Maria S. Bellafronto

Competent handling of a complex estate dispute

I engaged Maria Bellafronto to assist with a contentious dispute over my late uncle's trust. The situation involved multiple beneficiaries and a contested interpretation of the trust's real estate provisions. Maria's background in Litigation - Trusts and Estates, and her recognition by Best Lawyers in that area, gave me confidence in her technical competence. She was clearly knowledgeable about the relevant California statutes and her analysis of our position was sound. Ultimately, we reached a settlement that protected my inheritance, which was the primary goal. However, the experience felt somewhat transactional. Communication was not as proactive as I had hoped; I often had to follow up for updates, and responses to emails could take several business days. While her legal work on the pleadings was thorough, I sometimes felt I had to pull explanations about strategy or next steps. For straightforward legal matters, her expertise from Santa Clara University and her commercial litigation recognition suggest she knows her field. My expectations for a more guided, client-centered experience were only partially met. She is a capable attorney who achieved the result, but the process lacked the personal touch and consistent communication I valued.