Stone & Stone, Attorneys at Law

Personalized Estate Planning and Bankruptcy Services

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

My father and I formed our partnership in 2011, so we are a young firm eager to satisfy all of our new clients. My father has been a lawyer for more than 30 years, while I have been a lawyer since 2010. We focus on estate planning matters for small and medium sized estates, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and tax planning. We also offer bankruptcy services for those in debt trouble.

Example cases

Due to client-attorney confidentiality, we do not share information about prior cases. However, we are helping a number of clients with their estate planning needs, including trusts, wills, Medi-Cal planning, powers of attorney and advance health care directives, as well as bankruptcies and debt relief. Please call us at (209) 579-4445 to discuss your needs.

Main Office

Located in
Stockton and Modesto
Modesto CA 95355

Phone

(209) 579-4445

Fax

(209) 593-2280

Websites

STONE & STONE, Attorneys at Law

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I offer a free half-hour consultation for estate planning and bankruptcy clients.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I offer estate planning packages that include a Living Trust, Wills, and Powers of Attorney with advance health care directives, for $975.

I offer Wills starting at $250.

Prices may increase with the size and complexity of the estate, but these prices apply to most clients.

I also offer Chapter 7 Bankruptcies for $750 plus filing fee.

I will gladly extend a 10% discount to new clients who mention that they saw my profile on the Nolo website.

Hourly Rates

Generally $200 per hour, unless I have quoted a fixed-price fee.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

Estate planning practice allows me to help clients with their needs and offer something that really benefits them and their families.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I think it's a great idea. People can navigate many issues for themselves; in more complex matters, the help of a professional can be well worth the expense.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

No.

Michael R. Stone

Before becoming a lawyer I owned several small businesses and I was also a substitute teacher for a time.

Because I focus on practice areas that are common to nearly everyone, including me and my family, I feel that I can relate easily to my clients' desires and concerns in the estate planning context.

I seek to understand a client's personal situation and goals thoroughly, and then pursue an effective, value-conscious solution for them.

Personal interests:

Aside from the law, I enjoy reading in many subjects, hiking, and travel, and I am an avid baseball fan (Go Giants and A's!).

License

Bar Number: 274585
California , 2010

Education

University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
Juris Doctor , 2010
Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts , 2001
Berkeley, CA
Philosophy

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.