Johnson, Fort, Meissner, Joseph & Palley
1555 River Park Drive
Suite 108
Sacramento, CA 95815
Map
Phone: (916) 920-5983 | Fax: (916) 920-9379
http://www.californiaprobate.info
Sacramento Firm Focused on Probate & Estate Planning
Legal Topic
Estate Planning
Sub-Topics
Probate & Estate Administration
Number of Attorneys
We currently have 7 attorneys in our office.
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus
Our firm is focused on serving all of California in areas of probate and estate planning law. John Palley is our lead probate attorney and pleased to be one of the first Sacramento attorneys listed on Nolo.com in the early 00's.
Firm History
Our firm was established in 1979.
Activities and Awards
John Palley is AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, AVVO.com rated 10.0, and a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Example Cases
We do a substantial amount of probate and estate planning work.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We love educated clients and pride ourselves on helping our clients to fully understand what they are signing.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We are willing to review documents prepared by clients. However, be warned that we will be critical!
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
On a rare occasion we will work as a back room technician to help you through the probate process as a "pro per." This is a case by case issue.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes. This is on a case by case basis.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
Generally speaking the attorney you hire will be the attorney you speak to throughout your case. However, paralegals and other attorneys are always available if your attorney is not.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
Mediation is a common way to solve a litigated probate matter and we fully support that process.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
We provide pro bono legal services though agencies but not through direct client contact.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
We have focused on probate and estate planning since 1979. We have 4 attorneys who are certified specialists in estate planning, probate and trust law and/or taxation law.
Office Manager/Assistant
Malinda Bartels
Fax
(916) 920-9379
Office Hours
8:00 — 5:00 M-F
After hours are by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Additional Offices
Roseville, CA
2200 Douglas Boulevard
Suite 150B
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 920-5983
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
A lot of our estate planning work is done on a fixed-price basis. That fee will be determined at the initial meeting. If you mention Nolo to John Palley he will be happy to quote you that fee by email or phone. Our fees are very reasonable considering our background, experience and credentials. We have no problem telling you up front what your fee will be!
Hourly Rates
Our hourly rates range from $175 to $295 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
In many cases yes. The length depends on the type of case. Call or email with details of your case.
Typical Retainer
The majority of our cases are without any retainer.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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