Trusted Estate Planning Lawyer in San Francisco, CA
Between stock options, RSUs, condo ownership, and property that often spans more than one state, San Francisco estates rarely fit a standard template. Codi M. Dada helps San Francisco professionals and families build estate plans that account for what they actually hold, not a generic checklist.
Reserve a Free 15-Minute Planning Call
Have equity compensation, a condo with an HOA, or property outside California? A short call helps map out exactly what your estate plan needs to cover. Bring your questions and get real answers, not a sales pitch.
Practical Estate Planning for San Francisco Professionals
San Francisco probate now runs almost entirely through mandatory electronic filing, and the court requires a probate referee to formally appraise non-cash assets before an estate can close. For families juggling stock options, private company equity, or property outside California, that appraisal step alone can add months if the estate plan wasn’t built with it in mind.
We structure your plan around your actual assets, whether that’s vested RSUs, a condo in a high-rise HOA, or a second property out of state, so your family isn’t caught off guard later.
Recognized for Excellence in Estate Planning
Plans Built Around Real Assets, Not Templates
Equity compensation, condo ownership with HOA governance documents, and multi-state property holdings each raise questions a basic will template was never designed to answer. Missing any of these details in your plan can mean added delay and cost for your family later.
Codi Dada reviews your specific financial picture, whether that’s a tech equity package or property split across more than one state, before drafting your plan.
Estate Planning Options for San Francisco Residents
San Francisco’s probate court now processes most filings electronically and requires formal appraisal of non-cash assets, which makes proper upfront planning even more valuable. Here’s how we help.
Probate Administration
If a San Francisco estate does need to go through Department 204, we manage the mandatory e-filing requirements and every deadline so the process stays on track.
Probate Services
From coordinating the required probate referee appraisal to resolving creditor claims, we handle the details that add delay when families aren’t prepared for them.
Estate Planning
We draft trusts, wills, and powers of attorney that specifically account for equity compensation, condo ownership, and property held outside California.
Codi M. Dada, Esq. — Estate Planning Built for San Francisco's Complexity
Codi Dada has worked with San Francisco clients whose estates include everything from vested stock options to property in two different states, and he’s seen how often a basic will template leaves these assets unaddressed.
He builds each plan around your actual financial picture, including equity compensation and multi-property holdings, so nothing gets left out when it matters most.
How We Work With San Francisco Clients
Discovery Consultation
We start with a free 15-minute call covering your assets, including any equity compensation or out-of-state property, so we know exactly what your plan needs to address.
Strategy & Transparent Pricing
You get a flat-fee quote before drafting begins. Complex assets like RSUs or multi-state property are accounted for upfront, not discovered later.
Execution & Peace of Mind
We draft, review, and help you fund your trust correctly, including retitling any property, then guide you on keeping it current as your equity and holdings change.
2026 Top 3 Rated Legal Excellence Award
BusinessRate’s independent review, verified against current Google reviews, named the Law Office of Codi M. Dada among the top three-rated legal service providers serving San Francisco and the Bay Area this year, reflecting consistent client satisfaction with transparent pricing and responsive service.
Flat Fees for Complete Estate Plans
Complex assets like equity compensation or multi-state property shouldn’t come with unpredictable legal bills. We quote a flat rate upfront covering your full plan, factoring in the complexity of what you actually own.
You’ll know the total cost before signing anything. No hourly billing, no surprise charges once drafting starts.
Local Insight Into San Francisco Filing and Planning
San Francisco’s Probate Division at the Civic Center Courthouse requires mandatory electronic filing for nearly all probate matters, along with a formal probate referee appraisal for non-cash assets. Missing either requirement typically means a continued hearing and added delay.
Because we work regularly with San Francisco County probate filings, we build your plan to account for these procedural requirements from the start, reducing the chance your family faces avoidable delays.
No Hidden Fees, Just Honest Legal Work
The traditional law firm model relies on unpredictable hourly billing. At Novato Lawyers, we believe Santa Rosa families deserve better. We offer flat-fee pricing for our estate planning packages.
You will know exactly what your investment is before we ever begin working. For probate cases, fees are strictly regulated by the California Probate Code, and we walk you through every statutory cost upfront.
Deep Understanding of Sonoma County Law
Santa Rosa is a vibrant community, and we are proud to serve its residents—from Rincon Valley to Bennett Valley, Fountaingrove, and Roseland.
Because probate matters for Santa Rosa residents are processed through the Sonoma County Superior Court, having an attorney who understands local court rules, filing procedures, and local probate referees is crucial to avoiding administrative delays.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Do I need a trust if I already have a will in San Francisco?
If you own a condo or other real property in San Francisco, a will alone often isn’t enough. Most estates without a funded trust still end up in probate court.
How does equity compensation factor into my estate plan?
Vested and unvested stock options, RSUs, and private company equity all need specific handling in your plan. We address this directly rather than treating it as a generic asset.
Does San Francisco require electronic filing for probate?
Yes, San Francisco generally requires e-filing for most probate matters, with limited exceptions for certain original documents like a physical will.
What is a probate referee and do I need one?
Yes, most San Francisco estates require a probate referee to formally appraise non-cash assets like real estate or business interests for the court.
How long does probate take in San Francisco?
Many San Francisco probate cases take nine to eighteen months, depending on examiner review, asset complexity, and court scheduling.
What happens if I own property in San Francisco and another state?
Out-of-state property often requires separate ancillary probate unless it’s held in a properly funded trust, which is one reason trusts are especially valuable for multi-state owners.
What's the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will passes through probate court before assets are distributed. A living trust generally avoids probate, keeping the process private and considerably faster.
How often should I review my estate plan?
We recommend a review every three to five years, or sooner after a marriage, divorce, new child, or a major change in your equity compensation or property holdings.
Protect What You've Built in San Francisco
Between equity compensation, real estate, and multi-state holdings, a properly structured trust keeps your family out of probate court. Reach out today for a free consultation.
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