Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Elder Law Services in Irvine, CA
Established in 1991, our firm provides comprehensive legal solutions in estate planning, elder law, probate, and litigation. With dual certifications as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California and a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, we demonstrate unparalleled expertise. Our practice combines decades of experience with personalized service, serving clients across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.We prioritize client needs through tailored strategies, ethical representation, and deep local market understanding. Our team's extensive litigation background ensures effective resolution of complex estate disputes while maintaining a client-centric approach to asset protection and legacy planning.
Services
Estate Planning
Estate Litigation
Elder Law
Probate
Guardianship & Conservatorships
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Dual-certified specialist in estate planning and elder law
- 30+ years of combined legal experience
- Client-focused approach with personalized solutions
- Serves four Southern California counties
- Peer-reviewed ethical and attentive representation
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
- National Elder Law Foundation
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive strategies to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. We draft wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to individual needs while minimizing tax implications. With specialized expertise in California estate law, we help clients secure their family's financial future through customized legal frameworks that address property distribution, guardianship, and long-term care planning.
Elder Law
Specialized elder law services address unique challenges faced by seniors including Medi-Cal planning and abuse protection. We help clients navigate healthcare decisions, long-term care options, and financial independence strategies. Our practice combines legal expertise with compassionate representation to protect seniors' rights while ensuring compliance with complex state and federal regulations governing elder care.
Probate
Probate services guide executors through California's estate administration process. We assist with will validation, asset distribution, debt settlement, and tax compliance while minimizing potential disputes. Our team provides strategic guidance for both simple and complex estates, ensuring efficient transfer of assets according to decedents' wishes while representing clients' interests in contested probate matters.
Estate Litigation
Estate litigation handles contested matters including will challenges and fiduciary disputes. With extensive courtroom experience, we represent clients in trust contests, financial elder abuse cases, and executor disputes. Our approach combines aggressive advocacy with strategic negotiation to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting clients' financial interests and preserving family relationships through complex probate litigation.
Guardianship
Guardianship services establish legal frameworks for minor children's care and incapacitated adults' protection. We help clients create legally sound guardianship arrangements while navigating court requirements. Our practice includes drafting guardianship provisions in wills, establishing conservatorships for elderly parents, and advising on legal responsibilities to ensure proper care and financial management for vulnerable individuals.
People
Charles Kirkwood Mills
Attorney & Founder
Certified specialist with 30+ years experience in estate planning and elder law. Graduated from Pepperdine University Law School in 1990, served on Law Review, and earned estate planning certification from Golden Gate University. Recognized by State Bar of California and National Elder Law Foundation for expertise in trusts, probate, and elder abuse cases.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in estate planning, elder law, probate administration, trust litigation, and guardianship matters with dual certifications in California.
How can I protect my assets for future generations?
Our estate planning services create customized strategies using wills, trusts, and tax planning techniques to preserve family wealth across generations.
What happens if I don't create a will?
Without a will, California's intestacy laws determine asset distribution and guardianship arrangements, which may not align with your wishes.
How do you handle contested probate matters?
We combine litigation expertise with negotiation skills to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting clients' interests in contested estate matters.
What makes your elder law services unique?
As one of few dual-certified practitioners, we offer specialized expertise in Medi-Cal planning, elder abuse protection, and senior healthcare advocacy.
Do you serve clients outside Orange County?
Yes, we represent clients throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
