Estate Planning Lawyers for Thousand Oaks, California
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Meet some of our Thousand Oaks Estate Planning Lawyers
Max K.
I am a business attorney and former in-house corporate attorney with more than a decade of experience helping companies navigate contracts, commercial relationships, day-to-day operations, and disputes. My practice includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, licenses, leases, vendor and service agreements, and other business arrangements. Licensed in Nevada, California, New York, and Texas, I also hold an Executive MBA. My goal is to serve as practical, long-term outside counsel to small businesses and entrepreneurs that value responsiveness, sound judgment, and advice grounded in commercial realities - not merely technical legal answers. I handle disputes when necessary, but much of the value I bring lies in identifying issues early, preserving business relationships, and preventing avoidable conflicts. I do not bill separately for routine phone calls. I want clients to feel comfortable calling before a small concern becomes an expensive problem, and I am always happy to have an initial conversation to see if the fit is right for you. www.linkedin.com/in/maxkelner
"This was my 1st time having to consult with a legal expert about anything and Max made the process easy and stress-free."
Daron J.
On this platform I have largely been helping people draft prenuptial agreements for many different situations as well as mediation/arbitration. I am an entertainment attorney by trade with experience in drafting and negotiating contracts in the fields of television, film, unscripted, music, and everything each entails. In addition, I have experience drafting and negotiating property leases and service agreements of various types. I am available for all types of contractual review or any drafting needs you may have.
"Daron was very responsive and helpful reviewing my pre-nup. Easy and straightforward process."
Myrna L.
I am a licensed attorney in California. I worked as a Contract Manager for the State of California for 14 years, negotiating and developing contracts and grants funded by federal and state government. As a former owner of a real estate/property management company and real estate asset manager for corporations, non profit organizations and government entities, I negotiated sales and managements of industrial, commercial, and residential properties including development of contracts, leases, subleases, options, and sales agreements. As an attorney, I have worked on contracts, labor/employment cases, real estate, landlord/tenant and probate cases. https://myrnalimattorneyatlaw.com
"Myrna provided good advice about my situation and a reasonable resolution was achieved. Thanks for your help!"
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July 13, 2023
Keren G.
Keren E. Gesund has extensive litigation expense. She has successfully defended and prosecuted claims against debt collectors, banks, credit reporting agencies, subcontractors, manufacturers and consumers who have suffered harassment or injury. She handles contentious business and commercial cases for both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court.
July 16, 2023
Thomas G.
After graduating law school in 2015, I practiced for a few years in LA, then becoming a contractor for large litigation projects. Now working from home in Kansas, I can offer LA service at Midwest prices.
July 18, 2023
Dilini L.
I am an attorney licensed in California with particular experience in local policy work, workplace justice, and environmental law. I have authored or co-authored over 30 amicus briefs (including one for which I received an Amicus Service Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association), have extensive experience researching state law across the country and across issue areas, and pride myself in clearly and concisely distilling complex and/or technical legal concepts for lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
July 25, 2023
Albert I.
Construction lawyer practicing in Southern California since 1988. Have extensive experience in construction contracts and forms drafting, negotiating. I also serve as counsel for large material suppliers and have extensive experience in commercial transactions, drafting and negotiation of commercial documents including dealerships, NDAs, etc.
November 1, 2023
Luiza D.
I represent business owners throughout California with their business, IP and employment law matters.
August 10, 2023
Matthew G.
I am a Berkeley Law 2020 graduate. I have experience working in finance and operations, plaintiff and defense litigation, and have been involved in multiple start-ups.
August 10, 2023
Jeanilou M.
Jeanilou G.T. Maschhoff has over 20 years of comprehensive business operations, finance, and development experience in addition to being a licensed attorney in California and Hawaii. She zealously works as a Trusted Advisor, Business/Brand Consultant, and Advocate for small businesses, non-profit organizations, and personal brands. She is dedicated to helping female business owners and professionals in the entertainment, beauty, fashion, and wellness industries make their goals a reality. She uses her diversified expertise to provide a holistic approach to addressing business and legal needs. Acting as a trusted advisor and outsourced general counsel, she assists on an array of business and personal matters. Passionate about social justice and assisting underrepresented populations, Jeanilou started her legal career working in the non-profit sector working towards access to justice and gender equity. She continues to assist non-profit organizations in many capacities and actively looks to partner businesses with charitable causes, creating a synergistic effect that benefits not only the organizations involved but our society as a whole. As an early adopter of the virtual practice of law, Jeanilou has been assisting law firms and solo practitioners adjust to the remote delivery of legal services and helping businesses explore Web 3.0.
September 2, 2023
Jeffrey J.
I have been in business development for 15 years before becoming an attorney. As an attorney, I help companies navigate legal challenges that they face.
August 19, 2023
Richard P.
I’m passionate about IP, AI, privacy and business. Learning to code. Book some time to discuss how I can add value to your project. Hablo Español y português.
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Browse Lawyers NowEstate Planning Legal Questions and Answers
Estate Planning
Last Will and Testament
California
What happens if I die without a will?
As I have gotten older and accumulated assets, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of having a will in place. However, I have not yet taken the steps to create one, and I am curious about the potential consequences of dying without a will. Therefore, I would like to seek the advice of a lawyer to understand what would happen to my estate and how my assets would be distributed in the event of my death without a will.
Matthew S.
If you die without a will your assets will be distributed to your heirs pursuant to the intestacy statute for your state. However, if you use a will, you can control who gets your assets and can give assets to non-blood related persons who wouldn't otherwise be an heir.
Estate Planning
Fee Agreement
California
Do I need to provide my personal and assets info to an estate planning attorney before signing a fee agreement so they can begin prepping a living trust
Looking for an estate planning attorney to prep a living trust and all other necessary docs
Jane C.
No. You do not need to provide any information until you agree to work with the attorney.
Estate Planning
Last Will and Testament
California
Can I create an estate plan without the help of a lawyer?
I am in my mid-fifties and have recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I have a large estate that I would like to be distributed to my family and friends when I pass away. I have done some research and understand the importance of having an estate plan, but I am not sure if I am able to create one without the help of a lawyer. I am looking for more information that will help me make the best decision for my family and myself.
Philip M.
You can certainly go ahead and fill out simple forms to complete some easy estate planning documents like wills, but for more complicated documents like a trust (which is required if you want to avoid probate) it can get a little trickier. Further, anyone can fill in the blanks, but an experienced attorney will be able to explain what the document does and how it meets your wishes best. Hope this helps.
Estate Planning
Employment Contract
Florida
What's vacation time in an employment contract?
I recently accepted a new job and I was provided an employment contract to review. In the contract, there is a section about vacation time, but it is not very clear. I'm trying to understand what vacation time is included in the contract and what the expectations are for taking time off. I want to make sure I have a clear understanding of my rights and responsibilities regarding vacation time before I sign the contract.
Diane D.
You can create your own will. However, having an attorney draft it for you will ensure that your wishes are carried out in all circumstances. Doing it yourself without having any experience may cause many problems after your demise.
Estate Planning
Will
Kansas
Can I designate a non-family member as the executor of my will?
I am in the process of creating my will and estate plan, and I am wondering if it is possible to designate a non-family member, such as a close friend or trusted advisor, as the executor of my will. While I have a good relationship with my family, I believe that this non-family member would be better suited to handle the administrative duties and ensure my wishes are carried out accurately and efficiently. I want to ensure that this decision is legally permissible and if there are any potential complications or considerations I should be aware of.
Randy M.
You don’t have to name a family member as the executor of your will. In many cases, choosing someone outside the family is not only allowed but actually a smart move. With one notable exception, no U.S. state requires your executor to be a family member. What matters most is that the person is trustworthy, capable, and legally qualified to handle the role. Why someone outside the family might be the better choice For some people, appointing a friend, a professional advisor, or even a neutral third party just makes more sense. They’re often less emotionally entangled in family matters and better equipped to make level-headed decisions during what’s usually a tense and emotional time. Also, if they have relevant experience, like being an attorney or financial planner, they may already understand what the job entails. What the law actually requires Legally speaking, most states just require that your executor be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. From there, it’s mostly about whether the person is willing and whether the state has any disqualifying rules, such as felony convictions or certain types of misconduct. Some states are stricter than others on that point. Watch out for location-based restrictions Every state allows non-family executors, but a few have extra rules for people who live out of state. For example, your chosen executor might have to post a bond, work with a local co-executor, or name someone in-state to receive official documents. Florida is the sole exception. It generally limits executors (technically called “personal representatives” there) to relatives or their spouses. But that’s the exception, not the rule. A few things to think through Choosing an executor isn’t just about who you trust. It’s also about who can realistically handle the responsibility. They’ll have access to all your financial info, need to manage assets, pay off debts and taxes, and make sure everything is distributed properly. That’s a lot to take on. Also, consider how far they live. While distance isn’t always a deal-breaker, having someone nearby can make things easier, especially when there’s paperwork to sign or property to manage. And then there’s the family piece. If you pick someone outside the family, be prepared for possible tension. Even if your choice makes perfect sense, relatives may feel hurt or suspicious. If you’re concerned about that, it’s worth having a conversation in advance to explain your reasoning. What about compensation and other options? Executors are entitled to compensation for their time and effort, usually a percentage of the estate’s value (often 2 to 5 percent), depending on the state. Just keep in mind that executor fees are considered taxable income, while inheritances typically are not. If you’re trying to strike a balance, you can name co-executors, such as a trusted friend and a family member. This can help keep everyone involved while making sure the job gets done right. Just be aware it can slow things down, since both have to agree on major decisions. And if your estate is especially large or complicated, you might want to bring in a professional fiduciary, such as a trust company, bank, or estate attorney. They charge more, but you’re paying for deep experience and institutional reliability. Before you lock in your decision, here’s what to do: 1. Double-check your state’s requirements, especially if the person lives out of state. 2. Talk to your chosen executor to confirm they’re willing to take on the role. 3. Name an alternate in case your first pick can’t serve later. 4. Spell out compensation clearly in your will, or reference state guidelines. And finally, it’s always smart to run your estate plan by a local attorney or an attorney here on Contracts Counsel. State laws can vary more than people realize, and a quick legal review now can prevent a lot of headaches later. At the end of the day, choosing the right executor is about trust, competence, and clarity. Whether they’re family or not, you want someone who can step in and carry out your wishes with care and professionalism.
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