Estate Planning

Many people avoid proper estate planning because they do not like thinking about death. Estate Planning is generally considered the process by which people develop a plan that ensures that the assets they have worked so hard accumulating during their lifetime are protected and distributed to those they love.

Without proper estate planning, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stands to inherit a large portion of your assets. Fortunately, it's not too late to write the IRS out of your will. We can help you implement a variety of advanced tax strategies to keep your assets out of the hands of the IRS, including:

We assist clients by determining their specific estate planning needs and coordinating the various estate planning tools to ensure that those needs are effectively met. Through this process, a client's mind is eased knowing that they have adequately planned for the future.

Probate and Trust Administration

Logically following estate planning is probate and trust administration putting the plan into operation. We represent fiduciaries and beneficiaries in probate courts by filing the necessary pleadings to admit a decedent's will to probate, preparing all documents and filings required under California laws and procedures, and preparing any required estate tax returns. Trust administration does not usually require court pleadings or filings, but many of the same administration, distribution or tax issues are present and require attention. In this area, we counsel fiduciaries regarding the rights and interests of beneficiaries, and recommend steps or actions to help the fiduciary operate the trust in compliance with the appropriate fiduciary laws and avoid personal liability for their actions, or inaction. We take special care during these difficult times to represent families with caring and compassionate counsel, guidance and direction. Experience enables us to counsel surviving spouses and children during this transition and help them make sound legal decisions for their future.

Condominium and Planned Development Law

Our firm provides services in all areas of condominium and planned development law with an emphasis on governing document interpretation and enforcement, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR - mediation and arbitration), governing document revisions, business advice, corporate affairs, contract review, and common interest/separate interest repair planning.

Homeowner's Association Law

The Law Offices of William S. Dunlevy have an impressive track record in providing quality legal services to homeowners associations throughout California. We bring to every project extensive experience, common sense, and a thorough understanding of the complex network of relationships that connect homeowners associations' multi-dimensional participants.