Practice Areas

Estate Planning

Peace of mind. A well-designed estate plan provides this by detailing your wishes regarding your assets, personal care, and the care of your children if you become incapacitated and after your death. You control the most crucial decisions regarding your end-of-life care, the disposition of your real and personal property, and the well-being of those closest to you. At Richard J. Lee Law Group, we have the experience and expertise to advise our clients on a range of estate planning strategies, from the simplest to the most complex, all with an eye toward reducing client and beneficiary costs. We will prepare a suite of documents tailored to your and family’s unique needs, which generally include a revocable (living) trust or will, Advance Healthcare Directive and Durable Power of Attorney.

Probate and Trust Administration

After a loved one passes, there can be many challenges in settling their estate, whether through a court-supervised probate or administration of a trust. Probate is governed by complex rules and deadlines requiring strict compliance. Our attorneys guide and advise personal representatives and trustees as they navigate the gathering of assets, payments to creditors and the distribution of funds or property to beneficiaries, making the process as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Small Businesses

Whether you’re starting a business or have been in operation for years, we can provide the advice, guidance and services you need to achieve and sustain profitability and reduce risk. We have helped hundreds of small businesses establish and maintain their legal structure, as partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profits occupy a unique position as institutions driven by their mission, services and community impact rather than their bottom line. Like for-profit businesses, nonprofits are governed by federal and state laws that govern their establishment and operation and are more closely regulated if they are tax-exempt. Richard J. Lee Law Group has helped launch hundreds of nonprofits and advises a wide range of California nonprofits doing work in the film arts, visual arts, conservation of land and resources, documentary and educational filmmaking.

FAQ’s

What happens if I die without an estate plan?

Without a will or trust, your assets are distributed according to California’s intestacy laws. That means the state determines your heirs, which may not align with your wishes.

Is trust administration always faster or cheaper than probate?

Generally yes, assets held in a properly funded trust avoid probate, which can reduce time, costs and public disclosure. But every case is different funding the trust and beneficiary designations matter.

How should I choose a business entity for my small business?

The right structure LLC, corporation, partnership depends on your growth goals, liability exposure and how it fits with your estate plan. We review your business model, ownership, succession and tax implications.

What do nonprofits need to consider beyond formation?

After formation, nonprofits must maintain compliance (federal and state filings), governance practices, conflict of interest policies and proper alignment of mission and legal structure. Failure to do so can jeopardize tax-exempt status.

How often should I update my estate-plan documents?

You should revisit your plan anytime you have major life changes marriage, divorce, children, business sale, acquisition of substantial assets or relocation. It’s also wise to review every few years to ensure it reflects current law and your objectives.

Important Things to Know

What happens if I die without an estate plan?

Without a will or trust, your assets are distributed according to California’s intestacy laws. That means the state determines your heirs, which may not align with your wishes.

Is trust administration always faster or cheaper than probate?

Generally yes, assets held in a properly funded trust avoid probate, which can reduce time, costs and public disclosure. But every case is different funding the trust and beneficiary designations matter.

How should I choose a business entity for my small business?

The right structure LLC, corporation, partnership depends on your growth goals, liability exposure and how it fits with your estate plan. We review your business model, ownership, succession and tax implications.

What do nonprofits need to consider beyond formation?

After formation, nonprofits must maintain compliance (federal and state filings), governance practices, conflict of interest policies and proper alignment of mission and legal structure. Failure to do so can jeopardize tax-exempt status.

How often should I update my estate-plan documents?

You should revisit your plan anytime you have major life changes marriage, divorce, children, business sale, acquisition of substantial assets or relocation. It’s also wise to review every few years to ensure it reflects current law and your objectives.

Related Areas

Estate Planning

Peace of mind. A well-designed estate plan provides this by detailing your wishes regarding your assets, personal care, and the care of your children if you become incapacitated and after your death. You control the most crucial decisions regarding your end-of-life care, the disposition of your real and personal property, and the well-being of those closest to you. At Richard J. Lee Law Group, we have the experience and expertise to advise our clients on a range of estate planning strategies, from the simplest to the most complex, all with an eye toward reducing client and beneficiary costs. We will prepare a suite of documents tailored to your and family’s unique needs, which generally include a revocable (living) trust or will, Advance Healthcare Directive and Durable Power of Attorney.

Probate and Trust Administration

After a loved one passes, there can be many challenges in settling their estate, whether through a court-supervised probate or administration of a trust. Probate is governed by complex rules and deadlines requiring strict compliance. Our attorneys guide and advise personal representatives and trustees as they navigate the gathering of assets, payments to creditors and the distribution of funds or property to beneficiaries, making the process as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Small Businesses

Whether you’re starting a business or have been in operation for years, we can provide the advice, guidance and services you need to achieve and sustain profitability and reduce risk. We have helped hundreds of small businesses establish and maintain their legal structure, as partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations.

Our Associations

Associate

Estate Planning

Probate and Trust Administration

Small Businesses