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

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

Does Jay offer a free consultation?

Jay charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Jay'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. Jay gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jay take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?

Jay 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 — Jay 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 Jay?

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

Is Jay accepting new estate planning clients right now?

Jay's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Jay Gordon Chafetz, Estate Planning Attorney

Quick answer

Jay Gordon Chafetz is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Jay has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Jay Chafetz. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Walnut Creek, CA
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Estate Planning · Litigation · Medical Malpractice

Handles Estate Planning, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice matters from Walnut Creek, CA.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Jay's practice areas in Walnut Creek

Jay concentrates on estate planning, litigation, medical malpractice, nursing home, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jay handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Walnut Creek, California

Jay takes estate planning matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Walnut Creek, California

Jay takes litigation matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Walnut Creek, California

Jay takes medical malpractice matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.

Nursing Home cases in Walnut Creek, California

Jay takes nursing home matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Walnut Creek, California

Jay takes personal injury matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.

Biography

Jay Gordon Chafetz, estate planning attorney serving Walnut Creek

Jay Gordon Chafetz is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Jay has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Jay Chafetz. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Jay works from Walnut Creek, California and takes on estate planning matters across the region.

Jay Gordon Chafetz is a lawyer practicing personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice and 7 other areas of law. Jay received a B.A. degree from University of California at San Diego in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Jay practices at Law Offices of Jay Chafetz in Walnut Creek, CA.

Working with Jay on a estate planning matter

Jay Gordon Chafetz is a lawyer practicing personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice and 7 other areas of law. Jay received a B.A. degree from University of California at San Diego in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Jay practices at Law Offices of Jay Chafetz in Walnut Creek, CA.

Clients Jay works with

Jay reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, litigation, and medical malpractice matters in Walnut Creek and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Jay studied and practices

Hastings College of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1980
University of California at San Diego
B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Jay's state bar admissions

California
1980 · ACTIVE

Jay studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at San Diego.

Law school and academic background

Jay completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jay runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Jay's legal honors and published work

Jay has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Jay Gordon Chafetz's office in Walnut Creek

Jay's primary office is at 2033 North Main Street, Suite 750, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Jay Chafetz

2033 North Main Street, Suite 750

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Jay Gordon Chafetz — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Jay. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Walnut Creek.

4.9

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jay Gordon Chafetz claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jay Gordon Chafetz — 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 Jay usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Walnut Creek, 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 Jay

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Jay'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 Jay Gordon Chafetz

How much does it cost to hire Jay for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jay walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jay offer a free consultation?
Jay charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Jay'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. Jay gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jay take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?
Jay 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 — Jay 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 Jay?
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. Jay will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jay accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Jay's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by estate planning attorneys like Jay Gordon Chafetz. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How Long Does It Take To Settle An Estate In California?
My father passed away in Los Angeles, CA last month and I’m the executor of his estate. He had a small house and a few bank accounts but no debt. I’m unsure how long the probate pr
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · California
Can I Disinherit My Child In A Florida Will?
I’m a mother of three in Orlando, FL and I’m considering disinheriting my oldest child due to ongoing issues. Can I legally do that in my will? What are the potential consequences
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Florida
What Happens To My Student Loans If I Pass Away In Illinois?
I live in Chicago, IL and recently graduated with student loans. I’m 27, healthy, but I worry about what happens to my debts if I die unexpectedly. Will my family be responsible fo
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Illinois
Are Joint Wills Valid In New York State?
My partner and I are discussing our estate planning in New York City, NY. We want to create a joint will since we own property together and have kids from previous marriages. I’ve
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · New York
What Happens If I Don’t Name An Executor In My Will In Michigan?
I’m in Detroit, MI and I’ve been working on my will but I’m unsure if I need to name an executor. What happens if I don’t? Will the court automatically assign someone, or will my e
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Michigan
Do I Need An Estate Lawyer If I Have A Trust In Washington?
I set up a revocable trust in Seattle, WA, and I thought that would suffice for my estate planning. However, I’m worried I might still need legal advice. Do I need to hire an estat
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Washington

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Walnut Creek, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Jay 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.

Jay Gordon Chafetz, Estate Planning Attorney in Walnut Creek, California