Estate Planning

Millbrae, California, Estate Planning Attorney

I Robert Gottschalk, pride myself on helping clients create and execute estate plans that accurately reflect their wishes, while minimizing expenses and taxes.

With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and trust administration. I know the intricacies of probate and estate planning. Below, are a few tools I use to help my clients:

Living Trusts

A living trust determines how your property will be distributed after your death and also can help protect assets in the trust if you become incapacitated during your lifetime.

Unlike a will, a living trust doesn't go through probate. This saves time and money, because distributions from probate may be delayed from six months to a year. Probate fees are set by law. Distributions from living trusts may be made immediately.

After a will is filed in probate court, virtually anyone can read it. A living trust is confidential, only family members who receive property are privy to the information.

As long as you are competent, you can always revoke or amend a living trust. In the event of remarriage, you can change beneficiaries or make new gifts.

In order for your living trust to serve its purpose, your property must be owned by the trust. To put your real estate into your trust you will need a new deed. To transfer bank accounts, you may need a Certification of Trust and letters to your bank. I personally ensure that your assets are titled in the trust.

Pour-Over Wills

A pour-over will covers assets that may remain outside of the living trust, for whatever reason.

Powers of Attorney

These are helpful if you lose the ability to make decisions during your lifetime.

•· Durable power of attorney for health care decisions

This designates someone to make medical decisions for you. For example, this person would determine what life-sustaining treatment should be provided or discontinued.

•· Durable power of attorney for financial matters

This designates someone to deal with your finances. For example, this person would manage your accounts, receive Social Security checks, pay bills and file your tax return.

If you have a legal problem or issue, contact the law office of Robert G. Gottschalk today. Conveniently located near the BART and CalTrain station, I offer free consultations and am available for evening and weekend meetings if necessary. Located in Millbrae, I serve clients who live in cities such as South San Francisco, Daly City, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, Burlingame, San Bruno, San Carlos, Belmont, and Redwood City.

In most cases, estate planning services are available for a fixed fee.
You will know what the cost is before we begin.

Robert G. Gottschalk
475 El Camino Real
Suite 300
Millbrae, CA 94030
Telephone: (650) 552-9350
Fax: (650) 552-9351
Email