Efting & Godfrey, LLP

Nearby Lawyers California Santa Clara County Sunnyvale Heritage District South Murphy Avenue

(12 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 438 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA
Phone +1 408-732-3114
Website http://www.egtlawfirm.com/

Reviews

Hi, I have asked ProPublica to investigate the attorney, James Efting, and the trustee, Richard Lambie, of the $6.5 million trust that my father left me and my brothers and sisters. It has been almost 3 years since my father passed, and I haven't received a dime of the principle. They have charged over $400,000 in administration fees, but have only itemized 1/3 of them. They are pursuing frivolous lawsuits in order to continue to bill the trust. My portion of the trust is about $750,000. I am in a very difficult financial position ( I have spent an enormous amount of money helping a family member that has had health problems for over 7 years) and I asked them to loan me $25,000 from my portion. They said they won't do it. I consulted an attorney regarding this and he told me that it not only CAN be done but it is OFTEN done. They will not provide bank statements showing that the money is actually in the trust account. They said that it doesn't matter if ALL beneficiaries agree to dissolve the trust. They won't do it. There are very questionable expenses on the year end accountings. Anytime I ask them any question regarding the trust, tell me that they can't answer it and for me to get a lawyer. One of James's colleagues, Michael Desmarais, called me a "malicious fruitcake" when I continued to try to get answers to these questions. I have created a picket sign, and I will be out in front of James's office at some point to let other people know about this situation so that they might reconsider their association with James Efting and Richard Lambie. Please, stear clear of them.
Marcus Godfrey has been our estate attorney and trusted advisor for the last six years. He’s thorough, thoughtful, and takes the time to build trust with his clients. He has advised us on our trust, will, advanced medical directives, and power of attorney documents. I’ve strongly recommended his services to multiple members of my extended family and friends and would not hesitate to do the same again. I can’t speak strongly enough about the peace of mind that he has brought our family over the years.
After working with Marcus Godfrey for four years, handling the estates of two relatives, I enthusiastically give him my highest recommendation. The SHORT REVIEW: Marcus is very professional, knowledgeable, and technically precise. Even more importantly, he is ethical and trustworthy. Marcus is responsive and has a quick turn-around time in fulfilling tasks such as drawing up legal documents and conducting filings. Marcus is calm, which is so important in the handling of estates, and a good listener. The LONG REVIEW: My younger brother passed away suddenly and with no will or trust. We initially thought this would be a small estate matter and Marcus was kind enough to agree to help us. As assets were discovered this became a full-on probate matter, which stretched into the pandemic when the courts came to all but a grinding halt. Marcus helped us navigate through this process in such a supportive and professional manner and always responded quickly to our inquiries. About a year later, my father passed away suddenly. We worked with dad’s attorney, who we eventually had to let go. Marcus agreed to help us resolve some very sticky errors the other attorney had made. Marcus achieved in two months what the other attorney could not resolve in three years – wow! I plan to hand over my personal trust to Marcus as well. Our family is deeply grateful to Marcus and I am thrilled to be able to submit this review. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
Marcus provided top-notch legal service and promptly prepared our family's trust. He was straightforward and transparent about the process and timeline. I found him to be very professional, highly knowledgeable, and efficient. He and his staff were very attentive and easy to communicate with. I would definitely recommend Marcus for your estate planning needs.
We used Marcus Godfrey for our estate plan and also referred him to other friends and family for their plans as well. Despite all being in different situations with different needs, we've had incredibly positive experiences with Marcus. He was able to translate difficult concepts into something that my wife and I could understand, and I especially appreciated his push for simplicity. We've had estate lawyers in the past recommend complex (and expensive) approaches, whereas Marcus provided a range of options and recommended simplicity. We left with a clean, straightforward plan based on what we wanted that will grow with our family. Also a genuinely nice guy. Would recommend.

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About Efting & Godfrey, LLP

Navigating the complexities of estate planning and trust administration can often feel like a daunting task, requiring meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of legal frameworks, and a trustworthy advisor. For residents of Sunnyvale, California, and the surrounding Silicon Valley area, securing the future of your assets and ensuring your loved ones are provided for is a paramount concern. Efting & Godfrey, LLP, a legal firm rooted in the heart of Sunnyvale, aims to provide comprehensive and thoughtful legal counsel in these crucial areas. Their commitment is to guide clients through the intricacies of wills, trusts, and other essential estate documents, fostering a sense of peace of mind regarding their financial legacy and family's well-being.

In the dynamic legal landscape of California, proper estate planning is not just a formality; it's a vital step in protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. Efting & Godfrey, LLP, positions itself as a firm dedicated to assisting individuals and families with these sensitive matters. While the firm's goal is to provide exceptional service, it's important for prospective clients to understand that individual experiences can vary, as highlighted by public feedback. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the firm's offerings, its location, and what you can expect as a local user seeking legal services in estate planning and related areas in Sunnyvale.

Efting & Godfrey, LLP is conveniently located at 438 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA. This prime address places the firm in the vibrant downtown area of Sunnyvale, making it easily accessible for clients residing within the city and those traveling from nearby communities in the Silicon Valley. Murphy Avenue is known for its central location and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that the office is straightforward to find. Its proximity to major transportation routes and local amenities contributes to a hassle-free visit for clients.

The accessibility of the office in downtown Sunnyvale is a significant advantage for individuals and families seeking legal services. Being in a central location often means good public transportation links are available, alongside convenient parking options in the vicinity. This ease of access is particularly beneficial when dealing with sensitive and often time-consuming legal matters like estate planning and trust administration. Clients can easily schedule and attend appointments, integrating their legal consultations seamlessly into their busy schedules. For anyone in the California region needing specialized advice in these areas, the ability to readily reach Efting & Godfrey, LLP's office in Sunnyvale underscores their commitment to client convenience and local service. The firm's presence in a well-established area also signifies its long-standing connection to the community it serves.

Efting & Godfrey, LLP specializes in legal services that primarily revolve around estate planning, wealth preservation, and trust administration. Their offerings are designed to provide comprehensive solutions for individuals and families seeking to manage their assets and prepare for the future.

Estate Planning: This core service involves the creation of a complete plan for managing and distributing one's assets upon incapacity or death. It typically includes the drafting of:
- Wills: Legal documents specifying how assets should be distributed and who should care for minor children.
- Trusts: Various types of trusts (e.g., revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts) designed to manage assets, avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, and provide for beneficiaries.
- Powers of Attorney: Documents that appoint someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- Advanced Medical Directives (Healthcare Directives): Legal documents that outline your wishes for medical treatment should you be unable to communicate them yourself, including appointing a healthcare agent.
Trust Administration: Guiding trustees through the legal and administrative process of managing and distributing assets held in a trust after the trustor's death. This involves interpreting trust documents, managing trust assets, accounting for expenditures, and distributing assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the trust's terms and legal requirements.
Probate: Assisting executors and heirs with the court-supervised process of validating a will, settling a deceased person's debts, and distributing their assets when a trust is not fully utilized or does not exist.
Wealth Transfer and Tax Planning: Strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes, ensuring more of your wealth passes to your heirs.
Business Succession Planning: For business owners, integrating business interests into the overall estate plan to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and management.

Efting & Godfrey, LLP, offers several key features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as an estate planning and trust administration firm. Client feedback, both positive and critical, provides insight into the firm's operational aspects and client interactions.

Experienced Professionals: The firm comprises experienced attorneys specializing in estate law, focusing on wills, trusts, and related areas. Marcus Godfrey, for instance, is described as "thorough, thoughtful, and takes the time to build trust with his clients," providing "peace of mind."
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services: They advise on a full spectrum of estate documents, including trusts, wills, advanced medical directives, and powers of attorney, aiming to provide holistic planning solutions.
Building Client Trust: As noted in a positive review, a key highlight is the effort to build trust with clients, a crucial element in sensitive areas like estate planning where personal financial details are shared.
Referral Confidence: The positive testimonial indicates a high level of satisfaction, with the client "strongly recommended his services to multiple members of my extended family and friends." This suggests a strong reputation for consistent positive outcomes and service among some clients.
Dedicated Advisory Role: Marcus Godfrey is highlighted as not just an attorney but a "trusted advisor" for clients over several years, indicating a commitment to long-term client relationships and ongoing guidance.
Potential for Varying Client Experiences: It is important to acknowledge that public reviews can reflect diverse experiences. While some clients express strong satisfaction, others may report concerns regarding aspects such as communication, transparency, or billing practices in complex trust administration scenarios. Prospective clients should consider all available information and conduct thorough due diligence to determine if the firm's approach aligns with their specific needs and expectations.

While law firms typically do not offer traditional retail-style "promotions" or "special offers," Efting & Godfrey, LLP, like many professional legal practices, provides a fundamental and highly valuable service that acts as an initial offering for prospective clients: the initial consultation. This complimentary or low-cost initial meeting allows individuals and families to discuss their estate planning or trust administration needs directly with an attorney from the firm. During this consultation, clients can outline their specific situation, ask questions, and receive preliminary legal insights tailored to their circumstances. This essential first step helps potential clients understand the scope of their legal challenges, explore possible solutions, and determine if the firm's expertise and approach align with their objectives, all without a significant upfront financial commitment. It represents the firm's commitment to accessibility and providing clarity from the outset, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their legal representation for critical life planning.

To connect with Efting & Godfrey, LLP for your estate planning or trust administration needs, please use the following contact details:

Phone: (408) 732-3114
Mobile Phone: +1 408-732-3114
Address: 438 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA

The firm aims to be responsive to inquiries and guide you through the process of scheduling a consultation. When dealing with matters as important as estate planning, timely communication and initial guidance can be crucial. Reaching out allows you to take the first step in securing your legacy and ensuring your family's future is well-protected.

For residents of Sunnyvale and the wider California region, particularly those focused on securing their family's future through robust estate planning and efficient trust administration, Efting & Godfrey, LLP offers a suitable local option. Their downtown Sunnyvale location makes the firm highly accessible, integrating seamlessly into the daily lives of local clients. This local presence is beneficial, as it means the firm has a strong understanding of California-specific estate laws, local probate court procedures, and community dynamics, which can be invaluable in complex legal matters.

While a positive client review highlights the "peace of mind" brought by Marcus Godfrey's "thorough, thoughtful" approach and his role as a "trusted advisor," demonstrating strong client satisfaction, it's prudent for any prospective client to consider all publicly available information and reviews. For those seeking dedicated estate planning guidance, the firm's specialization in wills, trusts, and related documents aligns directly with these needs. The emphasis on building trust and providing comprehensive advice, as described by satisfied clients, points to a firm that aims to be a long-term legal partner. Given the critical nature of estate planning, choosing a local firm that understands both the law and the community can offer significant advantages, making Efting & Godfrey, LLP a consideration for your estate planning needs in Sunnyvale.