Practice Areas

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Probate is an expensive and time-consuming process that can be avoided with proper estate planning.  If the gross value of a person's estate exceeds $150,000 (of countable assets) then a probate process will need to be initiated.    

Attorneys' fees are statutorily set, regardless of the amount of time and effort an attorney involves himself/herself.  With this in mind, many firms try to maximize their profits by minimizing their time involved on your case.  However, we put the client first and understand how emotionally taxing the probate process may be - especially when grieving the loss of a loved one.   

We strive to make this as stress-free as possible by shouldering most of the work and time involved; which includes making all necessary court appearances on your behalf.  

Proper planning does more than just avoid probate.  It allows for the ease of transferring assets.  It can avoid a conservatorship proceeding if you become mentally incapacitated.  It allows you to select a guardian over your minor child(ren), rather than a judge.  It also allows you to determine who your beneficiaries are and under what terms or conditions they inherit.

Perhaps your beneficiary is not financially responsible; has creditor problems; is a minor; is a non-citizen; has a drug, alcohol or a gambling addiction; has special needs or is incarcerated.  With proper planning, we can provide distribution provisions and conditions tailored to that beneficiary's circumstances that would allow them to inherit, safeguard your hard-earned assets, and minimize tax consequences.  You can essentially control your assets from the grave, if that is your preference.

Regardless of whether someone dies with a trust, with a Will, or absolutely no estate plan, there are administration processes that need to be done in order to remove the deceased's name from title and transfer the asset(s).  This could be very overwhelming, especially when grieving the loss of a loved one.

We assist our clients by providing them with as much guidance as needed.  Client satisfaction and comfort are priorities for us.  So, we like to explain the process in layman's terms and provide clients with a step-by-step approach of what needs to be done. 

From there, we let the client decide how much or how little they want us to be involved.  Some clients prefer a list of "homework" for them to follow.  Others want to delegate everything, with us just providing simple instructions of where to sign.  Some may want to proceed with a combination of the two extremes.  Whatever the case may be, we let the client decide what approach is most comfortable and acceptable to them.  

Our detailed knowledge of how estate plans work and the complexities that may arise during the probate and estate administration process, improves the quality of our litigation representation.  We are results-driven and work hard to resolve issues promptly.

We have represented both trustees and beneficiaries with estate or trust litigation issues.  Some of these litigated issues involved situations where a trustee was not providing information, documentation  or distributions to beneficiaries; or when a disinherited person objected to the terms of a trust.  Whatever the situation may be, we will evaluate all angles of the claim(s).  We educate the client of potential defenses and causes of action so they can better understand the process.  Open communication with our clients is very important to us and it allows the client to make informed decisions on how to proceed with their options.  

We advocate for clients during the stressful time of dealing with taxing authorities and guide them through the process of tax audits, adjustments and compliance. Whether the taxing agency is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),  California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), California Employment Development  Department (EDD), or California State Board of Equalization (BOE) - we are here to help!

We can assist with having prior tax returns prepared, amended and filed; with requesting abatement of penalties and requests for tax refunds.

If a client lacks the ability to pay the tax liability in full, we can assist with establishing payment plans, either by installment agreements or filing offers in compromise.

We also provide representation during a tax audit and collection due process appeals.

 For clients that have foreign bank accounts, we are experienced in preparing and complying with the Report of Foreign Bank Accounts (FBAR). We assist clients who have unreported foreign accounts and are facing governmental collection efforts or who want to enter into a voluntary compliance agreement with the Internal Revenue Service.

Our attention to detail is invaluable when dealing with contract review, drafting, and/or negotiating terms. We assist clients with premarital agreements, postmarital agreements, cohabitation agreements, rental or lease agreements, settlement agreements, or other contracts. 

Additionally, we assist with formation and dissolution of various business entities; including preparation or review of operating agreements and buy-sell agreements.