I researched quite extensively to find a professional yet friendly attorney to look over a contract for a Probate property sale. Mr. Rich Gaines, who is also part of the Hyatt Legal Plan ,was knowledgeable and personable. He is thorough and detailed and explained everything with patience and humor. I'm very satisfied with his summary of the details of the contract. He set me mind at ease. Now Mr. Gaines is helping me put my trust together. He is affordable and accommodating. I highly recommend his services. read more

Richard is a super hero with the law and there's no one better to go for legally binding document. Fast service took a few weeks but platinum status. read more

When I was helping my mom consider the value of a trust over simply adding my sister and myself to separate savings and CD accounts (as her mom and dad did for her and her own siblings back when I was a baby), it was nice to have the experienced, calm, quiet Jay Brandenburg at Legacy Legal LLP in Carlsbad, CA to explain the trust option to her. He discovered she, like some 68 percent of the folks out there, was without a will. That's really bad news unless you really want to give a large chunk of what you saved all your life to amass to be given freely to probate. Mom took Jay's sage advice and worked quickly to develop a will. The jury is still out on those "newfangled" trusts.... but at least she knows her options now, and who to go to because she trusts him! read more

Legacy Legal - This is a photo of Jay Brandenburg presenting educational information, - Wills, Trusts, & Probates Near Me - Carlsbad, California

My brother in law passed away on March 6, 2011. In his passing he had said that Rich A. Gaines J.D. conduct his estate if he were to pass. This was terrific for us as Peter was so loved by the family that we were at a loss as to what to do. They grabbed the reins and began the process. They explained to us that there was insurance for the estate process and we could get it if we liked but that since Peters brother Terry was established as executor HE recommended against it. That small recommendation was most likely the biggest mistake of all. Our family did all of the preparation for the sale of his home, all the running around and paperwork that we later found out was what we were paying Mr. Gaines for. All said and done the total out the door for the family to split was approximately $140,000 and his Mercedes. What transpired over the next year and a half was pure hell. The executor, Peter's brother over that time was removing money from the secured account that Mr. Gaines had set up. Sometimes $1,000 to $3,000 every single day. After several months of calling Mr. Gaines and his secretary we knew something was not right and also knew that my brother in-law was heavily using drugs. We called Mr. Gaines for updates that our money was secure and was CONSTANTLY reassured that everything was fine. His mother knew there was a problem and called several times and always the same answer. Everything was fine don't worry we have everything under control and if anything suspicious happens we can put a hold on the account. Coming close to the date that we were to finalize everything in the court we pressuring my brother in-law to hand over that bank documents so we would be assured that everything is in order. Shortly after that meeting Terry attempted to end his life. We found the bank documents and were shocked to see how the money flowed out of the account like a river. We contacted Mr. Gaines AGAIN and told him to put a freeze on the account before all of the money was drained but Mr. Gaines wanted to make sure he was paid his $10,000 from the estate first. We did a fast sale on the Mercedes and drove up to his office and paid off Mr. Gaines and Legacy Legal, Inc. in person. He finally had the account frozen but not before the last $10,000 was removed from the account just days after we all told him to freeze the account. Was it a coincident that there was $10,000 left? I don't know. So what next? Well when it was all done there was pennies left in the account, yes literally $20. All of it. Everything that was supposed to be split with the family was gone. All the work, gone. All the while Mr. Gaines told us not to worry that they had total control over it and nothing was happening. Here is the last insult. It is required that everyone step in front of a judge and say that everything is completed and all paperwork is signed. We showed up at the courthouse and on the tense ride up the elevator we told Mr. Gaines that we would like to speak with the judge to say what had happened. He was apologetic and told everyone that he would take care of it. He would go up in front of the judge after everyone was introduced and let the judge know we had a statement to say. To all of our amazement after he does the introduction and other legal "stuff" he steps away from the judge. We ask him when we will we talk to the judge and he says "you can't, it is over". We are floored! We ask him what he has done and to this day burned into all of our memories is his words. Pointing at our deadbeat brother in-law he says "he is my client you are not". My mother in-law, and my wife burst into tears. I ask him why he has done this to our family, and ask him why he took $10,000 from my wife and I for his services and he does this to us. He just turns and walks away. What should you take out of this? Well first off no matter how much money estate insurance is BUY IT! Second of all NEVER trust an attorney to tell you everything will be OK. Last but not least if you need estate planning of any kind if you go to Rich A. Gaines J.D. or Legacy Legal, Inc. I hope it is money that you will not have a problem losing. We still miss you every single day Pete. We love you. read more

We worked with Rich and Marcelle for the first time updating and enhancing our trust. It was a great experience. Rich was detailed and complete and spent all the time needed to research, develop and implement our revised trust. He also was willing to take any amount of time needed to explain all the aspects of the trust, will, POA and everything. We will continue to use Legacy and would recommend them to anyone. read more

Rich Gaines and his staff are the best at what they do! He's a great guy and he knows how to build businesses and save them money.

Rich Gaines with Legacy Legal was listed as a provider through my company legal plan. Rich was a pleasure to work with and helped my husband and I create our family trust. So glad I chose him! He's helpful, honest, and thorough. I'd absolutely go to him again for any future needs. I highly recommend him to anyone who can use him. Marcelle was very helpful as well. I was able to communicate with her via email and she always responded in a timely manner. The whole experience was wonderful and much easier than I imagined. read more

Richard at Legacy walked us through the whole Estate Planning process. He explained everything and made it easy. We appreciated his insights, guidance, and sense of humor. We definitely recommend Legacy Legal's services. read more

I found Legacy Legal as an approved provider through my company sponsored legal plan. I am glad that they include some quality providers, which is exactly what I found Legacy Legal to be. My husband and I worked with Rich and Marcelle to create our family trust, will, POA, etc. Rich was very friendly and took the time to make sure we understood what exactly we were creating, and great at helping with different options when it came down to decide some pretty serious issues. Death is never a fun thing to speak of, especially your own. But, the weight that is lifted off my shoulders knows my wishes will be fulfilled upon my death is immense. Thank you to Rich and legacy legal for making a not-so-fun process smooth and rewarding. read more

Legacy Legal and my bookkeeping company, Find Your Money, have been collaborating in the same office for several years now. Because of our interaction, I have had a chance to recognize the quality of work that both Rich and Jay perform. Therefore, I felt confident to refer my clients to Legacy Legal. As a result, I have heard only outstanding reviews from those I referred. Whether they needed Estate Planning, Business Advice, or Tax Representation, my clients have all been please with the Legacy Legal team. read more

Rich Gaines is as good as it gets in the tax world. I call him the tax crusher, and that's an understatement. Rich truly does care about your bottom line, and he is highly skilled to minimize your tax burden. I would recommend keeping your CPA for business planning, financial statements, etc, but seeking Rich for your tax returns. He is worth every penny. Having an attorney has well versed on taxes as Rich can save you so much money and make your January -April each year much more enjoyable and less stressful. He is friendly and funny as well, which makes him an all around pleasure to work with. read more

I had the pleasure of meeting Jay Brandenberg in our BNI business group. Jay is more than a specialist with Wills and Trusts, he is a family man with great morals. When I was thinking about incorporating my business, Jay and his business partner helped me understand the different business types and the benefits. I have referred close friends to Jay because I know he will provide a very personable experience and help to simplify the process. read more

I have been associated with with legacy legal since the 1980's and have found them very thorough in representing my estate planning needs and documentation. Jay and his team are friendly, great listeners, patient and feel like family. Would highly recommend legacy legal. read more

When my father in law needed a trust, we went to Jay Brandenburg and Legacy Legal. He handled the entire transaction with a professional and easy going attitude. He put my father in at ease, and he is a tough guy to deal with. After a few meetings, the finished trust was delivered in a beautiful book and perfectly organized, and the price was right. Jay and Rich are great, and I can confidenly recommend them to anyone read more

Jay wrote our trust. He was very knowledgeable and caring. He is also very involved with his church, which I like. Highly recommend......

New to California and knowing we needed to update our wills and such, Jay Brandenburg of Legacy Legal in Carlsbad was simply top notch in walking us through establishing a Living Trust, Will, etc. Jay was very knowledgeable and detailed, walking us through every pertinent detail. We now have piece of mind in knowing that our children will be taken care of. What's truly special about Jay is his easy going, consultant like demeanor. Preparing for those loved ones after we're gone is hard enough and Jay just simply made it EASY! I make very few recommendations (this is my third) and do so when someone stands out. Thanks Jay and the Legal Legacy team! read more