Catherine W Kim

PRO

Catherine W Kim

also known as Certified Specialist - Estate, Trust ,Probate

5.0
Rating: 8.2

Licensed for 20 years

Probate Lawyer at Tustin, CA
Practice Areas: Probate, Litigation, Trusts, Estate Planning

17541 17th Street, Suite 100, Tustin, CA

About Catherine

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Probate 40%

Certified by the State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. We have completed many "problem" probates by coming up with creative solutions to deal with liquidity problems (not enough cash to cover probate fees and costs and assets which could not be sold), resolving family conflicts, and dealing with complex tax and asset issues, to successfully pass more assets to the next generation.

29 years

40%
Litigation 25%

We have handled many cases involving litigation between heirs or family members. Our mission is to protect the wishes of the decedent, prevent costly and unnecessary litigation and preserve the assets for the heirs and beneficiaries.

29 years

25%
Trusts 20%

Certified by the State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. We set up trusts with custom drafting to meet our clients' goals. Through the years, we have fixed many botched trusts and redrafted incorrectly structured trust transfers, to save taxes, fees, and costs for our clients and their intended beneficiaries.

29 years

20%
Estate Planning 15%

Certified by the State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. When it comes to estate planning, one size does not fit all. We tailor our plans to meet the goals of our clients, and advise our clients on creative and cost effective ways to meet their goals of family harmony and asset preservation for the next generation.

29 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 500-550 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in California for 20 years

State: California

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Catherine W Kim

17541 17th Street, Suite 100, Tustin, CA, 92780

Law Offices of Catherine W Kim

3435 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1103, Equitable Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90010

Law Offices of Catherine W Kim

220 Montgomery Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA, 94104

Law Offices of Catherine W Kim

2900 Gordon Ave., Ste. 100, Santa Clara, CA, 95051

Online Presence

Other places you can find Catherine online.

Catherine W Kim's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

2 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (2) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by B.G. | November 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Probate

Integrity.

Ethical, conscientious, professional and knowledgeable. I can't say enough about Cathy Kim, she definitely does her job extremely well. Words alone can't express my gratitude for not only all of her diligent work, but for always going above and beyond. Cathy had to deal with several unscrupulous i...ndividuals on my behalf, and she had a big hand in saving my sanity. She often had to deal with me when I was an emotional mess, and she was able to calm me down and explain things in a manner that was always reassuring. She advised me of my fiduciary responsibilities as a Trustee and guided me through painful probate and litigation matters. I was very blessed to have Cathy represent me, and I will be forever grateful. You will not regret choosing her as your attorney, she is simply the best.

Posted by Barbara S. | January 16, 2014 | Probate

Review of Legal Services offered by Ms. Catherine Kim

I count it a great pleasure and privilege to express to others my experience with the Ernest Joon Kim Law Firm, and in particular the services rendered my family by Attorney Catherine Kim. I had just lost my dear sister and found myself experiencing for the very first time, the daunting process c...alled Probate. Desperately seeking answers I discovered AVVO and submitted my concerns in hopes that someone would enlighten and assist me in my efforts. Attorney Ernest J. Kim responded with a full page summary addressing all my questions and concerns. I immediately felt that with an empathetic and understanding attorney as this, how could I go wrong with retaining their services. They were the fourth firm I had contacted, and the only ones that were not offended by my need to know and understand the Probate process so I could effectively provide what was required of me to the attorney representing me. I telephoned the firm and Ms. Catherine Kim responded. From our first encounter I felt very comfortable in discussing all the issues with Ms. Kim. Oftentimes I was overwhelmed with grief, the probate process, the difficulty in finding a genuine, caring attorney who was not too busy to answer my questions with courtesy, professionalism and patience. I could not have found a more skilled and adept attorney than Ms. Kim. She is knowledgeable, conscientious, courteous, trustworthy, kind, patient, and compassionate. She addressed all my concerns and the many questions plaguing me regarding this intimidating Probate process. She quieted me and guided me through all my anxiety. No amount of words can express my sincere and deepest gratitude for her support and assistance. Ms. Kim was always available to me and responded promptly to my telephone calls and emails. She was there to help me at every juncture going above and beyond the call for Probate services. I always felt at ease, burdens lightened and encouraged that I could do all that was required of me. As busy as Ms. Kim may have been, I never felt rushed off the telephone or that she was too busy to assist me in working through every issue. Rather, she patiently took the time to explain in laymen terms what I needed to know, ensuring that all concepts were clear, concise, and understandable, so that I would be in a position to make good informed decisions. Within only three days after retaining her services Ms. Kim represented me in court. She kept me informed and abreast of all court actions. She provided easy and understandable explanations of issues and provided legal counsel in all areas of concern to me, some even being outside of Probate. There is no doubt in my mind that these past two years of going through the probate process, the encouragement and support I received from Ms. Kim is immeasurable. She exudes integrity in all she does. Ms. Kim successfully brought my family through the probate process and we are very pleased with her services. She was upfront and truthful about all statutory fees and cost, and also offered us the option for a discounted rate. We highly esteem and recommend Ms. Kim to anyone requiring Estate Planning Services. I have also personally retained her to do my Will and Trust, and is recommending her to one of my good friends. Her services are outstanding and her work impeccable. Put your mind at ease and allow Ms. Kim the opportunity to service all your estate planning needs. She’s the best. Thank you Ms. Kim.

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Catherine W Kim's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Catherine
Reed Townsend Aljian headshot
Reed Aljian

Estate planning lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I completely endorse Cathy. She's intelligent, personable, and thoughtful."

Justin Eric David Daily headshot
Justin Daily

Estate planning lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Kim is a valuable resource for anyone needing estate planning assistance. She is patient, easy to talk to and explains complicated issues in a clear and concise manner. I endorse her without reservation."

View All Endorsements
Steven K Yoda headshot
Steven Yoda

Divorce and separation lawyer

Justin Eric David Daily headshot
Justin Daily

Litigation lawyer

Reginald Hudson Bedell headshot
Reginald Bedell

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Reed Townsend Aljian headshot
Reed Aljian

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.2 (Excellent)

Honors

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2011

Certified Specialist - Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, State Bar of California

2011

Probate Law, State Bar of California - Certified Specialist

2011

Estate Planning, State Bar of California - Certified Specialist

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Ernest Kim

1997 - 2005

Paralegal, Law Offices - Various

Associations

2011 - Present

State Bar of California

Certified Specialist - Estate Planning, Trusts, & Probate Law

Speaking Engagements

N/A

Private Seminars

Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate

Languages

Korean

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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