Business Details
27 Years
experience
Estate Planning Attorney in Danville, CA
Established in 1999, our firm provides comprehensive estate planning services rooted in over three decades of legal expertise. With a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School and a background at a prominent California law firm, I bring specialized knowledge in probate, revocable living trusts, and tax-efficient asset transfer strategies. Our practice serves families across Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Walnut Creek, and the broader East Bay region, offering personalized solutions that protect children, preserve wealth, and minimize legal complexities.We maintain rigorous professional standards through membership in the California State Bar, American Bar Association, and local bar associations. Our process emphasizes transparency with flat-fee pricing, annual client check-ins, and flexible scheduling including house calls. Client testimonials consistently highlight our ability to simplify complex legal matters while maintaining accessibility and responsiveness throughout the estate planning journey.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate
Revocable Living Trusts
Estate Taxes
Advance Health Care Directives
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of legal experience in estate planning
- We provide free initial consultations with no obligation
- We quote all-inclusive flat fees before beginning work
- We maintain annual contact with clients to ensure plan relevance
- We offer house calls and flexible evening/weekend appointments
What people say
Knowledgeable, professional
Quick turnaround
Smooth and easy
Invaluable assistance
Prompt thorough service
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive legal frameworks to protect assets and ensure proper distribution. We help clients establish wills, designate guardians for minor children, and implement strategies to minimize probate complications. Our approach combines legal expertise with personalized guidance to address each family's unique needs.
Probate
We guide executors through California's probate process for estates requiring court supervision. Our services include asset inventory, debt settlement, and property distribution while minimizing delays and costs. We help clients understand when probate is necessary versus when alternative transfer methods would be more efficient for their specific circumstances.
Revocable Living Trusts
Our revocable living trust solutions help clients avoid probate and maintain control over asset distribution. We design trusts that adapt to changing circumstances while providing clear instructions for incapacity planning. Properly funded trusts ensure seamless asset transfer to beneficiaries while maintaining privacy.
Estate Taxes
We provide federal estate tax analysis and planning strategies for estates exceeding exemption thresholds. Our services include evaluating current tax liabilities and implementing legal structures to maximize asset preservation for beneficiaries while maintaining compliance with evolving tax regulations.
Advance Health Care Directives
We help clients establish legal authority for medical decision-making during incapacity. Our services include creating health care directives that specify treatment preferences and designate trusted agents to make medical decisions aligned with clients' wishes and values.
People
Richard Collari Atty At Law
Attorney-At-Law
Practicing California law since 1991, Richard graduated cum laude from Boston College Law School. He established his Danville practice in 1999 after eight years at a prominent law firm. A Dartmouth College graduate, he combines academic excellence with practical experience in estate planning and probate matters.
Questions
What does an estate plan typically include?
An estate plan typically includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives to manage asset distribution and decision-making during incapacity or after death.
How can I avoid probate in California?
Probate can be avoided through revocable living trusts, joint tenancy property arrangements, and proper beneficiary designations on financial accounts and real estate.
What happens if I don't create an estate plan?
Without an estate plan, California's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution, which may not align with your wishes and could create additional burdens for your family.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, or significant changes in financial circumstances.
What's the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will only takes effect after death and requires probate, while a living trust becomes effective immediately and allows assets to bypass probate court proceedings.
