Estate & Probate Attorney in Sonoma County

Clear Guidance For Estate Planning And Probate

Planning for the future or handling a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to make the right choices without a clear roadmap. At Gullotta Law Group, our estate & probate attorneys help individuals and families in Northern California create thoughtful estate plans and navigate probate with clarity and confidence. Our goal is to turn a confusing process into a series of manageable steps.

Led by Attorney Eric S. Gullotta, our firm focuses on wills, trusts, probate administration, and estate tax planning tailored to your situation. We listen carefully to your goals, explain your options in plain language, and work with you to design a plan that reflects your wishes. From the first conversation, you know who you are working with and how we can help.

We offer complimentary consultations and many services on a fixed-fee basis, which means you understand the costs before you decide to move forward. Our team also includes a certified public accountant, so your plan can take tax considerations into account from the start. You can contact us at any time to learn how we can support you and your family.

Plan with confidence—work with a trusted estate & probate attorney in Sonoma County. Contact us online today or call (707) 379-7590.

Estate Planning Tailored To You

Every family in Northern California has its own story, assets, and priorities. Some clients own a home and want to provide a smooth path for their children. Others have businesses, vineyards, or investment properties and want to balance financial planning with family harmony. We design estate plans that reflect these real-world details, not just standard forms.

A complete estate plan often includes a will, one or more trusts, powers of attorney for finances, and advance healthcare directives. We explain what each document does, how it works under California law, and why you may or may not need it. You are involved in each decision, so the finished plan is something you understand and feel comfortable signing.

When we meet, we talk about your family members, how you want to provide for them, and any concerns you have about conflict or responsibility. We also review how your assets are titled, such as real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests. Our team then suggests structures that can help reduce administrative burdens and support your long-term goals.

Estate tax planning is part of this conversation when it is relevant. Because our team includes a certified public accountant, we are able to look at potential tax issues as we design your plan. We work to find practical approaches that preserve more of what you have built, while still keeping your documents understandable and usable for your family.

Guidance Through California Probate

For many families, the first time they encounter probate is after the death of a parent, spouse, or other loved one. It can be difficult to sort through paperwork, assets, and emotions while also trying to understand how California’s probate system works. We guide clients through this process so they do not have to figure it out alone.

Probate in California generally becomes necessary when someone dies owning assets in their name alone, without effective beneficiary designations or trust planning. The court that handles the case usually depends on where the person lived at the time of death. In Northern California, this often involves filing in the superior court for the county where your loved one resided.

Executors and family members often worry about deadlines, required notices, and court hearings. We help organize the information that the court will typically require, such as an inventory of assets and a list of heirs or beneficiaries. Our team prepares and files the necessary paperwork, keeps you informed about what is happening, and explains what each step means in practical terms.

Every probate matter moves at its own pace, depending on the complexity of the estate and how quickly information becomes available. We work to keep your case progressing and to address questions as they arise. Throughout the process, you can expect clear explanations, responsive communication, and guidance that reflects our familiarity with probate administration in our region.

Our Estate Planning Process

Knowing what to expect can make it much easier to start working with an estate & probate attorney. We follow a consistent process that keeps you informed and involved from the first call through the signing of your documents. We aim to make each step clear, predictable, and focused on your goals.

We begin with a complimentary consultation where we discuss your situation, answer initial questions, and outline possible planning paths. This conversation also allows you to determine whether our firm is the right fit for you. If you choose to proceed, we explain the fixed fee for the services you select, so you can make a confident decision without concern about hourly billing.

Our typical estate planning process includes these steps:

• Initial consultation to understand your goals, family structure, and concerns.
• Information gathering about your assets, existing documents, and key decision makers.
• Design meeting to review planning options and choose the right structure.
• Document drafting by our team based on the decisions you have made.
• Review meeting to go through each document in plain language and make adjustments.
• Signing and guidance on how to align assets with your plan, such as beneficiary updates.

Throughout this process, we invite your questions and encourage you to involve trusted family members when appropriate. Our goal is not only to create legally sound documents, but also to ensure that you understand how your plan works in everyday terms. After your plan is in place, you are always welcome to contact us about updates as your life changes.

Planning For Taxes And Future Changes

Estate planning is not only about who receives which assets. It also involves considering potential tax implications and how your plan will hold up as your life evolves. We help you think through these issues in a way that feels manageable rather than intimidating.

For some Northern California families, estate tax planning can be an important part of preserving wealth for the next generation. Federal and state tax rules can change over time, and the impact on your estate often depends on factors such as the size of your assets and how they are owned. We discuss these points with you so you can make informed choices that fit your comfort level.

Because our team includes a certified public accountant, we can look at your plan through both a legal and tax lens. This combined perspective helps us identify potential tax-efficient strategies that align with your goals. While no particular tax outcome can be guaranteed, we work to structure your plan in a way that is thoughtful about taxes without becoming overly complex.

Life rarely stays the same. Marriages, divorces, new children, business changes, or moves within California can all affect how well your estate plan matches your current circumstances. We encourage clients to review their plans periodically and to reach out if they experience a major life event. We strive to build long-term relationships so that your plan remains a good fit as the years go by.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to our first estate planning meeting?

You can start with a simple list of your assets, recent account statements if available, and basic family information. Bring any existing wills or trusts you already have. These items help us have a focused conversation and suggest planning options that fit your situation.

How do your fixed-fee estate planning services work?

We explain the total fee for your chosen estate planning package before any work begins. The fee typically covers meetings, document drafting, and a review session. This fixed-fee approach helps you plan ahead and avoid uncertainty about hourly billing as we work together.

Can you help if my family member has already passed away?

Yes, we assist families with probate administration after a death. We help you understand whether probate is required, which court is likely involved, and what steps come next. Our team then prepares and files the necessary documents and stays in contact with you throughout the process.

Will my estate plan be customized to my family?

Every plan we prepare is tailored to the individual client. We talk in detail about your family members, goals, and concerns, then design documents that reflect those conversations. Our role is to translate your wishes into a clear, workable plan that fits your life.

How do you handle estate tax planning in California?

We review your asset picture and discuss when estate tax planning may matter for you. With a certified public accountant on our team, we can consider both legal and tax aspects together. Our goal is to explain options clearly so you can choose an approach that feels appropriate.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are ready to create or update an estate plan, or if you need guidance with probate after a loss, Gullotta Law Group is here to help. We work with individuals and families throughout Northern California who want clear information, personalized planning, and a steady partner in an unfamiliar process.

When you contact our firm, you can schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our fixed-fee services may apply to your situation. You will meet with a team that combines legal knowledge with tax insight and focuses on practical solutions for your family. Our aim is to give you peace of mind, knowing that important decisions have been considered and documented carefully.

Protect your legacy and simplify probate. Speak with an experienced Sonoma County estate & probate attorney now. Call (707) 379-7590 or reach out online.