Business Details
Estate Planning and Trust Administration Services in San Mateo, CA
At Cohen Law Office, we bring decades of specialized legal expertise to trust and estate matters. Founded by Garry Cohen, our practice has focused on estate planning, trust administration, and probate litigation for over 20 years. Our team combines extensive courtroom experience with a client-centered approach to create comprehensive solutions tailored to individual needs. We prioritize clear communication and practical advice, helping clients navigate complex legal frameworks while minimizing tax implications.With a proven track record in both transactional and litigious matters, we serve as trusted advisors for individuals, families, and organizations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through thousands of successfully resolved cases and enduring client relationships built on trust and results.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate Litigation
Will and Trust Litigation
Tax Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized experience in estate law
- Our client-focused approach prioritizes clear communication and practical solutions
- We provide comprehensive services covering all aspects of trust and estate matters
- Our team excels at minimizing tax implications through strategic planning
- We offer free trust reviews for existing estate plans
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning service creates customized legal frameworks to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored. We specialize in wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives that adapt to changing family dynamics and tax regulations. With over 25 years of experience, we help clients establish comprehensive plans that minimize probate complications and maximize inheritance value for beneficiaries.
Trust Administration
Trust administration services guide trustees through complex legal responsibilities. We provide expert support for asset management, tax compliance, and distribution according to trust terms. Our team helps trustees fulfill fiduciary duties while navigating California's specific legal requirements. We also offer litigation support when trust challenges arise, protecting all parties' interests throughout the administration process.
Probate Litigation
Probate litigation addresses contested wills and trust disputes with strategic legal representation. Our experienced litigators handle contested inheritances, trustee breaches, and beneficiary conflicts. We combine courtroom expertise with settlement negotiation skills to resolve matters efficiently while protecting client interests. Our deep understanding of California probate law ensures effective representation in complex estate disputes.
Tax Planning
Tax planning services minimize financial burdens on estates and beneficiaries. We develop strategies to reduce capital gains, property, estate, and gift taxes through specialized trust structures and asset protection techniques. Our approach integrates with overall estate planning to maximize inheritance value while maintaining compliance with evolving tax regulations and ensuring long-term wealth preservation.
Will and Trust Litigation
Will and trust litigation handles contested estate documents and fiduciary misconduct. We represent trustees, beneficiaries, and executors in disputes over document validity, asset distribution, and fiduciary responsibilities. Our litigation approach balances aggressive representation with practical solutions, aiming to resolve conflicts efficiently while safeguarding client rights and interests throughout the legal process.
People
Garry Cohen
Managing Partner
Garry Cohen has practiced law since 1995, focusing on estate planning and probate litigation for 20+ years. He combines courtroom experience with personalized service to create tailored estate solutions while minimizing tax implications for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Shelby Vance
Legal Assistant
Shelby Vance provides essential support to our legal team, ensuring efficient case management and client communication. With extensive experience in estate law procedures, she assists in document preparation and case organization while maintaining our commitment to personalized client service.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives. We help customize these to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing tax burdens and probate complications.
How does trust administration work?
Trust administration involves managing and distributing trust assets according to legal requirements. We guide trustees through their fiduciary duties, including tax compliance, asset management, and beneficiary communications while ensuring California law compliance.
Can I modify an existing estate plan?
Yes, we offer free trust reviews and help update beneficiaries, adjust distribution terms, or modify provisions to reflect changing circumstances while maintaining legal validity and tax efficiency.
What happens during probate litigation?
Probate litigation resolves contested wills or trust disputes through court proceedings. We represent executors, trustees, or beneficiaries in challenging or defending estate documents while seeking efficient resolutions that protect client interests.
How do you handle tax implications?
We implement strategies using irrevocable trusts and corporate entities to minimize capital gains, property, estate, and gift taxes while ensuring compliance with current regulations and maximizing inheritance value for beneficiaries.
