Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Estate Planning & Trust Law Firm in Santa Rosa, CA
Founded in 1999, Friedemann Goldberg has established itself as a premier law firm in the North Bay region. Our mission combines the high-quality legal services of larger firms with the personalized attention and responsiveness of a boutique practice. We specialize in Trusts and Estates, Business Law, Intellectual Property, Tax Law, and Trust and Estate Litigation, delivering tailored solutions to complex legal matters. Our team includes four Certified Specialists in Estate Planning and Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California, with collective recognition of over 25 national awards. We maintain affiliations with legal professionals across California and globally to ensure comprehensive service. Our commitment extends beyond legal excellence, as we actively engage in pro bono work, community service, and sustainable workplace practices.Recognized ten consecutive years as one of the Best Places to Work in the North Bay, we prioritize a healthy workplace culture that benefits clients and employees alike. Our attorneys serve on judicial committees, act as mediators, and contribute to organizations supporting health, education, and the arts. We believe in leaving a lasting positive impact through recycling programs, internships for future generations, and volunteer initiatives. This dedication to community and excellence forms the foundation of our practice, ensuring clients receive both expertise and personalized care.
Services
Trusts & Estates
Business Law
Estate Planning
Intellectual Property
Tax Law
Trust Administration
Estate Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 4 Certified Specialists in Estate Planning by the State Bar of California.
- Our attorneys have received over 25 national awards for legal excellence.
- We maintain affiliations with legal professionals across California and globally.
- We provide pro bono services to land conservation, health, and educational organizations.
- Recognized ten consecutive years as a Best Place to Work in the North Bay.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California
Services
Estate Planning
Our Estate Planning practice creates customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. We specialize in complex scenarios, including multi-generational wealth transfer and tax-efficient strategies. Clients benefit from personalized guidance and decades of experience in California-specific estate laws.
Trust Administration
Trust Administration services manage post-mortem trust distributions with precision and compliance. Our team handles asset inventory, creditor claims, tax filings, and beneficiary communications. We prioritize transparency and efficiency to minimize disputes while honoring the grantor's intentions under California probate law.
Estate Litigation
Estate Litigation resolves disputes over wills, trusts, and probate matters through negotiation or courtroom advocacy. We represent executors, beneficiaries, and trustees in contested cases involving undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, or asset mismanagement. Our approach balances aggressive representation with cost-effective solutions.
People
Steven M. Goldberg
Attorney
Steven M. Goldberg focuses on estate planning and trust administration, leveraging decades of experience to create tailored solutions for high-net-worth clients across California.
Ronald P. Wargo
Attorney
Ronald P. Wargo specializes in trust litigation and probate law, representing clients in complex disputes while maintaining a commitment to ethical, client-centered advocacy.
Stephanie B. Hess
Attorney
Stephanie B. Hess provides comprehensive estate planning services, including tax-efficient strategies and charitable giving structures for individuals and families.
Mia R. Bowler
Attorney
Mia R. Bowler focuses on intellectual property and business law, advising clients on asset protection and corporate transactions within estate planning frameworks.
John F. Friedemann
Founding Partner (Retired)
John F. Friedemann co-founded the firm in 1999, establishing its reputation for combining large-firm expertise with boutique-level client service in North Bay legal circles.
Questions
What areas of law does Friedemann Goldberg Wargo Hess specialize in?
We specialize in Trusts and Estates, Business Law, Intellectual Property, Tax Law, Trust Administration, and Estate Litigation.
Are your attorneys certified specialists in estate planning?
Yes, we have four Certified Specialists in Estate Planning and Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California.
Do you serve clients outside Northern California?
Yes, we serve clients in Southern California and maintain affiliations with legal professionals across the country.
What community initiatives does the firm support?
We support land conservation, health charities, educational programs, and local arts organizations through pro bono work and volunteer efforts.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Call (707) 543-4900 during business hours (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday) to schedule an appointment at our Santa Rosa office.
