Business Details
46 Years
experience
Custom Estate Planning Solutions San Jose
For over four decades, our firm has served as California's most trusted estate planning resource. Founded in 1980 by attorney Bob Bergman, we specialize in creating customized estate plans that protect assets, preserve legacies, and ensure clients' wishes are honored. Our practice focuses on revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, probate administration, and specialized court petitions. We hold certification as Estate Planning Specialists by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by fewer than 100 attorneys in Santa Clara County. Our team combines technical expertise with personalized service, offering free educational webinars and 30-minute preliminary planning sessions to help clients understand their options.We maintain active involvement in professional organizations like Wealthcounsel and regularly contribute to legal education through seminars and radio programs. Our office in San Jose provides both in-person and virtual consultations, serving clients across the San Francisco Bay Area. We emphasize transparency in pricing, comprehensive documentation, and ongoing client education throughout the estate planning process. Our approach combines architectural precision in plan design with contractor-like execution to deliver tailored solutions that meet each client's unique needs.
Services
Revocable Living Trust
Last Will and Testament
Probate Administration
Trust Modification
Special Needs Trust
Heggstad Petition
Estate Tax Planning
Advance Health Care Directive
Financial Power of Attorney
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of estate planning experience in California
- Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
- Personalized approach combining architectural design with legal execution
- Free educational webinars and preliminary planning sessions
- Active involvement in professional legal education and community service
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Knowledgeable and experienced
Patient and thorough
Competent hands
Full digital copies
Serene process
Services
Revocable Living Trust
A flexible estate planning tool that allows asset management during life and seamless transfer after death. Avoids probate court involvement while maintaining privacy. Ideal for families seeking control over asset distribution and incapacity planning.
Special Needs Trust
Specifically designed to protect government benefits eligibility while providing financial support for individuals with disabilities. Ensures continued access to Medicaid and SSI while covering supplemental needs like therapy and education.
Heggstad Petition
Legal process to transfer assets into a trust without full probate proceedings. Used when assets were unintentionally left outside the trust at death. Requires court validation of the decedent's original intent.
Trust Modification
Procedure to update irrevocable trusts when circumstances change. Allows adjustments for tax law changes, family dynamics, or asset protection needs while maintaining the trust's core purpose and legal integrity.
Probate Administration
Court-supervised process for distributing assets when no trust exists. Includes inventorying assets, paying debts, and resolving claims. Provides structured resolution for estates requiring formal court oversight and creditor notification.
People
Robert P. Bergman
Estate Planning Attorney
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning with 40+ years experience. Graduated from Santa Clara Law School in 1980. Member of Wealthcounsel and frequent legal educator. Hosts weekly estate planning radio show in San Francisco Bay Area.
Questions
What happens if I don't create an estate plan?
Without an estate plan, California's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution. This may not align with your wishes and could create complications for your family during an already difficult time.
How does a living trust avoid probate?
Assets held in a properly funded living trust bypass probate court since they're already titled in the trust's name. This maintains privacy and typically expedites asset distribution to beneficiaries.
Can I modify an existing trust?
Yes, trusts can often be modified through court petitions when circumstances change. Common reasons include tax law changes, family dynamics, or updated asset protection needs.
What's included in a basic estate plan?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a revocable living trust, will, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, and asset assignment documents to ensure complete coverage.
How do I start the estate planning process?
Begin by attending one of our free webinars or scheduling a 30-minute preliminary consultation. We'll help you organize assets, discuss goals, and create a customized plan that evolves with your needs.
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