What Does a
California Estate Planning
Attorney Do?
An estate planning attorney builds the legal documents that decide who inherits your property, who makes decisions if you cannot, and whether your family has to go through California probate court at all. That usually means a will, a revocable living trust, a durable power of attorney, an advance health care directive, and guardianship nominations for minor children. VZ Law handles representing families through probate, trust administration, and trust and estate disputes when a plan is already in place or a loved one has died without one.
Our estate planning attorneys in Long Beach, Irvine, and Downey have been helping families through their legal journey for over two decades.
Imagine
This:
Picture every detail handled, stress gone, and family at peace.
Visualize confidence, every question answered, no legal jargon.
Envision closure, clarity, and a secure future.
Your Path to Relief with VZ Law
Real answers
In real language that you understand.
See Paths Forward, Clear As Day
Options explained step-by-step; confusion disappears.
Move Ahead Confidently
Each action mapped, every worry is off your shoulders.
Meet the Allies Dedicated to
Your Peace of Mind
Finding the right guide for your family’s legal journey is everything. Connect with a team chosen for empathy, experience, and creative problem-solving. So your peace, security, and clarity are always the focus.
I am passionate about guiding families through the complexities of probate and trust disputes, ensuring that their loved ones’ legacies are honored and protected. My goal is to provide clarity, compassion, and effective solutions during what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives.
I am passionate about guiding families through the complexities of probate and trust disputes, ensuring that their loved ones’ legacies are honored and protected. My goal is to provide clarity, compassion, and effective solutions during what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives.
I am passionate about guiding families through the complexities of probate and trust disputes, ensuring that their loved ones’ legacies are honored and protected. My goal is to provide clarity, compassion, and effective solutions during what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Paul Velasco is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Fewer than one percent of California attorneys hold a Board certification in this area. Laura N. Zolnekoff, Attorney and Partner, focuses on probate and trust disputes.
Paul is a Partner at VZ Law, LLP and was the founding attorney of Velasco Law Group. He has over 20 years of experience in estate planning and probate. He is a State Bar of California–certified specialist and is fluent in Spanish.
Paul Velasco is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Fewer than one percent of California attorneys hold a Board certification in this area. Laura N. Zolnekoff, Attorney and Partner, focuses on probate and trust disputes.
Plain language, real patience, and we finally felt taken care of.
Efficient, kind, flexible, and the fee came in lower than expected.
Well-liked by peers, genuine to talk to, and clearly works as a team.
They handled my out-of-state case with steady communication and care.
Their litigation and mediation experience made the difference in my outcome.
FAQs
Objection Busting
The length of a probate case in Los Angeles County varies depending on the circumstances of the estate and how smoothly the required steps can be completed. Factors that can affect the timeline include the size and complexity of the estate, the number and type of assets involved, the need to sell or transfer real property, creditor claims or tax issues, difficulties locating or valuing assets, required court hearings and notices, and disputes among heirs or beneficiaries. Cases involving contested claims, real property sales, or other complications may take longer to resolve.
No. Whether probate is required depends on how assets are titled, their total value, and whether a living trust or beneficiary designations are in place. Assets held in a trust, jointly titled property with right of survivorship, and accounts with named beneficiaries pass outside probate. Small estates below the current statutory threshold can often be transferred with a simplified affidavit procedure instead.
California does not leave probate attorney fees to negotiation. Probate Code section 10810 sets them by statute as a percentage of the gross value of the estate: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9 million and 0.5% of the next $15 million. The executor receives the same amount. On a $700,000 estate that is $17,000 in attorney fees. Our probate fee calculator estimates the figure for any estate between $150,000 and $25,000,000.
Most California families with real estate are better served by a revocable living trust. A will still requires probate, which is public, typically takes nine to eighteen months, and carries statutory attorney and executor fees set as a percentage of the gross estate. A trust can avoid probate entirely, keep the estate private, and control when beneficiaries inherit. A will is still needed alongside a trust as a backstop for anything not transferred into it. Which combination is right depends on what you own and how it is titled.
The cost of litigation can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of each case. Factors such as the complexity of the issues, the amount in dispute, the number of parties involved, and whether the matter resolves early or proceeds through discovery, motion practice, or trial all impact the overall cost.
Our firm bills on an hourly basis, meaning clients are charged only for the legal work actually performed on their case. We do not charge flat or bundled litigation fees because no two matters require the same level of time or effort.
Clients receive detailed monthly invoices that clearly outline the work performed, the time spent, and the corresponding charges, allowing for transparency and ongoing awareness of costs. We also strive to work efficiently and strategically, with an eye toward resolving matters in a cost-effective manner whenever possible.
During the initial consultation, we are happy to discuss the anticipated scope of work and provide guidance on what factors may influence fees in your particular matter.
You are not alone. In our experience, every family is complicated in its own way. Blended families, second marriages, estranged relatives, sibling rivalries, long-standing grievances, and differing expectations are common features of trust and estate disputes.
Our firm focuses specifically on trust and estate litigation, and the majority of the matters we handle involve complex family dynamics. We understand that these cases are not just about legal documents they are about people, relationships, history, and emotions. Navigating those dynamics thoughtfully and strategically is a critical part of achieving successful outcomes.
We approach each case with discretion, professionalism, and a clear understanding of both the legal issues and the personal sensitivities involved. Our goal is to protect our clients interests while managing conflict efficiently and, when possible, minimizing unnecessary escalation.
No matter how complicated your family situation may feel, it is not unfamiliar to us. We are experienced in guiding clients through even the most challenging circumstances with clarity, confidence, and results.
The timeline for resolving a trust or estate dispute varies widely and depends on several factors. Some matters resolve informally or through early negotiation, while others require court involvement, discovery, motion practice, a trial, or even an appeal. Each of these stages can significantly impact how long a case takes.
That said, our firm is always focused on achieving the best possible outcome in the most efficient manner appropriate for the case. We evaluate each matter early to determine whether resolution is possible without prolonged litigation, and we pursue strategic solutions that align with our clients goals.
When litigation is necessary, we move cases forward diligently and deliberately, keeping clients informed at each stage of the process and advocating for timely progress whenever possible. While we cannot control court schedules or opposing parties actions, we are committed to avoiding unnecessary delays and positioning our clients for resolution as efficiently as the circumstances allow.
During your initial consultation, we can discuss the factors that may affect timing in your specific matter and provide guidance on what to expect moving forward.
