Christopher R. Milton | La Crescenta Probate, Trust, and Estate Lawyer

• Member - Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Member - Beverly Hills Bar Association

Recently I was able to help a dentist in Florida. His mother had passed away and a dispute arose over his ability to access family finances. We were able to obtain a judgment entitling him to over $1 million which he was able to use to expand and grow his practice. This was achieved in less than 4 months despite the normal time necessary to obtain judgement which can range from 12-18 months.

I learned early on not to cut corners. I have endeavored to turn over every stone, spend the extra time and energy to uncover facts or case law that will help my clients, and have taken great pride in connecting with my clients on a personal level. My motto has always been communication, communication and communication. I refuse to hide from bad facts and negative aspects of a case. I believe that my clients need to know what is going on in their matter, both the good and the bad, so that we can work together as a team to achieve the best possible outcome in the matter.

A client needs to know that their attorney is competent and trustworthy. More importantly though, they need to be able to reach their attorney and get feed back on their case. Some attorneys make it very difficult to be accessible. I find that unfortunate. I believe the best way to achieve the goals of my clients is to communicate with my clients in a straight forward and empathetic manner.

I learned early on in my legal career that command of procedure is what can make a good lawyer a great lawyer. You have to know what to file and how to file it. You have to know how to get the information you need in an efficient manner. I am licensed to practice law in 10 states, and as a result have had to learn how to find out how to get this information quickly

In the initial phone call, it is most about getting to know the case and the client and having the client get to know me. I can make some very basic conclusions about the matter but usually want to sleep on my opinions for a day or so to make sure I have not missed anything.

Each case is different so there is no check list up front. Once we meet and discuss the matter, if additional information is necessary, I can request that information and set up a follow up appointment.

I am creative and pragmatic.

If my client at the end of the representation genuinely believes that they are better off having hired me. If I made a meaningful difference in their lives and helped them resolve a difficult situation.

I am an avid sailor. I have raced across oceans and have lived on a sailboat with my family bouncing from country to country. I am from Napa, and having grown up there, grape vines are in my blood. I now grow my own grapes and make my own wine.

I am very involved. My children are in their late teens and above and as a result, my activities being involved with their sports and school and friends ls much less involved than it once was. As a result I have turned my attention to a variety of other charitable enterprises.