Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only the very wealthy who can benefit from estate planning law or who might want to hire an estate planning attorney. If you want to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and that your heirs and beneficiaries are looked after in the way you intended, a good estate planning lawyer will bring you peace of mind. Here at the State Bar Attorneys Directory, we list thousands of estate planning law firms across the United States - all of which have been screened and verified for your security.

Opelon LLP- a Trusts, Estates, & Probate Law Firm
1901 Camino Vida Roble, Ste 112, CA 92008
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Estate Planning and Probate Law Firm

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 278-1116

Opelon LLP- a Trusts, Estates, & Probate Law Firm
1901 Camino Vida Roble, Ste 112, CA 92008
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Estate Planning and Probate Law Firm

Norton Basu LLP
5201 Great America Parkway
#320
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Norton Basu LLP is a law firm in Santa Clara that specializes in all matters related to estate planning. We work hard to protect your assets and give your family peace of mind. We can help you set up and plan your estate, set up and fund your living trust, and even administer your trust estate. We also help with…

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(408) 850-7250

Norton Basu LLP
5201 Great America Parkway
#320
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Norton Basu LLP is a law firm in Santa Clara that specializes in all matters related to estate planning. We work hard to protect your assets and give your family peace of mind. We can help you set up and plan your estate, set up and fund your living trust, and even administer your trust estate. We also help with…

The Probate Guy
8081 Orangethorpe Ave
Buena Park, CA 90621

Profiles attorney Robert L Cohen and his law firm's expertise in all probate matters. Undertaking probate, reverse mortgage and probate litigation cases, with no upfront fees. Includes client testimonials and details of how the probate process works. Also offers services in estate planning, wills and trusts. Provides a detailed FAQ about probate in general and the law firm's services. Located…

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(714) 522-8880

The Probate Guy
8081 Orangethorpe Ave
Buena Park, CA 90621

Profiles attorney Robert L Cohen and his law firm's expertise in all probate matters. Undertaking probate, reverse mortgage and probate litigation cases, with no upfront fees. Includes client testimonials and details of how the probate process works. Also offers services in estate planning, wills and trusts. Provides a detailed FAQ about probate in general and the law firm's services. Located…

Kramer Radin, LLP
280 Second Street
Suite 100
Los Altos, CA 94022

Established in 1995, Kramer Radin, LLP is a law firm dedicated to the practice of estate planning, probate, trust administration, conservatorships and all related aspects of estate management including trust and estate litigation. Our attorneys advise regarding related issues including gifting, charitable giving, business succession planning, prevention of elder abuse, Medi-Cal planning, and dispute resolution. Unclaimed: Claim this business

4.4
7 Verified Reviews

Phone(650) 941-8600

Kramer Radin, LLP
280 Second Street
Suite 100
Los Altos, CA 94022

Established in 1995, Kramer Radin, LLP is a law firm dedicated to the practice of estate planning, probate, trust administration, conservatorships and all related aspects of estate management including trust and estate litigation. Our attorneys advise regarding related issues including gifting, charitable giving, business succession planning, prevention of elder abuse, Medi-Cal planning, and dispute resolution. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Albertson & Davidson LLP
3491 Concours St
#201
Ontario, CA 91764

Keith A. Davidson is an experienced trial lawyer for Albertson & Davidson who focuses his practice on Trust, Will, Estate, and Probate litigation. For over a decade, Mr. Davidson has passionately sought to help his clients resolve their legal problems and fight hard for their rights in Court. He enjoys thinking creatively to position cases for trial. His practice includes…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(909) 466-1711

Albertson & Davidson LLP
3491 Concours St
#201
Ontario, CA 91764

Keith A. Davidson is an experienced trial lawyer for Albertson & Davidson who focuses his practice on Trust, Will, Estate, and Probate litigation. For over a decade, Mr. Davidson has passionately sought to help his clients resolve their legal problems and fight hard for their rights in Court. He enjoys thinking creatively to position cases for trial. His practice includes…

Albertson & Davidson, LLP - Bay Area
555 Twin Dolphin Dr.
Ste 130
Redwood City, CA 94065

Albertson & Davidson, LLP is a San Fracisco Bay Area Trust, Will, Estate, and Probate litigation law firm. Our San Francisco Bay Area trust and estate attorneys provide solution-oriented counsel and representation designed to effectively address our clients legal goals.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(650) 596-9999

Albertson & Davidson, LLP - Bay Area
555 Twin Dolphin Dr.
Ste 130
Redwood City, CA 94065

Albertson & Davidson, LLP is a San Fracisco Bay Area Trust, Will, Estate, and Probate litigation law firm. Our San Francisco Bay Area trust and estate attorneys provide solution-oriented counsel and representation designed to effectively address our clients legal goals.

Albertson & Davidson, LLP - Inheritance Attorneys
2175 Salk Ave
#190
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Keith A. Davidson is an experienced San Diego & Carlsbad trial lawyer for Albertson & Davidson who focuses his practice on Trust, Will, Estate, and Probate litigation. For over a decade, Mr. Davidson has passionately sought to help his clients resolve their legal problems and fight hard for their rights in Court. He enjoys thinking creatively to position cases for…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 537-6612

Albertson & Davidson, LLP - Inheritance Attorneys
2175 Salk Ave
#190
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Keith A. Davidson is an experienced San Diego & Carlsbad trial lawyer for Albertson & Davidson who focuses his practice on Trust, Will, Estate, and Probate litigation. For over a decade, Mr. Davidson has passionately sought to help his clients resolve their legal problems and fight hard for their rights in Court. He enjoys thinking creatively to position cases for…

Blut Law Group, APC
10100 California Route 2
#300
Los Angeles, CA 90067

For more than 20 years, our firm has been committed to achieving results while transforming the client experience. In a field where aggressive advocacy and personalized legal help can seem to be competing goals, we show our clients that they can and deserve to receive both.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 203-0038

Blut Law Group, APC
10100 California Route 2
#300
Los Angeles, CA 90067

For more than 20 years, our firm has been committed to achieving results while transforming the client experience. In a field where aggressive advocacy and personalized legal help can seem to be competing goals, we show our clients that they can and deserve to receive both.

Collins Law Group
3330 West Manchester Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90305

We are estate planning attorneys who assist clients in the greater Los Angeles area. When you plan your estate, you are providing for the people that you love. This is a profound endeavor, and your family deserves personalized attention. We treat our clients with the utmost respect, and we can help you create a personalized plan that ideally suits your…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 677-9787

Collins Law Group
3330 West Manchester Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90305

We are estate planning attorneys who assist clients in the greater Los Angeles area. When you plan your estate, you are providing for the people that you love. This is a profound endeavor, and your family deserves personalized attention. We treat our clients with the utmost respect, and we can help you create a personalized plan that ideally suits your…

Duggan Law Corporation
641 Fulton Ave
Suite 200A
Sacramento, CA 95825

Running a small to medium-sized business often comes with legal issues. The choice of law firm can make a difference between costly and lengthy legal battles versus practical, efficient and results-oriented solutions. Working with an experienced trial lawyer offers perspective on how a case could proceed, which allows clients to make informed decisions.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 550-5309

Duggan Law Corporation
641 Fulton Ave
Suite 200A
Sacramento, CA 95825

Running a small to medium-sized business often comes with legal issues. The choice of law firm can make a difference between costly and lengthy legal battles versus practical, efficient and results-oriented solutions. Working with an experienced trial lawyer offers perspective on how a case could proceed, which allows clients to make informed decisions.

Estate Planning Law Center
5023 Parkway Calabasas
Calabasas, CA 91302

Our law practice is right for you if you want the peace of mind of knowing that a trusted advisor is going to be there for you and your family for a plan that is so much more than a set of documents that you sign and never look at again (and prepared by an attorney that you never hear…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(818) 292-8160

Estate Planning Law Center
5023 Parkway Calabasas
Calabasas, CA 91302

Our law practice is right for you if you want the peace of mind of knowing that a trusted advisor is going to be there for you and your family for a plan that is so much more than a set of documents that you sign and never look at again (and prepared by an attorney that you never hear…

Gullotta Law Group
2880 Cleveland Ave
#2
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Gullotta Law Group provides many estate planning, probate, and estate taxes/administration services for residents of Santa Rosa, CA. Trust Eric Gullotta to sort through the many complex variables that goes into will preparation and estate planning. Don't let the government sign your will - take charge! Call (707) 595-9779 for a free comprehensive evaluation.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(707) 509-3880

Gullotta Law Group
2880 Cleveland Ave
#2
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Gullotta Law Group provides many estate planning, probate, and estate taxes/administration services for residents of Santa Rosa, CA. Trust Eric Gullotta to sort through the many complex variables that goes into will preparation and estate planning. Don't let the government sign your will - take charge! Call (707) 595-9779 for a free comprehensive evaluation.

Gullotta Law Group
232 W Napa St
Suite A
Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-7234 Voted best attorney 3 years in a row by the People's Choice Awards, Eric Gullotta of Gullotta Law Group helps Sonoma County and northern California families go through the process of Estate Planning. Eric guides his clients through the otherwise difficult process of planning their future an accounting for a seemingly endless array of variables involved in estate…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(707) 938-7234

Gullotta Law Group
232 W Napa St
Suite A
Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-7234 Voted best attorney 3 years in a row by the People's Choice Awards, Eric Gullotta of Gullotta Law Group helps Sonoma County and northern California families go through the process of Estate Planning. Eric guides his clients through the otherwise difficult process of planning their future an accounting for a seemingly endless array of variables involved in estate…

Gullotta Law Group
232 W Napa St
Suite A
Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-7234 Voted best attorney 3 years in a row by the People's Choice Awards, Eric Gullotta of Gullotta Law Group helps Sonoma County and northern California families go through the process of Estate Planning. Eric guides his clients through the otherwise difficult process of planning their future an accounting for a seemingly endless array of variables involved in estate…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(707) 938-7234

Gullotta Law Group
232 W Napa St
Suite A
Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-7234 Voted best attorney 3 years in a row by the People's Choice Awards, Eric Gullotta of Gullotta Law Group helps Sonoma County and northern California families go through the process of Estate Planning. Eric guides his clients through the otherwise difficult process of planning their future an accounting for a seemingly endless array of variables involved in estate…

Hackard Law
10630 Mather Blvd
Mather, CA 95655

At Hackard Law, we understand the importance of earning our clients' trust. We do this by providing experienced legal counsel that is tailored to suit each client's unique needs. Our commitment to every client is evident in our accessibility, as well as our clear and constant communication from the initial consultation through the resolution of each case.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 313-3030

Hackard Law
10630 Mather Blvd
Mather, CA 95655

At Hackard Law, we understand the importance of earning our clients' trust. We do this by providing experienced legal counsel that is tailored to suit each client's unique needs. Our commitment to every client is evident in our accessibility, as well as our clear and constant communication from the initial consultation through the resolution of each case.

Hinojosa & Forer, LLP
2215 Colby Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064

As one of the most established estate litigation law firms in Los Angeles, our decades of experience have earned our well-respected reputation. At Hinojosa & Forer LLP, we meet each client's specific needs with a high level of representation. In highly contentious situations, we seek to provide effective, efficient results. Through decades of practice, our attorneys offer creative strategies to…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 473-7000

Hinojosa & Forer, LLP
2215 Colby Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064

As one of the most established estate litigation law firms in Los Angeles, our decades of experience have earned our well-respected reputation. At Hinojosa & Forer LLP, we meet each client's specific needs with a high level of representation. In highly contentious situations, we seek to provide effective, efficient results. Through decades of practice, our attorneys offer creative strategies to…

Law Office of James A. Zakasky
50 Old Courthouse Square
Suite 605
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Every Human Being will experience a crisis in their life. My job begins when the crisis hits. As your Attorney, I make sure that your family does not self-destruct at the passing or disability of a loved one. My family is my whole world and everything revolves around them and I want to ensure that if anything were to happen…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(707) 595-1148

Law Office of James A. Zakasky
50 Old Courthouse Square
Suite 605
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Every Human Being will experience a crisis in their life. My job begins when the crisis hits. As your Attorney, I make sure that your family does not self-destruct at the passing or disability of a loved one. My family is my whole world and everything revolves around them and I want to ensure that if anything were to happen…

Law Office of Matthew C. Yu
3620 Pacific Coast Hwy
Suite 200
Torrance, CA 90505

The Law Office of Matthew C. Yu. helps individuals, families and business owners across the South Bay We are committed to providing excellent representation in all aspects of estate planning and elder law. When you work with us, you receive personal attention starting with the first meeting where our attorney will meet with you to evaluate your needs, wishes and…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 891-0016

Law Office of Matthew C. Yu
3620 Pacific Coast Hwy
Suite 200
Torrance, CA 90505

The Law Office of Matthew C. Yu. helps individuals, families and business owners across the South Bay We are committed to providing excellent representation in all aspects of estate planning and elder law. When you work with us, you receive personal attention starting with the first meeting where our attorney will meet with you to evaluate your needs, wishes and…

Law Office of Michael E. Pitts
333 Twin Dolphin Drive
Suite 230A
Redwood City, CA 94065

With more than 25 years of experience, attorney Michael E. Pitts is able to provide the counsel you need to make informed decisions. We understand how important your business and family transactions are to you. We offer a free half-hour appointment to determine how we can help you.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(650) 620-9435

Law Office of Michael E. Pitts
333 Twin Dolphin Drive
Suite 230A
Redwood City, CA 94065

With more than 25 years of experience, attorney Michael E. Pitts is able to provide the counsel you need to make informed decisions. We understand how important your business and family transactions are to you. We offer a free half-hour appointment to determine how we can help you.

Law Office of Paulla Hyatt-McIntire
950 Tharp Road
#701
Yuba City, CA 95993

Paulla is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law*. Her practice is focused on estate planning and trust administration and probate. Her representation of individuals in estate planning matters includes preparation of revocable and irrevocable trusts for married, single and same-sex partners, business succession planning and formation of family limited partnerships. Paulla also represents Trustees and beneficiaries…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(530) 674-9761

Law Office of Paulla Hyatt-McIntire
950 Tharp Road
#701
Yuba City, CA 95993

Paulla is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law*. Her practice is focused on estate planning and trust administration and probate. Her representation of individuals in estate planning matters includes preparation of revocable and irrevocable trusts for married, single and same-sex partners, business succession planning and formation of family limited partnerships. Paulla also represents Trustees and beneficiaries…

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Why State Bar Attorneys?

StateBarAttorneys is the best law firm directory curated by a team of editors that will help you find a trusted attorney with confidence in the legal area you require. Powered by Best of the Web, all lawyers listed in this legal directory provide testimonials and reviews to ensure their understanding of their state's laws have won cases and the best possible outcome for their clients in their field of expertise.

What is Estate Planning Law?

Your estate is the legal term for your property (real estate), money, and personal belongings at death. Estate planning law is concerned with the proper and legal transfer of your estate in accordance with the law and with your wishes. 

What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

 

An estate planning lawyer will arrange first of all for your estate to be valued. This involves establishing the total value of everything including your property, your money including shares, investments, and savings, your possessions, including cars and jewelry, and any business interests you may have.

 

Having valued your estate, your estate planning attorney will work to establish your wishes on how those assets should be transferred after your death. They will facilitate all the required legal documents such as your will - including a living will where required. If you wish, they can also set up trusts to manage assets on behalf of one or more beneficiaries. If you have underage children, an estate planning lawyer will also handle your wishes for guardianship of your children should they be left with no surviving parent. A good estate planning attorney will also work to maximize the assets that can be passed to your beneficiaries by minimizing your tax burden. They can also help you to set up power of attorney should you lose your capacity to make decisions prior to your death, and they can assist with business succession planning too.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

 

The cost to hire the best estate planning lawyer for your needs will depend on the complexity of your estate and what exactly you are hoping to achieve.

 

If your affairs are relatively straightforward, you can use an estate planning attorney charging a flat fee for drawing up certain documents such as a will, a guardianship document, and power of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions.

 

If your affairs are more complex or your estate is of a high value, your estate planning lawyer will probably charge an hourly fee, which will typically range from $250-350 per hour. 

 

Undoubtedly skilled estate planning can be expensive in complex situations, but the money you spend on a good estate planning attorney will be worth it to have your legacy protected.

 

Tips for Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

 

Nobody likes to think about their own death, but It will save time and money if you are very clear about your wishes before you hire an estate planning attorney.

 

Before choosing a lawyer, take some time to consider exactly how you want your assets to be transferred, who your beneficiaries will be, and what other wishes you would want to see carried out after your death.

 

Once your wishes are clear in your mind, a personal recommendation is always a good way to choose an estate planning law firm. 

 

However, another good option is to use a specialist attorney directory like our State Bar Attorney Directory.

 

We list thousands of respected estate planning attorneys across the United States, and we make it easy for you to search for an estate planning law firm near you. Because you can also read reviews right here within the directory, it’s easy to narrow down the most trusted estate planning lawyers in your area.

 

It’s advisable to speak to several estate planning law firms before you make your final choice - and always get written confirmation of the expected fees and charging structure before your attorney starts work.

 

FAQ on Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

 

1 - Do I really need an estate planning attorney? Can’t I just write my will myself?

 

Yes, of course, you can if you wish. You can buy ready-made will templates to help you with this and if your affairs are very straightforward, this may be sufficient.

 

However, if you have young children or difficult family dynamics, or if you have business interests or multiple properties, you should consult an estate planning attorney at least in the first instance. They will advise you on how they could help, and you can then make an informed decision on whether or not to hire an estate planning lawyer.

 

The other problem with doing without an estate planning attorney is that people often just don’t get round to writing a will themselves, because, let’s face it, it’s not a fun activity, and one that we try to avoid thinking about.

 

If you die intestate - without a will - your property and assets will still be distributed to your next of kin, but this process will follow standard rules which may or may not match what you would have 

 

liked to see happen. By hiring an estate planning attorney now, you can have peace of mind for the future.

 

2 - What is power of attorney and why do I need to set it up?

 

Power of attorney is a complex area of law, but setting up power of attorney can bring great peace of mind and it is often part of the estate planning process.

 

Essentially power of attorney is a legal document in which you invest someone else (the agent) with the power to make certain decisions on your behalf should you be unable to make those decisions yourself. 

 

Typically, you might grant someone you trust, often a relative, power of attorney to make financial decisions on your behalf, and/or to make medical decisions and decisions about your care, should you become incapacitated for whatever reason.

 

A good estate planning attorney will explain the various power of attorney options to you and will set them up as required. Although you don’t have to have this safeguard in place, it does bring peace of mind that should you develop advanced dementia, for example, someone you trust will be able to take care of your interests. 

 

3 - What is a Living Will and do I need one?

 

A Living Will is a document created while you are of sound mind setting out exactly what you wish to happen to you should you be medically incapacitated or nearing the end of life. For example, it may specify the circumstances under which you would or would not wish to be resuscitated and circumstances in which you would or would not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment. It can also cover issues such as tube feeding, mechanical ventilation, and organ donation.

 

A Living Will differs from power of attorney because it directly expresses your wishes, rather than delegating those decisions to your agent.

 

Setting up a living will is a profound experience and you should consult an estate planning attorney to help guide you through the process. An estate planning lawyer will also advise you on the differences between a living will and power of attorney, and which option might be best for you.

 

You do not have to create a Living Will, but doing so would relieve the pressure on your family members should the worst happen, as they would not have to guess - and potentially disagree with one another - about what you might have wanted.

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