Bay Area Probate & Estate Law (Formerly Solan, Park & Robello)

Dealing with probate can be overwhelming, but this firm made the process much easier. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and handled everything professionally. Thanks to attorney Vincent for your guidance.

I highly recommend Attorney Sheila Robello! As a remainder beneficiary, I was left in the dark when the trustee repeatedly refused to provide a proper trust accounting to me over the course of 3 years. Sheila stepped in, went thru my paperwork, documents, etc., and explained my legal rights, took immediate action and successfully forced the transparency I am legally owed. Her expertise in trust law, responsiveness, and firm handling of a very difficult family dynamic has given me peace of mind. If you are a beneficiary being denied information, or need help understanding your rights, Sheila is the attorney you want in your corner.

I had a consultation with Sheila @ Bay Area Probate & Estate Law that went well and I felt confident with regarding my probate/trust matter. After my consultation I was sent a legal services agreement to review. Before signing the contract or paying the retainer, I sent an email asking one question about cost control. I wanted to know whether, if probate was contested, the firm could evaluate handling the issue narrowly and procedurally -- (basically to preserve the creditor-claim process and deadlines instead of immediately litigating the full merits of my compensation claim). Within a few minutes after asking that question, the firm declined to represent me any longer. They said it was "due to workload, available resources, and the nature of the legal issues involved, and they also said not to take it as a reflection of the merits of my case". I understand that a law firm can choose not to take a case. However, it was severely disappointing because I was already sent a contract, and felt my question was reasonable to ask before signing and paying a substantial retainer. I was trying to understand the scope, procedure, and cost-control approach before moving forward. In the end I'm thankful because I was actually between two firms ultimately deciding on Bay Area Probate. Sheila deciding not to represent me showed me I was making the wrong decision and what firm was most patient and suitable for my needs. When I asked the same question to the other firm I received a respectful and simple answer to my very simple question related to cost control. Seek patience and ask questions always. Don't allow any firm make you feel like your questions are too much for them when you're spending your money on their representations. Finally, I also would have appreciated a more helpful referral to attorneys who handle contested probate, trust litigation, or creditor-claim matters, instead of just being told to contact a bar association. Based on my experience, this firm is not the best fit for someone who needs clear communication before committing to a retainer/contract.

Navigating a family dispute with my uncle over estate matters is one of the most stressful things I've experienced, and Bay Area Probate & Estate Law made it so much more manageable. Sheila was a lifesaver. She gave generously of her time and never made me feel rushed or like just another case. She helped facilitate communication in a way that was clear, tactful, and effective, keeping things from escalating while still advocating for my interests. What I appreciated most was her patience in explaining the process and making sure I understood each step. Estate disputes involving family members are emotionally charged, and Sheila handled everything with both professionalism and genuine warmth. She truly cared about the outcome. I can't recommend this firm enough. Thank you, Sheila!

I submitted a positive review of Bay Area Probate and Estate Law soon after beginning to work with Vincent Yu, my lawyer, and Corbin Betleyoun, his assistant back in April. That review got over 1,000 likes. I’m submitting a second positive review at the end of our efforts in July, having received the funds withheld by the bank, despite having submitted the will of a dear friend to them. Vincent chose a course of action that took many months because the bank refused to even acknowledge receipt of our documentation. Vincent wanted to avoid a costly and lengthy court case. Since I was responsible for the cost, despite the outcome, I REALLY wanted to avoid having to go to court, too. The bank finally acknowledged that I was the executor of the estate and distributed the funds. I was pleased with the bill I received from Vincent. This was my first experience using a lawyer in my whole life. And I’m 74 years old. So, I hope you interpret this review as OUTSTANDING. I really feel like I [and 29 other beneficiaries] dodged a bullet.