Cookman Law

Nearby Lawyers California Santa Clara County Palo Alto Geng Road

(75 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 2100 Geng Rd Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
Phone +1 650-690-2571
Website https://cookmanlaw.com/palo-alto-estate-planning-attorney/

Reviews

My experience with Ellen Cookman Law was beyond my expectations. I was given her name through an organization that works with special needs and I was more than thrilled with the responses I got from Ellen and her marvelous team. Each person I spoke with was kind, compassionate and eager to help. All questions were answered with professionalism and courtesy. I always received expert care and encouragement when I wasn’t sure how to handle a particular portion. They helped me revise my current trust and special needs trust. I will continue to work with this law firm in the future. Thank you to all who were involved in my trust.
We used Cookman Law to update our Family Trust, a Special Needs Trust, Wills and other documents. Everyone we worked with at Cookman Law was Friendly, Professional and Knowledgeable. We were kept informed of the various steps during the process. They responded in a timely manner anytime we had a question, or needed assistance. My wife and I highly recommend Cookman Law and plan to continue to call on them with any Estate Planning we may need in the future. Anyone who has a Special Needs child, or family member should have a Special Needs Trust. Cookman Law is especially qualified in this area.
The Cookman Law office staff made us feel comfortable from our initial inquiry through receiving our completed documents. We needed to revise a special needs trust and other trusts and documents. We were aware of the office due to the excellent YouTube videos they create. Some of the staff have special needs family members of their own. They are by far the most organized and thorough law office we have worked with. This was the A to Z experience we always hoped for but had never found. We wanted referrals to other professionals to round out our team and those were provided. Everything was personalized to our needs and wishes, things we didn’t understand were thoughtfully explained, and our calls and zoom meetings felt like talking with trusted friends. We know that taking that first step is so scary when you are parents of a special needs child but we promise you that you will feel such relief when you have completed the process with Cookman Law!
Extraordinary. They redid for will, 2 Trusts, 2 Powers of Attorney. I worked with associate attorney Amiee over many months of drafts and rewrites. She was helpful beyond words and always communicated quickly. Ellen Cookman is an expert in Special Needs Trusts, which is why I hired her..I cannot recommend them highly enough.
It would be hard to find a better estate planning attorney to do your Living Trust/ Special Needs Trust than Ellen's team. There are many reasons why but I will share three: 1) Honesty and transparency, 2) Alignment with your personal interests, and 3) Value. 1) Honesty and Transparency. What you see is what you get! Her YouTube channel offers free unlimited access. She has posted over 75+ videos on various related estate planning and Special Needs topics. These are not short teaser videos stating all the things that could go wrong to get you to call now. These are videos to educate you so that you can ask better questions of yourself and her about what you want to accomplish and the ways it can be done. This is much better than getting a 1 or 2 hour "free" initial consultation to see if there is a fit. Prospective clients can get a good sense of her expertise, communication style, background, the process they will go through and the costs involved. 2) Alignment with your personal interests. She intuitively and instinctively understands your concerns, fears, and situation because, as a parent of a special needs child, she either has direct or indirect personal experience to draw from. And it is not only Ellen, but her associate attorneys and support staff as well have some kind of direct personal connection with a special needs individual. Call it their "X" factor. An important but often overlooked intangible item that results in achieving a good experience and outcome. 3) Value. She is active and networked in the Bay Area special needs community. She brings to the table more than just her legal expertise and services. She often interviews other experts on related topics to make you aware of different problem solving options. She may be more expensive than you planned for but you will be getting much more than you paid. Once again, the YouTube videos make it possible for prospective clients to judge for themselves, at their leisure, without limit, the value she provides. Real trust and comfort with your decision comes when you realize all the legal complexities involved and understand the possible consequences of each decision. By educating prospective clients beforehand on things they should consider, Ellen has cracked the code for marketing intangible business services like legal services. She has efficiently accomplished three objectives: 1) She raises awareness of her firm and services. 2) She builds trust and demonstrates her expertise. 3) She makes the process more efficient and less costly to both parties.

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About Cookman Law

Navigating the intricacies of estate planning, particularly when it involves safeguarding the future for loved ones with special needs, requires not only legal expertise but also a profound sense of empathy and understanding. For families and individuals across California, finding a law firm that combines professional acumen with compassionate client care is paramount. Cookman Law, located in the vibrant heart of Palo Alto, stands out as a beacon of such service. Dedicated to providing comprehensive and highly personalized legal solutions, Cookman Law has built a sterling reputation for assisting clients with sensitive and crucial matters like revising trusts, establishing special needs trusts, and crafting robust estate plans. Their approach is centered on making complex legal processes clear, comfortable, and ultimately successful for their clients, ensuring peace of mind for the future.

Cookman Law is more than just a legal service provider; it’s a team deeply committed to the well-being of its clients. They understand that estate planning often involves deeply personal decisions about family, assets, and future care. This understanding translates into a service model where every client feels supported, informed, and truly cared for throughout their legal journey. As evidenced by numerous glowing testimonials, the firm, led by Ellen Cookman, and her "marvelous team," consistently delivers "expert care and encouragement," making even the most challenging legal revisions feel manageable. This dedication to excellence and compassionate service makes Cookman Law a highly valued resource for Californians seeking expert and reliable legal assistance, especially in the specialized realm of special needs planning.

Cookman Law is conveniently situated at 2100 Geng Road Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. This strategic location in Palo Alto offers exceptional accessibility for clients residing throughout the Silicon Valley and beyond. Palo Alto, a hub of innovation and a cornerstone of the Bay Area, provides excellent transportation links, making it easy for clients from surrounding communities like Menlo Park, Mountain View, Stanford, and San Jose to reach the office. The address on Geng Road benefits from its proximity to major thoroughfares, ensuring a smooth drive for those commuting by car. Additionally, the area typically offers accessible parking options, further enhancing the convenience for visitors. The professional yet welcoming environment of the office suite itself contributes to a comfortable client experience from the moment of arrival. This prime location underscores Cookman Law's commitment to being readily available and convenient for their California clientele, ensuring that crucial legal conversations can take place without unnecessary logistical hurdles.

Cookman Law specializes in a range of crucial legal services, with a notable emphasis on estate planning and the highly specialized area of special needs trusts. Their expertise ensures that clients receive thorough, professional, and compassionate guidance for their most important legal documents and future planning.

Estate Planning: The firm provides comprehensive estate planning services, helping clients create detailed plans for the distribution of their assets and the care of their loved ones. This foundational service aims to secure clients' legacies and simplify processes for their families.
Living Trusts: A core area of their practice involves assisting clients with the creation and revision of living trusts. As one client shared, they received help to "revise my current trust," indicating the firm’s proficiency in updating and optimizing existing trust documents to reflect current needs and laws.
Special Needs Trusts: Cookman Law is "especially qualified" in drafting and managing Special Needs Trusts. These trusts are vital for safeguarding the financial future and quality of life for individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential government benefits. This is a critical service for families with special needs children or family members, as highlighted in client testimonials.
Wills: They assist in drafting legally sound wills, ensuring clients' final wishes regarding asset distribution, guardianship for minors, and other important directives are clearly articulated and enforceable.
Other Estate Planning Documents: This often includes powers of attorney (for financial and healthcare decisions) and advance healthcare directives, ensuring that clients' wishes are respected even if they become incapacitated.
Trust Updates and Revisions: Beyond initial drafting, Cookman Law excels in reviewing and updating existing trusts and estate plans, ensuring they remain relevant and compliant with changing laws and personal circumstances. Both testimonials specifically mention the firm's help with revising trusts.

Cookman Law is consistently praised for several distinguishing features and highlights that set them apart in the legal landscape, particularly concerning estate planning and special needs trusts. These attributes are directly reflected in the heartfelt testimonials from their satisfied clients.

Compassionate and Kind Team: Clients repeatedly emphasize the exceptional demeanor of the entire team. They are described as "kind, compassionate and eager to help," creating a supportive and reassuring environment during what can often be sensitive legal discussions. This empathetic approach significantly eases the client experience.
Expert Care and Encouragement: The firm provides not just legal advice but also "expert care and encouragement." This means guiding clients through uncertainties and providing unwavering support, especially when they are "not sure how to handle a particular portion" of their legal process.
Professionalism and Courtesy: Every interaction is characterized by "professionalism and courtesy." Clients' questions are answered with clarity and respect, ensuring a high standard of service and communication throughout the engagement.
Timely and Responsive Communication: Cookman Law is lauded for keeping clients "informed of the various steps during the process" and for responding "in a timely manner anytime we had a question, or needed assistance." This responsiveness fosters trust and reduces client anxiety.
Specialization in Special Needs Trusts: A key highlight is their specialized expertise in Special Needs Trusts. Clients specifically note that Cookman Law is "especially qualified in this area," making them a top choice for families needing to secure the future of a family member with special needs.
Thorough and Detailed Work: The firm is praised for helping clients "revise my current trust and special needs trust" and for updating "Family Trust, a Special Needs Trust, Wills and other documents," demonstrating a meticulous and comprehensive approach to document preparation and review.
Long-Term Client Relationships: The positive experiences lead clients to express intentions to "continue to work with this law firm in the future" and to "continue to call on them with any Estate Planning we may need," highlighting the firm’s ability to build lasting, trusted relationships.

For legal practices like Cookman Law, direct, publicly advertised "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense are not common, as legal services are highly personalized and fee structures are typically based on the complexity and scope of the individual case. However, the inherent value proposition and client-centric approach of Cookman Law serve as ongoing benefits that could be considered "special offers" to prospective clients.

Their consistently praised "professionalism and courtesy," coupled with their "kind, compassionate and eager to help" team, creates an invaluable client experience that goes beyond mere transactional service. The "expert care and encouragement" they provide, especially in sensitive areas like special needs trusts, offers a level of support that is often sought but rarely found. Clients' testimonials frequently highlight feeling well-informed and supported, which, in the context of complex legal matters, can be more valuable than a monetary discount.

Prospective clients are always encouraged to contact Cookman Law directly to inquire about their specific needs. During an initial consultation, which may be offered at an introductory rate or even complimentary for a brief period, individuals can discuss their situation and gain clarity on the firm's approach and potential costs. This transparency and willingness to engage directly from the outset can be viewed as a significant "offer," allowing clients to make informed decisions without immediate financial commitment for preliminary discussions.

Connecting with Cookman Law is straightforward, ensuring that clients can easily access their expert legal services.

Address: 2100 Geng Rd Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA

Phone: (650) 690-2571

Mobile Phone: +1 650-690-2571

These contact details provide direct avenues to schedule consultations, ask preliminary questions, and begin the process of addressing your estate planning or special needs trust needs. The firm’s physical location in Palo Alto makes it convenient for in-person meetings for those in the Bay Area, while phone communication offers flexibility for clients across California. Cookman Law’s team is committed to being responsive and accessible, ensuring that your inquiries are handled with the same professionalism and care described in their client testimonials.

For locals in California, particularly those navigating the crucial and often emotional landscape of estate planning and special needs trusts, Cookman Law is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice. The firm's prime location in Palo Alto offers convenient access for residents across the Silicon Valley and beyond, simplifying the logistics of vital legal consultations. What truly sets Cookman Law apart, making them ideal for the local community, is their unparalleled combination of specialized expertise and profound compassion. Their proven track record in meticulously revising trusts and excelling in the complex domain of special needs trusts is invaluable for families aiming to secure the future of loved ones with disabilities. Clients consistently praise the "kind, compassionate and eager to help" nature of Ellen Cookman and her "marvelous team," alongside their "professionalism and courtesy." This ensures that individuals receive not just expert legal advice, but also much-needed encouragement and support during sensitive decision-making processes. The firm’s commitment to keeping clients "informed of the various steps" and their timely responsiveness further solidify their position as a trusted partner. For Californians seeking a legal firm that truly cares and delivers peace of mind through expert, empathetic, and clear guidance, Cookman Law is an outstanding local resource that consistently goes "beyond expectations."