Business Details
Your Trusted Estate Planning Partner in Southern California
Acorn Law is a Southern California-based legal practice specializing in estate planning, trusts, and probate services. With a focus on creating tailored solutions, the firm ensures families can protect their assets and legacy while avoiding probate court complications. Our team of attorneys provides hands-on guidance through life changes, offering updates to living trusts, special needs planning, and post-death administration support.Client testimonials highlight our compassionate approach, expertise, and commitment to long-term relationships. We serve clients in Westlake Village, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas, combining technical proficiency with personalized service to deliver legally sound and practical solutions.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate Services
Special Needs Trusts
Living Trust Updates
Post-Death Administration
Asset Protection Planning
Tax Minimization Strategies
Guardianship Arrangements
Legal Document Review
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive estate planning services tailored to unique family needs
- Our team provides personalized legal guidance through life's major changes
- We guarantee long-term support with trust updates and post-death administration
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in estate planning and probate law
- We maintain transparent billing and communication throughout the legal process
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Exceptional service
Knowledgeable attorneys
Stress-free process
Professional team
Compassionate approach
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning service creates legally binding documents that protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed. We help clients establish wills, trusts, and advanced directives while minimizing tax liabilities. Our attorneys work closely with families to create customized solutions that address unique family dynamics, special needs considerations, and long-term financial security goals.
Trust Administration
We simplify trust administration for successor trustees through step-by-step guidance and legal support. Our services include asset inventory, beneficiary notifications, tax filings, and distribution management. Our team ensures compliance with California probate codes while maintaining transparent communication throughout the administration process to protect both trustees and beneficiaries.
Probate Services
Our probate specialists help executors navigate California's court system with minimal stress. We handle all aspects of probate including court filings, creditor notifications, asset appraisals, and final distributions. With our zero-upfront-fee structure, we provide comprehensive representation to settle estates efficiently while protecting personal representatives from legal liability.
Special Needs Trusts
We create specialized trusts that protect government benefits while providing for loved ones with disabilities. Our attorneys coordinate legal, financial, and care planning to ensure lifelong support. We help families establish provisions for housing, medical care, and daily living needs while maintaining eligibility for essential public assistance programs.
Living Trust Updates
We help clients maintain effective estate plans through comprehensive trust reviews and updates. Our service includes evaluating changes in family circumstances, financial status, and tax laws to ensure documents remain current. We guide clients through necessary amendments following major life events like marriages, divorces, or significant asset acquisitions.
People
Marc Mackenzie
Managing Attorney
With over 15 years of estate planning experience, Marc specializes in complex trust structures and probate litigation. He holds a certification from the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization and has guided hundreds of families through estate transitions.
Andy S. Yun
Of Counsel
Andy focuses on asset protection strategies and special needs planning. He combines technical expertise with compassionate counseling to create practical solutions for families facing unique estate planning challenges across multiple jurisdictions.
Nikki Hashemi
Associate Attorney
Nikki specializes in trust administration and post-death estate management. She assists clients with trust funding, probate compliance, and beneficiary communications while maintaining a client-centered approach to complex legal processes.
Tim FitzGerald
Associate Attorney
Tim handles estate planning document preparation and trust modifications. He works closely with clients to update existing plans, ensuring alignment with current laws and personal circumstances through clear, accessible legal guidance.
Darlene Fowlks
Client Care Manager
With over a decade in legal client services, Darlene coordinates initial consultations and case management. She serves as primary client contact, ensuring smooth communication and timely execution of estate planning objectives.
Questions
What's included in a comprehensive estate plan?
A complete estate plan includes a living trust, pour-over will, advanced healthcare directives, durable power of attorney, and proper asset titling to ensure your wishes are followed.
How often should I update my living trust?
Review your trust every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant financial changes to maintain its effectiveness.
Can I avoid probate with proper planning?
Yes, properly structured trusts with fully transferred assets can completely avoid probate court, saving time, money, and maintaining privacy for your family.
Do I need an attorney for estate planning?
While DIY options exist, an experienced attorney ensures legally sound documents tailored to your unique situation, preventing costly mistakes and court challenges.
How does special needs planning work?
We create specialized trusts that protect government benefits while providing supplemental care funds, ensuring loved ones with disabilities receive proper support without compromising eligibility.
What happens if I die without an estate plan?
Your assets go through probate court where a judge decides distribution according to state law, potentially causing delays, increased costs, and family disputes.
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