Business Details
Your Trusted Probate & Estate Planning Attorney in El Dorado Hills
The Law Office Of Paul R Kraft provides tailored legal solutions for estate planning, probate, and related matters across California. With a focus on empowering clients through education, I combine over two decades of legal expertise with a commitment to personalized service. My background as a former police officer and law professor informs my practical approach to protecting clients' rights. I prioritize direct communication, offering in-person and virtual consultations to accommodate individual needs.By emphasizing transparency and convenience, I aim to simplify complex legal processes for families and individuals. My practice serves Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer counties, and beyond, maintaining strong community ties through local involvement. Clients benefit from my dual perspective as both educator and practitioner, ensuring clear guidance through estate planning and probate challenges.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Wills & Trusts
Conservatorship
Guardianship
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined legal and educational experience in estate law
- Our direct attorney communication ensures personalized case management
- We utilize secure technology for convenient virtual consultations
- We provide free initial consultations to discuss your specific needs
- Our community-focused approach serves local California residents effectively
What people say
Personalized service
Easy process
Technology convenience
Compassionate support
Clear explanations
Services
Estate Planning
Crafting customized estate plans to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. We guide clients through creating wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual family needs. Our approach combines legal expertise with clear explanations to help clients make informed decisions about their legacy.
Probate Administration
Navigating probate court procedures to settle estates efficiently. We assist executors and beneficiaries with asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution according to California law. Our goal is to minimize delays and costs while maintaining compliance with all legal requirements throughout the probate process.
Wills & Trusts
Creating enforceable wills and trusts that reflect clients' intentions. We help establish revocable living trusts for probate avoidance and draft comprehensive wills that address guardianship, asset distribution, and executor appointments. Our documents are carefully tailored to meet specific family circumstances and financial situations.
Conservatorship
Establishing legal frameworks to protect incapacitated adults through conservatorships. We assist families in petitioning for conservatorship while ensuring court compliance. Our services include creating care plans, managing financial responsibilities, and providing ongoing support for conservators navigating these complex legal obligations.
Guardianship
Securing legal guardianship arrangements for minors and dependent adults. We guide clients through establishing permanent or temporary guardianships, addressing medical decision-making authority and living arrangements. Our practice ensures all documentation meets California family court requirements while prioritizing the best interests of those under care.
People
Paul R. Kraft
Attorney & Founder
Former police officer and law professor with 20+ years legal experience. Specializes in estate planning and probate law. Licensed real estate broker and community advocate. Provides direct client representation with personalized attention to each case.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
We recommend wills, revocable trusts, advanced healthcare directives, and durable powers of attorney tailored to your specific family and financial situation.
How long does probate take in California?
Typical probate cases take 12-18 months depending on estate complexity, with potential extensions for contested matters or complex asset distributions.
Can I avoid probate with proper planning?
Yes, properly structured revocable living trusts can help transfer assets outside probate court while maintaining your control during lifetime.
How are legal fees structured?
We offer transparent fee structures including flat rates for standard estate plans and hourly billing for complex litigation with regular progress updates.
Do you serve clients outside El Dorado County?
We serve clients throughout California, offering virtual consultations and maintaining physical offices in El Dorado Hills for in-person meetings.
