Probate Lawyers for Santa Maria, California
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William B.
Attorney based in Southern California (for in-person matters), taking clients globally/remotely for CA-specific and Federal legals needs. Owner and operator of Alchemist Attorney, Inc. (www.alchemistattorney.com).
"William was amazing to work with! He handled everything quickly, professionally. I truly appreciated his responsiveness and efficiency. Highly recommend!"
Michael D.
I have been a litigator in state and federal jurisdictions throughout the United States for the past 15 years, save for an eight-month stint as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for a credit card processing company. I am an asset to any firm looking for support with any type of motion work or coverage for appearances, if necessary. I like to refer to myself as a self-proclaimed "walking code of civil procedure." I look forward to working with you and helping however I am able. Thank you for your consideration.
"Responsive, transparent and clear with fees, explained clearly the best course of action. Recommend"
Scott M.
I am Scott Mayer of The Mayer Law Group, Professional Corporation (please see my law firm website: mayerlawgroup.us, and my professional references on the site). I have been a successful California real estate attorney for over 30 years. I have managed three real estate platforms, including a national real estate development firm, a real estate family office with over $1 billion of commercial real estate under management, and serving as the Chief Real Estate Officer for Orange County, CA. I have managed the purchase and sale of over 125 commercial and residential properties, including the negotiation of purchase and sale agreements and the handling of due diligence, financing, and closing matters. I have negotiated over 225 commercial and residential real estate leases. I have managed the ground-up development of over 70 real estate projects. I am also a licensed real estate broker. I am unique as I am a real estate lawyer, broker, and developer who has experience with every aspect of real estate.
"I hired Scott to review a commercial real estate contract, and I was very pleased with his work. He demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge throughout the process, clearly explaining key terms and potential issues in a way that was easy to understand. Scott was thorough and detail-oriented, which gave me confidence that nothing important was overlooked. He was also readily available whenever I had questions, making the process smooth and stress-free. He completed the review on time, which was critical for my transaction. Overall, I would highly recommend Scott to anyone in need of a reliable, responsive, and knowledgeable real estate lawyer."
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Elizabeth J.
Libby Jamison founded E. Grace Law Firm after nearly two decades practicing law across federal agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations. She has advised at the highest levels of government and built a career defined by tackling complex, high-stakes legal and policy challenges. Her practice focuses on business, employment, veteran, and family law matters, drawing on her wide scope of experience including nearly seven years as counsel at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her legal experience spans federal agency counsel, firm ownership, and nonprofit work. She is licensed to practice in California and Washington and was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. Beyond legal practice, she has led as a nonprofit president, chaired a U.S. Chamber of Commerce economic empowerment zone, and served on an American Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel. Her work has been recognized by: Mighty 25 Awardee (2023) Changemaker of the Year, Military.com (2019) Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar (2019)
"Professional, detailed, and always got my back. Would highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone looking for a legal partner"
Brittany P.
A dedicated real estate attorney with a proven track record of advising and representing clients across all facets of real estate law. Known for delivering exceptional, client-centered service that fosters long-term relationships and repeat business. Skilled in managing complex transactions and providing strategic legal guidance tailored to each client's needs. Committed to staying current on legal developments and industry trends to ensure the highest standard of legal counsel.
"Brittany was very professional and very responsive in getting my prenup reviewed. I appreciated her communication throughout the process."
May 2, 2025
Lauren S.
Former Big Law real estate partner with degrees from NYU and Stanford. Extremely efficient, practical, and fully focused on delivering great results for clients.
Erin B.
I am a licensed attorney who has been practicing California law since 2013. As a licensed attorney, I have acquired significant experience in almost every area of the law. I’m currently pursuing remote career opportunities, as I currently reside in Wilmington, NC. I moved to Wilmington in September 2019 (because my partner became a federal judge here) and started my own California law practice (while working from Wilmington) in February 2020. I am now excited to explore new career opportunities. I am seeking a role that will be an excellent fit for me, given my professional experience, skill set, inherent creativity and extroverted nature.
Niki Z.
With more than 20 years of nonprofit, small business, and government experience, Niki can assist you on a wide range of legal issues, including creating new entities and avoiding compliance pitfalls.
Hung C.
Hi, I’m a tech lawyer who helps startups move fast without breaking things legally. I work with founders, product teams, and early-stage companies tackling messy legal and compliance challenges. From launching MVPs to signing your first customers, raising capital, or issuing tokens, I make sure legal supports your growth, not slows it down. With 15+ years of experience at global tech companies and in-house roles, I’ve helped startups across AI, Web3, SaaS, and gaming lay solid legal foundations. I bring sharp, practical advice that fits your stage, your budget, and your ambitions. I offer fractional general counsel support - senior legal expertise without the full-time overhead. Here’s how I can help: Product & Privacy Launch smart with privacy-by-design, strong TOS, and compliance (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, etc.). Commercial Contracts SaaS, vendor, data, pilot, licensing. I’ll help you close clean, scalable deals. IP & Open Source Protect what you build. I’ll guide you on patents, trade secrets, and open source use. Crypto & Web3 Token grants, incentive plans, securities and tax issues, DAO structures - I’ve done it. AI Legal & Governance I advise AI teams on legal risk, model oversight, and emerging regulations (US, EU, global). Fundraising & Corporate Stay investor-ready with clean docs, smart governance, and solid equity structure. Regulatory Strategy Fintech, payments, data. I'll turn complex rules into actionable legal strategies. I speak founder. I’ve been inside startups and know what scrappy, strategic legal support looks like. If you're looking for a hands-on legal partner to help you build responsibly and scale with confidence, let’s talk.
June 12, 2025
Tameem A.
With nearly a decade of in-house experience at publicly traded and high-growth technology companies, I bring a practical and business-focused approach to negotiating and managing a wide range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, licensing, procurement, and enterprise contracts. I lead strategic negotiations, advise on risk, and collaborate cross-functionally to support scalable legal processes. My background includes enhancing contract frameworks, refining templates, and driving alignment between legal strategy and business goals.
July 11, 2025
Aristos K.
I am a San Francisco attorney with specific expertise representing the public with residential and commercial real estate interests in the Bay Area. I apply my background in dispute resolution services, contract analysis, and conflict management to identify and produce long-term results for clients amidst demanding and unforeseen circumstances.
Anna V.
Multilingual California Attorney with experience in Immigration, Real Estate, Contracts.
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Browse Lawyers NowProbate Legal Questions and Answers
Probate
Last Will and Testament
Missouri
Wat type of lawyer do I speak with about an estate that didn't use private court
My father passed away and his wife got/took everything without my knowledge. I am certain that my father would have left something to me and my sister but never heard anything from his wife .
Joseph B.
I am very sorry that you are having to deal with a situation like this during such a difficult time in your life. You are most likely looking for a probate attorney. Probate attorneys handle the distribution of an estate after a person dies. They work with the court, debtors, heirs, etc. to distribute the estate per state law and any estate planning documents the person had.
Probate
Power of Attorney
New Jersey
Can I hire someone to negotiate with my brother to settle or dead parents estate
Parent passed 7/2021 3 siblings, 2 agree completely on everything, the 3rd stole 200k over the last 2 years, strike his inheritance house for $1 and still wants 1/3 of remaining assets. Mom was incompetent by he was poa and breached his duties. We have mountains of bank records and just want him to go away with everything he already stole. He won't talk to us and his lawyer is hiding from phone calls.
Michael B.
I certainly could have a detailed conversation, for free, and see how I can assist. I have more than 30 years experience as a lawyer in New Jersey, and I also am a trained mediator. If you want to contact me, we can schedule a mutually convenient time for a review of the circumstances.
Probate
Power of Attorney
Illinois
How do I get my deceased son affairs taken care of. If I don’t have a power of attorney.
My son was murdered and he was not married. I’m his mother and they are telling me I need a power of attorney. But my son is deceased.
Randy M.
I'm truly sorry for the loss of your son. I know this is an incredibly painful time, and the last thing you need is confusion around legal processes. What you were told about needing a power of attorney simply isn’t correct. A power of attorney only works while someone is alive. Once a person passes away, it becomes legally invalid. Because your son has passed, the legal route to handle his affairs is different. You’ll need to be appointed as the administrator of his estate through the probate court in Illinois. That’s the only way to get the authority to manage his accounts, deal with any property, pay off debts, and take care of the responsibilities that come with closing out his affairs. Since you’re his mother, and assuming he wasn’t married and didn’t have children, Illinois law gives you first priority to serve in this role. The court will issue you what’s called “Letters of Administration.” That document proves you have legal authority to act on behalf of your son’s estate. Now, there are two possible paths forward, and it all depends on the size and type of his estate. If his total assets are under $100,000 and he didn’t own real estate, you may be able to use what’s called a Small Estate Affidavit. It’s a simpler and much quicker process than formal probate. With that affidavit, you can approach banks and other institutions directly to access his accounts. On the other hand, if the estate is worth more than $100,000 or includes real estate, you’ll need to go through the full probate process. That involves filing a petition with the probate court in the county where your son lived. To get started, you’ll need a few things: several certified copies of his death certificate, a basic overview of what he owned and owed, proof that you’re his next of kin, and the court forms specific to your county. Once you’re appointed as administrator, you’ll be legally allowed to collect and manage his assets, access his bank accounts, pay any outstanding debts, handle insurance matters, and make sure whatever is left is distributed according to Illinois law. Given that this involves a murder investigation, things may be more complicated. Some of your son’s property might be held as evidence. There may also be a wrongful death claim or crime victim compensation to consider. These are important legal details, and it’s a good idea to work with a probate attorney who understands how to navigate both the probate process and the criminal case. If you're ready to take the next step, start by contacting the probate court in the county where your son lived. Most counties in Illinois offer self-help resources, forms, and guidance to help you begin. Still, given the circumstances, having a legal professional walk you through everything may bring some peace of mind. Here are some resources that may help: • Illinois Courts Self-Help Center: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/ • Illinois Legal Aid: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/ • Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Finder: https://www.isba.org/public/illinoislawyerfinder • Cook County Probate Court: https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/ There are also Illinois probate attorneys here on Contracts Counsel who would be happy to assist you. Again, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all of this. The people who told you to get a power of attorney probably meant well, but they were misinformed. What you need is a court appointment as the estate administrator. And as his mother, you have the legal right to take that step. Best wishes to you.
Probate
Last Will and Testament
Tennessee
Is a deed of trust enough to prove ownership of a home when a spouse dies intestate in Tennessee?
My stepfather just passed away intestate. He has 2 adult children from a previous marriage. My mother (the widow) does not believe her name is on the property deed, but knows her name is on the Deed of Trust for their home. The home was purchased after marriage, as a couple. They resided together in the home for nearly 20 years. She is worried she will lose their home to intestate succession laws.
Forest H.
It is unlikely that she will lose the home. She has certain rights to a spousal share of his estate regardless of the surviving children or the title to the home. She would certainly benefit from speaking with a local probate attorney who can assist her in protecting her interest.
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Probate lawyers by nearby cities
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