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16 Dec, 2019 by Matthew
Clay was willing to provide a free consultation for my legal case, and he was super impressive compared to other real estate lawyers I interviewed for my case. Clay was eager to help me and my business, and I was blown away by how good he is. I highly recommend Clay!
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01 Jun, 2018 by Andrew
Mr. Schroeder graciously provided valuable consultation on my concern regarding a contract law issue and was very understanding of my questions I had over the phone. He came off as very professional and knowledgeable. I am very pleased I made the decision to speak with him. I would definitely recommend Mr. Schroeder to anyone looking for legal services.
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16 Jun, 2017 by Colby majernik
I was referred to Clay for a landlord/tenant issue after sending out numerous emails looking for help. His response to my initial email was very quick, it surprised me. It offered me assurance than he was able to offer legal advice and help me with my issue really quickly. He handled all matters of communication with the other related party, easing any stress on my part. I have never had to seek assistance from a lawyer before but Clay properly represented me and I couldn't be happier!
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11 Aug, 2018 by Bob and linda
Several years ago we hired Stephen Hall to write the documents for our estate. Since then we have retained him for counsel regarding gift-giving and other items throughout the years with the latest issue being the distribution of our father’s estate. When our father died with full blown dementia he left control of his sizable estate and a portion of his holdings to an unlicensed caregiver who had being living with him for a few years. Mr. Hall immediately petitioned the court to have the person removed as trustee. In the courtroom we found Stephen to be an experienced and well prepared negotiator, he sited where the State of California form to leave an inheritance to a caregiver had not been filled out and past cases where abuse occurred; he then met our objective to have the estate put safely in the hands of a fiduciary. Stephen was confident, authoritative and direct. When we met with the caregiver in mediation to resolve the issue of their inheritance Stephen sized up the possible outcomes as new information came to light and counseled us on our options. It came to the point where we had to make a pretty tough decision. Stephen was professional and supportive as he counseled us on the monetary, emotional and time costs to us if we went to trial. This was helpful in making our decision. Stephen Hall is a man who open and above board in every aspect of his dealings. His high moral fiber comes to surface as you work through a process with him. He is committed to giving his clients the best service from himself as well as from his staff.
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26 Mar, 2017 by Randy
When my aging parents needed help with their estate planning I set out to interview attorneys for the job of reviewing and updating their existing trust. I gathered recommendations from other professionals in the community, and Stephen Hall was one of three that I met with for initial consultation. While the other two attorneys I met with were more than competent to handle the job, Mr. Hall stood head and shoulders above them both. Mr. Hall's in-depth knowledge of not only the law, but of estate tax issues as well, is a combination that I have not found with any other attorney. He asked questions none of the other attorneys asked, and provided ideas that none of the other attorneys offered either. It was a crystal clear decision to hire Mr. Hall. Since the initial work with my parent's trust, we have had him work on our own family trust, as well as my wife's parents. I have recommended him to anyone who asks, and without exception people have been profoundly pleased with the work of this office. Not only is Mr. Hall one of the most knowledgeable attorneys I've ever worked with, but his staff are all highly professional, competent, and responsive. I cannot recommend this team highly enough.
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09 Nov, 2018 by Cindy
I hired attorney Roger Frederickson to assist me with a rather difficult family law matter. Roger, Sarah and the rest of his staff saw me through the process with compassion and professionalism. I highly recommend this law firm.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Jackie
Charron has been my attorney for more than 20 years, she is extremely efficient. She set up my trust & will & has always been able to answer any question that I have had. Charron's staff has always been very pleasant & helpful. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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26 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Shannon really understood my case and handled it quickly and professionally saving me a great deal of money.
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06 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Anne did a tremendous job mediating a nasty intra-family probate and estate situation. She was tough when she needed to be, but treated all parties with utmost respect. She gave us peace of mind and guidance about how to deal with the situation, as well as acting as our attorney to handle the specifics. I would highly recommend her.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Ashley gorshack
Kevin Owens is top-notch in his field. He is an estate and probate attorney. Kevin gives you comfort in knowing that your affairs are in order and that your family is taken care of exactly how you would like them to be. If you're looking to update a trust that is 4 or more years old, or just get the ball rolling on a trust, I'd highly recommend Kevin Owens.
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12 Mar, 2021 by Brent
I was looking for an attorney to help me evict tenants that weren't paying rent and ignored the 30 day notice I sent them. After speaking with Michael Pick during the consultation I knew he was the attorney for me. Michael and his staff were all honest, friendly, and easy to stay in contact with. The eviction process started in the middle of february right before covid started. The tenants were a few months behind on rent and had only moved in 6 months prior. Mr. Pick got right on it and was very quick to process all the paper work to submit to the courts for eviction. I am very glad Mr. Pick made it happen as fast as he did because covid was right around the corner and they were forced to move out a 1 or 2 days before the state banned ecictions due to covid.
A few months after all of this happened I had hired a bad automechanic and asked for Mr. Pick's advice thru email. Which was incredibly helpful as this mechanic is now being investigated by a couple different agencies for fraud. This is also a veteran owned business and their integrity throughout me working with them showed it. I will always try to support locally owned veteran businesses especially if they're as professional as Mr. Pick and his staff.
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27 Oct, 2020 by Megan
Very detail orientated and thorough.
Had to execute an eviction during covid - 19 and needed assistance with an unlawful detainer.
With all the court closures and short staffing they were able to complete my case and we had a successful outcome.
They are great on communication via phone and email.
I highly suggest them for routine and 'out of the ordinary' needs.
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15 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Consulted with Mike about a case, and he sincerely put my mind at ease. A very genuine and forthright person.
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01 Apr, 2022 by Shane
Central Coast Estate Planning and the legal help of Jed Hazeltine were outstanding in helping me and my siblings work through the complexities of a family estate issue in the area. I live remote to the area and contacted Jed after an internet search. He was able to quickly assess the situation and provide a recommended legal courses of action. Throughout the process, I was supported with savvy legal advice and strategic recommendations. He or one of his team were always quick to respond, easy to follow and the quality of the legal submissions were spot on. I was very professionally represented in court by Jed, and especially important, the end results were very positive.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Jill
Experience, judgement and great communication skills are just a few of the qualities that I expected in a lawyer when I was presented with some difficulty of receiving my inheritance after my parents passed. I found those qualities with Lawyer, Jed D Hazeltine of Central Coast Estate Planning and Fiduciary Services in San Luis Obispo,CA
Jed Hazeltine promptly took care of business even with me living out of state. He represented my interests as a beneficiary of my Parent's estate. With the information I provided, Jed guided me thru on what my rights were, as well as a timeline to effectively receive my inheritance without having to go into Probate.
Thank you, Jed
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16 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I called to for a consultation. Receptionist advised I could have a consultation the follwing day and I should send a summarizing email to Jed. I sent it to him with the expectation he would have it read 24 hours later. Email had not been read the following day... basically unprepared and said he'd need time to think about it. Waste of my time.
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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.
