ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
Estate planning that finally makes sense.
We make wills, trusts, and estate plans clear, simple, and maybe even enjoyable. Let’s get your family taken care of — together.
What We Help With
Every plan is designed around your family — no templates, no cookie-cutter solutions. Just thoughtful, personalized legal work.
Wills
The cornerstone of your estate plan. We document your exact wishes with total clarity, removing all uncertainty for your family.
Trust Planning
Protect your assets and keep your estate completely out of costly, time-consuming California probate court. A customized revocable trust ensures a seamless, private transfer of wealth to your loved ones.
Powers of Attorney
Designate trusted advocates to manage your financial affairs and medical decisions if you’re ever unable to do so yourself. Essential legal safeguards that provide clarity and protection during unexpected life events.
Estate Probate Calculator
Enter your email and estimated asset value and we’ll send you an estimate of your probate costs and potential savings with the Gatus Law Group.
Estimated Breakdown of Probate Expenses
- Statutory Attorney Fee: Based on CA Probate Code § 10810
- Statutory Executor Commission: Equal to attorney statutory fee (§ 10800)
- Court Filing & Motion Fees: Estimated $800 – $1,200 (County filing fees & petitions)
- Publication Fees: Estimated $300 – $500 (Mandatory legal notice publication)
- Probate Referee Appraisal: Estimated 0.1% of non-cash estate assets
- Ancillary Administrative Costs: Estimated $500 – $1,500 (Recording, filings, certification)
*Estimates based on typical California probate proceedings without extraordinary litigation.
J.D. (Highest Honors), Executive MBA, CPSM, CPCM
Meet Brian
I spent 25+ years as a procurement executive, managing billions in contracts and asking one question on every deal: if something goes wrong, who’s protected — and is the plan already in place?
Now I ask that same question for families instead of corporations.
After earning my J.D. with highest honors, I founded Gatus Law Group in Northridge to bring that same risk-anticipation mindset to the moments that matter most: planning for your family’s future, fighting for a child’s right to an education, protecting your rights as an immigrant or a vehicle owner, and making sure the people you love are never left guessing.
I run a solo practice by design — when you work with Gatus Law Group, you work directly with me, not a rotating team of paralegals.
Common Questions
Estate Planning FAQS
It depends on your situation. Many California residents benefit from both — a trust to avoid probate and transfer assets smoothly, and a pour-over will to catch anything not held in the trust. We assess your specific circumstances during the consultation.
We offer transparent flat-fee pricing for most estate planning packages. The cost depends on the complexity of your plan. We discuss fees clearly before any work begins — no surprises.
Yes — especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of a beneficiary. We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years.
Your estate passes under California’s intestate succession laws — which may not reflect your wishes. The state decides who gets what. A will ensures your intentions are honored.
A basic estate plan can often be completed within 2–4 weeks. More complex plans involving multiple trusts or business interests may take longer. We give you a realistic timeline at the outset.