Law Offices of Julia P. Wald

30+ Yrs Exp Conservatorship, Probate, Trust Admin

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

The firm's primary interest is in helping our aging population with an emphasis on preventing elder abuse. To this end, we are involved in resolving family concerns about elderly family members, which usually entails estate planning, trust creation, will drafting, the planning for termination of medical procedures, and sometimes the creation of a Conservatorship. We prepare estate planning documents for all age groups. After a death, the firm assists survivors with probate or trust administration, post-mortem tax planning and preparation of estate tax returns. We also prepare trusts for special circumstances, including life insurance trusts, special need trusts, QPRTs and individual trusts for special people and pets.

My firm has existed since 1989, growing consistently to meet our clients' growing and varying needs.

Example cases

I handle cases involving conservatorships, estate planning, trusts, and probate.

Main Office

Main
1108 Fifth Ave
Suite 202
San Rafael CA 94901-2916

Phone

(415) 482-7555

Fax

(415) 482-7575

Websites

http://www.waldlawyers.com/

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

There are initial telephone conversations free of charge. No legal advice is given during these talks.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Yes

Hourly Rates

$400 per hour, depending on complexity and time limits of job.

Associates $200 - $225 per hour.

Paralegals $100 per hour.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Office Manager

Anita Roussel

Emergency After Hours

Yes

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I enjoy the work and find it very satisfying.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I encourage it. I am happy to work with clients who have written their own documents and to review these documents to assure they say what the clients intend.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am happy to work with clients who have written their own documents and to review the documents to assure they say what the client intends.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

In most cases, it is better for a client to be represented by an attorney in a conflict situation.

Julia P. Wald

Four years as an associate with Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe in the Probate Department.

Being a parent has made me a better lawyer. As a parent you have to listen carefully and then try to determine what is best for the child. I have to do the same with my clients.

My strength is that I genuinely care about my clients as people. Also, I have a wealth of experience and considerable intelligence so I can see the whole picture and the solution to problems. My style is to do everything I can to insure the best possible outcome for my clients.

Personal interests:

Creating safety for vulnerable elders and mentally ill people who are not well served by the courts. Most of the problems of these populations have to do with a failure to be operating in reality and a failure in inter-personal relations. The court system is excellent for straightforward conservatorships, but is not of much help in many other situations. I try to lead my clients out of conflict and into non-court related outcomes.

License

Bar Number: 78476
California , 1977

Education

University of Idaho
Juris Doctor , 1977
Moscow, ID
Wellesley College
Bachelor of Arts , 1963
Wellesley, MA
University of California
M.A. , 1968
Berkeley, CA
Philosophy

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.