Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Estate & Tax Planning Services in Sacramento
Founded in 1996, the Goralka Law Firm specializes in Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration, serving families, business owners, and real estate investors across California. Our founder, John Goralka, holds dual certifications from the State Bar of California in Taxation Law and Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Lawa rare distinction shared by fewer than 100 lawyers statewide. With a client-centric approach, we prioritize personalized attention, treating families and businesses as extended kin, many of whom we've represented for decades across multiple generations. Our practice combines creative legal strategies with practical financial solutions, demonstrating expertise in minimizing taxes, protecting assets, and facilitating intergenerational wealth transfer. We have successfully implemented complex plans for estates valued over $88 million, resolved multi-state tax disputes, and created asset protection structures for high-net-worth clients, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations. Our track record includes over 2,500 probate-avoiding estate plans, $2.75 million in estate tax refunds, and resolution of $450,000+ tax liabilities through strategic appeals.We maintain transparency and integrity, providing realistic assessments of challenges while leveraging our deep understanding of state-specific regulations and federal law. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition in media publications, transformational client outcomes, and testimonials highlighting our professionalism, knowledge, and client-focused service model.
Services
Estate Planning
Tax Planning
Exit Planning
Probate Services
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have dual-certified legal experts in Estate Planning and Taxation Law.
- Our team provides personalized attention to families across multiple generations.
- We deliver transformational tax savings through innovative legal strategies.
- Our firm maintains a 25+ year track record of complex estate preservation.
- We offer realistic assessments with actionable solutions for unique situations.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Dual-certified expertise
Personalized attention
Transformational tax savings
25+ year track record
Realistic assessments
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning services help clients protect assets and transfer wealth efficiently. We design customized trusts, wills, and tax strategies for families and business owners. With dual-certified expertise, we ensure compliance while minimizing tax liabilities and preserving family values across generations.
Tax Planning
Specializing in advanced tax planning strategies, we help clients minimize income and estate taxes through innovative legal structures. Our services include deferred compensation planning, basis step-ups, and resolution of state tax disputes for individuals and businesses.
Probate Services
We guide executors through California's probate process while offering alternatives to avoid probate entirely. Our team handles estate administration, trust funding, and asset distribution with a focus on minimizing delays and tax implications.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services ensure proper management and distribution of assets according to grantor intentions. We specialize in complex trust structures, including irrevocable trusts and specialized asset protection vehicles for high-net-worth clients.
Exit Planning
We develop customized exit strategies for business owners, combining tax optimization with succession planning. Our approach ensures smooth transitions while protecting family assets and maintaining business continuity during ownership changes.
People
John Goralka
Founder & Estate Planning Attorney
Certified specialist in Taxation and Estate Planning Law with 25+ years of experience. Holds dual certifications from California State Bar. Focuses on complex estate preservation strategies and multi-generational wealth transfer solutions.
Stephen G. Wanderer
Of Counsel
Experienced legal professional providing strategic counsel on estate and tax matters. Specializes in complex trust structures and asset protection strategies for high-net-worth clients.
Brittany Dettis
Senior Paralegal
Senior legal professional with extensive expertise in trust administration and estate planning documentation. Coordinates complex case management and client communication for long-term service delivery.
Amanda Rioux
Legal Assistant
Key support professional managing document preparation and client coordination. Provides technical expertise in trust and estate administration processes.
Tyanika Stanley
Receptionist
Front office professional managing initial client inquiries and appointment coordination. Serves as primary point of contact for new and existing clients seeking estate planning services.
Questions
What qualifications make Goralka Law Firm experts in estate planning?
John Goralka holds dual certifications from California's State Bar in Taxation Law and Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law—achievements shared by fewer than 100 lawyers statewide.
How does the firm help reduce tax liabilities?
We implement specialized strategies like basis step-ups, irrevocable trusts, and tax-deferred structures that have saved clients over $900,000 in specific cases.
Can the firm assist with multi-generational wealth transfer?
Yes, we've created customized plans for estates exceeding $88 million, including property transfers that minimized reassessment while maintaining family control.
What probate avoidance strategies do you offer?
Our team has successfully implemented over 2,500 probate-avoiding estate plans using revocable living trusts and strategic asset titling techniques.
Do you handle complex tax disputes?
Yes, we've resolved multi-state tax appeals and saved clients over $1 million in assessments, including a notable case with the California Franchise Tax Board.
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