Agoura Hills Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorney in Agoura Hills

From First Will to Complex Trust Dispute, One Firm Handles It All

At The Pacella Law Group, we handle the complete range of estate and trust matters for individuals, families, and business owners in Agoura Hills, CA. From drafting your first will to navigating a contested trust dispute, our Calabasas-based firm offers a single team that stays with you through every stage. Founding attorney Louis Pacella brings over 20 years of experience and has guided thousands of clients through estate planning, probate, trust administration, and business matters across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Agoura Hills sits near the LA/Ventura County line, which means your estate or probate matter may involve either the Los Angeles County Superior Court Probate Division or the Ventura Superior Court. We know both jurisdictions and account for that complexity from the start. Every plan we build is tailored to your goals, your family, and your assets. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Schedule a free consultation at our office, at your home or business, or virtually. Call us at (818) 873-5546 to get started.

Estate Planning Services We Offer in Agoura Hills

Our practice covers every tool a California estate plan may require. Whether you’re establishing a plan for the first time or revisiting one after a major life change, we make sure the right documents are in place and properly coordinated.

Wills & Trusts
We draft wills, revocable living trusts, and trust amendments tailored to your situation. A revocable living trust is the primary tool California families use to avoid probate and maintain privacy. Without a valid estate plan, California’s intestacy statutes govern how your assets pass and who cares for your minor children.

Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. An advance healthcare directive records your medical wishes and names an agent to carry them out. Both documents are essential to a complete plan.

Trust Administration & Probate
When a loved one passes, we guide successor trustees and executors through their legal duties, from notifying beneficiaries to distributing assets according to the trust or will terms. We handle trust administration and probate proceedings for estates that require court involvement.

Trust Litigation
Disputes arise. Our firm represents clients in trust and probate litigation involving undue influence claims, trustee breach of fiduciary duty, accounting disputes, and challenges to trust amendments. That litigation background also informs how we draft plans, helping reduce the chance of future conflict.

Elder Law & Medi-Cal Planning
Long-term care costs can erode a lifetime of savings. Our elder law services include Medi-Cal planning strategies designed to help Agoura Hills seniors preserve assets while potentially qualifying for long-term care benefits.

Business & Entertainment Law
We assist clients with business formation, succession planning, and talent and entertainment law. For Agoura Hills clients with business interests or creative careers, we can integrate those needs into a broader estate and asset protection strategy.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Agoura Hills Residents

California’s probate process is triggered when a decedent’s gross assets exceed the statutory threshold. It can take a year or more, involve court supervision, and become part of the public record. A properly funded revocable living trust is the most common way California families avoid it entirely. But probate avoidance is only one reason to plan. Your estate documents also determine who manages your finances if you’re incapacitated, who makes medical decisions on your behalf, and how your real property is titled.

Certain life events should prompt a plan review: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death or incapacity of a named trustee or agent, the purchase or sale of real property, and significant changes in California law. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies pass outside your trust and will, so they must be coordinated with the rest of your plan to avoid unintended results.

Trust Administration & Trust Litigation in California

When a trust-maker passes, the revocable living trust typically becomes irrevocable. Under California Probate Code section 16061.7, the successor trustee must notify beneficiaries and heirs, starting statutory deadlines that govern how long beneficiaries have to contest the trust. Administration then involves identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets according to the trust terms. This process carries real legal responsibility. Successor trustees can be held personally liable for errors.

Not every trust administration proceeds smoothly. Disputes over undue influence, trustee conduct, or the validity of amendments can escalate into litigation. Our firm handles both. The same team that helped draft your estate plan can represent a beneficiary or trustee if a dispute later arises, providing continuity through planning and litigation.

Elder Law & Long-Term Care Planning Near Agoura Hills

California’s Medi-Cal planning strategies are administered at the county level, and the county of residence at the time of application determines which office handles the case. For Agoura Hills families near the LA/Ventura County line, that means planning should account for where a parent or spouse might eventually receive care. Eligibility rules apply statewide, but coordination with the correct county office matters when it’s time to apply.

Effective elder law planning weaves together trust drafting, durable powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and Medi-Cal strategies into a single coordinated plan so both lifetime care needs and post-death distribution are addressed before a crisis forces the issue.

Meet Our Team

Guidance Rooted in Experience

Award-Winning Service

Recognized for Excellence. Protection You Can Trust

Why Agoura Hills Clients Choose The Pacella Law Group

We handle both planning and litigation. That litigation depth shapes how we draft: we anticipate the disputes that can arise after a trust-maker passes and build documents designed to address them. When a dispute does arise, the same attorney team that built your plan can stand beside you in court, without a handoff to a separate litigation firm.

Over 20 years of experience: Louis Pacella has guided thousands of clients through estate planning, probate, trust administration, and complex disputes across Southern California
Flexible access: We meet clients in-office, at their home or business, or virtually, removing travel friction for Agoura Hills residents
Recognized practice: Avvo Client Choice Awards in estate planning, probate, trusts, and wills
Personalized approach: Clients consistently note our responsiveness, clear explanations, and attention to their individual goals
High-net-worth capability: We work with clients who have complex estates, business interests, and sophisticated planning needs

Schedule Your Free Consultation with an Estate Planning Attorney

A solid estate plan starts with a conversation. We offer free initial consultations to Agoura Hills residents, available by phone, virtually, or in person at a location that works for you. Whether you need a straightforward will and trust or guidance through a complex probate or trust dispute, The Pacella Law Group can help.

Call The Pacella Law Group today at (818) 873-5546 to schedule your free consultation with an estate planning lawyer serving Agoura Hills and the surrounding communities.

Reputable & Trusted Boutique Firm
Handling a Wide Range of Services
Personalized, Detail-Oriented Approach
Decades of Legal Experience
Help for High-Net-Worth Estate
Fully Remote Legal Services

We're Committed to Our Clients & Their Convenience

See What They Are Saying

Mr. Pacella was extremely knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and helpful
“Mr.Pacella was extremely knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and helpful. I highly recommend him particularly in regards to probate matters. He possesses the expertise needed to navigate a difficult process and resolve probate matters as efficiently as possible”

- Vanessa C.
I am very happy with his service
“I called Louis Pacella's office and had a phone consultation regarding Living Trust questions as my trust was set up by 2 previous attorneys. I emailed him information regarding my trust and he reviewed them and upon our phone consultation, he was able to answer all my questions.

Louis Pacella was able to simply explain the answers to all my questions simply and easily that I could understand in which our previous attorney could not. I learned some new information regarding my account and my issues were solved quickly and simply. Louis Pacella did not charge me for our quick phone consultation though that was offered. Should I have any further questions or issues regarding my Living Trust I will certainly call Louis. I am very happy with his service”

- David C.
They were courteous, sensitive, and available for all of our needs
“Louis and his staff were excellent at preparing and filing the voluminous amount of paperwork required to setup and execute the LLC and trust of my wife's father. They are experts in the field and were always ready with information for our many questions, including many involving unforeseen circumstances. They were courteous, sensitive, and available for all of our needs. I highly recommend Louis' Office for any Trust creation and execution.”

- Ted C.
What stood out more than the professional execution was the positive attitude, genuine care and emotional support Louis provided
“I had a very complex probate situation after my brother and his son died in a plane crash in June 2017. Not only were there basic probate issues, but my brother was operating a complicated international travel business. Louis tackled the project and was able to unwind the business and do all of the "forensic accounting" and client communications. It was a godsend. What stood out more than the professional execution was the positive attitude, genuine care and emotional support Louis provided. He and his team are an elite group of dedicated professionals. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone with probate and estate planning. First rate company, I'm so very grateful for his services.”

- Brain H.
Fantastic law firm
“Fantastic law firm , true professionals, Highly Recommend”

- Timothy S.
Pricing is fair and customer service is excellent
“We were satisfied with all of the documents prepared by this firm. Pricing is fair and customer service is excellent. Thanks, Louis and team!”

- Periwinkle G.
Louis Pacella has been our lawyer for over 10 years
“Louis Pacella has been our lawyer for over 10 years. He has prepared our estate plan, reviewed real estate transactions, represented us in lawsuits related to our business. He has handled all our legal needs with excellent communication, outstanding professionalism, and is very personable. We have come to think of him as a friend and we give him our highest recommendation.”

- Allan W. & Rex A.
The team is responsive and follow through was great
“The firm is great.The team is responsive and follow through was great. Louis helped us redo our Will and update all the supporting documents of Health Care and Power of Attny. Thanks also to Sheri in his office who kept us up-to-date with paperwork and other important signatures”

- Scott T.
Had a great experience the Pacella Law Group
“Had a great experience the Pacella Law Group (Louis, Stephen, and Sheri were all awesome)! Very practical and knowledgeable and was very pleased with the quality of their documentation! Highly recommend”

- Lauren C.

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At The Pacella Law Group, we believe knowledge is power. Our blog is designed to give you practical legal insights on estate planning, probate, business formation, and more—so you can make informed decisions that protect what matters most.

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5000 N. Parkway Calabasas
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