.
