Dennis A W Fordham

Dennis A W Fordham

5.0
Rating: 8.7

Licensed for 34 years

Estate planning Lawyer at Lakeport, CA
Practice Areas: Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate

870 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA

About Dennis

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 50%

Drafting Wills and Trusts.

22 years | 700 cases

50%
Trusts 30%

Trust Administration upon death or incapacity of settlor who established the trust.

22 years | 40 cases

30%
Probate 20%

Court supervised administration of a deceased person's probate estate, It can either be testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will).

22 years | 20 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 22 years

State: California

Acquired: 2003

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 34 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1992

Due to Reregister within 30 days of Birthday

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Dennis A Fordham

870 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA, 95453

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Dennis A W Fordham's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

53 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (53) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Robin | January 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Senior estate plan

We sought Dennis Fordham to prepare our wills and trust because he is a senior specialist. I have enjoyed his columns in our local paper "Lake Co Record Bee" for years. We sought his services when we had an immediate need to pull my sister's business together. Unfortunately, he was not available th...at day, and she died before we could complete our documents with someone in her area. By procrastinating the legal process, she left me with a nightmare to deal with. I had to go through probate and spend all of our savings up front since I could not access her accounts. Merl and I put this as a high priority for our family so they are protected. There is no question of our wishes, and authority is established for our children. Thanks to Dennis, and his assistant Janita for making this such an easy process for us. We can enjoy our senior years knowing all is planned for.

Posted by Denise | December 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

An Excellent Attorney

Dennis Fordham is a great attorney. He helped me with my Will and Trust. I was nervous about making a Trust, though I felt at ease, when Dennis patiently explained everything step by step. He is very thorough. He is very professional and answered my phone calls or called me back promptly. I feel very... confident in his expertise. His prices are very reasonable.

Posted by Dolores | January 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Probate

Dennis Fordham is Intelligent, Industrious, and Indispensable

My beloved mother passed away at 97 years, being executor to her estate fell to me. I am an elderly widow and live in Arizona, I knew NOTHING about being an executor or probate law. I engaged Dennis for this legal matter because of his very good online reviews and speaking with him by phone. There wa...s no need to travel to California because all the legal documents and other paper work was handled via fax, email and snail mail. He walked me through the complex process and made it as easy as he could for me. Dennis is very trustworthy, meticulous, and has quick analytical skills, he can get to the heart of a problem and solve it. He was very good at keeping me updated as the case progressed, and worked tirelessly for me, even on Saturdays. I would like to mention Janita, Dennis’ assistant, for her fine secretarial skills and her kindness in assisting me. Dennis was invaluable in helping me through a difficult time. I will always remember his kindness, and concern for me and my sisters.

Posted by Frank | June 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Probate

Dennis Fordham is an Outstanding Probate Attorney

Four years ago, I wrote a glowing review describing the probate work Dennis Fordham performed for me. Today, after my out-of-state ancillary probate attorney stumbled, Dennis stepped into the breach and within three hours of my request for his help had sorted the matter out to my satisfaction. He's s...mart, responsive and a good guy. I recommend Dennis without any reservations.

Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Very thorough

Mr. Fordham clearly and promptly answered all our questions. Our estate plan was completed within the time frame promised. He was very helpful given our "blended family" complexities. Overall he is very professional!

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Dennis A W Fordham's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dennis
Kevin Thomas O'Connor headshot
Kevin O'Connor

Estate planning lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Dennis is super knowledgeable and has a very accessible and personable way of sharing information."

Jeffrey David Markham headshot
Jeffrey Markham

Estate planning lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

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Experience

Rating:  8.7 (Excellent)

Honors

2009

Specialization - Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law, California State Bar

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Dennis A. Fordham

1994 - 2002

Senior Attorney, New York State Department of Taxation - Office of Counsel

Associations

2010 - Present

Lake County Law Library

Trustee

2006 - Present

Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council

Member

1996 - Present

Lakeport Rotary

Member

Education

1994

New York University School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws (Taxation)

1991

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law

J.D.

1988

Columbia Univ

History

Speaking Engagements

2016

Lake County Bar Association

Revocable Transfer on Death Deed

2010

Speaker's Panel

Financial Elder Abuse

Publications

2010

California State Bar Trusts and Estates Quarterly Using Private Retirement Plans to Protect your Assets from Creditors
Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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