Both Jim DeMartini and Paula S. Hall handle the entire range of estate and estate planning functions. Our regular practice includes the probate of decedent’s estates in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties.  We represent clients in guardianship proceedings, conservatorship proceedings and summary proceedings, such as spousal property petitions.

 Mr. DeMartini has litigated many probate disputes from will contests to defending and suing estates and trusts for damages.  We have defended many individuals in their capacity as personal representatives or trustees.

 In an effort to keep our client’s estates out of the courtroom, we tailor revocable living trusts based on our client’s specific needs and concerns, as an alternative to the expensive probate process.  With our experience in trust and estate litigation, we can anticipate the issues that may lead to litigation and draft estate plans to prevent them.

 If it is too late for planning, Ms. Hall assists families in resolving trust and estate disputes respectfully using mediation and the collaborative process. To learn more about Ms. Hall, please read her Nolo.com profile.  

 The revocable living trust package provided by our office includes the basic trust instrument, pour-over wills for each trustor, durable powers of attorney, and the various documents required to begin the funding process. 

 As local attorneys, Jim DeMartini and Paula S. Hall are available to provide their trust clients with easily accessible, on-going support and guidance in the management of their trusts, during their lifetimes. 

 After a client's death, Jim DeMartini and Paula S. Hall are available to guide families and beneficiaries through trust administration.  They assist in allocating assets to sub-trusts, paying the debts, filing income and estate tax returns, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries.