California Estate Planning Lawyers

Armed with impressive qualifications from big law firms and an approachable demeanor you'd expect from a small firm, Owen uniquely bridges the often intertwining areas of Trusts, Estates, and Probates. Owen holds degrees in tax (LL.M.), law (J.D.), and business (M.B.A.), making him particularly well-equipped to guide you, whether you're crafting an estate plan for your loved ones or you're a trustee or beneficiary in need of expert counsel. At Opelon, we believe in more than just offering services - we're dedicated to building enduring relationships. With Owen, you'll find an attorney who is not just qualified but also approachable. We encourage...

Tamara Shari Benefield is a top-notch family law litigator for over 20 years handling high asset divorces, contested custody proceedings, as well as providing aggressive and compassionate representation for all things family law from child support and spousal support hearings as well as international and interstate child abduction cases. Ms. Benefield is a highly skilled cross examiner and exceptionally gifted trial attorney. She knows the rules and laws regarding evidence and knows how to successfully raise objections and keep out certain evidence. She is a former professor at West Los Angeles College of Law and taught Civil Procedure to prepare students...

Mitchell A. Port is an attorney in Los Angeles who represents individuals, families, and businesses offering services in probate, trust administration, estate planning and IRS tax controversies.

In addition to administering a decedent's estate as well as identifying and distributing assets to beneficiaries, Mitch also offers services for other issues that may require the attention of a probate court, including the following:

Lost wills

Will contests

The removal of executors and trustees

Petitions for probate

Trust administration

Probate litigation

Other legal matters that must go through the California
probate court, including conservatorships
(a court proceeding for incapacitated and incompetent adults)
and guardianships (a court proceeding for...

Matthew focuses on elder law, estate planning, and related practice areas. He began his career in the field of trusts and estates, and expanded into elder and probate law. He quickly realized that he enjoyed the personal nature of working in estate and elder law, and chose to continue by opening his own firm. He is passionate about taking care of his clients, and treats each of them as if they were family. Matthew was admitted to the California bar in 2006 and has practiced law in Contra Costa Country since 2006. He earned his J.D. at...

Elizabeth Yang has been practicing law since 2007 and specializes in Intellectual Property Law, including Patent, Copyright and Trademark Prosecution and Litigation; Business Law, including corporate entity formation, contract drafting, contract disputes, litigation; and Family Law, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and asset division. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Elizabeth was admitted to the United States Patent & Trademark office in 2007. At the age of 19, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley in two and a half years. In 2011, Elizabeth founded Yang & Wang, P.C., a boutique...

RMO LLP resolves contests, disputes and litigation related to trusts, estates and conservatorships, creating a welcome peace of mind for clients. We represents heirs, beneficiaries, trustees and executors, utilizing our experience to develop and implement strategies that swiftly and cost-effectively address the financial issues, fiduciary duties and emotional complexities underlying trust contests, estates conflicts and probate litigation. Driven by a commitment to provide relief to people grieving the loss of a loved one, RMO collaborates closely with clients. We pursue and defend claims involving incapacity, incompetence, undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, and other similar areas of dispute. Our advice and counsel...

Four law school degrees and certificate, along with graduate degree. Long time law professor and dean. Professor. Love helping folks. Doing Living Trusts for twenty-one years!

Engish Spoken! - manueljuarez.com El Abogado Manuel A. Juarez representa a inquilinos con problemas de viviendas inhabitables o mal mantenidas. Manuel A. Juarez es el Abogado de Derechos de Inquilinos con problemas de plomería, desagüe, aguas estancadas, incendios, invasion de ratas, chinches, cucarachas y de viviendas sin calentón en el este de San Francisco. El Abogado Manuel Juarez también litiga lesiones causadas por la caída de techos húmedos y defectuosos. Si Ud. tiene lesiones causadas por pedazos de su techo, o ha sufrido una caida en el piso de su ducha o su vivienda esta infestada con...

Dustin MacFarlane is an estate planning and elder law attorney with a unique background which makes him uniquely qualified to serve his clients. Prior to entering practice as an attorney in Sacramento, Dustin began his career in the long-term care industry, working with skilled nursing and assisted living facilities throughout the Central Valley and Northern California. He takes pride in the work he does in helping families provide for and protect their loved ones. Outside of his work at the firm, Dustin also hosts a weekly show on Talk 650 KSTE and is actively involved with several community organizations.

Attorney Robert Miller has a 10.0 Avvo rating, and has been designated a “Client’s Choice DUI Attorney.”

He was named by clients as a top Orange County DUI Lawyer on Yelp, receiving Yelp’s highest rating award, based on reviews.

Mr. Miller has 23 years practicing law in Orange County, including at other criminal defense and DUI firms and practices with his own firm.

Robert Miller has been the author or co-author of three books on DUI defense and has appeared on television and radio as a legal commentator.

He has successfully handled thousands of cases and has many positive...

MARIVEL M. ZIALCITA is the founder of MMZ LAW, A Professional Corporation, where she practices in the areas of Trust and Estate, Elder Law, VA Benefits, Special Needs, Conservatorship, Trust Administration and Probate. Ms. Zialcita is a frequent speaker on trust and estate matters and holds memberships in the State Bar of California, Trust and Estate Section, The San Bernardino County Bar Association, Wealth Counsel and Elder Counsel. She currently assists in the pro bono legal services program at the James L. Brulte Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Ms. Zialcita received her B.A. degree from the University of California,...

Amy L. Gostanian Esq., Attorney and Founder of The Estate Lawyers, formerly known as Gostanian Law Group, PC. “Amy was able to take over handling my parent’s estate from another attorney and I am very grateful for all of her and her staff’s support and help. Amy is very kind and caring and helped me through some tough spots in the process. Billing was very fair and accurate. Communication was timely and greatly appreciated. I’ll be returning to have my own trust done. Thank you, Amy!” — Lisa

Principal Owner
Jack E. Stephens J.D., LL.M. has been practicing law in San Diego since 1990, helping thousands of taxpayers reduce taxes and homeowners protect their property with Trust strategies. Jack Stephens has been designated as Top Lawyer by San Diego Magazine, Best of the Bar, and Avvo on a consistent basis. He has received annual awards including the AV Preeminent Attorney Rating by Martindell-Hubbell, representing the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. As an active contributor to continuing education in Estate Planning, Jack Stephens has authored and edited quarterly newsletters, pamphlets, and contributed articles to the...

Adele graduated from Monterey College of Law with a Juris Doctor while raising two children with her husband, architect Jeff Schneidereit.

Ms. Schneidereit has founded Adele Schneidereit Law Offices and practices there as the Principal Attorney.

Before she became a lawyer, Adele worked in Silicon Valley as a software consultant at CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc. Later Adele worked as part of a small team which designed the Online Medical Record System which is the charting system for inpatients used by the vast array of Kaiser Permanente hospitals and physicians.

Adele founded Inspire The World Foundation, which promotes awareness about...

Alexander Kugelman is an attorney concentrating on tax controversies, domestic and international tax compliance, and tax collection defense. Mr. Kugelman counsels and represents individuals, small businesses, and estates.

His experience includes four years of federal government court experience at the U.S. Tax Court and a U.S. District Court. That background blends substantive tax law knowledge with administrative and litigation experience. This unique combination differs from that of an accountant or a general practitioner attorney.

Kugelman Law was created as an alternative to overpriced law firms and disreputable tax resolution companies.

Alexander was motivated to start his firm while working at the U.S. Tax...

As the founder of The Law Office of Mark Gullotta, San Mateo County lawyer Mark Gullotta provides legal services in a wide variety of estate planning issues and matters of probate. He has been practicing as an attorney for more than 18 years. Prior to deciding to establish his firm, Attorney Gullotta worked at another firm and as a CPA. In 2012 and 2013, he was the chair of the Trust and Estates Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association. His firm is happy to offer complimentary consultations—contact them today to get yours.

I have been practicing estate and probate law since 1994. My practice is 100% focused on California probate court cases only. I pride myself on efficiency and answering my client's questions within minutes rather than days. I am a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. I have highest ratings on numerous websites including Martindale Hubbell "AV" rated, AVVO "10.0" rated, and am a "Superlawyer." I also am a past Sacramento Bee estate and probate "expert." I speak on estate and probate law to professional groups and have been quoted in numerous articles on the...

Daniel T. Quane manages Doyle Quane's Trusts and Estates practice. Dan is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate Law. He has advanced legal degrees in Taxation (LL.M.) and Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law (LL.M.) and he was named Super Lawyer’s Rising Star in 2015 and 2016. He works with a diverse range of clients, from those of average means to wealthy families requiring complex advanced estate tax planning strategies. Dan has experience guiding families through the complex legal process required upon death in the most efficient manner possible, whether it’s through trust administration or...

I believe that the Bankruptcy Court is one of the few places in out legal system where ordinary people can go for real relief. I am dedicated to helping people throughout the Bay Area access that relief. I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and I earned my law degree at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. While in law school, I was Articles Editor at the Hastings International and Comparative Law Review, and I graduated in 2006. I spent my first two years practicing antitrust/consumer...

Nicole D'Ambrogi is a distinguished attorney based in San Diego. A “Rising Star” with just over four years of experience, Ms. D'Ambrogi has already built a name for herself in estate planning and probate law and has garnered a reputation as a staunch advocate for veterans. A former member of the U.S. Navy, her practice focuses on comprehensive estate planning, veteran benefits, and asset protection services. Among numerous other honors, Ms. D'Ambrogi has received the Women Resiliency Award by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in 2015 and the Trailblazer Award from the California Department of Veteran Affairs in 2016.

Calvin A. Slater has been a lawyer since 1981, with over 30 years of experience with helping clients, such as entrepreneurs, physicians, business owners and real estate investors. His legal expertise includes real estate matters, tax-deferred exchanges, trusts, estate planning, asset protection, as well as business matters such as formation, planning, and succession. He emphasizes a personal connection with each client to understand their needs and provide effective solutions. He encourages a team approach by collaborating with a client’s other professionals such as accountants and investment advisors. Mr. Slater is a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by...

CPA AND TAX ATTORNEY ON YOUR SIDE Jayson Aquino "Atty Jay" can do both. There are some tax attorneys do not have an adequate background in accounting and lack the proficiency to thoroughly offer bookkeeping services. Alternately, certain certified public accountants (CPAs) may not be familiar with how to resolve a person’s unpaid back taxes, tax lien or tax levy. As a CPA and licensed tax attorney, Jayson has helped individuals and businesses throughout Huntington Beach and Orange County with a wide range of tax matters. Jayson takes pride in offering affordable rates. Many clients have found that his rates are competitive and even...

Do you have questions about the estate planning process? Please call today for a free consultation.

R. Sam Price is an experienced and highly educated attorney who’s passionate about helping others. Sam’s exceptional talent is to make complicated legal jargon and court procedures, simple and easy for his clients to comprehend.

Sam is the managing attorney of the growing boutique law practice, Price Law Firm, APC, which focuses on probate, estate planning, trust administration, long-term care planning and litigation. He represents clients in probate matters and prosecutes and defends clients in probate and trust litigation. He made such an impression on an author client that she based a character of a probate attorney on him, in her...

My journey as an estate planning attorney was driven by my desire to assist families. The complexities and intimidation of the legal system can be overwhelming, but I firmly believe it doesn't have to be that way. My approach involves communicating in plain English, ensuring that you fully comprehend your options, and aiding you in making informed and astute decisions. Through effective planning, we can circumvent future headaches and expenses while securing a lasting legacy for your family's well-being, even beyond your lifetime. My commitment lies in providing personalized attention to each client, offering one-on-one counseling, and maintaining open and responsive...

A large portion of my practice is devoted to the division of retirement accounts requiring Qualified Domestic Relations Orders or QDRO’s. In this unique area of law, I can bring a sense of calm and order by reviewing and offering advice as to the division of most deferred compensation plans.

I bring a diverse background with plenty of life experience to the table for my clients. Before taking the plunge into law school and the practice of law, I worked in the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation, Kern County Employees’ Retirement Association (KCERA) and ran a successful termite...

As a founding partner at the firm Wadhwani & Shanfeld, Southern California lawyer Greg Shanfeld offers counsel to debtors from all walks of life. Mr. Shanfeld began his legal career in the year 1994, and has practiced in both California and Texas. On the website Avvo.com, he has been recognized with a rating of 8.6 Excellent. He is a graduate of UCLA and the USC Law School. To learn more information about his firm, contact the firm today.

Practice Areas
Will and Living Trust drafting and review
Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives
Will and Trust Amendments and Updates
Estate, Gift, Income, and Property Tax planning Techniques for avoiding probate
Represent Executors and Administrators in Probate
Represent Trustee in Trust Administration
Advanced Estate Tax Planning: Irrevocable Trusts, Gifting Trusts, Grantor Retained Trusts (GRIT, GRAT, GRUT, QPRT), Life Insurance Trusts
Charitable Planning ? Charitable Trusts (CRAT, CRUT, CLT)

Education
University of San Diego School of Law ? Juris Doctorate in 1977
University of California, Irvine ? Bachelor of Arts in 1974
Personal Philosophy
Roberta helps families plan to transfer assets to the next generation while avoiding probate and miniming...

Shadi Shaffer focuses her practice on Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate and Trust Administration. Prior to her legal career, Attorney Shaffer had an extensive and diverse work history, which helped her gain skills that have proven invaluable to her legal practice.

Attorney Shaffer opened her own firm so she could protect families, children, and businesses from the CA Probate system and serve as an advocate to prevent clients from the court system. She started the Asset Protection & Elder Law Center over 15 years ago with her best friend (25 years and counting!) Patrick P. Phancao. We wanted to build a...

Konstantine "Kosta" Demiris is a partner at the law firm of Demiris & Moore, located in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, in the center of Contra Costa County. His practice focuses on litigation involving elder abuse (financial and physical), will and trust litigation, conservatorships, guardianships, HOA's, and appeals. Kosta is actively involved in the Contra Costa County legal community. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Bar Association's Elder Law Section. He serves as court-appointed counsel in Conservatorship cases in Contra Costa County. Kosta is dedicated to helping...

Human / Civil Rights Attorney working with clients in the public and private spheres for over 25 years in over 75 countries. Significant experience serving non-profits in the public health and international development spheres assisting refugees, asylum seekers, and those suffering from various forms of trauma. Particular focus on LGBTQ and non-binary clients with legal / personal concerns related to gender expression and its effects and helping spearhead international initiatives addressing the same.

Current Director of the Gamelan Council - Asia-Pacific Public Health, Microfinance, and Development Center. Previous experience includes working as a primary care clinician / rural health officer for...

With over 5 years of experience, I understand the challenges facing families when they begin to contemplate their future. I know that you want to make sure that you are leaving your loved ones in a good place, and I want to help you develop a comprehensive estate plan that allows you to achieve your specific objectives.

I offer customized Estate Plans tailored to each client's needs. I have dealt with estates of all different sizes. Even if you feel that it is unnecessary for you to create an estate plan, you may have more assets than you realize. Certainly,...

Roy Schneider's areas of practice include business planning, entity formation, mergers, acquisitions and sales of businesses, employment law, contracts, transactional matters of all kinds, real estate transactions, homeowners associations, non-profit law and estate planning. Business & Corporate Transactions Roy advises and represents companies and entrepreneurs with a broad range of business related services. He advises his clients on business law, start-up assistance related to the choice and formation of an entity, the protection of a trademark or license agreement and regularly assists with buying or selling a business. Roy prepares contracts of all types with the view...

An Ivy League graduate, Troy Werner has been an indispensable asset to The Werner Law Firm, providing exceptional legal service to its clients. Troy has won numerous awards during his tenure as an attorney, including being recognized with an award as one of the Top 40 individuals under 40 in the community. Troy Werner continues the tradition of excellence in the firm. His father L. Rob Werner, founder of The Werner Law Firm, ranks among the most experienced lawyers in California. Starting the Law Offices of L. Rob Werner in 1975, the Werners have built it into the...

T.L. Brown Law Firm was awarded an A+ by the Better Business Bureau. Filing over 300 cases each year, Attorney Tristan Brown remains a leading bankruptcy attorney in San Diego and the Southern California area. Additionally, T.L. Brown’s estate planning and immigration law practices continue to grow. Attorney Tristan Brown obtained his Juris Doctor degree from UCLA School of Law and quickly earned recognition as a leader in bankruptcy law. He was awarded "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Lynn Sherrell is in solo-practice in Berkeley California, following a dozen years in San Francisco law firms practicing personal injury, products' liability and worker's compensation law. Lynn has achieved a Specialization in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law of the State Bar of California Department of Legal Specialization. Lynn is client oriented and serves individuals, families, small businesses and small owner investors in many aspects of civil law and litigation. When you need an advocate on your side, get a woman on your case. Lynn is a graduate of Golden Gate University Law School with an emphasis in public interest...