Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Wills & Estate Taxes for Domestic Partners

As the other replies have stated, you should look for an estate planning attorney. Check the State Bar website at http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/ls_search.aspx

to search for a certified specialist.

You can also check: http://gaylawnet.com/

to find a "gay-friendly" lawyer in your area.

I'm certified as an estate planning specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Less than 2% of all California lawyers are certified (check the State Bar website for "Santa Clara County").

Regards,

Janet

Re: Wills & Estate Taxes for Domestic Partners

You are seeking an estate planning attorney, hopefully one who has knowledge of domestic partner impact at both the state and federal level. Currently the exemption from estate taxes is $2 million, which means each of you would need to have a net worth of $2 million before there would be an estate tax against the decedent's estate.

There are other issues, too, such as blood line family members. If you do not both take steps to prepare an estate plan, you may lose your right to decide the disposition of your estate.

Re: Wills & Estate Taxes for Domestic Partners

The broad term for the area of practice is "estate planning". The CA Bar has requirements for certifying an attorney as a "specialist" in an area of law.

Re: Wills & Estate Taxes for Domestic Partners

you need an experienced estate planning attorney who also is familiar with the california domestic partner law. in addition to these areas, i can provide you with asset protection strategies which are coordinated with the estate planning issues.