Wills & Probate

If you are a wealthy person with assets of $1 million or more, you
should consult a professional financial planner and an attorney who
specializes in estate planning. As a general practiioner, I provide
“estate planning” on a more modest (and less expensive) level. If it
appears to me that you should consult a specialist (whether in estate
planning or in connection with any other legal issue you have) I will
tell you and I will decline to attempt to provide legal services which I
am not competent to provide.

    Every person should consider having a Last Will and Testament. I will
be happy to discuss your situation with you and tell you whether I
believe that you need a will, and the cost. If you are an heir or beneficiary
under the will of someone who has died, I can help you determine your
rights and whether or not you should file a petition to administer the
decedent’s estate in the Probate Court. In many cases there are much
simpler ways to get the decedent’s money and property distributed to
his or her heirs or beneficiaries.

    I represent any of the persons who may be involved in probate and
distribution of a decedent’s estate, including the personal representative
or an heir or beneficiary who needs to receive notices or who may wish
to contest a will or some action of the personal representative.

    I will be happy to discuss your situation with you and explain any
rights and obligations you may have. I will also discuss with you the
potential cost of legal representation.

Avoiding Probate

If you are a wealthy person with assets of $1 million or more, you
should consult a professional financial planner and an attorney who
specializes in estate planning. As a general practiioner, I provide
“estate planning” on a more modest (and less expensive) level. If it
appears to me that you should consult a specialist (whether in estate
planning or in connection with any other legal issue you have) I will
tell you and I will decline to attempt to provide legal services which I
am not competent to provide.

    You may or may not want to “avoid probate.” There are many estate
planning devices which may include probate and may include other devices
for transferring your property upon your death. Those other devices may
include joint tenancies, severance of joint tenancies, and inter vivos
trusts. In many situations you may avoid probate even if you dispose of
your property through a will, depending on the value and character of
your property and the person or persons who are to receive your
property.

    I will be happy to discuss your situation with you and advise you
regarding the various options you have and the consequences of each
option. I will also discuss with you the cost of preparing and
executing the documents necessary to implement your estate plan. As I
mentioned above, I will also refer you to a specialist if that appears
to be the best course.

-Thomas Roland
tomroland@tomroland.com
(510) 841-1500
(510) 217-3589 Fax

(510) 708-7303 Cell