Estate Planning

I will work with any type of estate planning clients, but especially those with moderate-sized estates and those doing their first estate planning. Estate and probate litigation clients welcomed. Unique service available for those who wish to work with me entirely on the internet, which allows me to serve clients no matter where located in California.

CA, Jan 1965
Bar Number: 036648

California, U.S. Tax Court, and Federal District Court.

California Bar Association.

I attend seminars and utilize online educational services.

I have published a series of workbooks for clients in the fields of estate planning, after-death administration, and family law as well as a number of books for lawyers.

In addition to hundreds of estate planning and probate clients, I have been the attorney of record in the following example cases:

Extensive estate litigation involving siblings disputing the distribution of their parents' multi-million dollar estate.
Result: settlement at trial.

Litigation by trust beneficiary challenging restrictions on distribution.
Result: successful litigation.

Successfully transferred assets after death when the person failed to properly transfer property to her trust.

1

California

My current law practice was established in 1991, after my previous law partner retired from the practice of law. I have been at my current location since 1995.

My firm's primary focus is on estate planning, probate and trust matters, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney and health care directives. I pioneered affordable estate planning that includes a client guide, and easy-to-use methods that allow clients to provide the information needed and custom tailor their documents.

My estate planning clients can work entirely over the internet, making it easy for those who cannot come to my office because of distance, work schedules or other issues.

I also handle probate cases and estate litigation, which gives me a broader insight into drafting enforceable estate documents and helps me to avoid challenges. With a background in both litigation and drafting documents, I also effectively represent clients who are facing estate litigation, palimony cases and related matters.

My background in family law provides the experience needed to help clients draft effective premarital agreements.

My commitment is to make quality, affordable legal services available to every Californian.

My first employment out of law school I was hired by Robert Kennedy to work with the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, in Washington D.C. I then was selected as Assistant to the Director of the at-the-time-new agency, which became the Law Enforcement Assistance office, designed to reform the criminal justice system.

After that, I taught law school at the Golden Gate College Law School, and finally I established a private law practice.

After several years, I saw that my dream of making legal services accessible to the general public was being realized by the Jacoby & Meyers Clinics. I joined them and served for several years as their Director of Legal Services. With the change of their focus and organization I returned to private practice, refining the ideas I had developed there for practical application with my clients.

Judge Pro-Tem, Municipal Court, Santa Monica. I have done considerable pro bono work for various organizations.

(310) 208-8582

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Appointments made 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Home appointments available in special circumstances.

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For estate planning clients I have available some of the most affordable fixed-fee services, as well as hourly-based fees.

Fixed fees for estate plan packages (Living/revocable trust, Will, Health Care Directive, Durable Power of Attorney) are:

Individual estate planning package $895
Couple's estate planning package $1,195

If you mention "Nolo" when you retain me I will give you a $100 discount of these fees.

$325 per hour.

I offer a free consultation so that you can determine whether you wish to work with me.

With respect to my estate planning fixed fees, the minimum deposit is $450 for an individual and $500 for a couple.

Other retainer fees depend upon the type of matter and range from $500 to the amount I feel will be the minimum for your case.