Estate planning is a process to set up legally effective arrangements that will meet your specific wishes if something happens to you or those you care about. Good estate planning is more than just a simple will. Estate planning also typically minimizes potential taxes and fees, and sets up contingency planning to make sure your wishes regarding health care treatment are followed.

Since my wife and I opened the Firm in 1980, I have been providing superior legal services to residents in Berkeley and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This small, specialized firm is receptive to your individual planning needs with its experienced, dedicated staff and years of practice in the field. For many procedures we charge flat fees -- quoted in advance -- so you can plan better for your future.

As a Berkeley Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, I concentrate my practice in the following areas:

• Tax planning and working with the IRS or California tax authorities
• Audit and collection problems (including offers in compromise)
• Estate planning (wills and trusts, and related documents)
• Family Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies
• Probate (the process of taking an estate through the court system)
• Tax aspects of divorce, e.g., Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
• Asset Protection Planning

On the financial side, a good estate plan coordinates what would happen with your home, your investments, your business, your life insurance, your employee benefits (such as a 401K plan), and other property in the event you became disabled or if you die. On the personal side, a good estate plan includes directions to carry out your wishes regarding health care matters, so that if you ever are unable to give the directions yourself, someone you select would do that for you.

As a Tax Lawyer in addition to a Berkeley Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, I can provide tax planning or help after the fact. For instance, many clients need help with audits; others have collection problems which might be solved by submitting an Offer in Compromise. I also help those with tax work in going through divorce, and in preparing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs). For any matter, I welcome your questions, and I keep you informed every step along the way.

If you or someone you know in the San Francisco Bay Area needs the assistance of a Berkeley Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, call Robert Anderson today at 866-633-5095, or use the contact form provided on this site to schedule your initial consultation.