Estate Planning and Business Law FAQs

Yes. Even without significant assets, powers of attorney and a health care directive let someone you trust act for you if you’re incapacitated, and parents of minor children should nominate guardians.

A will takes effect at death and property passing under it generally goes through probate. A funded revocable living trust lets your successor trustee manage and distribute assets without court involvement, during incapacity or after death. Compare in detail.

Most homeowners benefit from one, because California probate fees are set by law as a percentage of the estate’s gross value and the process often takes a year or more. How to avoid probate.

A document authorizing someone you choose to handle your financial matters, such as banking, bills and property, if you can’t.

A document naming who makes medical decisions for you if you can’t, and stating your treatment wishes.

A trustee manages and protects trust assets, pays valid debts and expenses, keeps beneficiaries informed and distributes property as the trust directs. We can guide successor trustees through these duties under California law.

After major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a move or buying property, and otherwise every few years.

Common options are LLCs, corporations (including S corporation tax status) and partnerships. The right choice depends on liability protection, taxes, ownership and growth plans. LLC formation.

You can file online yourself, but an attorney helps you choose the right structure and puts the agreements in place, such as an operating agreement and buy-sell terms, that protect owners when things change.

Articles of Organization or Incorporation, an operating agreement or bylaws, an initial Statement of Information, an EIN from the IRS, initial resolutions, and agreements among owners.

Yes. We identify risks, explain them in plain language and suggest changes or negotiate on your behalf.

Our practice focuses on prevention through sound structure and well-drafted agreements. We can help you evaluate a dispute and negotiate a resolution; if litigation is needed, we help you find and work with litigation counsel.

It is strongly recommended. A business sale involves due diligence, allocation of liabilities, and a purchase agreement that determines what you’re really buying or selling.

Trust-based estate plans are a flat $3,500 for an individual or $4,500 for a couple, and will-based plans are $2,500. Business law matters average about $400 per hour, with flat fees for defined projects. See all fees.

Yes. The first 15-minute call by phone or Zoom is free, with no obligation.

Attorney Andrei Jingan speaks English, Romanian and Russian. We coordinate an interpreter for Spanish or Bulgarian.

No. We serve clients throughout California by Zoom and phone. In-person meetings are available by appointment in El Dorado Hills and Walnut Creek.

Book a free 15-minute call online, call 1 (800) 285-1140, or send a message through the form below.