Attorneys that focus on estate and probate law in California help clients resolve all facets of planning for the conservation and disposition of estates. Estate and probate lawyers must understand the state and federal tax burdens that apply to this area of the law. Estate and probate lawyers prepare the legal instruments to accomplish the estate plans including drafting and executing wills, administering formal and summary estates, including tax related matters. Attorneys also engage in probate litigation including will contests or will or trust construction suits in probate court.
National Association of Estate Planners and Councils - NAEPC is accredited by the ABA to certify attorneys as estate planning law specialists.
CBLS Board Certification in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law - Lawyers certified in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law with the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated substantial involvement in this area of practice.
The CBLS defines the term "estate planning, trust and probate law" as the practice of law dealing with:
ACTEC is a fellowship of attorneys seeking to improve trust, estate and tax laws, as well as the procedures and ethics of attorneys who work in those fields. Many of the top trust and estate attorneys belong to this respected organization.