The Law Office of Robert M. Hughes

Wills and Trusts - Estate Planning

Our law firm provides customized solutions for families to protect and preserve their legacy.  We work closely with each client to identify their specific needs, and collaborate to draft an estate plan to accomplish their goals.  Wills, Trusts, Advanced Healthcare Directives, Powers of Attorney; let us take the guesswork out of estate planning.  We deliver a complete package of estate documents to ensure client satisfaction and assurance that their family is protected.  

We also review existing estate plan documents and coordinate with our clients to make sure their plan still accommodates their needs.  As your life progresses, make sure your estate plan doesn't get left behind.  We can amend and revise your estate documents so that they keep up with you as your life changes.

Trust Funding

Funding your trust is the process of transferring your assets from you to your trust. This process requires changing how title to your property is held.  If not completed correctly, your property may not become part of your trust.  This could result in a lengthy, and costly, probate process your loved ones believed they would avoid.  

Some types of assets can't be held in trust and major tax consequences could result if not handled correctly.  Our office can help make sure your property is properly held in trust, and the assets that cannot be held in trust are designated appropriately.

Trust Administration

Being a Trustee can be overwhelming following the death of a loved one. If the provisions of a trust are not executed properly, the Trustee may be subject to liability, litigation, and a probate process your loved one intended to avoid.

There are numerous responsibilities a Trustee must satisfy no matter what the situation. If these required responsibilities are not handled in accordance with the terms of the trust, and the law, the legal implication and potential liability may be severe. Let us assist you in administering your duties as a Trustee to avoid this potential liability. 

Premarital Agreement - Prenuptial

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times of your life.  There is a lot of excitement that comes with planning your new life as a married person.  An often-overlooked step is planning the protection of the assets you are bringing into the relationship.  California is a community property state, meaning, once married, spouses share equal ownership interest in assets.  The presumption of equal ownership can be difficult to overcome.

This area of the law can be very complicated.  If your premarital agreement does not conform to the requirements of the law, the entire agreement may be void.  Our law firm can assist in planning your premarital agreement.  We will draft the agreement according to the terms you and your future spouse laid out, and according to the requirements of the law.  Be sure that your financial position is protected and allow our experienced law firm to assist with your premarital agreement. 

Family Law

Family law matters can be emotional and stressful.  Our compassionate law firm can assist you with a wide range of family law matters including, dissolution/divorce, parental rights, child custody and visitation, and child support and spousal support.  We understand that every family is unique, and we will work with you to find the best possible solution for your situation. 

A divorce, or dissolution of marriage, can be a lengthy legal process.  Issues arise in the division of the marital property, child and spousal support, custody and visitation, and entitlement and division of retirement benefits.  These issues don’t have to result in litigation and struggles.  Our law firm is experienced in negotiating marital settlement agreements that provide our client fair and equitable resolutions to end of their marriage.  However, when negotiations fail, and litigation in necessary, we are ready to advocate for our clients’ rights.  

Custody and visitation issues don’t only arise in divorce proceedings.  When unmarried parties dispute the parental rights of a child, our law firm is ready to step in and assist in determining the parental rights of the parties.  We will advocate for a custody, visitation, and child support order that is fair and equitable so that our client can be secure in their parental right.

Restraining Orders

Restraining orders are court orders to protect a person from physical harm, the threat of physical harm, harassment, abuse, or stalking.  There are generally two types of restraining orders that protect individuals from their abusers or harassers: Domestic Violence Restraining Order, and Civil Harassment Restraining Orders.  The laws regarding each type of restraining order can be very complicated, and the consequences can be devastating if not handled appropriately.  Our law firm has experience in each of these types to restraining orders, and we can help you ensure that your restraining order issue is handle thoroughly and competently.  There's no reason to face this legal matter alone.