Of the many thousands of licensed attorneys in Orange County, California, fewer than 100 have earned the designation, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. The reasons for and significance of such designation are explained below, which are adapted from the brochure entitled, “What Can a Certified Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist Do for You,” published by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
What does it mean when an attorney is a certified specialist?
A certified specialist is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. An attorney who is certified by the California State Bar as an estate planning, trust & probate law specialist must have:
- taken and passed a comprehensive full-day written examination in estate planning, trust and probate law administered by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization;
- demonstrated a high level of expertise and requisite number of years of experience in estate planning, trust and probate law;
- fulfilled mandated ongoing education requirements in estate planning, trust and probate law; and
- been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her estate planning, trust and probate work.
Why does the State Bar certify legal specialists?
- To help the public identify attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in specialized fields of law
- To encourage the maintenance and improvement of attorney competence in specialized fields of law
Estate planning, trust and probate law is complex and constantly changing. A certified specialist stays current with the law.
What can a certified estate planning, trust & probate law specialist do for you?
- Create and implement your estate plan by preparing wills and trusts
- Minimize death, gift and income taxes in connection with your estate plan
- Assist with probate, trust, conservatorship and guardianship proceedings and disputes
Each attorney sets his or her own fees based on the complexity of a particular case. A certified specialist designation does not at all mean that it will cost you more money.
Whether your situation is simple or complex, consider hiring an attorney who is a “Certified Specialist in Estate Planing, Trust & Probate Law” by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization – an attorney who is committed through certification to maintaining proficiency in estate planning, trust and probate law through continual practice and continuing education.
If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of estate planning, trust or probate law, please feel free to telephone Mr. Codron directly at (949) 622-5450