Elijah was very knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. He explained all complicated matters in simple and accessible yet accurate terms. It was very easy to navigate the website and schedule a free consultation.
I met Elijah at a Lawyer conference in Phoenix. As we share the same practice area, we have in-depth discussions that made it clear to me that he highly prioritizes service to his clients in a professional and honest way I would happily recommend him to anybody.
Keyes Law Group is an exceptional firm for estate planning. Their team is knowledgeable, thorough, and takes the time to explain every step of the process with clarity and care. They also understand the complexities that come with owning and operating a business, and they skillfully
Elijah was very knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. He explained all complicated matters in simple and accessible yet accurate terms. It was very easy to navigate the website and schedule a free consultation.
I met Elijah at a Lawyer conference in Phoenix. As we share the same practice area, we have in-depth discussions that made it clear to me that he highly prioritizes service to his clients in a professional and honest way I would happily recommend him to anybody.
Keyes Law Group is an exceptional firm for estate planning. Their team is knowledgeable, thorough, and takes the time to explain every step of the process with clarity and care. They also understand the complexities that come with owning and operating a business, and they skillfully
San Jose Estate Planning Attorney
Have you started drafting your will, funding a trust, planning for estate taxes, or considering ways to look after your legacy and your family’s future after you are gone? Very few among us have taken the proper steps in estate and wealth transfer planning by building their own estate plan with the help of a knowledgeable attorney. Estate and probate law requires us to think about our mortality and how our family members will survive after our deaths, so it is natural to sometimes put off these concerns until later, thinking that there will always be time to address estate and probate matters later on down the road. Unfortunately, life has no guarantees, and we may be rendered incapacitated or killed at virtually any time, leaving our families to contend with probate court, business succession planning, tax planning, and more. With a proper estate plan, it is possible to make matters easier for our family members during life and after death.
Whether you are drafting your original will, revising estate plan documents, or contesting estate planning issues in courtroom litigation, it is recommended that you seek estate counsel from a lawyer with extensive knowledge of applicable laws. Our California law firm has years of experience assisting clients in various estate planning matters ranging from wills, revocable trusts, estate litigation, and California probate.
How may we help you?
Elder Law
Seniors have unique concerns in estate and elder law. Begin planning for the future for you and your elderly loved ones today.
Inheritance
We can assist you if you are fighting for your rightful inheritance or looking to ensure that estate assets go to the proper beneficiaries.
Wealth Planning & Family Transfers
Whether you own a family business or want to transfer wealth across generations, we can help you develop a strategy that suits your needs.
Probate
The probate court process can be costly, time-consuming, and complicated, especially for those still in a state of grief. Turn to us for legal support.
Limited Conservatorships
If a family member is no longer considered competent enough to handle their affairs, it may be time to consider conservatorships.
Dynasty Trusts
Dynasty trusts are long-term trusts used to preserve and pass along hard-earned family wealth across multiple generations.
Medi-Cal Benefits & Planning
Medi-Cal can help provide financial assistance for long-term care and nursing home residency. Our firm can help you qualify.
Special Needs Trusts
Proper estate planning measures can ensure that a loved one with special needs qualifies for the government programs that provide financial support.
Irrevocable Trusts
Irrevocable trusts cannot be easily modified after they are created, but they provide unique asset protection and tax benefits.
Trust Administration
Trustees have unique responsibilities and fiduciary duties. We can provide legal guidance throughout trust administration.
What Estate Planning Documents Make a Comprehensive Estate Plan in California?
A last will and testament, sometimes called a simple will, is generally regarded as the foundation upon which all comprehensive estate plans are built. We believe every adult in California should have a will that establishes their final wishes, names beneficiaries, and determines how assets will be distributed upon death. Depending on your personal and financial situation, though, other estate planning documents could make a significant impact as you plan for the future.
Essential estate planning documents include the following:
- Wills
- Advanced health care directive
- Financial power of attorney
- A durable power of attorney documents for healthcare
- Various types of trusts, including a revocable living trust, an irrevocable trust, a special needs trust, a dynasty trust, and more
Estate planning lawyers can provide unique services, including disability or incapacity planning, asset protection strategies, conservatorships, guardianships, estate administration, and litigation.
To learn more about our legal services and discuss your personal goals for your and your family’s future, contact our California law office to schedule a consultation today.
Client Success Stories
Keyes Law Group is an exceptional firm for estate planning. Their team is knowledgeable, thorough, and takes the time to explain every step of the process with clarity and care. They also understand the complexities that come with owning and operating a business, and they skillfully integrate those considerations into comprehensive estate plans. Professional, responsive, and thoughtful—I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking trusted legal guidance for personal and business estate planning matters.
Elijah was very knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. He explained all complicated matters in simple and accessible yet accurate terms. It was very easy to navigate the website and schedule a free consultation. Highly recommended!
Thank you Elijah and the scheduling team.
Attorney Keyes was an absolute dream! I had to send my grandmother to somebody who was trusted and came highly recommended… And that was him. My grandmother is a very successful now retired business lady who wanted to protect her assets before it was too late. She had been delaying for sometime, even though it was something natural that she needed to do. I put her into the trusted and knowledgeable hands of Mr. Keyes and he really did right by her! Thank you.
What is the California Probate Process and How Can a Lawyer Help?
When an individual passes away, their estate typically must go through the probate process, where beneficiaries are notified, creditor claims are settled, taxes are paid off, family conflicts are resolved, and assets are eventually distributed to beneficiaries.
The probate process can be long, costly, and complicated, especially without professional legal guidance provided by an attorney. Our probate lawyer would proudly assist you throughout the legal process to pursue the optimal outcome for you and your family members.
The probate process is as follows:
- Validate the will and appoint either an executor or administrator
- Collect and review all the decedent’s assets and take control of them
- Notify all beneficiaries and creditors of the beginning of the probate process
- Work with a probate attorney to manage estate assets
- Pay off all outstanding debts, claims, and taxes
- Contend with any lawsuits against the estate or will contests
- Provide the probate court with periodic accountings
- File final estate tax and income tax returns for the decedent
- Begin asset distribution and distribute all remaining assets to named beneficiaries
- Once all is said and done, close the estate
Probate law sometimes intersects with other areas of law, including tax law, family law, and business planning. We represent clients with various legal issues related to estate plans and probate cases. Speak with a San Jose estate planning attorney today for guidance.
Meet Our Legal Team
Can California Estate Attorneys Assist You with Tax Planning?
Depending on your circumstances, your estate may face complex tax issues that could affect you or your surviving family members today and into the future. Tax planning is essential for those with more assets or high incomes. Still, it can be worthwhile for virtually anyone with tax liabilities.
Every high-net-worth individual or family is different from the next. Some may own businesses, some invest in real estate opportunities, some need asset protection against lawsuits, and some have complex or blended families. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to tax planning for either income, estate, or gift tax considerations. As your attorney, our lawyer will create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs to get you tax benefits or defer taxes entirely.
As your legal representative, we will always operate in your best interests throughout the legal process. To learn more about how we can assist you with advanced estate tax planning, please contact our San Jose estate planning attorney today.
Why Choose Us
Legal Services with Passion and Competency
Our law firm, founded and operated by attorney Elijah Keyes, is passionate about estate planning. The attorney saw the tragic effects of long-term illness in his household as a child and used that to inform and guide his legal principles in state and special needs planning.
Well-versed in Various Estate Planning Practice Areas
Our San Jose law firm represents clients in several areas of California estate law. Our estate planning services include medical benefits planning, fiduciary representation, special needs planning, retirement accounts, business succession planning, asset protection strategies, conservatorships, guardianships, estate litigation, and more.
A Legal Professional with Education and Experience
When drafting wills, funding trusts, or facing other estate planning matters, you want professional legal representation to look after your best interests. Attorney Elijah Keyes has admissions with the State Bar of California, the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tax Court, making him uniquely qualified to represent your interests.
Representation with Compassion and Respect
Every client who calls our office or walks through our doors receives the same respect and decency as the next. We represent clients of all backgrounds, all with their own unique ambitions and personal goals. Whatever your story is, our California legal team will treat you with the dignity you deserve.
Simplify the Estate Planning Process
Estate planning, probate court, trust administration, and other legal matters under CA estate law can be complicated, particularly without dedicated legal counsel. We are well-versed in the state laws that apply to estate planning, and we can help streamline the process for you and yours.
Approachable and Trustworthy
While we pride ourselves on our experience and knowledge in estate planning services, we also consider ourselves personal and approachable. We are proud members of the California community and want to help our neighbors succeed as they plan for their personal and their family’s futures. To learn more about our legal services, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation today. You can reach us at 408-443-2397.
Legal Services with Passion and Competency
Our law firm, founded and operated by attorney Elijah Keyes, is passionate about estate planning. The attorney saw the tragic effects of long-term illness in his household as a child and used that to inform and guide his legal principles in state and special needs planning.
Well-versed in Various Estate Planning Practice Areas
Our San Jose law firm represents clients in several areas of California estate law. Our estate planning services include medical benefits planning, fiduciary representation, special needs planning, retirement accounts, business succession planning, asset protection strategies, conservatorships, guardianships, estate litigation, and more.
A Legal Professional with Education and Experience
When drafting wills, funding trusts, or facing other estate planning matters, you want professional legal representation to look after your best interests. Attorney Elijah Keyes has admissions with the State Bar of California, the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tax Court, making him uniquely qualified to represent your interests.
Representation with Compassion and Respect
Every client who calls our office or walks through our doors receives the same respect and decency as the next. We represent clients of all backgrounds, all with their own unique ambitions and personal goals. Whatever your story is, our California legal team will treat you with the dignity you deserve.
Simplify the Estate Planning Process
Estate planning, probate court, trust administration, and other legal matters under CA estate law can be complicated, particularly without dedicated legal counsel. We are well-versed in the state laws that apply to estate planning, and we can help streamline the process for you and yours.
Approachable and Trustworthy
While we pride ourselves on our experience and knowledge in estate planning services, we also consider ourselves personal and approachable. We are proud members of the California community and want to help our neighbors succeed as they plan for their personal and their family’s futures. To learn more about our legal services, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation today. You can reach us at 408-443-2397.
Do You Need the Legal Services of an Attorney in Trust and Estate Administration?
When a deceased loved one’s estate goes to the probate court, several steps must be completed before the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. The estate’s personal representative must open the estate, validate the will (if there is one), settle debts and claims against the estate, handle lawsuits, and eventually distribute preserved assets to beneficiaries and heirs. Estate and probate administration is a complicated matter with many important responsibilities. Even personal representatives who always act in the best interests of the process can sometimes make mistakes, and any small error could result in delays, unnecessary expenses, and potentially even litigation.
Trust administration is a similarly heavy responsibility. Trustees must always adhere to the language of the trust documents and act in the best interests of the trust’s beneficiaries. Failure to meet these responsibilities could be considered a breach of fiduciary duty, which could see the trustee removed and potentially even held accountable for mishandling the trust.
Our estate and trust administration attorney can assist personal representatives and trustees with their duties and responsibilities. Remember, you do not need to go through the process alone. Contact us to learn more today.
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Is Disability the Most Overlooked Risk in Every Estate Plan?
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Navigating California Probate: Essential Information for Families
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Schedule an In-Depth Case Consultation with a Knowledgeable San Jose Estate Planning Lawyer Today
Our San Jose law firm is led by founding and managing partner Elijah Keyes. Along with his highly skilled legal team, the attorney proudly provides efficient and cost-effective estate planning services to clients throughout California from his San Jose-based law office.
Estate planning is an essential concern, especially for those with high net worth or young children and those with concerns about long-term care or Medi-Cal planning. Whatever your estate planning needs, our California law firm would be proud to assist you and help you meet your goals.
Our law firm offers consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. To learn more about the benefits of professional legal counsel, please contact our San Jose estate planning attorney to discuss your questions and concerns today.
You can contact us via our online submission form or by calling 408-443-2397.
Frequently Asked Questions
