Christopher Salvatore Scarcella

Christopher Salvatore Scarcella

4.6
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 14 years

Estate planning Lawyer at Claremont, CA
Practice Areas: Estate Planning, Trusts, Elder Law, Probate

250 W. 1st. St. Ste. #244, Claremont, CA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
See Details

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 40%

I create and maintain estate plans from everything as simple as wills to everything as complex as GRITs, GRATs, ILITs, CRTs, and all the other acronyms. I provide peace of mind by helping people create lasting legacies that pass along their values as well as their possessions. My practice implements strategies that help families avoid the expenses, delays, and frustration involved with probate, conservatorship, and estate taxes.

40%
Elder Law 15%

I help seniors take care of their advanced needs. I create health care directives, as well as help them to qualify for MediCal benefits while protecting their homes from the government placing liens on them.

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 14 years

State: California

Acquired: 2011

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025

Location

C.S. Scarcella & Associates

250 W. 1st. St. Ste. #244, Claremont, CA, 91711

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Christopher Salvatore Scarcella's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

19 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (19) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Misshia Grant | April 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Ms. Grant's Review

Chris Scarcella is by far GOD SENT this man is a christian attorney who is very honest and trust worthy. He is absolutely the best attorney I have ever met thus far. He is extremely dedicated and hard working. Chris is an EXCELLENT attorney who is KIND, he is LOYAL, he is very HONEST and very TRUTH W...ORTHY. There are so many bad attorney's in California I have had so many steal from me, take me money, and do nothing for me. I have prayed day and night for a good attorney and I have finally found the attorney that I have prayed for Chris Scarcella. I have met a lot of BAD attorneys who I have hired, who have took ALL of money. But Chris is a good man, he is not in this for the money. He is truly a good person. I thank God day & night for a good attorney like chris who is not motivated by money bbut motivated to do the right thing. I want to point out that the (one bad review) is a FRAUD because this is so hurtful to speak falsely on such a good man. I have had so many scum bag attorneys that have done horrible things. Chris is NOT like that, he is a gentle soul, he is humble, soft spoken, kind hearted, and loyal.... I am thankful every day to have met Chris. He has helped my sister and I with our very troublesome estate. My sister and I are so grateful for Chris.

Posted by Alpert | November 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Trusts

Wonderful experience!!!

Chris Scarcella is an exceptional attorney. He did my living trust and guided me through the process making sure i understood everything along the way. He is professional, honest, and knowledgeable. I would 100% recommend!

Posted by Shelly | July 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Professional and knowledgeable!

We hired Christopher for our living trust several years ago. He also updated it on one occasion. He is professional, organized and friendly. He is well spoken and helpful in guiding the difficult decisions of estate planning. My grandmother has also used his services for her estate planning. I would ...highly recommend him if you are looking for an excellent trust attorney.

Posted by Amparo | November 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

I am so lucky to have found Chris Scarcella as my attorney!

Throughout my lifetime I have had a few experiences with attorneys, but the knowledge, expertise, patience, professionalism, guidance and continuous help that I have received from Mr. Scarcella I will rate with 10 stars!! I keep telling him that he is the BEST!! From the moment I met with him, which... he went out of his way to make easy for me, and made appointments near where I live, so I didn't have to drive far, to guiding me through the process of making my Living Trust, plus changing my name, Chris showed such excellence in knowledge, sympathy for me, courtesy, politeness, and the final Estate Planning Portfolio was so carefully put together, and full of information/advice that I would have not thought about in a million years, that all I can say is: "Thank God I found Christopher!" I would recommend him to friends and family without any hesitation and with full confidence that he will fulfill every legal need in their Estate Planning preparation. He continues to help me way after completing my portfolio and name change! I have never been happier with my decision of hiring him to help me with my legal needs.

Posted by Laura | June 09, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Exceptional

Very professional and knowledgeable. Revising my living trust was a painless procedure due to the expertise of Mr. Scarcella. I met with several attorneys before deciding on working with Chris and know that I made the right decision. His guidance throughout the process was exceptional. I would highly... recommend his firm to anyone who needs an estate planning attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Salvatore Scarcella's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Jennifer Michele Daniel headshot
Jennifer Daniel

Trusts lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Scarcella and I have worked together on several trust matters. He has been professional and solution-oriented, which I appreciate when working with a colleague. I endorse Mr. Scarcella."

Gary Rotkop headshot
Gary Rotkop

Estate planning lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lovette T Mioni headshot
Lovette Mioni

Estate planning lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a wonderful estate planning attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and cares about his clients. I confidently refer clients to him over and over again because I know he will treat them right and do an excellent job."

David Gharakhanian headshot
David Gharakhanian

Estate planning lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is an excellent estate planning attorney who is highly intelligent, compassionate, and an expert in his field. I refer clients to him without hesitation and he does an excellent job each and every time. I cannot endorse him highly enough."

Matthew M. Thompson headshot
Matthew Thompson

Wills and living wills lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Scarcella for over a year now. He always impresses me with his professionalism and knowledge."

View All Endorsements
Jennifer Michele Daniel headshot
Jennifer Daniel

Trusts lawyer

Marc G. Garlett headshot
Marc Garlett

Estate planning lawyer

Gary Rotkop headshot
Gary Rotkop

Business lawyer

Georgina Lepe headshot
Georgina Lepe

Estate planning lawyer

Lovette T Mioni headshot
Lovette Mioni

Family lawyer

David Gharakhanian headshot
David Gharakhanian

Personal injury lawyer

Maritess Tamunday Bott headshot
Maritess Bott

Estate planning lawyer

Michael Dominick Bonfrisco headshot
Michael Bonfrisco

Estate planning lawyer

Matthew M. Thompson headshot
Matthew Thompson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Justin Michael Kincheloe headshot
Justin Kincheloe

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Shmuel A Steinberg headshot
Shmuel Steinberg

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2025

updated on 06/23/2025

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2025

updated on 04/03/2025

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Honors

2018

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2018

10 Best, American Institute of Legal Counsel

2018

2018 Leading Lawyers, Inland Empire Magazine

2017

Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Specialization, State Bar of California - Certified Specialist

2017

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2017

Service Mark- Revocable Legacy Trust (c), United States Patent and Trademark Office

2016

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2016

2016 Inland Valley's Favorite Attorney, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

2016

10 Best, American Institute of Legal Counsel

2015

2015 Inland Valley's Favorite Attorney, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

2015

Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California

2015

2015 Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2012

Admission to Practice in the Central District of California, United States District Court

2006

Certificate of Recognition - Summer Honor's, Attorney General of California

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Attorney, C.S. Scarcella & Associates

2012 - 2015

Attorney, American Legal Documents

2008 - 2012

Legal Clerk, then Attorney, Walston Cross

2008 - 2008

Legal Clerk, Attorney General of California

Associations

2016 - Present

American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

Member

2015 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

2015 - Present

Academy of Special Needs Planners

Member

2015 - Present

Community Senior Services

Board of Directors

2011 - Present

Orange County Bar Foundation

Member

2011 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2011 - Present

Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section

Member

2011 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney Member

2008 - Present

Texas Exes -University of Texas Alumni Association

Member

2005 - Present

Colorado College Alumni Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Case # CONPS 150018 The Conservatorship of James David Pearce (Person and Estate)

For petitioner

Case # 1400578 In re the matter of: THE ANA MAE LAURENCE LIVING TRUST, U/A dated May 18, 2010

For petitioner

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of Texas School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

Colorado College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Geriatrics- Elder Law, a Broad Overview

Chaffey College

2015

Estate Planning Eases Transitions

The James L. Brulte Senior Center

2015

Estate Plan Essentials

The James L. Brulte Senior Center

2015

Corona Panel Discussion on Downsizing

The Corona Senior Center

2015

25 Documents that Everyone Needs

VNA Hospice and Paliative Care

2014

The Difference Between Wills and Trusts

The James L. Brulte Senior Center

Publications

2015

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution