Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration Services

When a loved one passes away, their estate may need to go through probate before assets can be passed on. Probate involves court filings, deadlines, managing estate assets, addressing creditors, and distributing property to the appropriate beneficiaries or heirs.

I guide executors, administrators, and families through each step of the probate process. Whether you’re just beginning or need help moving an existing estate forward, I’ll help you understand your responsibilities and avoid unnecessary complications. If the estate is smaller, a simplified process may be available, and I’ll let you know if that applies.

My goal is to make a difficult time feel more manageable. Throughout the process, I’ll explain things in plain language and make sure you know what to expect along the way.

Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Estate planning is about protecting the people you love, planning for the unexpected, and making important decisions on your own terms.

I work with individuals and families to create customized estate plans, including revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. After signing, I prepare your Estate Planning Portfolio, transfer your real property into your trust, and give you clear instructions for funding the rest.

My goal is for you to leave understanding your documents, how they work, and the protections you’ve put in place. Throughout the process, I’ll explain things in plain language and make sure you know what to expect along the way.

When a loved one passes away, serving as a successor trustee comes with important responsibilities. From notifying beneficiaries and identifying trust assets to managing expenses and distributing property, there are legal requirements to follow.

I guide successor trustees through each step of the trust administration process, from preparing required notices and coordinating asset transfers to answering beneficiary questions and completing final distributions. Handled properly, trust administration usually avoids the probate court.

My goal is to help you fulfill your duties and carry out the terms of the trust. Throughout the process, I’ll explain things in plain language and make sure you know what to expect along the way.

Life changes, and your trust should reflect those changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, changes in assets, or simply a change in your wishes can all be reasons to revisit an existing trust.

Not every change requires an entirely new estate plan. I review your existing trust and walk you through your options. An amendment updates specific provisions, while a restatement rewrites the trust in full while keeping the original trust in place.

My goal is for your documents to continue reflecting your wishes. Throughout the process, I’ll explain things in plain language and make sure you know what to expect along the way.

Some of the most important planning decisions have nothing to do with what happens after you’re gone. Planning ahead means having someone you trust ready to step in if you can’t make decisions for yourself.

I prepare durable powers of attorney, which let you name someone to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf, and advance health care directives, which let you share your medical wishes and name someone to make health care decisions if you can’t. These can be part of a complete estate plan or prepared on their own.

My goal is for these documents to reflect your wishes and give your family clear direction. Throughout the process, I’ll explain things in plain language and make sure you know what to expect along the way.

Changing how property is held involves more than signing a document. Whether you’re transferring real estate into a trust, adding or removing someone from title, or updating ownership, it’s important to understand the legal implications first.

I prepare deeds for property transfers related to estate planning, trust administration, and other ownership changes. Before anything is signed, I’ll review potential issues, including how title should be held and property tax reassessment rules such as Proposition 19.

My goal is for your transfer to be properly documented and consistent with your overall plan. Throughout the process, I’ll explain things in plain language and make sure you know what to expect along the way.