The Law Office of Barbara Bergstein

Welcome to a detailed introduction to The Law Office of Barbara Bergstein, a highly regarded legal practice that is frequently highlighted on platforms like "Lawyers Near Me." Located in the Los Angeles area, this firm is distinguished by its focused expertise in estate planning, elder law, and the unique challenges faced by families with special needs individuals. Attorney Barbara Bergstein's practice is built on a foundation of extensive experience, deep legal knowledge, and a profound sense of compassion.

The Law Office of Barbara Bergstein is located at 12522 Moorpark Street, Studio City, CA 91604, USA. Additionally, information suggests other past or associated office locations, including 13400 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. These locations position the firm strategically within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, ensuring accessibility for clients across various communities in Southern California. While specific details about the interior environment of her office are not explicitly provided, it is consistently implied that a law office specializing in such sensitive and personal matters would maintain a professional, private, and empathetic setting. Clients can expect a confidential space where they can comfortably discuss their financial, family, and health-related legal concerns, ensuring a supportive environment for complex decision-making. This local presence is key for individuals seeking "Lawyers Near Me" for highly personal legal issues.

The core services offered by The Law Office of Barbara Bergstein are primarily concentrated on estate planning, elder law, and special needs law. With over 30 years of experience, Barbara Bergstein specializes in some of the most critical and personal affairs of life. Her services include comprehensive estate planning, which involves creating legal documents to manage assets upon death and address healthcare and incapacity during a client's lifetime. This encompasses drafting wills and trusts, including specific expertise in special needs trusts (also known as supplemental needs trusts). These special needs trusts are vital tools for maximizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, allowing for asset preservation without jeopardizing government benefits. She is frequently consulted on the uses and drafting of these trusts for families with disabled children and for personal injury settlements involving disabled minors and adults.

Furthermore, her practice extends to probate and probate litigation, guiding clients through the complex process of administering an estate. She also handles elder law matters, assisting individuals and families with asset preservation for long-term care needs, such as nursing home expenses, often involving Medi-Cal planning to protect assets for a healthy spouse. Her expertise also covers durable powers of attorney, ensuring clients have comprehensive legal directives in place for their financial and healthcare decisions. This highly specialized suite of "goods for sale" in the legal sector is invaluable for families navigating the intricacies of wealth transfer, disability planning, and elder care.

Key features that distinguish The Law Office of Barbara Bergstein include her time-proven skills, demonstrated results, and a notable blend of compassion and patience. Her professional background includes authorship of significant legal publications such as "The Uses of Irrevocable Special Needs Trusts in Gift and Estate Tax Planning" and "Estate Planning for Individuals with Special Needs," showcasing her deep intellectual command of her practice areas. She is also a frequent lecturer for prestigious organizations like the State Bar of California, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the California CPA Education Foundation, indicating her recognition as a thought leader in her field.

Perhaps one of the most compelling features of Barbara Bergstein is her personal experience. She has raised a child with disabilities, giving her firsthand understanding of "the heartache and struggles of having a loved one with special needs." This personal insight profoundly informs her professional practice, allowing her to approach client cases with genuine empathy and a unique understanding of their challenges. She has also served as a board member of the Autism Society of Los Angeles and frequently speaks to parents about the rights of children with disabilities, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy beyond her legal practice. This personal connection makes her an incredibly empathetic and effective advocate for families in similar situations.

For individuals searching on a "Lawyers Near Me" platform, the testimonials for Barbara Bergstein are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting her exceptional qualities. Clients consistently praise her for being "knowledgeable," "thorough," and "easy to understand." Reviewers note her "patience to fully explain the work she did for us to answer all our questions," and her "compassion," qualities they had not seen in previous attorneys. Clients mention that she made complex processes like creating wills and trusts "understandable and efficient" and that she "safeguarded our interests." Testimonials also appreciate her willingness to "kindly came to our house when possible to work together, saving me a difficult trip to her office," showcasing her commitment to client convenience and care, especially for those with mobility issues or facing difficult circumstances. The recurring theme is that she not only possesses profound legal expertise but also delivers it with a comforting and supportive demeanor, making a difficult process manageable.

From a promotional standpoint, the strong, heartfelt testimonials are invaluable. They paint a clear picture of a lawyer who is not only professionally competent but also deeply caring and accessible. While specific phone numbers are not provided in the initial prompt for The Law Office of Barbara Bergstein, external information suggests a number like (818) 995-1120. Her consistent recognition by various professional organizations and her active role in educating both legal and public communities serve as significant promotional assets. Her personal story as a parent of a child with disabilities provides a powerful and authentic connection with potential clients who are navigating similar challenges, enhancing her appeal to those seeking not just a lawyer, but a trusted and understanding advocate on platforms like "Lawyers Near Me."