Expertise.com

Best Probate Lawyers in Hayward

2023

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Website
2211 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto, CA 94306
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Gadi Zohar is a probate lawyer serving Hayward and the surrounding communities. Zohar has been serving locals in need of estate planning and probate guidance since 2011. He helps executors with settling the decedent's estate. He also assists families in matters concerning living trusts, durable powers of attorney, wills, advanced healthcare directives. Moreover, he holds a marriage and family therapy license, which aids him in mediating law-related family issues. Zohar has experience handling contested probate cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gadi Zohar - Principal13 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (25)
Facebook
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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
951 Mariners Island Blvd. Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94404
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Trusted Law Corporation offers legal solutions to individuals and families in Hayward and the neighboring areas. It provides compassionate assistance in transferring assets through probate. It also represents clients in litigation proceedings involving contests on will validity, frivolous claims against the estate, and breaches of the trustee's fiduciary duty. The firm also drafts estate planning strategies and executes trust administration. Trusted Law Corporation was established in 2015 by Pamela C. Bobowski, who is also licensed to practice law in New York and Massachusetts.

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.
4.1
Google
5.0 / 5 (13)
Facebook
0.0 / 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
111 Deerwood Road Suite 200, San Ramon, CA 94583
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Santaella Legal Group, APC, offers probate administration to clients in Hayward. It guides individuals through the probate process, including paying taxes or bills, tracking down beneficiaries, acquiring assets, and making an inventory. In addition, the firm helps people deal with business formation, conservatorship, trust administration, probate filing, long-term care planning, and elder law. Ivette Santaella, the firm's attorney, is a member of the WealthCounsel and the Academy of Special Needs Planners. She has been practicing law for over 30 years.

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
Google
4.5 / 5 (8)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3478 Buskirk Avenue Suite 1000, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, PC, helps adults and families in Hayward prepare for their future through its legal services. Aiming to protect the rights of clients, the firm provides counsel and representation on estate planning, veteran benefits management, and probate and trust administration, including special needs trusts. Jeffrey's experience in managing his mother's care and financial needs pushed him to advocate for elder rights, believing that the difficulties of ageing, including financial concerns, can be minimized with proper planning.

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.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (79)
Yelp
4.4 / 5 (28)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (27)

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
––

Website
1650 Borel Place, San Mateo, CA 94402
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Loew Law Group serves clients throughout the metro area of Hayward. The law firm provides legal representation to various practice areas, including probate, trust administration, estate planning, elder abuse litigation, and estate & trust litigation. It also handles a wide range of estate-related disputes, such as contested heirship, fraudulent transfers, and recovery of assets. Its team of probate lawyers assists and guides beneficiaries and personal representatives throughout the entire probate process. Additionally, the founding attorney, Jeffrey R. Loew, has more than 10 years of industry experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jeffrey Loew - Founding Attorney22 yrs
Jeffrey Loew - Founding Attorney22 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.
4.9
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (33)
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)
Yelp
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.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1728 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Mark A. Homen, Attorney at Law, aids individuals and families in Hayward in navigating the lengthy probate process. It assists the executor or administrator in administering probate that involves multiple court filings, hearings, and notices to be published. Its legal team also helps complete the necessary paperwork required by the court. Additionally, it practices other legal areas, including workers' compensation, estate planning, and estate and trust litigation. The firm's lead attorney, Mark A. Homen, has been rendering legal services for the past 40 years.

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
Google
4.3 / 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
43480 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Singh Law Firm is an estate planning law office serving individuals and families in Hayward, Dublin, Fremont, and neighboring areas. It handles a wide range of estate planning matters, including irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and revocable living trusts. The professionals use their extensive experience and knowledge to create an estate plan that matches customers' goals. Additionally, Singh Law Firm also assists clients with their probate, wills, and power of the attorney concerns.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kern Singh1 yr
Kern Singh - Founding Partner11 yrs
Kern Singh - Founding Partner11 yrs
Arjan Singh - Chief of Operations1 yr

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.
4.9
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (183)
Google
4.8 / 5 (138)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (40)

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
––

Website
20320 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jay A. Woidtke caters to Hayward residents through its probate solutions. The firm handles estate planning matter and works on issues surrounding wills and trusts. It documents the deeds and transfer contracts surrounding a decedent's assets and makes tax strategies to minimize the amounts due. The practice also handles real estate law concerns like title disputes. Counsel Jay A. Woidtke has been a lawyer since 1978 and is a state bar-certified estate planning specialist.

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.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (10)
Google
4.1 / 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
1900 South Norfolk Street, San Mateo, CA 94403
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Geoff Wiggs is a full-service legal firm providing probate administration and litigation services. Founder Geoff Wiggs works with families when probate court is required after the death of loved ones. The firm assists families with court petitions, death notices, appraisals, and asset distributions. When wills and trusts are contested or other disputes arise, attorney Wiggs provides probate litigation services to reach amicable settlements. Additional areas of practice include bankruptcy and civil litigation law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Geoffrey Wiggs - 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.
4.9
Google
5.0 / 5 (23)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (19)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

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
1290 B Street Suite 318, Hayward, CA 94541
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Attorney James P. McBride provides legal representation to residents of Alameda County through his Hayward office. McBride handles trusts and wills and drafts documents such as the declaration of trust, certificate of trust, advanced healthcare directive, pour-out will, and new deeds. He addresses the legal concerns of clients by providing them with suitable options for their needs. Additionally, McBride assists clients with bankruptcy matters. McBride served as the county's deputy district attorney for six years.

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 (17)
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)
Facebook
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1676 North California Boulevard, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

In practice since 1958, Hanson Bridgett LLP is a law firm with probate attorneys near Hayward. Its comprehensive probate service helps small to more complex estates with administrative needs, including asset securing and allocation, taxes, debtors, and following up on income due. It also assists with trusts, trust taxation, and trust administration. Appellate matters, cannabis law, environmental law, and litigation and dispute resolution are additional areas of focus for Hanson Bridgett LLP.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kristina Lawson - Managing Partner21 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
Google
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.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4695 Chabot Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Daniela Lungu is an estate planning practice that offers a broad range of legal services to Hayward residents. It assists up to 70 clients every year with cases related to probate, wills and trusts, elder law, and asset protection. The firm offers estate planning classes, including estate planning for families, seniors, pet owners, and business owners. Principal attorney Daniela Lungu is a former businesswoman and practiced mediation and conciliation for two decades in California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Daniela Lungu - 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 (17)
Google
5.0 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)

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
––

Website
630 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, Danville, CA 94526
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, & Fanucci is a legal practice representing clients in the Hayward metro area. The firm guides clients through the probate process. The firm's website provides a detailed overview of the different aspects of probate, including the roles clients might be expected to fulfill, definitions of the different proceedings, and the California-specific laws in effect. This information is provided freely alongside the information needed to hire the firm.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Markowitz - Shareholder41 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.
4.3
Google
3.9 / 5 (7)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

(+1 additional source)

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
571 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Doyle Quane provides assistance to people in Hayward and surrounding areas who are involved in the probate process. Its team of attorneys has in-depth knowledge of the legal requirements regarding the transfer of a deceased person's property to their beneficiaries or heirs. The firm helps clients collect estate income, prepare an inventory, file tax returns, and notify and pay creditors. Doyle Quane's other areas of practice include estate planning and trust administration.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Terence Doyle - Founder39 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
4.5 / 5 (33)
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
490 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
  • Estate Planning
  • Inheritance Taxes
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Connie Yi PC offers a variety of legal services from experienced probate lawyers near Hayward for individuals, families, and business owners. After the death of a loved one, its attorneys help trustees and personal representatives through the probate process and ensure they fulfill their legal duties. It assists clients with the administration of non-trust assets and prepares gift and estate tax returns. The law firm also creates estate plans that protect an individual's assets.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Connie Yi - Principal19 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.
4.8
Yelp
4.8 / 5 (66)
Google
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
2333 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon, CA 94583
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning provides estate administration services to clients in the Hayward area. Founding attorney Julie M. Fiedler works with clients when probate court proceedings are required. From court petitions to creditor and beneficiary notifications, the firm guides clients through every step of the probate process. When conflicts arise concerning wills or estates, attorney Fiedler defends clients' rights to reach fair and amicable settlements. Additionally, the firm handles powers of attorney, conservatorships, and advanced health care directives.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Julie Fiedler - Principal20 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.
4.8
Google
5.0 / 5 (19)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (13)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (10)

(+1 additional source)

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
4 Main Street, Los Altos, CA 94022
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Janet L. Brewer is a probate and estate planning law office that covers clients in Hayward. It counsels those who are appointed as executors of wills, educating them about the probate process and distribution of assets. It can also act on their behalf to contact beneficiaries and to compile all overdue taxes. Its lead attorney Janet Brewer is certified by the California State Bar as an estate planning and probate specialist. She is also a founding member of WealthCounsel.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Janet Brewer - Owner46 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (30)
Facebook
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
20980 Redwood Rd., Suite #200, Castro Valley, CA 94546
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Poniatowski Leding Parikh Law Corporation is a law firm with a team of estate planning attorneys near Hayward who have over 60 years of combined legal experience. Its probate attorneys represent executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in the event of a dispute regarding the administration of a deceased person's estate assets. The firm handles estate planning needs such as wills and trusts to avoid unintended consequences after the client's death. It also takes cases involving bankruptcy, family, and business law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mark Poniatowski - Partner37 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 (14)
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

(+1 additional source)

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

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 Hayward, California?

    510.293.7272 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Hayward.

  • Where should a petition for probate be filed in Hayward?

    To file a petition for probate in Hayward, you will need to go through the Alameda County Superior Court, which handles probate cases in the area. The court is at the Berkeley Courthouse, specifically at 2120 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley, California 94704. For further information or clarification, visit the court's website or contact them directly at 510 647-4439 or 510 647-4403.

  • What are the repercussions of failing to initiate the probate process in Hayward?

    Failing to file probate within one year of death in Hayward and throughout California lead to consequences. These include the court considering the estate as "abandoned," resulting in frozen assets. Late fees and penalties are imposed, reducing the available distribution value. Debts of the deceased cannot be closed, potentially burdening beneficiaries. The executor's role may be lost, causing delays, and a conservator may be appointed, leading to disputes. In severe cases, criminal prosecution may occur.

  • What is the initial step to begin the probate process in Hayward?

    The first step in initiating the probate procedure in Hayward is filing a petition with the probate court. In Alameda County, this initial filing incurs a fee of $465.00. Subsequently, the court date must be advertised in a newspaper through three publications, occurring once per week. This serves as a notice to interested parties about the upcoming proceedings and allows them an opportunity to respond or participate in the probate case.

  • Which assets are not subject to probate in Hayward?

    In Hayward, some assets bypass probate. Joint tenancy assets allow the surviving joint tenant to become the sole owner without court intervention. Married couples can utilize tenancy by the entirety or community property with the right of survivorship, ensuring automatic transfer to the surviving spouse. Assets with designated beneficiaries, like retirement accounts and life insurance policies, and payable on death/transfer on death accounts also avoid probate by directly passing to named beneficiaries upon the owner's death.

  • Is estate or inheritance tax collected in Hayward?

    No. There is no state-level tax on estates or inheritances in Hayward or throughout California. However, if you inherit from someone in a state with an inheritance tax, you may be subject to that state's tax based on the inheritance value and your relationship to the deceased. There could also be a federal estate tax, but few estates owe it. In California, heirs generally inherit tax-free, except for income tax on inherited retirement accounts.