Business Details
30 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Elder Law Services in Fresno
We are a dedicated law firm specializing in estate planning and elder law, committed to providing comprehensive legal solutions for families in Fresno, California. Our practice focuses on helping clients secure their legacies through tailored estate plans, special needs trusts, and life care planning. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys combine deep legal expertise with a personalized approach to address each client's unique circumstances. We prioritize client education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future. Our team actively engages with the community, offering workshops and resources on estate planning and elder law matters.Recognized for our commitment to excellence, we maintain active memberships in prestigious professional organizations such as Wealth Counsel and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. Our attorneys regularly participate in continuing education programs to stay at the forefront of evolving legal standards. We take pride in delivering compassionate, client-centered representation that prioritizes long-term family security and asset protection.
Services
Estate Planning
Special Needs Planning
Life Care Planning
Elder Law
Probate
Trust Administration
Business Succession
Pet Trusts
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We combine legal expertise with personalized estate planning strategies
- Our attorneys maintain active memberships in national elder law organizations
- We provide specialized planning for special needs and business succession
- Our team completes extensive continuing legal education annually
- We offer compassionate guidance for complex family legal matters
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advanced directives to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. Our attorneys help families avoid probate and minimize tax burdens through customized legal strategies. With ongoing legal updates, we ensure plans remain compliant with current California laws.
Special Needs Planning
Our specialized planning services establish financial security for individuals with disabilities while maintaining eligibility for government benefits. We create tailored trusts and legal frameworks that address long-term care needs and asset protection. Our attorneys work closely with families to develop comprehensive plans that provide ongoing support.
Life Care Planning
We develop holistic plans addressing medical, financial, and legal needs for aging individuals. Our approach combines estate planning with long-term care strategies to protect assets and ensure quality care. Services include Medi-Cal planning, nursing home admission planning, and decision-making frameworks for healthcare providers.
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses legal challenges facing older adults, including conservatorships, guardianships, and abuse prevention. We help families navigate complex legal systems while protecting clients' rights and assets. Services include legal representation for nursing home issues and long-term care planning.
Probate
We guide executors through California's probate process while handling estate administration matters. Our services include asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution of assets according to wills or state law. We provide efficient representation to minimize delays and conflicts during this challenging time.
People
Marcella Downing, Esq.
Attorney & Partner
Marcella Downing is a California-licensed attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law. With over 20 years of legal experience, she focuses on special needs planning and asset protection strategies. She previously worked in accounting before transitioning to law, bringing unique financial expertise to her legal practice.
Robert Howk
Attorney & Partner
Robert Howk established the firm in 1996 and specializes in estate planning and elder law matters. He co-authored a chapter on ethics in estate planning and maintains active involvement in professional legal organizations. He provides expert guidance on complex trust and estate issues.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives tailored to individual family needs.
Do you specialize in special needs planning?
Yes, we create specialized trusts and legal frameworks to ensure proper care and financial security for individuals with special needs.
What elder law services do you provide?
Our elder law practice includes Medi-Cal planning, conservatorships, and long-term care strategies to protect seniors' assets and rights.
How do you handle business succession planning?
We develop customized succession plans to ensure smooth transitions for family businesses while minimizing tax implications and legal complexities.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Fresno, we serve clients throughout Central Valley, Northern California, and surrounding regions with estate planning needs.
