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19 Mar, 2024 by Bikram
We reached out to Josh looking for a local lawyer who understood real estate law in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Furthermore, his understanding of both tent and landlord rights was instrumental in our decisions on how to proceed as we were concerned with our liability as we had documented everything to the best of our abilities and never thought we would be in this predicament fighting to keep what was ours. With Josh services and persistence we were able to avoid a lengthy and draining legal battle due to Josh through review of our case and his outline of approaches available to us (each with pros and cons detailed), reminding us that all of these options will result in justice and fairness but all with various timelines and costs. As we prepared for a lengthy battle Josh persisted to communicate with the other party convincing them that it was in their favor to resolve the issue quickly and justly.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Fred
Josh has handled business matters for my partnership as well as personal matters. He's been very constructive and provided valuable advice. And, notably, he listened to our needs and worked with us to find workable solutions.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Raquel b
He was so very helpful! He is not your typical lawyer, he's very personable and very kind! I appreciated him very much.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Patrick
Peggy helped us with our Revocable Trust and she guided us through everything. She's very responsive and reliable. Highly recommended.
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02 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Peggy made the process of drawing up our trust and wills as smooth as I could have imagined it. She was very informatibve, and she used email and dropbox to share files, which made document review very efficient. She was patient with us while we completed our forms, but was always there for us whenever we needed anything. I've recommended her to others and will keep doing so.
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02 Jul, 2013 by Jenny
Peggy is professional, knowledgeable, thorough and extremely responsive. We recently had a last minute need for her services...she was awesome and came through for us. We would highly recommend her.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Michelle
After speaking to four different law offices, we decided to go with Jay at LifePlan Lawyer. When we met Jay for the first time, I greatly appreciated his knowledge, years of experience, professionalism, and most of all, his genuine human touch. Right away, I felt cared for, trusted, and comforted. And I can't say enough, even in a thousand words, about his team. Andrea and Daphney were there for me every step of the way. Whether I was in town or overseas, they always provided detailed explanations of follow-ups, gave heads-ups for the next steps, and responded immediately to calls and emails. I feel so fortunate to have found Jay and his team. Thank you very much for all your advice, guidance, efforts, and support when I needed it most. I highly recommend LifePlan Lawyer. They are simply the BEST team!
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14 Jul, 2023 by Sarah & murray
We are very grateful to have found Jay and his LifePlan Lawyer Team and were more than satisfied with their professionalism and knowledge. Jay walked my husband and I through the process of creating a Living Trust, Healthcare Directive, and Pour-Over Will, patiently answering our questions and making things easy to understand. He kept us on task and the whole process from start to finish was only a couple of weeks and it has now given us the peace of mind that our family will avoid costly probate fees and that our assets will transfer to our family with ease. Jay and his wife, Debbie, are great people and they make the process easy with online meetings and a very efficient in-person signing. We went for a bite to eat locally and then picked up our very nice binder with all documents organized only about 45 mins after signing. To top it off, Jay took a photo of us as his gift to us. I would definitely recommend Jay and the Lifeplan Lawyer Team to anyone looking for honest, professional, efficient and very personable legal advice. Jay and his team are a cut above the rest and his fees are reasonable too - you won't be disappointed.
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28 Apr, 2022 by Monica
Jay and his team were incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgable. They quickly and efficiently helped my husband and I create and establish our trust, will, and a few other documents. I highly recommend anyone to work with Jay!
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24 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
I have found Dan Hall and his office staff to always provide quality service and advice. I would highly recommend Dan Hall to anyone looking for help in estate planning and or setting up a living trust. Carol Lehman
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06 Sep, 2024 by Leah perez
Archana Srivastava, Esq. is a wonderful lawyer. She has helped me navigate custody issues with a difficult ex husband. I wish I had taken the advice she gave me in several instances. I should have listened to her because she was trying to guide me to compromising on things instead of fighting my ex. I regret not listening to her more because she knew what she was talking about. She wanted to resolve things in a constructive way which is one of the many reasons why I think Archana is a great lawyer.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Faye guarienti
We feel so happy have met Brian Quall when we needed to update our living Trust. We are elderly, but never felt the least bit condescended to. Brian was so kind and clear about the process and answered any and all questions that we had. He informed us of all that was required from us and what his role and responsibilities were. After signing the final document we breathed a sigh of relief and realized just how easy and painless the process was for us thanks to Brian's expertise.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Sharon lundin
After years of putting off doing our family living trust because we thought it would be a long, expensive & difficult process we finally got it done with Brian Qualls. We chose him because of all of his excellent reviews and he didn't disappoint. The process was so quick & easy and any questions we had were promptly answered in clear and understandable terms. What a relief to finally get this accomplished. Thank you Brian for making this so easy!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Xuming fan
It’s a miracle! I was pulled over and charged with DUI in my personal car on July 23rd, even worse is I am a CDL driver. The very probable outcome would be CDL suspension, tough DMV hearing, IID installed, SR22 insurance pay, DUI Fine, and the worst, unemployment and get stuck in the miserable condition for a couple of years. Thanks be to God, I came across those real comments and cases like what I am writing down here and the details and descriptions convinced me. I did only one correct thing the next day: call Gorelick Law Office. It turns out a surprise conviction: wet reckless driving, no CDL suspension, no DMV hearing, no IID, no SR 22 insurance… I am wondering now maybe Lynn and Teresa could possibly have been able to dismiss my case if I had tried all my best.
Reach out to Gorelick office, talk to Teresa, 100% trust Lynn, follow the advice and try your best, you will make it!
Never drink and drive again!
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14 May, 2024 by William ulmer
24 Apr, 2024 by Jorge rivas
I am extremely grateful for Lynn’s exceptional representation in my second DUI case. Lynn’s expertise and dedication were evident throughout the entire process. Their strategic approach and attention to detail resulted in a successful outcome for me. I highly recommend Lynn to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable lawyer. Thank you Lynn for your outstanding work!
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20 Jun, 2023 by Kimberly easley
17 Nov, 2019 by Nikki z
30 Mar, 2019 by Kristen koeller
Nick Tooliatos and his team have been beyond supportive with my father's conservatorship. They are caring, precise, and have helped to keep me on track with my dad's care and support. Nick has been mindful to minimize unnecessary costs and offered expert advice that has lessened the stress on my family and me. For years, as my dad declined, I was told that it was nearly impossible to get conservatorship for a loved one, but Nick and his team made it happen. Thank God they did because my dad is in a much better place now. I highly recommend Nick and am grateful for his support and expertise.
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23 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I spoke once to Denise and she suggested a process forward and asked for a check to continue the case my sister and I were pursuing. After more than adequate time for her to receive the check at first she didn't even know who I was when I called. Then she was totally rude in cutting me off and telling me she wasn't taking the case.
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17 Jan, 2016 by Janine
I had a very emotional case of trust fraud. My brother stole all of my inheritance and Denise handled this with honesty, patience and willingness to see justice prevail. Eventually it finally did. Could never have gone through this process without her!!!
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11 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
We retained Denise to negotiate a settlement agreement for my son's estate after he passed away Christmas Day 2011. We hired her because she assured us, given all the facts of the situation, that she could help us avoid probate. Out of the many attorneys we spoke with this was the key motivation for retaining Denise. Our main goal was to save our family the pain of a lengthy legal process after our loss.
Her first recommendation to us after receiving a retainer was to file for probate. Her actions during a very sensitive turning point cost all of us dearly, in legal fees and in emotional health. She alienated the parties by bolstering the party's attorney rather than proposing a settlement agreement.
We canceled our retainer check. To make matters worse she is actually going to take my living son and I to small claims court over $2500.
After the loss of my son.... the worst decision I made was talking to this firm and to Denise Chambliss.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Denise I'm coming for you, you took my hard-earned money AND did nothing with my Divorce case, then split to SoCal.
Your doing nothing hurt my case, you put me in a bad situation with the Martinez Court. What a scam you're running. you said you had Covid after you ghosted me for 90 days. FINE, then Zelle me my $3200. You asked for more money, then removed yourself from my case without consulting me on the very next day.
Shame on you!!!
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07 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Stay away from this lawyer. I paid the retainer back on June 14, 2022 although I was not ready to file for the dissolution of my marriage because we were trying to get the house sold first before my husband and I filed but Denise had told me that to be assured of her availability, I needed to pay her the retainer fee. So I gave her my credit card and bank info, I figured, she’s a lawyer, she will not scam me right?
I told her that I will let her know when I am ready for her to file. So I’ve emailed her requesting an appointment over the phone on August 17, no response. I’ve sent her another email on August 27 requesting the same and she finally told me that she was available to talk on Sunday evening at 5. I spoke with her and she had told me that she will be sending two forms for me to fill out (I remember later that I had already filled out two forms that she needed to file) but that she just had moved to a new office and will have to hook up her computer first-she was going to send me those forms later on that night. A whole week passed, and I haven’t received any form of communication from her, I’ve sent sent emails on 8/29, 8/31, and 9/1 following up on the forms that she was supposed to send but not once did she respond. I’ve left messages on her phone, sent her text messages on 9/5 & 9/8, still no response. I thought of calling her on my work cell phone on 9/8 and I’ve received a text from her saying right away stating”please text me”.
On 9/16, I’ve emailed her notifying her that I wanted to opt out of my contract with her since she hasn’t done anything for me and I had not heard back from her despite many attempts of contacting her. She called me on 9/19 and told me that she was ill. I told her again that I want to cancel our contract and I want my retainer back. She said it had to go through accounting first, that was 14 days ago and I’ve still not received any reimbursement.
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15 Jan, 2022 by Latifa
My ex filed an emergency ex parte order which the court holds hearings on pretty fast. He also requested child support. I was so lost in the process as things happened suddenly and had no representation during the first two hearings. I was lost as to what was happening or why it was happening.
I requested a consult with Denise who called me back. I'd spoken with a few attorneys before getting to Denise, none of which gave me the time of day other than to say they worked in family law and what their rates were. During our consult, she took her time to explain (although I'd already been to court twice) what was happening, ask me me questions to ensure she understood specifics related to my case, and then explained what defenses we could present and what the process would be moving forward all before I paid her a dime. She was honest in that this may not be a fast process, transparent, and most importantly (especially as I have never had to deal with family court before) sympathetic. Although we are still in court, she has been able to get some pretty nice wins - legal rights such as educational and medical access, ex was interfering with my ability to communicate with our child. Denise was able to argue this and have judge order him to purchase her a cellphone so I could communicate with her directly. ALL of this was done in her 1st court appearance on my behalf!
She calls prior to court hearings to make sure we are on same page with strategy, what may possibly happen/what to expect and what we're going after during the hearing. She also calls to debrief after court hearing with next steps.
Denise representing me has given me hope where it felt hopeless before and helped me to understand more about the process where I had zero understanding and knowledge.
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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.
