I'm really glad you're here. If you're looking for practical information about trusts and estate planning that is up-to-date and easy to understand, you're definitely in the right place. You can also give me a call and I will take it if I'm available, or the message you receive will let you know when you can expect to hear back.
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You've worked hard and sacrificed to provide for the people in your life. They are your "why." I once heard estate planning described as a legal set of babysitter instructions on how we want things handled if we're unable to do so ourselves. Our loved ones deserve and often need that kind of mindful guidance.
An attorney I learned from early in my career described a living trust as being like a bucket. You take your assets and put them in your bucket (trust). While you are alive and well you get to hold and control your bucket. You can put new property in, take it out, sell it, or use it however you see fit (just as you do now).
Probate is the legal court process necessary to recognize a person's death and administer their estate. If steps are not taken during a person's lifetime to avoid probate, it is a necessary one to wrap up a deceased person's affairs. Probate is quite a process indeed.
As you can see from the list of steps above, it involves notifying all beneficiaries under a will, all "default" heirs under state law (even if there is a will, these potential default heirs still get notified and can come forward), notifying known creditors, publishing notices of death in a local newspaper of general circulation, inventorying and appraising assets, and so on.
As you can see from the list of steps above, it involves notifying all beneficiaries under a will, all "default" heirs under state law (even if there is a will, these potential default heirs still get notified and can come forward), notifying known creditors, publishing notices of death in a local newspaper of general circulation, inventorying and appraising assets, and so on.
The ideal outcome is to optimize the estate plan to avoid or reduce the transfer taxes following a death, keep the annual property tax bill as low as possible when real estate is transferred following a death, and enable assets to receive a step-up in basis so that, if property is sold following a death, relatively little (if any) Capital Gains Taxes need to be paid.
Reviews (25)
Maureen Harris
Jan 03, 2022
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Brian is exceptional in every way! He guided us through the entire process of finalizing our Living Trust. My husband and I both really liked how Brian took the time to explain and make suggestions throughout the entire process. He was/is also available and responsive to our questions. He exhibits extreme professionalism and for that we are extremely grateful! Thank you Brian! We will continue to look to Brian for future guidance!
Kari Loeser
Dec 10, 2021
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We used the firm to formalize certain estate planning aspects for our family. Brian was articulate, competent, responsive, and most importantly, conveyed the utmost professionalism and duty of care/loyalty. His client centric approach and open communication style are hallmarks of a seasoned and valuable attorney. He is a key asset to the legal community and his clients.
Btr Practice
Nov 29, 2021
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We feel very fortunate to have been directed to Brian by our financial advisor. It had been 20 years since our initial trust and it was overdue for a refresh as things change. The whole process was direct and professional. We felt comfortable throughout Brian's process. Brian also informed us about the use of a beneficiary trust account outside the trust which is a more flexible way to deal with beneficiaries that are more likely to change (outside of family, which we have implemented). That alone was worth what we paid to now have an up-to-date trust which by itself is a relief; like many people
Maria Solorzano
Nov 23, 2021
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My husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have chosen Brian
to assist us with our Estate planning documents. He was able to advise and guide us
thru a comprehensive estate plan which consisted of a revocable living trust, Durable Power of Attorney,
Living Will, and Health Care Directive. Brian is very professional in his consultation answering all our
questions and explaining the whole Estate planning process in detail from start to finish .
The whole process was very pleasant to say the least and truly a joy to work with Brian.
We are extremely happy now that we have our estate
to assist us with our Estate planning documents. He was able to advise and guide us
thru a comprehensive estate plan which consisted of a revocable living trust, Durable Power of Attorney,
Living Will, and Health Care Directive. Brian is very professional in his consultation answering all our
questions and explaining the whole Estate planning process in detail from start to finish .
The whole process was very pleasant to say the least and truly a joy to work with Brian.
We are extremely happy now that we have our estate
Troy Dameron
Nov 13, 2021
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Brian was very responsive in helping us work through the process of getting our estate plan into place. His instructions were easy to follow, and the online meeting basically answered any questions we had. He spent as much time as needed with us to get our estate plans exactly the way we wanted. The best part is now we have our estate plan in place for our family to know what to do when the time comes that they have to assume the responsibilities of carrying out our last wishes. Brian was professional, trustworthy, patient (it took us awhile), and made sure every step was as simple as possible
Carrie Azzopardi
Oct 29, 2021
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I cannot say enough about the quality my husband and I received from Qualls Law Firm while we finally got our living trust done, during a pandemic of all things. Brian was so great. We met via zoom for meetings prior to our signing and this worked perfectly. He was smart, efficient and answered every question we had for him. He is very professional and we would recommend him to anyone who has been putting off getting their living trust done. He really made it simple and it was a very painless experience for us. 5 stars all the way
Siva Elango
Sep 24, 2021
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I was looking to establish the Estate Planning for my family and a friend/colleague of my wife referred us to Qualls Law Firm.
I contacted Brian from Qualls Law Firm with minimum knowledge in this domain, seeking help and more info to move forward on the goal of mine to establish Estate Planning this year.
I find him very organized right from the day one I contacted. He has immense knowledge in establishing Living Trust, Will and testament, Child Guardianship, Health Care Directive and more.
In addition to that, he has a lot of patience answering my questions, takes time to clarify our concerns
I contacted Brian from Qualls Law Firm with minimum knowledge in this domain, seeking help and more info to move forward on the goal of mine to establish Estate Planning this year.
I find him very organized right from the day one I contacted. He has immense knowledge in establishing Living Trust, Will and testament, Child Guardianship, Health Care Directive and more.
In addition to that, he has a lot of patience answering my questions, takes time to clarify our concerns
Molli Aronce
Sep 19, 2021
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My wife and I worked with Brian at Qualls Law Firm to create our Will and Trust. Brian guided us completely and thoroughly along the way. Brian's communication and advice were very professional, clear, and helpful. He made arrangements to sign our final papers and went above and beyond to come to our house with all proper COVID protocols.
My wife and I feel a sense of peace knowing our Will has been completed and carried out to our wishes, thanks to the professional services of Qualls Law Firm.
My wife and I feel a sense of peace knowing our Will has been completed and carried out to our wishes, thanks to the professional services of Qualls Law Firm.
Jose Diaz
Sep 11, 2021
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Brian helped me establish a Last Will & Testament and a Revokable Trust including all related and relevant documents.
Although my preference would have been to work with Brian face-to-face, we interacted via phone, zoom, and email because of our distances from each other and more importantly, safely engaging ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am impressed with Brian’s web-based process. It is thorough, informative, and user-friendly. It was clear to me right from the beginning of this process that Brian developed his process through his client’s perspective - anticipating every question
Although my preference would have been to work with Brian face-to-face, we interacted via phone, zoom, and email because of our distances from each other and more importantly, safely engaging ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am impressed with Brian’s web-based process. It is thorough, informative, and user-friendly. It was clear to me right from the beginning of this process that Brian developed his process through his client’s perspective - anticipating every question
Arvin Wu
Jul 14, 2021
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Brian was very professional and knowledgeable with helping us with our trust and estate documents. Brian made the process very easy and seem less. He even called us one week before signing that he can make it out to us instead of us having to travel to him. He was always honest and upfront with all the information that we needed. He answered every question that we had, making us feel very confident of the entire process and that we were doing the right thing. Knowing that our Trust and Estate Documents are done we feel more at rest knowing that our kids will be taken cared off.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you 🙏
Angelic L.
May 28, 2021
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If you are looking for an estate planning lawyer, look no further than Brian Qualls. My experience with Brian was top notch and his services are of the highest quality. He makes legal jargon digestible, and despite the volume of information he has to share with you, he does not rush through any interactions. That being said, you really don't need too many interactions with him because his system is EXTREMELY efficient and well-thought out. You can tell he is very detail oriented by the very informative questionnaire he built out himself that helps you get started with your consultation and
Jerry B.
May 08, 2021
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Devang M.
Feb 22, 2021
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Paulo C.
Aug 21, 2020
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I had been postponing creating a will and trust for a long time. I was not looking forward to navigating the paperwork. I reached out to Qualls Law Firm and Brian picked up the phone. Brian is exactly who you want to guide you through this process. He is friendly, caring, and helpful. I got quick replies to any question that came up, and actually enjoyed talking to him. He seems to like teaching and explaining, and will walk you through each step patiently. He has a clear and easy process to make getting your will and trust done as simple as possible. Now that I completed the will and
Gillian H.
Aug 19, 2020
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We contacted Brian to help us understand how estate planning could help us as we had just had our first son and wanted to make sure he was protected should anything happen to us. To make it easier for us, Brian came to our home to go over everything, answer the great number of questions we had and propose a game plan to not only protect our son but any children in the future. He was wonderful to work with, not just very knowledgeable but an all around great guy...you can tell he loves what he does, it resonates from him!! The process was very smooth, he has invested a lot of time and money into
Theresa H.
Feb 10, 2020
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In searching for a trust attorney on Yelp, for a friend of mine, Brian was the first one who answered his own phone. He was very open with his methods and answered all my questions. After my friend met Brian, I also decided to do our trust. It actually was easier than I thought. During the process Brian always answered his phone or if I left a message he promptly returned my call. He is very flexible with appointments and easy to contact. I learned many things during this process as Brian really knows the ins and outs of trust law. His prices are also very reasonable. I am totally recommending
Eric S.
Dec 10, 2019
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Before finding Brian, we interviewed another lawyer to plan our family trust. After the initial meeting, we were left with a ton of reading and paperwork to tackle. Feeling overwhelmed, we dropped the whole thing. A couple years later, with our 2nd child on the way, and knowing the importance, we picked things up again. This time, we found Brian on Yelp.
Brian's approach was completely different and we liked him immediately on the first meeting. He was patient and professional, and also extremely thorough. He educated us, and walked us through all the complicated questions he needed answered
Brian's approach was completely different and we liked him immediately on the first meeting. He was patient and professional, and also extremely thorough. He educated us, and walked us through all the complicated questions he needed answered
Luna G.
Nov 10, 2019
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My husband and I have been planning on putting together a living trust for several years. I interviewed several attorneys and selected Brian. Why? He is honest, ethical, personable and made everything extremely clear. Our personal financial situation is pretty complex and Brian's expertise allowed him to simplify the complexities of our living trust. I have referred him to many people and highly recommend you contact him when organizing your living trust.
Kimmy G.
Oct 06, 2019
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Qualls Law Firm helped my husband and I with the restatement of our living trust. It had been a while since we updated our trust, and the laws have changed, so it was time. Brian was very responsive, extremely easy to work with, and the whole process was quick and pain free. He was very patient and answered all our questions via phone, email and in person. We are very relieved to have our trust completely up to date, and we can move on with empty nesting knowing that our estate and our family will be taken care of. We highly recommend Brian Qualls Law Firm!
Siddharth C.
Aug 17, 2019
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Brian set up wills for my wife and me, and the he made sure that the entire experience was seamless and hassle free. He was extremely professional and promptly responded to all of our questions and requests. He provided assurance that all of our needs were being met and didn't pressure us for additional services beyond what we were comfortable with. Now that we're done with setting up the will, we feel secure in having a strong estate plan in place. We highly recommend him and look forward to continue working with him for our future estate planning needs.
Erica M.
Jul 26, 2019
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Brian was recommended to us by our financial advisor to help us with our estate and trust planning. He is based in Pleasanton but it was easy to schedule to meet with him in his San Mateo office. He was very approachable, professional, and helped educate us on trusts and what our options were. He also went beyond estate planning by also helping with adoption paperwork. He was a pleasure to work with and we highly recommend him.
Thi N.
May 30, 2019
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I had such a great experience with Brian! Before I came to Brian, I thought about estate planning for a year prior to meeting him but never acted on it. Having a living trust was just a lingering thought. Whenever I got on a plane or did something adventurous the thought of unplanned mishaps bothered more often then I imagined. Even worst I had no estate plans. I finally went online and searched for a nearby attorney so I google "Trust Fund Attorney". This brought me to a few lawyers and I browsed their websites. I requested a few appointments online and Brian emailed not long after
L. H.
Jun 11, 2018
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Brian was extremely supportive with helping me revise my will and related documents. Although I was tempted to try to revise them on my own, I'm grateful I didn't since he provided valuable information I needed to consider and would have never thought to research or include otherwise. (These types of mistakes can be costly and time-consuming, so it's well worth engaging a professional to guide you through the process.) He was flexible with scheduling our appointment, very prompt with preparing my paperwork, and made signing the documents a breeze. He is personable, punctual, patiently
Heather M.
Jan 26, 2018
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Brian Qualls created a trust and will (and related documents) for me. He listened to my concerns, answered all of my questions, and prepared my documents in a timely manner.
I used to work as a paralegal for many years (including working for an estate planning law firm); and I found him to be one of the most professional and knowledgeable attorneys that I have encountered. I highly recommend him!
I used to work as a paralegal for many years (including working for an estate planning law firm); and I found him to be one of the most professional and knowledgeable attorneys that I have encountered. I highly recommend him!
Brett G.
Mar 08, 2017
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My wife and I were still depending on a Living Trust that was prepared nearly 30 years ago. So much had changed with our family and our assets since that Trust was created, all of the documents had become pretty much worthless. I contacted Brian Qualls for his opinion. Brian took time to thoroughly review our documents and clearly pointed out a list of defects that invalidated our Trust. In fact, one of the items that Brian caught was not done correctly by our other attorney all those years ago. In short, we were definitely not protected if my wife or I passed away prior to our meeting with
