San Carlos Probate Lawyers

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.

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...

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...

I represent individuals and small to medium sized businesses in bankruptcy, foreclosure defense and debt consolidation matters. For individuals, I represent clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings, including adversary proceedings, including 2nd home mortgage lien stripping, redemption of vehicles and student loan reductions. For businesses, I provide services related to the winding down of a business, board and management consultations and bankruptcy debt consolidation in Chapter 11. In conjunction with my bankruptcy practice, I also provide estate planning, probate and trust administration representation. The best way to avoid probate is to plan properly by drafting...

Michael E. Lonich is the managing partner of Lonich & Patton and has nearly 30 years of experience representing a wide range of businesses and individuals. His practice concentrates on Estate Planning, Business Law and divorce mediation. Mike draws upon his expertise and the firm's resources to partner with individuals and families to develop comprehensive estate plans and successfully represent clients in trust administration and probate litigation. From the creation of a simple will to a complex trust, family limited liability partnership or business succession plan, maximizing financial benefits as well as ensuring the peace of mind that an estate...

Amy's approach to estate planning is to focus on each client's unique needs and objectives. She strives to design a comprehensive plan for her clients that provides the maximum protection without compromise. Her broad experience enables her to provide keen insight for her clients. She is deeply commitment to her clients and the ethical standards of her profession. Amy has lived in Brentwood since 2001 with her husband and two daughters. She is a Director for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and in her free time, enjoys yoga, reading and golf.

I began practicing law in 1990. Prior to beginning my career, I attended UCLA from 1983-1987 with a B.A. in History. I then attended the University of California College of the Law San Francisco from 1987 to 1990. I have also been a licensed California Real Estate Broker since 1996. My main practice areas include Probate and Trust Administration, and full-service Real Estate attorney and broker services. I have brokered hundreds of real estate transactions throughout the Bay Area since 1996. Call me for a free consultation at 510.292.0193. If you prefer...

Sam graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 2008 and his Juris Doctor from UNLV in 2011. He went on to receive a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Taxation from Georgetown University in 2012. Sam’s practice includes estate planning, asset protection, trust administration, probate, guardianship, and business organization. Sam has established a strong reputation within the Las Vegas legal community for his expertise and provides continuing legal education courses in his areas of practice. Sam is fluent in Spanish and is licensed in both Nevada and Utah and is a member of the Southern...

Elijah Keyes’ interest in estate planning and special needs began as a child where he saw the effects of long term illness in his household. He gained an appreciation of the effects of physical and mental illnesses and how they affect families and communities. Ever since becoming an attorney, Elijah has worked exclusively in the areas of estate planning, special needs, elder law, and tax.

Elijah is recognized as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He is the Vice President and a Trustee of the Silicon Valley...

Anthony Franceschi is California estate planning attorney who focuses his practice on assisting seniors and their families prepare for the future. Including empowering seniors with strategic estate plans and drafting customized wills that honor clients’ final wishes, During law school, Tony was an intern for the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office, where he handled misdemeanors, traffic, and juvenile detention hearings. Before coming to MacFarlane Legal, Tony represented clients with Social Security Disability/SSI and personal injury cases.

I am a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Specialization. My focus is on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and trust and estate litigation. I help individuals and families who face serious legal situations, and I help bring them solutions and peace of mind. My goal is to help clients gain the peace of mind that comes with taking care of their families, to help clients navigate through the challenges of trust and estate administration, and to zealously represent clients in litigation to seek the...

Zachary Rayo brings experience, efficiency and empathy to estate planning. Mr. Rayo’s approach is people-centered. He recognizes that the legal needs and special issues differ from client to client, that each person is unique, with unique needs that must be met with efficiency, active listening and care. Mr. Rayo knows the importance of social responsibility which manifests not only in ethical decisions and practices but also in involvement in socially important causes.

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...

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...

As an associate attorney of Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LTD LLP, Ryan Cook maintains an active securities arbitration and litigation practice. Mr. Cook has worked on numerous cases dealing with individual investors, high net worth and institutional investors, corporate executives, regional banks and municipal issuers.

Prior to beginning his law practice, Mr. Cook worked in the securities industry as a licensed and registered representative with a large broker/dealer. He received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from South Texas College of Law, where he earned his degree Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) as the graduating salutatorian. Mr. Cook...

Joshua D. Brysk advises clients on Business & Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate, Construction, Tax Law, and Wills, Trusts & Probate matters. He provides knowledgeable and skilled representation to clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California. With over 25 years of experience, Joshua is committed to providing unmatched personal attention and high quality legal advocacy. Helping clients avoid and solve their legal problems, Joshua's focus is always on achieving the best possible outcomes. Outside of work, Joshua is a seasoned traveler. He has also enjoyed living and working in Australia and Israel.

Mr. Sowards is an estate planning and wealth transfer attorney. He sets ups estate plans, including living trusts, to help to avoid probate, minimize taxes and limit conflict. He also helps to settle out and administer trust and probate estates. He represents trustees to help them comply with the terms of the trust agreement and the California Probate Code. He minimizes conflict and lawsuits between trustees and beneficiaries or legal heirs. He also represents small and family owned businesses. He has saved his clients millions of dollars in probate fees and has successfully resolved several family conflicts that likely would...

You’ve spent your life building your wealth. And no matter how large or how modest – protecting your assets matters. Ivette Santaella understands that estate planning may seem daunting. You might feel uncomfortable talking about what happens after death. Or maybe you’re worried that you don’t understand the laws well enough. Santaella Law Group, APC is here to guide you through your concerns and make estate planning easy. Ivette has more than 30 years of experience talking her clients through their goals, translating and helping them navigate the law, and working with them to come up with a solid plan for...

My name is Ravi Patel and I am trust litigation attorney based in Oakland, California. I have experience filing Heggstad Petitions throughout the state. After I graduated from Duke University School of Law, I joined a general practice law firm in my hometown, Bakersfield, California. I worked on various transactional and litigation matters and gained a broad breadth of experience in legal areas including water law, public agency law, property taxes, local taxes, real estate law, and land use law. In 2019, my partner and I relocated to Oakland, California, where I worked for the Oakland City Attorney’s office. As...

Sidney Luscutoff is an experienced Business, Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law attorney. His practice areas include bankruptcy estates, probate estates, trust estates and conservatorships. Sid provides quality, practical and strategic advocacy to the residents of California.

Sid's personal experience as a business owner and real estate developer give him a unique understanding of his clients' legal needs. Contact Sid to see how he can help you meet your goals.

Business and International Experience
Wayne started in Auckland New Zealand, graduating after completing a challenging combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in just 4 years, achieving top marks at his law school at Auckland University made up of 11,000 students where he was elected Student President in a landslide victory in his last year. Then recruited by a leading Merchant Bank, MARAC Corporation, Wayne moved to Citibank before becoming the founding Company Secretary for New Zealand's first publicly listed Investment Bank, founding Company Secretary for NZ’s first publicly listed Venture Capital company and a Director of a...

Michael J. Young is an Estate, Probate and Asset Protection Attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. Mr. Young helps his clients plan for not only "What Happens if You Die", but for "What Happens If You Don't Die And Become Ill and Need Care." He helps his clients in the design of their estate plans, to protect their assets for their senior care and to also provide a legacy for their loved ones.

Mr. Young, who has been in practice for over forty years, gives workshops every month in Walnut Creek on basic estate planning and advanced estate planning. The basic...

I’ve practiced law in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years and focus my practice on Estate Planning, Probate, and General Civil Litigation. I also represent injured individuals in personal injury claims.

Lawrence (Larry) Kelly has been providing professional and courteous Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law services for clients in the South Bay Area and beyond for 25+ years.

Gordon Young is a 25-year litigator, specializing in financial, trust and securities litigation. Gordon tries and arbitrates cases for trustees, beneficiaries, financial professionals, investment advisors, stock brokers, Wall Street banks, and broker-dealers. These cases include civil, probate and regulatory claims based on breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, fraud, suitability, mismanagement of mutual funds and managed accounts, the prudent investor rule, as well as employee promissory notes, up-front loans, raiding, trade secret, unfair competition and related employment claims. Gordon has successfully assisted numerous investment professionals with FINRA related expungement actions. Gordon has been recognized eleven times...

Jean Claude (JJ) B. Mallein Jr. is an experienced business, tax and trusts and estates attorney. Dedicated to wealth preservation, he has focused his education and practice on helping California residents secure their estates and prepare for the future. As a partner at boutique tax and estate planning firm in the Silicon Valley, Mr. Mallein gained valuable experience in wealth management, estate planning, tax planning, business succession planning, trust and estate administrations, tax controversy, real estate transactions and like-kind exchange cases. He is fully prepared to tackle complex business and estate planning cases. Mr. Mallein is a Dual Certified...

Trust Litigation Attorney The Law Office of Malachowski and Associates provides trust dispute litigation services to clients in California Superior Courts and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Mark Malachowski is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States Bar. We recognize that lives and fortunes hang in the balance when a client seeks our legal services, and we work closely with you to develop an individually designed action plan to achieve your goals. Mark Malachowski has a Juris Doctorate in Law and Master’s and Bachelor's Degrees in Science. Mark Malachowski...

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Legal services in the areas of (1) Trust & Estate, including Wills, Living Trusts, Probate, Trust Administration, and Conservatorships. (2) Taxation, including Compromise of Tax Liabilities, Tax Payment Agreements and Workouts, Defense Against IRS Collection, Audit and Appeals, and Abatement of Tax Penalties (3) Family Law, including Prenuptial Agreements, Divorce, Custody, Division of Assets, and Guardianships.

Ms. Benedetto has assisted hundreds of clients with the creation of their Wills, Living Trusts and other estate planning documents. She assists families with trust administration and probate procedures when loved ones pass away, and also prepares legal documents for conservatorships of elderly clients and limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled adults. In 2006, Ms. Benedetto created the Family Trust Law Center, later incorporated to Family TLC, Inc., to be a firm where families come for professional estate planning by licensed attorneys, at flat, reasonable fees. Amendment of documents and other hourly work is done as...

I'm Attorney Jay Greene, CPA, I've dedicated my practice to serving families in the San Francisco Bay Area with their estate planning, probate, and elder law needs. My background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) complements my legal expertise, allowing me to provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are faithfully executed. Beyond the courtroom, I share my knowledge through published articles in the San Francisco Bay Times, committed to public education on these crucial matters. My primary focus is crafting personalized solutions for each client. Whether navigating probate complexities or planning for...

Anthony’s practice focuses on trust & estates, real estate transactions, business transactions and civil and probate litigation. Anthony brings a well-balanced and multifaceted perspective to all of his work, and is an attorney with proven experience. Anthony has represented clients in all phases of civil and probate litigation, and has provided legal advice and services for trust & estates planning and business transactions. Anthony has negotiated, drafted, and reviewed a wide range of transactions, as well as prosecuted and defended civil claims of all kinds. While at Temple University Beasley School of Law, Anthony was awarded outstanding achievement in negotiations in...

Javed Ellahie's practice focuses on estate planning, probate, real estate law and bankruptcy. He carries a Martindale-Hubbell “AV-rating”, the highest rating of legal knowledge and ethics.
Mr. Ellahie has also served as a Trustee to the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the West-Valley Mission Community College District and on the Monte Sereno City Council.

Mr. Ellahie’s estate planning experience includes setting up estate plans such as simple and complex trusts, drafting irrevocable trusts, family limited partnership, charitable trusts and other documents that provide the maximum flexibility. Mr. Ellahie can draft wills and trusts that meet the requirements of the Islamic...

Local Estate Elder Law Planning Attorney
Long term Pleasant Hill resident, Jeffrey Hall, didn’t follow the traditional path to the practice of law. Indeed, attorney Hall grew up in central Los Angeles, and in a time when there was no expectation that he would attend college; and law school was simply not an option. However, after completing his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Saint Mary’s College, he volunteered with the Air Force in 1981 and served for 9 years, both reserve and active. Upon returning to California, he and his wife made Pleasant Hill their home and have...

I assist our clients with all aspects of the estate planning process, including: the creation and/or modification of an estate plan, providing guidance upon the incapacity of a client, engaging in Medi-Cal planning, and helping the client’s trusted loved ones through the process of administrating the estate plan upon the client’s passing. When I meet with clients, I make an effort to provide an open and friendly space where the clients may ask their questions and feel that their concerns are being heard. I am proud to be the owner of a law office that values our clients’ peace of...

John Erik Fraker is the chair of the Charitable Planning & Philanthropy Practice Group for Ainer & Fraker, LLP. Specializing in high net-worth estate planning, philanthropy, and asset protection, John excels at providing sophisticated financial solutions and advanced charitable techniques that help individuals reduce taxes, provide a lasting legacy, and strengthen the familyâs core identity. Prior to co-founding Ainer & Fraker, LLP in 2002, John handled the investment and insurance needs of high net worth families as a fee-only financial planner in the affluent Brentwood Santa Monica area of Los Angeles. Additionally, he worked as Business Development Officer for the...

I am an experienced, proven and well respected civil litigation and business law attorney representing both individuals and businesses in lawsuits. I have been practicing law for over nineteen years. What sets me and my law firm apart from other lawyers is that it’s critical to us that we provide superior and distinctive services while building client relationships and achieving client satisfaction second to none. I have served as a judge pro tem as both an arbitrator and a mediator for the Santa Clara County Superior Court. In 2016, I was selected to the exclusive list of the “10 Best”...