If you're considering hiring a probate court attorney, read Susan's reviews, and then call Susan today!

HERMOSA BEACH

2447 Pacific Coast Hwy #234

(800) 285-2659

For Consultation

Contact Susan
(800) 285-2659 Contact Susan

Blog

The Gerontological Trust: A Revolutionary Approach to Protecting Your Independence as You Age

Growing older in California presents unique challenges that traditional estate planning tools weren’t designed to address. While standard living trusts and wills handle asset distribution after death, they often fall short when it comes to protecting your autonomy, dignity, and financial security during the inevitable changes that come with aging. As a gerontologist and elder… Continue reading about The Gerontological Trust: A Revolutionary Approach to Protecting Your Independence as You Age

Time is Running Out: How the 2025 Estate Tax Exemption Sunset Could Cost Your Family Millions

If your family’s net worth exceeds $7 million, 2025 may be the most critical year for your financial legacy. A dramatic change in federal tax law is approaching that could fundamentally alter how much wealth you can pass to your children and grandchildren without triggering devastating estate taxes. The clock is ticking, and wealthy Los… Continue reading about Time is Running Out: How the 2025 Estate Tax Exemption Sunset Could Cost Your Family Millions

The Silent Epidemic: Identifying Caregiver Financial Abuse of California Seniors

An older woman with gray hair and glasses sits on a couch, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a white sweater. The background is softly lit with some plants visible.

In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged in California elder abuse cases: financial exploitation by the very people entrusted with seniors’ care. As an attorney specializing in elder law for over 30 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how caregiver financial abuse can devastate vulnerable seniors and their families. This often-overlooked form of exploitation requires greater… Continue reading about The Silent Epidemic: Identifying Caregiver Financial Abuse of California Seniors

How Estate Planning Can Lower Taxes for Future Generations

A woman, boy, and man sit at a table with art supplies, smiling and looking at a tablet.

Estate planning is more than just drafting a will; it’s a strategic approach to preserving your wealth, minimizing tax liabilities, and ensuring your final wishes are honored. In California, where estate values can be substantial, proactive estate planning is essential to protect your assets and provide for your heirs. Understanding Estate Taxes While California does not… Continue reading about How Estate Planning Can Lower Taxes for Future Generations

When to Consider a Temporary Conservatorship in California

An older woman and man sit close together, smiling and laughing. The woman wears a striped shirt; the man has a gray beard and wears a brown turtleneck sweater.

Making decisions for a loved one who can no longer care for themselves is never easy—especially when timing is critical. Whether due to a medical emergency, sudden cognitive decline, or a legal concern involving finances or personal care, there are situations where waiting for a permanent conservatorship could cause more harm than good. That’s where… Continue reading about When to Consider a Temporary Conservatorship in California

The Hidden Threat in Elder Law: How Decision Fatigue Can Impact Your Family’s Future

A smiling woman with short white hair and glasses is wearing a pink blouse. She is sitting in a softly lit room with blurred shelves in the background.

When it comes to estate planning, conservatorships, or elder law matters, most people anticipate legal paperwork and tough conversations—but what many don’t expect is how mentally exhausting the process can be. One of the lesser-known but powerful forces that can shape the outcome of these crucial decisions is something called decision fatigue. It’s not talked about… Continue reading about The Hidden Threat in Elder Law: How Decision Fatigue Can Impact Your Family’s Future

How to Help Your Aging Parent Avoid Scams: Protecting Seniors Under California Law

Older man with gray hair and glasses sitting on a leather sofa, gazing thoughtfully into the distance, wearing a light blue shirt. Brick wall and wooden shelves in the blurred background.

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and unfortunately, seniors are among the most vulnerable targets. Every year, thousands of older adults fall victim to fraud, losing millions of dollars to deceptive schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), seniors lost over $1.6 billion to scams in 2023 alone, with the median reported loss for victims over 70… Continue reading about How to Help Your Aging Parent Avoid Scams: Protecting Seniors Under California Law

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Understanding California’s Intestate Succession Laws

Old fashioned paper with text of Last will

Planning for the future can be challenging, but without a will, you leave critical decisions about your assets, property, and even your loved ones in the hands of the state. In California, dying without a will—referred to as dying intestate—triggers a complex legal process known as intestate succession. As an experienced conservatorship and estate planning attorney,… Continue reading about What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Understanding California’s Intestate Succession Laws

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Emergency Conservatorship in California

cheerful mature couple in love

When a loved one is in immediate danger of harm and unable to make decisions for themselves, an emergency conservatorship can provide vital legal protection. However, this process also comes with complexities and potential drawbacks. At The Law Offices of Susan B. Geffen, we guide families in California through this urgent legal procedure, ensuring they understand both the… Continue reading about Understanding the Pros and Cons of Emergency Conservatorship in California

Revocable Trusts vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What Californians Need to Know

Smiling Confident Stylish Mature woman

When it comes to estate planning, trusts are powerful legal tools that provide flexibility and control over how your assets are managed and distributed. In California, understanding the differences between revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts is essential for making the best decisions for your financial future and protecting your legacy. At Susan B. Geffen Law in Los Angeles, we help clients… Continue reading about Revocable Trusts vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What Californians Need to Know

Skip footer

Do you have a case you would like evaluated?

If you have a case that you would like to have evaluated, a one hour consultation might be a good start. The law offices of Susan B Geffen will review all of the facts with you either over the phone or in person, to help determine if you have a strong case.

Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.

Irene Z., Newport Beach

I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.

Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA

Thank you for everything you have done. If I could change the “settings” on the worry gene in his neurology, I would. More than ever, I understand why the word “counselor” can be included in your profession… appreciate you wearing multiple hats, thanks again.

Connie W.

  • By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Clients Reviews

Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.
Irene Z., Newport Beach
After moving my 88 year old mom from Chicago to California, I was looking for a competent attorney to review and make some minor changes to her living trust. Susan B. Geffen has a wonderful “desk side” manner with her elderly clients and even helped my mom recover $3,000 that her prior attorney in Chicago refused to release from escrow of the sale of her home 2 years ago. I would highly recommend Susan B Geffen’s services to anyone dealing with elderly parents.
D’Marie C., Hermosa Beach, CA
My parents and I retained Susan Geffen’s legal services to navigate through the Medi-Cal process and to preserve my parent’s assets. The process was long and hard, but Susan hung in there with us, even when my parents seemed reluctant and indecisive. Susan showed her professionalism and concern for the elderly by continuing to provide legal services and guidance without payment during a period between the two phases of our journey. I would recommend Susan to anyone in need of legal services relating to the elderly and elder care.
Rick Y., Torrance, CA
When my wife of 53 years suddenly became terminally ill, I asked Susan B. Geffen to provide assistance with new wills and trust documents on short notice. She worked diligently and completed the requisite documents in record time. She also provided in-valuable advice concerning bequests and gathering information for estate tax filings.
Steve K., Rancho Palos Verdes
I highly recommend her for estate planning and elder law questions.
Mike A., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.
Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA
See All Testimonials