Estate Planning
Everyone needs an estate plan, and at Steidlmayer Law, we take pride in guiding you through the estate planning process. Putting your wishes down in writing may seem intimidating, and we help make this experience as straightforward as possible. We advise clients based on their unique family dynamic, financial portfolio and real estate holdings. Based on this assessment, we draft Wills, Trusts, Advance Health Care Directives, Durable Powers of Attorney, and other related documents for a complete estate plan.
Trust Administration
We guide trustees and beneficiaries through the California trust administration process. Among the many benefits of a living trust is the potential avoidance of court proceedings that are open to the public. Because of this, however, trustees have very important fiduciary duties that are exercised without judiciary oversight. We have experience helping trustees understand their fiduciary duties and why those responsibilities are critical. In addition, we help trustees navigate the various required trust duties, including working through legal notices, creditors’ claims, best practices in trustee communication, accountings, court petitions and other documents required to wrap up trust administration.
Probate
We guide personal representatives and beneficiaries through the California probate process. Probate is the technical legal process to transfer assets which belong to someone who passed away. Our legal representation includes preparing probate petitions, attending court hearings, sending out required notices, handling creditors’ claims, contacting required State agencies, drafting court required inventories and accountings, and navigating you through the court process as may be needed.
Real Estate
Our legal expertise covers all aspects of real estate transactions. We help clients in connection with real property purchases and sales, easements, licenses, and financing documentation. We often assist clients with title due diligence, and on a select basis, we help owners understand and navigate landlord-tenant issues.
Agriculture
We provide a wide range of legal counsel in agricultural issues. We represent owners and farmers in connection with negotiations involving agricultural leases, licenses, and other agreements. We assist family farms with management and succession planning, and we have experience working on the many water issues that arise in our area.
Business
At Steidlmayer Law, we have experience advising clients through every step of the life cycle of a business. We routinely advise clients on entity selection and formation and the buying and selling of a business or business assets. We provide general counsel and other compliance services to local businesses. Also, in connection with our Estate practice, we assist families with succession planning for both farm businesses and other small businesses.
