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.

Law Offices of Berge & Berge LLP
1101 S Winchester Blvd
# I-208
San Jose, CA 95128

The knowledgeable and experienced staff at the Law Offices of Berge & Berge LLP can help you and your family plan for the future. Don't let important decisions wait any longer. We will discuss your estate and tailor your needs to fit your future. From beginning to end, we will work together to ensure the best possible result. Serving clients… Unclaimed: Claim this business

No Reviews Yet

Phone(669) 244-3546

Law Offices of Berge & Berge LLP
1101 S Winchester Blvd
# I-208
San Jose, CA 95128

The knowledgeable and experienced staff at the Law Offices of Berge & Berge LLP can help you and your family plan for the future. Don't let important decisions wait any longer. We will discuss your estate and tailor your needs to fit your future. From beginning to end, we will work together to ensure the best possible result. Serving clients… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Law Offices of Connie Yi, P.C.
323 Ray St
Pleasanton, CA 94566

I am tax and estate planning attorney Connie Yi. I opened the Law Offices of Connie Yi, P.C. in Pleasanton, California, in 2003, after a successful career as a certified public accountant (CPA). I see first-hand how changing tax laws can have a direct impact on your personal wealth and success.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(925) 264-9808

Law Offices of Connie Yi, P.C.
323 Ray St
Pleasanton, CA 94566

I am tax and estate planning attorney Connie Yi. I opened the Law Offices of Connie Yi, P.C. in Pleasanton, California, in 2003, after a successful career as a certified public accountant (CPA). I see first-hand how changing tax laws can have a direct impact on your personal wealth and success.

Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph
801 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Suite 101
Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph provides the highest quality Estate Planning, LGBT Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration and Real Estate legal services. Located in Palm Springs, CA, The Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph provides legal services throughout the entire Coachella Valley. The firm's mission is to provide individuals, couples and families with experienced, aggressive and reliable…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 673-7600

Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph
801 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Suite 101
Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph provides the highest quality Estate Planning, LGBT Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration and Real Estate legal services. Located in Palm Springs, CA, The Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph provides legal services throughout the entire Coachella Valley. The firm's mission is to provide individuals, couples and families with experienced, aggressive and reliable…

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, PC
475 Washington Blvd 2nd floor
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 935-0706

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, PC
475 Washington Blvd 2nd floor
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, Trusts & Estates
475 Washington Blvd.
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 439-3718

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, Trusts & Estates
475 Washington Blvd.
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, Trusts & Estates
475 Washington Blvd.
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 439-3718

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, Trusts & Estates
475 Washington Blvd.
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, Trusts & Estates
475 Washington Blvd.
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 439-3718

Law Offices of Maria N. Jonsson, Trusts & Estates
475 Washington Blvd.
2nd Floor
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Smart Estate Planning generally results in an expeditious, cost-efficient and conflict-free post-death administration. A custom-designed estate plan brings a peace of mind, and is the responsible thing to do for those who depend on you. We identify your most important objectives and implement practical solutions to reach your legacy goals. We work as part of a team alongside your financial…

Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody
19040 Cox Avenue
Suite 3
Saratoga, CA 95070

At the Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody, we understand the turmoil you are enduring following the death of a family member. Extremely sensitive family matters can clash with complex and contentious estate-related disputes. Miriam Brody and her legal team will cultivate a consultative relationship with you. Our proactive approach allows us to anticipate potential problems both now and in…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(408) 257-0900

Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody
19040 Cox Avenue
Suite 3
Saratoga, CA 95070

At the Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody, we understand the turmoil you are enduring following the death of a family member. Extremely sensitive family matters can clash with complex and contentious estate-related disputes. Miriam Brody and her legal team will cultivate a consultative relationship with you. Our proactive approach allows us to anticipate potential problems both now and in…

Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody
19040 Cox Avenue
Suite 3
Saratoga, CA 95070

At the Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody, we understand the turmoil you are enduring following the death of a family member. Extremely sensitive family matters can clash with complex and contentious estate-related disputes. Miriam Brody and her legal team will cultivate a consultative relationship with you. Our proactive approach allows us to anticipate potential problems both now and in…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(408) 257-0900

Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody
19040 Cox Avenue
Suite 3
Saratoga, CA 95070

At the Law Offices of Miriam Behman Brody, we understand the turmoil you are enduring following the death of a family member. Extremely sensitive family matters can clash with complex and contentious estate-related disputes. Miriam Brody and her legal team will cultivate a consultative relationship with you. Our proactive approach allows us to anticipate potential problems both now and in…

Law Offices of Tyler H. Fair, Esq.
3141 US 50
B-1
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Law Offices of Tyler Fair, Esq. is a located in South Lake Tahoe, CA and serves the entire Tahoe Basin. As a legal practitioner, Tyler provides comprehensive and competent legal services in three major areas: estate planning and trust administration, probate, small claims assistance and other commercial legal services.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(530) 318-6044

Law Offices of Tyler H. Fair, Esq.
3141 US 50
B-1
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Law Offices of Tyler Fair, Esq. is a located in South Lake Tahoe, CA and serves the entire Tahoe Basin. As a legal practitioner, Tyler provides comprehensive and competent legal services in three major areas: estate planning and trust administration, probate, small claims assistance and other commercial legal services.

Ledbetter Law Firm, APC
111 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Suite 330
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC was founded in 2016, after firm founder Thomas Ledbetter spent a decade representing auto manufacturers and dealerships in lemon law and product liability lawsuits. Since our founding, our clients have come to us for trusted and experienced counsel that they can count on year-in, year-out. At The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC, our mission and top…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(888) 993-6880

Ledbetter Law Firm, APC
111 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Suite 330
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC was founded in 2016, after firm founder Thomas Ledbetter spent a decade representing auto manufacturers and dealerships in lemon law and product liability lawsuits. Since our founding, our clients have come to us for trusted and experienced counsel that they can count on year-in, year-out. At The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC, our mission and top…

Ledbetter Law Firm, APC
111 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Suite 330
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC was founded in 2016, after firm founder Thomas Ledbetter spent a decade representing auto manufacturers and dealerships in lemon law and product liability lawsuits. Since our founding, our clients have come to us for trusted and experienced counsel that they can count on year-in, year-out. At The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC, our mission and top…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(888) 993-6880

Ledbetter Law Firm, APC
111 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Suite 330
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC was founded in 2016, after firm founder Thomas Ledbetter spent a decade representing auto manufacturers and dealerships in lemon law and product liability lawsuits. Since our founding, our clients have come to us for trusted and experienced counsel that they can count on year-in, year-out. At The Ledbetter Law Firm, APC, our mission and top…

LifePath Law, APC
225 30th St
#300
Sacramento, CA 95816

One of the highlights of our practice is our formal funding, maintenance and update program. You don't want to worry about whether your estate plan will be updated every time your life changes or a new law comes into effect. That is why we offer maintenance services to ensure your plan is relevant and up-to-date, so it can work the…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 231-0688

LifePath Law, APC
225 30th St
#300
Sacramento, CA 95816

One of the highlights of our practice is our formal funding, maintenance and update program. You don't want to worry about whether your estate plan will be updated every time your life changes or a new law comes into effect. That is why we offer maintenance services to ensure your plan is relevant and up-to-date, so it can work the…

Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law
3425 S Bascom Ave
#240
Campbell, CA 95008

Our estate planning lawyers are highly experienced in all facets involved in the estate plan, including wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, elder law, nursing home planning, Medi-Cal planning, and more. In addition to these facets, we focus on post-mortem planning, which includes probate and trust administration. In all aspects of your estate plan, we strive to…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(408) 356-9200

Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law
3425 S Bascom Ave
#240
Campbell, CA 95008

Our estate planning lawyers are highly experienced in all facets involved in the estate plan, including wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, elder law, nursing home planning, Medi-Cal planning, and more. In addition to these facets, we focus on post-mortem planning, which includes probate and trust administration. In all aspects of your estate plan, we strive to…

Marc A. Bronstein, A Professional Law Corporation
3205 Ocean Park Blvd.
Ste. 200
Santa Monica, CA 90405

The attorneys at Marc A. Bronstein: A Professional Law Corporation have over 40 years of experience meeting the transactional legal needs of business owners, homeowners, and families alike. Specifically, we can help you create a customized estate plan, protect your business, avoid tax pitfalls, and make smart real estate decisions (both commercial and residential). If you live in Los Angeles,… Unclaimed: Claim this business

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 450-7361

Marc A. Bronstein, A Professional Law Corporation
3205 Ocean Park Blvd.
Ste. 200
Santa Monica, CA 90405

The attorneys at Marc A. Bronstein: A Professional Law Corporation have over 40 years of experience meeting the transactional legal needs of business owners, homeowners, and families alike. Specifically, we can help you create a customized estate plan, protect your business, avoid tax pitfalls, and make smart real estate decisions (both commercial and residential). If you live in Los Angeles,… Unclaimed: Claim this business

McCoy Fatula, APC
2270 Douglas Blvd
Suite 200
Roseville, CA 95661

McCoy|fatula provides custom legal approaches to individual legal problems. We care about you and want to get you results. What does this mean? It means we do whatever it takes to understand your needs, inform you of your options and create an action plan tailored to your desired outcome.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 474-4376

McCoy Fatula, APC
2270 Douglas Blvd
Suite 200
Roseville, CA 95661

McCoy|fatula provides custom legal approaches to individual legal problems. We care about you and want to get you results. What does this mean? It means we do whatever it takes to understand your needs, inform you of your options and create an action plan tailored to your desired outcome.

Meinzer Law Firm, PC
3878 W Carson St
#104
Torrance, CA 90503

At the Meinzer Law Firm, I help with estate planning, probate and estate litigation concerns. With almost two decades of experience in these fields of law, I am committed to helping you design and implement a plan that works for you and your family. I work alongside you throughout your case, and am here to answer any questions that you…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 375-3350

Meinzer Law Firm, PC
3878 W Carson St
#104
Torrance, CA 90503

At the Meinzer Law Firm, I help with estate planning, probate and estate litigation concerns. With almost two decades of experience in these fields of law, I am committed to helping you design and implement a plan that works for you and your family. I work alongside you throughout your case, and am here to answer any questions that you…

Michael A. Sawamura, Attorney at Law
901 H St
Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814

My Sacramento law practice, Michael A. Sawamura, Attorney at Law, focuses on wills, trusts and estate planning law in addition to business law and corporate defense services. My clients include professionals, government employees, small businesses, blue-collar workers and national corporations. My objective is to work closely with all of my clients, identifying and prioritizing their goals and providing legal solutions…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 248-4465

Michael A. Sawamura, Attorney at Law
901 H St
Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814

My Sacramento law practice, Michael A. Sawamura, Attorney at Law, focuses on wills, trusts and estate planning law in addition to business law and corporate defense services. My clients include professionals, government employees, small businesses, blue-collar workers and national corporations. My objective is to work closely with all of my clients, identifying and prioritizing their goals and providing legal solutions…

Paul V. L. Campo Attorney At Law
410 South Melrose Drive
Suite 201
Vista, CA 92081

The Vista, California, law office of Paul V. L. Campo has provided trusted legal counsel in the North San Diego County region for more than 30 years. Our legal team has the experience necessary to successfully guide families through the estate drafting and administration processes and to provide individuals with skillful advice regarding wills and trusts. We are committed to…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 639-1680

Paul V. L. Campo Attorney At Law
410 South Melrose Drive
Suite 201
Vista, CA 92081

The Vista, California, law office of Paul V. L. Campo has provided trusted legal counsel in the North San Diego County region for more than 30 years. Our legal team has the experience necessary to successfully guide families through the estate drafting and administration processes and to provide individuals with skillful advice regarding wills and trusts. We are committed to…

Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker and Toth
3445 Golden Gate Way
Lafayette, CA 94549

The Northern California law firm of Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP, is built on a strong legacy of accomplishment and client service — which we uphold every day. We receive many referrals from other attorneys and the sons, daughters and friends of those we have helped in the past. More importantly, we maintain an impressive record of results for…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(925) 283-6816

Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker and Toth
3445 Golden Gate Way
Lafayette, CA 94549

The Northern California law firm of Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP, is built on a strong legacy of accomplishment and client service — which we uphold every day. We receive many referrals from other attorneys and the sons, daughters and friends of those we have helped in the past. More importantly, we maintain an impressive record of results for…

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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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