Laurence Blau Law Offices

For many Californians, the idea of estate planning can seem like a complex and overwhelming task, often leading to procrastination. Yet, preparing for the future, protecting assets, and ensuring your loved ones are cared for is one of the most significant responsibilities we undertake. In the heart of San Francisco, Laurence Blau Law Offices stands as a beacon of clarity and expertise in this crucial legal field. With a focus on estate planning, trust, and probate law, Laurence Blau offers not just legal services, but peace of mind, guiding clients through the intricacies of wealth transfer with precision and care. This article will delve into the specialized offerings, strategic location, and distinctive advantages that make Laurence Blau Law Offices a highly recommended resource for individuals and families throughout California.

Laurence A. Blau is not just a lawyer; he is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, a prestigious certification by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This designation signifies a rigorous level of knowledge, experience, and commitment to this specific area of law, setting him apart in the field. Beyond his private practice, Mr. Blau is deeply embedded in legal education, serving as an adjunct professor of law at the University of San Francisco School of Law in the LLM program and the University of California Hastings College of Law. He also previously taught estate planning and administration at San Francisco City College and San Francisco Law School. His academic contributions, including published articles and a textbook titled "Fundamentals of California Estate Planning and Estate Administration," further solidify his authority and expertise.

As one satisfied client enthusiastically reviewed, "My wife and I procrastinated on estate planning for a very long time. Larry carefully listened, then expertly prepared an estate plan meeting our specific needs. Best of all, he completed it quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend contacting Larry to help with your estate plan." This testimonial perfectly encapsulates Mr. Blau's dedication to understanding individual needs and delivering prompt, effective solutions. For Californians seeking to secure their legacy and ensure their families' future well-being, Laurence Blau Law Offices offers unparalleled expertise and a personalized approach.

Location and Accessibility

Laurence Blau Law Offices are conveniently located at 315 Montgomery St 9th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA. This prestigious address places the firm in the vibrant Financial District of San Francisco, a central and easily accessible hub for clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

The 315 Montgomery Street location offers excellent connectivity, making it convenient for individuals traveling from various parts of California. It is just a short walk from several key public transportation hubs, including the Montgomery Street BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station, which provides quick access from the East Bay, Peninsula, and other parts of San Francisco. Numerous Muni (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) bus and streetcar lines also operate in the immediate vicinity, further enhancing accessibility within the city. For those who prefer to drive, the Financial District provides multiple parking garages, though public transport is highly recommended given the area's bustling nature. Being situated in such a prominent and well-connected financial and legal district ensures that clients can easily reach Mr. Blau's office for consultations and to finalize their crucial estate planning documents, reinforcing the firm's commitment to serving the Californian community with convenience.

Services Offered

Laurence Blau Law Offices specializes exclusively in comprehensive estate planning, trust, and probate law. This dedicated focus allows for a depth of expertise that is crucial in navigating the intricate legalities of wealth transfer and end-of-life planning. The services are meticulously designed to provide peace of mind and ensure clients' wishes are legally honored.

Here is a list of the key service areas provided by Laurence Blau Law Offices:

• Estate Planning: Crafting personalized estate plans tailored to individual and family needs, encompassing strategies for asset distribution, minimizing estate taxes, and ensuring the smooth transfer of wealth. This includes drafting wills, trusts, and other foundational estate documents.
• Trust Law: Designing and implementing various types of trusts, such as revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts, to achieve specific goals like probate avoidance, asset protection, and charitable giving.
• Probate Administration: Guiding executors and administrators through the complex probate process, which involves validating wills, valuing assets, paying debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries under court supervision.
• Trust Administration: Assisting trustees with their fiduciary duties in managing and distributing trust assets, ensuring compliance with trust terms and legal requirements.
• Tax Planning for Estates: Developing strategies to minimize federal and state estate taxes, gift taxes, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, as well as considering the income tax implications of various estate planning decisions. This includes staying abreast of changes in tax laws, as evidenced by his co-authored article on "The Effect of Tax Changes on Subchapter S Corporations."
• Wills: Drafting and reviewing wills to ensure they accurately reflect clients' wishes regarding asset distribution, guardianship for minor children, and appointment of executors.
• Powers of Attorney: Preparing durable powers of attorney for financial matters, allowing designated individuals to manage financial affairs if the client becomes incapacitated.
• Advance Health Care Directives: Creating documents that specify medical treatment preferences and appoint healthcare agents to make medical decisions on the client's behalf if they are unable to do so.
• Asset Protection Strategies: Advising on legal strategies to protect assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, or long-term care costs within the bounds of estate planning.
• Guidance for Specific Needs: As highlighted by a client review, Mr. Blau carefully listens to prepare an estate plan meeting specific needs, indicating a highly personalized approach to unique family situations or complex asset structures.

Features / Highlights

Laurence Blau Law Offices is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its expertise, reputation, and commitment to client service in the specialized field of estate planning.

• Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law: This is a paramount highlight. Laurence A. Blau is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a rigorous credential that signifies a high level of expertise, significant experience, and consistent education in this specific field. This offers clients a strong assurance of his advanced qualifications.
• Academic and Educational Contributions: Mr. Blau's role as an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law and UC Law San Francisco (Hastings), along with his past teaching positions at San Francisco City College and San Francisco Law School, demonstrates his profound knowledge and ability to articulate complex legal concepts. His authorship of the textbook "Fundamentals of California Estate Planning and Estate Administration" further solidifies his authority.
• "Super Lawyers" Recognition: Laurence Blau has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2019-2025. This peer designation is awarded to only a select number of accomplished attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, indicating a strong reputation within the legal community.
• Deep Local Understanding: As a San Francisco-based attorney deeply involved in the local legal and educational community, Mr. Blau possesses an inherent understanding of California-specific laws and the unique needs of its residents regarding estate planning.
• Client-Centric and Personalized Approach: As highlighted in a client review, Mr. Blau "carefully listened" and "expertly prepared an estate plan meeting our specific needs." This emphasizes his commitment to understanding and addressing individual client circumstances rather than offering generic solutions.
• Efficiency and Promptness: The client review also notes that Mr. Blau "completed it quickly and efficiently," which is a crucial highlight for clients who may have procrastinated on estate planning and need timely assistance.
• Published Author and Expert: His publications, including articles in the California Tax Lawyer and his own textbook, position him as a thought leader and an authority in his practice area.
• High Ethical Standards: The "Certified Specialist" designation implies adherence to the highest ethical standards, ensuring trustworthy and responsible legal representation.

Promotions or Special Offers

Given the highly specialized nature of estate planning, trust, and probate law, and Laurence Blau's status as a Certified Specialist in this field, the practice typically does not advertise "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional consumer sense. Legal services of this caliber are valued for their expert knowledge, the customized solutions they provide, and the long-term security and peace of mind they offer to clients.

Estate planning fees are commonly structured as flat fees for specific services (e.g., preparing a will, trust, or a comprehensive estate plan package) or on an hourly basis for more complex probate or trust administration cases. While specific discounts are not publicly listed, potential clients are strongly encouraged to contact Laurence Blau Law Offices directly to discuss their unique estate planning needs. During an initial consultation, Mr. Blau or his team can outline the scope of services required and provide a clear understanding of the fee structure. The investment in expert estate planning is an investment in protecting one's legacy and ensuring family well-being, which often far outweighs the cost considerations.

Contact Information

For individuals and families in California seeking expert assistance with estate planning, trust, and probate matters, here is the direct contact information for Laurence Blau Law Offices:

Address: 315 Montgomery St 9th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA

Phone: (415) 982-3200

Mobile Phone: +1 415-982-3200

Prospective clients are encouraged to utilize these contact details to schedule a consultation and begin the process of securing their future with expert legal guidance.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and families across California, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laurence Blau Law Offices is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended resource for all estate planning, trust, and probate needs. Its suitability for locals stems from a powerful combination of specialized expertise, a client-centric approach, and a convenient, accessible location.

The most compelling reason for its suitability is Mr. Blau's status as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California. This critical distinction means that clients are not just getting a general practitioner, but an attorney who has undergone rigorous additional training and demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge specifically in California's complex estate laws. For locals, this translates into peace of mind, knowing that their sensitive and crucial estate planning documents—wills, trusts, advance directives, and tax strategies—are being handled by one of the most qualified professionals in the state. This level of specialization is invaluable for ensuring that assets are distributed according to one's wishes, taxes are minimized, and loved ones are protected from the complexities of probate.

Furthermore, Mr. Blau's dual role as a practicing attorney and an adjunct professor at prominent law schools highlights his deep theoretical understanding and practical application of estate planning principles. His educational background and contributions to legal literature mean he is at the forefront of legal developments, offering clients the most current and effective strategies. The glowing client review—praising his careful listening, expert preparation, and efficient completion of an estate plan—underscores his commitment to personalized service, a quality highly valued by individuals navigating such personal matters.

Finally, the firm's central location at 315 Montgomery Street in San Francisco's Financial District ensures optimal accessibility for residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Its proximity to major public transportation hubs makes it convenient for clients to attend consultations and finalize essential documents without unnecessary logistical burdens. For Californians seeking to proactively secure their financial future, protect their families, and leave a clear legacy, Laurence Blau Law Offices offers an unmatched blend of certified expertise, compassionate service, and practical convenience.