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Howard Wiggins
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Howard Wiggins
Wiggins & Ebert
110 West C St.
Suite 815
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 239-2252 | Fax: (619) 239-0343
http://www.wigginsandebert.com
Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts: I enjoy assisting everyone, from people in need of an estate plan for themselves, to those dealing with the administration of an estate or trust for someone else.
Probate: I am happy to help anyone trying to navigate the probate process, but I refer new Conservatorship and Guardianship clients to other attorneys.
Sub-Categories
Taxes
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Power of Attorney
- Property Taxes
- Tax Planning
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Jan 1961
Bar Number: 31160
Specialty Certifications
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
Other Court Admissions
State of California
Association Memberships
San Diego County (Member, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Section) and American (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section) Bar Associations; State Bar of California (Member, Trusts and Estates Section)
Continuing Education
On top of attending seminars to comply with the California State Bar requirements, I served as a lecturer on probate and tax topics for the California Continuing Education of the Bar from 1970- 2001.
Example Cases
Since my firm deals mostly in uncontested estate planning matters, I will offer an example of my standard procedure for assisting clients as opposed to a "significant case example." For clients in need of an estate plan, I typically arrange a meeting to explain the basics of estate planning and to identify particular issues that need consideration. Some issues include which documents will be required for the clients' purposes, retirement plan considerations including altering beneficiary designations, tax planning, life insurance planning, special needs, medical and disability issues, etc. and then I explain how to deal with the particular needs of the clients. After drafting the documents, I am sure to assist clients in transferring assets into their Trusts so I know that their estate plan is complete.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall)
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1960
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Estate planning can be a complex area of the law for individuals (and even attorneys) to understand. On top of considerations about transferring your estate to your loved ones, you also need to consider issues regarding caring for your children, incapacity during life, instructions regarding your care if hospitalized and retirement planning. So why not use an attorney who specializes in helping diverse clients plan their estates everyday? With over 40 years of experience in this area, we're sure you'll find the answers you are looking for and more.
Previous Employment Summary
I started out working for a firm called Kaminar, Sorbo, Andreen, & Thorn and I moved out on my own in 1976 after that firm closed its operations.
Activities and Awards
Phi Delta Phi. Lecturer on Probate and Tax Topics, California Continuing Education of the Bar, 1970-2001.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I feel it is important for clients to educate themselves to better ensure that the type of estate plan they get truly serves their needs.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review documents prepared by clients or other attorneys.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My firm rarely litigates contested estate planning issues, but I would be happy to refer clients desiring to represent themselves to a more suitable mentor attorney.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I saw it as a great opportunity to assist people with various issues they faced.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I served as a lecturer for the Continuing Education of the Bar from 1970-2001 which allowed me to work with other prominent lawyers in this area of the law. These connections have served me well in my practice when unique situations arise. Furthermore, this experience allowed me to learn how best to keep up with changing areas of the estate planning field to better serve clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoyed estate planning because it offered a more positive area of the law and allowed me to assist people without often dealing in tense verbal or courtroom situations.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy helping clients to accomplish their estate planning goals while avoiding many of the contentious downsides of being an attorney.
Tell us about your law firm:
Jason Ebert is an associate attorney who graduated with distinction from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento in 2004 and began working at my firm in February of 2005. Karen McKnight is our paralegal and she has worked with me for over 25 years and has a vast knowledge of the complexities of the probate process.
What are your strengths and style?
My firm aims to educate clients about the many factors they should consider when developing an estate plan and then we tailor documents to the particular client's needs.
I operate a smaller firm that tries to establish a closer relationship with clients when assisting them with their estate planning.
Personal Interests:
Outside of work, I enjoy singing in my church choir, jogging and hiking around various national parks as well as those here in San Diego.
Office Manager/Assistant
Regina Villa
Fax
(619) 239-0343
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Otherwise by appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish speaking secretary
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Anywhere from $900 to $1,500 for a Trust package including a Trust, Will and Powers of Attorney depending on the complexity of the work involved.
Hourly Rates
$250
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free consultations.
Typical Retainer
Varies
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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.
