Santa Barbara County Probate Lawyers

Eric Smith received his bachelor’s degree from UCSD in 1995 and his law degree from Pepperdine University in 1997. Eric holds the Certified Financial Planner(TM) designation. He has been a securities dispute arbitrator for FINRA and taught retirement planning classes for Cal Lutheran’s MBA program. He is a member of the California Bar, the Ventura County Bar Association, and the Financial Planner’s Association of Ventura County. He is co-owner of Lifetime Planning, Inc., a financial planning firm in Camarillo. He resides in Ventura with his spouse, Jamie King, and their children, Kell and Leif.

Ventura private civil practice since 1984. Name partner in MYERS, WIDDERS, GIBSON & LONG, 1995 through 1999. Opened Law Office of Robert I. Long January 1, 2000. Office conveniently located across the street from the Ventura County Government Center and Main Courthouse.

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,...

Scott Grossman graduated from Tufts University in 1987, California Western School of Law in 1994, and the University of San Diego with a Masters of Law in Taxation (LLM (Tax)) in 2005. Scott founded The Grossman Law Firm, A.P.C. in 1999. Scott is a much sought after speaker for both professional groups and the general public. He has presented continuing education seminars to hundreds of accountants, financial planners, and insurance agents. Scott presented numerous seminars to the general public on probate, trust administration, probate litigation, and trust litigation.

Scott is admitted to practice before the California Supreme Court, the United States...

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...

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...

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...

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...

ML LAW, APC Ph: 858-255-1223 Fx: 858-255-1170 Info@mllawapc.com www.mllawapc.com

Shawn S. Kerendian is the founder and Principal of Keystone Law Group, P.C. Shawn has managed, supervised and litigated hundreds of Probate, Trusts and Estate matters. Shawn received his undergraduate degree from UCLA and his J.D. from Loyola Law School. He has appeared before judges throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties on matters related to Trusts, Estates and Probate. Shawn is a member of the Trusts & Estates Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and also a member of the Trusts & Estates and Litigation sections of the State Bar of California.

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

Formerly with the Law Offices of Alex Hernandez, Mr. Hernandez is now CEO of ARH Consulting LLC a National Law Firm; A multi area litigation practice; Federal and State matters in New York, New Mexico, and California Pro Hac Vice (immigration nationally) With over 20 years of legal experience, Alex R. Hernandez Jr. has represented thousands of clients. Economist, Author, and Attorney, Alex has worked for several decades getting justice for his clients. Alex comes from a family of legal professionals, his father was the first Hispanic County judge and is currently the sitting County Court at Law Judge, his mother has been...

Alice A. Salvo in Woodland Hills, California, offers quality representation in estate planning, trust, probate, elder law and conservatorship cases. Our firm is dedicated to helping elders and families throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley effectively plan and protect their future. As we age, there are going to be a number of choices we have to make that involve our well-being and our family's financial security. These are tough choices, but with our guidance, together we can better understand what options fit your needs. We offer compassionate representation, preserve assets and inheritance, create Living Trusts, Special...

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...

Beti Tsai Bergman is the principal shareholder of the law firm, Peninsula Law, A Professional Law Corporation. Her firm specializes in probate, trusts, estates, conservatorships, and financial elder abuse. Ms. Bergman has extensive experience in representing conservators, trustees, and executors, as well as, heirs and beneficiaries in uncontested and contested trust and estate matters. Before specializing in probate, Ms. Bergman was a Deputy City Attorney for City of Los Angeles and was a business litigator in private practice.
Ms. Bergman is certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization in estate planning, trust and probate law and has earned a...

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...

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...

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...

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: ...

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

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

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

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

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...

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....

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

Jackie Marie Howard, Attorney At Law, devotes her practice to trusts, wills, powers of attorney, probate and trust administration. Jackie has over 27 years of experience in estate planning, trusts and probates. Jackie provides compassionate representation for her clients. Jackie Marie Howard, Attorney At Law, is located in Placer County, which is where Jackie grew up. Jackie started her estate law practice in 1999 in Roseville, California. Contact Jackie for your private, complimentary consultation today!

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...

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...

Dennis Sandoval, paralyzed in a 1992 car accident, turns personal adversity into advocacy in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. California's sole attorney certified in estate planning, elder law, and taxation, Dennis earned distinctions like Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP). His financial expertise, including Enrolled Agent, CFP, and RFC designations, enriches his estate planning, elder law, and tax controversy practice. For seventeen years, Dennis directed education for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA), contributing to NAELA and the National Elder Law Foundation. In 2014, he became a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law...

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.

Versatile trial attorney offering a solid track record of litigation success and experience in various facets of the law. Motivated and articulate professional who thrives in courtroom settings, excels at client rapport, discovery and deposition. Exceptional skill in drafting, reviewing, and analyzing pleadings, motions, responses to summary judgments, opinions, briefs and other legal documents. Recognized as leading defense attorney in Southern California, particularly skilled at “connecting” with and building rapport with jurors, resulting in positive verdicts in vast majority of nearly 20 jury trials, and hundreds of misdemeanor cases. Reputation as a “no nonsense” attorney and aggressive litigator among the...

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...