John B. Palley

I have been practicing estate and probate law since 1994. My practice is 100% focused on California probate court cases only. I pride myself on efficiency and answering my client's questions within minutes rather than days. I am a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. I have highest ratings on numerous websites including Martindale Hubbell "AV" rated, AVVO "10.0" rated, and am a "Superlawyer." I also am a past Sacramento Bee estate and probate "expert." I speak on estate and probate law to professional groups and have been quoted in numerous articles on the subject. I am married and actively involved in my kids sports and activities in Roseville, CA.

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

J.D. (1994) | Legal Studies

California State University at Sonoma

B.A. (1991) | Major: International Business; Semester in London 1989

Honors: Deans List

Attorney

Meissner, Joseph & Palley, Inc.

1999 - Current

Attorney

John B. Palley, Attorney at Law

1994 - 1999

Ask an Expert

Sacramento Bee

January 1, 2009

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law

State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Super Lawyer

Super Lawyers of Northern California

2014

Super Lawyers selects approximately the top 5% of attorneys for standing out in their field.

10.0 Rated

Avvo.com

2010

AVVO has become an industry leader and their 10.0 rating is the highest offered among attorneys.

AV Rated

Martindale Hubbell

2008

Martindale Hubbell has been rating lawyers for about 100 years and the "AV" designation is their highest.

Rotary Club of Roseville

Member

2007 - Current

Activities: The Rotary Club of Roseville has been awarded as being an international leader in the Rotary world and is active locally and internationally to make our world a better place.

Sacramento Estate Planning Council

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: The Sacramento Estate Planning Council is one of the oldest and most esteemed, of it's type, in the area.

California State Bar  # 173469

Member

1994 - Current

California State Bar Trusts and Estates Section

Member

1994 - Current

Activities: A leader in legislative reform and education in the areas of trust and estate law in California.

California

Since 1994

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees
  In select cases.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  I offer both flat fee and hourly fee arrangements in different cases.

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Q. My grandma recently passed without a will. Is there anyome im the sacramento area i could meet with for free advice

4 June 2021

A: I am sorry for your loss. Happy to answer questions if you text or shoot me an email on my website Californiaprobate.info

Q. Considering hiring a new attorney. Been waiting 4.5 yrs for a probate resolution. Does this sound out of the ordinary?

1 June 2021

A: You should most definitely talk to a new attorney. Find a highly experienced California probate attorney. It seems odd to keep a duplex vacant during probate. I would rent it out. Probate should take a year or less unless there are some unique factors/reasons for keeping probate open. Typically 4.5 years would only happen if there is fighting, lawsuits, etc.... Good luck!

Q. my mother passed away I know the property needs to go to probate but I don't know where to start this process

9 April 2021

A: The key is getting started! Get that ball rolling by filing the initial petition. We usually have the initial documents ready the same day and can be on file in most counties in California within two business days. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss the particulars.