A Family serving families since 1975
Truly Responsive Legal Counsel
for Clients in Oakland & the Bay Area
for Clients in Oakland & the Bay Area
Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Oakland, California
One of the most important things you can do in life is to make sure you have plans in place for the care and financial future of your loved ones. For more than 25 years, our estate planning law firm has been a trusted source of legal guidance and compassionate counsel for Bay Area families. At Davidson Estate Law, we understand how difficult these issues can be, so we're ready to help. Whether you seek to draft a will, revocable living trust, administer the assets of a loved one, or navigate probate court, let's get in touch.
for practical & compassionate guidance
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Eric E. Davidson
Attorney at Law
After earning his B.A. from U.C. Berkeley, Eric began his legal career as a paralegal for his father. Through drafting countless wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents, Eric came to understand the delicate balance between attention to detail and a grasp of the bigger picture. He graduated with his J.D. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco in 2016, joining his father as an attorney here at Davidson Estate Law. Eric has a passion for the outdoors, including restoring and traveling in 4-wheel drive Volkswagen vans.
MORE ABOUT ERIC
Steven E. Davidson
In Memoriam
After graduating from the University of La Verne, Steve began working for his father, Gilbert, in his Southern California law firm. Upon moving to the San Francisco Bay Area several years ago, Steve concentrated his practice on estate planning, joining the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys and co-authoring the book GENERATIONS. Steve's success as an estate planning attorney was rooted in a natural ability to communicate complex legal principles in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner. In May of 2021, Steve passed away, leaving behind a full legacy within the legal community and with his family.
MORE ABOUT STEVEThe Davidson Difference
Approachable
Estate planning shouldn't be a scary process. While some lawyers try to distance themselves from their clients by remaining aloof, that's not how we work. We will be there for you and your family, ready to engage with you on a personal level as we plan for the future together.
Responsive
The last thing you need during these uncertain times is a law firm that refuses to get back to you. At Davidson Estate Law, we're committed to a responsive service that starts with where you are and strives to move you forward. Reach out with any questions or concerns along the way. We'll be in touch.
Adaptive
No two families are exactly alike. That's why our legal process is 100% collaborative and tailored to you and your unique goals. When your situation changes, we'll change with it, giving you the tools you need to update your estate plan in accordance with what life has in store.
Featured Services
hear from our clients
A wonderful local family and family business that really strives to take care of other families. Steven and Eric made the process of setting up our trust simple and straightforward. Their communication and availability was outstanding. We were incredibly happy with their help, and couldn't recommend them enough.
Jennifer and Justin R.
My wife and I have been working with Davidson Estate Law for ~10 years. Steve, Joelle, and Eric are a pleasure to work with, thorough, and responsive. They drafted our initial family Trust, and we've now just completed an update to it as life and estate law have evolved. We definitely recommend working with them.
Aleck B.
Steve, Joelle, and Eric are true professionals with a family-oriented outlook that really made us feel confident and comfortable with our decision to work with them. Thank you Davidson Estate Law for your guidance and expertise through a very unfamiliar landscape.
Craig H.
Meet with us online or in person
At Davidson Estate Law, we understand how important it is to meet people where they are. Although we have offices in Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and elsewhere in the Bay Area, we're more than happy to also conduct our services remotely. A changing world requires us to change along with it. Set up a free appointment to get started.
An Effective Plan for Tomorrow
The process of planning for the future can feel overwhelming. At Davidson Estate Law, we know that every single family deserves the peace of mind that comes from long-term strategies suited to their goals. Our estate planning lawyers are proud to guide you through this process, step by step.
Create a Will
A last will and testament allows you to determine what will become of your possessions after you pass away. You can also outline who you wish to become the guardian of your dependents, and designate an executor of your estate. Because wills are subject to the court system, you should expect public disclosure of assets and debts, probate fees for beneficiaries, and more.
Set Up a Trust
Both wills and trusts protect your assets, but property in a trust does not have to go through probate court. A revocable living trust-based estate plan can be a much more efficient and effective way to organize your affairs.
Make Healthcare Decisions
A well-rounded estate plan should include your healthcare wishes. An advance health directive in California provides you the opportunity to give instructions about your own healthcare, as well as the right to select an agent to make these choices on your behalf. We can help you draft legally valid documents that address these meaningful and emotional decisions.
Contact Our Team
Whether your situation is best handled by drafting a will or trust, designating power of attorney, establishing a guardianship to care for your children, or a combination of any of these elements, reach out to us. We are here to explain your options and help you put together the pieces of the puzzle. If you live in Oakland, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, San Francisco, San Mateo, or anywhere in the Bay Area, set up a free consultation to start the planning process. From our family to yours, let's create an effective plan that honors you, your loved ones, and your intended legacy.