Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Legal Representation in Los Altos
We are a distinguished law firm serving the Los Altos community since 1972, dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions in estate planning, family law, criminal law, and probate matters. Our founding partner, James H. Dozier, established this practice in 1975 with a commitment to client-centered service that continues through his son, Joseph W. Dozier. With over 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer and mediator, Joseph brings specialized expertise in estate planning, family law, personal injury, and real estate matters. Our attorneys hold advanced legal credentials and maintain active roles in local bar associations, including service as Judge Pro Tem and Hearing Officer.We combine deep local knowledge with comprehensive legal understanding to protect client interests across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. Our mediation services offer cost-effective alternatives to litigation while maintaining rigorous advocacy for client rights. Through three generations of service, we have built a reputation for ethical representation and practical legal counsel tailored to individual client needs. Our accessibility compliance demonstrates our commitment to serving all community members equally. Clients benefit from our focused expertise in navigating complex legal processes while preserving privacy and minimizing court involvement.
Services
Estate Planning
Family Law
Criminal Defense
Probate Administration
Legal Mediation
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years combined legal experience in Bay Area courts
- Our family practice provides multi-generational legal continuity
- Specialized expertise in estate planning and probate avoidance
- We maintain active judicial roles through Judge Pro Tem appointments
- Our mediation services reduce litigation costs and timelines
What people say
Kind, dedicated and ethical professional
Thorough knowledge of the law
Amazing understanding of judicial system
Dependable support since the 80s
Never consider another attorney
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect client assets and wishes. Our attorneys help clients minimize probate requirements through strategic trust administration. With over 38 years of experience, we ensure private, efficient transfer of real and personal property to designated beneficiaries while navigating complex tax implications.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, and property division cases with sensitivity to emotional challenges. We offer mediation alternatives to traditional litigation while maintaining strong advocacy for client interests. Services include prenuptial agreements, spousal support determinations, and post-divorce modifications across three Bay Area counties.
Criminal Defense
With 30+ years of criminal law experience, we defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges. Our services include record expungement, warrant resolution, and representation during police investigations. We prioritize protecting client rights through strategic defense planning while minimizing potential sentencing impacts from prior convictions.
Legal Mediation
We provide neutral mediation services for estate and family law matters, helping parties reach agreements without court intervention. Our trained mediators facilitate discussions on property division, custody arrangements, and trust administration while maintaining strict impartiality throughout the process.
Probate Administration
Our probate services guide executors through court-supervised estate settlement processes. We assist with asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution of inheritances while addressing potential tax implications. The practice helps clients navigate complex probate requirements to ensure efficient estate closure.
People
Joseph W. Dozier
Attorney at Law
Experienced trial lawyer and mediator with 30+ years in estate planning, family law, and criminal defense. Holds Juris Doctor from Western State University and serves as Judge Pro Tem in Santa Clara County since 1986.
James H. Dozier
Founding Partner
Established the practice in 1975 specializing in wills and estate planning. Provided dedicated legal service until 2008, building a legacy of client-focused representation that continues through his son Joseph.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in estate planning, family law, criminal defense, probate administration, and legal mediation across three Bay Area counties.
How can I avoid probate court?
Our estate planning services create trusts that allow private, efficient asset transfer without probate court involvement through strategic trust administration.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for all practice areas. Contact us at (650) 941-3940 to schedule your appointment.
Are your services accessible?
Our office complies with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards to ensure equal access for all clients and visitors.
Can I modify an existing estate plan?
Yes, we review and update existing estate plans to reflect changing circumstances or legal requirements during private consultation sessions.
What makes your firm different?
Three generations of local legal experience combined with multi-attorney expertise in both courtroom litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods.
