Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Services in San Francisco
Since 2012, our firm has provided personalized legal counsel in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. Our practice combines over 14 years of direct legal experience with specialized expertise in California's estate and trust regulations. We prioritize direct attorney-client collaboration, offering tailored solutions for wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and conservatorships. Our founder's background in taxation and prior experience in both legal and corporate sectors informs our comprehensive approach to asset protection and distribution planning.We serve clients across San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa Counties with a commitment to clear communication and ethical representation. Our office maintains active involvement in professional associations and community legal education initiatives, reflecting our dedication to both professional excellence and public service.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Trust Administration
Conservatorships
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by California State Bar
- Direct attorney collaboration on all cases since 2012
- Tailored estate planning solutions for unique family needs
- Proven expertise in complex probate and trust administration
- Active community legal education and volunteer initiatives
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Personal attention
Legal expertise
Successful outcomes
Compassionate service
Clear communication
Services
Estate Planning
We guide clients through comprehensive estate planning processes including wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney. Our approach considers family dynamics, asset distribution preferences, and special needs provisions. We educate clients about California-specific requirements while creating legally sound documents that reflect individual wishes.
Probate Law
Our firm assists executors and beneficiaries with probate proceedings for estates exceeding $150,000. We handle court filings, asset appraisals, creditor notifications, and final distributions. Our experience streamlines complex court-supervised processes while protecting clients' interests throughout estate administration.
Trust Administration
We support successor trustees with trust administration responsibilities including asset management, beneficiary communications, and fiduciary duty compliance. Our guidance helps trustees navigate legal requirements without court supervision while minimizing personal liability risks through proper procedural adherence.
Conservatorships
Our practice assists families with establishing conservatorships for individuals unable to manage personal or financial affairs. We explain alternatives to formal conservatorship while providing court representation when necessary. We also represent court-appointed conservatees and assist with limited conservatorships for disabled adults.
People
Margaret M. O'Dowd
Founder
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning since 2012 with prior experience at Julia P. Wald Law Offices. Holds taxation master's degree and has mediated Marin County court cases. Active in San Francisco Bar Association and community legal education programs.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Basic estate plans typically include a will, trust, and durable powers of attorney for finances and healthcare. We customize these documents based on your specific family situation and asset distribution goals.
How does probate work in California?
Estates exceeding $150,000 require court-supervised probate. We guide executors through asset appraisal, creditor notification, and final distribution processes while ensuring compliance with California's specific requirements.
What's the difference between a trust and a will?
Trusts avoid probate and provide ongoing asset management, while wills only take effect after death. We help clients determine which option better suits their estate size, family dynamics, and long-term goals.
Do I need a conservatorship for my aging parent?
We evaluate alternatives before pursuing conservatorship. When necessary, we assist with court petitions and explain responsibilities for managing personal and financial affairs of incapacitated individuals.
How are attorney fees handled in trust administration?
Trustee representation fees are typically paid from trust assets. We provide transparent billing while ensuring all actions comply with fiduciary standards and trust document requirements.
