Herald Probate Lawyers

Anthony Franceschi is California estate planning attorney who focuses his practice on assisting seniors and their families prepare for the future. Including empowering seniors with strategic estate plans and drafting customized wills that honor clients’ final wishes, During law school, Tony was an intern for the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office, where he handled misdemeanors, traffic, and juvenile detention hearings. Before coming to MacFarlane Legal, Tony represented clients with Social Security Disability/SSI and personal injury cases.

Elijah Keyes’ interest in estate planning and special needs began as a child where he saw the effects of long term illness in his household. He gained an appreciation of the effects of physical and mental illnesses and how they affect families and communities. Ever since becoming an attorney, Elijah has worked exclusively in the areas of estate planning, special needs, elder law, and tax.

Elijah is recognized as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He is the Vice President and a Trustee of the Silicon Valley...

Business and International Experience
Wayne started in Auckland New Zealand, graduating after completing a challenging combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in just 4 years, achieving top marks at his law school at Auckland University made up of 11,000 students where he was elected Student President in a landslide victory in his last year. Then recruited by a leading Merchant Bank, MARAC Corporation, Wayne moved to Citibank before becoming the founding Company Secretary for New Zealand's first publicly listed Investment Bank, founding Company Secretary for NZ’s first publicly listed Venture Capital company and a Director of a...

I’ve practiced law in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years and focus my practice on Estate Planning, Probate, and General Civil Litigation. I also represent injured individuals in personal injury claims.

Sam graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 2008 and his Juris Doctor from UNLV in 2011. He went on to receive a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Taxation from Georgetown University in 2012. Sam’s practice includes estate planning, asset protection, trust administration, probate, guardianship, and business organization. Sam has established a strong reputation within the Las Vegas legal community for his expertise and provides continuing legal education courses in his areas of practice. Sam is fluent in Spanish and is licensed in both Nevada and Utah and is a member of the Southern...

I represent individuals and small to medium sized businesses in bankruptcy, foreclosure defense and debt consolidation matters. For individuals, I represent clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings, including adversary proceedings, including 2nd home mortgage lien stripping, redemption of vehicles and student loan reductions. For businesses, I provide services related to the winding down of a business, board and management consultations and bankruptcy debt consolidation in Chapter 11. In conjunction with my bankruptcy practice, I also provide estate planning, probate and trust administration representation. The best way to avoid probate is to plan properly by drafting...

Local Estate Elder Law Planning Attorney
Long term Pleasant Hill resident, Jeffrey Hall, didn’t follow the traditional path to the practice of law. Indeed, attorney Hall grew up in central Los Angeles, and in a time when there was no expectation that he would attend college; and law school was simply not an option. However, after completing his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Saint Mary’s College, he volunteered with the Air Force in 1981 and served for 9 years, both reserve and active. Upon returning to California, he and his wife made Pleasant Hill their home and have...

Erik Aanestad was raised in Nevada County and is a graduate of Nevada Union High School. He is an estate planning attorney licensed to practice in both California and Nevada. Erik counsels and finds solutions for his clients in all areas of estate planning, trust and probate law and also assists clients through the process of trust administration. These are Erik’s areas of legal expertise and he focuses his work on these specific areas of law. During his legal career, Erik has spent time volunteering as a guardian ad litem (also known as a CASA) representing...

Tiffani Aanestad is an estate planning attorney and focuses her work on trust administration, trust and estate mediation and litigation, and probate matters. Tiffani graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, cum laude, and was a member of Law Review during law school. Like her husband, Erik Aanestad, Tiffani is also licensed in California and Nevada. Additionally, she is licensed in Florida and got her start as a young attorney there while Erik attended law school. For the past several years she has spent her career defending her client’s interests in civil litigation. ...

Joshua D. Brysk advises clients on Business & Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate, Construction, Tax Law, and Wills, Trusts & Probate matters. He provides knowledgeable and skilled representation to clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California. With over 25 years of experience, Joshua is committed to providing unmatched personal attention and high quality legal advocacy. Helping clients avoid and solve their legal problems, Joshua's focus is always on achieving the best possible outcomes. Outside of work, Joshua is a seasoned traveler. He has also enjoyed living and working in Australia and Israel.

Hi, I am Megan Gooing, Attorney and Counselor at Law, and my practice is primarily focused on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. I work for a boutique law firm that caters to each individual client's specific needs, rather than providing a one size fits all solution to issues. I look forward to learning how I can serve you and your family.

Javed Ellahie's practice focuses on estate planning, probate, real estate law and bankruptcy. He carries a Martindale-Hubbell “AV-rating”, the highest rating of legal knowledge and ethics.
Mr. Ellahie has also served as a Trustee to the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the West-Valley Mission Community College District and on the Monte Sereno City Council.

Mr. Ellahie’s estate planning experience includes setting up estate plans such as simple and complex trusts, drafting irrevocable trusts, family limited partnership, charitable trusts and other documents that provide the maximum flexibility. Mr. Ellahie can draft wills and trusts that meet the requirements of the Islamic...

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Legal services in the areas of (1) Trust & Estate, including Wills, Living Trusts, Probate, Trust Administration, and Conservatorships. (2) Taxation, including Compromise of Tax Liabilities, Tax Payment Agreements and Workouts, Defense Against IRS Collection, Audit and Appeals, and Abatement of Tax Penalties (3) Family Law, including Prenuptial Agreements, Divorce, Custody, Division of Assets, and Guardianships.

After practicing for a successful San Francisco financial district law firm for ten years, Ronald started his own practice in 1988. His primary practice areas include business representation, business formations, conversions, acquisitions, sales and mergers, real estate and transportation law, and estate planning. He specializes in representing small to medium sized entities in various industries, including real estate, transportation and logistics, and start-up technology and commercial enterprises. Estate planning services are provided for business owners and their families.

Lawrence (Larry) Kelly has been providing professional and courteous Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law services for clients in the South Bay Area and beyond for 25+ years.

Analisa Pratt is the Founder of Pratt Law, which specializes in estate and trust planning and estate administration. Analisa has been practicing law for over 10 years and is licensed in California and Arizona. Before launching Pratt Law, Analisa practiced law with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and K&L Gates. She also served as a judicial law clerk in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and as a legal research attorney with the Superior Court of California. Analisa has received a number of awards for her pro bono contributions...

I am a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate Law. Based in Mountain View, I offer Flat Fee pricing for your legal needs.

I am committed to empowering my clients to create an estate plan or settle an estate in a convenient, efficient, and pleasant manner. With over 20 years of experience, I love helping clients protect loved ones and attain peace of mind.

A mother of two children, my practice is dedicated to making a positive difference for families and children.

I'm Attorney Jay Greene, CPA, I've dedicated my practice to serving families in the San Francisco Bay Area with their estate planning, probate, and elder law needs. My background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) complements my legal expertise, allowing me to provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are faithfully executed. Beyond the courtroom, I share my knowledge through published articles in the San Francisco Bay Times, committed to public education on these crucial matters. My primary focus is crafting personalized solutions for each client. Whether navigating probate complexities or planning for...

I assist our clients with all aspects of the estate planning process, including: the creation and/or modification of an estate plan, providing guidance upon the incapacity of a client, engaging in Medi-Cal planning, and helping the client’s trusted loved ones through the process of administrating the estate plan upon the client’s passing. When I meet with clients, I make an effort to provide an open and friendly space where the clients may ask their questions and feel that their concerns are being heard. I am proud to be the owner of a law office that values our clients’ peace of...

Somita Basu is a Founding Principal of Norton Basu LLP. Ms. Basu began her career in financial services and insurance and has lived and worked across the globe, working with blue chip Fortune 500 companies. Her career has taken her from the New York City metropolitan area to India and Singapore, where she gained a unique perspective on global business practices and cultures. She has worked in senior management positions with a culturally diverse workforce.

Having lived abroad for 13 years, Ms. Basu is particularly sensitive to how different cultural views can influence decision-making and risk appetite....

Craig Hansen has been a trusted advocate in the San Francisco Bay Area since his admission to the California State Bar in 2000. A seasoned trial and appellate attorney, he has successfully represented individuals and businesses of all sizes—from ambitious startups to Fortune 500 companies—across a wide spectrum of legal disputes. Craig began his legal career at a prominent San Jose firm, where he represented businesses, individuals, and investors in complex commercial, financial, and intellectual property litigation. He later joined a national law firm, honing his trial skills while defending major corporations such as General Motors, Ford, and Honda alongside some...

Sidney Luscutoff is an experienced Business, Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law attorney. His practice areas include bankruptcy estates, probate estates, trust estates and conservatorships. Sid provides quality, practical and strategic advocacy to the residents of California.

Sid's personal experience as a business owner and real estate developer give him a unique understanding of his clients' legal needs. Contact Sid to see how he can help you meet your goals.

As an associate attorney of Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LTD LLP, Ryan Cook maintains an active securities arbitration and litigation practice. Mr. Cook has worked on numerous cases dealing with individual investors, high net worth and institutional investors, corporate executives, regional banks and municipal issuers.

Prior to beginning his law practice, Mr. Cook worked in the securities industry as a licensed and registered representative with a large broker/dealer. He received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from South Texas College of Law, where he earned his degree Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) as the graduating salutatorian. Mr. Cook...

My name is Ravi Patel and I am trust litigation attorney based in Oakland, California. I have experience filing Heggstad Petitions throughout the state. After I graduated from Duke University School of Law, I joined a general practice law firm in my hometown, Bakersfield, California. I worked on various transactional and litigation matters and gained a broad breadth of experience in legal areas including water law, public agency law, property taxes, local taxes, real estate law, and land use law. In 2019, my partner and I relocated to Oakland, California, where I worked for the Oakland City Attorney’s office. As...

I have devoted my legal practice to provide affordable and fixed cost legal services to small businesses and individuals in Northern California. The services I provide are aimed keeping my clients out of court. The potential cost savings, peace of mind, and confidence you earn when consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer while forming a business, entering into a contract, or planning for future needs, cannot be measured.

At The Law Offices of Gabriel Lenhart, our focus is on our clients’ well being and protection, rather than the fees they pay us. That is why we focus on protecting and preserving our clients’ assets using the latest Estate Planning practices. Our unique planning methodology combines Estate Planning, VA Benefits Planning, and Medicaid asset preservation planning techniques and strategies. These strategies, combined with our values based approach, enable us to work seamlessly with families to create an Estate Plan that our clients’ can truly rely upon. At The Law Offices of Gabriel Lenhart,...

Jean Claude (JJ) B. Mallein Jr. is an experienced business, tax and trusts and estates attorney. Dedicated to wealth preservation, he has focused his education and practice on helping California residents secure their estates and prepare for the future. As a partner at boutique tax and estate planning firm in the Silicon Valley, Mr. Mallein gained valuable experience in wealth management, estate planning, tax planning, business succession planning, trust and estate administrations, tax controversy, real estate transactions and like-kind exchange cases. He is fully prepared to tackle complex business and estate planning cases. Mr. Mallein is a Dual Certified...

Gordon Young is a 25-year litigator, specializing in financial, trust and securities litigation. Gordon tries and arbitrates cases for trustees, beneficiaries, financial professionals, investment advisors, stock brokers, Wall Street banks, and broker-dealers. These cases include civil, probate and regulatory claims based on breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, fraud, suitability, mismanagement of mutual funds and managed accounts, the prudent investor rule, as well as employee promissory notes, up-front loans, raiding, trade secret, unfair competition and related employment claims. Gordon has successfully assisted numerous investment professionals with FINRA related expungement actions. Gordon has been recognized eleven times...

Ms. Benedetto has assisted hundreds of clients with the creation of their Wills, Living Trusts and other estate planning documents. She assists families with trust administration and probate procedures when loved ones pass away, and also prepares legal documents for conservatorships of elderly clients and limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled adults. In 2006, Ms. Benedetto created the Family Trust Law Center, later incorporated to Family TLC, Inc., to be a firm where families come for professional estate planning by licensed attorneys, at flat, reasonable fees. Amendment of documents and other hourly work is done as...

Michael J. Young is an Estate, Probate and Asset Protection Attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. Mr. Young helps his clients plan for not only "What Happens if You Die", but for "What Happens If You Don't Die And Become Ill and Need Care." He helps his clients in the design of their estate plans, to protect their assets for their senior care and to also provide a legacy for their loved ones.

Mr. Young, who has been in practice for over forty years, gives workshops every month in Walnut Creek on basic estate planning and advanced estate planning. The basic...

Hi, I am Jill Gregory, Attorney & Counselor at Law, and the founder of Jill Gregory Law, a boutique wills, trusts, estate planning and probate law firm based out of Newport Beach, Orange County and Tahoe City, Placer County. With over 25 years of experience working with clients throughout California as a estate planning attorney handling special needs trusts, long-term care planning, elder law, probate, trust administration, asset protection planning as well as business planning, you know you will be in good hands working with us. I look forward to learning how we can serve you and your family. Contact us today...

David wants to help his clients solve their legal issues in the areas of wills, trusts, and probate through application of his title insurance, escrow, trust accounting, and mathematics background. David was born and raised in Yreka, a rural town near Oregon. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in Mathematics and History and from UC Santa Barbara with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. After teaching math for a few years, David returned to his hometown to take over his family’s title insurance and escrow business, which David owned and managed for 18 years. David studied...

Reginald Hindley is an attorney at law in Northern California with Hindley Law Office in Santa Rosa and San Francisco. He has been practicing law in the general Bay Area for over 35 years. Reginald was born in San Jose, California and is from a family of eight children raised in San Jose and Santa Rosa, California. Reginald received his bachelor degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1986 where he studied history, business management, accounting, and economics. He graduated in 1990 from Pepperdine University Law School in Malibu, near Los Angeles, California where he...

Amy Laughlin has been achieving exceptional results for clients since 1992. After graduating with honors from The University of Michigan Law School, Amy joined the San Francisco office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP. While there, she counseled individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex financial matters. In 2013, Amy opened her own practice where she focuses primarily on divorce, business and entertainment law.

OLIVER GREENWOOD is the principal of the Law Offices of Oliver Greenwood in Pleasant Hill. He is the author of chapters 1, 4, 12, 16, and 17 in the CEB Guardianship Handbook. Mr. Greenwood received his B.A. degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his J.D. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. A frequent speaker regarding probate matters and a member of the Judicial Council's Probate & Mental Health Advisory Committee. Mr. Greenwood is also a contributing author to CEB's conservatorship and powers of attorney and health care directives books. Mr. Greenwood's areas of practice include conservatorships, guardianships,...

Mark T. Koo’s work includes Corporate Compliance and Governance, Estate Planning, Family Law, Non-Profit Formation and setting up the 501c3 Non-profit designation. Mark also helps companies file incorporation as well as other corporate legal assistance. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mark T. Koo has been involved with Silicon Valley’s technologies such as data warehousing, wireless software and hardware technologies, and internet technologies. Mark is a graduate of McGeorge Law School and is a member of the California Bar. Mark received his bachelors of science degree in electrical engineering and masters of science degree in materials science from University of California,...

Hannah Sargent received her undergraduate degree from University of California Los Angeles and graduated from University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. While in school, she spent time clerking for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Jose. She is a former military officer, company commander, two-time Iraq war veteran and decorated AH-64D Apache Helicopter pilot. She is currently the principal attorney at Sargent Law Office, where she practices litigation, business and commercial law, and estate planning, and she lives in Castro Valley with her family. Between her time working and being with her family, she enjoys...