Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted California Estate Planning Partner
Vanguard Legal Group has been a trusted leader in California estate planning for over 30 years, serving more than 27,000 households. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in creating customized estate plans that protect assets, honor client wishes, and ensure seamless transitions for beneficiaries. We pride ourselves on transparent flat-fee pricing, personalized guidance, and lifetime client support, including complimentary trust reviews. Our expertise extends to complex trust administration, probate avoidance strategies, and specialized trusts such as irrevocable and special needs trusts.With a proven track record of zero properly funded trusts requiring probate, we combine legal precision with compassionate service to provide peace of mind for California families. Our commitment to education through free monthly workshops and accessible consultations underscores our dedication to making estate planning simple, straightforward, and deeply personal for every client.
Services
Revocable Living Trusts
Irrevocable Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Trust Administration
Power of Attorney
Probate Services
Property Deed Services
Heggstad Petitions
Trust Reviews
Estate Planning Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of California-specific estate planning experience
- Transparent flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
- Personalized attorney-drafted estate plans for unique needs
- Lifetime client support and complimentary trust reviews
- Zero properly funded Vanguard trusts have gone through probate
What people say
Excellent staff
Professional and clear
Very helpful
Smooth and professional
Made process easy
Services
Revocable Living Trusts
Our California revocable living trusts provide flexible estate solutions that avoid probate while maintaining your control during life. Each trust includes essential documents like pour-over wills and healthcare directives, with customization options to match your unique circumstances. Our flat-fee packages ensure transparency while protecting your legacy.
Trust Administration
We guide trustees through post-death trust administration with expert support for asset distribution and legal compliance. Our services include preparing necessary documentation, coordinating tax filings, and ensuring smooth transitions while maintaining California regulatory adherence throughout the process.
Probate Services
For estates exceeding $184,500 without proper trust arrangements, our probate services simplify court-mandated asset distribution. We provide comprehensive support navigating California's complex probate process while minimizing delays and costs for grieving families.
Special Needs Trusts
These specialized trusts protect beneficiaries' eligibility for government assistance while providing financial support. We create compliant structures that balance care requirements with benefit preservation, ensuring long-term security for individuals with disabilities.
Irrevocable Trusts
Designed for specific asset protection and tax planning purposes, our irrevocable trusts offer permanent solutions for complex estate scenarios. These arrangements provide tax advantages and creditor protection while requiring professional guidance to ensure proper implementation.
People
Kayvon Sarraf
Managing Partner
With extensive California estate planning experience, Kayvon leads Vanguard's legal team in creating customized trust solutions while maintaining strict compliance with state-specific regulations.
Suzan Colgan
Attorney at Law
Specializing in trust administration and probate avoidance, Suzan provides personalized legal guidance to ensure clients' estate plans accurately reflect their intentions and family needs.
Madison Gunn
Attorney at Law
Focusing on special needs trusts and complex estate arrangements, Madison combines legal expertise with compassionate counsel to protect vulnerable beneficiaries' future security.
Paul Hentschl
Chief Operating Officer
Overseeing Vanguard's operations, Paul ensures seamless service delivery across California through strategic implementation of efficient estate planning processes and client support systems.
Taryn Barrett
Vice President, Operations
Managing daily operations, Taryn maintains Vanguard's high service standards through process optimization and team leadership while supporting the firm's growth across California.
Questions
What's the difference between a trust and a will?
A trust avoids probate and maintains privacy, while a will requires court validation. Trusts offer more control over asset distribution timing and conditions compared to wills.
How does probate work in California?
Estates over $184,500 without proper trust arrangements go through court-supervised probate. This process validates wills, settles debts, and distributes assets according to legal guidelines.
Can I update an existing trust?
Yes, we review and update existing trusts to ensure they remain current with changing laws and personal circumstances through our trust review services.
What happens after someone passes away with a trust?
The successor trustee follows trust instructions to distribute assets without court involvement. We provide guidance to ensure proper trust administration and legal compliance.
Do I need estate planning if I'm single?
Yes, estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and assets protected regardless of marital status. It designates decision-makers and outlines your specific preferences.
How do special needs trusts work?
These trusts provide financial support while maintaining government benefit eligibility. We structure compliant arrangements that balance care needs with regulatory requirements.
