Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Estate Planning Partner in Larkspur, CA
Founded in 1997, our firm specializes in estate planning, probate, and trust administration services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families across Marin County and the Greater Bay Area. We prioritize a collaborative, educational approach to help clients create legacies that reflect their values and protect their loved ones. Our team combines decades of legal expertise with a commitment to affordability and personalized service, ensuring clients receive comprehensive solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs.We maintain offices in Larkspur, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek, offering remote and mobile services for added convenience. Our practice philosophy centers on transparency, client education, and ongoing support, including free annual plan reviews and no-charge consultations for existing clients.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Services
Trust Administration
Asset Protection
Charitable Planning
Special Needs Planning
Guardianship Planning
Financial Planning
Will Preparation
Living Trusts
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized estate planning experience
- Our team provides personalized consultations with no hidden fees
- We serve clients across the Bay Area with mobile services
- Free annual estate plan reviews for all clients
- Comprehensive approach combining legal expertise with financial strategy
What people say
Exceptionally professional
Thoroughly-tailored planning
Warm and friendly
Patient and clear
Affordable solutions
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive legal frameworks to protect assets and ensure your wishes are honored. We develop customized strategies that address property distribution, healthcare directives, and guardianship arrangements. Clients receive detailed guidance through wills, trusts, and advanced directives to secure their family's future while minimizing tax implications and probate challenges.
Trust Administration
We specialize in establishing and managing revocable living trusts to avoid probate and maintain privacy. Our trust administration services ensure seamless asset transfer while providing ongoing management solutions for beneficiaries. The process includes document creation, asset re-titling guidance, and long-term maintenance strategies to adapt to changing life circumstances and legal requirements.
Probate Services
Our probate services guide executors through California's court process for estate settlement. We provide comprehensive support with asset inventory, debt resolution, tax filings, and distribution procedures. The practice helps families navigate complex legal requirements while minimizing delays and costs associated with administering estates through the court system.
Special Needs Planning
This specialized service creates legal protections for individuals with disabilities while preserving government benefits. We establish supplemental needs trusts and coordinate care provisions to ensure long-term financial security. The planning process addresses unique challenges while maintaining eligibility for essential programs like Medi-Cal and SSI.
Guardianship Planning
Our guardianship planning ensures your children's future care preferences are documented. We create legally binding arrangements designating caretakers and inheritance managers while addressing educational and healthcare decision-making authority. The service includes contingency planning for multiple scenarios to protect minor children's interests.
People
Joseph M. Barton
Attorney & Founder
Licensed California attorney since 1997 with exclusive focus on estate planning. Second-generation estate planning attorney serving Marin County residents. Graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law with extensive experience in trust and probate matters.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, special needs planning, and guardianship arrangements tailored to individual circumstances.
How does your consultation process work?
Our 60-minute consultations assess your unique needs through detailed discussions about family, assets, and goals. We explain options and recommend customized strategies during this initial meeting.
What are your service areas?
We serve clients throughout the Bay Area with offices in Larkspur, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek, plus remote and mobile services available.
How much do estate plans cost?
Basic plans start at $950 with customized pricing based on complexity. We provide written flat-fee quotes upfront with no hidden charges for calls or emails.
Do you offer ongoing plan maintenance?
Yes, we provide free annual reviews, complimentary revisions within one year, and lifetime client support for all estate planning documents we create.
