Knightsen Probate Lawyers

I’ve practiced law in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years and focus my practice on Estate Planning, Probate, and General Civil Litigation. I also represent injured individuals in personal injury claims.

Attorney Gary D. Sparks is an accomplished lawyer who has successfully provided legal services and representation to families, husbands, wives, parents, military service members, and same sex partners for nearly two decades. Gary was a regular guest for several years on the former Ronn Owens Program on KGO-AM 810 in San Francisco, and has been interviewed by local and national publications in addition to publishing several of his own legal guides.

Gary graduated first in his class from John F. Kennedy University School of Law, where he was awarded magna cum laude honors for excellence in academic achievement and received...

Joshua D. Brysk advises clients on Business & Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate, Construction, Tax Law, and Wills, Trusts & Probate matters. He provides knowledgeable and skilled representation to clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California. With over 25 years of experience, Joshua is committed to providing unmatched personal attention and high quality legal advocacy. Helping clients avoid and solve their legal problems, Joshua's focus is always on achieving the best possible outcomes. Outside of work, Joshua is a seasoned traveler. He has also enjoyed living and working in Australia and Israel.

At Advance Planning, A Law Corporation, in Dublin and Manteca, California, we focus solely on helping individuals protect themselves and their assets for the future while creating a lasting legacy for their heirs and loved ones. Serving clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley, with a focus on Alameda County, Contra Costa County, San Joaquin County, and Stanislaus County, our law firm's founder, attorney Grant A. Toeppen, has practiced law in our region since 2012, and during that time, our law office has become the trusted source for quality, personalized representation and support to those who have legal...

Sam graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 2008 and his Juris Doctor from UNLV in 2011. He went on to receive a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Taxation from Georgetown University in 2012. Sam’s practice includes estate planning, asset protection, trust administration, probate, guardianship, and business organization. Sam has established a strong reputation within the Las Vegas legal community for his expertise and provides continuing legal education courses in his areas of practice. Sam is fluent in Spanish and is licensed in both Nevada and Utah and is a member of the Southern...

I represent individuals and small to medium sized businesses in bankruptcy, foreclosure defense and debt consolidation matters. For individuals, I represent clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings, including adversary proceedings, including 2nd home mortgage lien stripping, redemption of vehicles and student loan reductions. For businesses, I provide services related to the winding down of a business, board and management consultations and bankruptcy debt consolidation in Chapter 11. In conjunction with my bankruptcy practice, I also provide estate planning, probate and trust administration representation. The best way to avoid probate is to plan properly by drafting...

Local Estate Elder Law Planning Attorney
Long term Pleasant Hill resident, Jeffrey Hall, didn’t follow the traditional path to the practice of law. Indeed, attorney Hall grew up in central Los Angeles, and in a time when there was no expectation that he would attend college; and law school was simply not an option. However, after completing his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Saint Mary’s College, he volunteered with the Air Force in 1981 and served for 9 years, both reserve and active. Upon returning to California, he and his wife made Pleasant Hill their home and have...

Zachary Rayo brings experience, efficiency and empathy to estate planning. Mr. Rayo’s approach is people-centered. He recognizes that the legal needs and special issues differ from client to client, that each person is unique, with unique needs that must be met with efficiency, active listening and care. Mr. Rayo knows the importance of social responsibility which manifests not only in ethical decisions and practices but also in involvement in socially important causes.

As an attorney, Matthew Grech began his career as a civil litigator. From there Mr. Grech transitioned into estate planning and probate & estate administration. As an estate planning/administration attorney Mr. Grech has assisted numerous clients manage trust and estate administrations from inception to closing, as well as guiding and facilitating the planning process. It was during this time that Mr. Grech realized that a number of his clients’ family members and friends were facing mounting financial troubles in the wake of The Great Recession. It was this realization that motivated Mr. Grech to begin practicing bankruptcy law, which...

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Legal services in the areas of (1) Trust & Estate, including Wills, Living Trusts, Probate, Trust Administration, and Conservatorships. (2) Taxation, including Compromise of Tax Liabilities, Tax Payment Agreements and Workouts, Defense Against IRS Collection, Audit and Appeals, and Abatement of Tax Penalties (3) Family Law, including Prenuptial Agreements, Divorce, Custody, Division of Assets, and Guardianships.

Craig Hansen has been a trusted advocate in the San Francisco Bay Area since his admission to the California State Bar in 2000. A seasoned trial and appellate attorney, he has successfully represented individuals and businesses of all sizes—from ambitious startups to Fortune 500 companies—across a wide spectrum of legal disputes. Craig began his legal career at a prominent San Jose firm, where he represented businesses, individuals, and investors in complex commercial, financial, and intellectual property litigation. He later joined a national law firm, honing his trial skills while defending major corporations such as General Motors, Ford, and Honda alongside some...

Javed Ellahie's practice focuses on estate planning, probate, real estate law and bankruptcy. He carries a Martindale-Hubbell “AV-rating”, the highest rating of legal knowledge and ethics.
Mr. Ellahie has also served as a Trustee to the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the West-Valley Mission Community College District and on the Monte Sereno City Council.

Mr. Ellahie’s estate planning experience includes setting up estate plans such as simple and complex trusts, drafting irrevocable trusts, family limited partnership, charitable trusts and other documents that provide the maximum flexibility. Mr. Ellahie can draft wills and trusts that meet the requirements of the Islamic...

Education Ms. Mayer graduated from the University of California, Davis with degrees in Political Science and Communications. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law with a Certificate in Public Interest and Social Justice. Awards and Honors During law school, Heather Mayer was recognized with the Award for Best Oral Advocate and the Pro Bono Award. Ms. Mayer is the recipient of the prestigious Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Wills & Trusts, Advanced Legal Writing, Interviewing & Counseling, and for the Advanced Practice Clinic of the Northern California Innocence Project....

Analisa Pratt is the Founder of Pratt Law, which specializes in estate and trust planning and estate administration. Analisa has been practicing law for over 10 years and is licensed in California and Arizona. Before launching Pratt Law, Analisa practiced law with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and K&L Gates. She also served as a judicial law clerk in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and as a legal research attorney with the Superior Court of California. Analisa has received a number of awards for her pro bono contributions...

After practicing for a successful San Francisco financial district law firm for ten years, Ronald started his own practice in 1988. His primary practice areas include business representation, business formations, conversions, acquisitions, sales and mergers, real estate and transportation law, and estate planning. He specializes in representing small to medium sized entities in various industries, including real estate, transportation and logistics, and start-up technology and commercial enterprises. Estate planning services are provided for business owners and their families.

I am a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate Law. Based in Mountain View, I offer Flat Fee pricing for your legal needs.

I am committed to empowering my clients to create an estate plan or settle an estate in a convenient, efficient, and pleasant manner. With over 20 years of experience, I love helping clients protect loved ones and attain peace of mind.

A mother of two children, my practice is dedicated to making a positive difference for families and children.

Lawrence (Larry) Kelly has been providing professional and courteous Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law services for clients in the South Bay Area and beyond for 25+ years.

Somita Basu is a Founding Principal of Norton Basu LLP. Ms. Basu began her career in financial services and insurance and has lived and worked across the globe, working with blue chip Fortune 500 companies. Her career has taken her from the New York City metropolitan area to India and Singapore, where she gained a unique perspective on global business practices and cultures. She has worked in senior management positions with a culturally diverse workforce.

Having lived abroad for 13 years, Ms. Basu is particularly sensitive to how different cultural views can influence decision-making and risk appetite....

I'm Attorney Jay Greene, CPA, I've dedicated my practice to serving families in the San Francisco Bay Area with their estate planning, probate, and elder law needs. My background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) complements my legal expertise, allowing me to provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are faithfully executed. Beyond the courtroom, I share my knowledge through published articles in the San Francisco Bay Times, committed to public education on these crucial matters. My primary focus is crafting personalized solutions for each client. Whether navigating probate complexities or planning for...

Hi, I am Megan Gooing, Attorney and Counselor at Law, and my practice is primarily focused on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. I work for a boutique law firm that caters to each individual client's specific needs, rather than providing a one size fits all solution to issues. I look forward to learning how I can serve you and your family.

Sidney Luscutoff is an experienced Business, Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law attorney. His practice areas include bankruptcy estates, probate estates, trust estates and conservatorships. Sid provides quality, practical and strategic advocacy to the residents of California.

Sid's personal experience as a business owner and real estate developer give him a unique understanding of his clients' legal needs. Contact Sid to see how he can help you meet your goals.

Andrew Nef is an attorney in the firm’s Litigation Department. He is a member of the California State Bar, Sacramento County Bar Association, and California Lawyer’s Association. Andrew grew up wanting to be an attorney, dawning a suit and briefcase at the early age of 8 to dress up as one for Halloween. Andrew grew up in Fresno and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Fresno. While studying law at the University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law, Andrew discovered his desire for helping people establish and administer their personal legacies through estate planning. Andrew...

My name is Ravi Patel and I am trust litigation attorney based in Oakland, California. I have experience filing Heggstad Petitions throughout the state. After I graduated from Duke University School of Law, I joined a general practice law firm in my hometown, Bakersfield, California. I worked on various transactional and litigation matters and gained a broad breadth of experience in legal areas including water law, public agency law, property taxes, local taxes, real estate law, and land use law. In 2019, my partner and I relocated to Oakland, California, where I worked for the Oakland City Attorney’s office. As...

I am an experienced Estate Planning, Trust, Will, Probate, Business Formation, and Civil Litigation attorney. I zealously represent clients throughout Sacramento.

Having practiced law for over 25 years, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to advocate for my clients' rights and interests. I am dedicated to providing personal attention and outstanding service, while pursuing the best possible outcomes.

A native of Sacramento, I returned to Elk Grove in 2001 and thereafter fulfilled my dream of opening my own practice. Outside of work, I can be found enjoying time with my wife and three children.

Contact me for a free, no obligation...

Ms. Benedetto has assisted hundreds of clients with the creation of their Wills, Living Trusts and other estate planning documents. She assists families with trust administration and probate procedures when loved ones pass away, and also prepares legal documents for conservatorships of elderly clients and limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled adults. In 2006, Ms. Benedetto created the Family Trust Law Center, later incorporated to Family TLC, Inc., to be a firm where families come for professional estate planning by licensed attorneys, at flat, reasonable fees. Amendment of documents and other hourly work is done as...

Michael J. Young is an Estate, Probate and Asset Protection Attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. Mr. Young helps his clients plan for not only "What Happens if You Die", but for "What Happens If You Don't Die And Become Ill and Need Care." He helps his clients in the design of their estate plans, to protect their assets for their senior care and to also provide a legacy for their loved ones.

Mr. Young, who has been in practice for over forty years, gives workshops every month in Walnut Creek on basic estate planning and advanced estate planning. The basic...

Jean Claude (JJ) B. Mallein Jr. is an experienced business, tax and trusts and estates attorney. Dedicated to wealth preservation, he has focused his education and practice on helping California residents secure their estates and prepare for the future. As a partner at boutique tax and estate planning firm in the Silicon Valley, Mr. Mallein gained valuable experience in wealth management, estate planning, tax planning, business succession planning, trust and estate administrations, tax controversy, real estate transactions and like-kind exchange cases. He is fully prepared to tackle complex business and estate planning cases. Mr. Mallein is a Dual Certified...

Gordon Young is a 25-year litigator, specializing in financial, trust and securities litigation. Gordon tries and arbitrates cases for trustees, beneficiaries, financial professionals, investment advisors, stock brokers, Wall Street banks, and broker-dealers. These cases include civil, probate and regulatory claims based on breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, fraud, suitability, mismanagement of mutual funds and managed accounts, the prudent investor rule, as well as employee promissory notes, up-front loans, raiding, trade secret, unfair competition and related employment claims. Gordon has successfully assisted numerous investment professionals with FINRA related expungement actions. Gordon has been recognized eleven times...

As an associate attorney of Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LTD LLP, Ryan Cook maintains an active securities arbitration and litigation practice. Mr. Cook has worked on numerous cases dealing with individual investors, high net worth and institutional investors, corporate executives, regional banks and municipal issuers.

Prior to beginning his law practice, Mr. Cook worked in the securities industry as a licensed and registered representative with a large broker/dealer. He received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from South Texas College of Law, where he earned his degree Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) as the graduating salutatorian. Mr. Cook...

Mark T. Koo’s work includes Corporate Compliance and Governance, Estate Planning, Family Law, Non-Profit Formation and setting up the 501c3 Non-profit designation. Mark also helps companies file incorporation as well as other corporate legal assistance. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mark T. Koo has been involved with Silicon Valley’s technologies such as data warehousing, wireless software and hardware technologies, and internet technologies. Mark is a graduate of McGeorge Law School and is a member of the California Bar. Mark received his bachelors of science degree in electrical engineering and masters of science degree in materials science from University of California,...

Amy Laughlin has been achieving exceptional results for clients since 1992. After graduating with honors from The University of Michigan Law School, Amy joined the San Francisco office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP. While there, she counseled individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex financial matters. In 2013, Amy opened her own practice where she focuses primarily on divorce, business and entertainment law.

Having come to law as a second career, I bring a broad perspective to client needs. I am honored to work with a wide range of single people and families to create estate plans that will achieve the goals that are important to them, and do everything possible to avoid the problems they are concerned about.

Whether you want to craft a plan that will avoid fighting among a blended family, protect your disabled child with a special needs trust, or pass your assets to your favorite charities, we will work together to plan and implement your ideal estate plan.

Based in Elk Grove, California, the Law Offices of Quinton J. Miller has been serving the Sacramento region since 2006. We help clients prepare for the future and put the past to rest. Our office counsels individuals, couples, and businesses based on years of experience drafting, administering, and when necessary litigating trusts and wills. Quinton Miller began practicing law in 2006, after receiving his Juris Doctorate degree from Oak Brook College of Law. A job offer from a classmate led him to Elk Grove, and he opened a general practice in the Elk Grove area with a...

Hannah Sargent received her undergraduate degree from University of California Los Angeles and graduated from University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. While in school, she spent time clerking for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Jose. She is a former military officer, company commander, two-time Iraq war veteran and decorated AH-64D Apache Helicopter pilot. She is currently the principal attorney at Sargent Law Office, where she practices litigation, business and commercial law, and estate planning, and she lives in Castro Valley with her family. Between her time working and being with her family, she enjoys...

Through my office, I have been able to practice law in a manner that best serves my clients. Being a lawyer is being able to serve people. I am in a service industry. I must be honest with my clients. This means that I will tell clients what I believe is in their best interest, regardless of my financial interest or personal bias. I do believe that people should stay out of court, if possible. Court is expensive, time consuming, and emotionally draining for clients. It is easier to fix problems prior...