Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Wills, Trusts & Estates lawyers serving Marin County, CA >
Marlene P. Getchell
Back to Search Results
Marlene P. Getchell
Law Offices of Marlene P. Getchell
790 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 457-8830 | Fax: (415) 459-1384
http://www.marlenegetchell.com/
Certified Specialist Estate Planning, Trust and Probate
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
In addition to the sub-categories listed below, I handle matters involving elder abuse and litigation (including will and trust contests).
My preference is to work with individuals and families who need estate planning, and/or who need assistance in probating an estate or administering a trust. I also represent clients who have been sued or believe they have a right to sue in matters pertaining to finances, fiduciary accountings, trusts and estates.
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 1976
Bar Number: 72187
Specialty Certifications
Certified Legal Specialist Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization
Other Court Admissions
All of the Courts of the State of California and the United States Northern District Court
Association Memberships
Marin County Bar Association
Continuing Education
The State Bar of California has certified me as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. I participate in required continuing education classes with the California Continuing Education of the Bar as well as qualified seminars to maintain the highest level of education on current legal issues pertaining to trusts and estates.
Papers and Publications
I am a contributing author and guest editor of the Marin County Lawyer.
Example Cases
I have written many trusts and wills. I have probated numerous estates and administered many trusts. I successfully represented a client in a will contest in San Francisco where the client's inheritance was threatened. I also successfully defended a trustee who had been sued for breach of trust.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Hastings College of the Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1976
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court Board for the Year 1975-1976
Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Appellate Advocacy in the David E. Snodgrass Moot Court Competition
Degree:
A.B. in English
School:
University of California at Davis
City:
Davis
State:
CA
Year:
1973
Honors:
Awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
Elected to Student Council, 1972-1973
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm focus is (1) the preparation of wills and trusts; (2) probate and trust administration and (3) litigation in the field of elder abuse, trust and probate law. I have had my own law firm in Marin County for the last 15 years. I have been a certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law for over 10 years.
Previous Employment Summary
I was a partner in a law firm in the financial district in San Francisco for 14 years.
Activities and Awards
Settlement Judge in court-sponsored mandatory settlement conferences
Mediation services
Secretary, Marin County Bar Association, 2006
Board of Directors, Marin County Bar Association, 2005-current
Board of Trustees, California-Nevada Methodist Homes, 1981-current
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is my goal that all of my clients understand the legal process. If they are willing to spend time educating themselves, all the better.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
It is more cost effective for the firm to prepare the documents for the client than to review the documents prepared by the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Not applicable to my practice.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted a challenging career where I would have the opportunity to help others, continue to learn interesting things and be independent.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I continue to practice in the area of my expertise and take continuing education courses in my field of practice.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It is an interesting area of the law and I am very good at what I do.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about my career is the interaction with clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am the principal attorney of the law firm. I partner with other attorneys, depending on the complexity of the case.
What are your strengths and style?
I enjoy my work and I communicate clearly with my clients. I am creative in finding solutions to the problems my clients face.
I am pleasant, cooperative and straightforward.
Personal Interests:
Tennis (I play competitive team tennis) and gardening.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(415) 459-1384
Office Hours
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Services and fees depend upon the nature of the service to be provided. Estate planning packages for married couples start at $3,000 and estate planning packages for individuals start at $2,000.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial consultation is available.
Typical Retainer
Our retainer is 1/2 the cost of the project.
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.
