Why Choose Us
Selecting a law firm to handle the long term financial well-being of your family is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You not only need to be confident of expertise and practical knowledge, you need to know they will be available to you and your heirs for generations to come. If you feel as we do about the importance of proper estate planning, then Gilfix & La Poll welcomes the opportunity to serve you and your family.
- Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully served tens of thousands of families, we’ve helped to save and protect hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars for our clients and their families in taxes and long term care costs.
- We have over 35 years of successful experience. We focus exclusively on our field. We have a large and experienced staff of professionals. We are a firm that will be here in the future, which we’ve guaranteed with a succession plan to maintain our exemplary service to you and your family for decades to come.
- Our team represents some of the greatest estate planning, tax, special needs, and elder law talent available. We are considered national leaders. A prolific author and speaker, Michael Gilfix is the first attorney elected as a Fellow to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Both Mr. Gilfix and tax attorney Francis La Poll have “reached the heights of professional excellence” according to independent ratings agency Martindale-Hubbell, among other accolades. Three Gilfix & La Poll attorneys are Certified Legal Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California.
- We were one of the first firms in California to offer planning for individuals with special needs – we pioneered Special Needs Planning and have authored books and articles about this. We have helped thousands of families with Special Needs Trusts.
- No other firm in the San Francisco Bay Area offers the same breadth of estate, tax and asset protection for long term, and special needs planning than Gilfix & La Poll. Our service is comprehensive – from high-end estate planning to special needs trusts for disabled loved ones. We integrate tax and dynasty trust planning with Medi-Cal and asset protection. We also boast the best litigation team in the estate planning field.
- Our fees are reasonable and represent the best investments you will ever make. We are counselors with exceptional knowledge of professional, health care, and support services in the community. We protect and preserve assets. Above all, we listen to our clients and craft individualized plans that are uniquely appropriate.
We appreciate that your choice of law firm for estate planning is not a decision you take lightly. Gilfix & La Poll is pleased to offer the best, most comprehensive service.
- Estate Planning
- Estate & Gift Tax Planning
- Trust Administration & Probate
- Family Protection Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Prop 19
- Long-Term Care Planning
- Asset Protection
- Revocable Living Trusts Wills
- Advance Health Care Directives
- Medi-Cal/Medicaid Planning
- Medi-Cal Asset Preservation
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Trust & Will Contests
- Conservatorships Guardianships
Real People. Real Feedback.
Hear What Our Past Clients Have To Say
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"Your letter to the Medi-Cal office did the trick. They are no longer threatening to put a lien on my house. I cannot thank you enough for helping me protect my home."
Your letter to the Medi-Cal office did the trick. They are no longer threatening to put a lien on my house. I cannot thank ...
D.S. -
"I now understand why the trust will save our family a fortune in tax!"
Thank you for the help in setting up the trust for our family. After my husband's death, I saw how tremendously valuable it ...
M.M.G. -
"When my husband passed away, my attorney at Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP explained all the steps that have to be taken, saw to it that all steps were taken, and literally held my hand through the process."
When my husband passed away, my attorney at Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP explained all the steps that have to be taken, ...
J.T. -
"I want to express my gratitude for your professionalism and your invaluable assistance during our recent meeting on behalf of my parents."
I want to express my gratitude for your professionalism and your invaluable assistance during our recent meeting on behalf of ...
J.J. -
"I heard of the Special Needs Trust before, but I never understood it until you so patiently and clearly explained it to me. We now have one in place for our son."
I heard of the Special Needs Trust before, but I never understood it until you so patiently and clearly explained it to me. ...
A.M. -
"Absolutely superb, respectful and very compassionate in the manner that you spoke to my parents about a very difficult situation."
I will never forget you. I have passed your name on to numerous friends with similar situations. You are absolutely superb, ...
K.S.M.
Why Choose Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP?
Unparalleled Experience, Knowledge & Strategies
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 650-683-9200 today!
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When is it time to review my trust?
You should also review your living trust at least every couple of years. The law changes, your circumstances change, and other planning needs may emerge.
If you do not already have a living trust in place, you know that you should. A fully-funded trust avoids probate, saves money, and keeps your family out of the court system. A living trust is the cornerstone of your estate planning.
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What is a "Power of Attorney"?
A Power of Attorney is a document in which you give another person, the “attorney in fact,” the legal authority to act on your behalf. This authority can be limited to a particular asset, a particular transaction, or a particular period of time. It can also be general, such that it conveys broad authority to act on your behalf.
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Is it a good idea to transfer assets to other family members "just in case" nursing home care is ever required?
Transferring assets out of your estate is a radical step that should be taken only with great care. There are potentially harmful tax implications involved. In addition, Medi-Cal rules impose restrictions. One must consider how comfortable he or she will be with the loss of control and the loss of access to money that was earned over a lifetime. In other words, asset preservation steps should be taken only if the individual feels very comfortable with the idea and with the options that are available.