Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Petaluma, CA

An arbitration is like a private trial before a judge (not a jury). The parties present their witnesses and evidence just like in a regular trial, and the arbitrator makes a decision. The decision is binding on the parties, except for one exception. If the arbitration was ordered by the court (judicial arbitration), the losing party may ask for a trial before a judge or jury. If the decision is binding, the decision of the arbitrator may be submitted to the court by the prevailing party and receive a court judgment. The prevailing party may then proceed to collect the judgment amount from the losing party as in any other type of civil case.

Discovery is the phase of litigation in which the parties gather information about the case. It is a generic term that includes: Document requests from the other party and 3rd party witnesses Written questions (called interrogatories) answered in writing under oath by the other party Requests for admissions from the other party Depositions of the other party as well as 3rd party witnesses

For two reasons. First, California law requires a written fee agreement for any matter that is expected to require more than $1,000 in fees. But even more importantly, you need to understand exactly what you can expect of your lawyer and what he or she will expect of you. You should read your fee agreement carefully before signing it, preferably at home. You should sign the agreement only when you understand every clause in it. Fee agreements are negotiable. Thus you should not hesitate to ask the prospective attorney to change, delete, or add to the agreement until you are completely satisfied with it.

The cost for a transactional matter depends upon the type of transaction. For estate planning and some real estate transactions, we can quote a flat fee that is based upon the services desired. In addition, certain construction law transactions are payable on a flat fee. For these types of transactions, there is no charge for an initial consultation. After we have reviewed the matter with you during our meeting we can quote you a figure for the project. The quote does not normally include costs that are incurred on your behalf by us. Typical costs include filing fees, recording fees, photocopies and postage. Some transactions do not lend themselves to a flat fee. In those cases, our normal hourly rates apply, depending on the category of services.

Except in a few limited situations, we work only on an hourly basis. That means that you pay the hourly rate for attorneys, research attorneys, paralegals, law clerks and clerical staff. In addition to the hourly fees, you will be responsible for costs incurred on your behalf by us. Typical costs include filing fees, recording fees, court reporter fees, photocopies and postage.