We know planning for the inevitable is never easy, but we want to help ensure your legacy is preserved and your family protected. We are here to guide you through the process of planning for your loved ones' futures. Believe it or not, you have an estate. In fact, nearly everyone does.
Your estate is comprised of everything you own- your car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, personal possessions.No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate and something in common-you can't take it with you when you die.
Your estate is comprised of everything you own- your car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, personal possessions.No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate and something in common-you can't take it with you when you die.
Services
When you call or come into our offices, she's the first person you meet. Ellen is always there to help our clients and they've all grown to love her like family! Ellen was born and raised in Antioch and continues to live there today with her husband and Skoshi, a 5lb Mini Deer Chihuahua. When she isn't keeping the office in order and helping clients, she loves to cook and organize office BBQs for her co-workers.
Probate is expensive, exhausting, and difficult on grieving family members and friends. The only way to avoid probate is to plan ahead. We know planning for the inevitable is never easy, but we want to help ensure your legacy is preserved and your family protected. We are here to guide you through the process of planning for your loved ones' futures.
Just like a Will, it legally documents what you want done with your assets, your dependents, and your heirs once you're gone. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: one of the main differences between a Will and a Living Trust is that a Will only works after you die and has been entered into probate.
A Living Trust bypasses the expensive and burdensome process of probate, allowing your successor trustee (who is basically the same as an executor of a Will) to carry out your instructions as documented in your living trust upon your death - and if you become unable to manage your financial and legal affairs due to incapacity.The Trustee: The Trustee is the person named by the Trust as the controller of the Trust's assets.
A Living Trust bypasses the expensive and burdensome process of probate, allowing your successor trustee (who is basically the same as an executor of a Will) to carry out your instructions as documented in your living trust upon your death - and if you become unable to manage your financial and legal affairs due to incapacity.The Trustee: The Trustee is the person named by the Trust as the controller of the Trust's assets.
A Will is a document that says who gets what and who is in charge of your estate after you die. Guardian for children under age 18. A Will is usually only appropriate for smaller estates that do not include real estate, and should usually be accompanied by powers of attorney, which only work when you are alive.
Power of Attorney is a document where you appoint people to make financial or medical decisions for you. Powers of attorney expire on your death, with the exception of decisions for disposition of your body in the Advance Health Care Directive. It is usually recommended that you have both powers of attorney together with either a Will or a Living Trust.
Reviews (25)
David Mayne
Feb 26, 2021
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Steve Heike
Jan 29, 2021
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Ron H.
Aug 08, 2020
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Jamie D.
Aug 30, 2019
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I have know Mr. Harris for several years now and he is an expert in probate and estate law, and can explain all aspects, pitfalls and problems that can occur in estates. Everyone should have an estate plan, and everyone should see Joel Harris for their estate plan. Professional, reasonably priced, and very friendly staff as well.
Cindy B.
Jul 13, 2019
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Ben B.
May 17, 2019
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David S.
May 14, 2019
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Steve H.
May 10, 2019
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Joel helped us with our wills and setting up a trust. He made it easy to understand and it was completed quite quickly and painlessly! I would recommend Joel to anyone! It is also worth noting that he is a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law - not all lawyers are. That means he is, in my opinion, more qualified than most others in the field.
Lillian C.
May 10, 2019
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A most trustworthy expert. Joel has been in the business for many years and brings an abundance of expertise to the table. Confused with anything related to trusts (all kinds) and probate? He is your guy. I don't think I have met an estate planning attorney with his expertise. He can provide a clear, succinct and precise planning strategy for you and your family,
Lillian Cordice
Lillian Cordice
Leigh D.
Apr 04, 2019
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Joel Harris and his team made managing one of the most painful and sensitive times in my life bearable. Without Joel's competence, integrity, compassion, and personalized dedication to service I'd be dealing with costly probate, an added stress that would only make the painful loss of my loved one more difficult.
It is with deep gratitude that I write today for because of Joel's efforts the final wishes of my family member were able to be honored and followed through upon. This is a sacred gift and it wouldn't have been possible without the tender professionalism of Attorney
It is with deep gratitude that I write today for because of Joel's efforts the final wishes of my family member were able to be honored and followed through upon. This is a sacred gift and it wouldn't have been possible without the tender professionalism of Attorney
Malrie C.
Mar 20, 2019
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Joel is a wonderful kind hearted person as well a knowledgeable estate lawyer. I've been meaning to get my personal estate in order for years but always put it on the back burner. Joel made it easy as pie! It feels good to know that things are finally in order and my family is going to be taken care of. My recommendation to anyone reading this is get it done and quit putting it off. I highly recommend Joel's services.
Lee Sherwood
Jan 13, 2019
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Joel Harris and his team deserve 10 Stars! They have held my hand every step of the way and provided heartfelt amazing service for me and my family after the sudden loss of my wife.
If your looking for an expert attorney with years of experience, and a heart do as I did and engage Joel Harris and his team!
Thank you a million times Joel for your kindness and expertise!
Lee Sherwood
If your looking for an expert attorney with years of experience, and a heart do as I did and engage Joel Harris and his team!
Thank you a million times Joel for your kindness and expertise!
Lee Sherwood
Tom Tesler
Oct 25, 2018
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Reuben T.
Oct 25, 2018
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Jenny L.
Jul 25, 2018
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Joel helped one of my clients by updating her will and trust after her husband passed away. In working with her and with Joel on a professional level, I observed that he is both efficient and cost effective. I feel much better knowing that my client will be well taken care of when she is in need of help because her legal documents are in order and ready for her children to execute.
Jeff W.
Jul 20, 2018
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Joel did my estate plan. I can not recommend him enough to whoever needs their estate plan either updated, or written. I recommended him to my sister and my parents, and I like them, so you know Joel is the best! He even went so far as to meet me at my house to do the signing. Top notch customer service and he is really funny, too. You are in great hands with Joel and his team. Do not hesitate to use his services!!
Carl W.
Jul 04, 2018
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Mr. Joel was very instrumental in preparing our family trust. He was very informative and brought things down to earth for us and completed things in a reasonable amount of time. He had all the answers we needed. We have a family of two girls and my wife and I and he put things together very well for us. I would recommend him for anybody who would want a Family Trust.
Judy M.
Feb 18, 2018
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If I could give Joel more stars I would. He re-wrote a trust for us and
explained how everything would work in such a clear manner that we are finally comfortable that our wishes will be met. He welcomed our Executor as she joined us in our meeting. She was so impressed she asked if he could handle their Trust and legal business. Unfortunately, she lives across the country, so he couldn't. However, I send her some of the articles he writes and she appreciates the clear information. I would recommend Joel Harris to anyone who wants an intelligent, kind and fairly priced attorney. The people
explained how everything would work in such a clear manner that we are finally comfortable that our wishes will be met. He welcomed our Executor as she joined us in our meeting. She was so impressed she asked if he could handle their Trust and legal business. Unfortunately, she lives across the country, so he couldn't. However, I send her some of the articles he writes and she appreciates the clear information. I would recommend Joel Harris to anyone who wants an intelligent, kind and fairly priced attorney. The people
Gurpreet K.
Jan 09, 2018
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Michael S.
Dec 28, 2017
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Kristin K.
Nov 17, 2017
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Owning a home with children (1 of whom is adopted) and being in a long term relationship but not married, Joel set us up with estate and trust. It is relieving to know that if something were to happen to us everything is in order. He made it easy and fun. After my grandmother and mother passed last year I had their estate matters that were in a mess Joel seamlessly helped me manage. Highly recommend!
Toghrul S.
Oct 16, 2017
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I reached that time in my life when I realized that finally I had to set up a will and related documents.
I worked hard for my money and did not want to leave it to CA state to figure it out the wrong way.
I came across Joel Harris, who was referred to me by whole bunch of people i knew very well.
First Joel scheduled free consultation meeting where he addressed my questions and concerns.
Later Joel emailed me all paperwork to fill in and then walked me through everything.
Once the documents were done , the signing was quick, smooth and painless.
I think Joel would be a great choice to consult
I worked hard for my money and did not want to leave it to CA state to figure it out the wrong way.
I came across Joel Harris, who was referred to me by whole bunch of people i knew very well.
First Joel scheduled free consultation meeting where he addressed my questions and concerns.
Later Joel emailed me all paperwork to fill in and then walked me through everything.
Once the documents were done , the signing was quick, smooth and painless.
I think Joel would be a great choice to consult
Stacey Duckett
Jun 15, 2017
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Andre E.
Jun 10, 2017
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Joel Harris Law 5 stars! Joel and his staff are awesome. He updated our estate plan. He is very knowledgeable and shows attention to detail. He completed the update in a timely manner and facilitated the signing of the documents quickly as my wife is ill. I am comfortable recommending Joel and feel he asked lots of questions to be sure we updated our trust in the appropriate way to include our special needs adult son. You will not go wrong in using this firm. Kudos to Joel and His paralegals.
Karen M.
Jul 19, 2015
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A retired single parent, with a grown daughter and 5 young grandchildren, I needed to discuss estate planning to secure their future. Litigation Attorney Martin Gonzalves, whom I had previously retained two years ago, highly recommended Joel Harris for my estate planning. I spoke with Eileen who immediately made an appointment for me and e-mailed a worksheet to me to list my assets, including listing my home and adding my daughter as sole beneficiary.
His fee was very easy with my fixed income. I was able to pay 1/2 when we met, then the balance at the closing meeting.
Within 3 weeks, I had
His fee was very easy with my fixed income. I was able to pay 1/2 when we met, then the balance at the closing meeting.
Within 3 weeks, I had
