Business Details
Estate Planning & Trust Administration Services
Blacksburg Law is a dedicated estate planning firm committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of asset protection, trust administration, and probate. With a focus on personalized service, we prioritize understanding each client's unique needs to craft holistic plans that reflect their values and legacy. Our team combines legal expertise with empathy, ensuring clarity and peace of mind throughout the process. Founded on principles of trust and integrity, we strive to make estate planning accessible, transparent, and meaningful for every client we serve. 
Services
Living Trust Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Advance Directives
Estate Tax Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer flat-fee estate planning for transparent costs.
- Our team combines legal and wealth management expertise.
- We prioritize client education and personalized communication.
- We support multi-generational legacy planning with empathy.
- Our process includes remote consultations and e-signature options.
What people say
Smooth process
Professional team
Knowledgeable attorney
Timely work
Fair pricing
Services
Living Trust-Based Estate Planning
Our trust-based estate plans focus on your goals, values, and legacy. We create revocable living trusts to manage assets during life and distribute them efficiently after death. The process includes personalized consultations, document drafting, and guidance to ensure your plan aligns with your wishes. Services extend to pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Trust Administration
We guide trustees through trust administration, including asset inventory, creditor notifications, and distribution to beneficiaries. Our services ensure compliance with legal requirements while minimizing delays and conflicts. We handle tax filings, accounting, and communication with heirs to streamline the process during a challenging time.
Probate Services
Our probate services assist executors in navigating court processes, settling debts, and distributing assets. We provide step-by-step support for will validation, asset appraisal, and court filings. Our goal is to simplify probate, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure timely resolution for families.
Advance Directives
We help clients create advance healthcare directives and powers of attorney to outline medical preferences and appoint decision-makers. These documents ensure your healthcare wishes are respected during incapacity. Our guidance covers legal requirements and communication strategies for families and providers.
Estate Tax Planning
Our estate tax planning services minimize tax liabilities through irrevocable trusts, charitable giving, and other strategies. We analyze your assets and goals to design plans that protect wealth for beneficiaries. Services include consultation on federal and state tax implications and long-term financial security.
People
Michael Blacksburg
Principal Attorney
Michael Blacksburg is a senior estate planning attorney with over 20 years of experience in law and wealth management. He focuses on values-centered planning and multi-generational legacy strategies. Michael is certified in leadership coaching and previously worked with a private bank and family business consulting firms.
Deb L. Kinney
Of Counsel
Deb L. Kinney specializes in estate planning and trust administration with decades of experience. She founded a large estate planning firm and brings expertise in complex probate matters. Deb collaborates with clients to ensure comprehensive, tailored solutions.
Natalie Carrera
Senior Paralegal
Natalie Carrera has 26 years of experience in estate planning, probate, and civil litigation. She supports clients with document preparation, asset transfer, and trust funding. Natalie ensures meticulous attention to detail in all administrative processes.
Stephanie Lawson
Director of Operations
Stephanie Lawson manages operations and paralegal services at Blacksburg Law. She oversees workflow efficiency and client coordination. Stephanie's expertise includes trust management and probate procedures.
Lizann Persico
Client Engagement Coordinator
Lizann Persico guides clients through estate planning with empathy and clarity. She facilitates communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring a smooth, supportive experience. Lizann focuses on client education and post-documentation follow-up.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include a revocable living trust, pour-over will, durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, and HIPAA authorization. We tailor these to your unique needs.
How does the trust creation process work?
We begin with a consultation to understand your goals. Next, we design the trust structure, draft documents, and guide you through signing and funding the trust.
Can I update my estate plan?
Yes. We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events. We offer amendment services to keep your plan current.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. We provide remote consultations via video calls and handle document signing through secure e-signature platforms.
How are fees structured?
We use a flat-fee model for estate planning to ensure transparency. This includes all consultations, document preparation, and follow-up.
What areas do you serve?
We serve clients throughout California via virtual meetings and have physical offices in the San Francisco Bay Area.
