Lawyers map
>33
experienced lawyers
Filter by
28 Dec, 2014 by Mike
My mom wanted a will and trust created for her but she didn't know where to get started as far as finding an attorney to do the work. I'm a do-it-yourself kind of son, but for this I knew that wouldn't be wise because I didn't have any experience in such matters and I've learned the hard way about the hazards when overlooking details. On top of all that, I don't live in Los Angeles, so I had to ask around among attorneys in my professional network in my locale for a reference. KC's firm was offered up as a good place to give a first try. Well, I didn't need to go any further! Wow, KC is a great attorney and what a great team. The legal processes and requirements were laid out in a very logical fashion with plenty of time for questions from day one. The options were made clear and helpful recommendations and suggestions were offered. Everything about her is so very good. She was timely, courteous, patient, knowledgeable, and thorough. When she wasn't available for a question when I called without notice, a well-qualified team member provided the help I needed. They set a very high standard for the entire legal profession. We are very pleased customers.
Read more
25 Nov, 2014 by William
Kc Marie Knox helped my sister & I handle my father's estate & various affairs after he passed away. It was a lengthy case filled with unusual circumstances. Kc Marie helped us figure out how best to handle all legal issues and hung in there with us to the end, almost 2 years later. In addition, Kc Marie went above & beyond to help guide us with other unique situations & decision making. We highly recommend Kc Marie Knox for any legal counsel.
Read more
17 Nov, 2014 by Julie
KC got us started with our Estate Planning. What a great job she did! She knew exactly what information she needed to get from us and all the documents that were necessary. KC was thorough and prompt in preparing and getting the drafts to us. The final documents were done equally as well. All that and she's pleasant to work with! KC answered all of our questions in plain language and made sure we understood everything we were signing. We couldn't have asked for a better attorney for our Estate Planning.
Read more
02 May, 2017 by George
His bills were a fraction of my old Century City law firm's and he was much more responsive then they ever were.
Read more
18 Mar, 2017 by Thomas "alan" schwartzkopf, us army, retired
He is detailed, friendly and seems to know the rules, etc. He rates are fair. I will continue to use him and refer business to him.
Read more
11 Mar, 2017 by Nick
Competent, knowledgeable, concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations of or reactions to it and assertive without being pushy.
Read more
30 Apr, 2018 by Sabina
If there were 10 stars I would absolutely give her the full 10. I found Mina on Google and it was our lucky break because we worked with 5 attorneys that charged a fortune and were completely negligent with all of our legal needs. We worked with her for the last 2 years on a family estate case and she was effective, worked hard, and was aggressive to get to the finish line. She is the most honest attorney that we've worked with and I would highly recommend her and could write a novel about Ms. Sirkin's excellence.
Read more
24 Jun, 2013 by Yolanda
I found Mina to be top notch. She is extremely knowledgeable and clearly goes the extra mile for her client. She is aggressive, responsive and forward thinking. I would highly recommend Mina and wish her continued success.
Read more
24 Jul, 2012 by Charles
Ms. Sirkin did excellent work for me in a very difficult (for me, not so much for her) probate situation. She got all the specifics handled without rework. Her staff was there for me 100% of the time. My case involved a trial and I was still trading emails with her at midnight -- on Saturday, before the trial - WOW! She (we) prevailed. I attribute success to her diligence, hard work, and leaving no stone unturned.
Read more
19 Feb, 2018 by Kim
My husband and I used Doug Schreiber for both business and personal legal work, and he was professional, attentive and thorough. I would definitely use his services again!
Read more
06 Apr, 2010 by Kim
I would highly recommend Douglas Schreiber. I have worked with him continuously over the last year and have found him to be responsive and knowledgeable. He takes the time necessary to discuss and make sure that we understand what the various options and strategies are and the pros and cons of each. He is always looking out for our best interests.
Read more
25 Mar, 2010 by Jeff and cheryl
We have been working with Doug Schreiber as our business attorney and trusted advisor for more than 25 years. Doug is an extremely knowledgeable, competent and compassionate attorney. He is trustworthy and an integral part of both our professional and personal lives.
While Doug is a fervent advocate in his approach to law, his pragmatic counsel is greatly appreciated.
We have referred many of our clients and friends to Doug and will continue to do so.
Read more
29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Khoukaz helped my family during a difficult time. We have several siblings and he helped ensure our trust was fairly decided.
Read more
02 Oct, 2014 by Jennifer
John has the perfect blend of people skills with depth of knowledge on estate planning, creating and administering trusts and wills, and doing what it takes to avoid a probate situation. I have referred a number of family members to him, and all have been extremely happy with their results.
Read more
20 Feb, 2019 by Bryant
I hired Ryan McEachern and his partner Navid Noorparvar 2 years ago for a difficult custody issue. They were honest with me about the difficulty in winning our case but still had a strategy for maximizing my chances. They were responsive, intelligent, prepared, knowledgeable, and the advocates I needed to protect my rights.
They helped me achieve the positive result I desired despite the odds against me. I have worked with them multiple times now and EVERY time we’ve been to court they have achieved positive results and will continue to utilize their services again should the situation arise. They truly care about their clients and their cases. I am truly grateful for their expertise as they have enabled me to protect the most important person in my life, my son.
Read more
08 Jun, 2012 by Rubi
After 3 years of being left in the dark by other attorneys, I finally found a trustworthy one. Ryan kept me informed and up to date on everything regarding my case and was able to provide me with the peace of mind I needed. Completely professional and thorough, I would definitely recommend Ryan and his staff to anyone in need of a good lawyer.
Read more
16 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
My grandfather passed away a couple of years ago. Half of my family ended up with the entire trust, leaving me and two other members with nothing. We contacted other lawyers initially that wouldn't take our case, but Mr. Santiago decided to take us on. After a couple of years of the other parties refusing to even acknowledge us, eventually Mr. Santiago was able to secure us a sizeable settlement. We're incredibly fortunate to have found him, and we're all now getting our fair share of the estate. If you're having any issues with a trust, amd need an attorney, do your self a favor and hire Mr. Santiago.
Read more
22 Dec, 2007 by Anonymous
Mr. Sirkin is a breath of fresh air among lawyers. I have recommended several of my friends to him and they are all pleased with his performance.
Read more
08 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I have hired Mark three separate times; once to assist me in a complex Conservatorship with several Court appearances, and in a separate instance when I served as Trustee. In addition, he is doing my personal Trust. Mark is not only extremely skilled, smart and experienced, he is a compassionate and decent person; easy to communicate with and respectful. A very rare combination in attorneys! His creativity and resourcefulness are unmatched, as is his integrity. Also an incisive writer, I couldn't recommend anyone more highly than Mark Boykin. I'm very grateful to him.
Read more
13 Mar, 2014 by Barry
I have had the pleasure to get to know Mr. Erickson over the last several weeks and I am thoroughly impressed! He has undertaken some work for my firm and has been diligent and responsive. He is wise beyond his years and is a great young attorney. It will be my pleasure to work with him in the future by referring him matters, working as co-counsel or simply recommending him to the right client.
If you are looking for a young pit bull that will not let go until the matter is successfully resolved, Matthew is your man!
Read more
22 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I don't know the details of your case, but I unfortunately have been in two massive litigation's, involving too many attorneys (on both sides), so feel I am "experienced." I met Tony Gordon after those trials, and have to say the work he's done on my behalf has been the complete opposite...I found him thorough, patient, available, knowledgeable, fair with his fees and charges and above all, in my case succeeded!! What more could anyone want for an attorney!!!
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Shirin afar
Mr. Gentry is a class act and the most capable attorney I have ever worked with! He has handled several cases for me over the years and his main priority has always been getting me a fast resolution with the least amount of expense and pain. He delivered for me yet again this past month with another very complicated contract dispute/ fraud case! I am very very happy with his professionalism and services and recommend him very highly to be a capable and knowledgeable attorney.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Samuel clark
The Gentry Law Groups was very professional, supportive and caring. Their conversations and replies to my situations was the best support I could have not imagined.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Julian cooper
After experiencing a lengthy and emotionally draining custody battle, I reached out to Mr. Gentry and his office regarding the issue. The kindness and knowledge of the complex issue at hand, as well as the advice given was nothing short of incredible.
Mr. Gentry not only listened to my issue, but provided concrete steps that I could take action on to get my case resolved. I cannot recommend him enough, if you are having a difficult custody battle, run, don’t walk to the phone and call this man.
Read more
26 Jul, 2024 by Daniel magistrini
Number 1 law offices 👍🏆🏅
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Aida gaona
In a nutshell, the staff that I dealt with were outstanding! Alice is a very knowledgeable, professional and a patient lawyer. She has a very pleasant personality, always smiling and laughing. It was a pleasure to work with. Also, her staff were kind and accommodating and always willing to help! I highly recommend the Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Soraya bollinger
10 Aug, 2022 by Jeff sims
08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
Read more
12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
Read more
23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result.
Do not let your family suffer.
Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
Read more
08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
Read more
12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
Read more
23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result.
Do not let your family suffer.
Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
Read more
08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
Read more
12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
Read more
23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result.
Do not let your family suffer.
Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
Read more
10 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Terry charges $500 and hour. He blew through my $5,000 retainer quickly. I never received one invoice in the mail.
In fact, I never met this man except for we had a conversation over the phone and I trusted him. He didn't do much to help my case except for he went and filed a document at court.
After several months, I decided to meet Terry in person because at that point we were getting close to mediation and something didn't sit well with me because the last conversation we had he demanded another $5,000 retainer if not he didn't want to speak to me and hung up the phone. That did not sit well with me!! At that point I was contemplating whether or not I wanted to continue to keep him as my attorney .
Well my intuition was spot on the whole time he kept on looking at his watch. I thought that he was so rude and unprofessional this man already blew through $5,000 for a set of paperwork and a ton of emails and here's the kicker he ended up charging me $450 for meeting him who does that?? I feel that Terry totally took advantage of me and I've learned a lot along the way that will never happen again!!
Rule #1 never do a consultation over the phone always meet the person face-to-face.
I was told by a couple other attorneys that the little amount of work that Terry did was not much. I basically got ripped off.
At that point I knew I needed to cut my losses and move on.
I finally came across a great attorney named William (Bill) Koehler $310 an hour very knowledgeable, professional, assertive and most importantly HONEST! Did I mention he's also the mayor of Agoura. Yup, that''s right Bill really knows his stuff. You definitely want him in your corner. At the end of this whole nightmare I ended up winning my case with Bill.
Read more
17 Apr, 2013 by Meyer
I was referred to Mr. Sternberg by a large firm that handles my business transaction matters after being sued collaterally over my involvement in a real estate investment. He proved to be an exceptionally capable attorney and class act. We won that case and I have since retained him to handle several matters, some small, some larger, of varying complexities and involving different industries. I have and will continue to recommend him.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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.
