San Diego, California Estate Planning Lawyers

Sponsored Listings
PREMIUM
Joel Steven Weissler
(619) 281-1888
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney
28 years experience
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
PREMIUM
Barry L. Adams
(619) 419-0212Free Consultation
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer
30 years experience
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
PREMIUM
Scott C. Soady Esq.
(877) 435-7411Free Consultation
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney
12 years experience
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
PREMIUM
Donald R. Oder
(888) 900-9002Free Consultation
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer
18 years experience
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
Ruth Ryan-Cruz
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer.
(619) 528-2202 3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 400
 San Diego, CA 92108
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, IP and Probate
California Western School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
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...
Joel Steven Weissler
Claimed Lawyer ProfileLII GoldSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 28 years experience
(619) 281-1888 2635 Camino Del Rio S. #301
 San Diego, CA 92108
Estate Planning, Elder, Probate and Tax
California Western School of Law and University of San Diego School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
San Diego Attorney Joel Weissler (619-281-1888) has practiced law for over 25 yrs. Early on, his personal experiences focused his career on Estate Planning, Elder law, Asset Protection & Probate. Joel has been recognized for the past 3 years by Martindale-Hubble & Lawyers.com receiving their “Client Distinction” award as being in the top 1% of attorneys in client service & satisfaction. A 2008-2013 recipient of San Diego Magazine’s five star award program, in 2010, Attorney Weissler was selected through a peer nomination process as a "Top Attorney" in the Estate Planning Category by the San Diego Daily Transcript. Attorney...
Dan W Kehr
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 13 years experience
(619) 525-1306 655 W. Broadway
15th Floor
 San Diego, CA 92101
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Communications and Tax
California Western School of Law and UCLA School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Dan W. Kehr is a partner in Best Best & Krieger LLP’s Business practice group, where he provides corporate general counsel, technology, Internet and e-commerce legal services. He handles transactional-based legal issues that address the issues that arise when companies develop, license, acquire or sell information technology and Internet or computer-related products and services worldwide. He represents entrepreneurs, businesses, Internet & tech companies as well as their owners and C-level executives. Dan provides legal services for a variety of individuals, entrepreneurs, investors and businesses, including start-ups and mid-market companies, across a broad range of industries, such as technology, internet, e-commerce,...
Milda Goeriz
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 14 years experience
(619) 630-4765 4455 Murphy Canyon Rd.
Suite 100
 San Diego, CA 92123
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business and Tax
Golden Gate University School of Law, Vilnius University Law Faculty and University of San Diego School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Milda Goeriz, Esq. is the Principal and Founder of San Diego Tax Law Group, a full service tax law firm focused on tax resolution, business strategies, and estate planning. Attorney Milda Goeriz is experienced with tax audits and representation before the Internal Revenue Service and state and local tax authorities. She excels at domestic and international tax planning and takes pride in increasing clients’ revenue by decreasing exposure and tax liabilities. Ms. Goeriz’s dedication of helping individuals and businesses to utilize the Tax Code to their benefit is steadfast. In reaching the best results, Ms. Goeriz applies modern methods...
Asaph Abrams
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 14 years experience
(858) 240-6751 9340 Carmel Mountain Road
Suite E
 San Diego, CA 92129
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Bankruptcy
University of San Diego School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Professional Life: California State Bar member, Asaph Abrams represents individuals, families and businesses in obtaining federal bankruptcy protection. He has filed over 650 successful bankruptcy cases in San Diego and has been co-chair of the San Diego County Bar's Bankruptcy Law Section. He has parted ways with the large law firm sector to focus personally on clients in need. He offers sliding-scale rates to make bankruptcy an affordable solution for all San Diegans. Asaph volunteers and is active in the legal community through the San Diego County Bar Association and the National Association of Consumer...
Phillip J Wu
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 2 years experience
(888) 222-1220 3130 Fourth Avenue
 San Diego, CA 92103
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family
University of San Francisco School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Shaun Kendig Boss
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 41 years experience
(619) 293-7937 306 Upas Street
 San Diego, CA 92103
Estate Planning, Antitrust, Appeals and Bankruptcy
University of San Diego
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Our operation is focused on providing cost effective solutions and expert customer service to all our clients. In addition to real estate, the firm represents clients in business litigation, construction defect problems, estate planning, arbitrations and mediations. We want our clients to fully understand the legal process and what will be involved in finding a constructive result to their legal issue. I am very active in the legal and real estate community. I continue to educate myself on the most up to date information within my field. I maintain active memberships with both local and national groups in the industry....
Alejandra Rodriguez
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 13 years experience
(619) 238-5270 2550 5th Ave., Ste. 1030
 San Diego, CA 92103
Estate Planning and Elder
California Western School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Alejandra Rodriguez attended the University of San Diego, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Psychology. Ms. Rodriguez attended California Western School of Law, where she was ranked in the top 10% of her class and graduated cum laude. She was a member of Law Review and her article entitled Is the War on Terrorism Compromising Civil Liberties? A Discussion of Hamdi and Padilla was published in the California Western Law Review Journal. While attending Cal Western, Ms. Rodriguez served as a legal intern in immigration law at Casa Cornelia, and later as a judicial...
Mr. Kevan P. McLaughlin Esq., LL.M
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 7 years experience
(858) 678-0061 5151 Shoreham Place
Suite 265
 San Diego, CA 92122
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Tax
University of San Diego School of Law and Golden Gate University School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Originally from Colorado, Kevan attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. There he double majored in Political Science and Economics with a Special International Emphasis. After his undergraduate, Kevan moved to San Francisco, California to attend the Golden Gate University School of Law. While in law school he specialized in tax law, earning a Specialization Certificate in Tax Law with distinction. Kevan also served as the Executive Articles Editor of the Golden Gate University Law Review and co-authored an article published in the thirty-eighth volume of the Golden Gate University Law Review with Jessica L. Hannah. Kevan was...
Rosemary Jane Meagher-Leonard
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 37 years experience
(619) 295-8705 4456 Florida St
 San Diego, CA 92116
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Appeals, Business and Elder
Western State Univ
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I have been practicing law since 1980 and as a sole practioner since 1981. My focus has been on Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law and related litigation and appeals since the 1990's. My primary experience is with the various courts in San Diego county but have also appeared in the Los Angeles county and Orange county courts, as well. My goal is to provide personal,individualized legal services to each one of my clients.
Sponsored Listings
PREMIUM
Denise E. Oxley Esq.
(858) 486-4823Free Consultation
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer
24 years experience
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
PREMIUM
David C. Hawkes Esq.
(858) 775-7515Free Consultation
La Jolla, CA Estate Planning Lawyer
14 years experience
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
Kathryn Lynn Konzen
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 10 years experience
5694 Mission Center Road
Suite 177
 San Diego, CA 92108
Estate Planning, Family and Probate
Concord Law School
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I am a California licensed attorney and experienced eDiscovery professional. I focus on efficient and cost effective solutions for my clients when dealing with family law or estate planning and probate related issues. These can be difficult and challenging times for clients, and I treat each client with the respect and compassion they deserve.
Barry L. Adams
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ALII Gold
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 30 years experience
(619) 419-0212 1011 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 320
 San Diego, CA 92108
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Elder and Probate
University of the Pacific
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I am an experienced trusts and estates attorney. I advise clients regarding estate planning, estate/trust administration and litigation. I can help you with setting up your estate plan, resolving a family dispute regarding a trust or estate and with administration issues after a loved one passes away. Listen to my podcasts to find out more information about these issues.
(949) 274-4760 1201 Dove Street, Suite 400
 Newport Beach, CA 92660
(707) 542-6644 1400 North Dutton Avenue, Suite 19
 Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Stephen Joseph Mancini
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 37 years experience
(858) 200-1900 3636 Nobel Dr
 San Diego, CA 92122
Estate Planning
Univ of San Diego School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Damien Joseph Snow Esq.
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 13 years experience
(619) 296-5884 2635 Camino del Rio S, 110
 San Diego, CA 92108
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Elder and Probate
California Western School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I am dedicated to helping my clients build and protect wealth and to prepare for and deal with life cycle events.
Charles Thomas Scott Jr
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 40 years experience
(619) 702-6900 1202 Kettner Blvd., 3rd Fl.
 San Diego, CA 92101
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Elder
UC Berkeley School of Law Boalt Hall
Show Preview
Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
California Attorney since 1977. Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and various Federal District Courts. Notary Public. Certified legal specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Partner in KIMBALL, TIREY & ST. JOHN, specializing in trust and probate matters and probate litigation. Additional experience in elder law and financial abuse issues, long term care planning, and Special Needs Trusts for persons receiving government assistance. Significant experience with nonprofit organizations and small businesses, including succession planning.
Scott C. Soady Esq.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileLII GoldBlawgsearchSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 12 years experience
(877) 435-7411 16466 Bernardo Center Dr
#260
 San Diego, CA 92128
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Elder, Insurance Claims and Probate
University of San Diego School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Tristan L Younghaus
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 4 years experience
(619) 786-6563 12526 High Bluff Drive
Suite 300
 San Diego, CA 92130
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Immigration and Probate
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Denise E. Oxley Esq.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileLII SilverSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 24 years experience
(858) 486-4823 16935 W Bernardo Dr
#104
 San Diego, CA 92127
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Divorce and Family
Inns of Court School of Law, Grays Inn, London
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Donald R. Oder
Claimed Lawyer ProfileLII GoldBlawgsearchSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 18 years experience
(888) 900-9002 525 B St
#1500
 San Diego, CA 92101
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Asbestos, Business and Probate
University of California - Hastings College of the Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Robert Christian Weaver Jr
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 34 years experience
(858) 488-4433 4725 Mercury St #210
 San Diego, CA 92111
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Construction and Probate
Western State Univ
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Sponsored Listings
Get Featured, Get Found. Learn about premium placements
Attorney at Law
PREMIUM
Get Featured, Get Found.
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
Get Featured, Get Found. Learn about premium placements
Attorney at Law
PREMIUM
Get Featured, Get Found.
View Website Email Lawyer View Profile
Jared A. Roark
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 3 years experience
(858) 373-5555 6165 Greenwich Drive, Suite 340
 San Diego, CA 92122
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Employment and Probate
California Western School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Stuart Mellman
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 1 year experience
(858) 373-5555 6165 Greenwich Dr. Ste. 340
 San Diego, CA 92122
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Probate and Tax
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Mr. Mellman provides clients with a full range of legal services including estate litigation, civil litigation, business transactions, business law, intellectual property, real property, tax controversy, estate planning, and asset protection. Mr. Mellman received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he graduated in the top four percent of his class with honors of Magna Cum Laude. While in law school, Mr. Mellman served as the Managing-Editor of the Thomas Jefferson Law Review publishing volume 36 issues 1 & 2. Notably,...
Mr. Dimitri Panagopoulos Esq.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 7 years experience
(619) 209-6030 8880 Rio San Diego Dr. 8th Floor
 San Diego, CA 92108
Estate Planning, Business, Criminal and Tax
Concord Law School and Concord Law School
Show Preview
View Website View Lawyer Profile
I have practiced law since 2010, in the areas of Criminal Law, Business Law, and Estate Planning, with an emphasis in protecting small business owners and their assets. I studied criminology at UNLV from 1994 to 2002, thereafter I founded a detective agency in Arizona which focused primarily on criminal defense investigations involving serious felonies such as homicide, burglary, and armed robbery, and business related fraud. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from UNLV, a Juris Doctorate degree, and an LL.M (Master of Laws) degree from Concord Law School.
Haleh Razzaghi
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 2 years experience
(858) 367-9876 750 B Street, Suite 3300
 San Diego, CA 92101
Estate Planning, Business and IP
California Western School of Law
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Haleh Razzaghi is an active member of the California Bar, and registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from San Diego State University, and moved on to receive a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology from San Diego State University. After working as a research scientist for a few years, Ms. Razzaghi realized that she was interested in helping individuals and companies in a more direct way. It was during this time that the dream of becoming an attorney started to take shape. After stepping...
Jason Sheinberg
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 13 years experience
(858) 429-5704 4909 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 340
 San Diego, CA 92123
Estate Planning and Elder
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Ronald R. Webb
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 23 years experience
(858) 558-1191 5440 Morehouse Dr, Ste 3700
 San Diego, CA 92121
Estate Planning, Business, Insurance Claims and Tax
University of San Diego, School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
DeEtte L. Loeffler
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 27 years experience
(619) 239-7777 501 W Broadway, Suite 700
 San Diego, CA 92101
Estate Planning and Tax
University of San Diego School of Law, Pepperdine University School of Law and University of Washington School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Joseph John Strazzeri
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 21 years experience
(858) 200-1900 3636 Nobel Dr
 San Diego, CA 92122
Estate Planning, Business, Real Estate and Tax
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
John M Masnica
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer.
(619) 566-6985 3555 4th Avenue
 San Diego, CA 92103
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Employment and Real Estate
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
John Masnica is President and founder of Tailored Legal. He formed the law firm to deliver legal services to San Diego’s business owners and families in a different way. John recognized that San Diego’s small business owners and families are in need of quality legal services delivered by an attorney they can understand, relate to, and trust, and for a fixed price within their business and family budgets. Tailored Legal was born out of that recognition and strives to help San Diego’s businesses and families plan for the future by using legal tools to start and operate...
Andrew Shorb
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 4 years experience
(888) 222-1220 3130 4th Ave
 San Diego, CA 92103
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Divorce and Family
Show Preview
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I am a founding parter at Shorb & Connor and make it a point to get to know every client that walks through our firms doors. We are a small firm and offer small firm personal service but have the technology and team attorney approach of the larger firms. Ms. Connor and I keep up to date on every case, even thoughs handled by associates. Our goal is to help our clients, and what better way than to provide them with our entire firm's knowledge, not just their single attorney. I began my career at the San Diego Public...
Rodney James Hatley
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 30 years experience
(858) 384-5757 10935 Vista Sorrento Pkwy.
Ste. 120
 San Diego, CA 92130
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Tax
Univ of Memphis Humphreys School of Law and University of San Diego School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Brian A Cain
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 17 years experience
(858) 277-2122 4858 Mercury Street
Suite 100
 San Diego, CA 92111
Estate Planning, Real Estate and Tax
California Western School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Marisa R. Quinzii
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 5 years experience
(619) 249-6153 401 B Street
 San Diego, CA 92101
Estate Planning, Landlord Tenant, Probate and Real Estate
California Western School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Rhona Shelley Kauffman
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Lawyer. 23 years experience
(760) 772-8225 4445 Eastgate Mall
Suite 200
 San Diego, CA 92121
Estate Planning, Business, Employment and Real Estate
Whittier Coll School of Law
Show Preview
Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I have been passionately practicing Civil Litigation as well as handling Transactional matters for over two decades. My specialties include Real Estate, Business, Contracts, Homeowners Associations, Corporate, Employment Law, and Estate Planning. I have a superb rating on AVVO which is the attorney rated online website and my clients and peers have nominated me for Top Lawyer in Palm Springs Life. My offices are located in San Diego and Palm Desert California but I have clients across United States and in Canada and aboard who find me on the internet. I look forward to servicing your legal needs.
(760) 772-8225 77564 Country Club Drive
Suite 115
 Palm Desert, CA 92211
Frank Terrazas
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 1 year experience
(619) 563-8992 1545 Hotel Cir S Ste 100
 San Diego, CA 92108
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Divorce
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Show Preview
Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
I spent over a decade learning from two of the top Family Law attorneys in San Diego County. After being licensed I immediately began handling all areas of Family Law matters and building what is becoming one of the best and well regarded practices in the field. My knowledge of the law means that attorneys in practice for more than 20 years regularly seek my opinion in their own cases.

In addition, i provide estate planning advise and options for "everyday" people who think they don't need an estate plan. Everyone is in need of an estate plan. I help...
Kerina Ian Bowler
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 21 years experience
(858) 292-6200 6161 El Cajon Blvd. Ste. B442
 San Diego, CA 92115
Estate Planning and Real Estate
Univ of San Diego School of Law
View Website Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Alan Lang Atlas
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 28 years experience
(619) 888-5575 12073 Pastoral Road
 San Diego, CA 92128
Estate Planning
Univ of Minnesota L S
Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
William F. McDonald III
Claimed Lawyer Profile
SAN DIEGO, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 13 years experience
(619) 436-5500 550 West C Street
Suite 1150
 SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Bankruptcy
View Lawyer Profile
Michael Brian Furman
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 38 years experience
(858) 578-9493 9750 Miramar Rd
 San Diego, CA 92126
Estate Planning
California Western School of Law
Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile
Merrianne E. Dean
Claimed Lawyer Profile
San Diego, CA Estate Planning Attorney. 22 years experience
(619) 232-8377 3990 Old Town Avenue, Suite C-303
 San Diego, CA 92110
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business, Elder and Probate
Email Lawyer View Lawyer Profile

Estate Planning Lawyers in Nearby Cities

Estate Planning Lawyers in Nearby Counties

FAQ Lawyers Get Listed

San Diego Estate Planning Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

Senior Citizens Legal Services
(858) 565-1392
San Diego, CA

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
(619) 235-5656
San Diego, CA

Show More

Related Practice Areas

Elder Law
Probate
Tax Law

Planning your estate?

Estate planning arranges for the transfer of an individual's estate at the time of death. An estate consists of all property owned at death before it is distributed by will, trust, or intestacy laws. An estate may contain both real property and personal property. Estate planning allows an individual to decide exactly who will benefit from his or her estate, and to what extent. It can also reduce the taxes imposed on the transfer of assets at death.

An experienced estate planning lawyer can help minimize the amount of the estate surrendered to taxes as well as ensure that the management and distribution of the estate is carried out according to your plans. Particularly when your plans are complex and/or you have substantial property or assets, it is important to have an attorney who can ensure that your plan functions the way you intend. Depending on the complexity of your individual situation, your estate planning team may include attorneys, financial planners, bankers and insurance professionals. Some states certify attorneys as estate planning specialists, which means they have met certain requirements for experience, education, and testing in that field.

Fiduciary: A person or institution who manages money or property for another and who must exercise a standard care imposed by law, i.e., personal representative or executor of an estate, a trustee, etc.

Personal representative: The person who administers an estate. If named in a will, that person's title is an executor. If there is no valid will, that person's title is an administrator.

Researching Attorney Discipline

Find out whether an attorney has ever been disciplined.