Expertise.com

Best Estate Planning Attorneys in San Jose

2023

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Last updated: August 23, 2023

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1250 Aviation Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Medi-Cal Trusts

Business Description

Copenbarger & Copenbarger LLP is a law firm specializing in comprehensive legal and financial services in Santa Ana, San Jose, and California's surrounding areas. Established in 1979, the firm provides estate planning to ensure that clients, their families, and their valuable assets are properly protected. Its team assists individuals and families in designing comprehensive estate, asset protection, and long-term care plans for financial resources that clients want to secure. The firm also offers advanced estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation, business & tax planning, and elder law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Lloyd Copenbarger - Senior Partner/ FounderActive44 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (55)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (28)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (27)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
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Price: Call for a consultation

FEATURED

San Jose, CA

Business Description

Need help contacting a Estate Planning Attorney in San Jose? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
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Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

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San Jose, CA 95113

Business Description

Founded in 1978, Del Ponte & Hirz serves the entire Bay Area and focuses on offering professional representation and consultation with compassion, competence, experience, and aggressive legal counsel. The company provides legal services for matters that include estate planning and probate, enforcement and collections, and family law. They are rated by Lawyers.com, are AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Rated, and are AVVO rated as a Top Attorney in Divorce.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Christopher Hirz - PartnerActive17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (33)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (6)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
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2542 S Bascom Ave Ste 200, Campbell, CA 95008

Business Description

Serving families and businesses for over 25 years, Sowards Law Firm is a San Jose-based estate planning attorney that focuses on protecting the future of each client’s loved ones after death or disability. Founded in 2000, the company provides legal services for matters that include wills and trusts, estate planning, pet trusts, litigation, employment law, guardianships, special needs planning, asset protection, and more. They are rated by SuperLawyers, a member of the American Bar Association, are rated by AVVO, are associated with AARP, and are a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Benjamin Sowards - PrincipalActive19 yrs
Benjamin Sowards - AttorneyActive19 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (13)
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Los Gatos, CA 95032

Business Description

Representing individuals and businesses since 1990 in the Bay Area, Sweeney, Mason, Wilson & Bosomworth is a full-service law firm. They focus on offering superior client service, reasonable prices, and a collaborative team to ensure each case’s needs are fulfilled in a way that also fosters a long-lasting relationship. The company provides legal services for matters that include real estate law, intellectual property, labor and employment law, estate planning, trust and probate, corporate and business law, construction law, and civil litigation. They are a member of the California State Bar, American Bar Association, Santa Clara County Bar Association, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Joseph Sweeney - PartnerActive46 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (19)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
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Detail
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San Jose, CA 95128

Business Description

A real estate, business, and tax law attorney based in San Jose, John D. Teter Law Offices holds over 30 years of experience serving professionals, business owners, and individuals in the surrounding areas. They focus on serving clients with assertive, skillful, cost-effective, and efficient representation. The company offers legal services for matters that include wills and trusts, real estate transactions, contracts and agreements, business formation, taxation law, and more. They are AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell® Lawyer Rated, are a member of the American Bar Association, are a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, are a member of The State Bar of California, and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
John Teter - PrincipalActive41 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.0
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (8)
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Palo Alto, CA 94306

Business Description

Based in Palo Alto and established in 1991, the Law Office of Janet L. Brewer specializes in bringing each client comprehensive planning for each unique situation. Serving families in the Bay Area, they focus on helping families and clients gain lasting peace of mind in times of loss. The company offers legal services for matters that include estate tax planning, asset protection, business succession, special needs planning, charitable planning, probate and estate administration, estate planning for non-resident, and more. They are a member of the Board of Trustees of the California State Bar, are rated by SuperLawyers, are a Founding Member of the WealthCounsel, and are rated by AVVO.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Janet Brewer - OwnerActive46 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (24)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
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17760 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Business Description

Beau J. Jacob, Attorney at Law is a San Jose law firm that provides legal representation including DUI defense, business transactions, and estate planning. The firm's founder, Beau Jacob, has over 30 years of legal experience and helps clients create an estate plan in accordance with the law while ensuring effectiveness in court. Common elements in his estate package include a last will and testament, a trust for property transfers, and powers of attorney.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Beau Jacob - PrincipalActive29 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Helpfulness
Detail
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Los Gatos, CA 95032

Business Description

Owned and operated by Patrick Ryan Bartelmie, a Silicon Valley native, Patrick R. Bartelmie, Attorney at Law serves the surrounding area since being founded in 2010. The company offers legal services for matters that include estate planning, business law, probate, and trust administrator.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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1871 The Alameda Ste 333, San Jose, CA 95126

Business Description

Serving the regions of the Bay Area and Orange County since 2015, Henshaw & Henry, PC holds locations in San Jose and Mission Viejo. They focus on giving each client high-quality, versatile, well-rounded, and knowledgeable services to resolve each unique issue and problem. The company provides legal services for matters that include employment litigation, trust administration, estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
David Henshaw - Founding Partner/ShareholderActive13 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (40)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Helpfulness
Detail
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Los Altos, CA 94022

Business Description

A full-service law firm founded in 1992, Kramer Radin, LLP is based in Los Altos and serves the San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. They focus on protecting their client’s assets and providing for their loved ones with well-thought out estate continuity and protection. The company offers legal services for matters that include trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, Medi-Cal planning, real estate, and more. They are AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Rated, a member of the California Board of Legal Specialization, and are rated by SuperLawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Deborah Radin - Managing PartnerActive28 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (11)
Google
4.4 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Helpfulness
Detail
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Palo Alto, CA 94303

Business Description

A family business, Gilfix & La Poll Associations LLP focuses on maintaining innovative and creative legal solutions to help clients manage and plan the future for their family and loved ones. The firm recognizes that each client’s needs will be unique and they are dedicated to creating tailor-made plans with respect and individual attention. The company offers legal services for matters that include Medi-Cal (Medicaid) planning, long-term care planning, asset preservation, family protection trusts, special needs trusts, revocable living trusts, advance health care directives, durable powers of attorney, estate and gift tax planning, and more. Michael Gilfix is a founding member of the Trump Policy Analysis Group. The firm is rated by SuperLawyers, a member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Michael Gilfix - OwnerActive50 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (46)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
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Helpfulness
Detail
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San Jose, CA
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Administration
  • Trust
  • Probate

Business Description

Christina Gorokhovsky, Attorney at Law, is a woman-owned firm that assists its clients in San Jose in estate planning matters. Gorokhovsky, its lead attorney, helps families draw legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. She also guides clients going through the estate administration process when a family member dies or becomes incapable of making decisions. Gorokhovsky, who founded the office in 2018, strives to have a client-focused practice by utilizing the Clio Practice Management software. She gives back to the community by supporting a local nonprofit.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.6
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
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1172 Murphy Ave. Suite 231, San Jose, CA 95131

Business Description

The boutique law firm Insight Legal offers customized estate planning services throughout the San Jose area. It prepares comprehensive estate planning packages to avoid probate and handles matters involving revocable trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorneys, advance health care directives, and trust transfer deeds. It provides asset protection services for its clients by preparing trusts and LLCs together. The firm was established by lawyers in Fremont with experience in big law firms. Founding attorney Ranvir Sandhu can also accommodate Punjabi-speaking clients.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.5 / 5 (28)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (15)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Jose, California?

    Please call the San Jose Police Department at 408-277-8900 to report non-emergencies.

  • Under San Jose estate planning laws, what happens to a trust established with a soon-to-be ex-spouse when an individual files for a divorce?

    In San Jose, when a divorce or Registered Domestic Partnership is finalized, wills and trusts are automatically revoked. However, this is not the case when physical separation occurs or a dissolution petition is filed. The estate plans created during the separation stage prior to the final marriage dissolution are generally not reflective of the grantors' intentions. Additionally, because deaths during this time are handled according to the existing documents, regularly updating the estate plan with an attorney is critical to reflect the grantors' wishes.

  • What is the role of a successor according to San Jose estate planning laws?

    Being named an estate's successor in San Jose means you are responsible for managing the trust and carrying out the wishes of the deceased. Common responsibilities include paying creditors and taxes, distributing assets, and keeping records of estate-related expenses. While not necessary, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced estate planning attorney to help you fulfill your fiduciary obligations by guiding you through the process.

  • Can a trustee in a San Jose estate be removed under California laws?

    To change the trustee, the settlor - the person who established the trust - only needs to make a simple amendment to the trust. However, it's harder to remove the trustee if the trust is irrevocable or if the settlor has passed away. Only the court can do this. A beneficiary may want to do this if they think the trustee is not acting in good faith. To do so, the beneficiary in San Jose must request it from the court.

  • Is it possible to amend or cancel a will after it has been drafted under San Jose estate planning laws?

    Yes, you can modify or revoke a will after creating it. It's a good idea to review your will periodically to ensure it reflects your current assets and property in San Jose. It is a good idea to examine your will before and/or after a significant life event, such as getting married, divorcing, or having a child. Do not change your will by simply crossing out or adding provisions. Taking these certain actions may jeopardize the validity of your will due to specific California probate laws.

  • Can a San Jose resident just create his own estate plan without consulting a lawyer?

    One can, but there is no guarantee that it will be honored by San Jose courts especially if the documents do not adhere to California laws. While many online services offer "do-it-yourself" estate planning packages, a small error or oversight can lead to costly, time-consuming, and contentious probate, which can be emotionally exhausting for the bereaved family of the deceased. It is recommended to consult with an estate planning lawyer to avoid this hassle.