Business Details
14 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in San Francisco
Established in 2012, our firm provides specialized legal services in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. As a certified specialist by The California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, we combine technical expertise with personalized attention to address each client's unique needs. Our practice extends to conservatorships and court representation across five Northern California counties.With over 14 years of direct client experience and prior tax law expertise at GE Capital, we offer comprehensive solutions for asset protection, guardianship nominations, and post-mortem estate management. Our commitment to community service includes extensive volunteer work through the San Francisco and Marin County Bar Associations.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Trust Administration
Conservatorships
Legal Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized legal guidance from a certified estate planning specialist
- Clients work directly with attorney Margaret M. O'Dowd
- Flexible appointment scheduling including evening and weekend options
- 14+ years of dedicated estate law experience with prior tax law expertise
Associations and certifications
- The California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Personal attention
Smooth process
Expert guidance
Thorough preparation
Compassionate service
Services
Estate Planning
Comprehensive estate planning includes customized wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney. We help clients protect assets, designate healthcare agents, and establish guardianship for minor children. Our process ensures legal compliance with California regulations while addressing individual family needs and tax considerations.
Probate Law
Guiding executors through California's probate process for estates exceeding $150,000. We handle asset appraisal, creditor notifications, and court filings while ensuring proper distribution to beneficiaries. Our experience streamlines this complex legal procedure for estate administrators.
Trust Administration
Assisting trustees with post-mortem trust administration duties including asset distribution, tax filings, and beneficiary communications. We provide legal guidance to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities while minimizing liability risks through proper documentation and court oversight options.
Conservatorships
Establishing legal conservatorships for incapacitated adults and creating limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled young adults. We represent petitioners and conservatees in court proceedings while exploring alternative solutions to preserve individual rights.
Legal Consultation
Offering free initial 30-minute consultations to assess estate planning needs and legal options. Our sessions cover document preparation, probate requirements, and trust administration strategies with direct attorney access for personalized guidance.
People
Margaret M. O'Dowd
Founder
Certified estate planning specialist with 14+ years of experience. Former GE Capital tax professional and San Rafael associate attorney. University of San Francisco Law School graduate with advanced tax degree. Recipient of five SF Bar Association volunteer awards.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Basic estate plans include wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney. We customize packages based on your assets, family situation, and long-term goals during our free consultation.
How does probate work in California?
Estates over $150,000 require court-supervised probate. We guide executors through asset appraisal, creditor claims, and distribution while ensuring legal compliance and minimizing delays.
Can I avoid conservatorship through advance planning?
Yes, proper estate planning with healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney can prevent the need for court-appointed conservatorships in later life.
What makes your firm different from other law offices?
Direct attorney access, specialized California estate law certification, tax expertise, and flexible scheduling set us apart while maintaining personalized client service.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary 30-minute consultations to discuss your estate planning needs and answer specific legal questions about probate or trust administration.
