Karl R Vorsatz Law Offices

For individuals and families in Burlingame, California, and the surrounding San Francisco Peninsula, navigating the complexities of estate and tax planning requires a legal partner who is not only deeply knowledgeable but also genuinely compassionate. Karl R. Vorsatz Law Offices, located at 1601 Old Bayshore Hwy #350, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA, offers precisely this combination, making it a highly valued resource within the "Lawyers Near Me" category. Clients can connect with the firm via phone at (650) 697-9591 or mobile at +1 650-697-9591, ensuring accessible communication during often sensitive times.

The office of Karl R. Vorsatz Law Offices is situated at 1601 Old Bayshore Hwy #350, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA. This location on Old Bayshore Highway offers a professional setting and is accessible for clients in Burlingame and the wider Peninsula region. While details about the interior design are not provided, the firm's reputation for compassion and understanding, as noted in client reviews, suggests an environment that prioritizes client comfort and trust. Given the deeply personal nature of estate and tax planning, a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere is paramount, allowing clients to openly discuss their financial and familial concerns. The direct phone lines further enhance the firm's accessibility, ensuring clients can reach out for guidance when needed.

Karl R. Vorsatz Law Offices primarily focuses on the intricate areas of estate planning and tax law, providing essential services to ensure clients' assets are protected and their legacies secured. Based on available information, their key service offerings include:

• Estate Planning: This is a core strength of the firm. Attorney Karl R. Vorsatz, and his daughter Kimberly Vorsatz Carey (who joined the practice and shares expertise in this area), guide clients through the creation of comprehensive estate plans. This involves drafting vital documents such as Wills, Living Trusts, and Durable Powers of Attorney. The goal is to ensure clients' wishes regarding asset distribution, healthcare decisions, and financial management are legally binding and clearly articulated. Services may also extend to special needs trusts, property agreements, and charitable planning, addressing a wide range of client needs. The firm emphasizes attention to whether a client's plan is in tune with their existing assets, wishes, and the current landscape of estate tax, capital gain tax, income tax, and real property tax.

• Tax Law and Planning: Attorney Karl R. Vorsatz specifically isolated his legal career to the areas of Estate and Tax Planning starting in 1990. He and Kimberly Vorsatz Carey both hold Masters in Taxation Law from Golden Gate University, underscoring their deep expertise in this complex field. Services include tax-sensitive wills and trusts, Estate Tax Returns (Form 706), Gift Tax Returns (Form 709), Fiduciary Tax Returns (Form 1041), and personal income tax issues. They also handle matters related to property taxes, disclaimers, reformations, constructions, powers of appointment, generation-skipping taxes, and modification/termination of irrevocable trusts for tax planning purposes. This specialized knowledge is crucial for minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing the value of an estate for future generations.

• Trust Administration: The firm assists with the administration of trusts, particularly the transition of estate plans due to resignation, diminished capacity, or death. This involves navigating the valuation and access to assets, representing individual trustees (often family members) and professional trustees, and coordinating with tax counsel, accountants, financial advisors, and other relevant professionals to ensure smooth and compliant administration.

• Probate Administration: While their focus is heavily on proactive estate planning to potentially avoid probate, the firm also handles probate procedures when necessary. This involves guiding clients through the legal process of validating a will, settling a deceased person's affairs, and distributing assets under court supervision.

Karl R. Vorsatz had been an active member of the State Bar of California since 1979, and his daughter, Kimberly Vorsatz Carey, continues the family legacy in law, having joined the firm in 2005. This long-standing family practice, Vorsatz & Vorsatz, emphasizes a generational commitment to clients.

Karl R. Vorsatz Law Offices is distinguished by several key features that resonate strongly with clients:

• Deep Knowledge and Experience: Attorney Karl R. Vorsatz brought decades of experience, particularly since 1990, in estate and tax planning. The firm's continuous focus on these areas, combined with advanced degrees in taxation, ensures clients receive highly specialized and informed advice. Kimberly Vorsatz Carey continues this tradition of deep expertise.

• Compassion and Understanding: A standout feature mentioned in the provided review is the firm's compassionate and understanding approach during difficult times. The client stated, "Kim was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, yet so compassionate and understanding during a very difficult time within our family." This highlights the firm's ability to combine legal expertise with genuine empathy, which is crucial when dealing with sensitive family and financial matters.

• Client-Centric Guidance: The firm's practice is built on guiding clients through complex legal processes. They prioritize helping clients understand their options and ensuring that their personal desires and goals are accomplished through carefully drafted legal documents.

• Meticulous Attention to Tax Implications: With a strong background in tax law, the firm provides meticulous attention to the tax consequences of estate planning decisions. This ensures that clients' plans are not only legally sound but also tax-efficient, protecting their assets for future generations.

• Family Legacy of Service: The fact that the firm is a family practice (Vorsatz & Vorsatz) with Karl's daughter Kimberly joining him, signifies a long-term commitment to serving the community and a deep-rooted understanding of family dynamics, which is invaluable in estate planning.

The firm's most powerful promotional asset comes directly from the positive experiences of its clients. The provided testimonial offers a concise yet powerful endorsement:

• A client praised the firm (specifically mentioning Kim, likely Kimberly Vorsatz Carey) for being "extremely knowledgeable and experienced, yet so compassionate and understanding during a very difficult time within our family." This review perfectly encapsulates the firm's blend of professional expertise and empathetic client care.

Furthermore, the late Karl R. Vorsatz's legacy as a lawyer and as a person is also a testament to the firm's values. Obituaries and condolences from colleagues and friends describe him as "one of the nicest persons," a "wonderful man in so many aspects: family, faith and friendships," and admired for his "kind and generous personality." These personal attributes often translate into the ethos of a law firm, fostering a client-friendly environment. The continuity of the practice through his daughter Kimberly Vorsatz Carey ensures that these values and expertise continue to serve the community.

The firm's long history in the community and its specialized focus on estate and tax planning, areas that require deep trust and long-term relationships, further promote its reliability and expertise. They aim to provide efficient and effective solutions, ensuring clients' peace of mind regarding their financial futures and legacies.

In conclusion, for individuals and families in Burlingame, CA, and the broader San Francisco Peninsula seeking legal assistance within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, Karl R. Vorsatz Law Offices (now primarily led by Kimberly Vorsatz Carey) stands out. With a profound specialization in estate and tax planning, the firm offers a rare combination of extensive knowledge, compassionate guidance, and a long-standing family commitment to serving the community. Their expertise in navigating complex tax implications and their empathetic approach during sensitive family matters make them a highly recommended partner for securing legacies and planning for the future.