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24 Jan, 2025 by Brenda chavez
24 Jan, 2025 by Jorge hernandez
24 Jan, 2025 by Valentino greenfield
They took care of me and my case in a timely manner! Would highly recommend if you find yourself in a situation and need someone to fight for you! Thank you Law Offices Of Daniel KIM
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5.0
12 Reviews
4.9
224 Reviews
23 Dec, 2024 by Tyty l
21 Dec, 2024 by Dion dinh
Christian is the BEST attorney! He provided me a clear explanation of my case which made it less stressful in the beginning. He is understanding and supportive. There was no problem reaching him at any time of the day. He was transparent since the day I met him and that’s an important factor when choosing the right attorney. He will make sure you have everything you need even before the judge will ask for it. He made me feel ready at every hearing. He has plenty of experience at what he does. He will fight for you every step of the way. I definitely recommend him! You will not regret it one bit. He deserves more than a 5 stars with the effort he has put into my case. Thank you for your time and service, Christian. It was a pleasure working with you.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Denny batler
Christian is the best fit for you if you are looking for a criminal defense attorney. The prosecutor bullied me 12!!! courts simply because I had a public defender. I was facing a lot of trouble, but an acquaintance recommended him. Christian's strategic recommendation turned the tide in my case. He studied the case and said that my case was 100% winnable. I trusted him, and this is the result. Today, I was cleared of all charges. Thank you so much, Christian. I will recommend you to anyone who is in trouble.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Shane reilly
Stacy Boyer and her team at Hills Law Group are absolutely amazing! They were very professional, incredibly responsive to any questions I had through the process, and everything they did was clearly in my best interest, not theirs!! Thank you Stacy, along with the entire team at Hills Law Group. If you need an attorney in this field, do not hesitate to call them.
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23 Jul, 2024 by J ivory
I got a call from Sheldon today and although he knew it was not worth taking to court or hiring a lawyer. He was touched by my email and wanted to call and give advice to call the FTC about a Chinese company selling deceptive practices and products. Very personable lawyer who cares about those he works with or comes into contact with. Thank you again Sheldon for your call today! Enjoy your time with your kids coming in to visit.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Amy howse
I'm an attorney myself, but I don't practice family law or draft postnuptial agreements, so I hired Maxwell Hills to prepare a postnup for me. The experience was pleasant and relatively easy, despite having a somewhat complex asset situation on my end and needing some customized terms regarding a new business that my husband and I were in the process of buying. Max was kind, efficient, and reasonably priced, and I'm very happy with the work he did. I definitely recommend him.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Katrina flores
He was very interested in helping me with all my questions an directing me with the right team ! THANK YOU I APPRECIATE IT!
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03 Feb, 2025 by Gabriela gomez
Ryan was super helpful and ensured I had different options I could pursue my hit and run accident!
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30 Jan, 2025 by Wala moe
16 Feb, 2023 by Kate mulligan
Amazing firm. Honest, thorough, compassionate and professional. I am SO thankful that we found them.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Mehran
Ben is a warm, courteous, knowledgeable lawyer whom I enjoyed talking with. He shared his wisdom openly and was very open and transparent during our call explaining every step of the Business structuring really well.
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17 Jun, 2020 by Linda samson
05 Feb, 2025 by Katrina flores
He was very interested in helping me with all my questions an directing me with the right team ! THANK YOU I APPRECIATE IT!
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03 Feb, 2025 by Gabriela gomez
Ryan was super helpful and ensured I had different options I could pursue my hit and run accident!
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30 Jan, 2025 by Wala moe
15 Nov, 2023 by Katie
Halli and her team were very professional. They were good at fully explaining details and next steps for my situation and answered any and all questions that I had. I'm grateful that I had their help through a situation that would otherwise have been very stressful and overwhelming. Thanks so much!
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05 Mar, 2020 by Darin
Hiring Hailli was truly the best decision I made and in turn I achieved the best possible outcome available to me. From the beginning, I felt my relationship with Hailli was that of a personal one and when it was time to get to business Hailli did nothing short of quite literally, getting things done. Both she and her assistant Yani always made themselves available to me and were very responsive throughout. They were excellent with the hand holding and explanations when needed and then taking things in to their own hands at the end to close things out. I was always informed of reasonable expectations I felt and of course had my fingers crossed for what the best possible outcome might be. In the end Hailli was able to convince the courts of what she was fighting for and what was best for me. She came recommended from a family friend/attorney and I would certainly recommend her to anyone in this same situation. Again, thank you Hailli, for everything!
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19 Sep, 2019 by Smh
High praise for Hallie Heston and staff for managing my Chapter 13.
From beginning to end, Mrs, Heston took charge, and communicated clearly and timely. I appreciated the compassionate advice, and continued support throughout the 3 years in took to discharge within the one time fee. Thank you.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Liz pantoja
If you find yourself needing a defense attorney, I’m sure that you are feeling very stressed, anxious and terrified of the unknown to come- to say the least. I cannot imagine anyone better than Diane to help you through this process. Not only is she an exceptional attorney but she is an extraordinary human being. You can just feel how passionate she is about what she does. She cares for you and for those who love you, because when someone is going through a process like this, it affects the entire family. You are in great hands with Diane. We are eternally grateful for her.
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15 Aug, 2024 by C.l.
This man was not able to take my case but he really cares about people and he really showed himself to be the kind of person who gives others hope that there still are good people left in this world. And while he wasn’t able to help me with my particular situation he didn’t just say so and then hang up the phone he took the Time to carefully point me in the right directions and his time and care in this matter have helped me very much. This man is absolutely an asset to his profession!
I will always be grateful for your kindness!
Thank you
C.l.H
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13 Aug, 2024 by Adam miles
In my line of work I have interacted with numerous attorneys and I can comfortably say that Diane is a truly remarkable legal professional. She, and her team, are highly responsive and do not waste your time. I highly recommend her if you are in need of legal assistance.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Katrina flores
He was very interested in helping me with all my questions an directing me with the right team ! THANK YOU I APPRECIATE IT!
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03 Feb, 2025 by Gabriela gomez
Ryan was super helpful and ensured I had different options I could pursue my hit and run accident!
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30 Jan, 2025 by Wala moe
10 Jan, 2025 by Negar golkar
There is no question how difficult and heavily emotional the divorce already is for the person. Having an honest, direct, accessible lawyer who is actually very good and knowledgeable at what he does while being caring is VERY important. Also he is very quick, which trust me is really important in the process. I definitely recommend Pouya to anyone going through this difficult phase of their lives, so they don’t have an extra worry on top of all other heavy changes happening in their lives.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Fred yeilding
Going through any legal litigation process is daunting and scary. Divorce especially is hard due to the many emotions that are associated with leaving a life behind. The impact it can have on you and your family members can last forever. That’s why it is imperative to find someone who can represent you that you can trust, has your best interest in mind, and will walk you through this painful process. I hired Pouya to help me through my divorce process. He was upfront, honest, and told me exactly what to expect and what I needed to do. Something that stood out to me was how communicative he was and how he was always there to answer any question I had. This is unheard of as most lawyers are impossible to get a hold of. Pouya was instrumental in getting me what I wanted through my divorce and helped me every step of the way. From someone who has gone through this process, I can say without hesitation, Pouya is one of the best out there. I highly recommend him and would not have been able to get through this process without him.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Annette saidi
Big thank you to this law firm, I received great service and professionalism throughout this process.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Ingrid wu
Beatrice and Helen were great!
Very detailed and organized. I would highly recommend them to anybody that wants a team that will take you through estate planning step-by-step and explain all the advantages and disadvantages of your decisions.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Alicia mendoza
We had a fantastic experience working with Beatrice Phan Law for updating our family living trust. We had created, revised, and updated our trust over the past several years with three other estate attorneys previously, and I can say with certainty that Beatrice Phan Law provided the BEST and most thorough service and planning of them all. We especially enjoyed working with her client services director, Helen Pak, who is AMAZING-- exceptional listener, very attentive and thorough, warm and friendly, professional and kind...all at the same time. Beatrice has a clear process that she follows for her clients, which I appreciate. It's something that doesn't happen overnight, nor should it: creating or updating your trust is an important step in taking care of your family and loved ones, so it does require a lot of thought and time, especially if you need to have those deeper conversations with your spouse about things. Beatrice and Helen were great in working with our busy schedules as well as keeping us accountable and reminded of the upcoming follow-up appointments we had together. We greatly appreciate all that Beatrice and Helen have done in bringing us peace of mind and taking care of us.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Rusty
Beatrice Phan and her legal assistant, Helen Pak, prepared my estate documents (trust, will, POA, etc). The whole process was "painless". I will use them in the future as needed and I recommend them to anyone needing estate legal planning services.
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12 Aug, 2008 by Anita
Paul has handled a number of legal matters for my husband and I and we would confidently refer him to our family and friends. He operates with integrity and openness. Paul possesses a work ethinc that speaks volumes about how much he cares about the "right" outcome in any situation.
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31 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I first met Paul about 6 years ago when I was trying to get my dughter back from her grandparents in Texas. The process for me took about 3 years total but Paul was only involved over the final year.
Before Paul I went through an attorney who wasted about 18 months of my time and probably $20 k. Paul got the job done in a fraction of that cost and time and he had to do a lot of research on Texas laws to accomplish this (my previous lawyer did none of that). I am convinced that had Paul been my attorney from the start the seperation from my daughter would have been a year at the most.
Since then I have recommended Paul to several friends and family members and will continue to do so. I have also used him for advice on different matters such as lawsuits and labor issues.
Paul is also very fair when it comes to costs and will pull no punches when discussing these matters. If something is going to take time and/or money he will be very up front with you but will work with you too. If he feels you have no chance to win he will not take your money or give you false hope. He is very up front.
Paul does not like to lose, but this doesn't mean he won't take on a hard case. He is a bulldog and if you decide to retain him for any matter he will go to the mat for you and relentlessly do what it takes for you to walk away happy.
I give Paul an overall excellent rating. I gave him a "good" rating on resposive but he was probably better than good. Surely the fact that he can handle just about any type of matter and he keeps pretty busy made his respose time a little longer than I wanted. With that said, he probably had 20 things going on at once while I was concerned only about my one item.
In a nutshell, I wouldn't hesitate and in fact have hired Paul again for any of my legal needs. He has proven to me to be very competent but just as important in this field he is trust worthy.
If you have a need for legal representation Paul Ultimo is the person you want to hire.
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28 Jul, 2008 by Leslie
Paul was very understanding and compassionate throughout my entire divorce proceedings. He always had my best interest in mind and fought diligently for me and my children. Paul was constantly trying to make my out of pocket expenses as minimal as possible and was very fair to me regarding those expenses. Paul had great knowledge of applicable case law regarding my situation and was able to obtain the most fair settlement that we could hope for. I have recommended his services to my friends and family already before this service became available. Paul was very professional in his dealings with all parties and when it came time to be tough in the courtroom, he was still extremely diplomatic and respectful which I believe helped me in receiving the best results possible. I wholeheartedly recommend Paul Ultimo.
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05 Apr, 2016 by Cassy
John has quite the impressive resume, especially for someone who looks quite young (turns out he's not quite as young as he looks). I was referred to him by another attorney (who I trust deeply) and looked at his reviews on other sites, which were also good. John really took the time to understand my family's dynamic, and found solutions that achieved all of our goals. I've now referred him to one of my neighbors and one of my close family friends.
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18 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
John is well versed with estate planning fundamentals, trust litigation, and financial planning. This inter-disciplinary training offers clients a holistic analysis and solution to protect their wealth. I have personally trusted John as a reliable professional sounding board to discuss about complex estate planning concepts.
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02 Mar, 2016 by Ursula
I had a great experience using John as my estate planning attorney. He was knowledgeable about several issues, including income tax issues that my CPA had not addressed. He worked with my CPA and Financial Advisor to ensure that everyone was on the same page with my financial picture. Most importantly, we set up an estate plan to protect my business and my children from creditors.
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09 Aug, 2017 by Tom
We recently had Shauna create our Living Trust. She performed in a most timely & professional manner. The document was uniquely personalized to our specific requirements. The finished product was simultaneously legally concise & also clear to read. Throughout the entire process Shauna presented herself as a very knowledgeable attorney.
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16 Sep, 2016 by Benjamin
I have a had the opportunity to discuss estate planning Issues on many of may cases with Shauna. She in knowledgeable, skilled, and makes complex issues very easy to understand. I strongly recommend her services!
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23 Dec, 2015 by Lauren
Shauna did a great job at helping my husband and I create our will and trust. She's relaxed yet very professional and caring. She gave us some good and practical points to consider when making the will and trust. Easy to work with and I would highly recommend her especially if you have kids or very little idea of the will and trust process.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Steven
I am grateful for the exceptional assistance provided by Peilin Ngo of Ngo Legal Group in Irvine, CA. Although she was unable to help us directly with an LPS conservatorship, Peilin went above and beyond by providing invaluable resources, recommendations, and referrals. Her professionalism, dedication, and genuine concern for our situation were truly remarkable. Peilin has been the best, and I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of legal expertise.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Art
Peilin handled a probate case for me and I couldn't be more satisfied. She is organized, meticulous, prompt and an exceptional communicator. She set clear expectations up front and exceeded all of them. She has a wonderful balance of caring and professionalism. 10 out of 5 stars.
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04 Aug, 2022 by Cari
I had the pleasure of hiring and working with Peilin Ngo in handling my late father’s Trust and Estate. She is an experienced professional and a wonderful person. I appreciated her knowledge, guidance and excellent communication. There were several complicated legal issues that needed special handling that included beneficiary conflicts and court petitions. Peilin worked with diligence and compassion with all parties involved to expediently resolve the issues. Also, if you are in need, Peilin has a network of seasoned professionals she will refer you to such as CPAs and other specialty attorneys. You can be confident that she will be your trusted legal advocate and she will work with you with the utmost respect and dedication.
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15 Mar, 2011 by Sandy
Howard, as a former County Counsel for the Public Administrator/Public Guardian (PA/PG), handled many very difficult estate matters. PA/PG estates are not straight forward and generally messy but Howard solved all the problems and found a path toward completion so that distributions could be made to the heirs. He is so expert at probate matters that even the Superior Court asked him for advice on occasion when they could not figure out the answer. I have worked with many probate attorneys over the years, so I know a good one when I see him. When the time came to choose a probate attorney for my Mother's estate, I naturally chose the best around and that is Howard. He has solved each problem as it arose, is trustworthly, responsive to my questions and concerns, very knowledgeable and keeps me informed each step along the way. Howard is the best probate attorney in Orange County and I wholeheartedly recommend him. You could not find a better one!
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12 Mar, 2011 by Jill
After our attorney retired, I contacted a family friend's attorney. Their offices did not handle conservatorship/trust cases, but told me I was in luck because a very fine attorney, Howard Serbin, had recently retired from the Orange County Counsel. They said I would be lucky to get him. He has been our attorney for nearly four years. Our case is particularly difficult and messy, but Howard has been so supportive, easy to work with, very professional, extremely honest and fair. He is easy to communicate with and timely on all paperwork filed and phone call and email responses. Whenever we are at the court house with Howard he is fequently approached by the staff who are genuinely happy to see him. It is obvious Howard is a respected and admired attorney. I would highly recommend Howard Serbin.
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10 Mar, 2011 by Dorothea
I have known Howard for many years as an associate and client of his. His experience as an Assistant County Counsel for the County of Orange has given him great experience and knowledge of Probate, Conservatorships, Guardianships, etc. for both Orange County and other local counties such as Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. I was delighted when he retired from OC's County Counsel after many years of service, since he is now free to accept private clients and share his expertise and knowledge of the probate system in the State of California. I would highly recommend him.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Keith
I hired Mr. Rothman after several lawyers could not accomplish my needs. Evan helped me form and execute an agreement with my fraudulent and hostile former business partner after our original agreement had left me vulnerable to his unlawful acts against our company. He took a nearly impossible situation and found a way to begin turning it around for me, in my favor. Like I said, other lawyers dropped the ball but Evan was able to find and discover information that previous lawyers had failed to discover, and he had a good instinct on how to proceed with the very delicate situation my business and I were experiencing. Thank you.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Jake
Knows the law, period. Has a sharp attention to details, provided me with all the options, and gave me his expert opinion on how to handle the situation every step of the way. As a business owner, I'm grateful for Mr. Rothman, as he did his absolute best to ensure the exceptional reputation on my company was maintained and he helped to settle a very reasonable negotiation with the other party.
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13 Jun, 2016 by Linda
April 2016
Linda and Carlos
Owners: GO Family Restaurants, LLC
To Whom It May Concern,
Recently our company was sued for supposed ADA discrimination, when in fact the business was compliant.
We engaged the services of Evan to help us fight the claim. He contacted the plaintiff and was able to overturn the suit by using his positive attitude, integrity and evidence to dispute the claim.
We put our confidence in Evan's capabilities and were rewarded with a dismissal of the suit. Needless to say, we were more than thrilled with the great results of his diligence in this matter.
Evan is an asset to his organization, as well as the law profession and has earned our highest regard.
Sincerely,
Linda & Carlos
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12 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Matthew has been instrumental in helping me form a business partnership and assisting with issues surrounding my commercial property. He displays great care in his work, is friendly, timely, and proactive. I would highly recommend his services.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Stein is by far the best prepared lawyer. I decided to have him represent me because he is very approachable and listened to all my concerns. He was the first attorney I have ever had to work with. I interviewed several other attorneys and they just were not as compassionate to my situation.
Matthew provided excellent service and knowledge to my legal needs. Treating me with the utmost respect and sincerity from the moment we first met. He handled my case expeditiously and remained in close contact by phone and email as needed. No detail was overlooked. He was very persistent in making sure everything was right. He took the time to understand my personality and always spoke to me in a manner that I could easily understand and helped me to appreciate the decisions that were being made. The outcome of my case was way better than anticipated. It was truly a pleasure to work with Mr. Stein and to have him on my side. When, or if, I need legal advice in the future, Mr. Stein will be the first person I call!
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05 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Matthew really helped me out when I wasn't sure what all my options were. He handled everything really efficiently and with a lot of professionalism. He made sure to communicate everything clearly so I never felt confused. Once my case began, he was very good about keeping me apprised of all the details and checked with me several times to make sure he was doing what I had requested. Matthew would suggest things to help me make decisions and all his advice was on point. I was very satisfied with the outcome of my case.
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25 Mar, 2021 by Simon
I consulted with Eric about a complex property line issue for an investment property of mine. He brought clarity to an otherwise convoluted situation. Fully understanding the situation Eric looked out for my best interest ahead of his own. An attorney with less integrity would have seen me as an earning opportunity. Instead Eric gave me great advice and saved me thousands.
Thank you Eric
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27 Dec, 2018 by Richard roberts
Mr. Eric Francisconi handled my dispute professionally, cost effectively and to my satisfaction. I was able to put trust in Eric to handle the process and all proceedings with very little input after giving him the groundwork and facts up front. I would highly recommend using Mr. Eric Francisconi in the future.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Dan
I retained Eric to negotiate a severance agreement with a former employer. Eric was the consummate professional and he achieved the results that I sought. He always kept me apprised of the status of the matter and provided sound advice throughout. I would definitely recommend Eric and his firm.
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01 Oct, 2017 by Sheri
Todd Haddock was an answer to prayer for a very complex and challenging child custody case. This was an intensely painful, frustrating and contentious relationship with the father throughout the months it took to resolve custody. Todd was patient, affirming, honest, realistic, and available at every turn. He explained the various court actions and helped us balance the risks and benefits of each move. His advice was right on. After 3 different judges and countless court dates, we got more than we could have ever imagined or dreamed of. Words can't express the gratitude we feel. We knew we made the right choice after our first call to the Law Office of Cameron Fernandez and our initial meeting with Todd. We will be grateful every single day for the next 13 years (when the order runs out) and beyond!
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06 Sep, 2017 by Jennifer
Todd Haddock is amazing!!!!
I was going through a very complicated and drawn out child custody case. I had no hope until I contacted the Cameron M. Fernandez Law Firm and paired with Todd Haddock. Todd got me in right away and started working on my case. I now have full custody of my child. I highly recommend Todd Haddock!
He is amazing, helpful, and attentive.
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08 Apr, 2016 by Stephanie
Todd did an excellent job. He was very helpful always kept in touch with me answered all my questions and helped me get exactly what I wanted.
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07 Jun, 2013 by James
Our family has had the good fortune to work with a person like Tamsen for approximately 7 years . She has been most knowledgeable, professional, and helpful in terms of both our estate planning, as well as my recently deceased parents estate. She guided us through some sensitive areas/issues with my parents estate and was always available to assist via in-person meetings, telephone or email. I've strongly recommend other family members and friends to her for consultation.
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25 May, 2013 by Eileen
Tamsen was referred to me by my sister who spoke very highly of her. After meeting Tamsen and having her update my multi-year old trust documents I know why. She is caring, thoughtful and able to communicate so that I understood every aspect of the documentation and the reasons behind it all. She is knowledgeable and very compassionate.
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09 May, 2013 by Verna
Tamsen has been part of assisting in putting my parent's trust together, maintaining connection with us and after my parent's death, assisting me as the trustee. Her office was impeccable when it came to returning calls, getting me information or seeing me in person. The information provided has made my trustee duties less complicated and I don't have any worries that I have not handled the trust correctly so there are no future problems.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Kelly
Finding a trustworthy & hardworking attorney isn't exactly easy. However, Ms. Murray was wonderful to work with. She put me at ease, answered all of my questions, and really helped me feel comfortable with the entire process. I felt like I was working with a friend rather an attorney. I'd highly recommend her to anyone.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Antonio
Shawna was extremely helpful throughout the whole process of helping me plan my estate. Whenever I had a question about any sort of legal issue pertaining to the planning of my estate; Shawna was always on call and provided me with knowledgeable answers to all of my questions. Overall my experience with her was top of the line. Thank you Shawna!
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01 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Shawna Murray provided much needed assistance for my legal issues and was the catalyst for getting my case moving. She treated me with respect and dignity. I'm thankful for all her help to bring this chapter in my life to a successful close.
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15 Jul, 2022 by Bruce & debra
We would like to highly recommend the law firm of Copenbarger & Copenbarger to anyone considering an estate plan.
Attorney, Larry Copenbarger, was attentive, knowledgeable, and explained all of the components of our estate plan thoroughly. Most of our questions were answered before we even asked them.
Paralegal, Rachael Sharp, was a pleasure to work with as well; promptly responding with clear and concise answers to our correspondence.
We now feel completely confident that our assets will pass to our heirs as intended.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Extremely professional, helpful, thoughtful and kind. He takes the time to explain everything in an easy to understand way.
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25 Sep, 2011 by Michael
Michele helped my family and I through a very difficult and emotional situation. My mother-in-law is in the later stages of Alzheimers. Unknow to me, my wife's sisters took their mom to four different attorneys until they found one that would change her estate planning doucments. I knew my mother-in-law was not competent to change her estate plans but I didn't know what my options were. After interviewing several law firms we choose Michele and her law firm.
Michele prepared a very comprehensive trial plan. She guided us through the depositions, trial preparation, and explained what would happen each step of the way. The judge ruled that my mother-in-law was not competent and placed her under conservatorship of the estate and the person. My mother-in-law is now protected and we are continuing to undue the wrong my wife's sisters tried to do.
I feel that because of Michele's all-inclusive trial preparation we prevailed and the proper outcome was acheived. She is like a bulldog, leaving no stone unturned while showing compassion during the entire process
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23 Sep, 2011 by Ralph
One of the few attorneys I have met in my lifetime that is ethical, excellent communicator, hard working, and very knowledgeable. If you were to email your attorney at 11:00 pm, would expect to receive a reply within 15 minutes. I did on several ocassions! All attorneys should be as honest and dedicated to their clients best interest as Michele is,
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15 Jun, 2021 by Betty
I was stuck in a frustrating situation with a vacation rental host and Airbnb and felt defeated. As a last option, I turned to Katie for guidance. From the beginning she provided sound advice. Her reassurance of my position motivated me to fight the case in small claims. Our views and logic was aligned. We fought off principle and we prevailed!
Katie prepared me for small claims and 2 weeks before the hearing, Airbnb responded with a favorable settlement.
I’m so glad I decided to pursue the claim. Thanks to Katie, I was able to close this case and finally move on from this very stressful ordeal.
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11 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Aaron is one of the best trial atorneys. I was the defendant in a matter Aaron helped me with, prior to trial we offered over $150K to settle the matter, after trial Aaron had won me an award of $86K, that was a $236K swing in my favor because Aaron did such a good job.
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25 Jan, 2015 by Birgitta
I'm comfortable with Jennifer. She explains things in a way I can understand . If I don't she will continue until I do.
Always easy to reach.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Michael
I met with Andy to do a will and he said we can do a family trust.
He was through and very thoughtful with a few extra touches that were unexpected. He really know his estate and trust practice,
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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.
