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Robert K. Bolt
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Robert K. Bolt
Law Office of Robert K. Bolt
2700 Ygnacio Valley Road
Suite 233
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Phone: (925) 945-8533 | Fax: (925) 945-1565
http://www.robertkbolt.com
Planning, trusts, wills, probate, litigation, 31+ years
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I prefer clients who are at the start of planning their estate.
Sub-Categories
Estate Planning
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1975
Bar Number: 65248
Specialty Certifications
Certified Specialist in Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Law.
Other Court Admissions
California, Northern District of California U.S. District Court.
Association Memberships
California State Bar, Contra Costa County Bar.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars in estate planning and probate, and I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Papers and Publications
Probate practice, power of appointment, course syllabus for NBI seminars.
Lecture materials for talks for Chevron and others on estate planning.
Example Cases
Estate planning area, I assist with deciding the appropriate methods for handling one's estate after death and prepare and advise regarding integrated estate plans.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Year:
1972
Honors:
Departmental Honors, Political Science.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Honor's thesis.
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of California, Hastings
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1975
Focus and Accomplishments:
Constitutional Law Quarterly
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I specialize in the areas of probate, estate planning, trusts, wills, conservatorships, powers of attorney and those related areas, including litigation related to these areas. I appear in probate court only.
Previous Employment Summary
Sole practitioner since December 1975. Worked in all areas of law early in career. Became a certified specialist in probate, estate planning, and trust law in 1990 and have worked exclusively in that area since then.
Activities and Awards
Judge Pro Tem, Contra Costa County Probate Court, AV-rated Martindale-Hubbell.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
My typical client is usually quite well-informed.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
While I have done this occasionally, I have usually found out it is more cost-effective to simply start over.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not do this.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Ever since I was quite young I wanted to be a lawyer, since I thought that lawyers helped people. In these earlier days, attorneys were consulted for advice and guidance on almost everything. This appealed to me then and still appeals to me now.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have been in solo practice from the day I was admitted to the bar. These early struggles have given me good practical experience with the realities of the legal system.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
From the very beginning, I was attracted to wills, trusts, and estate planning. This gave me the opportunity to plan things before they happened, rather than react to them after they'd already gone "off the track."
What do you like best about your career?
I have specialized in an area of law that has been interesting to me and useful to my clients for 31+ years.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner.
What are your strengths and style?
I enjoy discovering and exploring options and working through the "what ifs" of this work.
Personal Interests:
Reading, movies, history, music, fly-fishing, exercise.
Fax
(925) 945-1565
Office Hours
Monday through Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes. I have fixed prices for living trust work, including pour-over wills and durable powers of attorney; these are somewhat variable based on the financial and family situation.
Hourly Rates
$310.
Free Initial Consultation?
No.
Typical Retainer
While I do have retainers, they are deposits against fees and costs to be incurred and vary on a case-by-case basis.
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.
