Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Estate Planning and Trust Administration Services in Irvine, CA
Established in 1970, our law firm specializes in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. With over 45 years of experience, we have successfully guided 7,000+ clients through complex estate matters, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate tax planning, and trust litigation. Our founder, W. Bailey Smith, is a certified specialist in estate planning by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization and has been recognized in prominent publications such as the Wall Street Journal and American Bar Association Journal.We prioritize personalized service, ensuring clients retain family wealth while avoiding probate, excessive taxes, and creditor claims. Our team combines deep legal expertise with a commitment to client education, offering resources like our 55-page estate planning guide and instructional DVDs. With offices in Irvine and Long Beach, we serve clients across California.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate
Trust Administration
Estate Tax Planning
Pet Trusts
Guardianship
Special Needs Trusts
Business Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of experience in estate planning and probate law
- Certified specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
- Successfully resolved IRS audits and saved clients millions in taxes
- Personalized estate plans tailored to family needs and tax efficiency
- Recognized in national publications like the Wall Street Journal and Readers Digest
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization (Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law)
What people say
Saved millions in taxes
Certified specialist
Personalized service
IRS audit success
Multigenerational planning
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our services include revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and durable powers of attorney. Clients benefit from tax-efficient strategies to protect family wealth across generations.
Probate
Our team guides executors through probate court proceedings to settle estates efficiently. We handle asset collection, debt payment, and distribution while minimizing delays and fees. Clients avoid costly mistakes through our expertise in California probate law.
Trust Administration
We assist trustees in administering trusts with precision, including asset valuation, tax filings, and beneficiary communications. Our process ensures compliance with legal requirements while maintaining privacy and avoiding court involvement.
Estate Tax Planning
We implement strategies to reduce or eliminate federal estate taxes using irrevocable trusts, charitable deductions, and generation-skipping techniques. Clients retain more wealth for heirs while staying compliant with evolving tax laws.
Special Needs Trusts
We design trusts to protect assets for disabled beneficiaries without jeopardizing government benefits. Our plans ensure financial security while maintaining eligibility for Medi-Cal and Social Security programs.
People
W. Bailey Smith
Attorney & Certified Estate Planner
With 47+ years of experience, W. Bailey Smith is a certified estate planning specialist by the California State Bar. He has authored educational materials, taught at Long Beach State, and represented clients in IRS audits. His work focuses on asset protection and multigenerational wealth transfer.
Questions
What is the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will requires probate court validation, while a living trust avoids probate by transferring asset ownership during your lifetime. Trusts also offer greater control over asset distribution.
How can I reduce estate taxes?
We use irrevocable trusts, charitable deductions, and family limited partnerships to minimize federal estate taxes. Our strategies preserve wealth for heirs while complying with current tax laws.
What happens if I don't plan my estate?
Without planning, your assets may go through probate, incur unnecessary taxes, and be distributed according to state law rather than your wishes. Family disputes may also arise.
Do I need a trust if I have a small estate?
Trusts benefit estates of all sizes by avoiding probate, protecting assets from creditors, and ensuring smooth wealth transfer. We tailor solutions to your specific financial situation.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, or significant asset changes. We help clients stay current with legal and tax updates.
Videos
