Business Details
12 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Attorneys in Napa, CA
Manfred & Hunt, LLP has provided expert estate planning, trust administration, and probate services in Napa, California since 2014. Our attorneys combine over 40 years of collective experience to deliver clear, personalized legal solutions that protect families and preserve legacies. We specialize in demystifying complex estate planning processes through straightforward explanations and strategic use of Revocable Living Trusts to avoid probate expenses. Our team prioritizes client education, offering tailored guidance on asset distribution, tax minimization, and incapacity planning.We maintain affiliations with legal and community organizations while adhering to the highest standards of professional conduct. Our practice philosophy focuses on reducing administrative burdens for trustees and executors through efficient trust administration and probate representation. With backgrounds in economics, business taxation, and community service, our attorneys bring both technical expertise and practical insight to every client relationship.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate
Elder Law
Asset Preservation
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined experience in estate planning and trust administration
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in estate planning, trust, and probate law
- We use Revocable Living Trusts to protect families from probate expenses
- We provide clear explanations of complex estate planning concepts
- Our team maintains active community and legal professional affiliations
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans using wills, revocable trusts, and advanced directives to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our attorneys help clients minimize tax liabilities, avoid probate, and establish care provisions for dependents. With personalized guidance, we help families protect their legacies through comprehensive estate planning strategies.
Trust Administration
Our team assists trustees in managing and distributing trust assets according to legal requirements. We provide expert guidance through complex administrative tasks while minimizing emotional stress for family members. Services include asset inventory, tax compliance, and beneficiary communication to ensure smooth trust administration processes.
Probate
We represent executors and beneficiaries in probate proceedings to validate wills and distribute estates. Our attorneys help clients understand probate requirements, settle debts, and transfer assets efficiently. We provide cost analysis and alternative strategies to potentially avoid probate through proper estate planning.
Asset Preservation
We develop strategies to protect client assets from unnecessary tax burdens and legal challenges. Our services include gifting strategies, irrevocable trusts, and tax analysis to preserve wealth for future generations. We help clients implement structures that maintain control while minimizing estate tax exposure.
Elder Law
Our elder law services address long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and guardianship arrangements. We help families navigate legal challenges related to aging loved ones while maintaining dignity and financial security. Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate guidance for senior care planning.
People
Mike Manfred
Attorney
Certified estate planning specialist with experience in trust administration and probate law. Former Deloitte accountant and Napa law firm partner. Focuses on minimizing tax burdens and simplifying estate transitions for families.
Lori Hunt
Attorney
Certified estate planning attorney with former leadership roles at Gaw Van Male, LLP. Serves on Napa County Bar Association board. Specializes in creating customized estate plans for complex family situations.
Brianne Richmond
Of Counsel Attorney
Estate planning attorney with focus on trust administration and probate. Active in Napa community organizations and children's education initiatives. Provides personalized guidance for family asset protection.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Most clients require a will, revocable trust, durable power of attorney, and advanced health care directive to create a comprehensive estate plan.
How can I avoid probate in California?
Establishing a properly funded revocable living trust is the most effective way to avoid probate while maintaining control over your assets.
What happens if I die without a will?
California's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution, which may not align with your wishes. A valid estate plan ensures your preferences are followed.
How much does estate planning cost?
Costs vary based on complexity. We provide transparent pricing during initial consultations and offer customized solutions for different budget needs.
Can I update my estate plan?
Yes, we recommend reviewing your plan every 3-5 years or after major life events to ensure it reflects your current circumstances and wishes.
