Families Michael Has Helped Move Forward
Illustrative stories—facts anonymized—showing how planning changes real outcomes.
Important note: Past examples are illustrative and do not guarantee future outcomes.
How to read these examples
Each story shows a common planning problem, the legal approach used, and the practical outcome for the family. The facts are anonymized, and every matter depends on its own documents, assets, and family circumstances.
Avoiding $47,000 in Probate Fees
Challenge
San Francisco couple, late 60s, with a $1.8M home plus retirement and rentals. No plan meant statutory fees and 12–18+ months in court.
Approach
Living Trust package, funded assets, named successor trustees, and added incapacity documents including POA and healthcare directives.
Outcome
Assets flowed through the trust without a probate filing, avoiding repeat fees and public court administration.
Protecting a Blended Family
Challenge
Widower remarried with three adult children from a prior marriage. He needed spouse support without unintentionally disinheriting his children.
Approach
Irrevocable trust structure with lifetime income and housing for the spouse, remainder to children, and explicit instructions to reduce ambiguity.
Outcome
Both sides signed off with shared understanding: spouse secure, children confident, and family friction minimized.
Streamlining Complex Trust Administration
Challenge
Three siblings were equal beneficiaries of a trust holding real estate, a business, and investments. The trustee was overwhelmed by required notices and updates.
Approach
Michael inventoried assets, managed accounting, coordinated with tax professionals, supervised sales, and kept beneficiaries informed.
Outcome
The administration closed in about eight months, California rules were satisfied, and approximately $2.4M was distributed without litigation.