Specialties
Since 1980, my practice has focused exclusively on estate planning, trust, probate, and related tax matters. I help clients plan their estates so that their wishes are carried out for themselves and for their intended beneficiaries. This includes preparation of the necessary estate planning documents, from wills to living trusts to powers of attorney to irrevocable trusts to gifting plans to gift tax returns, etc. Likewise, I represent fiduciaries responsible for managing the financial or personal affairs of others, such as executors, administrators, trustees, conservators, guardians, agents, and attorneys-in-fact. This includes both matters subject to probate court supervision and matters not subject to court review. As part of these services, I also provide estate and gift tax advice, including preparation of estate and gift tax returns. I also represents clients in disputed or contested probate, conservatorship, and trust matters. I am a certified specialist in estate planning, probate, and trust law and have an LL.M. postgraduate degree in taxation. Highest rating (AV) of professional excellence by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory since 1990. Included annually in Northern California Super Lawyers since its inception. For more information, please see my web page www.jamesjphillips.com