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Michael Robert Weinstein

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Avvo Rating8.6
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed for 21 years
  • Free consultation
Michael Robert Weinstein
Michael Robert Weinstein
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About Michael

Personalized Attention From an Experienced Attorney. Call for Free Consultation.

I love what I do and it shows in the level of personal care I give to my clients. 

Practice areas

LitigationBusinessEstate planningProbate
  1. Probate: 30%

    21 years

  2. Estate planning: 25%

    21 years

  3. Business: 25%

    17 years

  4. Litigation: 20%

    19 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Law Office Of Michael R. Weinstein, APC

901 W Civic Center Dr. Suite 200X
Santa Ana, CA, 92703

Website
http://www.weinsteinprobate.com/ 

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      CAActive199902/15/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers636
      Legal guides4
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Certificate of Completion, College of Trial AdvocacyOrange County Bar Association2007
      Dean's ScholarshipWestern State University College of Law1996
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      AttorneyLaw Office of Michael R. Weinstein2008 - 2017
      Associate AttorneyAttlesey & Thomlinson2003 - 2008
      AttorneyLaw Office of Michael R. Weinstein2002 - 2003
      Clerk then Associate CounselLaw Office of Gerard O'Brien1997 - 2001
      InternCalifornia Superior Court1997 - 1997
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Orange County Bar Association, Business and Corporate Law SectionMember1999 - Present
      Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates SectionMember1999 - Present
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Western State University College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1999
      Pepperdine UniversityMBA - Master of Business Administration1979
      Pace UnivBA - Bachelor of Arts1968
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Meeting of Orange County, CA chapterPlanned Giving2014
      6 Degrees associationGifting as an Estate Planning Tool2012
      Raytheon employee clubEstate Planning2010
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      Private mediated settlementSettlement allowing client to continue building a successful multi consultant business for no out of pocket cost
      In re: the Wolfe TrustJudgement for domestic partner

      Reviews

      (13)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Michael Weinstein

      PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, & EXPERIENCE!

      Posted by

      Mr. Michael Weinstein is the type of attorney that gives back to the community with his vast knowledge & experience in the areas of Wills/Trust. Extremely patient and will let you ask all the questions to answer your needs. What a true pleasure having dealt with this gentleman of character, in my time of need. Highly recommend him without hesitation....Paul G. Orange, CA.

      Michael did estate planning for me and he was extrememly clear and responsive to my questions and concerns. Highest rating.

      Posted by

      He was on top of all issues from the beginning.He gave me complete attention. His fees are quite reasonable. He made sure that I understood everything. I had acess to him when I needed him. I strongly recommend him to friends who need the best attorney they can find. He is most trustworthy and reliable.

      Family estate planning

      Posted by

      Michael provided excellent and clear description of estate planning issues, answered all our questions, and prepared a family trust, wills, and medical health directives. He is very patient with people without a will or family estate plans.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      living Wills & Probate

      Posted by

      I spoke with Michael he is a Smart, kind, TRUTHFUL, he cares about people he gave me some great advice for free now days every one want to charge you. I learned there are still honest attorneys out there he is the best one I have had the pleasure to talk with.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Answered all my questions

      Posted by

      Mr. Weinstein promptly answered all the questions that I asked in the initial contact message - in one response. Straightforward. Exactly what I needed from a consultation.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Very helpful Attorney -

      Posted by

      I needed to ask questions about a will / probate and I am out of state. He gave me lots of advice and what I needed to do in order to get things started. He also called me back with more information and this was a free consulation. He also said he would be glad to help if we decide to contest the will and or need help. Thank you very much,

      Extremely wise, competent attorney with a wealth of experience.

      Posted by

      Michael Weinstein is very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. He recently helped me with a probate matter, and thanks to his expertise, what could have been a horrible situation was able to be remedied just in time. I recommend him highly and would ask him to represent me in any future estate matters.

      Great attorney! Wish ALL lawyers were like Michael!

      Posted by

      I first discovered Michael here in Avvo. I set up a free initial consultation. Admittedly I came in with attitude because of several previous dealings with other lawyers. He kept his composure and professionalism and gave me great advice as to resolving my problem from a different angle and a different perspective. Michael is a blend of fatherly advice and a professor of law. I really enjoyed his explanations of the law and how it applied to my case. He was sensitive to keeping costs down unlike others I've encountered. He approaches legal issues from different angles than others I have dealt with, which is why I retained him in the first place. After resolution of that issue, I referred 2 of my cousins to Michael to pursue a related matter. They were leery at first, but I managed to convince them to go with Michael and see what happens. Then I had him review 2 other trust documents to be sure they were "solid". He identified weaknesses and strengths after determining what was needed. If all lawyers were like Michael, the profession would not have the bad reputation earned by those who pad their billable hours and fight any issue they can get over-paid for. Michaels knows the law. He tells you up front and honestly what he can and cannot do for you and is accurate in his estimation of hours to accomplish the tasks at hand. His billing practice provides a detailed explanation of what you are paying for, unlike the attorney for my sister-in-law who merely specifies x hours @ y rate = amount she owes. Michael could be and maybe is a model by which lawyers should interact with their clients in terms of communication, time accounting and application of the law. I went to Michael suspicious of lawyers and with negative notions about how they are as a profession. Michael has turned me around and proved to me there is at least one lawyer in the profession I can trust and will advocate my legal position with reason and not cost my arm and my leg or any other body part. This is a second career for Michael as you will note if you read his bio. He practices law for all the right reasons and will help you if he can and will tell accurately how much its going to cost. Otherwise, you are free to find one of those "other lawyers" we so often hear about. Thank you Michael for great representation.

      A confident and gentlemanly lawyer

      Posted by

      I would highly recommend Michael R. Weinstein to any trustee or family who are seeking legal assistance in trust distribution. Our family had some members who were not speaking to each other, due to unrealistic expectations of a larger inheritance. Nevertheless, Mr. Weinstein guided all matters to a resolution. His confident execution of trust law, plus his calm demeanor, were invaluable traits.

      Michael Weinstein is a 10

      Posted by

      Michael Weinstein has done a superb job for me since I first engaged his services for rewriting my Revocable Trust and other documents beginning in 2006. He did so efficiently, promptly, and knowledgeably, and I might add, always in an easy and pleasant manner. Recently, I asked Michael to update my trust to reflect the fact that I now live in France. Knowledgeable of the laws that apply here and in the US, he again did an excellent job without delay. Another thing that makes Michael so easy to work with is his easy and friendly approach. For me it is always a delight to exchange e-mails and phone calls with him.
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (15)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Matthew Lenza, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 28, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Michael expertly handles the questions presented to him and I fully endorse him.

      Sohaila Sahami, Trusts Attorney on Jul 6, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer because I have worked with him in the past and he is not only extremely knowledgeable but also diligent and caring with his clients.

      Zari Hadjian, Probate Attorney on Jun 23, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer because he provides true zealous representation to his clients using his expertise.

      Judd Nemiro

      I endorse this lawyer for being an advocate for clients.

      Kevin Spainhour, Probate Attorney on Mar 4, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Mr. Weinstein's responses on AVVO show sound reasoning and the desire to give back to the community.

      Edward Kotkin, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 29, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Mr. Weinstein is a highly professional and knowledgable attorney in a practice area that affords a client no room for error or inexperience. He has earned the fine reputation that he enjoys in the community, and will do a great job for you when you need him the most.

      Brian Harpst, Probate Attorney on Feb 27, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Michael is an extremely professional attorney. He and I frequently discuss Probate, Trust and Tax matters and I have found him to be knowledgeable and resourceful. I gladly endorse him.

      Howard Lewis, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 23, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Weinstein is one of the finest attorneys in his state. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services.

      William Bruzzo, Probate Attorney on Jun 10, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Michael practices probate, wills and trust and estate planning. He and I worked together on a case wherein he handled the probate portion of it. I have practiced law in California for 15 years. Michael knowledge when it came to the probate matter was impressive. He was able to beat down and win against a devious and dishonest opponent. His calm, freindly demeanor was appreciated by our client. He is well respected in the courts and I send all my probate, wills and trust and probate matters to him.

      Nathan Gjesdal, Estate planning Attorney on May 27, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Mr. Weinstein is a kind, thoughtful, and honest attorney. I have sought his advice on several occasions, and have always been satisfied that Mr. Weinstein answered my questions with care and competence. I would recommend him to both clients and fellow attorneys who seek assistance with estate planning matters.

      Keith Attlesey, Estate planning Attorney on May 24, 2011
      Relationship: Supervised lawyer

      I endorse this attorney. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for several years while he was employed as an associate attorney with my law firm. He is a hard-working, diligent and thorough attorney who is devoted to his clients' needs.

      Donnie Ho, Probate Attorney on May 11, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I have known Michael for several years and he has always conducted himself with class and dignity. Whenever I have needed a question answered in regards to an Estate Planning or Probate matter, he has always provided a keen and insightful answer to my question. I highly endorse this lawyer.

      Sharona Zahabian, Probate Attorney on May 10, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Michael Weinstein is one of the most caring and knowledgeable attorneys I know. He is always professional and an admirable attorney.

      Wail Sarieh, Probate Attorney on Nov 8, 2010
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Gerard O'Brien, Probate Attorney on Jul 23, 2010
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael is thoughtful, honest, hard working and cares about his clients. Michael has been a colleague of mine in this noble profession for what is getting to be a long time. He's also been a good friend, though we seldom get together. He is a very good lawyer my earlier endorsement remains the same.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates$300-$350/hour
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        45 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
        30%-45%
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Always
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check