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14 Nov, 2024 by Nancy zhang
We couldn’t be happier with our experience working with Michael Jenkins for family trust set up. From the very start, he was incredibly responsive and took the time to answer all of our questions with patience and clarity. Michael has a gift for making the legal process feel straightforward and manageable, and his advice has always been thoughtful and spot-on. The pricing is transparent and fair, which made us feel at ease knowing there wouldn’t be any unexpected costs.
Some of the best parts of working with him are the speedy updates and unlimited questions allowed (which are all included in the price!) — most times we’d hear back within a day, keeping us well-informed at every step. The price also includes switching your home to the Trust name and in-home notarization which can add up to $800. Plus, everything can be done remotely via Zoom, which was a huge convenience for us.
Overall, Michael’s service was outstanding, and we wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in need of a reliable, efficient, and truly caring attorney!
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10 Nov, 2024 by Steve kerlin
Michael Jenkins recently helped us update our family trust, and it has been a true pleasure working with him and his team. The whole process from start to finish has been made clear and as simplified as possible. We had many questions and ideas he worked through with us, making iterations several times as he offered us ideas and options to accomplish what we wanted. We especially appreciated their process using recordings and highlighted document changes with detailed explanations, that we could review on our own time. We highly recommend Jenkins & Jenkins.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Katie davis
I can tell you that the positive reviews for this firm are merited!
I had an important question regarding probate law. I contacted my previous family law attorney, explained my situation and subsequent question to her assistant, and waited all day for a response. Her assistant called me back late afternoon with no answer to my question and the suggestion that I reach out to her partner who specializes in probate law. I was then told I’d have to wait three weeks for a zoom call to ask her partner my question.
I googled highly rated probate attorneys and stumbled upon Jenkins and Jenkins. I called, explained my question to the assistant and was put through to a cheerful Caroline Jenkins. She listened to my concern and answered my question, which enabled me to make the right decision to drop further pursuit. She also gave me a referral in case I wanted to go forward through legal channels.
Caroline, you are my hero. Admittedly, people make jokes about lawyers because many of them are just out to make a buck and will tell you the things you want to hear. When you find a lawyer like Caroline, hold on tight and save yourself from misery and financial loss.
Thank you again, Caroline!!!
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24 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Dan has assisted my family on multiple occasions for many years now beginning with the settling of my grandmother’s estate upon her passing, to helping us form an LLC for the protection of our investment properties, to aiding some other family members with Trust-related matters. My husband and I plan to have him prepare our Will and Trust next. While Dan is very knowledgeable and professional, he is also very warm and caring. He makes sure to explain things thoroughly to everyone involved and provides various options or directions to go. We have absolute faith in him and truly believe that he always has our best interest in mind. Without any doubt, we highly recommend Dan Morrin for business and estate planning to both individuals and families alike.
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20 Dec, 2016 by Felicia
Dan is a former colleague of mine harking back to the early 90s. Recently, I hired him to draft a trust for myself and my husband as well as a special needs trust for our son. Dan has an excellent command of the law in this area and a comforting, friendly, warm rapport with the client. If you need a will, trust and estate lawyer, Dan is the man for you.
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16 Dec, 2016 by Christy
Dan was referred to us by our accountant for our corporation. He came out to our business and went over everything we were interested in doing. Dan first helped us with our family trust which he carefully went over with us, so that we had a clear understanding of what we were signing. Now that we have our trust in place I can relax a bit. Secondly, my mother in law and I have recently started a new business and he helped us get our name, tax ID and an LLC for this new business. Dan is very informative and know his stuff! We highly recommend Dan Morrin for your business and personal needs!
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02 Apr, 2015 by Dion
Mark was extraordinary at explaining and guiding me through the process of creating a revocable trust. His layman terms made an otherwise tedious and troublesome task understandable. Throughout the process I always felt I was in very professional and capable hands.
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28 Jun, 2014 by Stephen
After a friend died suddenly, Mark helped so much to make sense of all the paperwork I found in the cottage. As executor of the estate, I was at my wits' end to find out how to proceed with probate.
Mark handled all the documents with the court. He was able to probe numerous pages to find critical financial information. He was extremely responsive to my calls, emails and faxes. And he continued to be right on top of details after the probate closed. I am totally pleased.
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19 Jun, 2014 by John
Mark represented me in creating my estate plan and starting my llc and business. He was prompt in returning calls and emails, answered all of my questions and was easy to work with. I definitely recommend him to others.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Laura
Melissa assisted my husband and me with some complex items of a property lease agreement. It was very clear that Melissa is adept in contract law. Her communication and timeliness were stellar, and the issues that she identified and helped us successfully negotiate literally saved us from significant problems down the road. I would and will hire Melissa again in the future.
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17 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
A friend recommended Melissa to me, and I hired Melissa after our consultation. Melissa was able to review my situation regarding contracts and provide me with effective advice. She was extremely thorough and was able to provide an objective analysis of my situation. Melissa always responded quickly to my emails, and is a great communicator. I highly recommend Melissa!
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21 Apr, 2018 by Aj
I have used Melissa's legal guidance/expertise multiple times for a variety of issues and all were handled with tact, effectiveness (ideal outcomes), and efficiency. She communicates well throughout the issues, helped mitigate my level of stress, and gave details that eased my mind. I have continued to consult her for smaller legal related issues and always content with her services.
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05 Mar, 2020 by Terrence
Rob was referred to me and I very much appreciated his consultation on a real estate and estate planning matter. He has established expertise in these areas and provided reliable and thoughtful guidance based on the nuance of my situation. I highly recommend Rob and am glad to have him as a resource moving forward.
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13 Dec, 2013 by Shaun sullivan
Mr. Dieringer is a true original. When I needed an estate planning attorney to assist me after the untimely passing of my father, I interviewed a number of attorneys in the field. Mr. Dieringer stood head and shoulders above the rest because of his intellect, zeal, and thoughtful consideration. More than any other attorney I've encountered, Mr. Dieringer internalizes the concerns of his clients and wrestles with them until reaching the soundest strategy. I know this based on nothing more than our discussions; but during all of them, he is so well-prepared and able to anticipate my ever concern, along with providing needed reassurances along the way, that I am confident in my gut instinct. Mr. Dieringer has heart to go with the brains. I won't refer an elder law case anywhere else.
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23 Oct, 2010 by Lindsay
Stephanie Lord did an outstanding job handling our estate planning (and all of the related documents) both immediately before and following the birth of our son. I HIGHLY recommend her and her firm's legal staff. We were initially intimidated by what seemed like a complicated process to set up our will and trust and all of the healthcare directives, etc. before our son's birth. We wanted to make sure everything was in order in the event of an emergency during labor or an unforeseen event during our son's adolescence. Stephanie explained the complicated rules and documents in CLEAR terms and took care of everything for us. We had one brief meeting to sign documents before our son was born, and then another brief meeting to sign our will and trust documentation following his birth. Stephanie also provided information and simple instructions outside of those meetings to help us prepare. We were blown away by how smooth the process was once we arrived at Stephanie's office. ALL of the documents were prepared and ready for signature and a paralegal was standing by to make copies following our signatures. Stephanie was present at both meetings to explain everything we were signing. We left with a user-friendly binder containing copies of all documents, a very clear understanding of how our estate was set up according to our wishes, and simple steps for how to transfer our existing assets to the trust. Several months later, Stephanie also stepped in to handle the purchase of our home in the name of our trust. If you are looking for an easy process, quick and understandable responses to all of your questions, and the perfect estate plan for your needs, call Stephanie! The added bonus is that her rates are also very reasonable!
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04 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Stephanie to prepare my will and trust. This was during an unusually stressful time of my life. Stephanie handled the preparation of my trust in the most professional manner with a sensitivity to my issues.She was always available for my questions and responed very quickly with any requests I had. I am extreemly happpy with my trust and would recommond her to anyone he needs a excellent lawyer
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25 Jun, 2016 by Stephanie
We did our family trust before our boys were born. Once they were born we realized that some of the plans we had made if something happened to us needed to be changed. We were referred to Lucas to review our trust. He helped us amend our trust and do new documents. He was professional and knowledgeable. We are glad we met him and appreciate his help with our documents.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Melissa
I was Attorney Woodward 's first client when he was fresh out of law school. He protected me, my inheritance and stopped opposing counsel harassment.
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23 May, 2017 by Mika
My husband and I worked with William Sauls to establish our family trust. He was very knowledgeable and professional and answered all of our questions and concerns. He made the process effortless. We are so pleased with his services and highly recommend William Sauls and his firm to our family and friends.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I am a retired attorney and needed to update my estate plan. Bill was very efficient and did a super job.
He is very professional and knows a great deal about this area of the law. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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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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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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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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20 Mar, 2015 by Pierre
RJS has been an incredible partner in salving my tax issues. Chandara, Jonathan before along side with Ronnie all along have helped me in a way that I can never thank them for enough. It tools over 4 years to finally complete the task at hand but I must say that during this 4+ years of patiently waiting and frustration, they have been at my side, trying to serve me the best they could. They succeeded at last, we succeeded at last. I can only recommend this firm to anyone and I did already to anyone with tax problems.
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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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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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08 Sep, 2017 by Laura
I met Russell at a community Veterans meeting and later scheduled a meeting with him. Russell was always friendly and clearly explained the process to me. He never pushed me into filling a lawsuit or paying him for his services. He got a deal settled in a few months and kept me informed throughout the process. I would highly recommend Russell!!!!!
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27 Oct, 2024 by Kara d.
Best TRO lawyer! We called him Magic with the favorable outcome of our case. He is highly knowledgeable and professional. He walked us through every step of the process and was in constant communication which helped put our minds at ease. I wish he practiced all types of law because I would hire him for everything! Everyone should have someone like Mike on their side. We are forever grateful for his expertise and support during a very difficult time in our lives. Thank you Mike!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Chuy ponce
Michael was not only very understanding and knowledgeable, he also gave me great comfort in my situation. I suffer from panic attacks as well as extreme anxiety and he went to court for me and handled the whole thing for me. I find myself in a way more comfortable situation and would recommend him to anyone in a jam. If I find myself or a loved one in my predicament I know who I’m going to call. Thank you Michael!
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23 Jun, 2023 by Jacob gonzalez
At 20 years old I thought my life was over. I had 3 felonies that were all pending and going to be charged on me all at once, with one of them possibly giving me a strike. I contacted around 5 lawyers in the San Diego area that were asking me for outrages prices up front just to even meet up with me to discuss my cases. That’s when I met Michael L Stuart and he was the most professional criminal defense lawyer I have ever met. My license was suspended, so he even was able to show up at my house and discuss my cases with me and my parents. He showed up and was really professional and handled all three of my felony cases for a very reasonable price. I had possession of an unregistered firearm felony, assault felony, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell felony all pending at once. Once I hired him he immediately started working on my cases and was able to make reasonable payment plans and was very polite, respectful, professional, and all in all cared about me. Thanks to him, I was able to not get a strike on my record, and given a few months in prison with 6 months probation. Thanks to Mr. Stuart I have my freedom and life back, and am 2 years away from earning a college degree. I would highly recommend Mr. Stuart to anybody that’s made a mistake and is looking for an honest hard working lawyer.
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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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22 Jan, 2024 by Carla gilyazov
Gilda was very professional and we had out trust done perfectly. Would recommend her anytime.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Sam tadros
The best… 👍👍
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05 Jun, 2020 by Helmut huemmerich
Excellent work in preparing a complex multi country trust/will combination. Excellent response time. Excellent use of state of the art communication tools (multi country video conferencing) and procedures in actual Covid-19 environment.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Carla gilyazov
Gilda was very professional and we had out trust done perfectly. Would recommend her anytime.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Sam tadros
The best… 👍👍
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05 Jun, 2020 by Helmut huemmerich
Excellent work in preparing a complex multi country trust/will combination. Excellent response time. Excellent use of state of the art communication tools (multi country video conferencing) and procedures in actual Covid-19 environment.
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11 Aug, 2018 by Chopadero j-luv
The Parkman Law Firm solved my legal issue quickly and kept the costs low. The attorney estimated my costs and discussed each step in the case with me. This firm told me at the start that the goal was to resolve my case quickly to keep the legal costs low and I am very satisfied with the outcome.
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11 Aug, 2018 by Chopadero j-luv
The Parkman Law Firm solved my legal issue quickly and kept the costs low. The attorney estimated my costs and discussed each step in the case with me. This firm told me at the start that the goal was to resolve my case quickly to keep the legal costs low and I am very satisfied with the outcome.
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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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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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06 Feb, 2025 by Miriam aguirre
John, responded within a few minutes of making an appointment. He had what I needed within a couple of hours. He went above and beyond my expectations. Very respectful and understanding.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Ofelia marquez
John was extremely professional and surprisingly quick in retrieving important information.. I honestly didn't expect him to be this fast ! He got the job done !! He was very thorough and listened!! John is your man for any job !!!
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28 Jan, 2025 by Raissa lara
I was very lost and had no idea where to go or find the necessary help. Mr Farzad was very responsive immediately, he offered me help and explained my possibilities when unfortunately I was full of fear and also did not know my rights in marriage and in the country, since I am also an immigrant and English is not my first language. From the beginning Peter was very professional, understanding and patient, there were times when I was falling apart emotionally and felt that I could not continue with the process anymore and Peter always had a huge patience and words of encouragement for me to keep going. Peter does his job with great professionalism but also with empathy towards his clients, he is very good at fighting for what is fair, thus showing great ethics and commitment. I am very happy with the results, Peter fought and worked on every detail of the case and did not let himself be intimidated by the other party at any time. I infinitely appreciate all his help and I would not hesitate to recommend them or go to them again in the future if I need legal help. Thank you very much!
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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 Feb, 2025 by Lauren marie
Do NOT Use this firm theyve scammed me upwards of $10,000 by collecting the money and have not done a single thing and they don’t communicate for months upon months read the other reviews as well. They do the same thing to others I was promised so much and they have not done a single thing. My lawyer didn’t even show up to my court date and said he sent somebody else. I have my life endangered and he was supposed to help me get a restraining order. It has been two months since he has gotten back to me. I have had Sean as my lawyer for a year and he has only lost me everything with no communication.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
13 Sep, 2024 by Nicole fuller
03 Feb, 2025 by Lauren marie
Do NOT Use this firm theyve scammed me upwards of $10,000 by collecting the money and have not done a single thing and they don’t communicate for months upon months read the other reviews as well. They do the same thing to others I was promised so much and they have not done a single thing. My lawyer didn’t even show up to my court date and said he sent somebody else. I have my life endangered and he was supposed to help me get a restraining order. It has been two months since he has gotten back to me. I have had Sean as my lawyer for a year and he has only lost me everything with no communication.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
13 Sep, 2024 by Nicole fuller
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You
A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.
Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.
When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
- Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
- Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
- Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.
Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.
What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?
A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
- Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
- Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
- Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
- Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
- Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
- Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.
How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?
Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:
- Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
- Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
- Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.
Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer
Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
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What experience do you have with creating trusts?
Ensure the lawyer has experience drafting trusts and managing trust administration for clients with similar goals or asset structures. -
What types of trusts do you recommend for my situation?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different types of trusts available and which ones best suit your needs. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost. -
What are the tax implications of the trust?
Ensure the lawyer can explain how the trust will affect your taxes and strategies to minimize tax liability. -
How long will it take to set up the trust?
Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents. -
Will you handle the trust administration?
If ongoing management is required, inquire whether the lawyer will assist with trust administration or if you'll need a separate trustee. -
Can you help resolve disputes if they arise?
Ask about the lawyer's experience in resolving trust disputes.
How to Check the Credibility of a Trusts Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable trusts lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
- Look for trust law experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in estate planning and trusts.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications such as Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) or memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a trusts lawyer, bring the following:
- List of assets: Prepare a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
- List of beneficiaries: Provide names and contact information of individuals or organizations you want to name as beneficiaries.
- Existing estate planning documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
- Financial information: Bring financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant financial documentation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions about the trust creation process, fees, and how the trust will protect your assets and beneficiaries.
- Goals for the trust: Clearly outline your objectives, such as asset protection, tax minimization, or provisions for beneficiaries, so the lawyer can tailor the trust to your needs.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible legal advice for creating and managing your trust.
