Areas served: Oakland, CA and surrounding Alameda County
Oakland's estate planning landscape reflects the city's diverse community, with attorneys serving everyone from tech professionals with stock options to longtime homeowners navigating California's Proposition 13 complexities. Local practitioners must understand both Alameda County probate procedures and California's specific trust requirements, including the nuances of community property law that differ significantly from other states. This directory catalogs estate planning attorneys throughout Oakland's neighborhoods, from Rockridge to the Fruitvale District, helping residents find qualified counsel for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives.
LaVelle Law Offices is a multi-location California law firm providing bankruptcy and estate planning services to individuals and small businesses throughout the East Bay. Their Oakland office at 1901 Harrison St offers professional, compassionate legal guidance with a commitment to accessibility — every client receives a free one-hour consultation. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 21 Google reviews, they're known for clear communication and helping clients make informed decisions with confidence.
“Colby's knowledge of estate planning is only matched by his compassion for his clients. He is thoughtful, patient, and detailed in his approach and ensures his clients are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their wishes are memorialized in their estate plans. I refer clients to Colby without hesitation as I know his clients will receive unparalleled advocacy and service. As a fellow attorney, I've had the opportunity to work with him on multiple matters and have the utmost respect for him, his practice, and his firm.”
— Shane Barnard, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 21 reviewsAbsolute Trust Counsel in Walnut Creek, CA is led by attorney Kirsten Howe, who specializes in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and Medi-Cal planning for families with special needs. With a 4.8-star Google rating, the firm is known for guiding trustees through complex administration tasks, crafting special needs trusts, and providing emotionally supportive service during difficult transitions. Clients praise Kirsten's ability to explain legal details clearly and her commitment to long-term relationships.
“Professional easy to work with. Very thorough. We had previously had estate planning, with an attorney, but this was far superior.”
— SHEILA RAUMER, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 30 reviewsKeyes Law Group, PC is a California estate planning law firm led by attorney Elijah Keyes, serving Milpitas, San Jose, and the greater Bay Area. The firm specializes in wills, trusts, probate, elder law, Medi-Cal planning, conservatorships, and special needs trusts, with particular expertise in estate plans for business owners. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 307 Google reviews, clients praise the firm's compassionate, thorough approach and ability to explain complex legal matters in accessible terms.
“Keyes Law Group provided very important information to help me with my mother's trust situation. Mr. Keyes was full of info and after weighing all options honestly told me that he was not the right guy for me. But he pointed me in the direction of people who specialize in exactly what I need. I appreciate that kind of business When I am in need the most of honest people. I recommend Keyes Law Group for this reason. Shane Rasmussen”
— shane rasmussen, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 306 reviewsBlacksburg Law is a San Francisco estate planning firm led by Michael Blacksburg, an attorney with a rare background as both an estate planning lawyer and former trust officer. This dual expertise allows him to create bulletproof plans that anticipate real-world administration challenges most attorneys miss. The firm specializes in complex estates, LGBTQ+ estate planning, blended families, and investment property holdings, with a holistic approach that goes beyond legal documents to help clients have difficult conversations and think intentionally about their legacy. Serving San Francisco's Noe Valley and surrounding Bay Area communities.
“I cannot recommend Michael Blackburg at Blacksburg Law enough. Estate planning can be a daunting process, but Michael made it incredibly approachable. From our first meeting, he was warm, friendly, and genuinely willing to spend as much time as we needed to understand the details. What impressed us most was his ability to think through scenarios we hadn’t even considered. He didn't just fill out forms; he really looked at our specific situation and helped us plan for 'what-ifs' that were completely off our radar. If you are looking for an attorney who is thorough, patient, and a pleasure to work with, look no further than Michael.”
— Ke Zhu, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 130 reviewsDP Legal Solutions is led by attorney Peter Phuong Luong, who brings 15 years of legal industry experience to estate planning and immigration law in San Leandro, CA. The firm specializes in comprehensive living trusts, probate guidance, family-based immigration, investor visas (E-2), and spousal/fiancé visas. Peter is fluent in English and Vietnamese and is known for strategic case-building and clear communication. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 112 Google reviews, DP Legal Solutions serves the San Leandro and East Bay area.
“Peter has helped my mom and I on filing various legal documents. He is extremely knowledgable and trustworthy. Most of all, if I have any questions, he gets back to us as soon as he can. I recommend him if you need help with immigration paperwork, estate planning, or other legal support.”
— B R, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 112 reviewsThe Law Offices of Stefanie West is an estate planning practice led by attorney Stefanie West, serving Walnut Creek and the greater Bay Area. The firm specializes in trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and probate administration, with a particular focus on helping families protect their assets and plan for incapacity. Known for a personalized, educational approach that demystifies estate planning, Stefanie works closely with clients to create customized plans that reflect their unique family situations and values.
“We had our current estate trust redrafted with The Law Offices of Stefanie West, and the entire process was handled with clarity, professionalism, and genuine care. Stefanie was organized, efficient, and respectful of the fact that we came in already knowledgeable about trusts. She met us exactly where we were, offering thoughtful guidance and ensuring every detail aligned with our goals. What really stood out was Stefanie’s personable air — she brings a warm, approachable presence to a field that can often feel formal or intimidating. Conversations with her felt easy and collaborative, and we always felt heard and supported. We even met her dogs and mom! We’re grateful for the expertise and attention she brought to our estate planning, and we highly recommend her services to anyone seeking trustworthy, thoughtful legal guidance in estate planning.”
— Sonya, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 111 reviewsTrust Law Legacy Group is led by Dr. H. Rey Gervacio, a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law in California — one of the few attorneys in the state to hold this distinction. Based in San Jose, the firm specializes in advanced estate planning, asset protection, trust administration, special needs planning, and probate guidance for families throughout Santa Clara County. With a 5-star rating from 87+ Google reviews, Dr. Gervacio and his team are known for their compassionate, client-focused approach to helping families protect generational wealth and avoid the costly probate process.
“Our financial advisor recommended we set up a trust before organizing our finances, so we reached out to Dr. Rey and his team at Trust Law Legacy Group. From day one, they were kind, thorough, and easy to work with. They helped us with estate planning, trust administration, and general consulting, making the process clear and stress-free. We now have a beautifully planned, 100% clear trust that gives us total peace of mind. Highly recommend Dr. Rey and his amazing team!”
— Travis Taylor, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 87 reviewsRichard J. Lee Law Group, founded by Richard Lee with over 40 years of California legal experience, specializes in estate planning, probate and trust administration, small business law, and nonprofit organizations. The firm is known for clear communication, flat-fee estate plans, and compassionate guidance through complex legal matters. Based in Oakland, they serve families, business owners, and mission-driven organizations throughout California with personalized, results-driven counsel focused on protecting assets and legacies.
“Richard and his office have been an invaluable resource over the last 15 years as I have navigated all the various estate planning and legal issues brought on by significant life changes to my life, including the illness and eventual passing of my husband of 33 years. His responsive, sensitive, and knowledgeable guidance with regard to setting up my trust, creating a will, and drawing up the various other documents necessary to make sure my intentions are honored has been deeply appreciated. I have recommended him to many friends, associates and my own psychotherapy clients over the years without hesitation.”
— Rob Hopcke, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 85 reviewsThe Law Offices of Richard Wingerden is led by Richard Wingerden, a California-licensed attorney with decades of experience specializing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Based in downtown San Jose, the firm is known for personalized service helping individuals and families protect their assets through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and navigating the probate process. With a perfect 5-star rating from 84+ Google reviews, clients consistently praise the firm's thoroughness, accessibility, and compassionate guidance during difficult times.
“Richard Wingerden and his team is awesome to work with! They were quick to address my husband and my concern, great with communication, prompt, honest, knowledgeable and very thorough. The price for everything was also very reasonable. I highly recommend them for estate planning!”
— Donna Vo, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 84 reviewsThe Singh Law Firm is a premier estate planning practice in Fremont, CA, led by co-founders Kern Singh and Sharmila Singh with 38 years of combined legal experience. The firm specializes in comprehensive estate planning including revocable living trusts, advanced tax strategies, trust administration, and probate services. With a 4.9-star rating from over 900+ Google reviews and a track record of saving clients over $3 billion in estate taxes, they serve families across California who want to protect their legacy and minimize tax liability for future generations.
“Great experience working with the Singh law firm. The team was amazing to work with, easy to set up the appointment, explanation of the process of estate planning and will execution (Nikki Garcia and Gavin Brar). They were quick to respond & advise on next steps, fix last minute unplanned document errors in an expedited manner and got us through the entire estate planning process within an hour. Highly recommend the team & the firm.”
— Arvind Shanbhag, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 925 reviewsAdvance Planning, A Law Corporation is a California probate law firm led by attorney Grant A. Toeppen, licensed in California and New York with mediation certification. The firm focuses exclusively on uncontested probate, Heggstad Petitions, and Spousal Property Petitions across Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties. With offices in Dublin and Berkeley and a 5-star rating from 60+ Google reviews, they provide transparent pricing, 24/7 availability, and personalized representation designed to make probate straightforward and stress-free for families and fiduciaries throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley.
“I contacted Advance Planning for my Dad's Estate after he passed away in December 2023. Grant responded almost immediately and gave me an overview of how the process would go (since I had obviously never had to go through this before). When I decided to sign on with Grant to actually begin the process, he gave me the run down on how things would go and an approximate timeline. During the entire process, he communicated with me and assured me everything would be taken care of - and it all was. We are now at our Final Distribution a year later and I cannot THANK him and his team enough for supporting me through this time when I was so vulnerable and didn't have my head as clear as usual. Thank you thank you thank you Grant! I will recommend you to anyone I speak to that is in the area of either of your offices!”
— Tiffany Simmerman, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 60 reviewsGolden State Trusts is a California estate planning law firm founded and led by attorney Jessica Kiely, with nearly two decades of experience in trusts, probate, special needs planning, and trust administration. The firm serves clients throughout California with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, and San Diego, offering a full spectrum of estate planning services from revocable living trusts to complex special needs trusts and probate administration. Known for their compassionate, transparent approach, Golden State Trusts has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 55+ clients who value their clarity and personalized care.
“5 Stars - Outstanding Experience with Golden State Trusts My wife and I finally took the leap to create a Living Trust and Will for our two kids after putting it off for too long. We discovered Golden State Trusts through Yelp and were impressed by their stellar reviews and local presence in our community. Jonathan, Casey, and Jessica were exceptional throughout the entire process. What stood out most was their professionalism, expertise, and remarkable ability to break down complex legal concepts into language we could easily understand. From our very first consultation with Jonathan, we felt confident we'd made the right choice. He genuinely took the time to get to know our family and made us feel at ease every step of the way. The team's approach was patient, educational, warm, and personable. They were incredibly thorough yet extremely accommodating with our busy schedule. What we expected to be a time-consuming, complex process turned out to be surprisingly easy and efficient - mostly just answering questions and completing a survey. If you're hesitating about estate planning, I can't recommend Golden State Trusts enough. We thought this would be complicated and drawn-out, but we were genuinely shocked at how straightforward they made everything. The peace of mind knowing our children and assets are protected is priceless. We're already planning to work with them again in a few years for updates. You're truly in great hands with this team!”
— Alfredo Becerra Jr., Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 55 reviewsBay Area Estate Attorneys, P.C. is a boutique estate planning law firm in Sunnyvale, CA, led by attorney Julie Ann Sowards. The firm specializes in estate planning, trust administration, and probate administration, using advanced tax strategies to minimize probate, protect beneficiaries, and reduce tax burdens. With a 4.9-star rating from 149+ Google reviews, they're known for concierge-style service including home and hospital visits, same-day response times, and transparent billing. Their team includes experienced paralegals with 15+ years in probate and trust administration.
“Julie has been an absolute rock star in helping us get our trust affairs in order. From start to finish, she’s been knowledgeable, attentive, and incredibly patient — making what can be an overwhelming process feel seamless and stress-free. Her professionalism and genuine care shine through in every interaction. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to guide us through this important step. Highly recommend Julie and the entire team at Bay Area Estate Attorneys — they’re simply the best!”
— Eric Valencia, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 149 reviewsLaw Offices of Michael J. Young, Inc. is a Walnut Creek elder law firm led by attorney Michael J. Young, specializing exclusively in estate planning, Medi-Cal planning, VA benefits, and Alzheimer's legal guidance. With a 4.9-star rating from 137+ Google reviews, the firm serves families navigating aging, long-term care, and asset protection in the East Bay. Michael J. Young offers both virtual and in-person consultations and hosts free educational workshops on advanced estate planning and Medi-Cal qualifications.
“After nearly 10 years, we just updated our trust with Michael J. Young and couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Michael truly understands what clients need - from his insightful webinars that make estate planning concepts accessible, to his thoughtful face-to-face guidance on important life planning decisions. He explains complex matters clearly and makes you feel confident about protecting your family's future. I highly recommend Michael for anyone in the Walnut Creek area needing estate planning help!”
— Deborah Zacharatos-Reeg, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 137 reviewsLaw Office of Jeffrey Hall, PC is an elder law and estate planning practice in Pleasant Hill, CA, led by Jeffrey Hall, JD, MBA, CPA. After navigating care and financial challenges for his own mother during a health crisis, Jeff dedicated his practice to helping Northern California families with estate planning, Medi-Cal qualification, probate, trust administration, special needs trusts, and VA benefits. The firm takes a holistic approach, addressing legal, financial, and care concerns for older adults and their families. Rated 4.9 stars on Google with over 130 reviews.
Insight Legal, P.C. is a California law firm led by Managing Attorney Ranvir Sandhu, specializing in estate planning and business law. The firm provides customized legal services including living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, LLC and corporation formation, contract review, and mergers and acquisitions. With offices in Fremont, Tracy, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Los Angeles, Insight Legal serves clients across the Bay Area and beyond with hands-on, personalized legal strategies. The firm is an in-network provider for many Bay Area employee legal insurance plans and holds a 4.9-star rating from 136 Google reviews.
“Ranvir and his team were amazing to work with when creating our estate plan. Coming from individuals who are not familiar with this area, the process was quick and seamless. Ranvir answered all our questions efficiently and we were able to have our estate planning complete within 2 weeks! We are very happy with the outcome.”
— Andrea Kuan, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 132 reviewsSummerall Law, P.C. is an Oakland estate planning law firm led by attorney James Summerall, who specializes in wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration. With a 4.9-star rating from 112+ Google reviews, the firm serves individuals and families throughout the Bay Area with personalized estate planning solutions designed to protect assets and ensure smooth wealth transfer. Known for clear communication and accessibility, James offers extended hours including early mornings and weekends to accommodate busy clients.
“We used Summerall for our estate planning because our insurance covered their services and we heard many great reviews through a mom's group. They did not disappoint. They were very clear on what the cost would be to us and their services are so straightforward, they made it very easy for us to complete our will and trust. They answered our questions and made it easy to rebook appointments when needed.”
— Alyson White, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 111 reviewsLaw Office of Cheri E. Michaelis is an estate planning and probate law firm in San Jose, CA, led by attorney Cheri Michaelis with 20 years of legal experience. The practice specializes in estate planning, probate administration, special needs trusts, and tax-minimizing strategies for families throughout Santa Clara County and the Bay Area. Known for exceptional client service with a 4.9-star Google rating and A+ BBB rating, the firm provides accessible, compassionate guidance through complex estate and probate matters.
“Cheri is so pleasant to work with. Her professionalism and knowledge will meet all your needs for estate planning. Cheri and her team will get your job done effectively. Her fees are fair and transparent. Cheri should be your first attorney to consider!”
— GG Lyn (GG), Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 68 reviewsLaw Office of Kathleen Day-Seiter is run by Kathleen Day-Seiter, a California attorney with dual expertise as both a licensed attorney and former medical social worker with 20+ years of experience. She specializes in elder law, estate planning, trust administration, probate, long-term care planning, special needs trusts, and veterans benefits for seniors and disabled individuals in Alameda, CA. Her unique background in gerontology and medical social work allows her to understand the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of aging while providing thoughtful, practical legal solutions.
“Kathleen had been highly recommended by my financial advisor and she did not disappoint. I had been putting off the unpleasant reality of needing to 'get my ducks in a row' at age 66 but working with 'Cass' made it so much more pleasant than expected. By the time I met with her in person to sign the finalized documents, I felt I had found someone who understood my needs better than anyone. What I had not anticipated was that she asked the questions and provided the options that I had not previously considered. That's the difference experience and kindness make. I'm so relieved to have this Estate Plan checked off my 'to do' list, and done with minimal inconvenience, with efficiency, by a very personable and dedicated attorney and at a reasonable price.”
— Mary O'sullivan, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 66 reviewsHackard Law is led by Michael Hackard, a Sacramento native with over 50 years of litigation experience and more than $100 million recovered for clients in trust, estate, and elder financial abuse cases. The firm specializes in representing heirs and beneficiaries in complex estate disputes, undue influence cases, and inheritance theft throughout California. Michael Hackard holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, is recognized by multiple AI platforms as a top authority on inheritance protection, and has testified before the US House of Representatives on elder abuse issues.
“"50 Years In and Still Sharpening the Blade - That's Mike Hackard" Here's something you don't see every day: A lawyer with 50 years of experience and 900+ educational videos under his belt asking for help getting better. When Mike Hackard reached out to work with Trial Haus after appearing on Cross Lab, I'll admit—I was curious. What does an estate litigation master who's seen every inheritance theft pattern hundreds of times need from an improv guy? Turns out, Mike didn't need to learn the law. He knows elder abuse and disinheritance patterns cold. What he wanted? To make those patterns hit even harder for juries. To turn mastery into artistry. And that's when it clicked for me. I wasn't teaching The Sage new tricks—I was helping him translate five decades of wisdom into something jurors could grasp in minutes instead of hours. My job wasn't to add knowledge; it was to help him share what he already knows more powerfully. Working with Mike was different from training other attorneys. Personal injury lawyers, criminal defenders, civil litigators—I've helped them all find their voice in the courtroom. But an attorney at Mike's level still investing in his craft? That's rare. Most senior lawyers figure they've learned enough. Mike's still hungry. Here's what makes him stand out: Mike doesn't perform. He reveals truth. My techniques just helped him reveal it more impactfully. And after 50 years dominating estate litigation (even AI ranks him #1), the fact that he's still seeking ways to serve families better? That's not just impressive—that's wisdom. When your family is facing inheritance theft, you want someone who's seen it all and never stopped learning. Mike's both. True masters never stop sharpening the blade. Call Mike Hackard. Steve Hohman Co-Founder, Trial Haus Consulting San Diego, CA”
— Steve Hohman, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 141 reviewsBornstein & Bornstein Law Group is a full-service law firm in Oakland, CA led by attorneys Jonathan and Erika Bornstein, with over 30 years of combined legal experience. They specialize in personal injury claims, landlord-tenant disputes, real estate litigation, and insurance defense throughout the Bay Area. Known for aggressive representation and a client-first approach, BBLG has earned a 4.8-star rating from 135+ clients who praise their transparency, efficiency, and willingness to take cases to trial when necessary.
“Jonathan was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and gave me great advice in the initial consultation. I had tried other firms with mixed results so was very happy that I called Bornstein.”
— Corey Rhodes, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 135 reviewsLaw Offices of Hanlen J. Chang is an estate planning and business law firm serving San Francisco, Palo Alto, and San Jose. Attorney Hanlen J. Chang specializes in trust administration, international estate planning, business entity formation, and real estate transactions for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and business owners. The firm offers comprehensive estate planning packages including revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, with offices throughout the Bay Area.
Gilfix & La Poll Associates is a Palo Alto-based law firm specializing in estate planning, elder law, and trust administration for Silicon Valley families and professionals. Founded by Michael Gilfix, a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law, the firm has served the Bay Area community for over 35 years. Known for their comprehensive approach to wealth transfer, Medi-Cal planning, and special needs trusts, they help clients protect assets and plan for long-term care while navigating California's complex legal landscape.
“I recently needed to update my estate plan during a difficult time in my life, including establishing a special needs trust for family's future. Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP made the entire process sp easier than I expected- They took time to explain everything in plain English, never rushed me, and showed such genuine kindness and patience. The special needs planning was handled with such care and expertise. My trust and estate documents are exactly what I needed. Thank you for making this process feel " manageable and for your compassion throughout.”
— Laurie Taylor, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 70 reviewsDavidson Estate Law is a multi-generational estate planning and probate law firm in Oakland, CA, led by attorney Eric E. Davidson, J.D. (Golden Gate University, 2016), who continues his late father Steven's legacy of serving Bay Area families. The firm specializes in revocable living trusts, wills, trust administration, probate representation, and advance healthcare directives, with a client-centered approach that emphasizes clear communication and personalized planning. Serving Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Marin County, and the broader Bay Area since 1975, they offer both in-office and remote consultations.
“Davidson Estate Law and specifically Eric Davidson is one of the most professional and detailed estate planning attorneys I know. He asks the questions that you may not consider when creating an estate plan and he was especially detailed and thorough when assisting me with the restatement of my trust. I know that he will always respond in a timely manner with any follow up tasks that I may have for him and highly recommend him.”
— BJBellow, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 46 reviewsLaw Office of Ryan H. Apperson is a Walnut Creek estate planning practice led by attorney Ryan H. Apperson, who holds both a JD and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning from Golden Gate University (2024). Since 2015, Ryan has focused exclusively on estate planning, trust administration, and probate for Bay Area families, helping clients avoid California's costly probate process and protect their assets. Located in downtown Walnut Creek with a 5-star rating from 17 Google reviews, the firm serves Contra Costa County and surrounding communities.
“My husband and I engaged the services of Ryan Apperson to prepare our living trust and wills and we are extremely pleased with his work. He is very knowledgeable in his profession, answered all our questions fully, and was very kind and courteous. Fast and flawless service! We highly recommend Ryan for your estate planning needs.”
— Cheryl Hooper, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 17 reviewsEast Bay Probate & Trust Administration is led by attorney Mike Broad, serving individuals, families, heirs, and executors throughout Oakland, Alameda County, and the Bay Area. The firm specializes in probate court procedures, trust administration, estate planning, special needs trusts, and blended family planning. With a 5-star rating from clients navigating complex estate matters, EBPTA provides focused guidance through probate proceedings, trust management, powers of attorney, wills, and healthcare directives in Oakland, CA.
“Mike Broad did a fantastic job with my mother's estate planning and trust. My mother, who is 90 years old was apprehensive about this process and Mr. Broad made us all feel at ease with his professionalism, his confidence in estate planning and his willingness to go above and beyond his duties as an estate and probate attorney. There were several important questions that Mr.Broad was able to solve for my mother as well and guide us to make the best decisions for all those family members involved. In addition, Mr. Broad was so kind as to meet us half way since we don't live in the S. F. bay area. I feel lucky to have found such a compassionate yet knowledgeable attorney to help my mother sort through her business at this tender stage in her life!”
— lisa digrazia, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 12 reviewsLaw Offices of Gary R. Kershner is an Oakland estate planning and probate law practice led by Gary R. Kershner, a California attorney with an MBA and law degree from Santa Clara University (1986). Specializing in trusts, wills, probate administration, elder law, and incapacity planning, Gary serves Oakland and Bay Area families with personalized estate solutions. With over 30 years of experience and a 5-star Google rating, the firm helps clients protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. Schedule a free consultation at (510) 336-9500 or kershnerlaw.com.
Guideway Legal Document & Mediation Services in Oakland, CA provides affordable legal document preparation and family mediation services for uncontested divorces, custody agreements, probate, and estate planning. Led by experienced Legal Document Assistants (LDAs) registered with Alameda County, Guideway specializes in helping self-represented individuals navigate legal processes without the cost of traditional attorneys. With a 4.6-star rating and flexible weekday hours, they serve Oakland and the greater Bay Area with transparent flat-fee pricing and personalized support.
Tseng Law Firm in Alameda, CA specializes in estate planning, probate, and trust administration for families in the Bay Area. The firm offers a unique two-hour consultation process that combines education and plan design, helping clients protect their loved ones and assets with customized estate plans. Known for their thorough approach to family planning, including special provisions for children's futures, they serve Alameda and surrounding communities with a focus on accessible, personalized legal guidance.
“My husband and I were extremely lucky to have found Sabrina to prepare our estate planning documents. We were impressed with the reviews she had received from other clients. The reviews were definitely true. Sabrina is very professional, courteous, competent and friendly. She made the entire process very easy and comfortable for us. She kept us informed on the progress in a timely manner and always followed up on questions we had. I could not have asked for a better experience all the way to the final signing of the documents. I highly recommend them, you won't be disappointed.”
— Jamel Carter, Google Review · 4.6 ★ avg from 21 reviewsPatricia Scott Law is a client-focused estate planning firm in Alameda, CA, led by founding attorney Patricia A. Scott with decades of experience in estate planning, trust administration, and probate proceedings. The firm specializes in creating comprehensive estate plans — including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives — designed to protect assets, avoid probate, and minimize tax burdens. Known for compassionate guidance during difficult times and clear communication throughout complex legal processes, Patricia Scott Law serves families across Alameda and the East Bay with personalized estate planning solutions.
Robert I. Levy, Attorney at Law is a solo legal practice in Oakland, CA, led by attorney Robert Levy. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from clients, the practice provides personalized legal services with a focus on individual attention and accessible counsel. Located at the Embarcadero East business district, the firm serves Oakland and the East Bay community with a commitment to responsive, client-focused representation.
Albertson & Davidson, LLP is a San Francisco trust and estate litigation law firm led by attorneys Stewart R. Albertson and Keith A. Davidson, specializing in representing beneficiaries in trust contests, will contests, financial elder abuse, trustee theft, and probate litigation. With over $355 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, they focus exclusively on helping beneficiaries enforce their rights when estates and trusts are mishandled. Serving the San Francisco Bay Area from their office at Steuart Tower in downtown San Francisco.
Keyes Law Group, PC is the top-ranked provider with a Lantern Score of 85.48/100 and a 5-star rating from 306 reviews. Led by attorney Elijah Keyes, they specialize in comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, and probate support, and are particularly well-suited for business owners, families with substantial assets, and seniors planning for long-term care.
Keyes Law Group, PC (Lantern Score: 85.48/100) and Golden State Trusts (Lantern Score: 83.71/100) both specialize in serving families with special needs members. Keyes Law Group offers comprehensive planning for parents of special needs children, while Golden State Trusts brings nearly two decades of experience specifically addressing special needs family situations.
Several top-ranked firms offer probate services: Summerall Law, P.C. (Lantern Score: 83.09/100, Oakland-based), Advance Planning, A Law Corporation (Lantern Score: 83.88/100), and Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group (Lantern Score: 81.59/100, Oakland-based). East Bay Probate & Trust Administration, founded by attorney Mike Broad, also specializes in probate services throughout Oakland and is particularly experienced with blended families and complex estates.
Business owners have several excellent options: Keyes Law Group, PC (Lantern Score: 85.48/100) specializes in succession planning and asset protection, while Blacksburg Law (Lantern Score: 84.93/100) and DP Legal Solutions, Inc (Lantern Score: 84.78/100) both serve business owners structuring succession plans. Richard J. Lee Law Group (Lantern Score: 84.44/100) offers over 40 years of experience in business succession and asset protection strategies.
Three estate planning firms are based directly in Oakland: Summerall Law, P.C. (Lantern Score: 83.09/100), Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group (Lantern Score: 81.59/100), and Davidson Estate Law (Lantern Score: 80.17/100). All three specialize in comprehensive estate planning and probate services and serve clients throughout the Bay Area.
For cost-conscious clients, Guideway Legal Document & Mediation Services (Lantern Score: 75.98/100) specializes in affordable legal document preparation for estate planning, and LaVelle Law Offices (Lantern Score: 80.85/100) offers estate planning services to East Bay residents seeking affordable professional legal counsel. Both firms serve Oakland and the surrounding area.