Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Services in Pleasanton, CA
Shirley White Law was founded in January 2005 with a commitment to providing personalized, high-quality estate planning services. Our practice focuses on creating comprehensive legal solutions tailored to protect families and assets through wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney. With over 15 years of experience in estate planning, I combine the accessibility of a small firm with the expertise typically associated with larger practices. Fluent in Croatian, I serve clients from diverse backgrounds, including those from Croatia, ensuring culturally sensitive legal guidance.Located in Pleasanton, California, our firm prioritizes direct attorney-client communication, offering house calls to accommodate client comfort. We emphasize transparency, affordability, and dedicated service, reflecting my personal values of integrity and community involvement. Recognized by Diablo Magazine with consecutive awards from 2011-2013, our practice remains focused on delivering exceptional legal care while maintaining a family-centric approach to estate planning.
Services
Wills
Trusts
Health Care Directives
Durable Powers of Attorney
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer direct attorney access for all client questions
- Our house call service accommodates client comfort needs
- Fluent Croatian-speaking attorney serves international clients
- Combines small-firm personalization with big-firm expertise
- Recognized by Diablo Magazine with 3 consecutive awards
What people say
Personal service
Affordable rates
Direct attorney access
House call convenience
Cultural sensitivity
Services
Wills
A legally binding document that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after death. Our wills specifically name beneficiaries, executors, and guardians for minor children. We guide clients through the probate process to ensure proper execution and compliance with California estate laws.
Trusts
Customizable trust agreements that take effect immediately to manage asset distribution during life and after death. Our trusts specify beneficiaries and trustees while avoiding probate court. We help clients properly transfer assets into trusts for maximum legal protection and efficiency.
Health Care Directives
Legal documents outlining your medical preferences and appointing decision-makers for healthcare scenarios. We create directives that clearly state treatment preferences including life support decisions, ensuring your wishes are honored during incapacity.
Durable Powers of Attorney
Legal instruments designating representatives to manage financial affairs during incapacity. Our documents grant specific authority while maintaining client control, ensuring seamless financial management when clients cannot act personally.
Estate Planning
Comprehensive planning combining wills, trusts, and directives to protect assets and family interests. We address tax implications, healthcare decisions, and family dynamics through personalized strategies that evolve with clients' changing life circumstances.
People
Shirley White
Attorney & Founder
Estate planning attorney with 15+ years experience, graduated Santa Clara University School of Law. Admitted to California Bar in 2005. Fluent in Croatian, serves Pleasanton community and international clients. Active in local organizations and family-focused legal advocacy.
Questions
What documents are essential for basic estate planning?
Every comprehensive estate plan includes a will, trust, healthcare directive, and durable power of attorney to address asset distribution, medical wishes, and financial management during incapacity.
Why does the firm feature kid pictures?
The child images emphasize our family-centric approach. Estate planning prioritizes protecting children and family assets, reflecting our founder's personal and professional commitment to family values.
Do you serve non-English speaking clients?
Yes, our attorney speaks fluent Croatian and has experience working with clients from Croatia and other international locations, ensuring clear communication and cultural understanding.
Can I get legal documents without visiting the office?
We offer house calls for client convenience, meeting at homes or offices throughout California to complete estate planning documents in your preferred environment.
How does a trust differ from a will?
Trusts take effect immediately and avoid probate, while wills only activate after death and require court supervision. We help determine which option best suits your specific asset protection needs.
