Michael Walsh | Newport Beach Trust Lawyer

1. I had a case with a married couple with no children. A lady in her late 70s with stage 4 cancer with a short time to live. Her older husband near 90 was also partially blind. I did a house call on a Wednesday even though I had planned to take a day off for my birthday to review their situation and prepare an estate plan design which included some disinheritances. I drafted the documents later the same day into the evening. I went out to have the documents (a complete estate plan, trust, wills and powers of attorney) signed the next day, On Thursday. The lady died the next day - Friday evening. In essence I do what I can to help my clients. 2. I have settled several trust administration cases with negotiation of conflicts without having to go to court - saving time and money for the clients.

I initially did occasional seminars and tried consistent advertising in reputable venues. Since then, I rely on word of mouth and referrals from existing clients and referrals sources such as other professionals.

Someone who thoroughly gathers the facts and kicks every tire as he or she guides the client as to all of their options so the lawyer becomes a guide and allows the client to make decisions. As far as estate planning is concerned, the use of a lawyer who is certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Estate Planning Trust and Probate, which I have been for the past 16 plus years.

Although Federal gift, estate and income tax laws are a big factor in proper and thorough estate planning. State income tax laws are also very important but a lot of people overlook property tax (preservation of Prop 13) considerations, not only for the immediate heirs but setting up a plan which allows the next and succeeding generations to also have the opportunities to allocate Prop 13 preservation among themselves without re-assessments.

In a free phone consultation I try to get acquainted with the potential client and his or her family situation and let them know how I work and how my fees are calculated (generally hourly plus costs).

The client's description of what they think their issues are and then I probe to get the greater context.

As I stated, I am certified by the California State Bar as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate. In addition, I have an undergraduate degree in Accounting, plus an MBA in Finance from Wharton Graduate School and my J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. I now have other 33 years of experience in California as an estate planning attorney.

Making a difference for each client and their families going forward, giving peace of mind to a client that he or she or they have been able to focus on their needs, and arriving at a flexible solution that addresses all conceivable issues

Learning languages (French is my second language) as well as familiarity with Spanish, German and Italian, history, gardening, and traveling.

I am involved in my church and with my neighbors.

• The Orange Catholic Foundation. | Founding Directors | 2010 - Present
  California Bar Association | Member | 1989 - Present
  Pennsylvania Bar Association | Member | 1975 - Present
  Saddleback Health Foundation in Laguna Woods | Director & President | 2015 - 2016

• W. Foster Reeves Award for Trusts | University of Pennsylvania Law School | 1974

• Business Insurance and Estate Planning | Business Insurance and Estate Planning | 1974
  Business Network International | Estate Planning | 2016

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