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Trusts & Estates Law/Expert Profile
Expertise
BE CAREFUL about taking legal advice from non-lawyers.
I am a licensed attorney in California. II am available to answer questions about probating estates, preparing wills and trusts, administering estates and trusts, forming family limited partnerships and limited liability companies, and establishing a wide variety of estate and gift tax-sensitive trusts (charitable trusts, children's trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, etc.).
I can also answer questions regarding the preparation of estate tax returns (Form 706) in taxable estates. Please note that I do not prepare trust income tax returns and cannot provide you with any information about that type of return.
Please note: I am only able to practice law in the State of California. I cannot answer specific questions about other states' laws; I can only provide some "general" information that may or may not apply to your situation.
Experience in the area
I have practiced California estate, gift-planning, and probate law exclusively since 1991. I am certified as a specialist in estate planning and probate law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization (there are less than 125 such specialists practicing in Santa Clara County and fewer than 7,000 practicing in California - out of over 170,000 lawyers statewide).
I have served as an Instructor in the CFP (certificate in financial planning) program at University of California – Santa Cruz, teaching the estate planning segment.
Organizations
Silicon Valley Bar Association
Wealth Counsel
Wealth Advisors' Forum
Executive Committee Member, Solo and Small Firm Section of the California State Bar (appointed to a 3 year term by the California State Bar Board of Governors)
Education/Credentials
I received my law degree (J.D.) from University of Denver Law School in 1975. I was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1975 and to the California Bar in 1977 (NOTE: although I am a member of the Colorado Bar, I am on INACTIVE status there). I earned an M.B.A. in 1982, and I am currently studying for a Masters Degree in Taxation Law (LLM) at Golden Gate University Law School.
More at:
http://www.calprobate.com
Awards and Honors
2007, 2008, & 2009 - chosen as a "SuperLawyer" - one of the top 5% of Northern California lawyers practicing in the estate planning and probate area (www.superlawyers.com)
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 11/20/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | It will be a difficult decision whether ..... |
| Paul | 11/17/11 | 10 | 9 | 10 | |
| Connie | 11/04/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Janet answered my question thoroughly and very ..... |
| Felix | 10/23/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | THANK YOU! I really can't express how ..... |
| Chris | 09/03/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Answered in a very timely manner. Very ..... |
Recent Answers from Janet Brewer
2012-02-02 Uneven Loading of the B Trust:
I'm sorry about your mother's death. As I'm sure your attorney and/or CPA will tell you, the only things you can legally place in the B trust are your mother's assets - either assets she held in her name
2012-01-06 Change of trust:
Thank you for your question. The laws of the state where your father lives will control what law applies. If he lives in California, then California law will apply. I suggest that you talk to your
2011-12-12 Probate Process:
Thanks for the information. Each "order" has its own date on which it becomes unappealable - so the order granting your petition to be named executor was final 6 months after it was granted and the petition
2011-12-12 Probate Process:
Thanks for your question and for letting me know that California law applies. I would need a lot more information to give you a thorough reply. But as a general rule, a court order becomes "final
2011-11-18 dispersment of a living trust:
Since Orange County is almost 500 miles south of where I'm located, I don't know many lawyers down there. I doubt that a lawyer would take a case like this pro bono. And I doubt you would find an experienced
Answers by Expert:
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