Business Details
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Law Services
Michael W. Brown, LLP has provided specialized legal services in estate planning, trusts, and probate law for over two decades. Our firm combines deep expertise with compassionate client support, holding certifications from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. We serve clients across Southern California with a focus on preserving family legacies and navigating complex legal frameworks. Our team maintains memberships in prestigious organizations including the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. and actively participates in community initiatives like the American Heart Association's Planned Giving Committee.With extensive experience in Medi-Cal planning, business succession, and tax-efficient estate strategies, we deliver tailored solutions that protect clients' assets and future generations. Our commitment to transparency ensures all fees are quoted in advance, with no charges for initial consultations or phone calls.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Business Succession
Medi-Cal Planning
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- Certified specialists in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate Law
- Over 35 years combined experience in estate and tax planning
- Personalized approach with no charge initial consultations
- Proven track record with 50+ client referrals from professionals
- Active community involvement through planned giving initiatives
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
What people say
Knowledgeable and kind
Trustworthy and understanding
Detailed and responsive
Made complex process easy
Excellent client communication
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning services create legally sound frameworks to protect assets and ensure proper distribution. We specialize in customized wills, living trusts, and advanced directives that address unique family circumstances while minimizing tax implications. Clients receive clear guidance through complex legal requirements.
Probate Law
We guide executors and beneficiaries through California's probate process with expert legal representation. Our services include court document preparation, asset valuation, debt settlement, and dispute resolution. We help clients navigate probate timelines and costs while maintaining compliance with state regulations.
Medi-Cal Planning
Our specialized Medi-Cal planning preserves assets while qualifying for essential healthcare benefits. We implement legal strategies that protect homes and savings, advising on eligibility requirements and documentation processes for nursing home care and assisted living facilities.
Business Succession
We develop strategic succession plans for business owners, ensuring smooth leadership transitions while protecting company assets. Our services include ownership structure analysis, buy-sell agreements, and tax-efficient transfer strategies for partnerships, corporations, and family-owned enterprises.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services handle post-death trust requirements with meticulous attention to detail. We assist trustees with asset inventory, tax filings, beneficiary communications, and legal compliance, ensuring efficient distribution according to grantor intentions.
People
Michael W. Brown
Founder
Certified estate planning specialist with 20+ years experience. Member of State Bar of California's Legal Specialization Board and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Former Planned Giving Committee Chairman for American Heart Association's LA Affiliate.
C. Timothy Genovese
Managing Partner
Estate planning attorney since 1988 with expertise in probate and trust administration. Former civil litigation and criminal defense practitioner. Focuses on compassionate legal solutions for estate preservation and family protection.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. We recommend living trusts for estates exceeding $150,000 to avoid probate. Our attorneys assess individual needs during free consultations.
How does Medi-Cal planning protect my assets?
We implement legal strategies that protect your home and savings while qualifying for long-term care benefits. This includes proper asset transfers, annuity structuring, and compliance with California's 5-year lookback period.
What happens if I die without a will in California?
State intestacy laws will determine asset distribution, typically splitting property between spouse and children. This may not align with your wishes and could lead to family disputes. Our estate plans ensure your specific intentions are honored.
How can I avoid probate court?
Properly funded living trusts, joint ownership with right of survivorship, and beneficiary designations on financial accounts effectively bypass probate. Our attorneys help establish these arrangements while ensuring legal validity.
What's included in a business succession plan?
We develop comprehensive plans covering ownership transfer, leadership training, tax strategies, and buy-sell agreements. Our approach ensures business continuity while protecting owners' financial interests during transitions to family members or key employees.
Reviews (4)
Tad Lai
Jul 21, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Mr. Brown and Britni are very professional and caring. They really took their time to answer our questions. Their advice has been extremely valuable to us.
Mr. Brown and Britni are very professional and caring. They really took their time to answer our questions. Their advice has been extremely valuable to us.
Laurie Cooper
Dec 20, 2018
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Thank goodness my sisters and I found Michael Brown. It was tough dealing with the family money when my father passed but Michael was sympathetic and informative and patient with us. Michael's firm got the estate all sorted out for us. It's such a relief to have that taken care of!
Patricia Padilla
Oct 01, 2018
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Mike's a great attorney. He was very understanding of our family's situation and completed the job on time.
Claudia Mike Noonan
Sep 18, 2018
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Great Trust attorney. Totally in tune with our needs and questions. We highly recommend him and his associates.
