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Best Probate Lawyers in Lake Forest

2023

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Website
32776 Sail Way, Dana Point, CA 92629
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Founded more than nine years ago, The Law Office of Jan A. Meyer provides estate planning and probate services for clients in the Lake Forest area. Ms. Meyer is an experienced attorney who strives to help her clients get through the process of probating a will as quickly as possible. She handles both testate and intestate probate cases, as well as other estate-related matters such as business succession planning and trust administration.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jan Meyer - 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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

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
23731 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Settlement

Why choose this provider?

Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates practices probate law in Lake Forest. Attorney Mr. Young is client-focused and commits himself to ensuring that those facing the probate process can navigate it as quickly and easily as possible. He assists in every step of probate, including tax filing and creditor payments. Mr. Young holds membership in several professional associations, including the American and Orange County Bar Associations, as well as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Young - Principal49 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 (26)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)
Avvo
3.0 / 5 (4)

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
24361 El Toro Rd., Laguna Woods, CA 92637
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Steven Giammichele helps Lake Forest-based clients navigate probate and estate planning matters. It assists them in drafting essential documents, such as trusts, wills, advance health care directives, and powers of attorney. As a results-oriented firm, its lawyers guide its clients in understanding the documents and achieving their personal goals. The Law Offices of Steven Giammichele also provides services to individuals who seek assistance to their family legal matters, including divorce and child custody.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Steven Giammichele - Founding 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1968 S. Coast Hwy, Suite 2498, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Schlau Rogers LLP is a law office that represents Lake Forest clients in simplified summary or full probate proceedings. Its services involve assisting executors in filing petitions in court, managing the assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the rest of the estate to beneficiaries. Additionally, the firm works on personal estate planning and business litigation and transactions. Joshua D. Rogers, the managing partner, has a background in drafting hundreds of individual and joint estate plans.

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 (31)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (13)

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
24012 Calle De La Plata, Suite 410, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Daniel J. Cooper caters to clients in Lake Forest. It assists individuals through the probate process, including the petition and will preparation and filing, notice publication, state agencies notification, EIN obtainment, and change of ownership statement submission. The firm also helps with accounting filing and asset distribution. Daniel Cooper, the principal attorney, has been practicing law for over 35 years. He currently serves as the chairman of the Orange County Bar Association's Trust and Estate Section.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Daniel Cooper - Principal46 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 (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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Website
25201 Paseo de Alicia, Suite 140, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Godbe Law Group provides legal services and representation in the Lake Forest metro, focusing on probate and estate planning. It assists and protects its clients during the probate process, helping with trust administrations and ensuring to carry out the decedent's wishes. In case there is a contest on the will or trust, the firm's lawyers provide court representation. It aids clients with estate planning to minimize taxes and avoid disputes. The firm has over three decades of experience focused on probate, trusts, and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Godbe - Principal/Owner16 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 (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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
32158 Camino Capistrano, #104-809, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Beach Cities Estate Planning, APLC, provides probate services to the Lake Forest metro. It focuses on helping individuals protect their estates from the property tax increase and secure the future of their loved ones. The law firm also handles the drafting of estate planning documents, including durable powers of attorney, wills, trusts, advanced health care directives, and guardianships. Its founding attorney, Ryan Daniels, works directly with clients to provide customized or personalized attention to their estate planning needs.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ryan Daniels - Principal11 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 (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
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Winstead Law Group, APC, is a firm that counsels clients in Lake Forest. It advises executors in handling their probate proceedings, such as drafting wills. The firm also helps clients in estate planning by preparing documents like property memoranda and powers of attorney. It works on legal matters, which involve tax, business, and child guardianship. Stephanie D. Winstead is the founder and president of the firm. She focuses her practice on special tax and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephanie Winstead - Founder & President18 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 (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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
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Website
352 3rd Street, Suite 301, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Estate Plan, Inc. is a firm providing legal assistance to clients in Lake Forest on estate planning and probate matters since 2005. Its practice areas include probate and trust administration, special needs planning, and wills and trusts. It assists during probate from the notification of heirs, the appointment of an executor, payment of estate taxes, and the sale and distribution of assets. Firm founder Leslie Daff is a state bar-certified specialist in estate planning, probate, and trust law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Leslie Daff - Principal23 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 (7)
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3061 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of James F. Roberts & Associates, APC, provides estate planning and probate services to clients in Lake Forest and nearby areas. The firm was founded in 1981 by James "Jim" Roberts, an estate planning attorney with more than 35 years of experience. Jim and his team assist estate executors in proceedings involving asset valuation, distribution, closing, and estate tax payments. His firm holds online and on-site seminars about the benefits of estate 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.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (45)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (15)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)

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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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
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Detail
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Website
19200 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Peter Rasla & Associates PLC is a group of probate lawyers providing estate planning, probate administration, and bankruptcy filing services to clients in the Lake Forest metro. The firm's consultation process involves educating clients about their options in the probate process to achieve favorable results. The firm was established by estate planning attorney Peter Rasla, who is licensed to practice in California and Texas. It assists in probate matters such as trust administration, asset preservation, and irrevocable trusts.

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 (16)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (13)
Facebook
4.3 / 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
7545 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Werner Law Firm has been providing legal services to clients in Lake Forest and the surrounding areas since 1975. It assists in matters such as estate planning, trust administration, and the drafting of wills. The firm also helps individuals navigate the probate process and finds alternatives to address issues, which include spousal property petitions and small estate probate transfers. Its founding attorney, L. Rob Werner, has received the Readers' Choice Award for Best Attorney from the Los Angeles Daily News.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
L. rob Werner - Founding Attorney48 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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
26080 Towne Centre Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92610
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Gokal Law Group Inc. is a law firm that employs a probate lawyer in Lake Forest. Attorney Abbas Gokal handles probate litigation for beneficiaries and trustees who are facing disputes over a loved one's estate after their death. He can represent will executors who are handling contested estates, as well as heirs who feel that the estate isn't being handled correctly. Other areas of practice include financial elder abuse and personal injury law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Abbas Gokal - Partner14 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
4.7 / 5 (13)
Avvo
5.0 / 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
25909 Pala #230, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Kurtz, Anderson and Associates is a law firm serving the Lake Forest metro. With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and administration, it crafts and executes various plans from probate and simple wills to taxable estates and complex trusts. The law office also handles business law matters, catering to clients who seek to preserve family businesses and minimize income taxes. One of its attorneys, Donald Kurtz, holds a Master's degree in taxation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Donald Kurtz - Shareholder42 yrs
Donald Kurtz - Partner42 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 (3)
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1000 North Coast Highway Suite 10, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Anderson Law Group offers trust and probate administration for clients in Lake Forest. The firm's practice focuses on estate planning, business law, charitable trusts, and asset protection. It also offers legacy planning, which aims to maintain family harmony and prevent complex probate processes. The firm adopts the culture of customization, seeking to understand its clients' situations, details, and objectives in order to create customized solutions for their needs. Its principal lawyer, Nicole Anderson, is a member of the WealthCounsel, an association of estate planning attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nicole Anderson - Principal15 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 (8)
Avvo
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

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

    The non-emergency contact number of the Lake Forest Police Department is 949-770-6011.

  • How much does it cost to hire a probate attorney in Lake Forest?

    The cost of hiring a probate attorney in Lake Forest is determined by the worth of the client's estate. Under state law, the statutory attorney's fees are 4% of the first $100,000 in estate value, 3% of the following $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% of the amount for $1,000,000 in estate value.

  • Is probate still required for estates with a living trust in Lake Forest?

    If the deceased loved one has established an estate plan, such as a living trust, before their passing, then probate is no longer required to transfer the ownership of the estates. Having an experienced probate lawyer can ensure that the transfer of ownership will be rightfully and legally done through the trust plan of the deceased person.

  • How long does probate take in Lake Forest?

    While there is no set period for probate in Lake Forest, the administration of probate takes a long time. This is because state law demands multiple waiting periods throughout the probate process. For instance, there is a six- to seven-week wait between filing the petition and the court hearing. There is a four-month waiting period before creditors can submit claims. Additionally, a six- to seven-week waiting period is required between filing the petition for closing the probate and distributing the estates.

  • What happens if you fail to re-title your assets in your will in Lake Forest?

    In Lake Forest, if you fail to re-title some of your assets in your will, those assets will be subject to probate. This means that if you do not name beneficiaries for your assets in your will, the court could choose to allocate them to heirs you did not designate.

  • Is probate required for simple wills in Lake Forest?

    In Lake Forest, probate is no longer required for simple wills. Under state law, simple wills are applicable to estates that have a value of less than $100,000 in combined assets. As a result, the executor or administrator can distribute the property to heirs privately and without the involvement of the court.

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