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Richard G. Opiela, Estate Planning Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Litigation

Mag. Dist. J.

Pittsburgh, PA

Practicing estate planning in Pittsburgh since 1990.

36+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Richard G. Opiela is a mag. dist. j. based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Litigation. Richard has over 36 years of legal experience.

Based in
Pittsburgh, PA
Experience
over 36 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Family Law · Litigation
  • Handles Estate Planning, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Richard G. Opiela: Richard G. Opiela is a mag. dist. j. based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Litigation. Richard has over 36 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Richard takes on

Richard concentrates on estate planning, family law, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Richard takes estate planning matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Richard takes family law matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Richard takes litigation matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Richard takes personal injury matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Richard G. Opiela — estate planning lawyer in Pittsburgh

Richard G. Opiela is a mag. dist. j. based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Litigation. Richard has over 36 years of legal experience.

Richard G. Opiela is a lawyer practicing estates, family law, personal injury and 1 other area of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Richard practices in Pittsburgh, PA.

Richard's approach to estate planning cases

Richard G. Opiela is a lawyer practicing estates, family law, personal injury and 1 other area of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Richard practices in Pittsburgh, PA.

Clients Richard works with

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, family law, and litigation matters in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • West Virginia University

    J.D. · 1990

  • University of Pittsburgh

    B.S. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

  • Pennsylvania

    1990 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. in West Virginia University and B.S. in University of Pittsburgh.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. in West Virginia University and B.S. in University of Pittsburgh. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Richard G. Opiela's office in Pittsburgh

Richard's primary office is at 970 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237-2136. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

970 Perry Hwy

Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2136

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard G. Opiela

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Hiring guide

How to hire Richard G. Opiela — 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 Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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 Richard

Richard 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard'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 Richard G. Opiela

  • How much does it cost to hire Richard for a estate planning case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Richard offer a free consultation?

    Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate planning cases in Pennsylvania 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Pittsburgh?

    Richard is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard 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 Richard?

    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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Richard accepting new estate planning clients right now?

    Richard'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 Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

Richard handles estate planning matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Pittsburgh handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.