2008 Recommendations

Can anyone recommend an attorney who takes UC legal insurance to do our will/set up a trust? This is one of those straightforward, necessary things in life that we haven't done because we don't have good future guardianship for our children. Has anyone ever set up their will with this same issue at hand? It seems irresponsible to not set our legal documents in order, but the issue of who would care for our kids is really worrisome for me. Any advice or attorney recommendations? -anon.

Has anybody worked with attorney Greg Brockbank from Marin County to draw up a Living Trust? Anon

I first hired Kathleen to help my siblings and myself out in a messy Estate/Probate case. She delivered such positive results with the Estate case that my husband and I moved forward with hiring her services again, but for putting our Trust together. Kathleen was very thorough in this process. You can tell when you first meet Kathleen that she is exceptionally ''results driven''. I am a very busy Technical Consultant working globally with demanding clients; Kathleen made it very easy for us to get together by meeting with me at my home in the evenings and on the weekends. Kathleen is a very delightful person and a pleasure to do business with and her rates are very reasonable. Marty

Hi, My husband's mother is suffering from early-stage Alzheimers and she lives in MD and we are trying to bring her out to CA and obtain legal guardianship. We are looking for an attorney who can answer our questions and help us to get her into a good care facility. Thank you. Jan

2007 Recommendations

My husband and I recently moved to Berkeley and are expecting our first child. We would like to start a living trust and need reliable and reasonable lawyer in the Berkeley area. Thank you for suggestions in advance. getting our assests in order.

She works quickly, efficiently and often by email/IM. Her rates are very competitive and she proposed ways that I could save money by doing some tasks myself.

She even took care of managing my husband's legal representative for completing our post-nuptial (needed to get mortgage help from my family) since my husband and his lawyer couldn't get around to completing the document. a

Does anyone know a lawyer who could help us update our will and living trust. We would like someone who is kind, thorough, knowledgable, and does not rush you and make you feel unimportant. In alameda or close by is best. mirsun

I'm looking for someone to do fairly straightforward estate planning: simple wills, power of attorneys, etc. I also have an ILIT and may need to set up a trust as my wife is not a citizen. Most of this work (not the trust) was already done in another state, so this is primarily a matter of reviewing and updating as needed. I would like to find someone who 1) will take the time to explain things to me and 2) doesn't cost a fortune. If you've had any good experiences let me know. Todd

2006 Recommendations

I am looking for a recommendation for an inexpensive, yet quality attorney who does wills/trusts. We are especially concerned with setting up custody and financial arrangements for our children if both parents should pass away. I live in Alameda but am willing to see someone anywhere in the East Bay. Thanks! Melanie

We're ready to set-up a living trust and are looking for recommendations for a lawyer. Ideally, we'd like someone who is extremely knowledgable about the ins-and-outs of living trusts, friendly, responsive with fair fees, and located in the East Bay or San Francisco. My sister would like to use the same person as well. Thank you!

Has anyone used the ''We the People'' office in Oakland to prepare their living trust? I understand it is not a lawyer, but a document service that prepares the document for you that is legal and proper. Did you get good service, any problems? It is quoted for $400. I am a bit hesitant about forking out $2K for a trust with a lawyer
Shopping for Trust

Cindy Elwell
Divorce with Dignity
1138A Ballena Blvd., Ste. 2
Alameda, CA 94501
510-523-7290

Hello, Can anybody recommend a good estate planning attorney who would be licenced in both, California and Nevada? We have properties in both locations and would like to only work with one person. Thank you! Elena

We're finally getting ready to do our living trust. The price range from $800 to $8000 plus. How much should we pay? Do they get pay by hourly or by projects? Is there a difference in the outcome of the living trust(paying $800 vs $8000)? I know there are computer software out there that does living trust. If we pay someone to do it, I hope they don't just plug in our information. We appreciate any commend and recommendation ? Lisa

What you want is an attorney who will ask you enough questions, and spend enough time, to ensure that you have an estate plan that's right for you and your particular situation. Beyond that, it's really just a matter of your comfort level. Do you want a big firm? That will usually cost more. Do you want a solo practitioner, or small firm? Often, that means a less formal environment. It all depends on what makes you feel comfortable.

You might consider checking out the lawyer directory on Nolo.com. The listings include a lot of information about the lawyers, as well as their fee structure, so you have a pretty good idea of your choices before you even call anyone. Most estate planning lawyers charge flat rates for estate planning packages; it helps ensure plenty of time for asking questions
Kathleen Hunt

Anyone have a recommendation for an estate attorney? The previous postings are a few years old, and the two most recent names don't seem to be at the same location. We need to set up our wills, and determine whether/which type of trust to establish. Want to do this asap, baby #2 around the corner, and then we'll never get around to it. Thanks.

2005 Recommendations

We are a lesbian couple that needs to update our current wills and create a living trust due to the upcoming birth of our son and some real estate changes. We are looking for a local legal advisor with reasonable rates.

Am looking for a laywer to put together a will/trust for our family - it should be simple we have 1 child, 1 house & our belongs. How much should this cost? There is a ''we the people'' office in Walnut Creek - has anyone used them & How did they compare for cost? Thanks Need a Will

Their office is in Piedmont, but Gigi did the estate plans for me and 4 of my colleagues here in Lafayette. (She comes to you) She also teaches law school JFKU in Pleasant Hill, so she's familiar with Contra Costa. I did some price comparisons and she's still reasonably priced -- she's been at this for years, but they just started their firm, so they are still competitive. I'd grab them now before they get too busy! You can reach Osterloh and Orta at www.oolawlaw.com or gigi[at]oolawlaw.com.

Feel free to contact me with questions. Good luck! amy

Genevieve Orta, Esq.
231 Palm Drive
Piedmont, CA 94610
510.594.8483 tel
510.282.8483 cell
510.291.3211 fax
gigi[at]oolawlaw.com
www.oolawlaw.com

Robert A. Martin, Esq.
Suite 500 1500 Newell Ave.
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
925-935-9935

2004 Recommendations

Can anyone provide feedback about working with lawyer Andrew Tanenbaum for estate planning (will, guardianship, etc.)? I keep seeing his ad in the Parents Press. I've already checked the archives and the last entries on estate planning attorneys were Jan 2003, so if anyone has any recommendations for other affordable estate planning lawyers (or ones to avoid) that aren't already listed there it would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking for a recommendation for an estate planning attorney in the Lamorinda area or Walnut Creek to draw up a trust for my family. It would be great if the rates were reasonable too! Thanks.

Are you in need of a will, trust, advanced directive, and all the related ''stuff'' but too overwhelmed to start the process? If so, I have the perfect Estate Planning Lawyer for you! My husband and I began working with Linda J. Miller when I was pregnant with our first child. Linda was recommended to us through a colleague and we couldn't have been happier. She is a very down-to-earth, informative, and professional woman to work with on such touchy and delicate matters (I cried every time we talked about the various ''what if'' scenarios with death). She walked us through the various documents that we needed, the California laws and interpretations of probate, trusts, and the like. She was always graciously willing to repeat information until we fully understood. Her prices are very reasonable and in line with the going rates (we did contact several other lawyers at the time). Heck, she even makes beautiful baby blankets! Contact her by phone or email at lawoffice[AT]lindajmiller.com. She's in downtown Oakland. Nancy

2003 Recommendations

My husband and I need to establish a living trust, primarily for privacy reasons, because I am being stalked. The goal is to keep private certain records that are ordinarily matters of public record (i.e. house purchase). Can anyone recommend a wills & trusts lawyer? Thank you.

My husband and I just completed setting up a Living Trust (for probate avoidance, regardless of the vagaries of tax rates, and to formalize aspects of our marital agreement). We also executed Wills, Advance Directives for Health Care Decisions, and Durable Powers of Economic Decision. It feels great to have this done! Despite whatever modifications might be made in the years to come, having the basic structures in place is wonderful for peace of mind.

With great enthusiasm, I recommend the attorney we used: James L. Kaller, a certified estate planning specialist with more than 20 years experience. Jim gave close attention to our somewhat unusual situation and wishes, and counseled us thoroughly as to implications, consequences, and choices. He made sure that all our documents were consistent and coordinated. He is friendly in a genuinely caring manner, kept to the timetable we jointly set, and was a pleasure to work with all around. After our initial consultation (at our home in Oakland, since we live near him), we hammered out details quite efficiently via email, and needed to go to his office in San Francisco's Financial District only for the final signing/notarization -- well worth the BART ride! Afterward, he hand-delivered to us at home our original documents, each labeled in individual envelopes, with a full set of copies and follow-up materials organized in a three-ring binder.

Amazingly, Jim's fee was less than $1,000 in total. I know that it's quite common for attorneys to charge two to three times that much! Bonus: if you'd rather converse in French, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, or German, Jim can do that -- no kidding! Really, this was the best experience I've ever had with an attorney -- and that's saying a mouthful. His info: 415-362-9134, jameskaller AT batnet.com Sharon

I got a recommendation for a lawyer specializing in wills, trusts, guardianship, and so forth, whose very thorough and informative packet of info included a generic estimate of a fee of more than $2000 for complete estate planning for two people. We have a baby, a house, life insurance, some small-potatoes investments, and some pension fund, but am I wrong to think that this is an exorbitant fee, or at least that our own arrangements will not require this much chargeable time on her part? What have other people paid lawyers for these services? The website had almost no mention of customary attorney fees. Karen

My typical fee for estate planning for someone in your situation would be $1000 plus costs. Costs are things like County Recorder's fees and typically run from $10 to $50.

I recommend that you make sure that the attorney is experienced You should ask what their primary area of practice is (it should be either tax, estate planning or probate) and how long they have been practicing (at least 5 years, preferably more). As a bonus, the state bar certifies specialist in estate planning, trust and probate. To be certified as a specialist, you need to have enough experience and have passed a test (most attorneys are not).

I hope that I have been helpful. If you have any questions, you can call me at my office. No obligation. I practice in Lafayette, but will make house calls in Oakland or Berkeley.

Best Regards,

Stewart W. Lenz LenzLaw AT aol DOT com 925.283.4255

2002 & Earlier

Does anyone have a more recent experience (than those posted in the previous recommendations) for an attorney specializing in wills, trusts and estate planning? I am looking for someonne to draw up a living trust that would include special instructions on the care of a child. So I want to avoid lawyers who rely on a standard format for a trust. Reasonable rates would be nice too.

Re: trust attorney: Give attorney Nicolette Mandl a call at least for a telephone interview. She is really smart, very attentive to detail, does not use a "boiler plate" trust document (as I have found some trust attorneys do), and her price is reasonable. She works out of El Cerrito and her number is 510-525-2500. --Kim Kim

We need a person who can help us three daughters sort out issues related to our mother's estate, which includes some property, some cash/bonds/stocks, and a life insurance policy. I keep thinking there must be someone out there who can look at all this from our point of view, help us brainstorm possibilities that would satisfy us all, and know enough about the tax and legal consequences to include these in any discussion and/or analysis. We have a estate/trust lawyer (at $225 an hour!) and mom's tax person at substantially less, but still a lot. There must be some way of doing this with help that isn't so piecemeal and expensive. Has anyone been through this with someone they would recommend? Thanks Susan

I would like a recommendation of a lawyer to prepare a will (or trust?) for my husband and me. I have the UC legal insurance. Has anyone out there used this to have a will prepared? Any advice and/or recommendations would be appreciated. I'd prefer to use someone in Berkeley or close by. Sally

I recently updated my trust and will, and changed the guardians for my child in the event of my death. I was recommended by two different people to see Robin Pulich, an attorney in Berkeley on Shattuck Avenue. I was *very* pleased with her services. This kind of work is her specialty and she has a clear and helpful guideline on how to choose a guardian. After discussing this issue with her and applying her criterion for selecting a guardian, I felt no more ambivalence about it. I knew which guardian to choose. She is a participant in the UC Legal Service insurance program, so if you have that coverage consulting her for a will or trust would be considerably less costly. However, whether or not you have the legal service, I would highly recommend Robin. She is professional yet low-key, down to earth and enjoyable to work with. From: Linnea

On a good lawyer for making a will - We had a good experience w/ Atty. Monica Dell'Osso in Oakland (444-6800). She is extremely experienced (& affable, reliable, etc.), so even though her rates are high, she's probably a good deal (takes less time, etc.) Melanie

Mary says:
=>...we really need to put together a decent will. Any
=>suggestions on where to start for good, reliable, clear
=>information?

There's an excellent WWW site that lets you build & modify all sorts of legal documents, including wills: legaldocs.com

-=-Dave

Their office is on Shattuck near the intersection with Center (across from the main BART station terminal, one block west of campus), which I imagine is reasonably convenient for most people on the list.

The phone book lists the firm as David J. A. Martin Professional Corporation, but Mr. Martin is semi-retired and probably won't take new accounts. Instead, your account would be handled by Mr. Holmes, who has 15 years experience and worked with a couple of large firms in San Francisco before joining this firm, which is fairly small. (Sorry if that sounds like an advertisement, but I thought people might want to know.)

Their number is 843-5800, if you want to give them a call. --Steve

Katy

Both these books are written like workbooks to help you figure out everything you need to know and then you type it up yourself and get the witnesses.

Hope this helps,
Laura

On the matter of wills, NOLO Press also has software called, I think, WillMaker. Very easy, with a pretty good manual (describing things like differences between states on various matters, etc.). If you don't need to see an attorney, this is a simple alternative. Barbara

I have the legal service plan which covers wills. It paid about $400 of the $1000 cost of creating a living trust. There is some leg work involved in changing the name on your assets to the name of the trust, but a good lawyer should give you the proper forms to make this an easy process. Also there are tax effects that can determine whether you want to use a will or a living trust.

Having been burned by lawyers quite a few times, even if you decide to use one, I suggest getting yourself a book and reading it before you make your appointment. The first time I didn't know what questions to ask and that cost me a lot. Even if you don't understand the ramifications of everything in the book at least you'll know what questions to ask. Ask up front about the charges to draw up the papers (both hourly and what the final cost will be) so there won't be any surprises when you get the bill. I'd also ask about the costs of probate, because finding this out after your spouse has died will add to the stress of dealing with your loss.

I know that this is a difficult issue to deal with. People don't like to think about their own or close family member's death, but the consequences for the survivors can be devastating. Thinking and dealing with the issues when you first have children (or ideally once you have any assets that will need to be disbursed, get married, etc) is much better than dealing with it in crisis or not dealing with it at all. I have also seen the difficulties when there is no will and that's even more stressful. You want to be the ones to decide who will take care of your children if the worst happens, and your children need to know this also.

Finally the lawyer on the legal service plan that I used and who was direct, up front and compassionate is Frank Lowe. His office is on Shattuck at Center street. I don't have his phone number at hand, but he's with the law firm of Pulich and Lowe.

Good luck.
Debbie

Nolo Press has some good, straightforward books about estate planning, wills and trusts. I have found them at Barnes & Noble and would bet they are also available directly from Nolo press, which is a local publisher.

Also, if you are an employee and belong to the legal plan, one of the benefits is making a will. You can also call their 800# and ask to speak to a lawyer about things you need to take into consideration and also get a local list of providers. Marie

Need a UCB Legal Plan attorney to do our wills

Hello, I work for UCB and was wondering if anyone who also works for UCB knows of a good UCB Legal (ARAG) attorney that does wills through ARAG at Berkeley. If you know of one, can you please give me a few names to work with, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you. anon

We want to draw up a will and possibly a trust using one of the lawyers in the UC Legal Plan (now administered by ARAG.) Does anyone have any recommendations on lawyers that are currently in this plan? I noticed that the hourly rates vary widely (from $150-300/hr)--is this a case where you get what you pay for? Do more experienced lawyers tend to charge more?

Also, how was your experience with the ARAG plan? Can a will and trust and other advance directives be completed within the initial 8 hours, or will we need to spend more time (and money)? We have a daughter we need to designate a guardian for, but otherwise, minimal assets (no property, etc.) Do we need to fill out any forms ahead of time? Would it be helpful to assemble a basic will or trust using Nolo Press books and software first, or is this unnecessary?

The archived recommendations are minimal, and also don't address the new plan administrator (ARAG) and other questions. Trying to get our wills together

It will be helpful if you have everyone's full legal name, address, relationship, what your assets are, how you want it to be divided, and in what order, whether certain items are excluded (you've already designated a beneficiary), specific items that will go to specific persons, who you want to assign as the executor etc. As a side note, sit down and make a list of all your assets, account numbers, institutions, locations etc. so should something happen to you, it can be accessed easily.

The hourly rate are for when you use their lawyers for trials and such, all other services listed are included unless noted otherwise.

In the meantime, prepare a holographic will until you get that one drawn up. Basically, just write out what you want done in your own handwriting and sign it. It would be helpful to have a witness but not necessary. This handwritten note will hold up in court as a legal document until you get the formal will drawn up. shedragon

Does anyone know of a good attorney in the Signature Legal Care plan, the plan offered to UC Berkeley employees, who could help me draw up a living will? I'd prefer someone in the Berkeley/Albany area, perhaps near campus, where I wor anonymous

Do-it-Yourself and Low-Cost Wills

My husband and I would like to designate my parents as guardians of our son in the (unlikely) event that we both die. Do we have to go to a lawyer and fill out formal documents? We don't have any assets, and do not care who our stuff goes to-- we just want to make sure that guardianship for our son is set. What is the cheapest way we can do this? Is it true that we can just write a letter to this effect and sign it with witnessess signing as well, or do we need a lawyer to help us? What have others done about this? ag

Also, you say you have no assets. While that probably means you don't own a house (or maybe a car, either), I imagine that you do have some ''stuff.'' Even if it's just clothes, books, and miscellaneous furniture, it's stuff. Why make somebody you care about, like a family member or friend, try to go through all your stuff without any guidance from you?

I'm a lawyer, so I'm probably biased in my suggestion that you should see a lawyer. There are often possibilities that people don't think of on their own - that's probably the most useful part of talking to someone experienced in this area. For instance, a lawyer could remind you to complete Advance Health Care Directives and possibly financial Durable Power of Attorney forms if needed. A lot of lawyers (including me) also offer free consultations if you like. It's worth considering.

Given your circumstances, though, you might be perfectly well served with Nolo's WillMaker Plus software. It's even on sale right now, I think, if you go to their website (www.nolo.com). It's a well-known and reliable resource for a simple basic will, which would include a guardianship provision. Kathleen

I'm a single low income mom seeking an attorney who can review a simple will to let me know if I have left out anything and if I am using the correct form. I am looking at the California Statutory Will Form as a simple way to do a will that will give legal guardianship of my daughter (to dear friends) and will also let her/ them collect on my life insurance. I have no assets. Can anyone recommend an attorney who can review this form with me for a reasonable / low fee-- I imagine it would take no more than one hour and I really need piece of mind on this. Also would like to know if other parents have used this form.

Second, your life insurance will be paid to whomever the beneficiary on the policy is. You need to contact your insurer and get a change of beneficiary form. Attempting to change the beneficiary of the insurance policy via your will is NOT effective. Also, you may want to leave the life insurance proceeds to your friends, in trust for your daughter. You may also wish to change your bank accounts, in a similar way, to payable-on-death accounts, for your friends in trust for your daughter.

Finally, I recommend that you check out Nolo Press, which has a number of self-help legal books on this very topic. They're listed on Nolo's website, and might be $25 well invested -- much cheaper than any lawyer. (Good estate planners are expensive.) The library might have them, too. Wendy

Estate planning for domestic partners

I'm looking for any recommendations for an attorney who is familiar with estate planning (living trusts/wills, etc) and the special considerations for a lesbian couple with children. Especially considering that a new domestic partners law goes into effect in January. Thanks! Ruth