Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Estate Planning & Probate Legal Services in San Bernardino
Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick has provided exceptional legal representation in estate planning, probate, and trust administration since 1948. Our attorneys specialize in complex estate matters, including wills, living trusts, probate litigation, and elder law, serving clients across Southern California. With over 35 years of experience, principal Thomas W. Dominick holds certifications from the State Bar of California and maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.Recognized as Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trust & Estates Lawyers, we combine deep expertise with personalized service to resolve intricate legal challenges. Our team regularly educates professionals on probate matters and has authored authoritative guides in the field. We prioritize efficient, cost-effective solutions tailored to each client's unique needs while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate
Probate Litigation
Trust and Estate Litigation
Conservatorships
Guardianships
Elder Law
Financial Abuse
IRS Tax Scams
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- Over 35 years of experience in estate planning and probate law
- Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent peer rating
- Recognized as Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trust & Estates Lawyers
- Co-authors of 'The Probate Process from Start to Finish'
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
- Martindale-Hubbell
What people say
Exceptional legal representation
Deep expertise in probate law
Responsive and thorough attorneys
Decades of trusted service
Effective dispute resolution
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, living trusts, and advance health care directives. Our attorneys help clients minimize transfer taxes and simplify estate administration through strategic asset distribution frameworks tailored to individual family needs and financial circumstances.
Trust Administration
Our team manages post-mortem trust administration and lifetime trust modifications. We handle Crummey notices, gift tax filings, and fiduciary responsibilities while ensuring proper asset valuation, trustee compensation, and dispute resolution during trust administration processes.
Probate
We guide executors through California's court-supervised probate process for validating wills and distributing estates. Our services include inventory management, creditor notifications, asset appraisal, and final estate distribution according to legal requirements and decedent wishes.
Probate Litigation
Our attorneys represent parties in will contests, fiduciary breach claims, and heirship disputes. We handle accounting disputes, removal proceedings, and asset recovery cases while prioritizing mediation solutions before pursuing courtroom resolutions for contested estates.
Conservatorships
We establish legal frameworks for managing incapacitated adults' personal and financial matters. Our services include petition preparation, court representation, and ongoing compliance with reporting requirements for conservators and guardians.
People
Thomas W. Dominick
Attorney
Certified estate planning specialist with 35+ years experience. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers honoree, and co-author of 'The Probate Process from Start to Finish'. Lectures on probate matters for legal professionals.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. Our attorneys create customized plans based on your assets and family needs.
How does probate work in California?
California's probate process validates wills, appoints executors, inventories assets, pays debts, and distributes estates under court supervision. The process typically takes 8-12 months for uncomplicated cases.
What's the difference between a trust and a will?
Trusts avoid probate and provide lifetime asset management, while wills require court validation and only take effect after death. Trusts offer greater privacy and control over asset distribution.
How do I establish a conservatorship?
File a petition with the court demonstrating incapacity, complete medical evaluations, and attend hearings to establish decision-making authority for an incapacitated adult's personal and financial matters.
Can trust disputes be resolved without litigation?
Yes, we prioritize mediation and alternative dispute resolution to resolve trust conflicts amicably before pursuing courtroom action, preserving relationships and reducing costs.
