Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Elder Law Services in Woodland Hills, CA
Founded in 1990, our firm specializes in estate planning and elder law, combining legal expertise with compassionate guidance. Our attorney, Richard M. Seff, brings a unique perspective shaped by prior careers in social work and hospital administration, allowing us to address family needs with both legal precision and personal understanding. We focus exclusively on California's evolving legal landscape, offering tailored strategies for wills, trusts, asset protection, and long-term care planning. Our client-first approach emphasizes clear communication, ensuring families feel supported through every stage of the planning process. With offices in Woodland Hills, we serve Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, prioritizing accessibility and community trust.Clients consistently highlight our ability to simplify complex legal concepts and provide reassurance during critical life transitions. Our practice extends beyond document preparationwe build lasting relationships centered on protecting what matters most to our clients. Through free educational resources and personalized consultations, we empower families to make informed decisions about their futures. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of positive client outcomes and referrals from satisfied families across the region.
Services
Foundational Estate Planning
Advanced Estate Planning
Prop 19 Planning
Probate Administration
Elder Law Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Asset Protection
Trust Administration
Medi-Cal Planning
Conservatorships
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of specialized experience in California estate planning and elder law.
- Our attorney combines legal expertise with prior experience in social work and healthcare administration.
- We focus exclusively on estate planning and elder law to maintain deep expertise in these areas.
- Our practice emphasizes clear communication and compassionate guidance through complex legal processes.
- Clients consistently praise our ability to simplify legal concepts and provide personalized solutions.
What people say
Best of the best
Fantastic attorney
Complete assistance
Amazing service
Excellent hands-on approach
Services
Foundational Estate Planning
Create essential legal documents including wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney. This service establishes clear directives for asset distribution and healthcare decisions while minimizing family conflict. Designed for families seeking straightforward protection and legal certainty.
Advanced Estate Planning
Implement sophisticated strategies using irrevocable trusts and asset protection techniques. Addresses tax minimization, multi-generational wealth transfer, and protection from creditors or long-term care costs. Ideal for high-net-worth individuals and business owners with complex holdings.
Prop 19 Planning
Navigate California's Proposition 19 property tax regulations for intergenerational transfers. Develop strategies to preserve tax benefits when transferring real estate between family members while complying with current legal requirements.
Probate Administration
Guide executors through California's probate process for validating wills and distributing assets. Provide step-by-step support for estate inventory, debt settlement, and property transfer while ensuring compliance with state probate laws.
Elder Law Planning
Address long-term care needs, Medi-Cal eligibility, and veterans benefits. Create comprehensive plans for dementia care, nursing home costs, and guardianship arrangements while maintaining client dignity and financial security.
People
Richard M. Seff
Attorney
With over 30 years of legal experience, Richard M. Seff combines legal expertise with prior careers in social work and hospital administration. He specializes in estate planning and elder law, focusing on compassionate, client-centered solutions for California families.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Most families benefit from creating a living trust to avoid probate and provide clearer asset management instructions.
How does Prop 19 affect my property tax planning?
Prop 19 changes property tax reassessment rules for inherited homes. We help families maximize exemptions while ensuring compliance with California's complex transfer regulations for real estate.
What's the difference between probate and trust administration?
Probate is a court-supervised process for validating wills, while trust administration handles asset distribution outside court. Trusts typically offer faster, more private estate settlement with reduced administrative costs.
Do I need an attorney for elder law planning?
Elder law involves complex Medicaid rules, guardianship requirements, and long-term care options. An experienced attorney ensures proper legal protections while maintaining eligibility for critical government benefits.
How much does estate planning cost?
Costs vary based on complexity. We offer transparent pricing for standard plans and customized quotes for advanced strategies. Initial consultations help determine the most cost-effective solutions for your specific needs.
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