Estate Planning Attorney
An Estate Planning Attorney For Your Needs
Hoffman & Forde’s estate planning attorneys inform individuals and married couples on a variety of advanced estate planning techniques they can use to make the estate or inheritance tax bill less painful. Our estate planning experts also educate clients regarding the designation of a guardian and trustee for your beneficiaries. Let us help you create a sound financial plan, avoid probate, protect your assets, prevent family conflicts and costly legal expenses.
Typical Estate Planning Documents
Our attorneys draft a set of documents to address your unique needs and expectations. Our firm also advises on co-ownership property rights, transfer-on-death accounts, and beneficiary designation.
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Last Will and Testament
This is a document in which you name an “executor,” who has legal authority to administer the transfer of your property per your designated intentions. The executor closes your estate.
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Trusts
Trusts are a fiduciary arrangement that allow a third party, “trustee,” to hold assets on your behalf and beneficiaries. Trusts specify how and when your assets pass to your beneficiaries.
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Durable Power of Attorney
Durable power of attorney establishes responsibility and identifies guidelines if you become incapacitated. It directs an individual of your choosing to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf.
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Health Care Directive
Our attorneys will help protect your medical and health information. A HIPAA compliant document guides your family members and health care providers when determining medical decisions on your behalf.
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Business Succession Planning
Business succession planning helps owners of family-owned or closely held businesses protect the business and assets in the event of their incapacitation or death. It is a series of logistical and financial decisions.
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Beneficiary Designation
Our attorneys will make certain your assets transfer to the people/entities designated as beneficiaries on specific contracts/accounts. Such assets include life insurance policies, IRAs, and 401(k) plans.
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Probate Litigation
There is already enough to process with the loss of a loved one, let alone going into probate. Probate is the legal process of authenticating a decedent’s will, taking inventory and appraising the estate, and distributing the assets according to the decedent’s last wishes. If there is no will, the process for probate remains the same. In this case, probate is still required to pay any outstanding bills and distribute the assets to the designated beneficiaries.
Probate should be avoided as much as possible. Planning with an estate attorney in advance can save you the headache of probate court, potential relationship strains, and financial stress. One advantage of probate is having the court settle disputes between heirs. But you also run the risk of higher costs and a drawn out process that could take anywhere from a few months to several years. For a costly and complicated process, entrust your probate disputes and estate-related cases to a reliable probate and estate planning lawyer.
Why Our Estate Planning Attorneys
Our experienced San Diego estate planning attorneys will advise you on the best estate plan for you and your family based on your unique circumstances and goals. Estate plans must meet state guidelines. We fully understand how current state and federal laws impact your estate and will draft all of the pertinent documents. More importantly, we help ensure your wishes are carried out while avoiding potential hassles and needless expenses.
Our Boutique Lawyers
Our highly-credentialed attorneys deliver superior quality services. Every client receives the best legal representation possible regardless of complexity.

Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Business Consulting

Daniel R. Forde
Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Business Consulting, Tax Advisory

Angela Elpers Barnes
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation

Michael Dicks
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Personal Injury

Ian McKinley
Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation, Business Torts, Boundary Disputes, Shareholder & Member Derivative Litigation, Land Use

Christina Elhaddad
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Immigration Law

Ryan McKinley
Real Estate Law, Business Disputes, Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation

Nicholas Kritikos
Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Business Consulting

Dalia Astalos
Landlord-Tenant Law, Commercial Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury

Stefan Seper
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Business Consulting

Brandon Adams
Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Business Consulting

Alanna Haefner
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Tax Consulting

Jenna Misuraca
Residential Real Estate, HOA Disputes, Probate, Trusts & Estates

Jim Buche
Residential Real Estate

William H. Sauls
Estate Planning, Tax Advisory, Business Consulting

Michael Stuart
Criminal Defense, Restraining Orders
Our Paralegals
Our dedicated paralegals are the behind-the-scenes experts who ensure our firm runs smoothly. They play a critical role in our client-focused approach, enabling our attorneys to deliver the highest quality service with precision and care.

Philosophy
Our Estate Planning Law Firm
We serve our clients’ individual needs while providing creative, practical, and affordable solutions. Our firm’s continued success results from our dedication, diligence, and honest communication with our clients.
Schedule Your Consultation
For inquiries regarding specific legal matters, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our intake specialists.
Service Areas
From San Diego to Los Angeles, Hoffman & Forde provides individuals and businesses with first-class legal services.