• Decide who will receive your assets and when
• Appoint guardians for your minor children
• Authorize someone to make medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated
• Minimize estate taxes, legal costs, and court involvement
• Avoid family disputes and unnecessary stress for your heirs

At the Law Office of Michael J. Holmes, we take a customized approach to every estate plan. We get to know your goals, your concerns, and your family dynamics—then craft a plan that fits you perfectly.

Our Estate Planning Services

We offer a wide range of estate planning tools to help you plan with confidence:

Wills and Living Trusts

A Last Will and Testament directs how your property should be distributed after death. A Revocable Living Trust can help avoid probate, maintain privacy, and allow smoother transitions for your heirs. We’ll help you decide which option—or combination—is right for your goals.

Durable Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows a trusted person to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. This is a key part of any estate plan and can prevent costly guardianship proceedings.

Advance Health Care Directives

Also known as a Living Will, this document outlines your wishes for medical care in case you are unable to speak for yourself. It often includes naming a health care proxy to ensure your decisions are respected.

Guardianship Designations

If you have minor children, naming a legal guardian is one of the most important decisions you can make. We help you put these choices in writing, giving you peace of mind that your children will be in good hands.

Beneficiary Designations & Asset Alignment

Estate plans must coordinate with your life insurance, retirement accounts, and property titles. We help you align these with your estate documents so that your plan actually works when needed.

Trust Administration and Probate

In addition to planning, we assist with trust administration and probate when a loved one passes. Our team ensures everything is handled correctly, respectfully, and efficiently.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

If you own property, have children, are married, or simply care about what happens to your finances and family, you need an estate plan. Common life events that call for estate planning include:

• Buying a home or real estate
• Getting married or divorced
• Having children or grandchildren
• Starting or selling a business
• Retirement planning
• Changes in health or disability
• Inheriting money or property

No matter your stage of life or financial situation, it’s never too early—or too late—to plan ahead.

Why Choose the Law Office of Michael J. Holmes?

We understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why we make the process as clear, comfortable, and compassionate as possible. You’ll never feel rushed, judged, or pressured.

Our clients choose us because we offer:

✅ Experienced Legal Counsel – With 23 years of combined estate planning experience in California, Texas, Washington, and Idaho, we understand the law and how to apply it to real-world families.

✅ Personalized Planning – No two clients are the same. We design your plan based on your unique goals and priorities.

✅ Clear Communication – We explain every option and document in plain English, not legal jargon.

✅ Affordable, Transparent Pricing – We offer flat-fee packages, so there are no surprises.

✅ Ongoing Support – Life changes—and so should your estate plan. We offer regular updates and reviews to keep your plan current.

Ready to Start Your Estate Plan?

Planning your estate is one of the most important things you can do for your family. Don’t wait for a crisis to take action. We make it easy to get started with a free initial consultation.

📞 In California Call 714-464-5188

📞 In Idaho Call 208-696-2772

📞 In Texas Call 469-535-6260

📞 In Washington Call 206-279-4780

📧 Email michael@michaeljholmes.com

🗓️ Schedule an Appointment Online