Any reason to not use a Certified Specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law?  Ok, there isn’t any good reason I admit it.  You MIGHT save a few dollars as some attorneys, who are not specialists, charge less. However, do you really want to entrust all of your hard earned assets and your family’s future to someone who isn’t dedicated to estate planning and probate law?

I actually find that my firm charges less than a lot of non-certified specialists so if it’s simply based on cost there is absolutely no reason to use a specialist because we are likely less expensive for getting a trust, pour over will, durable power of attorney, living will, quitclaim deed and other planning documents completed.  The same goes for living trusts, irrevocable trusts, life insurance trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, educational trusts, charitable trusts, family limited partnerships and the list goes on.  Yes, really! We charge less than most any comparable certified attorney and even less than some non-certified.

In our firm we have three attorneys who have taken, and passed the first time, the Certified Specialist examination. This test is given every two years by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. After passing the exam the attorney must provide a number of background reports from Judges and attorneys. Lastly, the attorney has to have an extensive number of cases completed in the areas of trusts and estates to qualify.

To hold this certification also requires an extensive amount of continuing education requirements that the non-specialist does not have to do. This is important.  We have to take many more classes specifically approved for specialization credit. Basic classes do not qualify. Thus, if you want a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate law contact us and make an appointment with John Palley.

At our firm we take pride in our specialties. We do not dabble in this area of law. We are focused and thus best able to serve your needs!