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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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,...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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...

Ramon is a Spanish-speaking attorney with the firm of Jakle, Alexander & Patton, LLP in Santa Monica. He practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Trust Settlement, Legal Entities, Probate, and Conservatorships. In 2011, Ramon graduated cum laude from the University of La Verne College of Law. He earned his B.A. from the University of Southern California in Spanish and Political Science. He is a graduate of Loyola High School, Los Angeles. Ramon is member of the Santa Monica Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association (Trusts & Estates Law Section), State Bar of California (Trusts & Estates Law...

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...

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 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...

"I love my work. I get to make a real difference to help people maintain their businesses and livelihoods. A file is more than just paper, it is my client's hard work and often a significant portion of their lives. I enjoy working with my clients to empower them to take control of their tax, estate planning and business issues." Frank Huerta Jr. Esq. Frank Huerta Jr. has 19 years of experience as an attorney and law clerk working in government and tax law issues. He has a successful record of representing taxpayers before the IRS, Franchise Tax Board, Board Of...

Founder and Attorney & Counselor at Law at Rose Law Firm of Napa Valley, Inc. Trevor J. Rose specializes in Estate Planning and Administration, Business, and Real Estate/Title Transactions. He currently sits on the board of directors for the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Vice-President and the Young Lawyers Division of the Napa County Bar Association as Past President. Trevor was born and raised in Napa, CA and became fully bilingual after spending a year studying Spanish Language, Linguistics and Literature at the University of Barcelona in Spain. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high honors from...

Aside from presenting seminars statewide focusing on the importance of estate planning and preparing living trusts, Mona’s practice involves assisting individuals - especially entertainers and others excelling in their respective fields - in their immigration matters, as well as working with individuals and companies requiring contracts assistance.

With 30+ years’ experience, Julie King practices law with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. She is easy to speak with and talks in plain English (not legalese). Julie handles a wide variety of estate planning and business matters including: (1) ESTATE PLANNING - wills and trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, special needs trusts, pet trusts, grant deeds and more; and (2) BUSINESS LAW - corporation/LLC/partnership formation, annual meeting minutes, corporate records, contracts, and employee training. Julie served as in-house counsel to major international corporations, including Toshiba America, where she worked for 15 years and hired...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Christina Weed understands the complex life demands and goals of her clients. Christina also understands that most of the time it is not possible to completely separate family life from business. Clients need an integrated plan that covers all of their family, business, tax, and estate planning concerns. Christina has dedicated the past thirteen years to the study and practice of law, taxation, business, accounting, and estate planning and uses this knowledge to consult with her clients in business, tax and estate planning matters. Christina is a licensed attorney with an LL.M. in Taxation from the...

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...

Over the span of two decades, Attorney Delton Henderson has served as a mediator with Los Angeles Superior Court - Civil Division and as an arbitrator with American Arbitration Association; adjunct professor at New York University School of Continuing Education and with the Art Institute of California - Los Angeles; associate consultant with PricewaterhouseCooopers and Tour Manager with the Atlantic Arts Foundation in various countries around the world. Attorney Henderson also served as executive director with an artist-owned media and independent record company. His practice areas include transactional entertainment law, estate planning, and nonprofit law. Immediately prior to establishing a...

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.