Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Pleasant Hill, CA
Rinne Legal is a dedicated law firm specializing in Estate Planning, Probate, Trust and Probate Litigation, Heirship Law, German Law, and Prenuptial Agreements. Founded in 2006, our team of experienced attorneys provides personalized legal solutions for families and individuals across California. With offices in Pleasant Hill and Newark, we serve Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano Counties, offering compassionate guidance and expertise in both U.S. and German legal matters.Our practice emphasizes clear communication, long-term client relationships, and tailored strategies to protect clients' assets and wishes. Recognized for excellence, our principal attorney has been named a Super Lawyer multiple times, reflecting our commitment to high standards of legal service. We prioritize transparency, client education, and efficient resolution of complex legal challenges.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Litigation
Heirship Law
German Legal Services
Prenuptial Agreements
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in estate planning and probate law since 2006
- Our principal attorney is a five-time Super Lawyer honoree
- Specialized expertise in German law matters for international clients
- Personalized service with clear communication and long-term relationship focus
- Dual office locations serving Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano Counties
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
What people say
Compassionate legal guidance
Efficient service
Highly recommended
Prompt resolution
Excellent communication
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized strategies to protect assets and ensure wishes are honored. We draft revocable trusts, wills, and advanced directives while minimizing tax burdens. Clients receive clear guidance through complex legal decisions for long-term security.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through probate court procedures for efficient estate distribution. Our team handles asset inventory, debt settlement, and legal documentation while minimizing delays and costs during the 6-12 month process.
Trust Litigation
Our attorneys resolve trust-related disputes involving contested terms or asset distribution. We represent clients in probate court while maintaining focus on preserving family relationships and achieving fair outcomes.
German Law Services
We provide specialized legal support for German law matters including cross-border estate planning and contract compliance. Our services bridge U.S. and German legal systems for individuals and businesses with international needs.
Heirship Law
Our team clarifies inheritance rights when estates lack valid wills. We help heirs navigate legal processes to claim rightful property while addressing complex family dynamics and state-specific regulations.
People
Michael Rinne
Principal Attorney
LL.M. attorney with 18 years of estate planning experience, five-time Super Lawyer honoree, and German law expert serving California clients since 2006.
Martin Hoffman
Of Counsel
Experienced legal professional providing specialized support in estate planning and probate matters for California residents.
Jeffrey Hall
Of Counsel
Legal expert offering complementary services in trust administration and estate litigation for Bay Area clients.
Anna Pun
Senior Legal Assistant
Certified legal assistant with over 10 years of experience supporting complex estate planning and probate cases.
Sheba Alex
Senior Legal Assistant
Dedicated legal professional managing document preparation and client communication for estate planning matters.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include a revocable living trust, will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive to ensure comprehensive asset protection and decision-making authority.
How does probate work in California?
California probate involves court-supervised estate administration requiring 6-12 months for asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution according to wills or state intestacy laws.
Can I avoid probate with a living trust?
Yes, properly funded living trusts bypass probate court, allowing faster asset transfer to beneficiaries while maintaining privacy and reducing administrative costs.
Do you handle international estate matters?
Our firm specializes in cross-border estate planning and German law compliance for clients with international assets or family connections.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Intestate estates follow California's heirship laws determining asset distribution to surviving family members through probate court proceedings.
