Michal Jean Kerestes, Estate Planning Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, General, and Government
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing estate planning in Los Angeles since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michal Jean Kerestes?
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Quick answer
Michal Jean Kerestes is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Government. Michal has over 43 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · General · Government
- Handles Estate Planning, General, and Government matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michal Jean Kerestes: Michal Jean Kerestes is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Government. Michal has over 43 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michal Jean Kerestes
Michal concentrates on estate planning, general, government, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michal handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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General
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Government
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Probate
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Tax
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Estate Planning cases in Los Angeles, California
Michal takes estate planning matters in Los Angeles, 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 Michal agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Michal takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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 Michal agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Los Angeles, California
Michal takes government matters in Los Angeles, 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 Michal agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Los Angeles, California
Michal takes probate matters in Los Angeles, 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 Michal agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Los Angeles, California
Michal takes tax matters in Los Angeles, 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 Michal agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michal Jean Kerestes — Over 43 years of California estate planning experience
Michal Jean Kerestes is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Government. Michal has over 43 years of legal experience.
Michal Jean Kerestes is a lawyer practicing probate, tax law, government contracts and 2 other areas of law. Michal received a A.B. degree from Barnard College in 1969, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michal practices in Los Angeles, CA.
Working with Michal on a estate planning matter
Michal Jean Kerestes is a lawyer practicing probate, tax law, government contracts and 2 other areas of law. Michal received a A.B. degree from Barnard College in 1969, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michal practices in Los Angeles, CA.
Clients Michal works with
Michal reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, general, and government matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Michal Jean Kerestes's legal education and bar admissions
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. University · 1982
Barnard College
A.B. · 1969
Jurisdictions
Michal's state bar admissions
California
1983 · ACTIVE
Florida
1983 · ACTIVE
Michal studied at J.D. University in Southwestern University School of Law and A.B. in Barnard College.
Law school and academic background
Michal completed J.D. University in Southwestern University School of Law and A.B. in Barnard College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michal runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michal Jean Kerestes's office in Los Angeles
Michal's primary office is at 890 S Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90005-3605. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michal Jean Kerestes
Michal has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michal Jean Kerestes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michal usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michal charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michal'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; Michal will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Michal
Michal discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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. Michal confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michal's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michal Jean Kerestes
How much does it cost to hire Michal for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michal walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michal offer a free consultation?
Michal charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michal's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Michal's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in California typically take?
Simple estate planning 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. Michal gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michal take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Michal 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 — Michal 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 Michal?
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. Michal will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michal accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Michal's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Michal handles estate planning matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 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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