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03 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
I had a pretty messy situation with a DUI/DWI that I hadn't taken care of and had allowed to languish for about 10 years. To further complicate things, I had moved out of the state that the infraction had originally happened in, so this was going to be a difficult affair.
I shopped around for representation in the area and one thing that really stuck out about Vincent: whereas everyone else was basically saying it was a slamdunk and that they could get all charges dismissed within 30 days, guaranteed; Vincent was honest with me in saying that this was a complicated case and that he couldn't guarantee such a thing. By no means did he admonish me, but he did make clear how difficult my case could be because of the time elapsed and my move from the state.
After this conversation, I knew I had my attorney. Vincent clearly had a level of integrity that is a cut above everyone else's. Vincent fought hard during my case. I was facing extensive fines and possibly jailtime. Fortunately, thanks to his tenacity, Vincent was able to get my case dismissed and I was able to walk away with a totally clean record. I can't thank him enough for his integrity, hard-work, and grit. I highly recommend placing Mr. Russo on your shortlist of possible representation, you won't regret it.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Bill
Miranda took over a case, picked up the pieces and prevailed at trial. She is honest, thorough and extremely hard working and knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
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11 Oct, 2019 by Paula
Carly Surber (now Maganuco) helped me at the law firm of Philip Lindsley and San Diego Elder Law. She was both completely professional and down-to-earth, highly accurate and warmly responsive, prompt in replying to emails and calls, and generally a comfort following my husband's death. She has excellent interpersonal skills and is one of those rare pros who makes you feel like you are her only client, even though you know better. Can't say enough!
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13 Nov, 2019 by James
In 2006, my father passed away in WV and I needed to have a Living Trust prepared for both the assets I inherited and existing assets in California. She was able to contact a local attorney in WV to help with their local laws and procedures when I had to travel to change the deeds into my Living Trust. Very efficient and quicker than I expected.
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08 Aug, 2016 by Desiree
Very Intentive! Christine has great attention to detail and is very diligent with a case. She is good at explain in detail about your case and makes sure you have a clear understanding answer every question you have. I highly recommend Christine and her lawfrim.
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10 Feb, 2012 by Corlyn
"I have worked with Uzzell Branson, IV for the past six years on a very difficult Family Trust. Throughout this long ordeal, Uzzell was not only helpful and caring; he knew the law and every advice he offered me was acted upon and was correct. He kept his sense of humor through this difficult case, and kept in touch with what the next problem was to be solved. I don't know what I would have done without him!
I didn't know Uzzell when this Trust started, but at the end, I can not think of a better person to tackle what turned out to be a different, and unusual case load of work for him. I recommend him highly.
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16 Feb, 2017 by Kevin & phuong nguyen
Michele is a great lawyer that will protect her client fiercely in court, she love to share her knowledge of the law with her clients but more importantly she is a caring lawyer. Michele is the type of lawyer that does not shy away from a challenge. I know this first hand because of what we went through with one of our eviction case. 2 days before a trial our lawyer bailed out on us due to fee disputes and common direction of the case, this lawyer was from the top law firm in San Diego. We had two days to find a replacement lawyer and was in panic mode facing a well known opposition. We talked to Michele and she took on the challenge, went to trial defending us with very limited information because the previous lawyer did not send back the complete case work on time.
Michele argued and defended us zealously throughout the trial and when it was finally over, she was still in protection mode and making sure our interest is looked after. I can't speak highly enough about Michele as a lawyer and after many unfortunate lawyer experiences we will retain her service indefinitely as long as she continue to practice law.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Lori polak
I have dealt with many different lawyers and must say that Stephanie is the best! She is very easy to communicate with, is very explicit, kind and consistently goes out of her way to ensure the best interest of her clients. I would highly recommend her
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01 Dec, 2014 by J c
I found Kristina after interviewing 3 other lawyers to update my estate plan. It was a easy choice to choose Kristina after we discussed what I had and what I wanted and she outlined an updated trust plan very clearly. All the other potential lawyers may have prepared great docs as well but if I did not understand them, then my confidence in what I got would always be a question mark. So make sure you get a lawyer you feel you can talk to.
As for the documents, Kristina and her team kept me informed on the progress and asked very pertinent questions to ensure we are on the same page. A nice final binder prepared with various instructions eg funding the estate, was given to me at the end along with a graphical chart of my estate summary as the estate passed from one generation to the next. Kristina personally handled all the key legal questions I had via email and was very responsive. The team also followed up to ensure you are funding the trust.
I am extremely pleased with the service and value provided by KR Hess and will recommend them whenever the occasion merits.
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25 Jun, 2019 by David
April is a paradigmatic great attorney with the empathy and skill set to address a wide variety of issues, including those with emotions attached or the more mundane aspects of life that we all encounter. I hired April for matters relating to my personal life and my business as well.
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10 Jun, 2013 by Dasha
Irina did incredible work with setting up a trust fund for my family. We truly appreciate her hard work, and diligent efforts to accommodate all of our requests. She was very nice, understanding, and regarded every detail of our trust plan. After the first meeting, she got back to us very quickly. I was so pleased, I went along and told three of my friends about her services, but will not stop there. She's great!
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17 Jan, 2016 by Mike b.
Mr. Marshall helped my family and I through a very difficult matter involving an adversarial situation. We really appreciated his patience and knowledge of our rights according to the law. I would highly recommend Mr. Marshall to help you with matter pertaining to minor children. He took the time to explain how the Calif. Family law process works, and we were very comfortable with him when we had to meet with other attorneys representing the other side. His kindness and patience is something that set him above other lawyers we considered for our case, which was somewhat complicated in nature
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24 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
My situation (as many, I presume) was not cookie-cutter. Julia asked thoughtful questions and offered information on legal issues. Most of the advice I took and when I opted for my own counsel, I feel that I was able to make a more informed decision re: consequences and possible outcomes.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Jim
I interviewed too many attorneys before I met Mr. Rubin. Steve, in my sincere opinion, is without doubt the winner. I'm highly cautious of attorneys and lawyers (whatever you want to call them). Working with Mr. Rubin on my Estate Trust planning was a treat. Let me tell you, when you find a good lawyer, don't ever lose them, they're worth their weight in gold.
I can count the reasonable attorneys I've hired on less than one hand.
I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the bad ones.
Steven Louis Rubin is top-tier. I wish I'd met Steve decades ago.
Thank you, Steve!
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30 Mar, 2024 by John amato
19 Oct, 2023 by Hub knittel
Will be doing business with this firm.
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30 Aug, 2023 by April mchugh
Very helpful. Made us feel very comfortable. He explained everything and made it shine for us to understand.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Stephanie s
Anthony helped me a lot throughout my case .
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05 Dec, 2024 by Will pham
Great team to work with!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Anabertha morales
05 Dec, 2024 by Dexter hunter
I cannot recommend Allenby Law enough for their outstanding work on my estate planning. Attorney Dawn Allenby and her assistant Naomi Arana demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail throughout the entire process. They guided me through creating my revocable living trust, Will, health directive, and power of attorney with patience and clarity, ensuring every aspect was addressed thoroughly.
They took special care to include all my properties, such as my townhouse in San Diego and my home in Oklahoma, in my estate planning portfolio. Their meticulous efforts have given me a comprehensive and well-organized plan, providing the peace of mind I need. I now feel confident that when the time comes, my family will know exactly what steps to take without facing any unnecessary financial burdens.
Dawn and Naomi’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to their clients’ needs truly set them apart. If you’re seeking top-notch legal assistance for your estate planning, look no further than Allenby Law. I am so grateful for their excellent service!
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16 Nov, 2024 by Jimmy ray
Excellent attorney. We had a sudden, important, and time sensitive issue and John Varley came through. Big time. Very professional and conscientious lawyer that I highly recommend.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Kevin burkitt
I highly recommend Allenby Estate Planning. They made the entire process seamless and stress-free, expertly guiding us through the process, including handling unique business and property interests that wouldn't have fit a cookie-cutter approach. Dawn provided a clear roadmap, setting expectations at each step, making everything easy. She also focuses on a plan for the long term, ensuring everything stays up-to-date and well-managed well into the future. Professional, attentive, and detail-oriented – a pleasure to work with!
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13 Dec, 2021 by Gene
When I recently found myself in need of legal counsel, Mr. Casiano was recommended to me by a trusted friend. A few years ago, he had helped her and her family with trust and will matters, and she didn't hesitate to send me to him. In addition to Vinnie's prodigious knowledge of wills, trusts and estate planning, his expertise in Elder Law proved to be immensely helpful when the matriarch of the family reached the age where she needed to go to a permanent skilled nursing facility. He guided the family through the confusing realm of Social Security, Medicare and Medi-Cal, and he showed them how to best utilize those programs for the benefit of the lady. Just as importantly, he provided the family with information on how to deal with the sometimes less than helpful nursing home and hospital doctors, administrators and staff, so that their loved one got the best care at the least expense possible. Subsequently, upon her death, Vinnie's legal expertise and actions resulted in maintaining the maximum value of the estate that she was able to bequeath to her children.
The situation I needed Vinnie for was very similar. I had a relative whose health was in steady decline, and I enlisted Vinnie's help in dealing with hospitals, emergency rooms and nursing homes. He was in the process of gaining a conservatorship status for me, when my relative died. At that point, he shifted to helping me with processing a will that was executed by my relative, and with the necessary filings with Probate Court. His advice and counsel have been stellar, and he is helping to move things along expeditiously. He has a genuine desire to treat his clients in a friendly and respectful manner, and his sense of humor helps to blunt some of the inevitable angst that occurs when dealing with legal matters and the court system.
In short, I highly recommend Mr. Casiano to anyone looking for expert legal advice from a highly skilled and knowledgeable attorney.
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28 May, 2021 by Laurie and kim
Vincent was great!
We recommend him if your looking for a great lawyer to setup a living trust.
He’s extremely knowledgeable about elder law and estate planning. He explained to us how and why we needed to set up our living trust the way that we did.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Rachel
After my father passed away, we were left with a lot of questions and concerns. We called Vincent Casiano and he spoke with us about our situation. He put our minds at ease which was very helpful. He was knowledgeable, professional and we would not hesitate to use his services in the future.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Bob
Absolutely fabulous. Very impressive. Attention to detail. Very knowledgeable in all aspects of the process. Could not imagine doing this without her.
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21 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
I've worked with Judy on several cases and have found her to be a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgable, thorough, patient and considerate. She takes a real interest in her clients and the circumstances they are facing. She handles even the most challenging circumstances professionally, rationally and successfully. She's a great find.
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21 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
My wife and I have known Judy for more than 25 years. We have used her services through out those years for our Wills, Trust, Probate and Guardianship and feel very fortunate to be one of her clients.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
13 Sep, 2024 by Nicole fuller
28 Aug, 2024 by Kulvanid sukjaidee
ขอรีวิว การได้รับกรีนการ์ด อย่างรวดเร็วภายใน 3 เดือนเท่านั้น ขอขอบคุณทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ทุกท่าน และ ทนายแทมมี่ ที่ให้ความสำคัญ ละเอียด ถี่ถ้วน ทำให้การสมัครเป็นไปอย่างราบรื่น และได้รับการ อนุมัติ ใบทำงาน และ อนุมัติกรีดการ์ด โดยไม่ถูกสัมภาษณ์ โดยการทำตามคำแนะนำของทนายแทมมี่ และ ทีม อย่างเคร่งครัด ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูง ต่อจากนี้ จะปฏิบัติตน ให้เป็นพลเมืองที่ดีของ อเมริกา และ ไม่ทำการใดๆ ที่ผิดต่อหลักกฏหมาย จะทำตามกฏระเบียบของที่นี่อย่างเคร่งครัด ให้สมกับการได้เป็นพลเมืองที่นี่ แต่ทุกอย่างจะไม่ได้เกิดขึ้น หาก ไม่ได้ทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ ช่วยในการดำเนินการ ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูงอีกครั้งค่ะ
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16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
13 Sep, 2024 by Nicole fuller
28 Aug, 2024 by Kulvanid sukjaidee
ขอรีวิว การได้รับกรีนการ์ด อย่างรวดเร็วภายใน 3 เดือนเท่านั้น ขอขอบคุณทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ทุกท่าน และ ทนายแทมมี่ ที่ให้ความสำคัญ ละเอียด ถี่ถ้วน ทำให้การสมัครเป็นไปอย่างราบรื่น และได้รับการ อนุมัติ ใบทำงาน และ อนุมัติกรีดการ์ด โดยไม่ถูกสัมภาษณ์ โดยการทำตามคำแนะนำของทนายแทมมี่ และ ทีม อย่างเคร่งครัด ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูง ต่อจากนี้ จะปฏิบัติตน ให้เป็นพลเมืองที่ดีของ อเมริกา และ ไม่ทำการใดๆ ที่ผิดต่อหลักกฏหมาย จะทำตามกฏระเบียบของที่นี่อย่างเคร่งครัด ให้สมกับการได้เป็นพลเมืองที่นี่ แต่ทุกอย่างจะไม่ได้เกิดขึ้น หาก ไม่ได้ทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ ช่วยในการดำเนินการ ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูงอีกครั้งค่ะ
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16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
13 Sep, 2024 by Nicole fuller
28 Aug, 2024 by Kulvanid sukjaidee
ขอรีวิว การได้รับกรีนการ์ด อย่างรวดเร็วภายใน 3 เดือนเท่านั้น ขอขอบคุณทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ทุกท่าน และ ทนายแทมมี่ ที่ให้ความสำคัญ ละเอียด ถี่ถ้วน ทำให้การสมัครเป็นไปอย่างราบรื่น และได้รับการ อนุมัติ ใบทำงาน และ อนุมัติกรีดการ์ด โดยไม่ถูกสัมภาษณ์ โดยการทำตามคำแนะนำของทนายแทมมี่ และ ทีม อย่างเคร่งครัด ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูง ต่อจากนี้ จะปฏิบัติตน ให้เป็นพลเมืองที่ดีของ อเมริกา และ ไม่ทำการใดๆ ที่ผิดต่อหลักกฏหมาย จะทำตามกฏระเบียบของที่นี่อย่างเคร่งครัด ให้สมกับการได้เป็นพลเมืองที่นี่ แต่ทุกอย่างจะไม่ได้เกิดขึ้น หาก ไม่ได้ทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ ช่วยในการดำเนินการ ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูงอีกครั้งค่ะ
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16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
13 Sep, 2024 by Nicole fuller
28 Aug, 2024 by Kulvanid sukjaidee
ขอรีวิว การได้รับกรีนการ์ด อย่างรวดเร็วภายใน 3 เดือนเท่านั้น ขอขอบคุณทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ทุกท่าน และ ทนายแทมมี่ ที่ให้ความสำคัญ ละเอียด ถี่ถ้วน ทำให้การสมัครเป็นไปอย่างราบรื่น และได้รับการ อนุมัติ ใบทำงาน และ อนุมัติกรีดการ์ด โดยไม่ถูกสัมภาษณ์ โดยการทำตามคำแนะนำของทนายแทมมี่ และ ทีม อย่างเคร่งครัด ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูง ต่อจากนี้ จะปฏิบัติตน ให้เป็นพลเมืองที่ดีของ อเมริกา และ ไม่ทำการใดๆ ที่ผิดต่อหลักกฏหมาย จะทำตามกฏระเบียบของที่นี่อย่างเคร่งครัด ให้สมกับการได้เป็นพลเมืองที่นี่ แต่ทุกอย่างจะไม่ได้เกิดขึ้น หาก ไม่ได้ทีมงานทนายแทมมี่ ช่วยในการดำเนินการ ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างสูงอีกครั้งค่ะ
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19 Dec, 2024 by Alicia hubbs
Wonderful experience. Jason and Ashley were so helpful and so easy to work with. Jason is extremely personable and Ashley was so patient. Highly reccomend.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Tiffani yanagishita
The team was amazing in helping us with our will and trust! They were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, supportive and patient with us as we figure out the best path forward to suit some of our very particular needs. It’s obviously not a fun or easy topic to discuss and they were so understanding of that giving us options and suggestions that could be relevant to us. And allowing us the time we needed to sort things out amongst our family. Sometimes we wouldn’t be able to resolve things easily so we would be at a standstill for a while between me and my husband but they were great about checking in regularly without creating any additional pressure. We also had some personal and particular road blocks that we come up against and Ashley was wonderful in giving us options and guidance around that. Both she and Jason were so kind and personable and professional. We had talked to several places before coming here and I’m so glad we did!
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08 Dec, 2024 by William bidinger
Our experience with Josh and Ashley was very smooth and good. They're very informative and very helpful and everything went so easy we did most of the work on zoom and then went down to office for the final signing were every thing was explained and any questions we had were answered. They are very nice down to earth people and very honest people we really appreciated working with them. Thank you for all your help.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Bree laufer
Navigating family law matters can be one of the most challenging times in a person's life, and finding the right attorney to provide guidance, support, and expertise is crucial. Erudaitius Law, PC, led by Dimitry F. Erudaitius, is a standout firm that consistently exceeds expectations in handling complex family law cases.
From my own experience and the glowing reviews of others, Dimitry Erudaitius is more than just a skilled attorney—he is a compassionate advocate who truly listens to his clients. Many have shared stories of feeling stuck or frustrated with their cases before turning to Dimitry, only to find relief and renewed hope after their first meeting. His ability to understand the intricacies of each case and devise effective strategies is unmatched.
Dimitry and his team embody a customer-centric approach, ensuring clients feel prioritized and understood. Whether it's handling child custody, spousal support, financial distributions, or restraining orders, Erudaitius Law offers a level of dedication and professionalism that sets them apart.
For anyone in San Diego seeking a family law attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and committed to achieving the best outcomes, I wholeheartedly recommend Dimitry Erudaitius and his team. Their expertise, integrity, and client-focused approach make them a true asset in the field of family law.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Ryan dickerson
I just wanted to let you guys know that the petitioner’s request for order, the move away order to another state was denied by the court. I wanted to express my gratitude to Mr. Gonzalo Morales for helping me prepare my response and to Mr. Paul Ryan for making that happen. Thank you guys so much for helping me in with my case. It really means a lot to me and my family. You guys made a huge difference.
Thank you 🙏 again
I highly recommend hiring Paul Ryan and his team! Highly skilled attorneys with many years of experience! Their work speaks for itself! This firm is doing God’s work! 🙌
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31 Oct, 2024 by Diana aguilar
Dimitri was extremely helpful with details and suggestions knowing I would have to file out of state. I wish I would be able to use him. Professional and knowledgeable!
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22 Dec, 2024 by Blaine mazzetti
They’d drag out the case and keep making things difficult that shouldn’t be. Would charge per email and send three to five emails for the same information that had already been supplied to them and charge for all of the emails. Totally take advantage of people and overcharge. Worst experience.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Pamela k
Jamie and her team were seriously the best. I sought several consults and I immediately felt the most comfortable with her. She gave me accurate expectations throughout the process. She listed to my concerns and was able to convey the case from an experienced attorney perspective and put it together in a very clear organized process. She was able to anticipate things that I never would have thought of which made all the difference in having a clear new judgement. She went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. I appreciated how responsive she was. Her attention to detail and ability articulate was fantastic, I loved how she sent me drafts ahead for edits and then we would review and discuss together. Her draft were spot on and very little revisions were needed. She listened to me and would make modifications while still advising me. I really felt like she personally cared about me and understood my situation. I would recommend her to anyone with a custody case especially a difficult one.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Tara nicot
I cannot express enough gratitude for Alaina Lynch and her team. She provided exceptional legal representation during a challenging time. When I was seeking a domestic violence restraining order, Miss Lynch was not only knowledgeable and experienced but also compassionate and understanding. She patiently and professionally guided me through the process, ensuring my rights were protected. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in securing the restraining order, providing me with the safety and security I desperately needed. I highly recommend Alaina Lynch to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Renjing huang
I’m thrilled to share that my EB1A petition was just approved under premium processing, thanks to Daniel Guo’s incredible support! His knowledge, experience, and prompt responses truly made a difference throughout this process. What I appreciated most was how effortless communication felt—every concern I raised was met with clear, timely guidance, which kept things running smoothly. His professionalism and genuine dedication helped alleviate much of the stress that typically comes with case preparation. If you’re seeking a law firm that combines efficiency and expertise with a friendly, approachable style, I highly recommend Daniel; he sets the bar remarkably high for client service.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Clara ciutara
Daniel Guo helped me secure an EB2-NIW approval. In this time of uncertainty when many petitioners I know have been issued RFE, my petition was approved smoothly without hiccups thanks to his meticulous work. I strongly recommend him for various employment based immigration services
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30 Oct, 2024 by Yifan guo
My EB1A petition was approved thanks to Daniel Guo's incredible support! I'm highly impressed by his exceptional service, expertise, and experience.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Dendy
We are foster/adoptive parents and when CWS would not let us adopt this child that wanted us to adopt her, we retained the services of Mr. Plavnick and it was amazing how he got us a court hearing right away and with his knowledge and expertise he was able to win the case without even going to trial and in a timely manner too! And everything he said he would do for us happened.
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28 Jul, 2017 by Heather
Midway through a "routine" adoption we found ourselves faced with changing Adoption department positions, biased caseworkers, and what felt like the world against us. With his strong sense of justice, keen knowledge of the law, and excellent relationships with the local legal and adoption communities, Gary worked with us through multiple court briefs and trials to finalize our adoption. Had it not been for his level-headed, no-nonsense ability to chart the logical course through very emotional waters, we surely would have lost our minds as well as our family. As it is, Gary is a legend in our house of fighting the good fight and standing on principle.
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28 Jul, 2017 by Dennis
We were referred to Mr. Plavnick in 2013 by friends who had retained his services in about 2004 for their foster-adopt process. Their confidence in him gave us the assurance we needed to move ahead using his services to complete our California Independent Adoption. Our process should have been straightforward, but as these things go, there were hurdles. Throughout our case he was self-assured, but never arrogant. He was thorough in action and always respectful of our time and limited resources. At no time did we feel a tinge of regret for hiring him. He is personable and professional, and remains on our list when friends are in need of legal help.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Roberto lopez
01 Aug, 2024 by Kareem radwan
I want to thank Chris and his team for representing me through a high conflict divorce. Chris is a brilliant attorney who treats his clients as if they were his own family. He is very dedicated in ensuring that his clients are always his priority. He represented me with full dedication and always made me his priority. I went through 3 attorneys until I found the right one, and it was definitely Chris who made a huge impact in my life. I highly recommend anyone going through a high conflict divorce to reach out to Chris for representation. You will always be taken care of and made a priority when represented by Chris and his firm. He always fought for me with everything he has. I don't know what I would have done if Chris wasn't the one representing me in court. Thank you Chris for all you did for me this past year and I am forever grateful for you and your amazing staff.
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24 May, 2024 by Alycia moore
Honest and empathetic law firm which is a truly hard thing to find these days.
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28 Oct, 2024 by L. t.
Mr. Clownley is over 70yrs old and has 40+ yrs experience.
Very knowledgeable about employment law.
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05 Jan, 2024 by J&r 4 ever
Absolutely the "Best" Frank and his team went above and beyond in providing detailed information on a difficult situation. Very rare to find these days, took the time to listen and really understand what we needed. Follow-up was excellent and timley. Frank was compassionate to our situation and helped tremendously.
Would highly recommend
Thanks again
Jerry
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15 May, 2023 by Miguel machado
Mr Clowney was very helpful setting case. He is extremely knowledgeable and resourceful!! Stop looking elsewhere. This firm should be your top choice.
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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.
