Thoughtful wills, trusts, and estate plans for families and individuals across the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The Law Office of Svetlana Kristal focuses on wills and trusts — complete estate plans, plan reviews and updates, probate, and trust administration. Whether you need a new plan, an update to an existing one, help for an elderly parent, or guidance after the loss of a loved one, I offer legal solutions tailored to your family.
I believe estate planning is about giving people the legal tools they need to navigate marriage and relationships, to deal with family obligations, and to take care of the most significant people in our life — spouses or partners, children, aging parents.
“To live and die on our own terms, according to our own desires and beliefs.”
— SvetlanaA legal document that coordinates the distribution of your assets and appoints guardians for minor children — so the State of California does not decide for you.
Probate in California is expensive (up to 4%), slow (one to two years), and public. A living trust is how most Californians avoid it.
Authorize someone you trust to act on financial matters during your lifetime if you are unable to — without court-appointed conservatorship.
Name who decides your medical care if you cannot — and capture the “Five Wishes” that matter most when it matters most.
If you have minor children, put in writing who will care for them — before the State of California decides.
A trust only works if it is properly funded. We prepare deeds for real estate and assist in transferring other assets into your trust.
Review your plan every three to five years and after major life events. Never modify your trust on your own.
Navigate Medi-Cal's complex eligibility rules to qualify for nursing-home and in-home care through trusts, asset conversions, and other techniques.
If you find yourself responsible for a loved one's estate and don't know where to start — I am here to help, step by step.
Married couples, single parents, blended families, LGBTQ clients, unmarried partners, business owners — and anyone caring for someone they love.
A friendly call to discuss your situation and decide together whether this is the right fit. Not for legal advice — for understanding your matter and outlining possible next steps.
Schedule the 15-min call →A focused one-hour Zoom or in-person consultation in San Francisco. By the end you will have a clear understanding of the steps needed to move forward — and if you decide to proceed, the fee may be credited toward your total estate planning cost.
Schedule the 60-min session →As a member of the Bay Area Legal Incubator — a community of solo attorneys dedicated to affordable legal services and social justice — I offer free and low-cost presentations to residents of Northern California.
Ideal for groups of friends, colleagues, or clients — and for programs related to families with children, homeowners, or seniors.
Arrange a seminar →The use of these resources or forms does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Svetlana Kristal.
The simplest way to begin is a free 15-minute call. If you prefer, you can also reach out by phone or email and I'll get back to you promptly.
BART · Powell Street Station
Monday – Thursday · 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Weekends · by appointment
San Francisco · San Mateo · Santa Clara · Santa Cruz · Alameda · Contra Costa · Marin · Napa · Sonoma · Sacramento · Lake · Mendocino
Most clients begin with the 15-minute intro. Sessions may be in person at the Flood Building or by Zoom.