Bouneff, Challey, and Koh made our list because they keep things simple. We love that they try to save their clients from spending more than they need to on their probate case. 

From the very first meeting, their attorneys lay out all their costs clearly. They don’t try to come at their clients with surprise charges later on. 

We also appreciate how patient their lawyers are. Many clients shared that the team guided them through the probate process step by step and offered advice with their best interests in mind. 

The firm also handles a wide range of wills and estate issues. They also help with asset transfers, real estate, and insurance claims. They streamline paperwork and connect clients with other professionals if needed.

Several people told us that their lawyers made sure they were available throughout the day to answer any questions. 

The only concern we have pertains to the receptionist. A few people felt that she wasn’t particularly helpful or kind.

Responded quickly to any questions

“I worked with Sarah Scott on my surrogacy contract and cannot say enough positive things about my experience with her and the office staff. Everyone was extremely professional and responded quickly to any questions. Sarah explained things in a way I understand and I really felt like had my best interest in mind when it came to negotiating things. I would highly recommend BCK and would use them again!”

– Cassey Dalva, Google Reviews 

We would recommend them to anyone

“We enjoyed working with BCK through and through during the legal process to establish parentage in our surrogacy journey. Sarah and Shelly are highly professional and responsive, and very accommodating when we had to have them send our legal documents multiple times to different locations.

We would recommend them to anyone who needs legal help with parentage.”

– Ryan Zhou, Google Reviews 

Losing a loved one is never easy, and Myatt & Bell stand out to us because they truly understand that. What sets them apart is the compassion they show to clients, often offering a listening ear when it’s needed most.

Many of the clients we talked to shared that the lawyers are really dedicated to making sure that any assets are distributed properly, both in line with the law and with loved ones’ wishes.

When disputes arise, Myatt & Bell provide steady support and solutions. Several of their clients told us that the team gave them amazing guidance and support by always being ready to answer their questions. 

The support also doesn’t just end with answering questions. We really like that they help clients prepare all the necessary documents, handling creditor claims, and even asset valuation. 

They’re very organized too, according to many clients. They make sure all the legal boxes are ticked, reducing the risk of problems down the road. 

The only complaint we’ve heard about them is that the initial consultations can sometimes run longer than expected.

Took the time to explain the estate planning process

“We contacted Justin Martin at our Financial Planner’s suggestion and have been very pleased with our experience.  He took the time to explain the estate planning process to us and guided us in our decision making.  At our family meeting, he answered our adult children’s questions and mediated some stressful moments. We recommend Myatt & Bell – and Justin Martin in particular.”

– Catherine Dexter, Google Reviews 

Have been extremely pleased with every part of our experience 

“I had a great experience with a very complicated probate process with my brother’s estate.  I was so happy I used Dina Weathers, our probate attorney, to draw up a will and trust for us.  I have been extremely pleased with every part of our experience with them.  I cannot recommend them highly enough!”

– Beverly Gorman, Google Reviews 

The Law Offices of Nay and Friedenberg are good at helping personal representatives handle every step of settling an estate. 

They help personal representatives notify everyone involved, gather the assets, and prepare an inventory for the court. Their thoroughness is a big plus. 

We also love that they give clients a checklist to help them get ready for the initial steps. This shows us that they’re all about giving you the initial knowledge you need. 

Clients frequently mentioned how helpful the team was in guiding them through probate. Many also noted that the lawyers explained everything clearly and responded quickly, which gave them confidence that their cases were in good hands.

That said, we do wish they would be a bit clearer about their rates. Many people admitted that they were confused about a few charges that showed up on their final bill.

They also provided me with great referrals

“Brett Callahan and Debbie Kelly recently helped me through the probate process. I could not have had a better team on my side! They were always responsive, efficient and clear in their instructions – they guided me through the process and made me feel at ease. They also provided me with great referrals for a realtor and an accountant and they coordinated well with those service providers. They didn’t miss a beat as the coronavirus moved us to a remote environment either. Highly recommended!”

– Adriana Pallori Farfan, Google Reviews 

Throughout the process, we’ve been kept fully informed

“I’m eager to take this opportunity to praise the firm Nay & Friedenberg here in Portland, Oregon. They are helpful, friendly, professional and meticulously ethical.  Our Attorney Darin Dooley and his Paralegal Debbie Kelly worked with us to prepare our father’s estate for probate.  Darin met with us and explained how to set up our bank accounts before Dad died and what we needed to do and what would be expected of us upon his death.  Throughout the process, we’ve been kept fully informed. Ms. Kelly let us know there would be a flurry of activity at first, then it would seem like noting is happening, since probates take several months to complete.  Both Mr. Dooley and Ms. Kelly have made themselves available should we have any questions.  We’ve been praising and recommending Nay & Friedenberg since May and we will continue to do so at every opportunity.  Credit should also be given to their excellent website which has a wealth of information.”

– Resburg House, Google Reviews 

If you’re after clarity and ease during a complicated legal process, Chase Marinaka is a strong choice.

The firm keeps probate as straightforward as possible. From the first consultation, they explain to you the steps that need to be taken and help you with any paperwork issues. 

We like that for each case they take on, they give personalized advice that actually helps their clients with the bind they are in. 

Communication is smooth once you start working with them. Many clients shared that they appreciated being able to ask them questions about anything from property transfers to assets related to wills.  

However, we heard that getting a hold of them at first is like playing phone tag. 

Still, others praised Chase Marinaka’s team for taking the stress out of dealing with their late relatives’ estates. Several people liked how they guided them through how to fill out all the paperwork correctly. 

We also love that Chase Marinaka helps with all the key tasks, like finalizing property transfers and finding beneficiaries. 

Chase held my hand through a lot of it

“Chase Morinaka became my probate attorney several months after my husband suddenly didn’t wake up one morning. He guided me and instructed me on tasks that I needed to complete in order for the process to run smooth. Mostly I was on autopilot taking care of task that were of immediate urgency. Chase held my hand through a lot of it, and with the help of some friends,  maneuver through the mountains of paperwork that my husband left behind, including the lack of a will which made things very complicated. It took about 18 months to complete the probate process only because my thinking processes weren’t sharp, but it was completed and all of this is behind me now as I go forward. Thank you, Chase for all that you do to get grieving families through such a difficult event.”

– Kathie Lambert, Google Reviews 

He and his office handled all the steps 

“I had to go through Probate with one account at a difficult retirement fund company.  Mr. Morinaka explained to me the required steps and gave me an approximate price. He and his office handled all the steps and the final cost was just what was expected. I could not ask for better.”

– Mark Fristedt, Google Reviews 

Fitzwater Law has over 80 years under their belt, and they’re one of Oregon’s biggest names in elder law and estate planning. 

What we like is how they focus on being a reliable source of info and assistance for the community.

We love that their attorneys are knowledgeable and show genuine care for their clients. Families told us that when their loved ones passed, Fitzwater Law didn’t just guide them through the legal mess. They were super supportive emotionally. 

We appreciate that they try not to drag out the process longer than it needs to be. Many like how these probate lawyers stick to the top of any paperwork involved. 

We also love how these attorneys are pros at guiding you through court rules (in case you need to make an appearance). Several people told us they were confident at court because they had an idea of which points to bring out that worked in favour of their case.

The only issue we’ve found with them is that they are quite impossible to get a hold of. Many said it took them at least 3 tries before reaching someone on the phone.

They also smoothly handle any bumps 

“We had a complicated Probate to take care of, and Fitzwater Law did a great job for us.  They guide each step of the way, and explain it in clear terms.  They also smoothly handle any bumps in the road, and made an excellent referral to a competent CPA.

They are very knowledgeable, experienced, and professional.

I highly recommend Theressa, Michele, and Fitzwater Law!!!”

– Kevin “Coffeeman” Sinclair, Google Reviews 

Each of them were easy to work with

“I worked with attorneys Theressa Hollis (probate process), Emily Pringle (estate tax return) and paralegal Pam Webster who supported both Theressa and Emily.   Each of them were easy to work with, efficient and professional.  Very good experience, I’d definitely recommend them to anyone.”

– Peter Bennet, Google Reviews