Business Details
Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Irvine
Larsen & Risley is a client-focused legal practice with over 150 years of collective experience in trusts, estates, probate, litigation, and corporate law. Our team of industry-leading attorneys prioritizes client needs through strategic planning and personalized service. We represent individuals, families, and businesses, offering interdisciplinary expertise to navigate complex legal challenges.Our philosophy combines large-firm capabilities with a commitment to cost-effective, detail-oriented solutions. With offices in Irvine and San Diego, we serve clients across Orange County and surrounding communities.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Probate Litigation
Tax Planning
Corporate Law
Highlights and features
- We offer 150+ years of collective legal experience across trusts, estates, and corporate law
- Our client-first approach prioritizes personalized solutions over generic legal templates
- Interdisciplinary team combines tax, business, and litigation expertise for comprehensive solutions
- Proven track record saving clients millions through strategic estate and tax planning
- Collaborative team structure ensures seamless case management and second-opinion reviews
What people say
Exceptional professionalism
Compassionate guidance
Saved significant taxes
Thorough estate planning
Effective dispute resolution
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning attorneys create customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives to protect client assets and wishes. We specialize in complex estate structures for high-net-worth individuals while ensuring tax efficiency. Clients receive clear guidance through every planning decision to provide family security and minimize future disputes.
Probate Litigation
We represent clients in contested probate matters including will challenges, executor disputes, and trust breaches. Our litigation team combines courtroom experience with settlement negotiation skills to achieve favorable outcomes. We handle complex cases involving multi-state assets and contested beneficiary claims with strategic precision.
Trust Administration
Our attorneys guide trustees through post-mortem trust administration, including asset inventory, tax filings, and beneficiary distributions. We ensure compliance with California trust laws while minimizing liability risks. Clients benefit from our streamlined processes that complete administration efficiently while maintaining transparency with beneficiaries.
Corporate Law
We provide full-cycle corporate legal services including entity formation, contract drafting, and business succession planning. Our attorneys advise on mergers, acquisitions, and real estate transactions while preventing disputes through proactive governance structures. Clients receive strategic counsel aligned with both legal requirements and business objectives.
Tax Planning
Our tax specialists develop strategies to minimize estate and income tax liabilities through advanced planning techniques. We handle IRS controversies and international tax compliance for individuals and businesses. Clients gain confidence through comprehensive tax-efficient structures that protect wealth across generations.
People
R. Zebulon Law
Partner
30-year legal veteran specializing in estate planning and tax law with CPA credentials. Leads firm strategy while maintaining active client practice. Recognized for complex international trust structures and tax controversy resolution.
Matthew G. Stein
Partner
Probate litigation expert with 25+ years of trial experience. Focuses on high-stakes inheritance disputes and trust breaches. Known for strategic courtroom advocacy and successful mediation outcomes in complex family conflicts.
Shauna R. Anderson
Partner
Certified estate planning specialist guiding families through trust creation and administration. Develops customized asset protection plans while emphasizing client education about long-term implications of legal decisions.
Christine M. Allen
Partner
Litigation specialist handling complex probate disputes and business conflicts. Brings 15+ years of courtroom experience to trust contests and fiduciary breach cases, focusing on efficient resolution of contested matters.
David M. Huynh
Senior Associate
Estate planning and litigation attorney serving high-net-worth clients. Expertise in blended family estate structures and contested trust administration. Combines technical knowledge with client-focused communication for complex cases.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Our attorneys recommend trusts for asset protection and will create customized plans based on family dynamics and wealth transfer goals.
How does your firm handle probate disputes?
We prioritize mediation but prepare aggressive litigation when needed. Our team handles all aspects from initial petitions to final distributions, focusing on minimizing family conflict while protecting client interests.
Can I modify an existing estate plan?
Yes, we review and update existing plans to reflect life changes, new tax laws, or evolving family needs. We ensure all modifications maintain legal validity and coordinate with your overall financial strategy.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Orange County and San Diego County clients with offices in Irvine and San Diego. Our attorneys handle matters across California and consult on multi-state estate planning issues.
How do you charge for legal services?
We offer flat fees for standard estate plans and hourly rates for litigation. Complex matters receive detailed cost estimates upfront. Payment plans are available for qualifying clients.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary initial consultations to discuss your specific needs and determine the best approach for your legal matter.
