Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation

Nearby Lawyers California Los Angeles County El Segundo East Grand Avenue

(6 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 1960 E Grand Ave #330, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA
Phone +1 310-540-9111
Website http://www.katelaw.com/

Reviews

Kate Crane wrote the estate documents for my parents in 1999. My parents paid thousands of dollars to set up the Trusts. Then, over DECADES she charged them to add more sub trusts giving them convoluted and complex distribution percentages to go from one trust to the other. My mom passed in 2009. My Dad died in March 2023. Today, 8/18/24 the estate is in litigations, most of the beneficiaries are mad and the documents were so poorly written by Kate, that the family relationships are fractured. My parents spent tens of thousands of dollars to prevent what is happening to our family today. They were sold her services using all of the things people want to hear. "You will avoid probate and save time" "You will save money on taxes" "Your family will have peaceful and loving relationships since everything is in the Trust" Total and complete lies to sell their services. Almost two years have passed since my Dad died. Even simple things like personal possessions of jewelry are still in the possession of professional fiduciaries. Almost two years have passed and my son and two nephews who are three responsible , productive members of society have to hire an attorney to try to receive their distributions because Kate Crane never took the time to update the age of these family members who must wait until they are 35 years old. They are businesses owners and homeowners but Kate wrote that they get nothing until they are 35. Oh, and guess what...those three have to have a trust set up and managed being charged fees to set it up and then $3,000/year to "manage the trusts". Another sister has a valid reason for blaming Kate for poorly writing a section of the Trust that results in her losing more than $200,000. I have written a sworn and notarized affidavit detailing how my dad told me that he wanted to change the wording of this section but Kate insisted that it be left as it was. His last few years of his life were spent regretting that he hired Kate Crane. This is a well polished scam that will take your money and redistribute your wealth to Kate Crane and her associates like CPAs. She works closely with a CPA named Grant Niman. After all of the money my parents spent on these trusts, after her client, my dad, passed away and could not complain, Kate charged an additional $8,650 to the estate for "emails, phone calls, review and drafting a letter" of her own documents!! Do not believe any of her lies that she says to get your money. This has been one of the worst cases of incompetence if not outright fraud and elder abuse.
She and her staff are first rate. She has been handling our estate affairs for probably 10 years now. She keeps up on all new laws and has fantastic knowledge and excellent advice. We Definitely recommend Kate Crain for your estate planning and maintenance.
Kate was fantastic at helping us with a solid family trust. She's smart, patient, professional and very thorough with details. We have recommended her to our friends and they are very pleased as well. The legal language of our trust is clear and concise as to what we have intended and planned. Definitely call her if you need help planning your estate.
I have had the pleasure of having Kate handle my estate needs. She is the consummate professional. I can think of no better attorney to guide one on matters such as their estate. I recommend her frequently and no one has been disappointed. After enjoying 25 years of a professional relationship I think that speaks to Kate’s integrity, intelligence and above all her compassion and kindness. Kate is an important and contributing professional in one’s need for legal counsel! Dory O’Toole
Trustworthy, experienced, and delightful attorney. Would not hesitate to recommend.
Trustworthy, experienced, and delightful attorney. Would not hesitate to recommend.

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About Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation

Welcome to the profile of Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation, a legal practice located at 1960 E Grand Ave #330 in El Segundo, California. As a member of the "Nearby Lawyers" category, Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation focuses on providing legal services related to estate planning and trust administration to individuals and families in the local community and surrounding areas. Their office in El Segundo offers a convenient location for those seeking assistance with their estate affairs.

Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation appears to specialize in estate planning, which typically involves the creation of trusts, wills, and other legal documents to manage and distribute assets according to an individual's wishes. The provided customer reviews offer contrasting perspectives on the firm's services. One review expresses significant dissatisfaction with the handling of a family's estate plan, alleging issues with the complexity and quality of the drafted trust documents, leading to protracted litigation, fractured family relationships, and substantial ongoing costs. This review raises serious concerns about the firm's estate planning practices, particularly regarding the creation and maintenance of trusts over an extended period. The reviewer details allegations of misrepresentation of services, excessive fees, and poorly drafted documents that failed to prevent probate and family discord, ultimately resulting in significant financial and emotional distress for the beneficiaries.

Conversely, another review offers a positive perspective, commending Kathleen Crane and her staff as "first rate." This reviewer states that Ms. Crane has been handling their estate affairs for approximately ten years, highlighting her knowledge of new laws and excellent advice. This positive feedback suggests that some clients have had satisfactory experiences with the firm's estate planning and maintenance services.

Given the conflicting nature of the available reviews, it is crucial for potential clients to carefully consider both perspectives when evaluating Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation. The services that the firm likely offers, based on their specialization in estate planning, may include:

Estate Planning: Drafting wills, trusts (including living trusts, sub-trusts), powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other documents to plan for the management and distribution of assets.
Trust Administration: Assisting trustees with their duties in managing and distributing trust assets according to the terms of the trust document.
Probate: Representing executors or administrators in the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate when there is no trust or issues arise with a will.
Estate Litigation: Handling disputes related to wills, trusts, and estate administration.
Elder Law: Addressing legal issues affecting seniors, which may include estate planning, long-term care planning, and guardianship.

The features of Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation are difficult to definitively ascertain due to the conflicting reviews. The positive review highlights Ms. Crane's knowledge of estate laws and the quality of her advice. However, the negative review raises serious concerns about the firm's drafting of complex trusts, communication with clients, fee practices, and the ultimate effectiveness of their estate planning in preventing disputes and ensuring the smooth transfer of assets. The allegation of failing to update crucial details in trust documents over a significant period, leading to negative consequences for beneficiaries, is a significant point of concern.

For individuals in El Segundo and surrounding areas seeking "Nearby Lawyers" for estate planning services, Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation's location on Grand Avenue offers accessibility. However, potential clients should be aware of the divergent opinions expressed in the available reviews. The stark contrast between the positive and negative feedback underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence, including seeking additional reviews or references, and asking detailed questions about the firm's processes, fees, and experience with cases similar to their own.

Regarding promotional information, the positive review serves as a form of endorsement, recommending Kathleen Crane for estate planning and maintenance. However, the serious allegations in the negative review act as a significant caution. Potential clients should approach any promotional claims with careful consideration and weigh them against the negative experiences reported by at least one client. It is advisable to inquire about the firm's approach to long-term trust management, communication protocols, and fee structures during an initial consultation.

Choosing a lawyer for estate planning is a critical decision that can have long-lasting consequences for individuals and their families. The conflicting reviews for Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation highlight the importance of thorough research and due diligence. Potential clients should consider scheduling consultations with multiple attorneys to compare their approaches, experience, and fee structures before making a decision. Asking specific questions about how the firm handles complex trusts, updates estate plans over time, and communicates with clients and beneficiaries is essential.

In conclusion, Kathleen D. Crane, A Law Corporation, located in El Segundo, CA, focuses on providing estate planning and trust services. While one review praises the firm's knowledge and advice, another presents serious allegations of poorly drafted trust documents, excessive fees, and negative long-term consequences for a family's estate. For those seeking "Nearby Lawyers" for estate planning in El Segundo, it is crucial to be aware of these contrasting experiences and to conduct thorough research before engaging their services. Contacting the firm at (310) 540-9111 or +1 310-540-9111 for a consultation and asking detailed questions about their estate planning processes and client communication is strongly recommended to make an informed decision.