My family and I had an experience with this law firm during the administration of my aunt's…read moreCalifornia probate estate.
The estate contained limited assets. According to probate filings, the executor received nearly $75,000 in compensation and reimbursements, and the attorneys received more than $16,000 in legal fees. Based on our understanding of the will, several beneficiaries did not receive property or distributions that they believed were contemplated, and no one received any amount as much as the executor for assets less than $325,000, some assets were never addressed at all ii the final accounting, where the family had to purchase the last legal filings themselves.
One concern relates to notice and transparency during the administration of the estate. Following service of the Inventory and Appraisal in April 2025, additional filings were made with the court through November 2025. It is our understanding that only one beneficiary signed a Waiver of Notice of Proposed Action in April 2023, while other beneficiaries did not waive notice. Subsequent filings after April 2025, including the final accounting and distribution documents, were not served on all beneficiaries, including matters involving compensation. If accurate, this raises questions about whether all interested parties were provided notice and an opportunity to participate in the probate process.
Another concern involves accounting and financial disclosure. A family member requested a complete accounting of the estate's assets, expenses, and distributions on multiple occasions, including through formal service upon the law office. According to our records, a full accounting was not provided in response to those requests.
There were also concerns regarding communication. As the probate progressed, communication became more limited. Requests for information and clarification were not consistently addressed, and responses were not always provided in a timely manner. In one instance, a named heir who asked questions was informed by Terry Loa that she was not a party to the case. When Rebecca Sem was contacted directly, a similar response was received.
Concerns were also raised regarding the handling of vulnerable individuals. Family members informed both the executor and the attorneys that the decedent's son had lifelong cognitive impairments and later experienced a stroke affecting his decision-making capacity. Based on our observations, no formal evaluation or action addressing these concerns was evident during the administration of the estate.
Privacy issues were another area of concern. Despite notification that a granddaughter had a no-contact order involving her father, probate documents continued to include her address in filings and correspondence.
Questions also arose regarding the distribution of estate property. The distribution of certain items, including antiques, jewelry, and a vehicle, differed from what some family members understood to be the intended allocations under the will. Those distributions did not align with the decedent's intent based on available information. When Atty Sems was asked directly what had happened to a great-great grandmother's rocker and other assets, the response was that the son was given the option and any remaining items were disposed of.
Overall, based on our review of the probate record and our experience, there were concerns regarding communication, notice, accounting, and the administration of the estate. Probate attorneys and executors have responsibilities that include providing notice, maintaining transparency, and administering the estate in accordance with applicable law and the decedent's wishes.
This review reflects my family's experience and our understanding of the probate record. Individuals considering this firm for estate administration may wish to review court filings, inquire about attorney fees and executor compensation, and seek clarification regarding notice requirements and accounting procedures. This law office failed in our opinion to follow legalities and allowed an exector, the law firm and her spouse (who had no family relations) to profit from a families traumatic event.
