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. How can i go about claiming my deceaced father inheritance if im the next of kin

August 23, 2022

A: I am sorry for your loss. To claim an inheritance the procedures are different depending on who has the asset, what kind of asset and how title is held among other questions. I encourage you to contact a focused California probate attorney for more info. Good luck.

Q. Dad died Wed. and my sister (100% beneficiary) wants to petition LA court to add me to Living Trust. How do we do this?

March 22, 2022

A: It’s very possible court won’t be required. A lot depends on tax considerations, terms of trust, etc. I highly encourage you to hire an experienced trust attorney to help. Good luck.

Q. Is there an easier way than probate to transfer real estate, clear title and owned outright, to an established heir?

March 21, 2022

A: A full probate is required. There is no getting around it with values like that. The threshold to avoid probate is $166,500 in gross value of all assets subject to probate. This estate is clearly well above that so a full probate is required. We can get you initial documents tomorrow and get this filed this week if you contact us to go over the details. The faster you start the faster you get to the finish line. Please contact me to go over any specific questions. Good luck. -John