Wills, Trusts & Estates

Whether new Estate Planning clients have no plan and are at the beginning of the process or have encountered a problem with their existing plan makes no difference to me. I welcome both kinds of clients. Each case presents new facts and requires new creative solutions which is what I enjoy about Estate Planning.

I also handle Family Law Cases:
Divorce
Child Custody and Support

• Auto Accident & Property Claims
• Property & Casualty

• Capital Markets

• 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

Bankruptcy

Whether new Estate Planning clients have no plan and are at the beginning of the process or have encountered a problem with their existing plan makes no difference to me. I welcome both kinds of clients. Each case presents new facts and requires new creative solutions which is what I enjoy about Estate Planning.

I also handle Family Law Cases:
Divorce
Child Custody and Support

• Chapter 7
• Collections & Repossessions
• Credit Disputes
• Debt Relief
• Garnishments
• Creditor Harassment
• Personal Bankruptcy
• Foreclosures

CA, Jun 2000
Bar Number: 207802

All California courts and Central District of California U.S. District Court

Santa Barbara County Bar Association, American Bar Association

I attend MCLE seminars, and review both MCLE tapes and literature. I focus on Estate Planning, Probate, Family Law, and Litigation topics

Complex Estate Plan involving multiple sub-trusts with separate beneficiaries for each trust to maximize benefits; Family Law custody dispute involving drug use of custodial parent resulting in new custody plan; Litigation involving the outing of a pastor from his church resulting in a dismissal of damages claim.

1

California

My focus is on estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, family law, bankruptcy, business litigation , and litigation involving property damage. I also work as a mediator for the court and in private practice. I pride myself in being able to accurately assess my client's needs and form a practical plan to achieve those needs. I keep in close contact with my clients so that they are an informed participant in the process. If opposing counsel is involved I stay focused on the law and the facts and finding a practical solution to the conflict while treating all parties with respect.
I began my mediation practice in 1995 and my law practice in 2000. I have always worked as a sole practitioner. My prior business experience gives me the confidence to take on big projects and creatively reach results that are good for my client.

In 1975, after 3 years of world travel I formed an import clothing business. It included a Santa Barbara retail store and for 25 years operated as a national wholesale outlet. I took part in the management of the business and the design and distribution of the products. My duties included national and international travel meeting with customers and vendors as well as international banking and import/export requirements. The company produced 2 to 4 new product lines a year and was in the creativity mode throughout it's history.

Small Claims Court Mediator (1995-2000)
Santa Barbara Superior Court TRO mediations (1999-2000)
Approved mediator, Ventura Superior Court ( 1998-1999)
Restorative Justice Program juvenile victim-offender mediation (1999)
Santa Barbara Superior Court CADRe mediator (2000- )
California Notary Public (2000- )

None

(805) 687-3434

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

Yes

I speak Indonesian and some Spanish.

I currently offer basic Estate Plan packages for married couples at $1500 and for singles $1200. The Package includes Wills, a Trust, Certificate of Trust, POA and AHCD as well as re-titling of assets. I charge $2000 for basic "no-asset" Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Currently $185

30 minutes at no charge

I often waive a retainer.