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28 Mar, 2020 by Rick and maggie
Eva listened to our layman language and understood our values and goals. Now that we have grandchildren, she was able to translate 'old' Trust's legalese into words that express what we wanted to see in our Amendment. We feel comfortable she will guide our children, as our co-trustees, through the Administration of the Trust's Specific Gifts of Real Estate and Distribution of Assets..
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05 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Eva is an excellent attorney. I appreciated the personal and specific service she provided. Our wills and trust documents were not standard in any way. That did not bother Eva at all. She thought through all of our issues and developed specific legal documents to meet our needs. And she resolved potential issues and anticipated and resolved future points of contention. Eva really listens. She builds the legal docs that you want. I recommend her very strongly.
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29 Sep, 2019 by Kirby
Eva went through a complicated and messy escrow for us and let us know clearly where we were at. We were hoping for a different outcome, but in an hour everything was clear and we cancelled the escrow as a result and got rid of a lot of risk. Thank you Eva.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Terri
Peter Vlautin is the best! We hired him to do our Trust. We found him very knowledgable in Tax law and ethical in every way. Highly recommended!
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15 Apr, 2015 by Bee
Peter assisted our elder family member and was an expert with the situation. He was able to relate quickly and put our family member at ease. I would recommend Peter without hesitation.
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05 Mar, 2012 by Alyssa
Mr. Vlautin designed our Family Trust and was our attorney in recent issues regarding Trust Litigation. He saved my family over 200k and we couldn't be more grateful for what he has done for us. He is an exceptional lawyer and I would recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney for matters involving estate planning or trusts.
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30 Mar, 2022 by Laura
After my father past without having a trust, I contacted Kyle to set up an estate plan so my children and beneficiaries would have a smoother experience while avoiding probate. Kyle was very knowledgeable and he drafted the trust quickly and was extremely responsive to all my questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the Sacramento area for their estate planning and probate needs.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Mello b.
I am extremely pleased with this law firm. The price was very fair, and I liked my lawyer a lot. Writing an estate plan isn't an easy part of life, but end-to-end this firm did a perfect job of guiding me through the process. I was thrilled that I could handle everything without a single in-person office appointment, including final notarized signatures. I really couldn't have imagined a better experience!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Nrubow
My wife and I used Nora at this firm to complete our family's Living Trust. Nora was very knowledgable, explained things simply in terms we could understand, completed our documents super fast, and took extra time to make sure that we did everything properly on our end! Creating a Living Trust was so much easier than we thought it was going to be. Thanks for a great experience! I will definitely be recommending Nora to other families looking to create a Living Trust!
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14 Oct, 2022 by Lauren williams
As a financial advisor at Allworth Financial, I've been very fortunate to develop a strong relationship with Jennifer Ferraiuolo.
She and her team have helped a large portion of my clients secure a solid transition plan for their assets, helping them avoid California's costly and timely probate process.
Thank you, Jennifer, for your commitment to protecting our clients and their beneficiaries.
It means so much to me a professional, parent, and planner that you are always willing to go out of your way to help people in anticipation of their time of need. The work you do saves families tens of thousands of dollars in the years ahead.
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05 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Thorough, knowledgeable, always prompt with responses. Respectful and considerate. Highly recommend.
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18 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Cheryl is excellent in understanding your needs . Cheryl explains in a way you know without a doubt she has your best interests in mind . Cheryl is also proactive in her approach and communication.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Misha
I have given this review a full year to sit before posting in case my opinion has changed, but it has not. Cheryl did the bare minimum when it came to my custody case and was completely unprepared when it came to cross examination during trial. Although the case was open/shut and 50/50 schedule was eventually implemented, Cheryl and opposing counsel managed to drag the full trial out to 6 full afternoon sessions. In addition, the judge went over the 90 day limit in ruling on the case, but Cheryl repeatedly dismissed my concerns about the length of time taking to make this ruling. I would not recommend Cheryl as an attorney, especially to fathers going to trial. She will not work very hard for you, not stand up to bullying by the Court and will treat you like your concerns are trivial.
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30 Nov, 2020 by Karen pham
I spoke to Mr. Paul Kraft directly for legal advice about tenants rights. He was kind and explained my options without legal jargon. I didn’t feel rushed and the call took less than ten minutes. I only had one question. Thank you!
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31 Aug, 2017 by Vonda ricciardi
I called yesterday to inquire about a recent interaction my 79 year old Mother had with this attorney that I had no knowledge of, and only found about inadvertently. I was merely calling to protect my Mother, nothing more . I asked if he could tell me what documents were signed because my Mother had no knowledge of what exact documents were signed. (I had
asked my Mother multiple times what she had signed, but because she suffers from dementia she did NOT know. ) This question was met with EXTREME rudeness, "Ask your Mother! The house belongs to your Mother." Okay, from that comment, I can assume documents were signed affecting the title of my Mom's residence. Thanks for the clue. I said I would talk to my Mother and hung up.
When I arrived at my Mother's, we called the office again to try and get some answers. Again, the response was beyond rude, "Who is this?" I let him know that I was with my Mother and WE wanted some answers. He said "Did you just leave a one star rating on my Google
page?" I replied, "Yes, I did." He then went on to say that he knew I owned a massage business and was a professional, that what I did was vindictive, and he would not talk to me
until I could be a professional. I hung up. He then left me a vm stating he didn't know if we got disconnected, or if I hung up, but he would be happy to talk to me? What?
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21 Apr, 2017 by Mark cox
Paul Kraft breaks the mold for attorneys. He is personable, detail oriented and completely professional. You have my highest regard!
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20 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Harris to represent me in an auto injury case in 2021. We spoke on occasion and he always had reassuring words about why my settlement hadn't happened yet. He told me he had contacting the insurance office, sent them a letter of representation and filed a lawsuit. When I asked him if it would help if I were to call the insurance company he told me that they wouldn't speak to me since I had an attorney. After he refused to answer telephone calls, voicemails, emails or text messages for over two months, I finally contacted the other drivers insurance company to find out what was going on. They stated that my case was closed (with no financial settlement paid) and was past the statute of limitations. He had never contacted them. He never filed a lawsuit. I am now pursuing legal action against Larry due to Malpractice and fraud. Please find another lawyer to help you with your legal needs.
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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.
