San Francisco Bay Area

Clarity. Resolution. Peace of Mind.

Practical estate planning and mediation services designed to protect what matters and help resolve disputes with clarity and purpose

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Practice Areas

Estate Planning

Meaningful estate planning begins with understanding the entire picture. Family dynamics, asset ownership, incapacity, succession, beneficiary needs, tax considerations, and the possibility of future conflict all inform how a plan should be structured. We approach estate planning as an integrated legal strategy, not a collection of forms. Each plan is carefully designed to preserve control during life, provide clear direction during incapacity, protect beneficiaries, avoid unnecessary court involvement, and ensure that assets pass according to the client’s intentions. The objective is a plan that is not only carefully drafted, but thoughtfully constructed to withstand the circumstances in which it may ultimately be called upon to perform.

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Mediation Services

The best mediators do more than carry offers from one room to another. Effective mediation requires understanding the law, recognizing what is really driving the dispute, challenging unrealistic positions, and knowing when to push and when to listen. My approach is direct, practical, and focused on resolution. I bring legal experience, real-world perspective, and the patience to stay with difficult disputes when an easy answer is not available. The objective is not to pressure either side into a deal. It is to help both sides see the case clearly enough to make informed decisions and, whenever possible, build a resolution that is better than the uncertainty, expense, and loss of control that come with leaving the outcome to a judge or jury.

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Trusted by Bay Area Families

14+Years of practice

1,400+Clients served

100%Bay Area focused

What Clients Say

“

Derek was an absolute pleasure to work with. He helped me with my trust and guided me through the entire process, which was completely new for me. He is professional and extremely thorough. I would recommend him without hesitation.

K.B. - Pleasant HillEstate Planning clients

“

I highly recommend Derek. He came highly recommended to me as well. This past summer I needed to quickly execute various personal legal documents, all of which I had been putting off for years. I was under time constraints for various reasons and Derek was able to accommodate my needs. He is highly professional, knowledgeable, organized, and efficient. His demeanor is calm, which is great when dealing with what is often an emotional subject matter.

T.V. - Walnut CreekEstate planning Client

“

Derek's handling of my trust was well explained and professionally done. I highly recommend his service.

T.K. - MartinezTrust & Estate Planning clients

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Ready to move forward with confidence?

A single conversation can bring remarkable clarity. We offer confidential consultations to help you understand your options — with no pressure and no obligation.

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