Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Wills, Trusts & Estates lawyers serving Fresno County, CA >
Kathi Kesselman
Back to Search Results
Kathi Kesselman
Kathi Kesselman, Attorney at Law
5100 N 6th St
Suite 114
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: (559) 228-8174 | Fax: (559) 222-7569
Wills, Trusts and Probate: Fresno Attorney, 28 Years
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Individuals who require legal assistance with wills, trusts, probate, and estate planning.
Sub-Categories
Estate Planning
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1978
Bar Number: 82069
Other Court Admissions
- All California Courts
- Supreme Court of the United States
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
Association Memberships
- Fresno County Bar Association, Estate Planning Section
- Executives' Association of Fresno
- Fresno County Women Lawyers
Continuing Education
I teach wills and trusts annually at San Joaquin College of Law and take all other continuing education courses required by the State Bar.
Example Cases
I have represented blended families where each party was married before and had children by the first marriage and then they had children together. The problems of trust and will drafting for a blended family require extensive discussions with the clients to set a priority with respect to transfers at death. In each case I was able to draft documents that met the concerns of both parties.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
San Joaquin College of Law
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Year:
1978
Degree:
Bachelor of Business Administration
School:
Baruch College, City University of New York
City:
New York
State:
NY
Year:
1978
Focus and Accomplishments:
Business Administration
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I have focused on wills, trusts, probate, and estate planning for the past 28 years.
Previous Employment Summary
I have been in sole practitioner since 1979 practicing in the area of estate planning.
Activities and Awards
I have been a Wills and Trusts professor for the past 15 years at San Joaquin College of Law.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Self education is important in all areas of life. The more a client understands the legal matters he or she is confronting, the better able the attorney will be to discuss the facts and law with the client.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I cannot review and approve client drafted documents. My exposure to the client's needs is limited when the client comes to my office with drafted documents. I am unable to give fully informed legal advice.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am unable to coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
In 1972 women were beginning to be welcomed into law schools. I realized that my communication and listening skills would allow me to find a successful place in legal private practice.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
For 28 years I have practiced in the area of wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. Over that period of time I have learned to identify the specific needs of various individuals. I am able to evaluate a client's needs quickly and advise of my ability to solve the client's problem.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I like this area of law because people can prevent problems with a little planning.
What do you like best about your career?
I like listening to the individual stories of my clients and determining how I can be of help.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner and all clients work directly and only with me.
What are your strengths and style?
I am compassionate and understanding with my clients. I am professional and prompt with my legal work.
I am quick and cost effective. I am willing to listen to a client's thoughts with respect a proposed legal solution. I am willing to discuss my assessment of the case with the client until the client accepts my plan of attack or I have been persuaded to pursue the matter differently.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy reading, traveling, home repairs and renovation.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(559) 222-7569
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
All services are performed for a fixed price agreed upon prior to the drafting of any instruments. Clients never find themselves spending more than they planned to spend on their estate documents. I will make minor alterations to all documents free of charge for six months after they have been signed.
Examples:
- Simple Will for Individual (with outright distribution at death) $250
- Durable Power of Attorney $150
- Advance Health Care Directive $150
- Revocable Trust for Individual (with outright distribution at death) $750
Hourly Rates
See above.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free Phone Consultation
Typical Retainer
Payment for services due upon signing of documents.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
