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John Bernard Palley

Probate Attorney at Sacramento, CA

5.0   15 reviews
  • State Years
    California - CA 28 years
    Utah - UT 27 years
  • Licensed for 28 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1994
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State UT
    Acquired 1995
    Status
    Resigned No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About John

Learn John’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Probate
    97%
    Extremely experienced with conducting probates throughout California.

    29 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Estate planning
    1%
    Conduct all facets of estate planning including simple wills and trusts along with advanced planning for large estates.

    29 years, 1,000 cases

  3. Trusts
    1%
    Conduct all facets of estate planning including simple wills and trusts along with advanced planning for large estates.

    29 years, 1,000 cases

  4. Wills and living wills
    1%
    Conduct all facets of estate planning including simple wills and trusts along with advanced planning for large estates.

    29 years, 1,000 cases

I am a certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law as determined by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  My practice is 100% devoted to the California probate process only. I also am a past Sacramento Bee estate planning and trust "expert."  I also have been rated "AV" by Martindale Hubbell which is their highest rating.  I am rated 10.0 by and which are their highest ratings. I am a "Super Lawyer" which they indicate is the top 5% of attorneys.  Contact me with all your probate and trust law issues. I am efficient, knowledgeable and easy to work with.  I look forward to helping you out.

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John Palley 2012
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank Goodness for him!
I contacted John as a fish-out-of-water in desperate need of a line, and he acted swiftly and insightfully. He took the time to answer all of my questions in a way that was easy for a "beginner" to understand. And when I had follow up questions, he did not hesitate to see my issue through. I found John very knowledgeable and generous and I highly recommend him!
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Posted by Gregory | June 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
John Palley Knows What to Do!
I knew nothing about probate law. When my brother died I owed it to him to be his Administrator and I wanted to do my best for the heirs to the estate. I called John Palley Probate Attorney. He and his assistant Danielle Swain guided me through the process. Any time I had a concern or a question, he was always available. He recommended a great probate realtor and the house sold in a week. He told me what I needed to do to set up an estate account. Have my brothers final taxes done. All the way through to the final petition being approved. Probate law is a complex step by step process. It requires an up to date competent probate lawyer. I would have been lost without John Palley and his team, they did a great job! Perhaps best of all, working with John I was able to fulfill my administrator duties working online, saving me from a dozen 800 mile round trips. Keep up the great work John!
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Posted by Carol | February 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You rock John Palley and Crew!
I was told early on by an elderly kind attorney, that the probate process in California is no joke. As a matter of fact he indicated he no longer had the energy to do a full Probate & suggested that I find someone that specializes in that area. So since the fees in California are statutory I set out to find the very best. And the best I found! I can't say enough about John Palley and his paralegal Danielle; actually everyone in that office who I had an interaction with. Words that come to mind........ caring, efficient, responsive, knowledgeable, dynamic. He is totally on your team and steers you in the best direction for your situation. I had some other issues (probate related) come up during the process and John advised me on those as well. It was like being treated as a family member...in some instances better than a family member. I could go on and on and on. So I will just end this review by stating the obvious....... YOU ROCK JOHN PALLEY!!! You really do! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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Posted by Teddy | May 28, 2015
Got my questions answered fast
We had a surprise on who was and was not on the title to the house after my step-father died. John gave us clear, actionable advice within an hour after I sent an email to him. I felt like I knew what legal grounds we stood on and direction about what to do next. Thank you John!
Posted by Traci | October 7, 2014
SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL!!!!!
My family had hired an attorney that had completely misinformed us about the position we were in and what we were entitled to regarding our probate/estate case. Wanting a second opinion, I emailed John and he was quick to respond and dead on accurate with his information to me. He definitely knows this area of law. If he was closer to Orange County I would've fired our attorney and hired him.
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Posted by Eileen | May 7, 2014
A pleasure to work with.
John is my trust attorney, and has been for 10 years. He is intelligent, competent, and never fails to respond quickly to any questions/concerns I might have. Highly recommended!
Response from John Palley May 8, 2014
Thank you so much for the nice review. It means a lot to me. I hope your medical situation improves quickly! Of course, I am here if any questions arise for you. -John
Posted by Leslie | July 27, 2013
A #1 Attorney!!!
He responded within 10 minutes via email. He asked many questions and was thorough, kind, caring and though he couldn't help me, he was quick to let me know how to widen my search! I would recommend Mr. Palley to anyone!
Posted by Andrew | July 19, 2012
Professional, Personable, and Approachable
John assuaged a lot of my worries and concerns regarding my estate planning. For me, his greatest strength was that he listened to all my questions and answered in them in language that I could understand. No hidden agendas and no misleading -- just straight-forward and helpful advice and execution.
Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2012
Heartfelt thanks!
I am an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice defense in Maryland. I was named the Executor of an Estate in Sacramento County, California and rapidly learned that my Estates and Trusts experience in Maryland was not up to the task of California Probate. I searched for an experienced Estates firm to assist me through the process and found John Palley and his firm. I cannot say with enough enthusiasm how strongly I would recommend John and his firm. He was incredibly accessible, knowledgeable and supportive though the whole process. Additionally, I found his Associate and his staff to be equally accessible, helpful and professional. Thanks to John and his team for a very successful outcome! Elizabeth[removed by Avvo staff]
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Posted by Ed | April 23, 2012
A really hard worker
Joh, did a complicated will and trust for me and was always timely, courteous and professional.
Posted by Amelia | August 31, 2010
TRULY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, Intelligent, Professional and INTERESTED
Mr. Palley was so helpful, kind, courteous and very interested in my issues. Mr. Palley took the time to investigate my issues and respond to me before making any conclusions. He made sure he knew what he was talking about and not just a "for instance" kind of lawyer as the one I had spoken to before Mr. Palley. I am so glad I found Mr. Palley and would highly recommend recommend him for anyone that wants an awesome lawyer that is truly interested in protecting their best interests.
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Posted by Scott | August 30, 2010
A solid choice for probate and estate planning matters
It was a pleasure working alongside Mr. Palley on a complex and hostile probate matter. Since then I have referred clients to Mr. Palley and remain comfortable doing so based upon his knowledge, experience and people skills.
Posted by Gary | July 18, 2010
Great Attorney! John Palley
John Palley provides "Top Shelf" service!!! He assisted my family with a Living trust and Will. The process was easy and turn key. John took the time to understand our situation and put together a program that put our family in the best position to be protected. His knowledge and responsiveness is second to none. I highly recommend working with John. He is a man of integrity and professionalism.
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Posted by Jennifer | July 11, 2010
Excellent Attorney
John Palley helped me through the probate process when my husband passed away. His knowledge of probate law and estate planning including testamentary and special needs trusts is unmatched. Mr. Palley guided me through one of the most difficulty processes a person can go through. I would recommend him to everyone I know.
Posted by Jeff | July 11, 2010
Like Family
I've been working with Mr. Palley so long time now it is like he is a member of the famuly. He is a fantastic lawyer and able to simplify very complex issues to help me make the right decisions for all my probate issues..
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Meissner, Joseph & Palley, Inc.
  • 1999 - Present
  • Sole Practitioner
  • John B. Palley, Attorney at Law
  • 1995 - 1999
  • Marketing - Attorney
  • Manulife Financial
  • 1994 - 1995

Education

  • California State University, Sonoma State University
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1994
  • University of the Pacific
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1991

Legal Cases

  • Nearly 1,000 Probate cases
  • Successful!
  • Estate Planning
  • Over 1,000 happy clients!

Associations

  • Roseville Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Placer County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Sacramento Planned Giving Forum
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Rotary Club of Roseville
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Sacramento Estate Planning Council
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Active 20-30 Club #1
  • Member
  • 1995 - 2003
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Estate & Trust Law Firm of the Year in California - 2019
  • Global Law Experts Awards
  • 2019
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • 2018
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • 2017
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Bar Registry
  • 2017
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Bar Registry
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • 2016
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Bar Registry
  • 2015
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Marintdale Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • 2015
  • Best Lawyer in Roseville
  • Roseville Press Tribune
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers of Northern California
  • 2014
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Bar Registry
  • 2014
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Marintdale Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Bar Registry
  • 2013
  • Re-Certified Specialist in estate planning, trust & probate law
  • State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2013
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Bar Registry
  • 2012
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Marintdale Hubbell
  • 2012
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell
  • 2010
  • AV Rated - Peer Review Rating - Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate law
  • California Bar Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • Sacramento Bee
  • Estate Planning and Probate Expert
  • 2009
  • The American Society of CLU Business Compensation
  • Multi-Employer Welfare Benefit Trusts
  • 1995

Speaking Engagements

  • PCAR Lunch and Learn
  • Probate and Living Trusts
  • 2017
  • UC Davis Extension Tax Class
  • Estate Planning for Taxation Students
  • 2016
  • Probate process from start to finish
  • Probate process from start to finish
  • 2016
  • UC Davis Extension Tax Class
  • Estate Planning for Taxation Students
  • 2015
  • UC Davis Extension Tax Class
  • Estate Planning for Taxation Students
  • 2014
  • UC Davis Extension Tax Class
  • Estate Planning for Taxation Students
  • 2013
  • Value Investing for MBA students
  • Estate Planning
  • 2012
  • Radisson Hotel Sacramento
  • Probate Process from Start to Finish
  • 2011
  • Sheraton Sacramento
  • Estate Administration - Why Every Step Matters
  • 2010
  • UC Davis Extension Wealth Management - Multi-week class
  • Estate Planning for High Net Worth Families
  • 2010
  • UC Davis Extension Tax Class
  • Estate Planning for Taxation Students
  • 2010
  • Sacramento Planned Giving Forum
  • Probate and estate planning law
  • 2008
  • Probate Process - From Start to Finish
  • Probate Law for Lawyers and Paralegals
  • 2008
  • UC Davis - 10 Week Course
  • Estate Planning for Financial Planners
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (22)
Given (39)
Endorse John
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known John for four years, and he is one of the brightest and most honest attorneys I know. Personally, he has assisted my family and friends with their estate planning needs."
Probate Attorney | Sep 14
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Probate Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. John is an experienced probate attorney and I recommend him. I enjoyed working with him at a high level attorney conference a couple of years ago. I was very impressed by his knowledge and energy."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known John for more than 5 years. John is an outstanding professional, is extremely knowledgeable, and is a passionate advocate for his clients. I have referred several clients to him and do not hesitate to refer anyone with estate planning or probate questions. I am confident anyone who seeks John's services will receive attentive, competent, and valuable legal services from him."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"John is a partner at our firm. He is an expert in Probate law and Estate Planning. He is the go to person for novel and/or complicated Probate problems where there is no clear law on point. His door is always open to help resolve the trickiest of client issues."
Probate Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"John is a kind, capable and compelling advocate. He understands the law, knows how the system works and cares about his clients. John is the kind of lawyer I would want my wife to hire if I died; and I am an estate planning and probate lawyer. If more lawyers were like John, lawyer jokes would not exist."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I recently met John. He struck me as an attorney with a keen intellect and the ability to think complex issues through. He is a pleasure to speak with and great listener. I would be confident sending my clients to John for estate planning advice."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Probate Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"John Palley is an attorney you can trust to do the best for you. I frequently discuss matters of probate and even general litigation with Mr. Palley. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable about his practice areas, he also has a lot of experience and common sense to bring to the table. This combination makes him an excellent partner for anyone, whether it is a colleague or a client."
Probate Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I recently met John at a conference for attorneys and immediately knew how much he cares to be of service to his clients and community. It takes time to answer questions and write blog articles and rare is the lawyer that understands the importance of serving our community by sharing knowledge. I highly recommend John B. Palley to serve your probate needs in California."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I continually work together with John on several shared clients and without hesitation I recommend him to others. I trust his collaborative approach and observe that he adds value and meaning to his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Palley is a talented attorney and I recommend him. I had the pleasure of working with John at a recent high level attorney conference."
Probate Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I was recently introduced to John at a Rainmaker event in Las Vegas, NV. John is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of estate planning and probate law, and I would not hesitate to refer clients to his practice."
Probate Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"John and I had the pleasure of getting to know each other at a conference of over 30 attorneys from around the country. It was clear that he stood out among this elite group as being more proactive and one of the best attorneys in the room. I would not hesitate to send anyone with an estate planning or probate matter in California to him. I feel certain they would receive fair, fast, and extremely competent legal services from him. I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known John since attending law school with him many years ago. He has an excellent reputation as an estate planning and probate attorney and does the right things for his clients. He is passionate about what he does and is always looking to improve his knowledge so he can better serve his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Friend
"John's passion for estate and probate law is like that for his family - committed, caring and completely dedicated to being the best that he can be."
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with John on a number of joint clients, and used him as a resource in many other matters. John's knowledge of estate planning and probate is superb and I rely heavily on him for these matters."
Trusts Attorney | Aug 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Without hesitation, I endorse John Palley's work. As a lawyer myself, I am well versed in the competancy required to meet the expectations in the legal world, as well as those I personally command. John's expertise and outstanding level of excellence in estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate, dictate his superiority in the field. I can also confidently endorse John's work as client as well."
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