California Estate Planning Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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.

Are you a small business owner? or thinking about starting a business? Or do you have an existing business that now has a business, contract or employment issue?

With business disputes, we first try to keep a dispute from become a lawsuit. If we can find a way that protects our client and serves their best interest, then we always try that first. If, however, you are already in a lawsuit, then we immediately go to protect our client, keeping in mind what is best for you.

With starting a company, we look at what our client ultimately wants to accomplish....

Mr. Yoo's practice focuses on tax and bankruptcy litigation. He has represented clients in both criminal and civil cases against the California Franchise Tax Board, State Board of Equalization and Employment Development Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He has handled matters including IRS and sales tax audits, tax fraud investigations, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and innocent spouse claims. Mr. Yoo also represents debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11 & 13 bankruptcy proceedings, including tax bankruptcy cases.

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...

Ben has been practicing Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law since 2005. Prior to that, he was the Operations Manager and In-House Counsel for Arbitration Works, Inc., a leading provider of construction industry alternative dispute resolution services working closely with the California Contractor’s State License Board. Ben has also taught 1st-year Contracts Law and Wills & Trusts. Ben is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves, an Avionics Technician who served active duty during Operation Desert Storm. Honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant, he was recognized several times for his excellent Mishap Prevention Program as the Squadron Safety NCO.

Mrs. Geiger’s practice is located in Carlsbad, California. Her practice focuses on Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Business Planning, Elder Law, Trust Administration, and Probate. She obtained her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law where she served as an Editor for the San Diego International Law Journal and published a law review article. She has also authored multiple books on Trusts, Elder Law and Business Law topics and is an active member of the North County San Diego Bar Association, the North County Estate Planning Council and is a member of the editorial committee for the...

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...

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...

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...

I am a dedicated and skilled estate planning and tax law attorney with more than 40 years of experience. My firm delivers expert advice to clients in the Southern California area.

My areas of practice include estate planning, wills, probate, trusts, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and tax law.

Whatever your estate planning or tax issue is, I will work tirelessly and help you through every step of your case.

I am a Federal & State criminal trial lawyer. I do not handle anything beside criminal defense matters in Federal + State court. I cut my teeth as a prosecutor in the third largest city in the U.S., handling narcotics and major felony cases. I rose to the level of Chief Prosecutor and then I left and took that trial experience with me. I switched sides to become a defense lawyer to protect my clients' constitutional rights that get trampled everyday. Based out of New York City, I am the Managing Partner in both New York + Los Angeles...

My approach to practicing law is to make it as stress-free as possible for my clients. That means that I have created an environment where working with my firm is understandable, approachable and pleasant. I have been practicing law for approximately 15 years and my area of specialization is estate planning, which includes the drafting of wills, trusts and also handling probate matters. As mentioned previously, taking care of my clients is my top priority, and as such, I charge a flat fee for nearly all of the clients that I work with. We do not...

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.

Joe is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California. Joe has practiced in Probate law since 2012, including in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Litigation, Trust and Probate Administration, Conservatorships, and the Probate of Estates, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the many different and nuanced aspects of Probate law. Joe has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in the years 2020 - 2023 in the field of Estate and Trust Litigation. He was most recently further honored by being named as a Super Lawyers "Up-and-Coming 25: 2023 Orange...

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...

Jonathan Forster has been an Attorney at Weinstock Manion since 2002. He creates and carries out strategies for multi-generational estate planning, business transactions such as pre-liquidity event planning for sales of closely-held businesses and real estate, and business succession planning. Jonathan works with corporate attorneys, investment bankers and financial planners to pursue the best possible outcomes. He is dedicated to minimizing estate taxes while achieving clients' personal, charitable and business goals.

Jonathan teaches Estate Planning at UCLA Extension. Additional speaking engagements include topics such as "Tax Planning: Passing Your Real Property Without it Being Reassessed," "Pre-Liquidity Event Estate Planning and...

Mr. Kouretchian provides strategic counseling and customized legal service to individuals, families, entrepreneurs, estates and businesses. He specializes in the areas of Wills and Trusts and Corporate/Business Law (Formation, Governance, Finance).

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...

Annette Dawson-Davis, B.S., M.Ed., J.D.

MY STORY:
After my father, Howard Q. Dawson, Sr.-Major USAF, died, I found his trust was not well-written. My dad was sold an estate plan by a large corporation based in another state. These corporations are called "Trust Mills," which give accountants and financial advisors large referral fees to recommend their services to clients. The attorney that prepared the trust did not take the time to make sure all of the important details and contingencies were covered. The attorney did not stand behind the product and was not available to help when problems arose....

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...

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...

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...

We’re proud that our law firm is local and we offer our exceptional legal services to SoCal, Riverside, San Bernardino and Palm Springs California. With Our sensitivity coupled with Our aggressive approach to Probate matters and Our wealth of knowledge when it comes to Estate Planning, Our extensive experience with ALL Legal Tax Issues and Our first hand knowledge and real world experience as Business owners has allowed us to call southern California home for many years.

Handling the legal issues that arise after the death of a friend or loved one can be very challenging. If a family member has...

Nikki Semanchik is the Founding Attorney of Semanchik Law Group. Nikki started out her legal career advising small businesses and individuals in need of estate planning. An interest in international law and her background in immigration led her to represent multi-national high-net worth individuals with business law, asset protection and tax planning. After assisting clients with tax planning through the formation of private foundations and charitable trusts, Nikki found herself drawn to nonprofit law. She now assists nonprofit organizations with formation, compliance and governance.

Nikki is passionate about nonprofit law and enjoys speaking about nonprofit formation and compliance. Her most recent...

Zaher Fallahi, Attorney At Law, CPA, is a Tax Law Firm, licensed in California and Washington D.C. as Attorney and CPA. We practice as an Orange County Tax Attorney and Los Angeles Tax Attorney. We advise clients with undisclosed Foreign Accounts; the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP), Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), Foreign Gifts, Tax Audit Representation, Federal Tax Liens/Levies, Employment Taxes, Innocent Spouse Relief, Non-Filed Tax Returns, Offer-In-Compromise, Estate Planning and Probate. Zaher Fallahi testifies before the court as an expert witness on tax...

Mr. Blevins is a graduate of the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law (JD, 2007) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (BA, 2002).

Mr. Blevins has over a decade of legal experience providing estate planning services to families and strategic business counsel to small corporations and Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Blevins' unique background of serving as both corporate in-house counsel for various corporations and as a private litigation counsel makes him uniquely poised to quickly and effectively resolve your legal needs. Our clients include individuals, families, start-ups, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

Mr....

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...

MY PROMISE: My consultations are not on a time clock . . . I will personally review your case and any pleadings which you might bring. Having practiced law for more than 19 years in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles County and knowing the majority of the judges, I can give you an honest opinion of the expected results of your particular case. I give intensive attention to crucial details of all legal issues, so you can be sure that we will not miss anything.

CONSULTATION: ...

We guide our clients through the creation and implementation of comprehensive wills and trusts so that you can provide for your treasured people, pets, and charities with confidence and ease. Since 2011 I have been guiding clients through the creation and administration of wills, trusts, and probate. Early in my legal career I volunteered at the Redwood City Probate Court, where I watched families argue over who would manage and inherit the money, and who would take care of the kids and grandparents. I saw so much heartache and expense that could have been avoided with good quality estate planning, and have...

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...

Ruth Ryan-Cruz is an attorney in San Diego, California with Ryan-Cruz Law, APC. Attorney Ruth Ryan-Cruz practices in the areas of business and corporate law, intellectual property, estate planning, wills, trusts, copyrights, trademarks and more. Contact San Diego Attorney Ruth Ryan-Cruz for a consultation. Ruth is a fluent Spanish-speaking attorney providing counseling and transactional services in Spanish in the areas listed above. Ruth earned her Juris Doctor Degree from California Western School of Law and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in High Tech Management from California State...

As a former business owner myself, my goal is to help other business owners and entrepreneurs with their legal issues. It's important to have someone in your corner who understands what it's like to be in your shoes. Advice is only helpful if it makes sense in the real world, and my prior experience allows me to see the real world implications. Before law school, I opened a small coffee shop that I grew into a full-fledged restaurant within four years. In the beginning, I was able to use marketing to help grow the business over 200% from year to...

Sussan H. Shore designs and implements multi-generational estate plans for high net worth clients, and oversees the administration of estates and trusts. For over 35 years, she has helped clients fulfill their goals to care for their families, meet charitable giving objectives and reduce estate taxes. Sussan has great compassion for her clients, quickly earning their trust through her patient approach, practical advice and straightforward communication. She is non-judgmental and creative, resolving the unique needs of clients in complex alternative and blended family structures as readily as those in traditional families.

As a certified specialist in Probate, Estate Planning and Trust...

Attorney Maureen Lyons focuses on Elder Law and Estate Planning including Medi-Cal & Veterans Long Term Care Planning and Special Needs Planning. Maureen is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles. Maureen also holds an MS in Applied Biometry from the University of Southern California; an MA in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles; and a BA in English from the University of California, Riverside. Maureen is a Past President of the Estate Planning Council of Riverside County, Past President of the Southern California Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys...

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...