Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Modesto, CA
Crabtree Schmidt has been a trusted legal partner in California's Central Valley since 1936, providing comprehensive legal services to individuals, businesses, and agricultural operations. Our firm combines deep legal expertise with real-world business and farming experience to deliver practical solutions tailored to our clients' unique needs. With a proven track record in litigation, transactional work, and estate planning, we serve clients across Modesto, Merced, and surrounding communities.Our attorneys, including certified specialists in estate planning and probate law, are committed to protecting client interests through meticulous preparation and strong advocacy. We maintain a client-centric approach, prioritizing clear communication and long-term relationships that have sustained our practice for over eight decades. Our legacy of success stems from a commitment to resolving complex legal challenges while maintaining accessibility and responsiveness to our community.
Services
Agriculture Law
Business Law
Civil Litigation
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Creditor Bankruptcy
Commercial Law
Trust Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We offer 85+ years of combined legal experience in Central Valley agriculture and business law
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in estate planning, trusts, and probate law
- We combine legal expertise with firsthand farming and business operational knowledge
- Proven trial advocates with successful outcomes in state and federal courts
- Client referrals and repeat business account for 70% of our practice
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Legal Specialization
Services
Agriculture Law
Our agriculture law practice addresses the unique needs of farmers and ranchers in Central California. We handle farm succession planning, entity formation, contract disputes, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with firsthand agricultural experience to provide practical solutions that protect farming operations and facilitate generational transitions. We represent clients in matters involving crop production, livestock management, and agribusiness contracts.
Estate Planning
We offer comprehensive estate planning services tailored to individual and business needs. Our certified specialists create customized plans using wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We focus on asset protection, tax minimization, and business succession strategies. Our approach ensures clients' wishes are honored while complying with evolving estate tax regulations and providing for smooth transfer of assets to future generations.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice represents clients in business disputes, real estate conflicts, and employment matters. We handle cases in state and federal courts, emphasizing strategic preparation and negotiation from positions of strength. Our trial-tested attorneys manage all phases of litigation, from pre-trial mediation to courtroom advocacy, while maintaining cost-effective solutions for plaintiffs and defendants in complex legal disputes.
Business Law
We provide full-spectrum business law services including entity formation, contract negotiation, and operational guidance. Our attorneys assist with business acquisitions, partnership agreements, employment law compliance, and dispute resolution. We help clients structure transactions to minimize liability while navigating California's regulatory environment. Our services support businesses from formation through succession planning and dissolution.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers commercial and residential transactions, boundary disputes, and easement agreements. We represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in contract negotiations, title issues, and litigation. Our services include property acquisition, lease agreements, and dispute resolution for residential and commercial properties throughout Central California's agricultural and urban markets.
People
Robert W. Crabtree
Partner
Certified specialist in estate planning, trusts, and probate law with over 50 years of experience. Former engineer and almond industry operator, providing unique insights to agricultural clients. Graduated valedictorian from Hastings College of the Law.
Walter J. Schmidt
Partner
Experienced litigator and transactional attorney with deep roots in Central Valley agriculture. Provides strategic counsel on business operations, real estate matters, and dispute resolution for farming and commercial clients.
Questions
What areas of law does Crabtree Schmidt specialize in?
We specialize in agriculture law, business law, estate planning, real estate law, civil litigation, and creditor bankruptcy proceedings.
How long has Crabtree Schmidt been in practice?
Our firm has served Central Valley clients since 1936, with over 85 years of combined experience among current attorneys.
Do you handle complex estate planning matters?
Yes, we provide comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, business succession planning, and advanced healthcare directives.
Are your attorneys experienced in trial litigation?
Our attorneys have extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts, with a proven record of successful litigation outcomes.
What agricultural legal services do you offer?
We handle farm succession planning, entity formation, contract disputes, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance for agricultural operations.
How do you approach business client representation?
We provide end-to-end business counsel including entity formation, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and strategic growth planning tailored to California's regulatory environment.
