If you are planning for a loved one with disabilities in Woodacre, establishing a special needs trust can protect benefits while preserving quality of life. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists families across Marin County and the broader Bay Area with thoughtful trust planning that reflects personal goals and state law. This page explains how a special needs trust works, when it is appropriate, and what documents often accompany a complete estate plan. We focus on clear, practical guidance so you can make informed decisions and secure the financial future of someone who depends on public benefits and family resources.
A special needs trust helps maintain eligibility for public programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income by holding assets for the beneficiary without disqualifying them from need-based benefits. In many cases the trust coordinates with other estate planning tools such as a revocable living trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Families in Woodacre and nearby communities benefit from planning that considers both immediate needs and long-term care, while preserving assets for housing, therapy, education, and daily living expenses. Good planning also documents intentions and reduces family stress during transitions and crises.
A properly drafted special needs trust provides financial protection while preserving access to government benefits that rely on strict asset and income tests. By placing funds in a trust managed by a trustee, families can ensure resources are used for supplemental needs such as medical care, therapy, transportation, education, and personal comforts that public benefits do not cover. Trusts also create a formal plan that reduces family conflict and clarifies long-term intentions. For parents or guardians, a trust offers peace of mind by outlining how funds will be managed after their passing and how the beneficiary will be cared for alongside available public support.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services throughout San Jose, Woodacre, and the surrounding areas of California with a focus on thoughtful, client-centered plans. The firm prepares a range of documents including revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and various trust types tailored to family needs. Clients receive practical guidance on coordinating trust assets with public benefits and retirement accounts. The team guides clients step by step through document preparation, funding of trusts, and options for trustee selection to ensure a reliable plan for the beneficiary’s present and future needs.
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for a person with disabilities while protecting eligibility for public benefits. There are different forms of these trusts, including first-party and third-party versions, and each serves different planning goals. Establishing a trust requires attention to language that directs distributions to supplemental needs and outlines trustee powers and duties. The trust document should be coordinated with other estate planning instruments to ensure seamless management of assets and to avoid unintended impacts on benefits. Thoughtful drafting helps avoid disqualifying transfers and supports long-term stability for the beneficiary.
The process of creating a special needs trust involves identifying funding sources, selecting a trustee, and drafting instructions for how funds should be used over time. Funding can come from a parent’s estate, settlement proceeds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or other family contributions. The trustee is responsible for making distributions consistent with the trust’s purpose and for accounting to beneficiaries or oversight entities when required. Families should also review eligibility rules for state and federal programs to ensure the trust’s terms and funding plan preserve needed benefits and provide flexible support.
A special needs trust is a legal vehicle that holds property for the benefit of a person with disabilities while allowing that person to remain eligible for public benefits that use means-testing. The trust document establishes how resources will be spent for supplemental needs without counting those assets toward eligibility limits. Trustees follow written guidelines to provide for items not covered by public programs, such as therapies, home modifications, transportation, and social activities. Clear drafting and careful funding are essential to ensure the trust performs as intended and provides a stable supplement to public benefits throughout the beneficiary’s life.
Key elements of a special needs trust include the beneficiary’s identification, trustee powers and succession, permissible distribution purposes, funding sources, and provisions for trust termination or remainder distribution. The drafting process typically involves discussing family priorities, documenting existing benefits and income, preparing trust language that complies with federal and state rules, and executing related estate planning documents. After formation, funding the trust by re-titling assets or naming the trust as a beneficiary is vital. Ongoing administration includes record-keeping, prudent investment and careful distribution decisions in line with the trust’s purpose.
Understanding common terms helps families make informed decisions about trust planning. Important concepts include means-tested benefits, first-party and third-party trusts, pooled trusts, payback provisions, and trustee duties. Each term has consequences for how assets affect eligibility and for how funds may be used or returned to pay Medicaid liens. Reviewing these terms early in the planning process can clarify the options available and streamline drafting. Families should gather documents such as benefit award letters, medical records, and financial statements to help define the appropriate trust structure and language.
Means-tested benefits are government programs that determine eligibility based on the applicant’s income and assets. Programs like Supplemental Security Income and certain Medicaid benefits use strict rules about countable resources and income, so even modest inheritances or savings can affect eligibility. A special needs trust is designed to hold assets outside the beneficiary’s direct ownership so that these funds do not count toward benefit limits. Planning must account for how distributions are treated and the timing of funding to avoid unintended loss of benefits or eligibility delays.
First-party trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, such as a settlement or inheritance, and typically include a payback provision requiring repayment of certain public benefits upon the beneficiary’s death. Third-party trusts are funded by family members or others and usually do not require payback, allowing remaining funds to pass to other beneficiaries at the grantor’s direction. Both forms must be drafted to meet legal requirements to preserve public benefits, and the choice depends on who provides funds and the family’s long-term planning objectives.
Pooled trusts are managed by nonprofit organizations that combine the resources of multiple beneficiaries for investment and administrative efficiency while maintaining accounts for individual beneficiaries. These trusts may accept first-party funds and often include a payback provision, but they provide professional administration at potentially lower cost than an individually managed trust. For some families, a pooled trust offers a practical alternative to an individually drafted first-party trust, especially when funding is modest or when there is not a family trustee willing to handle administrative responsibilities.
A payback provision requires that certain funds remaining in a first-party special needs trust be used to reimburse the state for Medicaid benefits provided to the beneficiary during their lifetime. This requirement ensures compliance with federal Medicaid rules and affects how the trust remainder is handled after the beneficiary’s death. Families should understand the implications of payback language and explore options for designating remainder beneficiaries or choosing trust forms that avoid payback obligations, such as third-party trusts funded by parents or other family members.
When selecting a planning path, families consider individual needs, funding sources, administrative capacity, and long-term goals. Third-party trusts, first-party trusts, pooled trusts, and direct gifting each present different benefits and trade-offs for maintaining benefits, protecting assets and simplifying administration. Comparing these options side by side clarifies which approach minimizes benefit risk while meeting personal objectives. The right solution depends on whether funds come from the beneficiary, a parent’s estate, or third-party gifts, and whether the family prefers professional management or a trusted family member as trustee.
A limited planning approach can suit families with modest assets intended for short-term support or immediate needs that do not require complex administration. If the funding is small and intended mainly for supplemental items, a pooled trust or a simple third-party arrangement may provide adequate protection without extensive legal complexity. This path can reduce administrative burdens and costs while still safeguarding benefit eligibility. Families should carefully document intentions and funding sources to ensure that trust selection aligns with benefit rules and the beneficiary’s day-to-day requirements.
If a reliable family member is available and willing to serve as trustee, a simpler plan with clear distribution guidelines may be effective for many households. A family trustee who understands the beneficiary’s needs can manage funds with sensitivity and immediacy, avoiding the costs of professional administration. Even in these cases, it is important to have formal trust documents, clear record-keeping practices, and a successor trustee designation to ensure continuity. Simpler arrangements benefit from regular review and clear communication among family members about roles and expectations.
A comprehensive plan is often necessary when the beneficiary’s financial picture includes multiple funding streams such as retirement accounts, life insurance, settlements, or ownership interests that require coordinated handling. Complex asset structures can trigger unintended tax consequences or affect eligibility if not correctly managed. A thorough approach addresses funding strategies, beneficiary designations, coordination with public benefits, and long-term administration plans. This helps ensure that each asset is titled or designated appropriately to achieve the family’s goals and avoid costly rework or eligibility issues later on.
When long-term care needs are anticipated or when a beneficiary receives services from multiple providers, a comprehensive plan can coordinate payments, track services and ensure continuity of care. Detailed trust terms can specify how funds are allocated for housing, therapies, transportation, and recreational activities that enhance quality of life. Comprehensive planning also addresses contingencies such as trustee succession, dispute resolution, and steps for modifying the plan as circumstances change. Families with ongoing care needs benefit from a durable, well-documented plan that guides decisions for years to come.
A comprehensive approach provides coordinated protection of benefits while allowing flexible support for supplemental needs over the beneficiary’s lifetime. It minimizes risks associated with improper funding, unclear instructions, or conflict among family members. With a complete plan, documents such as a revocable living trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney and healthcare directives work together to ensure assets are transferred and managed according to the grantor’s wishes. This coherence helps families respond calmly during emergencies and creates a clearer path for trustees to follow.
Comprehensive planning also assists with efficient administration and potential tax considerations by aligning asset titling, beneficiary designations, and trust distribution standards. The plan may incorporate trusts for retirement accounts, life insurance, and other vehicles to ensure that these assets support the beneficiary without negatively impacting benefits. Regular reviews keep the plan current with changes in law, family circumstances, and the beneficiary’s needs. Overall, a complete plan reduces uncertainty, preserves more resources for the intended use, and helps maintain a consistent support structure over time.
One primary benefit of a comprehensive trust plan is the ability to preserve eligibility for public assistance programs while providing additional supports that improve daily living and access to services. Thoughtful trust language and funding strategies allow for discretionary distributions that top up benefits with targeted expenditures like therapies, adaptive equipment, education and community activities. This approach enables the beneficiary to access a fuller range of services and comforts without jeopardizing vital means-tested programs, ensuring steady support for both basic needs and quality of life priorities.
A second important benefit is the clear framework for long-term administration that reduces uncertainty and potential disputes among family members. Comprehensive plans include trustee succession, distribution guidelines, and record-keeping expectations so that the beneficiary’s needs are met consistently over time. By anticipating future scenarios and providing written instructions, families can avoid confusion at critical moments and ensure that the trust continues to serve its intended purpose. Stability in governance also reassures caregivers and service providers involved in the beneficiary’s care.
Keep accurate records of benefit award letters, application dates, and any correspondence with public agencies. These documents clarify current eligibility and help the trustee make distribution decisions without risking benefits. Clear documentation also aids in appeals or reapplication processes if benefit status changes. Keeping a folder with updated contact information for caseworkers, medical providers, and support coordinators ensures faster responses and better coordination of services when the trustee needs to act. Regularly updating records prevents surprises and supports orderly trust administration.
Ensure that the trust actually receives the assets intended to fund it by reviewing beneficiary designations, account titles, and property deeds. Estate items like life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts require specific steps to name the trust or otherwise direct proceeds. Failure to fund the trust can undermine its purpose and create eligibility risks. Periodic reviews of account designations and coordination with other estate planning documents help maintain alignment with the family’s intentions and avoid unintended direct ownership by the beneficiary.
Families opt for a special needs trust to preserve eligibility for means-tested public benefits while providing supplementary support that improves daily life. A trust allows for targeted spending on items and services that public programs do not cover, such as transportation, therapies, recreational activities, and personal care items. For parents, a trust offers a plan that continues their support after they are no longer able to manage affairs, reducing uncertainty and protecting the beneficiary from financial missteps. Crafting the trust with care ensures alignment with both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Another reason families pursue these trusts is to reduce conflict and confusion by documenting who will manage funds and how resources should be used. A formal trust clarifies distribution standards, trustee responsibilities, and successor arrangements in a legally enforceable way. This structure can be especially helpful when multiple family members contribute to the beneficiary’s care or when there are concerns about preserving assets for future needs. A written plan helps maintain stability and ensures that funds are used as intended to support the beneficiary’s ongoing wellbeing.
Common triggers for creating a special needs trust include receiving an inheritance, settlement proceeds, or a lump sum payment; preparing for the death or incapacity of a caregiver; and anticipating changes in care needs or benefit eligibility. Families also consider trusts when planning for the long-term support of an adult child with disabilities or when coordinating multiple assets such as life insurance and retirement accounts. In many cases, planning occurs alongside broader estate work to ensure all documents and designations work together to protect benefits and provide supplemental support.
When a beneficiary receives inheritance or settlement funds, immediate planning is needed to avoid loss of means-tested benefits. Placing such funds into a properly drafted trust preserves eligibility while making resources available for supplemental needs. Timing and documentation matter, and the trust should include language compatible with Medicaid and Social Security rules. Families should act promptly when they anticipate a lump sum payment to ensure the funds are protected and used in a way that supports long-term care and quality of life for the beneficiary.
Planning becomes essential when a primary caregiver’s health declines or when the caregiver is concerned about who will manage funds after their passing. A special needs trust documents a transition plan, names successor trustees, and outlines distribution priorities so the beneficiary’s financial support continues uninterrupted. This planning reduces the administrative burden on family members and ensures that the beneficiary remains supported in a manner consistent with the caregiver’s wishes. Clarity in the trust document prevents disputes and provides continuity of care.
Families facing complex financial arrangements, multiple sources of income, or uncertain benefit eligibility should consider a trust to coordinate all elements cohesively. Trust planning addresses the interplay between pensions, retirement accounts, life insurance, and public benefits so that one source does not inadvertently compromise another. A clear trust structure can also streamline payments to care providers, organize housing support, and outline funds for education or vocational training. Careful planning ensures that complex circumstances are managed consistently and sustainably.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients throughout Woodacre and neighboring Marin County communities, offering estate planning that considers local resources and service providers. We assist families in preparing trusts and related documents, coordinating with accountants, financial advisors, and care teams as needed. Our approach focuses on practical solutions that match each family’s needs, whether that means a straightforward funding plan or a more comprehensive trust arrangement. Clients benefit from clear communication, organized documents, and a commitment to protecting the beneficiary’s access to necessary services.
We take a personalized approach to trust planning for individuals with disabilities, helping families define priorities and craft documents that reflect those goals. Our services include drafting special needs trusts, coordinating funding strategies, and preparing complementary estate planning documents like revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and powers of attorney. Families receive guidance on naming trustees, defining permissible distributions, and aligning beneficiary designations to support long-term stability. Every plan is designed to integrate with state and federal program rules to preserve essential benefits while enhancing support.
Our process emphasizes clear communication, careful documentation, and practical administration tips so trustees and family members can carry out the plan effectively. We review asset titling, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies, and steps needed to fund trusts properly. We also help families understand potential Medicaid implications and payback provisions, and explore alternatives such as pooled trusts when appropriate. Regular review and updates ensure that the plan remains current and responsive to changing circumstances or new legal developments.
Clients working with our firm gain access to a full suite of estate planning documents often used in tandem with a special needs trust, including advance health care directives, financial powers of attorney, and guardianship nominations when needed. We assist with trust certifications and other documents that ease interactions with financial institutions, and offer practical advice on trustee selection and record keeping. Our goal is to create plans that are durable, understandable, and tailored to each family’s values and resources, providing confidence about the beneficiary’s future support.
Our process begins with a thorough consultation to understand the beneficiary’s needs, available assets, and any current benefit programs. We gather documentation, discuss funding options, and recommend the trust form that aligns with family goals. Drafting follows with clear instructions on trustee powers and permissible distributions, and we coordinate related estate documents so the plan functions as intended. After execution, we provide guidance on funding the trust, maintaining records, and periodic reviews to adjust the plan as life changes or as laws evolve.
The initial assessment identifies the beneficiary’s current public benefits, financial resources, future needs, and family goals. We review potential funding sources such as life insurance, retirement plan proceeds, and existing savings, and consider timing for funding to avoid benefit disruptions. This step also explores trustee options and successor arrangements. With this information, we recommend a trust structure and related documents to create a cohesive plan. Clear planning at this stage prevents costly mistakes and sets the foundation for effective long-term administration.
We request current benefit letters, medical information, financial statements, and relevant insurance policy details to get a full picture of the beneficiary’s circumstances. These documents help identify which benefits are in place and whether additional steps are needed to maintain eligibility. Accurate documentation also aids in designing distribution provisions that meet day-to-day needs without jeopardizing assistance. Gathering complete information early streamlines drafting and ensures that the trust aligns with both personal goals and public program rules.
We discuss trustee responsibilities, selection criteria, and whether professional administration may be appropriate. Topics include the trustee’s authority to make distributions, investment decisions, and reporting obligations. We also address fee structures and succession planning so there is a clear path if the primary trustee cannot continue. These conversations set expectations and ensure the trust document provides sufficient guidance for consistent and prudent administration over time.
Once the plan is agreed, we prepare the trust document and related estate planning instruments tailored to the family’s objectives. Drafting focuses on clear distribution standards, trustee powers, payback language if required, and remainder provisions. We review the documents with the family and make any needed adjustments to reflect their wishes. After execution, we provide instructions for funding the trust and for communicating with financial institutions or agencies to ensure the trust operates as intended without unintended impacts on benefits.
Trust language is customized to direct how funds should be used for supplemental needs and to define the trustee’s discretion and limits. Specific provisions address permitted expenditures such as housing, education, therapies, and personal items, while excluding income that would affect means-tested benefits. We also include directives for record-keeping and reporting. Careful wording ensures the trust meets legal standards and reflects the family’s priorities for the beneficiary’s quality of life and long-term protection.
We guide clients through signing and notarization requirements to ensure that the trust and supporting documents are legally valid. This step includes coordinating witnesses when required and preparing a formal certification or summary for institutions that will interact with the trust. Proper execution reduces the potential for challenges and streamlines later administration. We also prepare clear instructions for trustees to begin administering the trust after funding, including initial record-keeping and access to necessary account information.
Funding the trust is critical and may involve re-titling accounts, changing beneficiary designations, or transferring property to the trust. We provide step-by-step guidance to ensure assets reach the trust in a manner that preserves benefits and aligns with the family’s plan. After funding, ongoing administration includes record-keeping, prudent distributions, tax filings when needed, and periodic plan reviews. The trustee’s role becomes central at this stage, and we remain available to advise on complex distribution decisions and regulatory matters that arise over time.
Transferring accounts and property to the trust requires coordination with financial institutions, title companies, and insurers to update ownership and beneficiary designations correctly. Each asset type has unique steps and documentation, and our guidance helps prevent errors that could expose the beneficiary to loss of benefits or taxation. We work with families to compile necessary paperwork and to confirm that transfers are completed. Consistent follow-up ensures the trust is funded as intended and that records reflect the correct ownership of assets.
After funding, regular administration includes tracking distributions, maintaining financial records, reviewing investment strategy, and ensuring compliance with any applicable payback obligations. Periodic reviews help adapt the plan to changes in law or family circumstances and to update documents accordingly. Trustees should keep detailed records of expenditures and communications with agencies to support eligibility and accountability. We offer ongoing review services and guidance to make sure the trust continues to meet the beneficiary’s needs reliably over time.
A special needs trust holds assets for a person with disabilities while preserving eligibility for means-tested public benefits. The trust is drafted so that funds are used for supplemental needs that public programs do not cover, such as therapies, adaptive equipment, transportation, and social activities. By keeping resources in the trust rather than in the beneficiary’s direct ownership, the trust can prevent disqualification from programs that count personal assets and income toward eligibility. Establishing a trust requires careful attention to legal language, funding strategies, and coordination with existing benefit programs. Trustees follow the trust’s distribution guidelines to provide support without counting trust assets as the beneficiary’s personal resources. Families should document current benefits and plan funding steps to ensure a smooth transition and continued access to essential services.
A first-party trust is funded with the beneficiary’s own assets and typically must include a payback provision to reimburse the state for certain Medicaid costs after the beneficiary’s death. This form is often used when a beneficiary receives a settlement or an inheritance in their own name and needs protection to preserve eligibility. The payback requirement affects how remaining funds are handled at the end of the beneficiary’s life. A third-party trust is funded by parents, relatives, or others and generally does not require a payback to Medicaid, allowing remaining assets to pass to named remainder beneficiaries. Third-party trusts are commonly used in estate planning to protect a loved one while preserving family assets for future use. Choosing between these options depends on the source of funds and the family’s long-term goals.
Funding a special needs trust without affecting eligibility involves placing assets into the trust in ways that are consistent with program rules. For third-party trusts, family members can name the trust as beneficiary of life insurance or retirement accounts according to plan rules. For first-party funds, it is important to move assets into a properly drafted trust promptly and to follow any timing rules that could affect benefits. Proper title changes and beneficiary designations ensure the trust receives intended funds. Coordination with financial institutions and careful documentation are essential. Some accounts require paperwork to change ownership or beneficiary status, and retirement accounts may have tax implications when directed to a trust. Families should follow clear procedures and consult with professionals when necessary to ensure the funding plan preserves benefits while meeting long-term objectives.
A trustee should be someone who can manage finances responsibly, communicate with care providers, and make distribution decisions consistent with the trust’s purpose. Many families choose a trusted relative, a professional fiduciary, or a nonprofit pooled trust manager depending on complexity and available support. The trustee’s duties include record-keeping, paying vendors, coordinating benefits, and making discretionary distributions that enhance the beneficiary’s life without affecting eligibility. Trustees also handle tax filings when required and must follow the trust document’s instructions and any applicable legal standards. Naming successor trustees and outlining clear powers and limitations in the trust reduces uncertainty and ensures continuity of care. Families should discuss the role and expectations with the chosen trustee to confirm willingness and understanding of responsibilities.
A payback provision requires a first-party special needs trust to reimburse the state for Medicaid expenditures provided to the beneficiary during their lifetime. When the beneficiary dies, the remaining trust funds are used to repay the state up to the amount of services paid by Medicaid, and any leftover balance may pass according to the trust terms. This rule is tied to federal Medicaid regulations and affects only trusts funded with the beneficiary’s own assets. Understanding the payback requirement is important when planning how funds will be distributed at the end of the beneficiary’s life. Families may choose third-party trusts to avoid payback obligations or consider pooled trusts as an alternative when appropriate. Planning should address these trade-offs to align with the family’s intentions for remainder beneficiaries.
Pooled trusts can be a practical option for smaller settlements or when a family prefers professional administration without the cost of a standalone trust. These trusts are managed by nonprofit organizations, which pool resources for investment and administrative efficiency while maintaining individual accounts for beneficiaries. Pooled trusts often accept first-party funds and include a payback provision, but they can lower administrative burdens for families with modest assets. Before choosing a pooled trust, families should review the nonprofit’s governing documents, fees, and policies on distributions and payback. Pooled trusts provide a balance of professional management and individualized care, and they can be a cost-effective alternative when individualized trust administration would be impractical or expensive.
A special needs trust should be reviewed periodically and updated when financial circumstances, family situations, or laws change. Reviews are advisable after major life events such as a death in the family, receipt of a settlement, a change in benefits, or relocation to another state. Regular reviews ensure asset designations remain accurate and that the trust language continues to reflect the family’s goals and the beneficiary’s needs. Updates may involve adjusting trustee provisions, changing distribution guidelines, or coordinating new assets such as retirement accounts or life insurance. Periodic review also helps to address changes in public program rules so that the trust continues to protect eligibility and provide the intended supplemental support over time.
Retirement accounts can be used to fund a special needs trust but require careful planning because of tax rules and distribution characteristics. Naming a trust as beneficiary of a retirement account may trigger tax consequences and affect the timing of distributions. For this reason, many families work with advisors to structure beneficiary designations and consider trust language that addresses required minimum distributions and taxation while protecting benefits for the beneficiary. Alternative approaches include using life insurance proceeds or structuring retirement account distributions in ways that funnel support to the trust without causing undue tax burdens or benefit disruptions. Each situation is unique, and careful coordination between estate planning and retirement planning helps achieve the desired outcome for the beneficiary while managing tax and benefit implications.
Guardianship nominations name a person to make personal and care decisions for a minor or an incapacitated adult, and they often work in tandem with special needs trust planning. While a trust handles financial support, a guardian addresses residence, medical decisions, and day-to-day care when a beneficiary lacks capacity. Including guardian nominations in estate planning documents helps ensure that both financial and personal care functions are covered consistently. For many families, naming both a trustee and a guardian and explaining how their roles will interact reduces uncertainty and conflict. Clear communications and written instructions help guardians and trustees coordinate decisions about housing, medical care, and discretionary spending to support the beneficiary’s overall wellbeing.
After receiving an inheritance intended for a loved one with disabilities, the first step is to avoid placing the funds directly in the beneficiary’s name and instead work promptly to place those assets in an appropriate trust or pooled arrangement. Acting quickly can prevent loss of eligibility for means-tested benefits, and the form of trust will depend on whether the funds belong to the beneficiary or are provided by a third party. Proper documentation and funding steps are essential to preserve benefits. Families should gather benefit letters, consult with a qualified practitioner familiar with special needs planning, and coordinate title changes and beneficiary designations to ensure the trust receives intended funds. Taking measured steps and following a deliberate funding plan helps protect eligibility and ensures the inheritance supports the beneficiary’s long-term needs and quality of life.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas