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5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
47 Reviews
08 Jul, 2024 by Victoria lee tinajero
Highly recommend took the Time to hear me out in my situation. Was a huge help. She’s so nice and patient. I had my baby crying during most of our consultation and she was so understanding. It’s nice to have people who actually want to help.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Mo mann
Highly recommended, knowledgeable and caring. Feels like you're dealing with family.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Nahisha pettit
I was referred to Attorney Jones by a friend who previously used her services. I’m so grateful for the referral, I’ve had a fantastic experience working with this law office. I brought a case to Attorney Jones late last year, and her help was phenomenal. She made herself accessible, even super early in the morning, before business hours. When she called me that morning, I was so impressed that she was working from her car before even arriving to the office. She’s been a wonderful resource for questions I’ve had after my case settled. I’m so happy I found this practice.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.7
33 Reviews
09 Dec, 2024 by Bruce
I was referred to David Hamilton by a mutual Attorney friend. The staff and front desk clerk are extremely helpful and nice. Mr. Hamilton was outstanding to work with and was extremely knowledgeable. He answered all my questions and even gave me very sound advice and excellent ideas for my Will &Trust. The process was fast and the fee very reasonable. I would highly recommend David Hamilton for any estate planning and I am glad he is on my side. I am currently the Executer of two Estates and to have everything in the Will & Trust correct makes the process in Probate a lot easier.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Liliana flores
They don’t speak Spanish
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01 Jul, 2024 by Parker phinney
Probate case. The first firm we hired was unresponsive, so we had to find a new one. Same thing with the second firm. Finally we hired Sandoval. Megan was responsive, knowledgeable, and most importantly: she actually took our case seriously. She kicked into gear right away to get our dad's house sold before it went to foreclosure. Despite the complexities that were out of her control, she kept the process moving and got through everything in a timely manner, diligently walking us through every step along the way.
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5.0
7 Reviews
4.7
33 Reviews
05 Jul, 2024 by Liliana flores
They don’t speak Spanish
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01 Jul, 2024 by Parker phinney
Probate case. The first firm we hired was unresponsive, so we had to find a new one. Same thing with the second firm. Finally we hired Sandoval. Megan was responsive, knowledgeable, and most importantly: she actually took our case seriously. She kicked into gear right away to get our dad's house sold before it went to foreclosure. Despite the complexities that were out of her control, she kept the process moving and got through everything in a timely manner, diligently walking us through every step along the way.
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01 Jul, 2024 by J. rivera
Happy with law firm. They provided great work and completed the mission. The firm saw to it that what was needed was taken care of without incurring more than necessary. I'm happy with the lawyers at this firm and I believe. you will too.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.7
33 Reviews
05 Jul, 2024 by Liliana flores
They don’t speak Spanish
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01 Jul, 2024 by Parker phinney
Probate case. The first firm we hired was unresponsive, so we had to find a new one. Same thing with the second firm. Finally we hired Sandoval. Megan was responsive, knowledgeable, and most importantly: she actually took our case seriously. She kicked into gear right away to get our dad's house sold before it went to foreclosure. Despite the complexities that were out of her control, she kept the process moving and got through everything in a timely manner, diligently walking us through every step along the way.
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01 Jul, 2024 by J. rivera
Happy with law firm. They provided great work and completed the mission. The firm saw to it that what was needed was taken care of without incurring more than necessary. I'm happy with the lawyers at this firm and I believe. you will too.
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03 Mar, 2025 by Alexander canas
Great service fast results… will fully recommend…. 💪
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27 Feb, 2025 by Adam jaramillo
Costen Ruiz Law helped me with a very difficult case and resolved it positively, with much better results than I ever expected.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Izik zamudio
I am very grateful for my attorney Alex and his team. I was arrested abruptly and him and his team worked close with my family to review options for my release. I am grateful for his attentiveness to my case and his accessibility to me and my family. My case was a looming presence over me but thanks to his knowledge of the court system and him and his teams work, my case was dismissed.
My unfamiliarity with the legal system made a very confusing time feel very scary but having Alex and his team gave me courage and peace. Highly recommended for anyone going through a similar situation.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Michael rojano
Best attorneys ever. Totaled my car, couldn't get to work and they took care of everything extremely fast. I never had to call them, they always called me. Sara, Sami, and Johnny are amazing attorneys. My settlement was waaay more than what I thought I was going to receive. I would seriously use them again in a heartbeat.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Jonathan torres
I had an exceptional experience with Monarch Law Group, and Sara was truly amazing and incredibly helpful throughout my entire case. I highly recommend Sara and Monarch Law Group for anyone in need of top-notch legal representation. Five stars all the way!
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31 May, 2024 by Martin
I felt Samin went above and beyond in her level of care, communication, and empathy she showed with me. She guided me through the process with care and respect, personally. I never felt, nor was passed on to an assistant or had to wait for any kind of response from her. She truly was exceptional to work with and has my deepest gratitude.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Idida
Kristine did an awesome job for my parents & brother. She was caring & professional & you can tell she's not about just making money. She was the best family representative; she took very well care of my family's desires. She dealt with the entire process while my sister & i were able to mourn. I absolutely recommend her 100% thank you Kristine
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22 Mar, 2021 by Linda
Since my previous probate attorney was not able to handle my case, I was referred to Ms. Borgia. I was very pleased how quickly she was able orientate herself to the complexities of the Conservatorship that was in place for my developmently disabled adult daughter. I found her knowledge of probate law and issues to be complete and her legal advise on my case to be viable. She helped me to feel comfortable with the outcome of my last court hearing which supported my daughter's current board and care placement and the current Conservatorship.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Erwin
She helped us with a new family trust. Very professional and thorough. She was and is excellent to work with
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20 Nov, 2024 by Citlalli jimenez renteria
Highly recommend. JSM Injury Firm helped with everything, including having to do anything with my car. They were super thoughtful and fault for the best interest in my behave.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Awful experience. This attorney offered to analyze my probate case for $2500. When I called back to agree he asked for $1000 more. I paid $3500. He told me his partner, who is his daughter, will be continuing my case. Nobody was contacting me for five weeks. When I called five weeks later no attorneys were available to talk to, only there assistant. Assistant emailed me review of my case two weeks later which wasn't making sense at all, and signed by the assistant. Besides of that I received bill for $575 week later. Profile of this attorney on this website states "Attention", because his license was suspended four times.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Diana quintana
This was my first time working with attorneys and the JSM team was super helpful in walking me through the entire process. Jamal and his team made sure I got the proper care I needed and they helped me get the best settlement possible.
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05 Sep, 2018 by J.m.h.
Pamela was wonderful in helping with my conservatorship application, and also revising my trust. My deepest thanks.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Dawn
Pam helped us complete a trust for my husband's mother and sort out a neglected set of small investments. The goal was to structure everything so that my mother-in-law could stay in her home but be eligible for Medicaid if and when she required a skilled nursing facility. My mother-in-law was house-bound and Pam was so helpful with coming to the house, explaining everything, and guiding her through the process. When my mother-in-law died, Pam's work really made it straightforward and all the disposition of assets went smoothly with no problems or probate.
We liked Pam so much we had her do our estate plan soon after. She was very expert in her recommendations and made a process that can be a little traumatic, both easy and painless. We can now be sure that we will leave an estate that will not cause our beneficiaries undue trouble and will not cause our assets to be subject to unnecessary taxes or probate.
Pam really knows what she is doing and the cost was reasonable as well.
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12 Apr, 2015 by Jeff
When you feel the need to hire an attorney, there is a "sticker shock" for most of us when we find out the cost. However, for my case, Pamela did everything to keep her fees and the court cost to a minimum. And, she kept me informed from the beginning to end, letting me know the pros and cons (I almost feel she was to cautious). In her, I found no dishonestly in running up the cost, and yes the cost did run up, but this was because of a system that can be very frustrating, it wasn't on her! And, she warned me how the 'system" works and of potential problems that might arise there too. You have to make up your mind as to whether or not the cost is worth it, but I strongly feel that you will have an honest attorney who cares, and wants you to keep as much of your money as possible. Oh, and for what is worth, she is nice person.
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13 Oct, 2009 by Cher
Attorney Beecher was not only professional in the handling of my fathers estate, but he was compassionate as well. Attorney Beecher went above and beyond to assist our family with the closure of the estate and always maintained positive lines of communication.
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08 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Beecher is a very goof Probate attorney. He has been able to anwser all of my questions and has been fighting for the estate 100%. I would highly recommend him!
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15 Nov, 2018 by Donna
I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica Lyons regarding a conservatorship renewal for my disabled son. She is very knowledgeable, thorough and precise with details. She goes beyond normal expectations.
In transitioning to another state, she researched and provided names of several attorneys for me to explore.
I would definitely recommend Jessica to family and friends for her expertise, compassion, and work ethics.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Anita and alyssia
First I wanted to say "Thank You" to Mr. Nevins and also to Attorney Jennifer Jones, for being so professional and patient with us. I must say that Mr. Nevins is Excellent! My daughter and I had a meeting with him last week for a FREE consultation on a Probate matter. He was very knowledgeable and responsive to our needs. He listened to our issues and took the time to explain all of our options to us, in a manner that we could understand. I would highly recommend this Law Firm to anyone who needs legal assistance of this type. Thanks again.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Sonya
Mr. Scott Grossman, Attorney of The Grossman Law Firm, APC and I became acquainted in June of 2020 and hired to represent me on my later brothers estate. Mr. Scott Grossman, Attorney is highly formally educated in taxes and law, highly professional, highly thorough, highly personable, highly reasonable, and highly follows through with absolutely every detail to the very end. As such my late brothers estate was concluded in February of 2024. In conclusion, I highly recommend Mr. Scott Grossman, Attorney for all of your Trust Litigation needs ! Thank you for everything that you have performed and concluded for me ! Regards, Sonya M. von Moltke Milena, Client
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24 Mar, 2021 by Randy
Scott was extremely professional in a very complex and difficult case. He kept us abreast in all matters, helped us understand the process with a positive result.
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28 Sep, 2020 by David
This attorney was definitely a God-send to me. In my moment of facing a situation that I had no idea how to handle, I began reaching out to attorneys. One, then another, and another I believe it might have been 15 total. I learned of this attorney just as I was retaining another. When things seemed like representation from the one I retained were beginning to become difficult, I thought it best to excuse him. I thank heaven above for the opportunity to retain Attorney Grossman. The degree of professionalism I received from this attorney and his firm was on level I had not experienced before. This highly skilled attorney along with his excellent staff made every effort to keep me updated, to review strategies, and make it know that it was always about what I wanted. No one has to tell me; I know that I was very lucky they agreed to take my case. I came to this attorney with little to no documentation supporting my claim. A clam that should have made almost 2 decades ago. That did not matter. They truly empathized with me and told me not to worry and leave everything to them. These now friends of mine treated me like nobody has ever treated me. If you want to come out victorious then retain this man. RETAIN HIM. I practically guarantee you'll be more tha happy with the decision and eternally sorry if you dont.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Citlalli jimenez renteria
Highly recommend. JSM Injury Firm helped with everything, including having to do anything with my car. They were super thoughtful and fault for the best interest in my behave.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney, I paid $15,000. and never felt that she communicated her plan. This firm is not worth the money or time !
I warn everyone to steer clear BEWARE!!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Diana quintana
This was my first time working with attorneys and the JSM team was super helpful in walking me through the entire process. Jamal and his team made sure I got the proper care I needed and they helped me get the best settlement possible.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Victoria lee tinajero
Highly recommend took the Time to hear me out in my situation. Was a huge help. She’s so nice and patient. I had my baby crying during most of our consultation and she was so understanding. It’s nice to have people who actually want to help.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Mo mann
Highly recommended, knowledgeable and caring. Feels like you're dealing with family.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Nahisha pettit
I was referred to Attorney Jones by a friend who previously used her services. I’m so grateful for the referral, I’ve had a fantastic experience working with this law office. I brought a case to Attorney Jones late last year, and her help was phenomenal. She made herself accessible, even super early in the morning, before business hours. When she called me that morning, I was so impressed that she was working from her car before even arriving to the office. She’s been a wonderful resource for questions I’ve had after my case settled. I’m so happy I found this practice.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Rosa garcia
Estoy muy agradecida con Abogado José Alfaro y su equipo de trabajo son muy profesionales Y amables al resolver cada una de mis preguntas, En 6 meses Obtuve mi permiso de trabajo y de entrada, Gracias a Dios y a José Alfaro Law, no lo podía creer volví a ver a mi familia después de 20 años Y pude regresar con éxito a mi ciudad en California, Gracias José Alfaro Law.🙏✨
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26 Sep, 2024 by Alberto cardozo
muy buen abogado!
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21 Sep, 2024 by Raul quijada
Excelente firma, abogado Jose Alfaro muy transparente con el proceso, muy servicial, todo se cumplió con lo que el me explico al inicio, recomendado cien por ciento!!
Muchas gracias abogado por su servicio y le deseo mucho más éxito.
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06 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Fitzgerald did a great job of defending me. He always returned my phone calls within 24 hours and made me feel at east with my case.
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19 Feb, 2025 by Grafik productions
Best lawyer I could ever have hired for my case just got out of court and got justice and my custody for my daughter thank you for you service I highly recommend it
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10 Nov, 2024 by Abed ali
I went and explained everything to Xavier and he told me he will help me but I discovered that they are scammers. He told me everything will be ready after two days. I discovered that they did not do anything on my papers, and then I called them to see what happened, but their answer shocked me. What is your case and what are its details? They forgot everything, even though I sent them everything by email. But when I spoke to them, the price changed and rose insanely. The agreement was from the beginning on something clear and specific, but I discovered that they are scammers and they do not care about your case or anything except the money. It is all lies upon lies.
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10 Nov, 2024 by Grace pahlinha
I found this law firm to be more harmful than helpful to our case. It originally went well until the payment terms of our settlement agreement was changed without our knowledge while we waited for the check to arrive. It was not disclosed until the check was already cut to include their name on the check which, was not on the agreement we signed. From there, an additional large amount was invoiced to keep some of it and we are still trying to get it back nearly a year later. I think the shocking part was being billed over 40k for work they did not even do. Took a year to receive our files to even discover that. A material expert witness opinion was also never shown to us before settlement. I gave 2 stars for the law clerk who did help a bit but this firm should stick to defending DUI's and dealing with probate. Personal injury, med mal, and elder cases will fail here.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Heather
I would recomend this lawyer. She gave me a lot of useful valuable information over the phone along with some great advise. Very kind and talked with me for a very long time giving me peace of mind. I felt more knowlegable and comforatable with my situation after talking with her. Very appreciated! A++
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14 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I contacted Attorney Farrell concerning an upcoming conservatorship case, and I found her knowledge of proceedings, and proper methods of addressing concerns impeccable. She is very detailed; Provides references for information given, and very patient when addressing questions ensuring there is enough clarity to make well informed decisions. I highly recommend Attorney Farrell for any of your legal matters. She is AWESOME!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Christine
C L was great! She went above and beyond. She took the time to explain options for my situation and had my best interest at heart. She genuinely cared! Very glad was able to speak with her.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Kevin
I was looking for an attorney for my parents. I wanted to help them get set up with a trust. I had called other law firms, but it was difficult to talk to an attorney. I then called this office and was able to get scheduled for a free consultation with an attorney right away. Not only was Jonathan friendly, but he made things very easy to understand. He was also a Spanish-speaker which I wanted for my parents. Best part was his services were affordable. My parents were also very happy with him. I recommend.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Angela wong
I would not give any stars for this company. I had dealt with Chris Kiernan in evicting a nonpaying tenant back in 2022. Chris Kiernan was not communicative with me at all throughout the almost two years (10/2020 - 8/2022) that it took to evict the tenant. I had to follow up constantly to see what the status was, and often times I wouldn't receive a response back until a month after I send the initial follow up email. The company ended up serving the papers the wrong person, the judgment/writ of execution/possession was filed incorrectly and needed to be resubmitted 2-3 times to the court. There were also significant delays that were avoidable with getting the sheriff to accompany us to change the locks to the property. From 1/2022, I was informed that the writ of possession was received and he would sent it to the sheriff so that we could change the locks with the sheriff that following week. It wasn't until four months later in 5/2022 that I took matters into my own hands and called the sheriff's office since I wasn't getting any updates from Chris. They informed me that the writ was sent back to the lawyer's office as it didn't include the cashier's check and the case number was written incorrectly. Chris resubmitted it for processing with the sheriff and told me that it was delivered, but when I called the sheriff, they said they didn't receive anything. Working with this company was extremely frustrating. Multiple documents needed to be resubmitted for processing with the courts and sheriff's office. I understand this was during a time of COVID where processing get delayed; however these delays were due to multiple avoidable user errors. Overall, I would not recommend this company to people dealing with evictions.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Will v
I had some property line issues a couple months back and Scott gave me the advice I needed to move forward. I wasn't sure how to go about the situation, he gave guidance and insight on how things work. I outreached to a few attorneys and none of them got back to me but Scott took the time to reach me and help me out right away. Thank you guys.
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12 Aug, 2023 by Paul
Retained Company after becoming Administrator in Pro Per to file 850 Petition and recover assets for probate in March 2021. They filed an incomplete 850 Petition which had to be corrected and refiled by another law firm, after the Judge asked for additional information. Never even asked for an inventory or Trust accounting, ever. The invoices however, never stopped. After 2.5 years they recovered $0 and charged over $50,000 in fees.
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13 Jan, 2021 by Deanna
Kyle was very supportive, and listened to me. Would highly recommend him for anyone that is having family problems. He settled my case, and won. After four lawyers, I finally found him thank God. Thank God and him. He had to deal with some real devious people, and was never intimidated by them or their lawyers. Thank you Kyle for supporting and representing me. Thanks also for your People. They were wonderful to work with❤️
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04 Mar, 2020 by Merci
I cant enough regarding Kyle Patrick and his staff. Professional, knowledgeable, compassionate. Fought for me. Went above and beyond .
Top notch attorney. He knows his stuff !
Thank you Kyle for being there for me through this difficult time.
Highly recommend
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21 Sep, 2023 by Robert
this lawyer is the worst thing ever happened to me
he works very slow and he never answer the phone his secretary is very mean and unrespectful she likes to argue with you for no reason I try to get rid of very bad tenants and they finally vacate the property after nine months. because this lawyer takes for ever to file a case against these people.
they left the property and never recuperate any money they own me.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Martha
I came to Gilbert Gutierrez with my Uncle to set up a Family Trust. This Family Trust was not a straight forward Trust. It has some components in it that made it a bit complicated. Shortly after the Family Trust was set up my Uncle pasted away. Gilbert's office was very professional and helpful through this whole process. I had many questions on how to proceed as the Trustee of the Trust. Mr. Gutierrez's office guided me all along the way. Helping me step by step. They handled the transferring and recording of several properties. This process has been very smooth. The staff has always been friendly and helpful when I have questions or concerns. Jiri has been great at communicating and keeping me informed. Making time to sit down and bringing me up to date on where we are in the process. Never rushed through, always making sure my questions were answered. Gilbert has been great to defend and address issues that came up legally. I did not have to worry about attending court or how to respond when corresponding with other attorney's. Gilbert has taken care of all of this. I have been very happy with Gilbert Gutierrez and Jiri and office staff. As the Trustee of the Trust I have responsibilities and duties to fulfill that are mine to complete. Gilbert's office has been great at keeping me on track throughout this process. I am very happy with the work they have done and are doing for me.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Lisa
Mr. Gutierrez was incredibly professional, upfront and honest about dealing with my case and costs involved. He offered options and provided extremely helpful advice. I would not hesitate to return for any legal issue handled by his office.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I had Ellen on retainer for about two years at the beginning of my custody case. It became very complicated, very quickly, due to the other party being extremely combative and uncooperative. Ellen helped me stay calm throughout multiple attacks against me including false allegations, false statements, etc. I would recommend her to anyone, especially those dealing with an unreasonably combative opponent.
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02 Nov, 2020 by Susanne
I am disabled. Apparently Ellen does not work with disabled people. So Disappointed.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
She was great! I had lost custody of my son in 2008 due to false accusations. She told me exactly how to defend myself against every allegation that was made. If I was on my own, I never would have thought to gather the evidence that we did. We had a mini trial in family law, and not only did I regain custody, but she put my son's father in his place! I just wish she was a bit more aggressive. But in the end, I got what I hired her for!
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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.
