When my father passed in December of 2019, I had no clue of all the work that goes into probate. When my cousin suggested I get an attorney, I honestly thought to myself, "why? I have a paralegal degree." I had no idea where to start. My friend suggested the Law Offices of James J. Phillips, as one of her friends was able to get her Living Trust done in a hurry. Upon meeting Jim at his office in Castro Valley, I felt very comfortable and felt as though him and his team were very trustworthy.
As we began to open probate, everything got pushed back because of the Court closures due to Covid-19. Jim and his daughter Katelyn did a terrific job in staying in contact via email, phone and Zoom meetings. They made the process so easy in a situation that was one of the most difficult in my life. They listened to my endless stories and made an effort to know me on an interpersonal level at a time when human contact was minimal.
As a result of going through the hardship of probate (and at Jim's suggestion), I choose to complete a Living Trust, Last Will and Testament, and Advance Health Care Directive. Going through that process was easier than I thought it was going to be. I answered a questionnaire that Katelyn and I went over via zoom to be able to draft the documents. I then reviewed the documents, had another zoom meeting with her for corrections and additions and before I knew it, we were having them notarized.
I can't thank Jim, Katelyn and their team enough. They got me through a very difficult process and I can't even put into words how much I would recommend their services. read more