Liza Hanks

For Californians, navigating the complexities of estate planning, trust administration, and probate can be a significant undertaking. In these crucial moments, having a legal professional who combines deep expertise with a clear, accessible approach is invaluable. Liza Hanks, Attorney at Law, based in Mountain View, CA, is precisely this kind of trusted advisor. With over two decades of dedicated experience in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law, Liza Hanks has made it her mission to empower clients to protect their loved ones and attain peace of mind through comprehensive and efficient legal solutions.

Liza Hanks is not just an attorney; she is a recognized authority in her field, evidenced by her certification as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust Administration, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This prestigious designation reflects a rigorous level of knowledge and experience, assuring clients they are working with a highly qualified professional. Her dedication extends to making complex legal concepts understandable, which is a hallmark of her work as both a practicing attorney and a prolific author for Nolo, a leading publisher of do-it-yourself legal guides.

Her practice is built on the belief that estate planning should not be a daunting or confusing process. Instead, it should be a life-affirming step that allows individuals and families to thoughtfully plan for their future and the well-being of their beneficiaries. Whether clients are looking to create a new estate plan, update an existing one, or navigate the intricacies of trust administration or probate after a loved one's passing, Liza Hanks provides tailored guidance designed to be both convenient and highly effective. For residents of Mountain View and the wider Silicon Valley, Liza Hanks offers an essential resource for securing their legacies and ensuring their wishes are meticulously carried out.

Liza Hanks, Attorney at Law, is conveniently situated in the heart of Mountain View, California, ensuring easy accessibility for clients across the Silicon Valley and wider Santa Clara County. Her office is located at:

2570 W El Camino Real #400, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA

This address on West El Camino Real places the office in a highly visible and well-trafficked area, making it straightforward to reach from surrounding communities such as Palo Alto, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino, as well as the broader San Jose metropolitan area. W El Camino Real is a primary arterial road in the Bay Area, facilitating simple navigation for those traveling by car. The office building provides a professional and comfortable environment, designed for discreet and productive legal consultations.

For clients driving, ample parking is typically available in the vicinity of the office. Mountain View also boasts robust public transportation options, including VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) bus lines that run along El Camino Real, making the office accessible for those utilizing public transit. Additionally, the option for virtual appointments via Zoom further enhances accessibility, allowing clients to receive expert legal guidance from the comfort of their homes, a significant benefit for busy Californians. This strategic and adaptable approach to location and accessibility underscores Liza Hanks' commitment to serving her community effectively.

Liza Hanks' legal practice is highly specialized, focusing exclusively on providing comprehensive services within estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. Her offerings are designed to provide peace of mind and secure the financial futures of individuals and families in California. Her primary services include:

• Estate Planning: This core service involves creating a customized plan for the management and distribution of a client's assets during their lifetime and after their passing. This includes drafting and executing essential documents such as:

  • Living Trusts: To avoid probate and manage assets efficiently.
  • Wills: To specify beneficiaries and name guardians for minor children.
  • Durable Powers of Attorney: For financial management during incapacitation.
  • Advance Health Care Directives: To outline healthcare wishes.
  • Other specialized trusts: Such as special needs trusts or irrevocable trusts.

• Trust Administration: After a loved one's passing, Ms. Hanks guides trustees through their fiduciary duties, which involve interpreting trust documents, managing trust assets, providing accountings to beneficiaries, and distributing assets according to the trust's terms, often bypassing the need for court intervention.

• Probate Law: When an estate must go through the court-supervised process of probate (typically for estates without a living trust or where a trust was not fully funded), Ms. Hanks provides comprehensive representation. She assists executors and administrators with all necessary court filings, appraisals, debt payments, and asset distributions in compliance with California's probate code.

• Tax Considerations in Estate Planning: She incorporates strategies to minimize federal and state estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, helping clients preserve wealth for their beneficiaries.

• Guardianship Nomination: Assisting parents in nominating guardians for their minor children, a crucial component of comprehensive estate planning for families.

Liza Hanks' practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make her an exceptional choice for Californians seeking estate planning and probate legal services:

• Certified Legal Specialist: She is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust Administration, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This credential indicates a high level of expertise, experience, and ongoing education in these complex fields.

• Authoritative Author and Speaker: Liza Hanks is a respected author for Nolo, a leading publisher of consumer-friendly legal guides. Her books, such as "Every Californian's Guide to Estate Planning" and "The Trustee's Legal Companion," demonstrate her ability to simplify complex legal concepts and provide practical advice. She also hosts the "Life/Death/Law" podcast and maintains a blog for Nolo, "AskLiza: Everyday Estate Planning."

• Extensive Experience: Licensed to practice in California since 1997, Ms. Hanks has over two decades of focused experience in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. This extensive background provides a depth of knowledge and practical insight for her clients.

• Flat Fee Pricing: She is committed to offering flat-fee pricing for legal needs, which provides transparency and predictability regarding legal costs, a significant advantage for clients planning their finances.

• Client Empowerment and Education: Her passion for making legal concepts clear and accessible ensures that clients are well-informed and comfortable with their estate plans. She aims to empower clients to create plans or settle estates in a "convenient, efficient, and pleasant manner."

• Academic Background: A graduate of Stanford Law School, Ms. Hanks also taught Estate Planning and Taxation at Santa Clara University Law School as an adjunct lecturer, further underscoring her expertise and commitment to the field.

• Versatile Consultation Options: She offers various appointment types, including in-person meetings, virtual Zoom appointments, and even "drive-up notarization appointments," showcasing her adaptability to client needs.

Liza Hanks, Attorney at Law, emphasizes providing clear, efficient, and valuable legal services, and as part of her commitment to client accessibility, she offers a structured approach to initial consultations. While not a "promotion" in the discount sense, her process is designed to be highly beneficial for prospective clients in California. She offers various consultation options, including an "IN PERSON FIRST Estate Planning Appointment" which is 1 hour 30 minutes, and a "Pre-Appointment Phone Call (New Clients for Planning OR Trust Admin OR Probate)" for 20 minutes. These structured initial interactions allow clients to discuss their specific needs, receive an outline of an estate plan that meets their requirements, and understand her flat-fee pricing model. We highly recommend utilizing these options by contacting her office directly to schedule the most appropriate initial consultation for your estate planning or probate needs, ensuring transparency and a clear understanding of the process from the outset.

To connect with Liza Hanks, Attorney at Law, for your estate planning, trust administration, or probate needs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2570 W El Camino Real #400, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA

Phone: (650) 237-7221

Mobile Phone: +1 650-237-7221

Email: lifedeathlaw@gmail.com (as found on her blog contact page)

Website: www.lizahanks.com (for her blog and podcast), www.lifedeathlaw.com (her firm's website)

Clients are encouraged to use the provided phone number or email to schedule an appointment or to inquire further about her services. Her online scheduling tool also provides a convenient way to book various consultation types.

For Californians, particularly those in Mountain View and the bustling Silicon Valley, Liza Hanks, Attorney at Law, is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal professional for all matters concerning estate planning, trust administration, and probate. Her status as a Certified Specialist in these fields, combined with over two decades of focused experience, ensures that clients receive expert, up-to-date, and highly effective legal guidance tailored to California's unique laws and economic landscape.

Her commitment to transparent flat-fee pricing provides financial clarity, a significant advantage for those planning their future. Moreover, her accessible communication style, evidenced by her acclaimed books and online resources, empowers clients to understand and participate confidently in their legal processes. For families and individuals in California looking to secure their assets, provide for their loved ones, avoid probate, or navigate the complexities of trust administration after a loss, Liza Hanks offers not just legal services but genuine peace of mind. Her local presence in Mountain View, coupled with flexible consultation options, makes her an ideal choice for the community seeking a highly qualified and compassionate legal partner.