Marisa Catherine Nelson

We guide our clients through the creation and implementation of comprehensive wills and trusts so that you can provide for your treasured people, pets, and charities with confidence and ease.

Since 2011 I have been guiding clients through the creation and administration of wills, trusts, and probate.

Early in my legal career I volunteered at the Redwood City Probate Court, where I watched families argue over who would manage and inherit the money, and who would take care of the kids and grandparents. I saw so much heartache and expense that could have been avoided with good quality estate planning, and have been devoted to guiding my clients through estate planning and probate ever since. Every day I help my clients make things easier for the people, pets, and charities most important to them.

Outside of work I love to travel, hike, trail run, compete in obstacle course races, photograph wildlife, and provide the best possible life for my fur babies.

• Trust Administration
• LGBTQIA+ Estate Planning
• Spousal Property Petitions

• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  We offer flat fees in most cases for complete estate plans. Other matters may be billed on an hourly basis. Probate cases are billed according to California probate law. Please see our website for up-to-date fee information, or schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals and how we can help.

California

Since 2011

Founding Attorney and CEO

Law Office of Marisa Nelson, PC

2012 - Current

Associate Attorney

Watson & Machado LLP

2018 - 2019

Of Counsel

Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley PC

2016 - 2016

Research Assistant to Professor Julie Nice

2012 - 2012

Research and summarize developments in poverty and sexuality law, including cutting-edge research on the 9th Circuit Perry v. Brown decision. Contribute to book reviews, text books, and articles to be published by Professor Nice in 2012.

Volunteer Tax Preparer

Tax-Aid

2012 - 2012

Attended training and volunteered on weekends to help prepare and file tax returns for low-income bay area families. Conducted client interviews and prepared returns using Lacerte software.

Legal Research Volunteer Attorney

San Mateo County Superior Court, Probate Department

2011 - 2012

Attended hearings and prepared written recommendations for Probate Judge Miram on approximately 18 probate cases per week (over 400 total), including conservatorships; guardianships; estates and trusts; the appointment, supervision, instruction, and removal of fiduciaries; Heggstad petitions; trust modifications; property sales; fee petitions; and distributions.

University of San Francisco School of Law

J.D. | Technology Contracting, Tax Law, Legal Research

2008 - 2011

Advanced Legal Research, Accounting for Lawyers, Technology Contracting, Corporate Taxation, Federal Income Taxation, International Taxation, Partnership Taxation, State & Local Taxation, Family Wealth Transfer Taxation

Honors: Top 20% Class Ranking

Activities: Published in USF Law Review, Volume 45, Issue 4, Spring 2011: "The IRS Moves Toward Income Tax Equality for Same-Sex Couples Despite DOMA" Maritime Law Journal, Associate Literary Editor and Tech Editor, 2010-2011 Journal of Law & Social Challenges, Articles Editor, 2009-2010 Advocate of the Year Competition, Fall 2009 Moot Court, Spring 2009

California State University - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

B.A. | Modern Languages & Literatures; Geography & Anthropology

2001 - 2007

Universidad Veritas, San Jose, Costa Rica, Summer 2007 Cuauhnáhuac Institute of Language and Culture, Cuernavaca México, Summer 2006

Honors: Dean's List

Activities: Human Powered Vehicle Team Wildflower Triathlon Security Committee American Society of Mechanical Engineers Society of Women Engineers

Rising Star 2022

Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star 2021

Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star 2020

Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star 2019

Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star 2018

Super Lawyers

2018

San Mateo County Bar Association

Member

2011 - Current

State Bar of California

Member

2011 - Current

California Secretary of State

Notary Public

2012 - 2020

Bar Association of San Francisco

Member

2011 - 2014

American Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2012

The IRS Moves Toward Income Tax Equality for Same-Sex Couples Despite DOMA

USF Law Review

2011

Outlook 2017 - Estate Planning Current Events, San Mateo, California

February 7, 2017

Maheras Wealth Management

LGBT Law Seminar, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California

May 22, 2013

LGBTQIA Faculty & Staff Association

I will be speaking on the current state of California and federal law as it relates to LGBT rights, including the potential impact of the Perry (Prop 8) and Windsor (DOMA) cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. California currently allows registered domestic partnerships, but not same-sex marriage. How does that affect your rights and your taxes? How might they change next month? I will also discuss some simple things you can do to better protect yourself and your family, especially in the area of estate planning.

5 Benefits of Estate Planning & How to Create Your Own Investment Plan, Palo Alto, California

June 24, 2014

Brown bag lunch seminar - bring your own lunch and come learn about how estate planning benefits you and your family now and in the future. We have all heard that we need to get our estate plan done - but why? What does it do for you? Learn more at this free seminar, co-hosted by myself and Michelle Kaiser, who will be discussing How to Create Your Own Investment Plan. Seating is limited - please RSVP. Coffee and water will be provided. No fee to attend and no strings attached. Hope to see you there!

5 Benefits of Estate Planning & How to Create Your Own Investment Plan, Palo Alto, California

January 27, 2015