Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Los Altos, CA
We are a distinguished law firm based in Los Altos, California, with a legacy of providing personalized legal representation since 1975. Our practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, probate, family law, criminal law, and mediation, serving clients across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. With over 30 years of experience, Joseph W. Dozier leads our team, combining expertise in trial law and mediation to address complex legal challenges. Our founding partner, James H. Dozier, established a tradition of client-centered service that continues today, emphasizing ethical practice and deep legal knowledge. We prioritize client education, offering advance directives and estate planning strategies to minimize tax burdens and avoid probate.Our commitment to accessibility ensures all clients receive equitable support, and our mediation services provide cost-effective alternatives to litigation. Recognized for decades of service, we remain dedicated to protecting client rights while fostering trust through transparent communication. Our teams extensive background in local courts and bar associations reinforces our authority in the legal community. Client testimonials highlight our ability to navigate high-stakes cases with professionalism and compassion, ensuring tailored solutions for every individual. We offer free initial consultations to help clients understand their legal options and make informed decisions.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate Services
Family Law
Criminal Defense
Mediation
Wills & Trusts
Power of Attorney
Real Estate Law
Personal Injury
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of combined legal experience in California courts
- Our practice combines estate planning with mediation expertise
- We provide free initial consultations for all case types
- Our attorneys hold memberships in three local bar associations
- We maintain WCAG 2.1 Level AA website accessibility compliance
What people say
Kind, dedicated and ethical professional
Thorough knowledge of the law
Amazing understanding of judicial system
Dependable long-term legal support
Saved from financial disasters
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. Our strategies minimize tax liabilities while avoiding probate court delays. With over 38 years of experience, we tailor solutions to individual family needs and financial circumstances.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, and property division cases with sensitivity to emotional challenges. We offer mediation alternatives to reduce conflict and costs while protecting client interests. Services include prenuptial agreements and spousal support negotiations across multiple California counties.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges while advocating for record expungement opportunities. Our approach focuses on minimizing sentencing impacts and preserving future opportunities. With 30+ years of courtroom experience, we challenge evidence and negotiate plea agreements when appropriate.
Mediation Services
As certified mediators, we facilitate settlements for estate, family, and civil disputes without court intervention. This process empowers parties to control outcomes while reducing legal costs. Our neutral approach helps clients reach binding agreements through structured negotiation sessions.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through probate court procedures for estate distribution and debt settlement. Our services include will validation, asset inventory, and tax filing assistance. We streamline complex probate processes to ensure timely resolution while maintaining compliance with California estate laws.
People
Joseph W. Dozier
Attorney at Law
Joseph W. Dozier has practiced law for over 30 years, specializing in estate planning and mediation. He serves as Judge Pro Tem in Santa Clara County and maintains memberships in three local bar associations. His practice combines trial experience with conflict resolution expertise.
James H. Dozier
Founding Partner
James H. Dozier established the firm in 1975, focusing on estate planning until his retirement. His legacy of client-centered service continues through his son Joseph. He built the firm's reputation for ethical practice and community commitment in Los Altos.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. We help determine which instruments best protect your assets and wishes.
How does mediation differ from litigation?
Mediation allows parties to negotiate settlements directly with a neutral mediator, avoiding court decisions. It typically costs less and resolves disputes faster than traditional litigation.
Can criminal records be expunged in California?
Yes, we help clients pursue record clearances, reductions, or pardons for past convictions. Eligibility depends on offense severity and time since conviction.
What happens during probate administration?
The court oversees asset distribution according to wills or state laws. Our services streamline this process through proper documentation and tax compliance.
Do you offer free legal consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary initial consultations for all practice areas to discuss your legal options and case strategy.
