DEBORAH A. MALKIN IS A CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

Of the approximately 1,000 licensed attorneys in Santa Cruz County, fewer than 10 have earned the "Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law" honor from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
The importance of the certification is explained below, adapted from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization brochure What Can a Certified Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist Do for You?

Why does the State Bar certify legal specialists?

• To help members of the public identify attorneys who have proficiency in specialized fields of law;
• To encourage improvement of attorney competence in specialized fields of law.

What does it mean when an attorney is a Certified Specialist?
A Certified Specialist is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A California attorney who is certified by the California State Bar as an Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist must have:

• Passed a rigorous full-day written examination in estate planning, trust, and probate law administered by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization;
• Demonstrated a high level of expertise and requisite number of years of experience in estate planning, trust, and probate law;
• Fulfilled extensive ongoing education requirements in estate planning, trust, and probate law;
• Been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her estate planning, trust, and probate work.

Estate planning, trust, and probate law is complex and constantly changing - a Certified Specialist stays current with the law.

What can a certified Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist do for you?

• Create and implement your estate plan by preparing wills and trusts;
• Offer suggestions you may not have thought of, that will improve the planning for your loved ones;
• Help with establishment and administration of Special Needs Trusts and Conservatorships;
• Minimize death and gift taxes in connection with your estate plan;
• Assist with probate, trust, and conservatorship proceedings and questions.

Whether your situation is simple or complex, consider hiring an attorney who is a "Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law" by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization - an attorney who is committed to maintaining skill and expertise in estate planning, trust, and probate law through continual attention and continuing education.