Gary Francis Zilaff, Bankruptcy Attorney in Sacramento, California
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatLaw Offices of Gary F. Zilaff
Sacramento, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Sacramento since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Gary Francis Zilaff?
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Quick answer
Gary Francis Zilaff is a member based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate. Gary has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Sacramento, CA
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · General · Probate
- Handles Bankruptcy, General, and Probate matters from Sacramento, CA.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Gary Francis Zilaff: Gary Francis Zilaff is a member based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate. Gary has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Gary Francis Zilaff
Gary concentrates on bankruptcy, general, probate, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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General
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Probate
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Trusts
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Wills
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Bankruptcy cases in Sacramento, California
Gary takes bankruptcy matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
General cases in Sacramento, California
Gary takes general matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Sacramento, California
Gary takes probate matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Sacramento, California
Gary takes trusts matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in Sacramento, California
Gary takes wills matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Gary Francis Zilaff — Over 49 years of California bankruptcy experience
Gary Francis Zilaff is a member based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate. Gary has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Gary Francis Zilaff is a lawyer practicing business and personal bankruptcy, financial workouts, wills and 2 other areas of law. Gary received a B.S. degree from University of Santa Clara in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Gary practices at Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff in Sacramento, CA.
Gary's approach to bankruptcy cases
Gary Francis Zilaff is a lawyer practicing business and personal bankruptcy, financial workouts, wills and 2 other areas of law. Gary received a B.S. degree from University of Santa Clara in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Gary practices at Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff in Sacramento, CA.
Clients Gary works with
Gary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, general, and probate matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Gary Francis Zilaff's legal education and bar admissions
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1977
University of Santa Clara
B.S. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Gary's state bar admissions
California
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
Gary studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. in University of Santa Clara.
Law school and academic background
Gary completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. in University of Santa Clara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gary runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Gary Francis Zilaff
Gary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Gary's professional memberships and bar associations
Sacramento County Bar Association State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Gary Francis Zilaff's office in Sacramento
Gary's primary office is at 1545 River Park Dr., Ste. 201, Sacramento, CA, 95815. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff
1545 River Park Dr., Ste. 201
Sacramento, CA 95815
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Gary Francis Zilaff — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Gary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Sacramento.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Gary Francis Zilaff claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Gary Francis Zilaff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Gary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Sacramento, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Gary
Gary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Gary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gary Francis Zilaff
How much does it cost to hire Gary for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gary offer a free consultation?
Gary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Gary's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Gary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gary take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?
Gary is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gary will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Gary?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Gary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gary accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Gary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Gary handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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