Woody Probate Lawyers

Consumer bankruptcy and estate planning attorney representing clients in Southern California.

Annette Dawson-Davis, B.S., M.Ed., J.D.

MY STORY:
After my father, Howard Q. Dawson, Sr.-Major USAF, died, I found his trust was not well-written. My dad was sold an estate plan by a large corporation based in another state. These corporations are called "Trust Mills," which give accountants and financial advisors large referral fees to recommend their services to clients. The attorney that prepared the trust did not take the time to make sure all of the important details and contingencies were covered. The attorney did not stand behind the product and was not available to help when problems arose....

Scott Sheldon is a Civil Law Attorney serving clients in the Inland Empire. He represents individuals and small businesses with Civil and Probate disputes including but not limited to: business litigation, business transactions, trust administration disputes, elder financial abuse, estate litigation, and probate administration. Before becoming an attorney, Scott Sheldon completed a BA in Business and an MBA. He uses his business knowledge and experience to better represent his clients and their interests.

Joe is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California. Joe has practiced in Probate law since 2012, including in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Litigation, Trust and Probate Administration, Conservatorships, and the Probate of Estates, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the many different and nuanced aspects of Probate law. Joe has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in the years 2020 - 2023 in the field of Estate and Trust Litigation. He was most recently further honored by being named as a Super Lawyers "Up-and-Coming 25: 2023 Orange...

Dennis Sandoval, paralyzed in a 1992 car accident, turns personal adversity into advocacy in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. California's sole attorney certified in estate planning, elder law, and taxation, Dennis earned distinctions like Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP). His financial expertise, including Enrolled Agent, CFP, and RFC designations, enriches his estate planning, elder law, and tax controversy practice. For seventeen years, Dennis directed education for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA), contributing to NAELA and the National Elder Law Foundation. In 2014, he became a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law...

Attorney Maureen Lyons focuses on Elder Law and Estate Planning including Medi-Cal & Veterans Long Term Care Planning and Special Needs Planning. Maureen is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles. Maureen also holds an MS in Applied Biometry from the University of Southern California; an MA in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles; and a BA in English from the University of California, Riverside. Maureen is a Past President of the Estate Planning Council of Riverside County, Past President of the Southern California Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys...

Ben Schwefel practices in the realm of trusts and estates, encompassing estate planning, trust administration, probate, conservatorships, and fiduciary litigation. His clientele encompasses a diverse spectrum, spanning high-net-worth individuals, families, trustees, beneficiaries (both individuals and charitable organizations), entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and professional fiduciaries. He routinely collaborates with his clients to implement advanced estate planning strategies aimed at minimizing income, gift, and estate tax implications. Additionally, Ben provides guidance to clients regarding the establishment and operation of both for-profit and nonprofit business entities, such as limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, family limited partnerships (FLPs), private foundations, and public charities. Beyond his professional...

I am an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in Business, Estate Planning, Tax, Probate, Immigration Planning, Charitable Planning, and Entities Law matters. Based in California, I represent multi-national individuals and businesses across the world.

A Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, I provide experienced, knowledgeable and skilled counsel. I am dedicated to personalized service and exceptional advocacy, focused on meeting my clients' legal needs.

Visit my website for more information, or call to set up a consultation and see how I can help you.

California Attorney David L. Crockett has been providing comprehensive legal representation for over 40 years in the areas of Trust and Estate Litigation, Trust and Probate Administration, and Estate Planning including preparation of Wills and Trusts. As these areas all overlap, his experience with the courts and litigation has given him unique insight in the preparation of wills and trusts. Mr. Crockett is dedicated to the careful preparation of documents to meet the specific needs of his clients.

As a Licensed Certified Public Accountant and Real Estate Broker, Mr. Crockett prepares all types of estate, trust and real estate documents including...

Beti Tsai Bergman is the principal shareholder of the law firm, Peninsula Law, A Professional Law Corporation. Her firm specializes in probate, trusts, estates, conservatorships, and financial elder abuse. Ms. Bergman has extensive experience in representing conservators, trustees, and executors, as well as, heirs and beneficiaries in uncontested and contested trust and estate matters. Before specializing in probate, Ms. Bergman was a Deputy City Attorney for City of Los Angeles and was a business litigator in private practice.
Ms. Bergman is certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization in estate planning, trust and probate law and has earned a...

N. Mauricio Reznik, Esq. is the principal and an attorney at Reznik Law Group. Mr. Reznik has extensive experience in the areas of civil and business litigation, corporate formation and cross border disputes.

Mr. Reznik has successfully represented a wide array of clients from inception of a case through trial. He has extensive experience in motion practice and has resolved numerous matters through motions for summary judgment and other dispositive motions. He has also negotiated complex settlements of litigation and has moved cases to resolution through mediation. With Mr. Reznik’s vast experience as to common corporate issues and pitfalls, he...

Mr. Ofseyer is certified as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and his practice focuses on Estate Planning, Trust Administration, and Probate Court proceedings involving Trusts, Estates, and Conservatorships. Since 2012 he has had the highest available peer-review rating, AV® Preeminent™, from Martindale-Hubbell and the highest available Avvo™ rating, 10.0 Superb. Palm Springs Life magazine has selected him as one of its “Top Lawyers” every year since it started rating lawyers in 2011. He is a graduate of the Harvard Law School (magna cum laude 1990). He began his...

Carla Keehn has been protecting the rights of others her entire life. Initially as an army officer, then as a public defender and federal prosecutor. Now she is focused on protecting the rights of individuals and their families who have been victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. 

Carla has decades of experience as a trial attorney in the public interest and has tried scores of cases to verdict. She was awarded the United States Department of Justice Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney and the Southern District of California Leadership Award by the United States Attorney.

A...

Mr. Sowards is an estate planning and wealth transfer attorney. He sets ups estate plans, including living trusts, to help to avoid probate, minimize taxes and limit conflict. He also helps to settle out and administer trust and probate estates. He represents trustees to help them comply with the terms of the trust agreement and the California Probate Code. He minimizes conflict and lawsuits between trustees and beneficiaries or legal heirs. He also represents small and family owned businesses. He has saved his clients millions of dollars in probate fees and has successfully resolved several family conflicts that likely would...

Paul Hilton is committed to the idea of “service to country” which translates into the work he does for his clients. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, Paul Hilton began his practice in the San Diego area and is licensed to practice law in California’s state and federal courts.

A retired Marine, Paul finds that his law career allows him to pair his passion with his purpose within his home community. During his time in law school, he was awarded the Veterans Assistance scholarship and served as the Executive Editor of Law Review. As a lawyer,...

Janet L. Brewer is the principal of the Law Office of Janet L. Brewer, which has its headquarters in Los Altos, California. Janet serves clients throughout the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. She is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as an estate planning and probate specialist – one of fewer than 100 practicing in Santa Clara County and fewer than 1,100 practicing in California (out of over 250,000 lawyers statewide). Janet has deep experience with complex estate planning situations. In her international estate planning practice, she helps non-resident aliens, visa holders, “green card” holders and other international...

Attorney John Martin advises individuals, families, and businesses in the areas of legacy planning, wealth preservation, estate & business succession planning, and estate administration. Our law firm focuses exclusively on legacy planning, wealth preservation, estate and business succession planning, and estate administration. Our trust and estate planning services enable clients to protect their spouse's or child's s inheritance from creditors and predators, maximize control over their assets during their lifetime, benefit charities, and effectively transition their business to the next generation. Through an ongoing client maintenance program, we provide peace of mind that a client's goals will not...

You’ve spent your life building your wealth. And no matter how large or how modest – protecting your assets matters. Ivette Santaella understands that estate planning may seem daunting. You might feel uncomfortable talking about what happens after death. Or maybe you’re worried that you don’t understand the laws well enough. Santaella Law Group, APC is here to guide you through your concerns and make estate planning easy. Ivette has more than 30 years of experience talking her clients through their goals, translating and helping them navigate the law, and working with them to come up with a solid plan for...

Michael A. Hackard. Michael A. Hackard is the principal attorney of Hackard Law Corporation - a Sacramento, California firm which represents wealthy families with extensive business interests as well as clients impoverished by the wrongdoing of others. Michael and his attorneys are dedicated to clients.

Hackard Law attorneys focus on trust and estate litigation, fiduciary litigation, will contests, trust contests, elder financial abuse, trust decanting, trust beneficiary rights, trustee removal, special needs trusts, supplemental needs trusts, title to assets, family business trusts, dynasty trusts, domestic asset preservation trusts and asset protection.

Van Dyke & Associates, APLC is a boutique probate litigation law firm providing sophisticated legal services to clients nationwide facing complex trust, estate and related tax matters in State or Federal Courts in the Southern California area. The firm is based in San Diego, CA and appears regularly in courts throughout California.

As a litigation attorney, Mr. Loew’s primary areas of practice include trust and estate litigation (including will and trust contests), fiduciary litigation, and financial elder abuse actions.

Mr. Loew is certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization, a title held by less than half of one percent of practicing attorneys in California, and by only about three percent of estate planning attorneys.

In addition to the areas described above, Mr. Loew is the founding President of the San Mateo County Law Library Foundation, helping provide access to...

Sam McGovern is an attorney who was born and raised in San Diego, California. He obtained the degree of Juris Doctor Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law in San Diego, graduating in the top 2% of his class. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Sam McGovern worked as a police officer. The unexpected take-away from Sam's time in law enforcement was a unique expertise in problem solving and conflict resolution. Sam’s unique background lends itself to providing excellent representation to clients that results in peace of mind. He’s been there when individuals were first faced with seemingly insurmountable...

Sheri Hoffman attended UC Davis from 1987 to 1991, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She then attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco from 1991-1994, where she graduated Law School as a member of the Golden Gate University School of Law’s Dean’s List. Sheri passed the bar on her first attempt.

After marrying Joseph in 1996, they formed the Law Offices of Hoffman & Hoffman. Sheri is a Certified Estate Planning Specialist and a member of Wealth Counsel. Sheri’s practice includes all elements necessary to draft a comprehensive estate plan, regardless of...

I am the principal of the Law Offices of James O'Neil, where I focus on delivering top-notch estate planning and estate administration services. While attending law school, I externed for the Honorable A. James Robertson II at the San Francisco Superior Court, was a member of the USF Law Review and the Intellectual Property Bulletin, won the Cali Award for the Secured Real Estate Transactions class as well as awards in trial advocacy competitions, and a was published author. After gaining valuable experience working in various law firms from 2009 to 2019, I decided to establish my own practice, the...

Chad practices Business Law and Estate Planning. In his business practice, he represents sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs and corporations (for-profit and nonprofit) across a broad spectrum of industries. He takes particular pride in assisting families with their estate planning needs to execute their wishes for the next generation.

Prior to joining the Perry, Johnson, anderson, Miller & Moskowitz LLP, Chad was an associate in the Washington, D.C., office of Jones Day, where he was a part of the firm's international trade and national security practice. In that role, he advised U.S. and foreign corporations on a...

Lorilee DeSantis is an attorney whose passion for helping families protect their loved ones and their assets shines through to all who work with her. Lorilee’s clients often comment that her ability to deeply listen and understand their concerns makes it very easy for them to talk to her about difficult subjects. Her clients also appreciate that Lorilee explains complex legal concepts in ways that are easy to digest so that clients fully understand their legal options. Lorilee’s dedication to helping people with family-oriented legal issues stems from personal experiences. When Lorilee was growing up, she saw...

Joe Wojcik is a partner in Davis & Wojcik, APLC. Mr. Wojcik has over 25 years of litigation experience in state, federal and bankruptcy courts, and represents prominent corporate clients and executives in prosecuting and defending complex business litigation and transactional matters throughout Riverside County. He represents health care providers, real estate developers, and agricultural companies in a wide range of matters, including commercial, employment, real estate, and compliance claims. He also represents over 2,000 clients in preparing their wills, trusts, power of attorneys, and other matters for their estate planning needs.

If your situation requires experienced and knowledgeable representation from...

Gina focuses her legal practice on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She is dedicated to helping families from the devastating legal effects of disability and death. With proper planning, individuals and families can avoid unnecessary court proceedings, protect their assets, continue their legacies through strategic charitable giving, and provide for the security of loved ones. Gina learned firsthand the effects of failing to plan when her rancher father was killed in a vehicle accident without any planning documents in place requiring her to probate her father’s extensive estate, including business and cattle operations. As a result, she...

Alexander R. Ginzburg is an experienced Family Law, Elder Law, Probate and Estate Planning Attorney at Ginzburg & Bronshteyn, APC. His practice areas include Trust Litigation, Conservatorships, Divorces & Annulments, Asset division, High profile and high net worth matters, Spousal & Child Support, Child Custody, Prenuptial Agreements and Pre-divorce financial planning. Mr. Ginzburg guides clients through the legal process with an individualized plan of action and quality legal representation. He is dedicated to providing intelligent, aggressive, compassionate and affordable advocacy focused on achieving the best possible results. In 1986, Mr. Ginzburg obtained a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University...

I am an Orange County business and estate planning attorney, business owner, husband, and dad of four great kids focused on helping families and businesses meet their financial, legal, and moral obligations to their loved ones by creating estate, business, and life plans that ensure their family's complete protection and well-being. Most people think of estate planning as a process for planning your death. Who would be excited about that? I look at estate planning as the process of planning for the best in life and Achieving Your Dreams! THE MEIER LAW FIRM DIFFERENCE ...

Linda L. McLarnan-Dugan, Esq. has over 29 years of experience in the legal field following her admission to the California State Bar. She handles all types of cases which deal with the family. Her practice include all areas of Family Law; Probate; Conservatorships; Guardianships; and Estate Planning. She regularly is appointed a Minor’s Counsel in Family Court and CAC Attorney in Probate Court. She is a member of the State Bar of California; Pasadena Bar Association, 2019 President of the Pasadena Bar Association, Chair 2011-2014 Pasadena Family Law Bar; Pasadena Tournament of Roses; and ...

Mrs. Verdon founded the Hess-Verdon in 1990 and has successfully advised high net-worth individuals and corporate executives with their estate tax and corporate matters. She is a noted speaker on the subjects of Trust Litigation, Business, and Real Estate Litigation, and Advanced Estate Planning matters.

As the Managing Partner, Mrs. Verdon has built a team of experienced lawyers focusing on the following:

Business Law and business dispute litigation
Real Estate Law and litigation
Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Family Members,
Charitable Planning and many strategies for wealthy families who own businesses.
Probate and Probate litigation
Trust Administration
Mrs. Verdon’s dedication to achieving results for her clients is...

At Acorn Law PC, Nikki Hashemi helps clients achieve peace of mind. Nikki received her B.A. from the University of British Columbia with a Major in Political Science and an Honors Degree in Germanic Studies. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles, where she was also invited to join the Moot Court. Nikki was admitted to the California Bar in 2005 and has since represented hundreds of clients in the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Central and Southern District. She is admitted to all Courts within the State of California. Nikki is determined to deliver...

Michael Avanesian, the group’s president and managing partner, has developed a reputation for being an assertive lawyer who is fearless and committed to winning. Michael represents the face of Avian Law Group and never hesitates in accepting the challenge of defending his client’s rights. Michael’s leadership is founded on the principles of ethics and justice. In his tenure as a lawyer, Michael Avanesian has taken heavy responsibility by handling challenging cases of real estate fraud, contested probate, partnership disputes, and trust disputes. With his skillful negotiation skills and grasp of the system, he has achieved the best results for some of...

Diane Park specializes in estate and trust administration, as well as estate, trust and conservatorship litigation. In administrative matters, Diane is respectful of her clients’ grief, helping them navigate the many decisions that ultimately bring them peace-of-mind. In litigation matters, she is sensitive to the stressful nature of disputes in general, maintaining focus on achieving resolution as quickly as possible. With a background in civil litigation, Diane is well-versed in the litigation process, contributing to her efficiency.

Diane is on the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. In this capacity, she collaborates...

Michael Feispor works closely with our clients to develop comprehensive estate and wealth transfer plans that address our clients' unique family dynamics and financial circumstances. With an LL.M. in Taxation, Michael is particularly adept at advising clients on real property, individual, corporate and partnership tax issues. Clients appreciate Michael's patience, responsiveness and his ability to break down technical issues into everyday language.

Michael began his career as a tax attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and joined Weinstock Manion to focus on estate and wealth transfer planning. His advanced knowledge and understanding of business transactions and tax matters...

Jessica Babrick applies a broad background in litigation to resolve disputes involving trusts, estates, probate and conservatorships. She represents beneficiaries, fiduciaries and financial and charitable institutions in a wide variety of contested trust and probate matters. Jessica is a fervent advocate for her clients, and works closely with them to efficiently and effectively resolve claims concerning breach of fiduciary duty, undue influence, lack of capacity and the validity of wills and trusts.

Jessica serves as Co-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, which keeps her at the forefront of recent developments...

Megan Ferkel Earhart is an associate with the JMBM's Taxation and Trusts and Estates Groups. JMBM’s Trusts & Estates Group is recognized by U.S. News & World Report / Best Law Firms® with a National First Tier ranking in Trusts & Estates Law. Her practice includes estate planning, probate, trust administration and related income, gift and estate tax matters.

She has authored and co-authored articles on estate planning in the Los Angeles Daily Journal and Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine and lectures to audiences on estate planning, including the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the Jewish Community Foundation and USC Trusts and Estates...

Blake Rummel is a litigator focused exclusively in the areas of probate, conservatorship, and estate and trust litigation. She has been successfully resolving disputes for almost 30 years, both in and out of the courtroom. Blake is highly respected by her peers, assisting them when client matters turn from administration to litigation. Although she is aggressive in representing the best interests of her clients, she treats every client with compassion and discretion, sensitive to the emotions that often cloud the parties’ ability to amicably reach agreement.

Through her representation of both fiduciaries and beneficiaries, Blake has tremendous insight into the concerns...

Moten & Associates is a premier legal practice dedicated to providing expert counsel in trusts and estates and wage and hour law. With a team of seasoned attorneys, we offer personalized solutions to protect assets, ensure seamless wealth transfer, and advocate for employees and employers navigating complex wage regulations. Trusts & Estates Our firm helps individuals and families secure their legacies through comprehensive estate planning, including wills, trusts, probate administration, trust litigation and asset protection strategies. We tailor solutions to meet each client's unique needs, ensuring financial security for future generations while minimizing tax burdens and legal complications. Wage & Hour Law We...