Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C.

For families across California, navigating the intricacies of estate planning, trusts, and probate can be one of life's most significant and sensitive undertakings. Ensuring that your legacy is protected, your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are cared for, requires not only deep legal expertise but also a compassionate and understanding approach. In San Francisco, Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. stands as a trusted and highly recommended firm, dedicated to guiding individuals and families through these vital processes with clarity and peace of mind.

With a history rooted in the San Francisco community since 1994, the firm, formerly the Law Offices of Jack Riordan, has built a legacy of its own, serving generations of Bay Area families. Led by Principal Kerry Riordan-Sykes, a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization since 1997, the team brings a wealth of knowledge and a personalized touch to every client interaction. This specialized certification is a testament to their profound expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of this complex legal field.

The glowing testimonials from real clients consistently highlight the firm's defining qualities: professionalism, extensive knowledge, and genuine kindness. Clients praise Kerry Riordan-Sykes for her ability to simplify complex legal concepts, her empathetic approach during difficult times, and the efficiency of the entire office staff. Phrases like "very knowledgeable and kind," "amazing Probate/Estate attorney," and "incredibly helpful with our complex and stressful estate matters" underscore the high level of trust and satisfaction clients experience. This article will provide a detailed overview of Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C., exploring its convenient San Francisco location, the comprehensive services it offers, and the key features that make it an ideal choice for locals seeking expert guidance in estate planning and probate.

The firm’s philosophy centers on the belief that proper planning fosters family harmony, extending their support far beyond initial legal services to encompass the many changes in life and beyond. They are proud to represent generations of families, building enduring professional and personal relationships based on trust and mutual respect. For Californians seeking to establish or maintain a lasting legacy, Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. offers a blend of seasoned expertise and dedicated, compassionate care.

Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. is conveniently located in San Francisco, California, at 381 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA. This address places the firm within the charming and well-established West Portal neighborhood, known for its local businesses, community feel, and excellent accessibility. This location provides a comfortable and familiar setting for clients seeking legal services in estate planning, trusts, and probate.

Accessibility to the office is a significant advantage for clients across San Francisco and surrounding areas. West Portal Avenue is well-served by San Francisco's Muni Metro light rail system, with the West Portal Station being a central hub for multiple Muni lines (K, L, M, S, and T lines). This makes the office easily reachable via public transportation from various parts of the city, including downtown San Francisco, the Richmond and Sunset Districts, and other neighborhoods connected by Muni. For clients who prefer not to drive, or who find navigating denser urban areas challenging, the convenience of public transit access is invaluable.

For those who choose to drive, the West Portal neighborhood typically offers more accessible parking options compared to the very dense commercial areas of San Francisco. While street parking availability can vary, there are often metered spaces and sometimes small lots in the vicinity of 381 West Portal Avenue. The firm's location on West Portal Avenue, rather than in a high-rise downtown building, is also noted by clients as contributing to reasonable fees and a more approachable atmosphere. This easily accessible and community-oriented location underscores Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C.'s commitment to serving their local clientele with convenience and a welcoming environment.

Services Offered:

Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. specializes in comprehensive estate planning, trust, and probate services, designed to provide peace of mind and ensure clients' wishes are honored. Their expertise covers a wide range of needs for individuals and families in California:

• Estate Planning: Assisting clients in developing comprehensive estate plans to control assets and ensure loved ones are cared for. Services include drafting wills and testaments, creating trusts, and establishing durable powers of attorney.
• Trusts: Guiding clients through the complexities of various types of trusts, particularly Revocable Living Trusts, which allow individuals to transfer property into the trust while maintaining control over assets during their lifetime. This also provides privacy as trust terms are not public record.
• Pour-Over Wills: Creating Pour-Over Wills as an essential component of a comprehensive estate plan, ensuring that any assets not already titled in a trust are transferred to it upon an individual's death, preventing costly probate proceedings.
• Advance Healthcare Directives: Helping clients prepare legal documents that specify healthcare preferences and designate a healthcare agent in case they become unable to make medical decisions for themselves.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Establishing Durable Powers of Attorney for finances, allowing clients to assign someone to make financial and legal decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.
• Nomination of Guardian: Assisting parents with the crucial aspect of nominating a guardian for their minor children, ensuring their protection in the event of the parents' passing.
• California HIPAA Authorization: Working with clients to navigate the legal complexities of California HIPAA Authorization for managing loved ones' medical records as part of estate planning.
• Trust Administration: Providing expert guidance to trustees and executors in the complex process of administering trusts, ensuring assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes with minimal tax liability.
• Probate: Representing clients in probate matters, which is the legal process of transferring ownership of a deceased individual's assets to their beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and honoring final wishes.
• Gifting Plans: Advising on gifting strategies as part of a broader estate plan to minimize potential tax implications.
• Entity Formation: Assisting with the formation of entities relevant to comprehensive estate planning.

Features / Highlights:

• Certified Legal Specialist: Kerry Riordan-Sykes has been a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law with the California Board of Legal Specialization since 1997. This prestigious certification signifies extensive knowledge, experience, and ongoing education in these specific areas of law.
• Decades of Local Experience: The firm has served the San Francisco community since 1994, with Kerry joining her father's practice, the Law Offices of Jack Riordan, in that year. This long-standing presence demonstrates deep roots and understanding of Bay Area families' needs.
• Compassionate & Personalized Approach: Clients consistently describe Kerry and the firm's staff as "kind," "compassionate," and "incredibly helpful," providing individualized guidance and support during sensitive times.
• Clear Communication: Kerry is praised for her ability to explain complex legal concepts in "ways that are easy to understand" and not being "patronizing," even rephrasing explanations if needed. This demystifies the legal process for clients.
• Strategic Tax Knowledge: Testimonials highlight Kerry's "great depth of knowledge about tax law and how to avoid the pitfalls of being taxed more than necessary after death."
• Efficiency and Practicality: The firm doesn't recommend unnecessary complications, striving for simplicity when it works while explaining the benefits of more complex solutions when appropriate.
• Reasonable Fees & Accessible Location: Clients note that the office on West Portal (not a "fancy glass high rise downtown") contributes to "very reasonable" fees and easy parking, making expert legal advice more affordable and convenient.
• Multi-Generational Client Relationships: The firm prides itself on representing "generations of families," building long-term professional and personal relationships that span significant life changes.
• Highly Recommended by Attorneys: A client who is also an attorney highly recommends Kerry because she is a certified specialist and possesses qualities like listening skills, tax knowledge, and clear communication.

While Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. does not publicly advertise specific, time-limited "promotions" or "special offers," their client-centric approach includes elements that offer significant value and accessibility to Californians. A common practice for firms specializing in estate planning and probate is to offer an initial consultation. While the exact structure of this consultation (complimentary or fee-based) should be confirmed directly with the office, it provides a crucial opportunity for prospective clients to discuss their specific estate planning needs, understand the complexities involved, and learn how the firm can assist them, all before committing to full legal services.

Furthermore, a notable "feature" that acts as a continuous benefit, akin to a special offer, is their reasonable fee structure. As highlighted in a client testimonial, the firm’s location on West Portal Avenue, rather than in a high-rent downtown office, contributes to "very reasonable" fees for the level of expertise provided. This indicates a commitment to offering high-quality, specialized legal services at a cost that is accessible to a broader range of the community. For locals, this blend of expert advice and cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage when planning for their family's future. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the firm directly to inquire about their consultation process and fee structure.

Contact Information:

Address: 381 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA

Phone: (415) 661-9050

Mobile Phone: +1 415-661-9050

Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in the California region, particularly those in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area, who are seeking expert guidance in estate planning, trusts, and probate. Firstly, their deep specialization, highlighted by Kerry Riordan-Sykes's status as a Certified Legal Specialist, provides unparalleled expertise in these critical and often intricate areas of law. For Californians looking to protect their assets, plan for their future, or navigate the complex process of estate administration after a loved one's passing, this certified knowledge is invaluable and ensures that complex matters are handled with the highest degree of competence.

Secondly, the firm's established presence and community roots in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco, serving families since 1994, foster a sense of trust and familiarity. The convenient location on West Portal Avenue, easily accessible by Muni Metro, makes it a practical choice for local residents. Moreover, the feedback from clients consistently praises the firm's compassionate, kind, and communicative approach, making what can be a stressful process much more manageable. Their ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and their focus on reasonable fees further enhance their suitability for the local community. For Californians seeking not just legal expertise, but also a caring and reliable partner to help them secure their family's legacy and navigate difficult probate matters, Riordan Sykes McFadden, P.C. offers a truly personalized and highly effective solution.