Business Details
31 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Trust Services in Irvine, CA
The Law Offices of Michael J. Wittick, A Professional Law Corporation, has served individuals and families in Orange County for nearly three decades. Specializing in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and asset protection, the firm is led by Michael J. Wittick, one of the few attorneys certified in estate planning, trust, and probate law by the State Bar of California. Our practice emphasizes wealth preservation, personalized planning, and addressing the unique needs of clients, including retirement strategies, charitable planning, and business succession.We employ a three-step strategy to create, implement, and maintain customized estate plans, ensuring clients avoid costly probate processes and achieve their legacy goals. Collaborating with clients' advisors, we provide comprehensive solutions that protect families, assets, and values across generations.
Services
Estate Planning
Living Trusts
Probate Law
Asset Protection
Tax Planning
Trust Administration
Retirement Planning
Charitable Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Medi-Cal Planning
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Certified expertise in estate planning, trust, and probate law by the State Bar of California
- Three-decade track record serving Orange County families and businesses
- Collaborative team approach with financial advisors and tax professionals
- Customized three-step strategy for comprehensive estate planning
- Focus on avoiding probate and minimizing estate taxes through living trusts
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California (Certified in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law)
What people say
Exceptionally keen analytical mind
Thorough planning and attention to detail
Collaborative team approach with advisors
Customized solutions for complex needs
Proven track record in probate cases
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized strategies to protect assets, designate guardianship, and ensure your wishes are honored. We address tax implications, family needs, and long-term care planning. Clients receive comprehensive documentation to avoid probate and maintain control over asset distribution.
Living Trusts
Living trusts provide private asset management during life and seamless transfer after death. We design revocable and irrevocable trusts to avoid probate, protect against incapacity, and minimize estate taxes through tailored provisions matching client objectives.
Probate Law
We guide executors through probate court processes, handling asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution. Our team represents beneficiaries and administrators in contested cases, ensuring compliance with California's complex probate regulations while minimizing costs.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection strategies safeguard estates from creditors and lawsuits using legal structures like trusts, business entities, and insurance coordination. We focus on California-specific exemptions and proactive planning to secure clients' financial legacies against potential threats.
Tax Planning
We implement tax-efficient solutions to minimize estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes. Services include exemption planning, charitable remainder trusts, and business succession strategies that leverage current tax laws to preserve wealth across generations.
People
Michael J. Wittick
Attorney & Founder
Certified estate planning attorney with nearly 30 years of experience in Orange County. Specializes in trusts, probate, and asset protection. Teaches estate planning to professionals and develops collaborative strategies with financial advisors to create comprehensive client solutions.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning including living trusts, wills, tax planning, asset protection, special needs trusts, and business succession planning tailored to individual needs.
How can a living trust benefit me?
Living trusts help avoid probate, plan for disability, protect assets from creditors, and ensure private, efficient distribution of assets according to your wishes.
Do I need a lawyer for estate planning?
Yes, to ensure legally sound documents that address complex tax implications, family dynamics, and asset protection strategies beyond generic templates.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Aliso Viejo, and surrounding areas in Orange County, CA.
How do you handle probate cases?
We represent executors and beneficiaries in probate court, guiding them through asset collection, debt settlement, tax filings, and efficient estate administration.
Can you help with Medi-Cal planning?
Yes, we specialize in Medi-Cal planning strategies to protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits, ensuring compliance with California regulations.
