At De Fonte Law PC, we offer something rare: Estate Planning With Heart®. Our team provides high-touch, highly personalized estate plans that reflect your values, protect your loved ones, and actually work when you need them most.
If you’re thinking about creating or updating your estate plan—or you’re a financial advisor, CPA, or attorney looking for a trusted referral partner—this FAQ explains how we work with clients across California.
Who We Work With
We work with individuals and families throughout California, including:
- Parents with young children
- Professionals and business owners
- Unmarried couples and blended families
- Green card holders and international families
- LGBTQ+ individuals and couples
- Divorced, single, and remarried individuals
Our clients are looking for a thoughtful, guided approach to estate planning.
What Makes De Fonte Law PC Different?
We’re not a “fill in the blank” law firm. We provide a high-touch, values-driven approach to estate planning that centers your goals and protects your people. Our approach includes:
- Flat-fee pricing — no surprise bills
- Custom-drafted documents — because every client is different
- Thorough education — so you understand your plan
- Detailed funding instructions — so your know how to fund your trust
- Successor trustee manuals — so your plan works when it matters
- Collaboration with your professionals — we bring your team to the table
Where We Work
We work with clients across California via Zoom. Whether you’re in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Silicon Valley, San Mateo, Burlingame, Mill Valley, Los Angeles, San Diego, or any other place in the California community, we can serve you remotely with the same level of attention and care.
Education Comes First: Our Estate Planning Workshops
Education is at the heart of our practice.
We regularly host free estate planning workshops designed to help people understand what estate planning is, what it isn’t, and what happens when you rely on generic documents or fail to plan.
These events are tailored for:
- Parents (especially of young children)
- Newlyweds and unmarried couples
- Divorcing or divorced individuals
- The LGBTQIA+ Community
- Women
- Green card holders
- Financial professionals looking to better support their clients
- Divorce Lawyers
Our workshops are where many clients begin their journey — and they’re a valuable tool for financial advisors, CPAs, lawyers, and other professionals who want to deepen client relationships through education.
What’s Included in an Estate Plan?
Every plan we create is custom-tailored to your life. Most plans include:
- A revocable living trust
- A pour-over will
- A durable power of attorney
- An advance health care directive
- Guardian nominations for children
- A personal property memorandum
- A successor trustee manual
- A funding meeting with instructions to retitle your assets
We also take time to address special concerns like digital assets, real estate, business ownership, and blended family dynamics.
How Long Does It Take?
Most clients complete the process in 8–10 weeks. We provide a clear timeline, regular check-ins, and a step-by-step path from intake to signing and funding.
What Does It Cost?
We charge flat fees that are disclosed up front. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying and what’s included—no surprises, no hourly billing.
What Is “Funding” a Trust — and Why Does It Matter?
Funding means retitling your assets—like real estate, investment accounts, and business interests—so they’re owned by your trust. Without proper funding, your estate plan may not work when it’s needed.
That’s why we:
- Provide clear funding instructions
- Host a dedicated funding meeting with every client
- Invite your financial advisor to attend
- Follow up with you to remind you that without funding your trust is an empty box!
Do You Share Documents With Financial Advisors?
Yes! We believe estate planning should be collaborative.
When we serve a client you referred, we provide:
- A Certification of Trust
- Customized Funding Instructions
- A 30-minute funding meeting you’re invited to attend
We also ask for your input and insights to make sure the estate plan aligns with your financial strategy and their broader goals.
If your client’s estate planning attorney isn’t doing this, they’re missing a crucial opportunity to serve the client well.
Do You Collaborate With Other Professionals?
Every week, we work hand-in-hand with:
- Financial advisors
- CPAs
- Insurance professionals
- Family law attorneys
We believe estate planning should support the entire financial and legal picture—and we respect your expertise. We don’t silo your work or ignore your recommendations.
What If I Already Have a Trust?
Many of our clients come to us with an old trust—or one that was never fully explained or funded. During your free discovery call, we’ll review your documents and let you know if a restatement or update is needed.
How Do I Get Started?
We make it easy:
- Book a free discovery call at www.defontelaw.com/contact
- We’ll learn about your goals and walk you through the next steps
- If it’s a good fit, we’ll provide a clear roadmap and get to work
