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Best Probate Lawyers in Berkeley

2024

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Providers

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Website
201 Spear Street, Suite 1160, San Francisco, CA 94105
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Cappelloni Law PC represents clients in the Berkeley metro. It helps estate administrators and executors navigate the probate process and fulfill their fiduciary duties, such as making an inventory of assets, notifying beneficiaries and heirs at law, informing and paying creditors, and obtaining a court order for asset distribution. It also takes on cases involving trust administration and estate plan drafting and execution. The firm's principal attorney, Lauren Cappelloni, is a trusts and estates section member of the California Lawyers Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (23)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3873 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

People Law Practice is a full-service firm of probate attorneys near Berkeley who represent individuals and families throughout the surrounding communities. The attorneys have experience in assisting will executors during the emotional and legal stresses of administering the final will of a loved one. Their services include petitioning the proper probate court, notifying interested parties of the beginning of probate, such as heirs and creditors, and liquidizing the estate in preparation for handover to its beneficiaries.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Susana Tuan - Founder11 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1052 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Button Law, Inc., handles estate matters for clients in Berkeley and nearby areas. Its attorneys assist in navigating the probate process, helping clients file paperwork to prevent delays. They create solutions for estates to reduce the hassles of probate, changing property deeds at the County Recorder’s Office and putting properties under trusts. Elizabeth Button previously worked as a law clerk at the San Mateo Probate Court and is a volunteer at the Institute on Aging.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1569 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Hoekstra Law PC is a boutique law firm founded by Heather Matsumoto Hoekstra, a probate attorney in Berkeley with over a decade of legal experience serving clients in the surrounding communities. Ms. Hoekstra has successfully represented people in all aspects of probate administration, including estate litigation where interested parties allege fraud or the mental incapacity of the decedent at the time of writing their will. The firm also practices elder law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Heather Hoekstra - Founding Shareholder13 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1271 Washington Boulevard, San Leandro, CA 94577
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Howard E. Kane is a boutique practice that focuses almost exclusively on all aspects of estate planning and trust and probate administration in the San Francisco Bay Area. Attorney Kane has been practicing law since 1990 and has significant experience guiding executors through the probate process. He has also successfully liquidized estates, dealt with claims from creditors, and ensured heirs and beneficiaries received their inheritances as quickly as possible.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Howard Kane - Principal34 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1400, Oakland, CA 94612
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Roisman Henel Adams is a boutique law firm that assists individuals and families in Berkeley. It serves as legal counsel of executors in probate court proceedings and handles the legal and tax aspects of a decedent's estate. One of the firm's partners, Margaret Roisman, is a board-certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law recognized by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. She is also a fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1043 Stuart Street, Lafayette, CA 94549
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Magany Abbass, Inc., offers legal services to clients in Berkeley. It administers various trusts, preserving the financial stability of these organizations to support beneficiaries for the whole duration of the trust. It also handles the administration of incentive, credit shelter, living, charitable remainder, QTIP, and generation-skipping trusts. In addition, it helps in asset investment and management, tax return preparation, and distribution to beneficiaries. Its attorney, Magany Abbass, launched the firm in 1996. She also deals with real estate matters.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Yelp
4.2 / 5 (41)
Google
4.4 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1255 Treat Boulevard #300, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Atashi Rang Ewing-Rice Law Firm PC has two offices in California. It offers consultation and representation to Berkeley citizens who need legal assistance probating an estate of a deceased person. Its attorneys also help efficiently manage trusts. Additionally, their services include drafting and preparing estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney for financial and healthcare directives. Amir Atashi-Rang, the firm's founder, is a board-certified specialist in estate planning, trusts, and probate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Amir Rang - Principal and Founder21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (79)
Google
5.0 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
3150 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, CA 94806
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Sara R. Diamond, Ph.D. Attorney at Law is a firm that provides legal assistance to clients with probate concerns in the Berkeley metro. Its attorney helps in preparing estate planning, reviewing estate documents, and updating them when necessary. She also creates ethical wills or legacy letters for her client's beneficiaries and heirs. Having published four books about right-wing political movements, Dr. Sara R. Diamond is also a well-known author and was previously an investigative journalist.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Sara Diamond - Principal21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (26)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1800,, Oakland, CA 94612
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Based in Oakland and Dallas, the Law Offices of Wayne A. Lampert has been serving Berkeley clients since 1995. Lampert is a probate attorney who provides legal counsel to trustees, administrators, and executors. He represents clients in probate proceedings and advocates for beneficiary interests. In addition, he deals with litigations such as will contests and fiduciary litigations. The Law Offices of Wayne A. Lampert also handles legal issues involving business startups, partnership dissolution, business disputes, trusts, and health care directives.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Wayne Lampert - Principal35 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
220 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100, San Francisco, CA 94104
  • Trusts

Why choose this provider?

Hedemark Law is a private legal practice that serves individuals and families in Berkeley and the surrounding areas. It provides legal assistance for probate court matters, which also includes conservatorships and the guardianship of minors. It also offers related services such as estate planning and administration. In addition, the firm advises on matters regarding real estate and property litigation. Principal attorney Justin Peter Hedemark has been practicing law for more than six years. He can serve clients in English and German.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Justin Hedemark - Managing Attorney9 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1240 6th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710

Why choose this provider?

Headquartered in Berkeley, Urbatsch Law Firm P.C. helps local clients prepare for the future with estate planning and probate services. Its attorneys work with people from different walks of life, including high-net-worth individuals and families with modest means of income. It assists with creating wills, revocable living trusts, advanced healthcare directives, and powers of attorneys. It also plans Medi-Cal benefits and VA Aid and Attendance pensions. Principal lawyer Kevin Urbatsch is a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kevin Urbatsch - Principal /Owner31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.8 / 5 (19)
Yelp
4.2 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1760 Solano Ave., Ste. 308, Berkeley, CA 94707
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Richard C. Naish is a private legal practice that serves the residents of Berkeley and the surrounding areas. It provides probate and trust administration services, which include the appraisal and distribution of estate assets to heirs. It also guides clients through the filing of petitions and notices, as well as estate tax payments. Principal attorney Richard Carrol Naish has been practicing law for almost a decade. He also holds an MS degree in taxation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Naish - Principal12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1534 Solano Avenue, Albany, CA 94707
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kevan Warren is a legal clinic specializing in probate proceedings and estate planning law in Berkeley and surrounding areas. It was established in 2015 by Kevan Warren, a board-certified specialist in California estate planning, trust, and probate law. He has been a lawyer for over a decade and has handled will executions, trust administrations, drafting estate planning documents, and distribution of assets. Warren also handles probate matters of decedents without a will (intestate).

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 419, San Ramon, CA 94583
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of F. Michael Hanson is a private practice with more than 42 years of legal experience. Attorney Hanson has served many clients in need of a probate attorney who can guide them through the process and is sensitive to the emotional challenges of dealing with the estate of a loved one. The Law Offices of F. Michael Hanson also practice elder law estate planning and nursing home asset protection.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Frederick Hanson - Principal48 yrs
F. Michael Hanson - Principal48 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1720 Broadway, Suite 430, Oakland, CA 94612
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Arabelle Malinis serves individuals throughout Berkeley. It handles probate cases, representing beneficiaries, executors, heirs, and trustees in legal matters involving probate. It also deals with trust and post-death administration, wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. Additionally, the firm provides customizable estate planning packages. It caters to traditional and nontraditional families, individuals, and LGBTQIA members. Firm principal Arabelle Malinis is a member of the trust and estates section of the California State Bar.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.6 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1970 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94612
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Daniel Leahy works with the residents of Berkeley who have issues involving probate law. The firm litigates matters pertaining to the administration of trusts and the validity of wills, including instances of undue influence upon the decedent and the forging of testate provisions. The office also handles elder law abuse cases and disputes between heirs and disinherited offspring. Counsel Daniel J. Leahy is certified by the state bar as a specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
4.9 / 5 (7)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3478 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office Of Jane K. Penhaligen is the professional home of Jane Penhaligen, an estate planning attorney near Berkeley with more than 20 years of experience providing compassionate assistance to will executors in matters of probate. Almost all of Attorney Penhaligen's experience is in easing the transfer of wealth from decedents to their heirs and beneficiaries, ensuring creditors are dealt with and taxes filed. Miss Penhaligen also helps with tax planning and trust administration.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jane Penhaligen - Founder37 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Berkeley, California?

    If you need to report a non-emergency situation to the local police department in Berkeley, dial 510-981-5900.

  • What does the process of probate entail in Berkeley?

    The probate process in Berkeley includes essential steps, such as filing the will with the appropriate probate court in the county and formulating a strategic approach for fair and efficient estate probate. Furthermore, probate includes accurately accounting estate assets to the court, transferring assets to the estate, and handling estate taxes and income tax matters. With a lawyer's expertise, navigating the probate process becomes more manageable and streamlined.

  • In Berkeley, how do you distinguish a will from a living trust?

    Both a will and a living trust divide a property to chosen beneficiaries after a person's death. However, the critical difference lies in the execution. A will goes through probate, a court-supervised process for asset distribution according to the will's instructions. A living trust, on the other hand, allows assets to bypass probate entirely in Berkeley.

  • Do you still need a probate even with a smaller estate in Berkeley?

    Having a smaller estate only partially eliminates the need for probate. Generally, estates valued below $100,000 may not require probate in Berkeley. However, if an estate includes real property valued at $30,000 or more, probate is likely necessary, regardless of the overall estate value. To determine if probate is still required for your specific situation, consulting an attorney can provide the necessary guidance and help you navigate the legal requirements in Berkeley.

  • Will all your assets and estates pass through probate in Berkeley?

    No. Only some of your assets and estates in Berkeley are required to pass through probate. The necessity of probate depends on several factors, like the type of property and the individuals claiming it. Assets governed by a will typically undergo probate. At the same time, assets not governed by a will are automatically transferred to beneficiaries without probate proceedings.

  • What happens if a deceased person in Berkeley has no will or trust?

    If a person in Berkeley passes away without a will or trust, they are considered intestate. In such cases, California's probate code dictates the distribution of money and property through specific rules and formulas. Typically, a probate court proceeding is required to distribute the assets of an intestate estate unless exemptions for small estates apply.

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