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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Dalia Astalos

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

Rachael Berg

Trusts & Estates, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Insurance Defense

Jim Buche

Residential Real Estate

Michael Dicks

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

Christina Elhaddad

Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Immigration Law

Chas Gurtler

Real Estate Law, Business Litigation, Civil Litigation

Alanna Haefner

Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Tax Consulting

Nicholas Kritikos

Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Business Consulting

Matt LeFevre

Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Boundary Disputes, Business Consulting

Ian McKinley

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

Ryan McKinley

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

Jenna Misuraca

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

Joshua Morrison

Civil Litigation, Business Consulting

Vincent Russo

Business Law, Trust & Probate Litigation, Real Estate Law

William H. Sauls

Estate Planning, Tax Advisory, Business Consulting

Stefan Seper

Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, 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.