Business Details
12 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Services in Napa
At Manfred & Hunt, we specialize in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law, serving clients in Napa, California. With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys provide clear, actionable guidance to help families navigate complex legal processes. We prioritize transparency, efficiency, and personalized service, ensuring clients understand every step of estate planning and trust management.Our team is committed to minimizing tax burdens, avoiding probate, and protecting assets for future generations. By focusing on long-term relationships and tailored solutions, we empower clients to make informed decisions that align with their unique family and financial circumstances.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate
Elder Law
Asset Preservation
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of combined experience in estate planning and trust law.
- Our team specializes in Revocable Living Trusts to avoid probate and tax burdens.
- We provide personalized guidance with clear, jargon-free explanations of legal processes.
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in estate planning by the California State Bar.
- We offer after-hours appointments for client convenience and accessibility.
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, and tax strategies to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed. Our team guides clients through complex legal frameworks to minimize probate and tax liabilities. With personalized consultations, we address family dynamics, asset distribution, and long-term care planning to provide comprehensive solutions.
Trust Administration
Our attorneys assist trustees in managing and distributing trust assets efficiently while complying with legal requirements. We handle creditor claims, tax filings, and beneficiary communications to reduce administrative burdens. With a focus on minimizing disputes and legal risks, we ensure smooth trust transitions for families during sensitive times.
Probate
We guide executors through court-mandated probate processes to validate wills and distribute assets. Our team streamlines paperwork, creditor notifications, and tax compliance to expedite estate settlements. By leveraging our expertise, clients navigate probate complexities with reduced costs and delays.
Asset Preservation
We design strategies to safeguard assets from excessive taxes, creditors, and unintended beneficiaries. Our services include irrevocable trusts, gifting plans, and property titling to secure wealth for future generations. By analyzing individual financial profiles, we create durable solutions aligned with long-term goals.
Elder Law
Our practice addresses legal needs for aging individuals, including long-term care planning and incapacity provisions. We draft healthcare directives and durable powers of attorney to ensure clients' medical and financial wishes are honored. By integrating Medicaid planning, we protect assets while securing necessary care.
People
Mike Manfred
Attorney
Certified estate planning specialist with 20+ years of experience. Former Deloitte tax consultant and Napa law firm partner. Focuses on trust administration and tax-efficient estate strategies.
Lori Hunt
Attorney
Certified specialist in probate law. Former legal secretary turned attorney with 13 years of hands-on experience. Co-founded Manfred & Hunt in 2014 after leading estate planning departments at Gaw Van Male, LLP.
Brianne Richmond
Of Counsel Attorney
Estate planning expert with a decade of legal experience. Joined Manfred & Hunt in 2022 after raising three children. Active in Napa community organizations and youth programs.
Questions
What documents are included in a basic estate plan?
A basic estate plan typically includes a will, revocable trust, durable power of attorney, and advanced healthcare directive to manage asset distribution and decision-making.
How can I avoid probate in California?
Probate can be avoided through revocable living trusts, joint property ownership, designated beneficiaries on accounts, and beneficiary deeds for real estate.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
California's intestacy laws determine asset distribution. Property goes to surviving spouses, children, or other relatives based on statutory guidelines if no will exists.
Do I need an attorney for trust administration?
While not legally required, legal guidance ensures compliance with complex trust laws, reduces liability risks, and helps resolve disputes between trustees and beneficiaries.
What are the benefits of a revocable living trust?
Revocable trusts avoid probate, maintain privacy, allow asset management during incapacity, and provide controlled distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
