We know finding the top Estate Planning Attorneys Near Walnut Creek, California can be difficult, so we put together this detailed list of the best of the best Estate Planning Attorneys so you can make your choice wisely. Each Walnut Creek estate lawyer gives its clients the utmost in professional probate, estate planning and retirement planning so you should be sure to check them out on your next visit to Walnut Creek! If you know another amazing Estate Planning Attorney that should also be included in our list - or one that should be removed - please let us know!
1. Law Offices of Joel A. Harris, 1261 Locust St Number 170, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Phone: (925) 757-4605
The Law Offices of Joel A. Harris, a top estate planning attorney in Walnut Creek, California, is the firm of choice for thousands of people in Contra Costa County.Â
Joel is a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and a perennial California Super Lawyer, having been recognized by an independent firm as being among the top 5% of lawyers in his field for skills and service. He has over 30 years of experience specializing in estate planning and administration
Joel was born in San Francisco and raised in the Bay Area, where he received his undergraduate degree in English (with a minor in Biology) before going on to law school and business school. He lives in Clayton with his personal trainer Ilima (who forces him to work out!). Andy, his son, works for the Giants, and Amy, his daughter, is a student.
When Joel isn't spending time with family and friends in Tahoe, Hawaii, or sledding Glaciers in Alaska, he's helping a friend or neighbor or donating generously to local charities. He also collects rare books, tin toys, good friends, and Giants World Series rings.
2. Stefanie West
  165 Lennon Ln #101, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, United States
Stefanie West is an East Bay estate planning attorney. Her husband, Jim, her son, Benjamin, and their two dogs, Penny and Biggie, live with her.
Stefanie earned her B.A., summa cum laude, and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. Stefanie spent her final year of law school at Harvard Law School, where she graduated at the top of her class.
Stefanie was the Chair of the Senior Services Commission for the City of Lafayette. She worked as Chair to prevent elder fraud and abuse and to provide services to seniors in her community. She was also a member of the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging.
She believes that young children should be taught good money management skills as well as how to save for a "rainy day." She works as a Junior Achievement volunteer, teaching financial literacy to elementary and middle school students. She is also a regular speaker at parent groups, where she discusses how parents can teach their children the fundamentals of money.
3. Joan Grimes Law Office
  1600 S Main St Ste 100 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Joan served as president of the bankruptcy forum for Northern California and as chairman of the commercial and banking section of Contra Costa.
She graduated from California University, Berkeley, and received a law degree from the United Kingdom of San Diego. She is also a member of the State Bar of California. She loved real estate greatly and worked in numerous fields of immovable law including bankruptcy, workouts and property planning for creditors and debtors. She has more than 30 years of industry experience. Joan is very understanding and compassionate. Indoors and out, she knew it all. She is a lawyer who takes time and explains what these terms are meant to give simple examples. You know you're in the right place for five minutes with Joan.
4. The Law Office of Cynthia C. Sayegh
  1855 San Miguel Dr Ste 17 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law. Cindy focuses her practice on estate planning, trust administration, and probate. She specializes in assisting families in making plans for their children and grandchildren while considering tax implications and current elder law issues. She offers advice on property and commercial transaction matters, which often affect the management of property and trust.
Cindy uses a unique blend of legal, tax, and financial expertise to provide practical solutions to her clients in a remarkable way. She takes pride in her ability to provide efficient, knowledgeable, and high-quality legal services to her clients in a collaborative setting.
She was also classified by SuperLawyers.com as one of the rising stars. She is a strong participant in her local community and has volunteers on the Lamorinda Moms steering committee. With her husband and two children, Cindy spends her spare time.
5. Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski
    1255 Treat Blvd Ste 300 Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Lauren, a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, concentrated her studies in estate planning and trust law. Lauren has been working closely with her father in San Diego since graduating (with honors) from law school in 2011 to learn the ins and outs of running a solo estate planning practice.
Lauren, a 2007 graduate (with honors) of the University of California, Berkeley, is a true "Bear" at heart and has always known she would return to northern California. She is now expanding her family practice by establishing her own branch office in northern California. Lauren is overjoyed to be able to offer her services in the Bay Area!
She makes it simple for families to reduce stress and achieve peace of mind that their loved ones are protected by providing affordable and comprehensive living trust estate plans at a flat rate.
For more than 30 years, the Smykowski Family has provided estate planning services to over 30,000 trust clients. Lauren Smykowski routinely assisted her father with his clients and office administrative responsibilities as she grew up with her father conducting estate planning out of the family home. Lauren understood from a young age that she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and continue the family tradition of delivering low-cost living trust estate plans.
6. Michael Blacksburg - Estate Planning
    315 Noe St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Lauren, a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, concentrated her studies in estate planning and trust law. Lauren has been working closely with her father in San Diego since graduating (with honors) from law school in 2011 to learn the ins and outs of running a solo estate planning practice.
Lauren, a 2007 graduate (with honors) of the University of California, Berkeley, is a true "Bear" at heart and has always known she would return to northern California. She is now expanding her family practice by establishing her own branch office in northern California. Lauren is overjoyed to be able to offer her services in the Bay Area!
She makes it simple for families to reduce stress and achieve peace of mind that their loved ones are protected by providing affordable and comprehensive living trust estate plans at a flat rate.
For more than 30 years, the Smykowski Family has provided estate planning services to over 30,000 trust clients. Lauren Smykowski routinely assisted her father with his clients and office administrative responsibilities as she grew up with her father conducting estate planning out of the family home. Lauren understood from a young age that she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and continue the family tradition of delivering low-cost living trust estate plans.
7. Law Offices of David Arietta
    700 Ygnacio Valley Rd STE 150, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States
David has been certified as a specialist in bankruptcy law and estate planning, trust, and probate law by the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.
David is the only attorney in California who holds certifications in two fields.
With a background in finance, tax, accounting, and litigation, David brings a plethora of knowledge to his clients. He is capable of addressing their specific legal issues and providing personalized, effective legal answers. Every client is given his undivided attention. You will speak directly to him immediately, when you call or contact us with your questions and concerns. He is a reliable source for his clients.
He has volunteered at the Walnut Creek Senior Center Will Clinic, a monthly pro bono program for seniors in need, for over 20 years.
8. Law Office of Kelley A. Way
    150 N Wiget Ln Ste 210 Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Kelley Way was born and reared in the California town of Walnut Creek. She earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Music from UC Davis before going on to the UC Davis School of Law, where she earned her juris doctorate in 2010.
Kelley completed a one-year fellowship at the Pacific Justice Institute after law school, at which time she was approached by her first client, the owner of the copyright to a New York Times bestselling fantasy novel. She started her own law firm once the case was successfully resolved.
In her second area of expertise, copyright and trademark concerns, she provides the same degree and quality of service. Whether you want to safeguard your artistic or intellectual property.
She enjoys reading, crocheting, singing, and spending time with her family when she is not practicing law. She enjoys learning other languages as well, and she is now studying Japanese.
9. R. Silverman Law GroupÂ
  1910 Olympic Blvd Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States
Rob Silverman, who is in his 27th year of practice, focuses on trusts and estates, including probate and trust administration. His focus is on asset protection and enhancement through estate planning. He has assisted over a thousand individuals and families in creating meaningful estate plans for their families, loved ones, and charitable organizations.
Mr. Silverman also advises clients in real estate matters, including residential and commercial buy and sale transactions, commercial leasing, real estate company formations (such as Limited Liability Companies), and joint ownership (aka T.I.C.) agreements.
His knowledge in estate planning and related sectors enables him to assist clients in protecting, managing, and transferring their estates to their loved ones in the most efficient manner possible. He knows the value of family and is adept at using the law to help clients avoid excessive fees and avoid potentially prolonged and emotionally destructive conflicts among family members and/or beneficiaries of trusts and estates.
10. Law Offices of Lee L. KasterÂ
   1806 Bonanza St Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Mr. Kaster is an estate planning, trust administration, probate, conservatorship, trusts and estates litigation, and civil litigation attorney with offices in Walnut Creek and San Francisco.
He graduated with honors from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in 2000, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif. In several of his law school classes, he received the highest grade. (Torts, Civil Procedure, and Mediation/Settlement).
Mr. Kaster began his legal career at a large national firm. He then worked at a mid-sized regional firm before launching his own firm in 2010.
He is now a member of the Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley, the State Bar of California's Trusts and Estates Section, and the Contra Costa County Bar Association's Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate, and Trust section, as well as a volunteer attorney at Legal Assistance for Seniors in Oakland.
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