Howard Downing Wilson, Estate Planning Attorney in Burbank, California
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatHoward D Wilson
Burbank, CA
Practicing estate planning in Burbank since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Howard Downing Wilson?
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Quick answer
Howard Downing Wilson is a member based in Burbank, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Howard has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howard D Wilson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Burbank, CA
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate · Tax
- Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax matters from Burbank, CA.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Howard Downing Wilson: Howard Downing Wilson is a member based in Burbank, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Howard has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howard D Wilson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Howard takes on
Howard concentrates on estate planning, probate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Howard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in Burbank, California
Howard takes estate planning matters in Burbank, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Burbank, California
Howard takes probate matters in Burbank, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Burbank, California
Howard takes tax matters in Burbank, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Burbank, California
Howard takes trusts matters in Burbank, 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 Howard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Howard Downing Wilson — estate planning lawyer in Burbank
Howard Downing Wilson is a member based in Burbank, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Howard has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howard D Wilson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Howard Downing Wilson is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, probate, estate planning and 1 other area of law. Howard received a B.S. degree from California State University, Northridge in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. Howard practices at Howard D. Wilson in Burbank, CA.
Working with Howard on a estate planning matter
Howard Downing Wilson is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, probate, estate planning and 1 other area of law. Howard received a B.S. degree from California State University, Northridge in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. Howard practices at Howard D. Wilson in Burbank, CA.
Clients Howard works with
Howard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and tax matters in Burbank and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Southern Methodist University
J.D. · 1970
California State University, Northridge
B.S. · 1967
Jurisdictions
Howard's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1972 · ACTIVE
California
1971 · ACTIVE
Howard studied at J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.S. in California State University, Northridge.
Law school and academic background
Howard completed J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.S. in California State University, Northridge. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Howard runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Howard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Howard's professional memberships and bar associations
Burbank (Member, Board of Trustees, 1974-1976)and Los Angeles County Bar Associations State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Howard Downing Wilson's office in Burbank
Howard's primary office is at 245 E. Olive Ave., Ste. 500, Burbank, CA, 91502. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Howard Downing Wilson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Howard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Burbank.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Howard Downing Wilson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Howard Downing Wilson — 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 Howard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Howard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard'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; Howard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Burbank, 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 Howard
Howard 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. Howard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Howard'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 Howard Downing Wilson
How much does it cost to hire Howard for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Howard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Howard offer a free consultation?
Howard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Howard'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. Howard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Howard take my case if I'm outside Burbank?
Howard 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 — Howard 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 Howard?
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. Howard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Howard accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Howard'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 Burbank, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Howard 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.
More counsel
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