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26 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Holcomb
Great experience with him.
Amazing lawyer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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01 Sep, 2020 by Thomas
I am absolutely satisfied and grateful for Richard's representation. I would have never been able to accomplish what Richard's has done for me. Highly recommended.
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13 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I was fortunate to have engaged Rick to appeal my prior DUI court conviction, due to the state depriving me of my constitutional rights. Rick was an outstanding legal advocate for me during the entire appeal process. Due to his advocacy, my prior DUI conviction was overturned and the records expunged. Rick is astute, a great lawyer, and the consummate professional.
I highly recommend Richard Holcomb to be your legal counsel on all administrative and court DUI matters.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Murray
I had a unforseen probate on the Island of Hawaii that was triggered with a property sale. The title company had referred me to Ms. Bodey, we had a consultation and after that Ms. Bodey had agreed to represent me in closing out my mother's probate. We did all of this via email and phone conversations. I live on the mainland and the process went very smoothly. All my expectations were met. Ms. Bodey is a kind and thoughtful person that takes the time and effort to make the process work as smoothly as possible. I would highly recommend Bodey Law LLLC.
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28 Jun, 2022 by Kevin
I’ve been working with Ivana for about 6 months and she’s an absolute pleasure. I’m a stickler for the details and her work has been perfect.
Ivana clearly understood the outcome I desired, explained the process, potential hurdles and the costs involved. Her work product was precise and on time.
I could not be happier.
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25 May, 2022 by Scott
Ivana assessed my situation during the initial consultation perfectly. Her follow threw, duedilligance and patients were key to the successful results achieved in my case. I am very grateful and pleased about my good fortune when finding Ivana to help me with this matter.
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27 May, 2021 by Michael
She is knowledgeable & professional;
ability to explain complex law terms simply.
She answers questions & concerns with care.
She is just a nice person.
She has the support of a capable staff.
We recommend this lady-lawyer.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Jenean
We used Obenauf law for our estate planning during the covid pandemic. It was a pleasure working with Meg and her staff especially because they were all knowledgeable, professional, and kind. It was a pretty easy process and they explained things in layman’s terms. Convenient as everything was through zoom. Would recommend Obenauf law group for estate planning! Happy and satisfied client. Thank you!
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25 Sep, 2020 by Dale
I've know Meg for twenty years. She is trustworthy, responsive, and very knowledgeable. I rely on her for sound advice. Very kind and caring. Her staff was equally respectful, caring and kind. I felt like I was in good hands.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Gabriela
Nathan is professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive, every time I contacted him he got back to us promptly. His expertise in real estate is invaluable and he did a great job of protecting our interests, we would have been lost without him.
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29 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Completed sale and filing of house sale to our complete satisfaction. Worked with trust lawyer and completed including our specific special circumstances.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Leonard
Nathan Natori assisted me in a home purchase. He was quick, thorough and accommodating by allowing all to be done by email and phone.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Excellence in communication, efficiency and cohesive collaboration. The efficiency that Barry’s team brought allowed my case to be dropped before it even began. Barry’s team cohesively communicated and collaborated with all parties so to navigate the legal conflict with minimal stress for everyone involved - but particularly alleviating for me. Barry is truly an excellent communicator and informed me of all legal rules, consequences, etc so I could feel fully prepared and protected regardless of how given circumstances transpired. His team handled everything start to finish and laid it out properly for myself and the prosecutor. On a personal level, Barry was caring and respectful just as on a professional level, he exceeded expectations and beyond.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Kirk
I contacted Barry over what I considered a wrongful arrest. I am active military and could have faced real issues if the arrest stuck and my clearance was pulled. After a 10 minute conversation with Barry I immediately felt confident that my case would be dropped. He was able to have all charges dropped prior to my court date. I’m thankful that I came across this outstanding vet and lawyer.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Declan
Mr Sooalo was very professional and honest about pricing, and what outcome he would get from the case. Thanks to him my case was dropped and my record cleared. Thank you Barry!
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19 Jun, 2019 by Michele
After my mother passed away I needed to sell her home in Kona, and I have never bought or sold a home before - it was all new to me.
I live on the mainland, and Donna was recommended by a family friend in Kona. I spoke to her on the phone and was very impressed by her knowledge of real estate law, her professionalism, and her communication skills. We got good advice from Donna (disclosure list, etc.).
We also had her look over anything we were given, by the realtor or the escrow company, to sign. She said the forms looked pretty standard, but there were a few things she had us change - she had our best interest at heart. My husband and I agreed that paying for an attorney look things over was well worth it for our peace of mind, and fortunately Donna’s rates were very reasonable.
After escrow closed we asked Donna to apply for the HARPTA refund, and about six months later we got the entire amount!
So thank you, Donna Payesko, for being there when we needed you and for helping to make sure everything went smoothly! Mahalo!
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30 Apr, 2017 by Eric
My wife and I started working with Donna for a basic will. After reading her website and meeting with donna we realized we really needed a full estate plan with a trust. Donna was amazing to work with, she is incredibly friendly, professional and ask all of the right questions.
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24 May, 2016 by Jaye
Donna Payesko has provided me advice in several areas of the law over a period of years. In various legal matters, I needed someone who could navigate complex waters -- in guardianship matters; other elder, finance and tax law issues; real property and matrimonial protection. Each matter required a clear understanding of what was involved, the parties’ claims, the possible options/ solutions and the steps and procedures necessary to move forward to resolution. Ms. Payesko's ability to isolate each issue, clarify the law regarding such matters and move forward expediently helped reduce the stress of the situation.
Ms. Payesko speaks well -- clearly and directly -- outlining the process using terms I understood. She is meticulous in her written communications, paying attention to detail and meeting all deadlines.
When I was required to furnish documentation to her for a legal matter, she was patient with my efforts to locate those documents, yet clear about their importance to the case. I could communicate in a variety of ways (scan, fax, email, phone, etc.), knowing she would receive my communication and respond in a timely matter. Ms. Payesko is an excellent listener and asked specific relevant questions to expedite the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advice or the ongoing services of an attorney.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Although it was determined after Mr. Sakoda and I communicated by email that I would need Family Law representation for my legal situation, Mr. Sakoda was extremely helpful in offering me advice regarding a Family Trust, very quick to respond during our dialog and a compassionate person.
I am sorry I will not be able to use his services to represent me. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
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10 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
very knowledgeable, good communication, follow up and went the extra mile to help us through the difficult task of settling my Dad's estate. I would highly recommend Richard as an estate attorney.
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03 Jan, 2015 by Roy
Mr. Richard Sakoda is a very hardworking individual that has one goal in mine, and that goal is keeping his clients satisfied going above and beyond the scope of work requirements to ensure all areas of your problems are satisfied. He is knowledgeable of the work he does, trustworthy, excellent communicator who keeps you informed at all times. He discusses all relevant factors about your case, gives you alternatives, and provides advice in making the best decision to your case.
In our family experience, we have gone through three -(3) Lawyers, but we were not satisfied with their work we requested. We needed a legalized Will written to assure others won't have the ability to take away assets and properties that the deceased will leave to the appointed person/caretaker. But each Laywer we went to and paid to write the Will, were not exactly how we explained to them and therefore the Will needed to be rewritten. Instead of having the same Lawyer to redo the Will, we seek another Lawyer. A friend recommended Mr. Richard Sakoda. We met with him, asked questions and he were straight-forward with his answers. We told him our situation and what we wanted done. He immediately commenced working on the issue that we wanted fixed of which previous Lawyers we went to did not do unless we paid additional fee. Mr. Sakoda accomplished the Will the way we exactly wanted it to be done and completed it in a timely manner. We are now releived that no one; especially other family members, will not be able to intrude and be disruptive in making every effort to take-away or be a part owner of properties and assets that the deceased leave behind to the appointed person.
Mr. Sakoda is a good listener with unique combination of intuitive and analytical abilities. I highly recommend Mr. Sakoda to any person seeking assistance in writting a legalized Will as he is a professional and one of the best Lawyers that provides satisfaction guarantee to his clients.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Ashkan
Jennifer did a great job explaining my rights and things I was giving up when signing a prenup. She gave examples on what it could mean for me, and also showed me how the law in Hawaii actually works.
As a non-US citizen it was really helpful to understand how everything works, and really glad that Jennifer simplified everything for me.
I would call her a modern day lawyer that uses both a business and personal approach to keep you as client very comfortable but at the same time well informed. She also is someone that would not sell additional unnecessary consultations or services, and just gets to the point.
Thank you so much Jennifer.
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24 Feb, 2022 by Douglas
I consulted Jennifer for preparation of a somewhat unconventional estate plan with some forwardlooking aspects of administration risks. Jennifer grasped the concept immediaely and she and I worked out appropriate language. She delivered timely and even provided a witness to my will--another lawyer. She did this for about a thousand dollars less than her estimate. Upon signing the documents, I had my trust immediately hire her to represent the trust, confident that upon my death, it would be in good hands.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Jennifer was appointed by the court as a liaison in a family matter and listened to both parties fairly and compassionately. She is diligent in her fact finding and forthcoming in her advice.
I believe anyone who hires her as there attorney will find it very easy to work with her and benefit from her work ethic.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Francene malloe
ThankYou Mr.Rego and your staff for helping me with my WORKMANS COMP. I appreciate all that you and your staff did for me.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Tammy ellis
Awesome attorney!
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03 Feb, 2023 by Jeffrey vereze
Great at communicating situation that made it easy to underatand. Everything was straight forward. I highly recommend Mr. Rego to handle your situation.
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21 Oct, 2021 by Joel schechter
Very seldom does a person get to deal with a professional who deserves more than 5 stars! Thankfully we were able to find such a person in the sad period after our good friend died in Honolulu, HI.
We needed an estate and probate attorney to discuss and handle the distribution of the estate. We contacted Samuel Suen by email on a Sunday. He responded within a few hours and we set up a conference call for the following morning. Mr. Suen answered all our questions clearly in both a friendly and professional manner.
At the end of an hour-long discussion, for which there was no charge, I asked how we would pay his very reasonable hourly rate. Much to our surprise, he said we shouldn't hire him because there was no need to probate this particular will.
His honesty and forthrightness was amazing! We tried to figure out some reason to hire him but to no avail. Ultimately we wished him a very fond farewell.
Based on our experience, if you need an estate or probate attorney, you can't do better than Samuel Seun.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Matt winfree
Sam was amazing in all aspects of preparing our will, power of attorney, and advance directives. Super flexible during COVID, and incredibly tolerant when we missed our first appointment! Thank you Sam!
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13 Feb, 2020 by Randal yamaguchi
28 Jun, 2016 by Jack
Sean handled estate property probate and transfer in a professional and time effective manner for us. The process was very smooth even given we are not Florida residents and needed this to be handled without our presence.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Gordon
In my view Attorney Sean D. K. Scott is a gentleman and a compassionate counselor, who is very well informed in the matters relative to estate planning. Upon the recommendation of an old and dear friend of ours, my wife and I sought Sean's services to help us develop our estate plans, which included the design and drafting of trusts, wills, living wills, powers of attorney, etc. From the beginning of the process to the finalization of all documentations, we found working with Sean to be a pleasurable experience. He did a great job for us, and we would highly recommend him to others seeking similar help.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I had Attorney Sean Scott as a Business Law professor in school and knew he practiced what he taught. Some business partners and I started a company and I knew that we would be moving headquarters from the DC beltway area to Florida. I immediately contacted Sean and he was eager to help and come on board as our legal counsel. Instead of "going through the motions" he wanted to know as much about the company as possible. When someone asks me for information in the amount of a glass of water, I tend to open up a fire hose worth of information. He never rushed me and asked more questions to better establish the structure, organization, vision, and strategy of the company, so he could best identify how to set-up our company structure in Florida. He has incorporated our company, and created/drafted documents in our record book (articles, minutes, membership units, changes to our registrations and ownership, operating agreements, buy-sell agreements, special meetings, dissociations, power of attorneys, certificates of incumbency, purchase agreements, security agreements, etc.). He has also reviewed contracts, NDAs, teaming agreements, and non-compete/non-circumvent agreements.
I hired Mr. Scott originally to re-incorporate our company in Florida, but as our business model solidified it was apparent we would be needing an on-call legal counsel. Sean transitioned with ease and took on the added workload. He has always communicated promptly and thoroughly, and has never rushed off the phone during a call. He prioritizes efficiently and if something is going to take a little bit longer, he calls or emails with the reason for any delay and when the expected time of completion would be. We are a small business and nothing we have had to address is "urgent" so we told Mr. Scott from the beginning that if other more important work comes up, just let us know and we will be more than happy to take a back seat. We understand we are not his only client and are understanding of the dynamic legal practice environment.
I would highly recommend Sean Scott for any business law questions, concerns, or legal services. He is honest (rare in the business), detailed, and diligent. I loathe not being kept in communications, and Sean has been in constant contact throughout our business relationship. I have worked with other firms and they stand by the "no news is good news" motto which to me causes concern and anxiety when dealing with legal matters. I am glad for once I hit the jackpot for our legal representation needs.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Wilma
Jo Ann did my trust, she was very helpful, nice and she charged me a fair price. I would recommend her to others.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Completed our trust. Happy with her work. No issues. Trustworthy & well done.
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17 Aug, 2012 by Michael
We're no close personal friends but I know her as Treasurer of the non Profit I used to be treasurer for. Also she did Estate plan for me. Easily understood. Simple to do. Not overcharged. So.. I'm happy with her and her work.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Walt
I am one of the siblings mentioned previously and I would like to say that Eric impressed me with his knowledge and his ability to sort through all our various opinions and concerns. We were very pleased with the results obtained. Eric's professionalism kept would could have developed into a mess very focused business like. Thank you Eric.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Patricia
Eric represented me and my 3 siblings in a trust settlement. He managed to combine all of our opinions and helped us to receive far more than we ever anticipated. The trust was in Hawaii, but the four of us live in 3 different states! Through emails and phone conferences we were able to stay in constant communication with Eric. He was so patient will all of our requests and proved to be very bright and knowledgeable. Also, his fees were very reasonable. We feel truly blessed that his name was given to us. I highly recommend him!
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24 Jan, 2015 by Michelle
My husband and I feel extremely fortunate to have found Eric Young to help with our various trust concerns. Eric is highly competent and knowledgeable. He is also honest, straightforward, very respectful, and reliable. He has consistently shown us that he is dedictated to serving our best interests and not just out to "make a buck." If more attorneys were as honorable as Eric, the field would have a more positive reputation. He is an exceptional human being, and we feel privileged to know Eric. We highly recommend him in representing your interests.
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17 Apr, 2023 by Ryan
Ms. Sakamaki did all of my estate planning and executed all the requisite paperwork. She advised me with a gentle yet realistic hand and made an arduous task very easy. I cannot recommend her enough. She is very thorough and incredibly smart.
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17 Apr, 2023 by Charles
Vickie took care of our end of life planning (for my partner and my myself). She was not only VERY NICE and PATIENT with us (we know nothing) but also meticulous and insanely knowledgeable about the complexities of the very difficult arrangements we had to confront. She guided us through every step and interpreted difficult legalese into language we could understand. It was a sincere pleasure working with her and we feel completely secure with the results. Thank you so much, Vickie. We are very grateful for you.
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10 Apr, 2023 by Denise
Victoria helped my family as my uncle was declining in health and we had to put his finances and assets in order. She helped us with trust documents, amendments and advice that were immensely valuable and there is no way we could have done any of this without her. Her knowledge and attention to detail helped us avoid future problems that could have resulted from not having everything in order. She has helped our family and I highly recommend hiring her for your family's peace of mind to know that everything will be done efficiently, quickly and correctly. I can't thank Victoria enough for all she did for my family and for myself. We are eternally grateful for all her help.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Joseph
Mr. Shea accepted by case and from day one, he was on top of it full steam ahead...Very honest and kept me in the loop of things as the case moved forward.
Very professional and courteous. An asset to the community. I would highly recommend Mr. Shea.
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27 Sep, 2016 by James
Patrick was very helpful with my mother and myself to come to a conclusion over a family Property and trust, even though there's still hard feelings in the family we all came out getting what was fair and may not have been equal in the dollar amount but my mom got to stay in her home, that was the main thing.
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10 Nov, 2014 by Kathy & bryce
We are extremely pleased with Bart Koza's professional conduct and expertise and how he was very helpful and quick to respond to us over any legal matters or concerns we had in regards to my parent's trust deed and that is why we chose him to to handle our trust deed as well. We live on the mainland but have complete faith and trust in Bart's years of experience, knowledge and integrity. He understands elder law very well and goes above and beyond by showing his compassion, caring and understanding. We would highly recommend Bart to anyone seeking a very professional, efficient, kind and hardworking attorney like Bart Koza!!!
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19 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Very nice and down to earth. Explained everything very clearly and was very thorough.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Stacey
Our family has been working with Mr Smith for over 2 years on a highly contested and highly emotional matter involving probate, estate, and family law. He has done an amazing job at representing our family, he is always clearly explaining options as well as advising us on the easiest path to take to be able to move forward. He is a caring man who feels like part of the family, not just another attorney. He takes his cases and his clients in on a personal level and works very hard to achieve a desired outcome. He has passion for the law and fairness, but even more so he has a passion for the clients he represents. He has a vast level of experience, and with that he has developed a deep understanding that these legal issues are often emotionally draining on a family. Knowing that he checks in on a personal level with reminders of taking time out to care for ourselves and our own happiness when so much of our time is wrapped up in caring for, and caring about someone else's happiness. More important than anything he helped to make sure that in the end of this highly litigated case, Dad was happy, well taken care of, and he could live a full and happy life surrounded by people he loves, with all the rights and freedoms he deserves. We will always appreciate Mr Smith's approach and his dedication to our family and could never completely explain how much he has helped along the way. We highly recommend Mr Smith and his team, especially if you are looking for knowledgeable yet personal attention.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Melissa
Tim was very professional and easy to work with! He made us feel comfortable with our estate planning and walked us through the process step by step. Tim was very helpful with reviewing my deceased mother's trust and did so in a timely manner!
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19 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
My wife and I tried to do what we thought would be simple on our own. After a tremendous number of failures and frustration we decided to contact Mr. Scarbo. When you combine his knowledge of law, his humorous way of explaining the legality of issues, his insistence to not go on to what needed explaining next unit he was confident we understood everything and how quickly he resolved our issues we were more than satisfied. We are pleased to suggest anyone looking for legal counsel would do well to see Michael.
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11 Nov, 2022 by Lynn
I hired Brandon to use in a Time Share inheritance, and everything went seamlessly! He is an excellent Lawyer, and if I ever needed help again, he would be the first to call! Do not hesitate; he is responsive to all phone calls and emails. I can not say enough except thank you!
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10 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Roya Deyhim is the best attorney I have had the privelage of retaining. She understood what my needs were and was extremely knowledgeable. Her due diligence was far superior to other attorneys I have retained over the years and I would recommend her to anyone regarding estate planning. Thanks roya I feel most secure after your help!
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16 Sep, 2019 by Corinna kanaina
Very efficient, fast action, and no stress. I have been able to concentrate on running the company, and keeping it moving forward in a positive manner. Awesome team!
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19 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Diehl was exceptional in handling my case. Being that there were children involved and I was never married, paternity case, it wasn't something he dealt with often. There were a lot of agencies that came into play. Mr. Diehl easily navigated through every process to do exactly what was best for his client, me, and ultimately for the children. He is extremely ethical, straight arrow and will not let his clients step out of line. As a client I learned a lot from him. I also had an outcome that did not prospered temporarily, but permanently. The strategy he used made everyone live to a higher standard.
We went into court in 2006/07 and wrapped it up in 2013. He stuck with me the entire time that the other party kept striking. He had us endure til the end. I value his service higher than what the money charged could ever be. Why? Because 3 years later my two boys are honor roll kids, one attended Berkeley at 14 years old and the younger boy is in Project Lead The Way. That happened because the expectation he put in play for those boys parents were at a standard that he believed could be attained. My boys father and I get along great for the children. The orders were all done by Mr. Diehl. He is extremely knowledgeable in his arena. I can say with confidence, "best of the best". I feel I'm not even qualified to make a review on someone of this caliber. But I want everyone to know that credit needs to be due, he deserves that along with his assistant Susan Y. Amazing people.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Britt tanner
Tyson advised my family through a very sticky legal estate issue. He was incredibly responsive and thorough in answering questions, and gave sound advice. The job ended up being more complicated than anticipated, but the total amount was within the range that he had estimated because he was very clear in explaining "if X, then it could be about $5,000, but if Y and Z happen, it could run up to $15,000-20,000". I appreciated Tyson's calm advice and speedy responses to time sensitive matters. I am so glad we found Tyson to help with our estate issues.
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09 Feb, 2022 by Bernard beck jr
I've had the pleasure of working with Geoff Sogi of Tamashiro Sogi during the past few months.
Following my initial outreach, Geoff was quick to reply to my inquiry, followed up on the commitments that he made, offered excellent advice on how to best proceed with my situation and then handled the necessary filings through to the end.
Their fee's were reasonable and I appreciated the assistance and guidance that Geoff provided.
Geoff has been very professional and I would trust him to handle any future situations that I might encounter.
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27 Jul, 2019 by Tracy m
20 Mar, 2024 by Sharon kinard
Lovely office, lovely staff, lovely experience. Quite the extraordinary great review with an exceptional extraordinary gifted attorney with a conscrience. Mahalo nui Darl for helping us with eatate planning! Kinards
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30 Sep, 2023 by Louise thaell
Hands down the very best estate attorney in Hawaii!
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18 Sep, 2023 by Taylor herbert
Very professional, well spoken very knowledgeable.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Joel pederigan
Whatever situation you feel like you're in, after talking with him you'll have a much better understanding, feel a lot more prepared and feel a lot better. Professional, knowledgeable and cares about your situation. I highly recommend him if you need any legal help or even advice.
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19 Dec, 2023 by K lee
5 Stars are not enough for this outstanding law office !
Bryan, Erin and Madelyn worked on our case for over a year and successfully navigated a very fair and equitable settlement for us. From the first phone call with them, we knew we had the right team. They are extremely caring and professional and through out the process, they kept us informed, provided guidance when requested, promptly responded to all of our questions and made us feel we were their only client.
This review was written with gratitude and respect for this team!
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02 Sep, 2023 by Tasha church
In 2021, I experienced an excruciating motor vehicle accident. It was so challenging and each day felt like I came up against different road blocks. The person who struck me had his license revoked and had no insurance. I felt very helpless. The medical bills were stacking up and I knew that if I didn't do something I would be in loads of debt. I called Tateishi and Tanaka and spoke to a very kind woman named Madelyn, she scheduled a time for me to meet with her boss, Bryan Tanaka. I felt like there was no good case here but he was willing to take me on. I had uninsured motorist coverage and essentially was working to get bills covered by my own insurance even though I was not driving a car at the time of the accident. Bryan helped me navigate so many challenges with the insurance companies, different practitioners, and took a huge load off my plate by taking on the responsibility of communicating with them, so I didn't have to. What got me about having him represent me is that he genuinely cared as to if I was okay. If I was stressed about anything, I would just call or email. In my much younger years, I had experienced a hit and run where someone struck my car. Because I didn't know how to navigate the system, I was unable to get compensation to help with medical bills. Because of Bryan, I had all my bills taken care of and enough to cover future medical procedures or care. Mahalo Bryan! You and Madelyn are the best!
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What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
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:
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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.
