Johnson, Fort, Meissner, Joseph & Palley

Sacramento Firm Focused on Probate & Estate Planning

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

Firm Overview

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.

Example cases

We do a substantial amount of probate and estate planning work.

Main Office

Main
1555 River Park Drive
Suite 108
Sacramento CA 95815

Phone

(916) 920-5983

Fax

(916) 920-9379

Websites

http://www.californiaprobate.info

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

In many cases yes. The length depends on the type of case. Call or email with details of your case.

Services Offered For Fixed 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.

Office Information

Office Hours

8:00 — 5:00 M-F
After hours are by appointment.

Office Manager

Malinda Bartels

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

Spanish

Other Offices

Roseville, CA
2200 Douglas Boulevard
Suite 150B
Roseville, CA 95661

Is your firm 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 within the firm 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.

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.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

We are willing to review documents prepared by clients. However, be warned that we will be critical!

Is your firm 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.

John Palley

Our firm was established in 1979.