Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Estate & Business Planning Services in Saratoga, CA
Hales & George is a family-owned law practice that has served clients since 1972. Our attorneys specialize in estate planning, trust administration, probate, estate & gift tax, and business planning. We prioritize compassionate client relationships while minimizing estate taxes and capital gains taxes. Our team works closely with clients to understand unique circumstances and provide creative solutions for asset protection and family harmony. We are certified specialists in estate planning, trust, and probate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.Our firm has earned the Super Lawyers Magazine Award annually since 2010 and maintains an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible based on skill and ethics. Located in Saratoga, California, we serve the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding communities. Our team combines extensive legal experience with a commitment to personalized service and community engagement. We collaborate with local and national organizations to provide expert guidance on estate and business planning matters.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate Services
Business Planning
Estate Tax Planning
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of experience in estate and business planning
- Certified specialists in estate planning, trust, and probate law
- Maintain the highest AV rating from Martindale Hubbell
- Recognized annually in Super Lawyers Magazine since 2010
- Family-owned firm with deep community connections
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
- Martindale Hubbell
- Super Lawyers Magazine
What people say
Excellent service
Highly recommend Bill George
Professionalism exhibited
Certified specialist expertise
Blended family planning
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients avoid probate, minimize taxes, and ensure proper asset distribution. We create customized plans using revocable living trusts, wills, and advanced directives. Our attorneys guide clients through complex decisions to protect their legacy and family interests.
Trust Administration
We assist trustees with administering living trusts after a loved one's passing. Our team handles asset valuation, document filing, and beneficiary communications while providing legal protection during the process. We simplify trust administration to reduce stress for grieving families.
Probate Services
Our probate services guide executors through court-supervised estate administration. We help settle debts, distribute assets, and navigate legal requirements efficiently. Our experience expedites the process while minimizing costs for clients.
Business Planning
We develop succession plans for business owners to ensure smooth transitions during disability, death, or retirement. Our strategies include liability protection through corporations and LLCs while addressing equitable business transfers for future generations.
Estate Tax Planning
Our estate tax planning utilizes gift exemptions and irrevocable trusts to reduce federal tax liability. We implement strategies that preserve wealth for beneficiaries while ensuring compliance with complex tax regulations through personalized consultation.
People
Jan Marie Hales
Partner
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California. Over 30 years of experience in estate planning and trust administration. Recognized as a leading expert in Silicon Valley.
William P. George
Partner
Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior office award winner and political consultant. Specializes in estate planning and business transitions. Brings unique policy and political insights to legal practice.
Amber Booker
Associate Attorney
2024 Super Lawyers Rising Star in estate planning. Handles trust administration and probate court matters. Provides comprehensive legal solutions for complex estate needs since 2014.
Amber East D'Anna
Associate Attorney
Specializes in estate planning document preparation. Focuses on revocable trusts, wills, and healthcare directives. Offers personalized legal guidance for individual client requirements.
Christine Renfree
Office Manager/Paralegal
Manages office operations with 10+ years of administrative experience. Provides paralegal support and notary services. Holds business administration degree from California State University, Sacramento.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
A comprehensive plan typically includes a revocable living trust, will, durable power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive to ensure proper asset distribution and incapacity planning.
How can trust administration help avoid probate?
Trust administration transfers assets directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, reducing time, costs, and maintaining privacy compared to traditional probate proceedings.
What happens if I don't have an estate plan?
Without a plan, your estate goes through probate with asset distribution determined by state law rather than your personal wishes, potentially causing family disputes and increased costs.
How do you handle business succession planning?
We create customized succession plans addressing ownership transfer, management continuity, and liability protection through corporations or LLCs to ensure smooth business transitions.
What are your office hours?
Our Saratoga office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We offer appointments to accommodate client schedules.
How are you different from other estate planning firms?
As a family-owned practice with certified specialists and Super Lawyers recognition, we combine technical expertise with personalized service and community commitment spanning over 50 years.
