Areas served: San Jose, CA and surrounding Santa Clara County
San Jose's estate planning landscape reflects the region's unique combination of high-net-worth tech professionals, multigenerational families, and significant real estate holdings. Estate planning attorneys in the area typically handle complex assets including stock options, RSUs, cryptocurrency holdings, and high-value Silicon Valley properties. California's specific probate laws, combined with federal estate tax considerations and the needs of internationally diverse families, require specialized local expertise.
Keyes 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 reviewsCastaneda & Co., PC is a San Jose real estate law firm led by experienced attorneys who specialize in representing homebuyers in disputes against real estate agents and sellers. The firm handles cases involving disclosure violations, fraud, construction defects, and breach of fiduciary duty. With a 5-star rating from 172+ Google reviews and a track record of successful litigation, they serve clients throughout the San Jose area and Silicon Valley.
“I recently had a consultation with Damian from Castaneda & Co., and it was one of the few times I’ve spoken with an attorney who truly made me feel like I was talking to a regular person, not someone just watching the clock. Before the call, I was honestly nervous. I had been dealing with a very stressful real estate issue that had caused a lot of mental strain, and my wife was past her due date at the time, so my mind was everywhere. I even told her before the call that I probably wouldn’t get to fully explain my situation before being interrupted (since it was a free consultation). But to my surprise, Damian took the time to really listen. He let me explain everything without rushing me, asked thoughtful questions, and then carefully broke down my legal options in a way that actually made sense. What stood out most was that he didn’t pressure me into hiring their firm, instead, he offered practical steps I could take on my own if I wasn’t ready to move forward yet. That kind of honesty and empathy is rare. He even went beyond and provided me with legal advice that showed he genuinely cared about helping, not just billing hours. To Damian: I just want to personally thank you for being the kind of attorney you are; patient, humble, and willing to help the “small guy” in the room who’s usually overwhelmed by professionals and legal talk. You made me feel heard and respected during one of the most stressful moments in my life, and that’s something I’ll always remember and appreciate. If you’re in a difficult or overwhelming real estate situation and don’t know where to start, I can’t recommend Damian and the team at Castaneda & Co. enough. They’re knowledgeable, kind, and most importantly, they treat you like a person, not just another case.”
— Dietter Zambrana, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 172 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 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 reviewsAshley Thompson is a compassionate estate planning attorney serving Santa Cruz County and beyond from her Scotts Valley office. She specializes in creating personalized estate plans including trusts, wills, and guardianship arrangements for families at all wealth levels. With a background in litigation, Ashley takes a client-focused approach to help families protect their legacies, minimize stress, and ensure their loved ones are cared for according to their values.
Radiant Probate & Estate Law, Inc. is led by Andrea M. Lee, an experienced estate planning and probate attorney serving Palo Alto and the Bay Area. The firm specializes in trust administration, probate litigation, conservatorships, and comprehensive estate planning for families navigating complex inheritance matters. With a perfect 5-star rating from 55+ Google reviews, Andrea and her team provide personalized, empathetic legal guidance through some of life's most challenging transitions.
“When you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s crucial to have the right people around you. When my real estate counsel referred me to Gadi with Radiant Probate, I immediately felt peace of mind knowing I was in good hands—and they did not disappoint. Communication with the team was seamless, and they were quick to make time to address all my concerns. The cost was minimal compared to what it could have been especially without the right advice and guidance. Gadi took the time to thoroughly explain every step and make thoughtful recommendations. He wasn’t just out to take my money and move on; the time and care he invested were invaluable. It made it an easy decision to welcome Radiant Probate into our portfolio for ongoing counsel.”
— DeAnthony Payton (Jovan), Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 55 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 reviewsLitherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC is a San Jose law firm led by experienced attorneys specializing in estate planning, probate, trust administration, and elder law. Founded in 1983, the firm serves Santa Clara County families with personalized legal guidance for wills, trusts, conservatorships, and Medi-Cal planning. Known for their compassionate approach and deep expertise in California estate law, they hold a 4.9-star rating from nearly 200 clients.
“Kenzie was an unrelenting beam of sunshine who ensured our living trust was understood down to the letter. AG also had some great stories and insight to share that gave us a good real world, practical view of how to frame our personal affairs and related decisions. We highly recommend LK&A for all your estate planning needs.”
— Jorden V, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 191 reviewsRodriguez Lagorio, LLP is a boutique family and estate planning firm in Fremont, CA, founded in 2011 by partners Monica G. Rodriguez and Angelo J. Lagorio. The firm specializes in divorce, child custody, estate planning, revocable trusts, and probate, with a reputation for personalized service and strategic counsel. Serving Bay Area families through life's most challenging transitions, they hold a perfect 5.0-star rating on Google from 47 reviews.
“Angelo is amazing!! He went above and beyond to help me through a difficult time in my life. He was available by email and phone that allowed for flexibility. Angelo’s legal expertise is concise and accurate. He respects your time and money. Angelo came with high recommendations from two colleagues and I’m very thankful to receive the same results. Don’t waste your time on other Family Law Attorneys, he’s the BEST!”
— Audrey G, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 47 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 reviewsInsight 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 reviewsThe Law Offices of James A. Ward specializes in estate planning and elder law, serving clients throughout the San Jose area and South Valley. James A. Ward, JD, LL.M., holds advanced credentials including CFP® designation and FINRA licenses, bringing both legal expertise and financial planning knowledge to complex estate matters. The firm is known for compassionate, client-focused service with particular strength in Medi-Cal planning for nursing home care, trust creation, probate avoidance strategies, and elder financial protection—and offers house calls for ill and elderly clients.
The Law Office of Matthew Triet Vo is a Bay Area law firm specializing in estate planning, family law, personal injury, and immigration. Led by attorney Matthew Triet Vo, the firm provides comprehensive legal guidance on matters including wills and trusts, divorce and family disputes, child custody, property division, personal injury claims, and immigration processes. The office is known for clear communication, reasonable fees, and responsive service to individuals, realtors, and business owners throughout the San Jose and broader Bay Area region.
The Law Office of Janet L. Brewer is led by Janet Brewer, a California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization certified estate planning and probate attorney with over 30 years of experience serving Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. A Northern California SuperLawyer since 2007 and former California State Bar Board of Trustees member, Janet specializes in advanced estate planning for high-net-worth families, international estate planning for non-residents and mixed-citizenship couples, probate administration, and trust administration. With thousands of estate plans created and an exclusive focus on estate law for over 20 years, her practice is known for providing clear, thorough guidance on complex wealth transfer, tax minimization, and asset protection.
“In 2008 we had an estate plan, wills, PoAs, and other documents created by Janet and her friendly staff. She took lots of time to advise us on many considerations for the various options. Were very happy with the results. Then in 2012, we had to restate it due to several marriages and births. We were again pleased with the results. Janet sends a monthly newsletter full of estate planning tips that we find very useful. She sends a humorous Christmas letter in legalese jargon regarding Santa and the holidays. Now, the office is far from us, but we can easily use Zoom to communicate. In 2025 we restated our 2008 Trust to bring it up to date, a very important revision due to several changed situations.”
— Stan Hutchings, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 87 reviewsThe Law Offices of Deborah Azar, P.C. is a Santa Clara estate planning law firm led by attorney Deborah L. Azar, specializing in revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, business succession planning, and trust administration. The firm offers comprehensive estate planning services including wills, powers of attorney, guardianship, and advanced tax planning strategies like intentionally defective grantor trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Serving Silicon Valley families and business owners from their Santa Clara office, they provide 24/7 availability for consultations.
“Deborah was referred by two friends for estate planning services. Our experience was great from the beginning. She takes time to explain all the steps and answer questions. I highly recommend her!”
— Molly Carbajal, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 85 reviewsCopenbarger & Copenbarger LLP is a specialized estate planning and elder law firm serving Santa Clara County and the South Bay since 1983. With nine experienced attorneys, including those with advanced tax degrees and Certified Specialist designations in Estate, Trust and Probate Law, the firm has prepared over 30,000 estate plans and handled thousands of estate administration cases. They provide comprehensive services including estate planning, trust and estate administration, elder law, Medi-Cal planning, gift and estate tax planning, and asset protection strategies tailored to individual family circumstances.
Law 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 reviewsSowards Law Firm is a boutique Silicon Valley estate planning practice led by California attorney Benjamin J. Sowards, serving families for over 25 years. The firm specializes in living trusts, probate avoidance, asset protection, trust administration, will contests, and business law, with a focus on helping clients avoid the costly California probate process (which can cost $46,000+ in fees for a $1M estate). Based in Campbell, CA, they offer free phone consultations and make house calls throughout the San Jose area and Silicon Valley.
“I had a great experience working with Sowards Law Firm for my estate planning. I had been putting this off for a while because it felt like such a massive task, but they made the whole process surprisingly easy. The team is super professional but also very approachable. Highly recommended!”
— Noori Kim, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 170 reviewsCross Estate Planning Law is a boutique estate planning practice in Cupertino, CA led by attorney David Cross. The firm specializes in creating custom estate plans, living trusts, probate and trust administration for Bay Area families, with particular expertise helping clients navigate California estate tax law and succession planning for families without children. Known for patient, personalized service, David Cross focuses on making the estate planning process clear and accessible for busy professionals in Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Peninsula.
“Updating our family Living Trust with David Cross was a very positive experience. Because of several family medical issues, we needed an entirely new trust, and Mr. Cross walked us through each step with clarity and care. The finished documents are well-organized, easy to understand, and fully addressed our needs. The billing was transparent, with no surprises. We highly recommend Cross Estate Planning Law.”
— Marilyn Sullivan, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 25 reviewsKathleen Daniels is a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) and independent California real estate broker serving Santa Clara County and beyond. She specializes in selling properties within probate, trust, and conservatorship estates—often the most valuable asset families must liquidate. With over 10 years in real estate and professional fiduciary management certification, Kathleen works closely with probate attorneys and personal representatives to navigate court requirements and ensure ethical, transparent transactions during difficult times.
Marsala Law Firm is an estate planning practice led by attorney Jeannette Marsala, focused on helping San Jose families protect their legacies and loved ones. The firm offers comprehensive services including living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, incapacity planning, special needs trusts, pet trusts, and trust administration. Known for a heart-centered, holistic approach that serves diverse family structures including blended families, LGBTQ+ couples, and families with special needs.
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 reviewsWade Law Offices is an estate planning law firm based in San Jose specializing in comprehensive estate planning, trust creation, and probate services. The firm helps individuals and families protect their assets, plan for incapacity, and ensure their wishes are carried out through carefully drafted legal documents and strategies. With a focus on personalized service, Wade Law Offices serves clients throughout the San Jose area who want professional guidance on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate administration.
The Victoria Law Offices is a legal services firm based in San Jose specializing in estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate matters. Led by experienced attorneys, they provide comprehensive guidance on asset protection, end-of-life planning, and trust administration. The firm is known for personalized consultations that help clients understand their legal options and create estate plans tailored to their family's needs.
TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services is a registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant (LDA #268) in San Jose run by Quinnie Do, who holds four California professional licenses including LDA, Real Estate Agent, IRS Tax Preparer, and Notary Public. They specialize in preparing living trusts, wills, power of attorney documents, probate petitions, property deed transfers with e-recording across all 58 California counties, civil complaints and court filings, Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions, and business formation documents (LLC/corporation). All documents are prepared to California court standards with flat-fee pricing, 24–48 hour turnaround, and trilingual service in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese—with no office visit required as they operate fully remotely.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman is an estate planning law firm in San Jose founded by attorney Bob Bergman, who has practiced since 1980 and graduated from Santa Clara Law School. The firm specializes in comprehensive estate planning services including revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives, as well as probate administration, trust administration, Heggstad petitions to gather assets into trusts, and irrevocable trust modifications. Bob Bergman takes a custom "architect" approach, working with clients step-by-step to design and build personalized estate plans tailored to their specific needs and family situations.
Bryant Estate Planning & Elder Law is a San Jose-based law firm specializing in estate planning, elder law, and Medi-Cal planning. Led by attorney Lisa Bryant and her experienced team, they help clients navigate wills, trusts, probate administration, special needs planning, and elder care issues with compassionate, personalized legal counsel. They're known for providing clear explanations of complex legal matters and responsive, attentive client service.
Pogue Calvert, LLP is a law firm based in San Jose specializing in estate planning, trust creation, and probate services. The firm helps clients protect their assets, plan for the future, and navigate the complexities of estate administration. Their experienced attorneys work with families and business owners to create comprehensive estate plans tailored to individual circumstances.
Expert Multi-Services is an immigration and legal services firm located in San Jose, California serving Spanish-speaking and multilingual clients. They specialize in family law matters including divorce, immigration services such as work visas and asylum applications, disability claims, and legal document preparation. The business provides personalized legal assistance to help clients navigate complex immigration, family law, and administrative processes.
Temmerman, Cilley & Kohlmann, LLP is an estate planning and probate law firm serving the San Jose area. The firm specializes in comprehensive estate planning, trust creation and administration, probate services, and elder law matters including Medicaid planning. They provide personalized legal guidance to help clients protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out.
Silicon Valley Wills And Trusts is an estate planning firm serving San Jose and the surrounding Silicon Valley area. They specialize in will preparation, trust creation, and comprehensive estate planning services to help individuals protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. The firm provides personalized legal guidance for families and business owners looking to establish or update their estate plans.
Keyes Law Group, PC is the top-ranked estate planning firm in San Jose with a Lantern Score of 85.48/100 and a 5-star rating based on 306 reviews. Led by attorney Elijah Keyes, the firm specializes in comprehensive estate planning services and is particularly well-suited for business owners, families with substantial assets, and parents of special needs children.
Several top-ranked firms specialize in planning for families with special needs children, including Keyes Law Group, PC (Lantern Score: 85.48/100), Trust Law Legacy Group (Lantern Score: 84.47/100), and The Law Offices of Deborah Azar, P.C. (Lantern Score: 82.79/100). These firms have dedicated expertise in creating protective trusts and long-term care arrangements for special needs beneficiaries.
High-net-worth individuals have multiple options, including Trust Law Legacy Group (Lantern Score: 84.47/100) led by board-certified specialist Dr. H. Rey Gervacio, Gilfix & La Poll Associates (Lantern Score: 80.88/100) specializing in tax-efficient wealth transfer, and Bay Area Estate Attorneys, P.C. (Lantern Score: 83.35/100) in Sunnyvale. These firms focus on complex estates and comprehensive asset protection strategies.
TrustPoint Disability & Legal Services (Lantern Score: 79.65/100) in San Jose is run by Quinnie Do and serves Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking clients seeking affordable legal document preparation for estate planning and probate matters. Expert Multi-Services (Lantern Score: 65.78/100) also serves Spanish-speaking clients with family law and legal document services.
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC (Lantern Score: 83.53/100) is a full-service San Jose firm specializing in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and elder law with 4.9-star reviews from 191 clients. Radiant Probate & Estate Law, Inc. (Lantern Score: 83.71/100) in Palo Alto also provides specialized probate services throughout the Bay Area.
Business owners should consider The Singh Law Firm (Lantern Score: 84.02/100) with 38 years of combined experience and 4.9-star rating from 925 reviews, or Copenbarger & Copenbarger LLP (Lantern Score: 82.76/100), serving Santa Clara County since 1983 with expertise in business succession planning and tax-efficient strategies.