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31 May, 2024 by Mahdi sadoughi
I had a wonderful experience with the Law Office of Sahar Mousavi, PC, especially with Sahar. She was incredibly helpful throughout my citizenship process and my parent’s green card application. Her expertise and support made the entire journey smooth and manageable. I highly recommend the Law Office of Sahar Mousavi, PC, for anyone seeking immigration assistance.
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15 May, 2024 by Vahid liaghat
Sahar went above and beyond to help with my USCIS case, all in a very short 3 weeks time frame set by USCIS. Could not hope for a more knowledgeable and patient attorney.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Sima
Review: I had a fantastic experience with Sahar Mousavi. She was honest, upfront, and patient throughout the entire process. Sahar provided excellent preparation for the interview and represented my parents effectively. During my father's citizenship interview, she showcased her extensive knowledge and expertise, skillfully addressing any issues that arose. I highly recommend Sahar to anyone seeking reliable immigration representation.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Dustin
Wow my experience with Rozy and her team was truly GREAT!
They are professional and know how to get things done.
Her ability to NEGOTIATE is EXCELLENT, and she knows how to look after her clients future.
I would recommend this office to ANYONE!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Stephen
Finding a lawyer who is truly knowledgeable, experienced, and trustworthy felt overwhelming. After several tiring free consultations with other lawyers, talking to Rozy felt like a breath of fresh air. It was immediately obvious that she truly cared and her knowledge and expertise was apparent, despite her speaking in a way that was easy to understand without all of the legal jargon.
After hiring Rozy, she and her incredible team began working on my case immediately. Throughout the entire process, Rozy and her team took the time to understand my situation, explain my options clearly, and fought tirelessly on my behalf. No question was too small and every call and email was returned promptly. This alone made a world of difference during such a stressful time.
After helping me navigate the entire ordeal with confidence and clarity, Rozy secured a settlement that FAR exceeded my expectations. Honestly, I could not be happier.
If you're looking for a lawyer who is brilliant, compassionate, and gets results, your search has come to an end. I cannot recommend Rozy and her team highly enough.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Rozy and her team helped me navigate through a challenging and sensitive insurance claim with finesse and reassurance. It isn’t always an easy decision to move forward with a claim, but I felt empowered by Rozy to seek out fair compensation for the damage done to me. Rozy exhibited professionalism, tact, clear communication, and a powerful understanding of the law. I strongly recommend her.
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10 May, 2024 by Vk moudgalya
Jennifer~ I am writing this note to express my sincere thanks for your professional representation in 2016, San Jose, CA. You have stuck by me through my tenure in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire your composure, work ethic, and most of all excellent representation.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I learned about Jennifer from my work union and she is truly amazing. Even though I been working for over 20 years with the courts, her expertise was beyong average. I received so much unanswered questions in short period of time and Jennifer helped me to see these clearly based on her level of expertise and wisdom! Service can't be better.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Harold
Ms. Ereno was very dependable, professional, knowledgeable, calm, and positive throughout the visitation and child support case. I definitely recommend using her for your family law troubles. I was very happy with the outcome of my case.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Inderjit khera
We were referred to Rob by Joel Bonjour regarding a life threatening injury.
Rob did an excellent job in getting us the best possible settlement. We loved our experience working with Rob.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Ekkehard
From the first consultation to the final settlement the team at Golden State Lawyers was supportive and professional. They made a challenging time in my life much easier to handle..
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11 Jun, 2024 by Peter sparke
Golden State Lawyers went above and beyond to ensure my case was handled efficiently. Their attention to detail and dedication was evident from start to finish...
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05 Apr, 2024 by Jonah
Camelia made the task of dealing with a loved ones passing the easiest possible for myself and my family. Communication was clear and concise for all tasks as personal representative and I never had to attend court myself. She made all the calls and met all the guidelines to complete the process. Thank you for guiding us through a tough process.
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21 Jan, 2023 by Kathi
When I found myself in the daunting position of having to work my way through the legal ramifications of a loved one’s death in another state with no will or trust in place, I found and chose Attorney Camelia Mahmoudi based on her many positive online reviews. They did not steer me wrong. She explained what to expect throughout the probate process ,
patiently answered my many questions and reassured me when I felt overwhelmed and out of my depth. Her quick response to emails and phone calls was nothing short of amazing.
She responded at night and even on weekends. Her dedication and attention to her clients needs cannot be stressed enough. Her compassion and work ethic make her a true standout.
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17 Feb, 2022 by Kamyar
Camelia helped us with establishing a living Trust, Will, and Advanced Health Directives. She guided us through every step of the way and was able to accomplish the whole thing remotely! We recently asked her to make some modifications to the Living Trust due to changes in our life and she completed the Amendment in the same professional manner as the first time. I highy recommend her for your legal needs.
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04 Jun, 2011 by Dr. stephanie
I am very impressed with the level of knowledge, detail and personal service I received from Marina Vinsky. She made the process painless and asked all of the questions that I did not even think of. She made great recommendations and really explained all of the options until I was comfortable and understood the result of my choices.
She also let me know when to contact her in the future and what else I needed to do so the trust would be complete.
I appreciate her knowledge of everything required in this area. She loves it and it shows.
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23 May, 2011 by Elaine
My partner and I found Marina through our employer's EAP program. Marina worked with us to produce a Living Trust, and she made the experience a very easy and enjoyable one. Most importantly, she was very sensitive to our needs and ended up serving as a true coach for me. She guided me through some of the difficult decisions that had to be made and did so with a high degree of empathy and professionalism. What began as the fulfillment of a goal to secure my financial matters has morphed into a solid and ongoing relationship. I now proudly say 'my attorney.' I have had others in the past, but Marina is now my 'go to' person. We will be working on a pre-adoption process next, and I have every confidence that Marina will provide the same level of excellent service.
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18 May, 2011 by Michelle
Whilst finalizing a divorce, I was referred to Marina Vinsky with regard to creating a Revocable Trust, Advance Health Care Directive, Power of Attorney and a Will. Marina is extremely knowledgeable in all of these areas and I would highly recommend her professional services to anyone in need of the above.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Mimi
I had the opportunity to work with Teresa on estate planning. Teresa did an exceptional job leading me through the process and making everything understandable and straight forward. Where there were choices to be made, she made sure I understood the options and the implications of my choices. Teresa responded promptly to questions and met every deadline she set. I enjoyed working with her and have no hesitation recommending her to my friends and family.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Catherine
Teresa breaks setting up a trust into discrete chunks of work which makes the process less daunting. and easier to complete without stretching out the amount of it takes to finalize your trust.
More importantly, Teresa listened to me, learned how I live my life and, my distribution goals. In turn she made custom recommendations to create a trust which is personal to my life and memory.
Teresa guides you through some difficult decisions. I always felt that she was working for my benefit rather than pushing to finish up.
Another huge part of Teresa's service is to ensure that you understand how trusts work especially the changes that you can make to tweak it in the future. The real definition of a living trust.
Teresa/Caplan Wilkinson provides simple to use tools to document your assets, your plans and final chapter care. I'm happy knowing that my trust is not fixed but will continue to age gracefully with me.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Lance
I highly recommend Teresa Wilkinson for any estate planning work like creating trusts and wills. She updated our family trust and will documents that were over 20 years old. There was a lot to update in the trust structure and wording and for me the new documents are much easier to understand.
What stands about working with Teresa are her trustworthiness and thoroughness. We've known Teresa for many years and trust her implicitly. Knowing she's an expert in estate planning and elder law gave us complete confidence in choosing her as our lawyer. Teresa was extremely thorough during our interviews to cover all aspects like advanced medical directives and a number of topics I hadn't considered.
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I have worked with Derryl Molina with numerous clients. All of them are very happy with her knowledge, patience, compassion and responsiveness. I have always found her to really care for her clients and will go the extra mile to make sure they are taken care of.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Diane
Derryl is one of the most efficient and trustworthy lawyers out there. She asks great questions, is organized, is well-versed in her field, priced very reasonably, is thorough, is friendly and compassionate. If there is anything that Derryl was not sure of, she always researched it thoroughly instead of doing what other lawyers tended to do; "make up" the answer. I have worked with many lawyers over the years for various reasons and I have to say, honestly, she is one of the best! She handled my prenuptial agreement, my living trust, my health care directive, my power of attorney, my will etc. and I highly recommend her to people who need these type of services. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Derryl and I am grateful for her services and expertise.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Derryl Molina did a terrific job preparing a living trust for our family. She explained complicated concepts and answered our questions thoroughly in terms we could understand. Derryl is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about her clients. She is very dedicated to doing the best for her clients and is willing to go the extra mile for them. Our Family highly recommends Derrly Molina to anyone seeking help with wills and trusts.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of consulting with Mr. Park about an existing trust that I thought needed updating. Mr. Park was honest and kindly explained I did not need his services at this time and further explained what I could do to update our trust for now. I appreciated the fact he did not needlessly sell his services, and while I did not hire him, I will be retaining him when the time comes.
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16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired David for my estate planning. He was thoughtful, responsive and easy to work with. He was also flexible about where and when we could meet, and this was really helpful given I work long hours. If you have any questions or you're looking for an estate plan, I wouldn't hesitate to give David a call.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of retaining Mr. Park to prepare my estate plan. He was responsive, professional and provided an excellent service from start to finish. I highly recommend him for anyone considering an estate plan.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Violet
Victoria was very thorough going through my trust and explaining it, out loud, what’s in the trust and I heard something I wasn’t aware of and didn’t want. She made the adjustments to my satisfaction and I am very please. She also put my binder back in order. Thank you Victoria!
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24 Jun, 2020 by Doris
Victoria took us through the settlement of my parents trusts very efficiently and made the entire process, which could have been stressful, smooth and easy to understand. She also very efficiently reviewed our trust and made sure we were up to date. I highly recommend her.
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23 Jun, 2020 by Cathryn
I needed a new attorney to handle my estate planning. Although not ultra complex, I needed someone who could handle multiple trusts, carry out specific objectives, udate provisions, and correct some issues created by a former attorney.
I was referred to Victoria Horvatich and Copenbarger and Cooenbarger. After an initial consultation I felt confident that she would be able to handle our families estate planning needs.
Working with her was very easy. She was both responsive and attentive to detail. Setting up appointments and completing documents was easy. She took time to explain everything and helped develop a plan for the tasks I needed to do. Unfortunately, before we were able to complete all of the tasks, the COVID-19 shelter in place went into affect. Government offices were closed yet Victoria continued to work on my case.
Estate planning is never fun, but Victoria was able to make the process manageable and helped me complete a process that I had too long postponed.
I would highly recommend retaining Victoria Horvatich and will be using her in the future.
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30 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
John Daley assisted me twice. Once with my mother's estate after the estate attorney who wrote her trust said she no longer took on new clients. Mr. Daley resolved the issues with one visit. I later used him to write a trust for my wife and I. It was very thorough and we were very satisfied.
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24 Mar, 2016 by Bernie
He worked with me to make a trust for me as my previous trust was made in Idaho and did not work here in CA. He gave me as must time as I needed and make sure I understood all of the legalese terms and that my trust was exactly what I wanted.
I highly recommend Mr.John Daly.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
John took care of both my and my wife's living trusts. He was very thorough and took the time to explain everything to us as we went through the process. John is very knowledgable and it was great to have him to guide us through
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01 Nov, 2021 by Vlade
I've been a client of Ms. Perreault in two cases--probate and civil. With her expertise and passion to fight for justice I’ve accomplished more in a shorter period of time than with my previous two lawyers. Hopefully, I won’t need legal services anymore but if I do I feel safe to have Ms. Perreault on my side!
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Perreault is highly knowledgeable and informative in the areas of Conservatorships, Estates and Trusts. She helped me to understand all the legal matters concerning my elderly parents, their assets and transfers to different trusts. Extremely helpful.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Kam haghi
He is the best attorney I had. He will do the job right
And he will get you more than you expect.
It is a mistake not to hire him.
He is the best in Bay Area and I recommend him
To every one.
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29 Sep, 2011 by Josephine
I contacted Mr. Scire because I needed a will, health care directive and power of attorney done. My job transferred me to Ireland, therefore I wanted to ensure that my affairs were in order. Domenico went out of his way to come to my home and explain every document in great detail.
He was timely, courteous and knowledgeable. His rates are extremely competitive also, which is something that appealed to me. I have since recommended his services to my friends and family.
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24 Sep, 2018 by Tanya
She was excellent as my attorney for my chapter 7. She has a wonderful staff and she made a difficult situation easy. I highly recommend her!
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14 Jan, 2018 by Edith
I consulted with and then hired Mrs. Victoria Li for my Estate Planning. From the very first contact to schedule an appointment to the last stages of the Estate Planning process, Mrs. Li and her team were highly organized, very knowledgeable, informative, time-efficient, cost-effective, and immediately responded to any questions that arose. I greatly and especially recommend her services because Mrs. Li walks you professionally and very patiently through all the stages of the process.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Gregorio
Few days ago my wife and I went to Timothy D henry office to ask for his help in preparing our living trust,from the first moment he inspired us great confidence ,we were able to see that he is a great human being,and an excellent attorney we are very pleased with his services,thank you so much Timothy ,
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06 Oct, 2015 by Mike
Tim has been great I had a horrible situation with a family probate case. He has been competent professional and personal I would highly recommend him.
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04 Aug, 2017 by Dianna ho
Mr. Ngo responses promptly on my call which I deeply appreciate on his sense of urgency especially on our urgent needs. Mr. Ngo is professional, sincere, understanding and authentic individual. Highly recommended to everyone!
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08 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I and others I have referred have used Jennifer Scharre as a trust attorney. She is excellent! She is responsive, professional, goal-oriented, pragmatic, insightful, and made us feel at ease through the whole process. I know of others who have used her services and they feel the same! Thank you Jennifer!
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23 Jun, 2015 by Denise
Working with David Bunger Law completely met my expectations. David was easy to communicate with, consistently kept me informed and up to date on progress, and was successful and competent in handling our legal needs. I felt confident throughout the entire process that I was in good hands as he was always responsive and on top of the necessary steps to be taken. I would recommend David without any reservations.
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16 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Ed helped me with several legal matters. He is an experienced trial attorney and financial adviser with an estate practice.
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26 Aug, 2013 by Joy
Ms Lin setup our family trust in 2007. She helped us review the trust and gave valuable suggestions regarding our business asset and family asset.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Aj hart
Excellent review and suggested updates required ..
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02 Apr, 2024 by Jokay bednar
27 Mar, 2024 by Joanna chou
It's a pleasure working with Tatiana Hadirca. She always responds quickly and she does everything she could to help. She is a treasure for any law firm.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Dayue tan
He is an exceptionally professional, compassionate, and kind lawyer! Thanks to his efforts, our case was ultimately dismissed. Throughout this time, he provided us with immense support. We are very grateful for his dedication!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sidharth thakur
Vijay has been a fantastic lawyer and provided legal advice that was always on point. Every time he predicted a certain outcome that is exactly what would happen. Not only is he (and his team) super responsive, with in-depth knowledge of the process and the law, they are also good human beings who recognize the human element and treat everyone (including the opposition) with dignity and respect. They established a level of trust that made me feel like I had my family by my side.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jacob a
21 Aug, 2024 by Uriel alvarez
When I first contacted Sandra I was lost with my DACA case ending soon but she managed to get my paperwork on time she’s a very good listener and will answer all your questions. I had a different case pending and Sandra was again amazing in handling my case she managed to get me really good deal . I highly recommend giving her a call for any legal questions you may have ! Thank you again to Lopez Cruz law
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06 Aug, 2024 by Ramona turner
Jeannette is a wealth of information on the does and don't's of wills and trusts. She breaks down the law into easy to understand language. She is accessible. She is amazing! Thank you, Jeannette!
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01 Jul, 2024 by Krista corbin
I had an excellent experience working with Jeanette Marsala to set up my trust. She is amazing, easy-going, and incredibly approachable. Jeanette guided me through the process by asking insightful questions and posing various "what if" scenarios that really got me thinking about important decisions. Her expertise and thoughtful approach made me feel confident and well-informed. I highly recommend her services!
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22 Nov, 2023 by Pat
Our attorney retired and referred us to Ms. MacLellan's firm to handle our estate should something happen to my wife and/or me. We are both am very pleased with her work. She is easy to talk to, and she explains complicated issues in an easy to understand manner. I'm extremely confident that we are in good hands moving forward. Last time we met, we asked her for some advice for our son who is starting the difficult walk through a divorce. She had some very good points for him to consider, and she was even willing to meet with him to give him advice for finding a good attorney where he lives.
My wife and I feel fortunate that we have her helping us set things up so our three sons know exactly how we want things to unfold should something happen to either one of us. I highly recommend Ms. MacLellan to anybody who is trying to plan for the future with someone well versed in the laws and able to make complex issues understandable.
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31 Aug, 2020 by Russ
Mary MacLellan has represented us for 7 years in a guardianship case. Her deep knowledge of the processes and individuals in probate court has allowed her to provide exceptional representation for us. She knows what the court is likely to decide and she has helped us to optimally prepare for multiple issues. Mary is responsive and she believes in our case. We recommend her highly.
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10 Oct, 2019 by Gerardo aguilar
Christopher was such a good attorney to work with. He recommended what to do with a ticket and I could not have been happier with the outcome.
Best attorney ever!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Luis martinez
Highly recommend going to Nick and Daniel they will take care of you and know what they are doing they are a master of their craft. They even went out of their way to take care of my issue that they normally don't deal with, it can be a hassle dealing with the court system but they took care of everything for me and I am very thankful! Once again thanks guys!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Randolph cross
08 Jul, 2024 by Chuck norris
I don’t want to disclose my identity publicly, but I had a case with Nick where I was charged with 3 violent felonies and facing 4 years in prison. I ended up with 60 days of home confinement. I’m happy with the results of the case.
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15 May, 2024 by Vivian tran
I couldn't have asked for a more productive and enlightening session, which solidified my trust in Tamara as a legal advisor dedicated to my success.
Tamara Pow's MBA and real estate broker license instilled a sense of security in me as a business owner and investor during our consultation. Knowing that she possesses such diverse and comprehensive qualifications reassured me that I was in capable hands. It underscored her ability to provide not just legal counsel, but strategic insights that align with my business and investment goals. This unique blend of expertise further reinforced my confidence in Tamara's ability to safeguard my interests and propel my ventures forward.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Matthew phillips
I highly recommend Serge Filatov and Strategy Law as a legal partner. I’ve worked with Serge for a number of years now, and the combination of his legal expertise and make-sense approach to law make him a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable and professional team.
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16 Jan, 2024 by Kashmir greenan
I've been a client of theirs for several years and their service has been phenomenal. They combine legal expertise with genuine care, making complex legal matters more manageable. What really stands out is their integrity and transparency. They always kept me in the loop, offering clear, honest advice. Their team is not only incredibly skilled but also supportive and empathetic, understanding the stress of legal issues. I trust them completely and am grateful for their guidance and support. Highly recommend Strategy Law for anyone needing trustworthy and competent legal assistance.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Fernando zamudio
The Bravo firm was a pleasure to work with. Nicholas is very patient and informative and is helpful to explain everything every step of the way. He sets a standard and definitely works hard to exceed it. I highly recommend working with the Bravo Law Firm.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Scott gephart
The Bravo Law Firm far exceeded my expectations for the settlement I received on my Lemon Law settlement. Very easy to work with and quick immediate response to any questions I had with the whole process. I would highly recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Chris killen
Nicholas and his team are legends.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Luis martinez
Highly recommend going to Nick and Daniel they will take care of you and know what they are doing they are a master of their craft. They even went out of their way to take care of my issue that they normally don't deal with, it can be a hassle dealing with the court system but they took care of everything for me and I am very thankful! Once again thanks guys!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Randolph cross
08 Jul, 2024 by Kevin vu
Nick has helped me and my family on multiple occasions, he is incredibly professional and will always look out for your best interest. I highly recommend talking to him and seeing how he can help your case. He will do his absolute best to get your case reduced to nothing!
Thank you so much Nick, I really appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for me and my family.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sharon garell
> GJEL was recommended by a longtime friend of the family. Jim Larsen and his team were such a pleasure to work with and achieved excellent results. Jim was very kind, thoughtful, a good listener and readily available to answer my numerous questions. I would be happy to refer him to a friend without hesitation.
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30 Aug, 2024 by D rose
highly recommend Mr Limon, he is my divorce attorney. Its not an easy case and especially your ex is a narcissist and do not want settlement at all. Anyone is going through Contested divorce please reach out to Mr Limon, all people in his team are highly professional and proficiency to react to the divorce process.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Said mohamed dunia
26 Aug, 2024 by Rafael trenado
Never again will I hire this firm. My case was a few years ago but it was with this same firm and with Mr. Valencia himself. On the phone he mentioned good things like getting the best results for me possible and possibly getting the charges dropped. All good things you want to hear as a person searching for an attorney but that's not how it went. This guy showed up late to every single one of my court dates by half and or more. He pretty much just showed up to do what I was supposed to do, which is stand before the judge and respond to his requests. I have a prior criminal record so I wasn't expecting him to make magic but at least show up to my court date on time which he did not. All matters were called first who had attorneys but sure enough mine waited until he got there. I feel I would've gotten the same results without him for sure as he did very little communicating with the DA or anyone on the other side of the podium. To top it off on my last court date after not seeing him for over half an hour I called his firm and they informed me he was in redwood city helping someone else. Seriously not cool at all or professional. So they sent another attorney from his office but not until an hour and a half from when the court started. I'm not here to complain about my outcome from the court cause that was a separate issue but i am here to complain about the unprofessional relationship I had with Mr. Valencia and how I will never recommend or reach out to them again. So save your money or go elsewhere because I wasted $4000 for something I could've and should've done myself. Last but not least I think it's very unprofessional how in most of the reviews that are not favored to them they put the person on blast for the previous case they had with them. That's very rude, unprofessional and down right dirty. If they do not like the truth being put in the reviews then maybe they should not be practicing law and giving people false hope. So I won't be surprised if I see information about my case they handled on here based on the responses to reviews that aren't in their favor.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Sean mou
In November last year, based on online reviews, I started consulting with Riccardo. At the beginning, he was quite patient. I consulted several lawyers and eventually chose him based on online reviews and his claim during the consultation that there was a 99% chance of winning the case. I felt relieved to leave the case to him. However, after we paid him, he stopped communicating and never proactively kept in touch.
At first, I thought my case was not a big deal until I was charged and realized the seriousness of the situation. I spent money consulting another lawyer online, who advised me to write a character letter and resume before being charged, which could have helped. But Riccardo never asked me to do anything besides providing basic materials. He was also unwilling to communicate proactively, and I didn't dare to keep asking him questions. Whenever I had questions, they were relayed through his assistant.
Throughout this period, he didn't inform me of what he was doing, and I had no idea about his actions until my case became more severe. He didn't help me much during the whole process and even made excuses, saying the DA was too young to understand family difficulties, which made me feel he was very unprofessional. I had trusted him because he claimed to have 30 years of experience.
After my case resulted in a conviction, I didn't disrespect him until a week ago when I asked if he could attend court on that day. He agreed, and I was very grateful. But today, when I asked him, he angrily told me he was very busy. He could have refused me or informed me earlier. Instead, he made a lot of excuses.
I swear that this person is really unprofessional, and I even doubt if those positive reviews about him are real. I know that when someone makes a mistake and needs professional help, they might go online and look at reviews. If you don't want to waste your time and risk losing your case, you really need to be cautious and not rely solely on ratings. From my experience, sometimes they are not reliable. This is my personal experience working with this person, and I hope to share it with those who need help. I fully understand your feelings, but it's crucial to be careful when choosing a lawyer.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Rigo r.
Very happy with VIB Law.
Riccardo was informative, personable and very helpful every step of the way. I’m glad I found this firm and highly recommend them!
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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:
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What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
