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13 Jul, 2024 by Kylen brayan
03 Jul, 2024 by Erin cahalan
I just want to say Barbra is a very good lawyer she help my mom get approved for her ssdi when she had been waiting YEARS to be approved. She has been extremely helpful, educational, professional and I’m very glad she was able to help my family. I would refer her to anyone having trouble with the same issue in a heart beat. Thank you Barbra
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28 Jun, 2024 by Alh yakubu amana
19 Oct, 2024 by Barney ross
Roy and his team are awesome! They are always very professional and quick to respond. His team is very knowledgeable. I always refer people looking for a good worker comp attorney to Roy’s office. Keep crushing it Roy Yang team!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Guero garcia
10 Oct, 2024 by Peaches
*Disappointing Experience with Roy Yang Law Office- Lack of Communication and Unprofessional Service*
I'm extremely dissatisfied with Roy Yang's Law Office handling of my workers' compensation case. Despite hiring them 7 months ago, I've experienced chronic communication issues and unprofessional service.
Key concerns:
- *Ignored emails*: Multiple messages regarding my case have gone unanswered.
- *Lack of preparation*: No one briefed me on what to expect for my recent QME (Qualified Medical Evaluation).
- *Missed appointments*: A phone appointment was scheduled without notification, and I only discovered it by calling the firm.
- *Unhelpful staff*: When I do reach someone, I'm made to feel like a burden or an inconvenience.
Given my frustrating experience, I question the authenticity of positive reviews. I advise others to exercise caution when considering Roy Yang for legal representation.
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15 Feb, 2023 by Lester sabo
They didn't appear to meet my needs so I moved on. Nothing negative to post.
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06 May, 2022 by Ian qubain
I called in and although they couldn't take my case they gave some great information and recommended a great lawyer for my case. If they were able to do that for me, I can only imagine how great they would handle a case
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15 Aug, 2016 by Tammy
Patricia Carter prepared my living trust for me a couple of years ago. I found her to be professional, courteous, thorough, and quite amiable as well. I am very satisfied with the work she did for me.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Tony wood
Chuck Trainor and his associates are some of the best attorneys in the region.
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07 May, 2020 by Johnique silver
17 Jan, 2020 by Carol
15 Feb, 2023 by Lester sabo
They didn't appear to meet my needs so I moved on. Nothing negative to post.
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06 May, 2022 by Ian qubain
I called in and although they couldn't take my case they gave some great information and recommended a great lawyer for my case. If they were able to do that for me, I can only imagine how great they would handle a case
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08 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms Potts was extremely unresponsive. It took her months to respond to letters from my opponent lawyer. I had to follow up with her 5 to 6 times before she would return a phone call. Each time she had an excuse. She was ill, her staff was ill, she was out of town, etc. My case was handled so poorly that I would have been better represented if I acted as my own lawyer. Please, the only satisfaction I have from using this lawyer is warning prospective clients not to use her.
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04 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
I agree with the previous review. I had a very poor experience with this attorney. She did not return calls or keep me informed. There was excessive billing for very little accomplished and I had to go elsewhere. I would not recommend this person.
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02 May, 2008 by Anonymous
In our family's experience, we have had a devastating experience with this person and her firm, and have lost thousands upon thousands of dollars in the inheritances our parents left to us, as a direct result of her legal maneuvering, and exorbitant bills. In our experience, she avoids communicating, hides from telephone calls and correspondence, and has billed our trust 10 times the national average for an estate of this size (fairly small size estate). Our family is heartbroken, and our poor deceased parents would be sick to know what has occurred with their hard-earning life savings and family property. Do not assume because she is associated with the board of the Sacramento California Bar that this is a seal of approval or a verification of her qualifications. We did, and we were wrong. Do your homework and find an attorney who is reputable and honest.
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26 May, 2023 by Antoinette
In the wake of my mother’s death, I was the victim of a confidence game. I filed a complaint to the CA State Bar Association on October 9, 2022 regarding Mr. Hyatt. On their Attorney Misconduct Complaint Form, I checked yes to the following questions: Does this complaint involve allegations that the attorney has abandoned a client? Does this complaint involve theft? On May 2, 2023, the CA State Bar, Office of General Counsel, requested my assent to have an attorney review my complaint. I consented.
In our initial conversation, Mr. Hyatt stated that he would represent me, for $2,000.00, to submit a Probate Petition (DE-111) to the Sacramento Superior Court on my behalf and attend court hearings. Citing me as the petitioner, the Petition would request my choice of a professional fiduciary (PF) to serve as the administrator for my late mother’s estate. The Petition Mr. Hyatt filed with the court never included my name as the petitioner. The PF was named the petitioner. The PF, as the petitioner, requested that he be the administrator. The Petition was signed by Mr. Hyatt and the PF. Prior to the first hearing, when the judge would make a determination based upon said Petition, Mr. Hyatt emailed, to me, two signed contracts which stated that the PF was the administrator of the estate: Probate Service Agreement and Conflict Waiver. The Probate Service Agreement stated that the PF had given Mr. Hyatt $2,000.00, not me. At that hearing, no decision was rendered and a second hearing was scheduled. Mr. Hyatt informed me that the second hearing had been cancelled. He requested that we initiate a new contract whereby he would retain the remaining funds plus a request for me to send additional funds. I discovered that the second hearing had not been cancelled and declined. I listened to the hearing telephonically. Unbeknownst to me, Mr. Hyatt withdrew the Petition. I was never reimbursed and had to hire another attorney.
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21 Jan, 2024 by Daniel
My review about Attorney David Louis Brown Jr, is proven by supporting documentary evidence that I have in my possession, and my account of what happened is in chronological order as the events occured.
(#1) On November 1st 2018 my Mother and I each signed a retainer agreement for 5,000 dollars for a certain probate attorney to represent us both on a upcoming December 6 the court proceeding
(#1)
This is when I read in a report that opposing counsel stated that there was a potential conflict my mother and I being represented by the same attorney, and opposing counsel stated that my mother would benefit from a court appointed attorney to represent her on the upcoming December 6th court proceeding.
(#2)
This was when I decided to retain the Law Firm where Attorney David Louis Brown was a associate for 9,000 dollars cash to work with the first attorney to remove the conflict that was brought up by opposing counsel and to give my mother the benefit if a private attorney.
(#3) This is what occured next
On November 2nd 2018, First Attorney notified me that he received the report from opposing counsel that requested that my mother be represented by a court appointed attorney.
(#4) On November 2nd 2018 The evidence shows the first attorney sent a message to the head attorney where Attorney David Louis Brown, was a associate and stated that it seems on December 6th you will he representing my blank on the December 6th court proceeding and you or your partner Attorney David Louis Brown, will be representing blank on the December 6th court proceeding then he states likely a substitution of attorney would be appropriate as I filed opposition on behalf of blank.
(#5) Now on November 28th 2018 Attorney David Louis Brown was instructed by the head attorney he was a associate at to obtain my signature on a substitution if attorney stated that they received a message from blank needing the substitution of attorney because he wanted to represent my mother on the upcoming December 6th court proceeding, so I signed the substitution of attorney.
(#6) Now this is when there whole scheme started Attorney David Louis Browns Paralegal filed the Substitution of attorney without the signature of the first attorney who requested it, and wrote where he was suppose to sign signature was on next page which it wasn't, so she filed the Substitution of attorney without the signature of the first attorney.
(#7) Now on December 4th 2018, the first attorney prepared a second substitution of attorney forged my signature on the substitution of attorney and used it to release himself from representing my mother on the upcoming December 6th court proceeding.
(#8) Now on December 6th the first attorney failed to show up to court which allowed the court to appoint a court appointed attorney to represent my mother.
(#9) Now when this occured I tried multiple times to get in touch with the first attorney but he kept avoiding my calls and visits to this office,
(#10) Now on January 13th 2019. I got a message from first attorney telling me that I never retained him to represent my mother or myself and then he stated that Attorney David Brown asked the court if he could represent my mother and as expected the court denied hus request. and he kept the 10,000 dollar retainer.
This is what I found out when I reviewed the substitution of attorney. The Substitution of attorney states that I released the first attorney and my mother's new attorney was Attorney David Louis Brown, but was really disturbing on the December 6th court proceeding Attorney David Louis Brown showed up to court representing me not my mother and he allowed the appointment of a court appointed attorney to represent my mother, abandoning my mother when he knew he was here new attorney.
Every thing I just wrote is supported by documents , this is exactly what happened
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10 Apr, 2017 by Felicia
How do you write a wrong? By doing what's rightt. Ivy Holden is a dear friend and client of this lawyer He has scheduled hearing that she and her husband had to fly from LA where they reside and did not show up nor have the professional courtesy to notify her, booked flights, hotel states, etc. Donald Fraulov falsely assured Ivy for years he would get a fair settlement., knowing that a check had been issued by Workers compensation 20 years ago??? ivy has 9 surgically implanted screw in her back and has advanced in age. been strung along for more than 20 years. I'm speaking about this because this lawyer told her Worker's Comp. sent her a check for $38,000 in 1997 to the address that I currently live in and have been since 1993. Ivy has never received such a check nor have I she asked this attorney to produce a copy of the check showing where it had been cashed and by whom. He did not do so he told her her case was selling for $1000 and that was the best he could do he was taking 25% of it and he was retiring in a month. From April 4, 2017. He told her in addition to the 1000 settlement amount she was entitled to a mileage check only if she could get all of her information in by the end of April . This lady worked paid her dues paid her insurance fees and was seekink what she believed was the Best in Legal representation. Yet, something is very wrong I personally believe it's not too late to right this wrong . there are numerous unanswered questions that her Worker Comp Adjuater should answer. But they cannot and will not talk to her as long as she has an attorney . This is just wrong. There is still time to correct this.
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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.
