Business Details
Your Trusted Trust & Estate Law Firm in Santa Rosa
Brockway Law is a boutique trust and estate law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions for clients in Santa Rosa and throughout California. With deep expertise in estate planning, trust and probate litigation, and estate administration, we prioritize personalized service rooted in compassion and candid communication. Our practice is built on a foundation of trust, ensuring clients receive tailored legal strategies that align with their unique family dynamics and long-term goals.As a Santa Rosa native, Giuliana V. Brockway brings local insight and a commitment to community values, complemented by her recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. We balance litigation expertise with a proactive approach to minimize conflict, advocating fiercely for clients while fostering lifelong relationships grounded in transparency and integrity.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Litigation
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Wills & Trusts
Highlights and features
- We offer tailored estate planning documents crafted to prevent future litigation.
- Our firm balances litigation expertise with a commitment to minimizing family conflict.
- We provide candid advice on trustee selection and professional fiduciary services.
- We advocate for heirs, beneficiaries, and executors in complex probate matters.
- Our principal attorney holds Super Lawyers recognition for trust and estate law.
What people say
FANTASTIC
Thorough and helpful
Laser sharp legal skills
Compassionate and caring
Knowledgeable and trustworthy
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including revocable trusts, wills, and advance directives to protect assets and ensure your wishes are honored. Our process includes trust funding assistance and guidance on minimizing probate requirements. Clients receive comprehensive documentation tailored to their family structure and financial goals.
Trust Litigation
Our firm represents trustees, beneficiaries, and executors in contested trust matters involving undue influence, asset misappropriation, or interpretation disputes. We combine courtroom experience with strategic negotiation to resolve conflicts while preserving family relationships whenever possible. Case examples include contested trustee removals and spousal property claims.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through probate court procedures for estate distribution and debt resolution. Services include inventory preparation, creditor notification, and final asset allocation. Our approach prioritizes compliance with California Probate Code while minimizing delays and family tensions during the administration process.
Trust Administration
We assist trustees with post-death trust administration including asset inventory, tax compliance, and beneficiary communications. Our support ensures proper accounting and distribution according to trust terms while maintaining fiduciary obligations. We also advise beneficiaries seeking transparency from trustees.
Wills & Trusts
We draft durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and testamentary documents that withstand legal scrutiny. Our consultations address incapacity planning and succession strategies. Clients receive document updates to reflect changing family circumstances or tax laws, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
People
Giuliana V. Brockway
Principal Attorney
Giuliana V. Brockway is a trust and estate law specialist with Super Lawyers recognition, offering personalized legal solutions rooted in her Santa Rosa community. She graduated cum laude from Empire College School of Law and focuses on estate planning, probate litigation, and administration while maintaining active roles in local professional organizations.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. We customize these to your specific needs during our consultation.
How can I avoid probate court?
Properly funded revocable living trusts allow asset transfer outside probate. We help establish and maintain these trusts to ensure smooth succession while addressing potential tax implications.
What happens if I'm excluded from a will?
Heirs have legal rights to information and potential inheritance. We evaluate your case to determine if contesting the will or trust is appropriate under California law.
How long does probate take in California?
Typical probate cases last 12-18 months. Our streamlined approach helps expedite estate administration while ensuring full compliance with court requirements and creditor timelines.
Can I modify an existing trust?
Yes, trusts can be amended or restated. We review your current documents to ensure they reflect your current wishes and family circumstances during our estate planning review.
