California Estate Planning Lawyers

Estate Planning Law

1902 Wright Place, 2nd Floor, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Raised in a multicultural setting, Aisha Williams, our principal attorney, experienced the impact of estate battles early on. This experience propelled her from an in-house role at a Fortune-100 company towards a heart-led career in California estate planning. Aisha offers Californians comprehensive legal services, aiming to protect family bonds through careful estate planning. A San Diego native, Aisha balanced work and studies until her graduation from San Diego State University. She graduated with a B.A. in International Business, a Spanish emphasis, a Portuguese minor, and a Distinction in Major. Driven to create change, Aisha returned to education at the University of San Diego School of Law. While studying under scholarship and working full time, she earned her law degree in 2012. Today, Aisha juggles being a devoted mother and wife, a sports enthusiast, and a licensed member of the State Bar of California.

Estate Planning Law

20520 Blairmoore St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Estate Planning Law

3035 Cleveland Ave suite 205, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA

Attorney Brett Rhodes is the founder of Rhodes Law, a Santa Rosa-based law firm focused on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. Since launching his practice in 2020, Brett has earned a reputation for delivering personalized, top-notch legal counsel, helping clients secure their legacies and plan for the future with confidence. Brett’s approach to estate planning is centered on providing clear, comprehensive advice tailored to each client’s unique needs. In addition to traditional estate planning services, he also offers guidance on business succession planning and charitable giving strategies. Under his leadership, the firm has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for both 2024 and 2025. He was honored by Lawyers of Distinction in 2025 and featured twice in Sonoma Magazine — once in October 2024 and in January 2025.

Estate Planning Law

805 W Duarte Rd suite 104, Arcadia, CA 91007, USA

Catherine Ken has over 30 years of experience in law practice. As one of the very few attorneys licensed to practice in both the United States and Taiwan, Catherine’s legal education and experience in both countries give her practice a unique multicultural focus which benefits clients engaging business and investment involving China, Taiwan and the U.S. After graduating in 1986 from the prestigious National Taiwan University Law School, Ms. Ken passed the arduous Taiwan Bar Exam on her first attempt and became the youngest practicing attorney in Taiwan at age 22. Within the first three years of her law practice, Catherine was involved in diverse cases that honed her advocacy skills in civil litigation, intellectual property litigation, maritime litigation, and criminal defense. Given the rapid growth of Taiwan's economy during the late 1980's, the burgeoning international business activities motivated Catherine to study law in the United States to acquire a broader international perspective. In 1991, she earned a LL.M. degree from Harvard Law School where she studied corporate and business law with a concentration in mergers and acquisitions. While on the Harvard campus, she observed her schoolmates including President Barack Obama advocated for greater diversity on the law school faculty. She found it impressive that even in the U.S., there was still demand for improvement, so she made it a hallmark of her work ethic to seek continuous expansion. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Catherine worked as senior attorney in Lee and Li, the largest law firm in Taiwan, where she represented multinational companies in business transactions and litigations. By 1996, she passed the California Bar and started her own law firm in Los Angeles serving the local Chinese American community for business transaction, estate planning, immigration, and civil litigation. Her devotion to the Chinese community in Southern California is reflected by her terms as president of the Taiwanese American Lawyers Association in 2000 and 2001 and involvement in local Chinese American groups and organizations. Catherine’s unparalleled cross-border legal experience and tie to the USA and Chinese business communities enable her to effortlessly assist clients of multicultural background and those engaging business activities among the U.S., China and Taiwan. She advocates vigilantly for optimal client outcomes and embraces diverse ideas and creative solutions within the full breath of the law.

Estate Planning Law

2315 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95816

Edward W. Goldkuhl is an active California attorney and Managing Partner of Goldkuhl, LLP in Sacramento. His practice focuses on estate planning, probate, trust and estate administration, fiduciary disputes, elder financial abuse, tax-sensitive trust and estate issues, and related civil litigation. His background includes work as an expert or opinion witness in probate, estate, trust, fiduciary, elder financial abuse, and fee matters. He has also handled appellate work involving trust, probate, and related issues.

Estate Planning Law

333 City Blvd W, Orange, CA 92868, USA

Harry Barth is the Founder and Senior Managing Partner for BarthCalderon, LLP and is the co-author of the book, Planning Today For All Your Tomorrows. He is a nationally recognized speaker on estate, business and asset protection planning to many incredible organizations across the country including: Vistage International, Women Presidents’ Organization, Young Presidents’ Organization, Tiger 21, Quaker Oats, Entrepreneurs Organization, California Society of CPA’s and many more. Harry has over 40 years of experience counseling business owners and their families, corporations and franchisees nationwide. Harry has distinguished himself by being an asset protection advocate and his workshops have helped thousands of families and businesses protect their assets they have worked so hard to build.

Estate Planning Law

3400 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 220, Roseville, CA 95661

ames R. Hammer is a founding partner of Shiells & Hammer. He practices Estate Planning, Trust Administration, and Elder Law. James discovered his passion for this practice area during law school when he served as trustee for the estate of a close family friend. Seeing the power of a proper estate plan, James realized by becoming an Estate Planning attorney he could help families navigate both the difficulty of proactive contingency planning, and the difficult and emotional time following the death of a loved one.

Estate Planning Law

2753 Camino Capistrano ste b1, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

Ms. Mains is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (B.A. Political Science 1991) and received her Juris Doctorate, cum laude from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1996. She was admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois in 1996 and the State of California in 1997. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Mains lived in Vienna Austria for one year and worked for the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency, investigating the trafficking of nuclear bomb components. Following, Ms. Mains lived in London, England for one year and worked as an assistant to Lord Bridgeman, House of Lords, Parliament. During law school (1993-96), Ms. Mains was a member of the Loyola Law Journal and a summer associate at the firm of Altheimer & Gray in Chicago, Illinois. She also clerked for Judge Robert Ginsberg of the Bankruptcy Court and was a member of the Appellate Moot Court Team, which competed in London & Ontario, Canada. In addition, Ms. Mains spent a summer during law school studying European Community law in Rome, Italy at Loyola’s Rome Campus. After Ms. Mains graduated from law school, she returned to her home state of California and worked for the law firm of Bennett & Welch, in San Francisco assisting in trial preparation for a sexual harassment case pending in Superior Court, Alameda County. In August 1996, Ms. Mains began working at Shea Law Offices where she worked as a full-time trial lawyer until 2002. During her tenure, Ms. Mains assisted in the prosecution of over one hundred employment cases. Such cases included sex, race, and disability harassment, discrimination and retaliation, assault, false imprisonment, wrongful termination, and defamation, among others. Ms. Mains participated in over fifty mediations and settlements. She also consulted with business clients regarding all human resources and employment law matters, employment contracts, stock option agreements, wage and hour issues, handbooks, posters, investigations, and mediation. In 2002, Ms. Mains changed her focus from litigation to a bifurcated practice of estate planning and probate/trust litigation.

Estate Planning Law

1317 W Foothill Blvd suite 245, Upland, CA 91786, USA

Kyle R. Graves graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. During Kyle’s time at Cal State Fullerton he focused his education on financial planning. After graduating from Cal State Fullerton Kyle attended Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law where he focused his study on Tax Law. Kyle graduated Cum Laude and received C.A.L.I. awards in the subjects of Law Practice Management, Constitutional Law, and Partnership Taxation

Estate Planning Law

1250 Corona Pointe Ct suite 402, Corona, CA 92879, USA

Like most young adults, Mr. Hudack left college with big dreams for his life. He went to work, married, and started a family. He worked for Fortune 500 companies, established his own businesses, and developed real estate. In these roles, he developed the skills he still uses to negotiate matters, draft contracts and corporate documents, review agreements, and draft Estate Plan Documents for his clients. Mr. Hudack started his career in real estate, managing transactions for Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Hudack earned his Juris Doctorate from Western State College of Law, graduating magna cum laude. After serving as corporate counsel to community associations, Mr. Hudack transitioned his firm to Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration in 2018. Mr. Hudack understands that no two transactions are the same, so he takes the time to listen to his clients’ needs. Mr. Hudack is a dedicated family man with two grown children and several grandchildren.

Estate Planning Law

9777 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Lars Kushner is an estate planning attorney in Beverly Hills and the founder of Kushner Legal. Before opening the California firm, he practiced in Vancouver, British Columbia, where his legal career began in 2010. Family law and professional regulation were part of that practice, along with estate litigation. His firm biography describes work on behalf of beneficiaries in estate disputes and appearances at all levels of court in British Columbia. Those disputes inform his approach to estate planning. In describing that connection, the firm points to the problems that incomplete or unclear plans can leave behind. Kushner now works with clients on estate plans intended to protect loved ones and reduce conflict as circumstances change. The firm serves individuals, families and chosen families throughout California; its website also identifies LGBTQ+ individuals and couples among the people he serves. Kushner Legal Corporation began operating in 2020, the year after his admission to the California bar on July 15, 2019. His active California license is recorded under his full name, Lars Franklin Kushner. The bar lists his office at Kushner Legal on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Outside work, Kushner plays tennis and pickleball, hikes and trains with weights. He follows the Minnesota Vikings. He has also spent several months living in Barcelona and speaks conversational Spanish, according to his firm biography.

Estate Planning Law

777 E. Tahquitz Cyn Way, Ste. 200-43, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Area of Practice: Estate Planning & Trust Litigation

Estate Planning Law

4600 Duckhorn Dr, Sacramento, CA 95834-2591

Mark has been practicing law in the State of California for over 25 years. Specializing in estate planning, Mark’s services also include living trusts, wills, powers of attorney and assisting families with probate and trust administration.

Estate Planning Law

2180 Harvard St ste 100, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA

Attorney Melissa Yoest’s estate planning practice focuses on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. She excels in guiding her clients through the often confusing maze of financial and legal decisions to create plans that ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. Her experience in business formation and planning provides her the perfect foundation to aid business owners. Her considerable legal expertise includes family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning, as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples and divorced individuals. Whether you are married or single, own a business and have substantial assets, Melissa will help you to craft a plan that achieves your goals for your loved ones today and for years to come. As a dedicated employment law attorney, Melissa Yoest advocates passionately for workplace justice and compliance. She represents both employees facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. With expertise in federal and state employment regulations, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity laws, Melissa navigates complex legal frameworks to protect her clients’ interests. As an accomplished attorney with a diverse background, Melissa brings a wealth of legal expertise to the table. Her journey started with a Juris Doctorate and she has continued to expand her knowledge and skills. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Accountancy, demonstrating her commitment to bridging the gap between law and finance. Her legal career began specializing in Workers’ Compensation cases. Advocating for injured workers to secure fair compensation has been a rewarding challenge, and she excelled in negotiations, research, and strategic counsel. Her goal has always been to protect the rights of clients and achieve the best possible outcomes in workers’ compensation cases. She has also contributed her legal expertise as a Civil Litigation Attorney. She is proud of her track record in successfully representing clients in a wide range of civil matters, in employment law, from case inception through trial. Her strong foundation in civil procedure, legal strategy, and effective advocacy has allowed her to navigate the complexities of litigation.

Estate Planning Law

777 N 1st, St., Suite 333, San Jose, CA 95112

Richard Wingerden’s interest in the legal profession was sparked while he was an undergraduate in Political Science at San Jose State University. His legal experience began in 1991 at the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office. Mr. Wingerden has developed his practice with particular expertise in crimes of violence from the most basic battery cases to domestic violence, serious assaults, drug possession and sales, theft, burglary, three strikes law matters and other violent crimes, DUI and juvenile matters. Mr. Wingerden will bring his Expert and Aggressive Representation to handle all of the client’s needs from simple misdemeanor cases to serious and complex felonies. Mr. Wingerden is also known for his knowledge of the often confusing Juvenile Court System and has expertise in Public School disciplinary actions and expulsions. Mr. Wingerden is very knowledgeable in the area of wills and trusts.

Estate Planning Law

2750 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815

Lawyer Robert M. Stone, graduated from University of California at Los Angeles, B.A., 1978 and Hastings College of Law, University of California, J.D., 1982. While being a member of Los Angeles County, Long Beach and American Bar Associations, Robert M. Stone has been admitted in 1982, California and U.S. District Court, Northern District of California. He focuses on probate and trust law.

Estate Planning Law

5201 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA

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. She brings this holistic outlook to help her clients address legal problems, always taking the time to explain issues in terms clients can easily understand. Ms. Basu addresses complex issues in estate planning and probate cases, always keeping in mind the cultural ramifications of immigrant cultures. Ms. Basu is a member of the American Bar Association, including its section on Real Property, Trusts and Estates. She is also a member of the Silicon Valley Bar Association, which focuses exclusively on the issues of estate planning and probate. She is actively engaged in pro bono representation and has volunteered significant time with legal aid services organizations.

Estate Planning Law

15951 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 1, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Zakiya J. Norton is a true rarity – a Bay Area native. Zakiya grew up in the South Bay but decided warm weather, blue skies, and temperate winters were unsatisfactory and attended college in upstate New York. After suffering through a few winters in Oneonta, NY and obtaining her B.A., Zakiya followed the undeniable siren song of her home state and attended law school at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. She then lost her senses again and moved to Las Vegas where she took the Nevada bar and practiced at a civil litigation firm in a variety of practice areas. It was during this role that Zakiya embraced her role as a litigator and learned the importance of advocating for her clients in the right manner, time, and place. After starting her family, the lure of California was too strong to resist and Zakiya moved back to the Bay Area and decided to undertake the herculean task of studying for the California bar while raising a small child. While looking for the seemingly impossible combination of a satisfying associate position at a law firm that would still allow her time to raise her young daughter, she decided to volunteer at Bay Area Legal Aid. Giving back to the community has always been a priority for Zakiya and Bay Area Legal Aid fits the bill. Little did she know that she’d actually be meeting her future business partner, Somita Basu, during her time at Bay Area Legal Aid and before you know it, the two of them decided to open their own firm. Zakiya not only has a strong strategic mind set for litigation matters but also a keen eye for the intricacies and potential pitfalls of estate planning. She understands that just because something is possible, it doesn’t mean it’s practical. Zakiya knows that estate planning documents are the ultimate guide for a client’s beneficiaries and therefore must be clear in articulating the client’s wishes while allowing flexibility for unseen circumstances. Zakiya draws on her extensive legal experience when advising her estate planning and probate clients without ever losing her signature sense of compassion, kindness, and her sense of humor. Zakiya continues to give back even now. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area non-profit, Cancer CAREpoint, which provides valuable services free of cost to all cancer patients and their families. Zakiya is also a special liaison to the California Lawyer’s Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. She is a member of the Silicon Valley Bar Association, the Santa Clara County Black Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, and Black Women Lawyers of Northern California.

Estate Planning Law

3520 Bloomfield Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472, USA

Mr. Whitehead specializes in business, matters with an emphasis on start-up companies, corporate acquisitions and corporate financing. He also has an extensive estate planning practice, including probate and trust administration. He has represented both private and public companies in a variety of sophisticated transactions, including initial and mezzanine stage financings, corporate reorganizations and recapitalizations, mergers and asset sales, public offerings, leveraged buyouts, going-private transactions, proxy contests and tender offers. He has also served as counsel to independent directors of public companies advising on sensitive areas independent of the company’s general counsel. Mr. Whitehead has prepared materials for legal education courses involving corporate matters, has been a lecturer at Golden Gate University's Law School on securities matters and a Moot Court Judge for Stanford Law School. ?Mr. Whitehead has been active in public service as an officer and director of several charities, including the California Historical Society Foundation, The Gold Rush Trail Foundation, Opera West Foundation, Hannah and Erich Sachs Foundation and the Abraham Lincoln High School of San Francisco Alumni Association that he co-founded in 1988. He previously served as a director of Easter Seals Society of San Francisco, Enterprise for High School Students, Traveler's Aid Society of San Francisco and Hospital de la Familia. His biography currently appears in Who's Who in America and two of its specialty series, Who's Who in American Law and Who's Who in the West.

Estate Planning Law

Parking lot, 577 Airport Blvd. suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

Area of Practice: Estate Planning Trust & Probate Law Laurence P. Dugoni is a Shareholder and Director at Barulich Dugoni & Suttmann Law Group, Inc. Larry has been certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Larry's law practice focuses primarily on estate planning, trust and probate law, estate and gift taxation, as well as asset protection planning. He has extensive experience advising high net worth individuals, families and business clients, and has testified as an expert witness in these matters. Larry has lectured on various topics, including estate planning, estates and trusts, income taxation, estate and gift taxation, as well as various asset protection strategies. He worked as a Certified Public Accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1991 until 1994, where he advised high net worth individuals and corporations on various tax matters. Larry serves on the Board of Directors for Community Gatepath and Samaritan House. He was formerly the Chairman of the Board of Regents for Junipero Serra High School and on the Board of Directors for Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County.

Estate Planning Law

2750 Bellflower Blvd., Suite 100, Long Beach, CA 90815