You’ve worked hard to build a life you’re proud of, and now you want to ensure that the people and causes you care about are protected, no matter what the future holds. Whether creating an estate plan for the first time or updating an outdated one, working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Sacramento can give you peace of mind and help avoid unnecessary stress for your loved ones.
At Geremia & Cullen, PC, we understand that estate planning isn’t just about assets. It’s about your story, your values, and your wishes. We help you turn those into a clear, legally sound plan for the future.
Without a Plan, California Steps In
Without a valid estate plan in place, California law—not you—determines how to distribute your property under the laws of intestate succession.
Here’s what’s at stake if you don’t work with an estate planning attorney:
- No control over asset distribution. The state decides who receives your property.
- Court-supervised probate. This process adds cost, time, and public exposure to your estate.
- Unnecessary tax consequences. Without careful planning, your estate may face avoidable taxes or penalties.
- Unclear healthcare and guardianship directives. Your family may not know your wishes should you become incapacitated.
In addition, the state process doesn’t account for blended families, long-time partners, estranged relatives, or charitable intentions, which can be costly to your estate.
Experienced, Practical, Compassionate
We’re a Sacramento-based law firm that has spent years helping families across California create and defend their estate plans. Our team handles complex trust and estate matters, focusing on resolution, not escalation.
Clients describe us as responsive, clear, and deeply invested in their peace of mind. Between us, we have nearly 40 five-star reviews, and attorney Brian Geremia has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for three years running. We’ve also received client recognition awards from Martindale and Avvo.
Our approach is grounded in our commitment to supporting your legal and emotional case through a client-centered process. It has helped us earn the trust of families from all walks of life. It’s how we ensure every client walks away with a thorough and thoughtful plan that’s truly theirs.
How We Help: Our Estate Planning Services
When you work with a Sacramento estate planning attorney at Geremia & Cullen, you can expect clear communication, transparent timelines, and legal documents that reflect your real-life concerns. Our services include:
- Wills and trusts,
- Durable powers of attorney,
- Advance health care directives,
- Special needs trusts,
- Charitable giving strategies,
- Trust funding and administration guidance, and
- Estate tax planning
Whether you’re planning for minor children, a second marriage, a vacation home, or a small business, we help you cover all the angles.
Why Choose an Estate Planning Attorney in Sacramento?
Local knowledge makes a meaningful difference when it comes to something as personal and important as your estate plan. Partnering with a Sacramento estate planning attorney means you’re working with someone who understands not only California law but also the practical nuances of how things work in Sacramento County, from courthouse procedures to common delays in trust administration.
More importantly, a local attorney is accessible. You can meet face-to-face, ask questions in real time, and know who’s handling your matter from start to finish. We don’t pass clients off to paralegals. We stay personally involved because estate planning is about trust, and trust is built through connection.
Some of the reasons our clients choose to work with us include:
- Timely attention to trustee inaction. We help beneficiaries take action when distributions are delayed.
- Critical deadlines for disinherited heirs. California law imposes strict time limits to challenge a will or trust. We make sure you don’t miss that window.
- We provide clear, tailored advice. We take the time to explain your legal options so you can feel confident about your decisions.
In short, we provide the legal know-how and the local familiarity needed to move your estate plan forward with care and efficiency.
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy
One common myth is that estate planning is only necessary for people with millions in assets. That simply isn’t true.
A valid estate plan avoids confusion, protects your wishes, and reduces conflict. It can save your family thousands of dollars and countless hours of stress, no matter the size of your estate.
We often work with:
- Young families who want to name guardians and ensure their kids are protected,
- Seniors who need to update old plans or plan for long-term care,
- Business owners preparing succession plans,
- Blended families looking to avoid future disputes, and
- Single adults who want to designate powers of attorney or healthcare agents.
A thoughtful estate plan is one of the most important ways to care for the people you love. It brings clarity to what could otherwise be a time of confusion and helps prevent unnecessary legal battles or delays.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
We know the process can feel overwhelming at first. Our job is to make it easier. Here’s what working with an estate planning attorney at our firm looks like:
- We listen. You tell us your goals, concerns, and questions.
- We explain. We break down your legal options in clear language.
- We draft and review. We prepare the documents you need, nothing more, nothing less.
- We finalize your plan. We ensure it’s executed and stored properly.
- We stay available. Your plan should evolve as life changes. We’re here when you need us.
No pressure. No judgment. Just practical, compassionate legal guidance.
What If You Wait to Speak with a Sacramento Estate Planning Lawyer?
Waiting to complete or update your estate plan may not seem urgent until it’s too late. We’ve seen what can happen when families are left to guess about your wishes. Unfortunately, waiting can result in:
- Disputes between siblings,
- Delays in accessing bank accounts,
- Probate costs that could’ve been avoided,
- Guardianship battles over children, and
- Lost opportunities for charitable giving.
Creating your estate plan is one of the most generous things you can do for the people you care about. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Ready to Talk?
We know it can be difficult to start this conversation, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order is worth it. If you’re looking for an estate planning lawyer who will treat you like a person, not a case file, we’re ready to help. Let’s sit down, talk through your needs, and build a plan that makes sense for you.
Contact Us Today
At Geremia & Cullen, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every estate is unique, just like the person behind it.
Whether you’re updating a will, planning for incapacity, or protecting loved ones with a trust, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’ve been searching for an estate planning attorney in Sacramento who listens, explains, and follows through, we invite you to reach out.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward securing your legacy.