Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
David Kelly
Law Office of David Kelly
2237 Douglas Blvd.
Suite 140
Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: (916) 782-8100 | Fax: (916) 782-8121
http://artofestateplanning.com
THE ART OF ESTATE PLANNING. TRUST-WISDOM-CREATIVITY
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I enjoy working with clients who want to achieve peace of mind knowing that their estate affairs are in order. I also find it rewarding to assist clients who are acting as an executor or trustee in the probate or trust administration process.
Sub-Categories
Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Property Taxes
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Business Succession Planning
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1965
Bar Number: 37179
Specialty Certifications
Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
Other Court Admissions
California Courts, U.S. Appellate and District Court
Association Memberships
California State Bar; Placer County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Over 150 hours in advanced estate planning programs in the past 4 years. As a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law, I have met continuing education and proficiency testing as established by the Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California.
Papers and Publications
Co-author of "Generations, Planning Your Legacy"
Example Cases
It might seem convenient to say, but the issues that are being considered by all of my clients are of utmost significance to them, whether their estate is modest or substantial. Some of my more "significant" cases include:
Assisting a widow to restructure her estate plan to regain control of a family business that was tearing her family apart and causing her deep emotional pain.
I created estate plans for domestic partners that provide continuing financial security, resolved substantial estate tax issues and created a significant charitable legacy.
A successful will contest that prevented the disinheritance of a father's children from a first marriage as the result of the undue influence and fraud of his present spouse.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Stanford University Law School
City:
Palo Alto
State:
CA
Year:
1964
Focus and Accomplishments:
I was admitted to Stanford Law School on an accelerated program allowing me to complete my undergraduate degree while attending law school.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Stanford University
City:
Palo Alto
State:
CA
Year:
1962
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My firm was formed in 1995 and has focused on estate planning, trust and probate law since its inception.
Previous Employment Summary
I was a partner in Turner & Sullivan and Nossaman, Guthner, Knox & Elliott in Sacramento, 1981-1994. From 1977-1981, I was Vice President and General Counsel of an investment firm. I was in general practice, Napa, CA 1967-1976. Immediately after I graduated from law school, I was a Deputy Attorney General with the California Department of Justice.
Activities and Awards
Since 1994, I have been a certified mediator. I have been trained in the mediation process by the Sacramento Mediation Center, the Center for Mediation in Law, the National Center for Collaborative Planning and Community Services, and Coast to Coast Mediation Center. I mediate in the estate and business areas. My wife, who is a Marriage Family Therapist, and I mediate family law matters.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that the best estate planning can be achieved when the lawyer and the clients are able to work collaboratively. Anything the clients can do to educate themselves helps that process. That is why I co-authored "Generations-Planning Your Legacy" and why I often present seminars to public groups on various estate planning matters.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents in selected cases. Estate planning is often more complex than clients realize. An important factor in undertaking the review process is determining the reliability of the source from which the base documents were obtained.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Since my representation of clients in disputed matters is very limited and selective, I normally do not coach clients in disputed cases. When all parties to a disputed matter seek an alternative to the traditional litigation process, I will act as a mediator. If a client is willing and able, I do "coach" the client so that they can perform some of the necessary tasks and thereby minimize legal expense.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My goal to be a lawyer started in my 8th grade civics class. I was fascinated by the process of government. Being a lawyer tapped into my natural strengths as a creative problem solver and a mediator.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have a broad background in the law with experience as diverse as managing complex real estate acquisitions to drafting wills and powers of attorney. As a mediator, I empower clients to develop options and take charge of resolving their own disputes.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
After 30 years of a general and business oriented practice with some estate planning, I feel blessed to have been led to estate planning as my specialty and primary practice. It is a privilege to have clients trust you with their issues of life and death.
What do you like best about your career?
Working with clients to reach decisions that give them peace of mind and allow them to create a legacy is emotionally and intellectually rewarding for me.
Tell us about your law firm:
I do much of the work myself with the support of an experienced probate paralegal. As a member of WealthCounsel, I have established a nationwide network of colleagues that I can bring into cases when beneficial or just brainstorm with.
What are your strengths and style?
My unique strength is the ability to combine a sense of trust with the wisdom of a mature practice and the creativity to "think out of the box" that results in satisfying client-oriented solutions.
I view estate planning from a holistic point of view. My clients are dealing with issues that go beyond the financial, to matters of community, family and purpose. I am approachable and compassionate, while maintaining high professional standards.
Personal Interests:
I like to "hang out" with my wife. We share an interest in art collection, particularly of California funk art. I am a fan of Stanford and 49er football and Kings basketball. I also have a continuing interest in politics and government matters. In addition, I have been involved in a variety of nonprofit organizations.
Office Manager/Assistant
Varee Wycoff
Fax
(916) 782-8121
Office Hours
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I normally offer a fixed fee for estate planning work after meeting with the client and determining their goals, objectives and needs. In more advanced planning situations, the design work is sometimes based on hourly charges.
Hourly Rates
My hourly fee is $300.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
In the usual estate planning matter, clients pay 1/2 of my fees upon engagement and the balance upon completion of services.
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