Stephanie Kitzes
Law Offices of Stephanie K. Kitzes, A Professional Corporation
Areas of Focus:
Licensed States: California
What to expect from Stephanie Kitzes
About Stephanie Kitzes
My name is Stephanie Kitzes, founder of the Law Offices of Stephanie K. Kitzes, APC – aka Kitzes Law. I believe in personalized service for each and every client. My approach is educational and proactive – I educate you based on the specifics of your family situation, your assets, and your individual needs, wants, desires and values and then guide you to tell me what you want most so we can create the plan that aligns with your objectives for your family and your assets. You worked hard to build your family’s wealth and legacy, so it makes sense to put similar effort into protecting those assets.
I started practicing law in 1997 and founded Kitzes Law in 2010 because I liked my clients and wanted to do right by them. Above all, I wanted to work with them long-term. I have held literally every position in a law firm – from the bottom to the top – which has given me an understanding of what actually goes into providing expert legal counsel for my clients.
In 2001, I was meeting with a business client with whom I had worked closely for several years. His business went through lean times and was once again prosperous and humming along. I reminded him that I was really concerned about his lack of an estate plan, as he had children and owned a successful business. Estate planning was not part of my practice at the time, but I reassured him that I would find and forward some solid referrals to him. He smiled, looked me straight in the eye, and said “You already know all about my assets and my business, as well as my family. We have shared many conversations about life and you know how I feel about things.”
I assured him that was very true and that I cared for him, his family, and his business, but that I was not an estate planning attorney. He laughed and said that he trusted me and wanted me to handle it for him. I thanked him for his trust and faith in me. I also then signed myself up for intensive training in the area, learned it, and began practicing estate planning.
My focus continues to be in line with my original intent when founding this law firm – to provide quality legal counsel over the long term by building relationships with my clients that are based on trust, care, and serving their best interests.
When not practicing law, I enjoy spending time with my son and my dad – and our many pets (horses, cats, and dogs!). I also enjoy horseback riding and kayaking.
Testimonials
“Stephanie is a knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated lawyer. She knows the law, she is well-prepared and she is practical. She will explore all avenues to make sure it is the right fit for your situation. She went over all my options, explaining the pros and cons of each, before we decided which was the best option for me. I appreciate that she is cost-conscious and respects her level of professionalism and ethics. I have not had a single concern after hiring Stephanie and, in fact, have had a much-needed sense of ease knowing she was handling my situation and that I most certainly retained the right lawyer. That alone has been invaluable. I cannot say enough positive things about Stephanie’s abilities, character and professionalism. I have had no hesitation in referring family, friends and acquaintances to her and will continue to do so because I know Stephanie will take care of them and their needs and that they will be well-served by her.” — John
“Stephanie gives such a personal touch! She really cares about her clients and their companies. You don’t feel like with a typical attorney where they are looking to bill time. She truly partners with you to help provide the best advice and support to move you forward. She brings her years of experience to help weigh in on even some non-legal areas like if you might be taking too great of a risk, or doing something that will impact your personal life in a negative manner. She is really an extension of your brain trust!” — Tom
“I have known Stephanie for over a decade. Over the years I have referred many business clients to her, for whom she has performed excellent work. It was not until a family member hired Stephanie for a personal matter, however, that I experienced first-hand the care and compassion she brings to her work. Stephanie listened carefully, suggested effective and well-thought-out solutions, and achieved the desired result quickly and completely. I would recommend Stephanie for any business- or estate-planning needs you or your loved ones might have.” — Monica
The Personal Family Lawyer Promise
What makes PFL lawyers different?
How you hire us.
We begin with a comprehensive inventory of everything you own, and everyone you love, and consider it all in a working meeting, called a Family Wealth Planning Session, to guide you to clarify your financial life and legacy goals before we draft a single document.
How we plan.
We work with you throughout every life stage to map out the most likely scenarios for you and the people you love, planning for each as your life, the law, and your assets change over time.
What we protect.
Our Life & Legacy Planning process ensures everything that matters most -- from your financial assets to your values, insights, stories and experience -- are captured and documented during your life and cared for over the generations to come.
What you see.
Transparency in our process, and our fees … all of which are flat fees, agreed to in advance, based on your choices and with no surprises, ensuring we stay on the same side of the table - supporting you to make a lifetime of great decisions - every step of the way.
How we deliver.
Our systems help you get clear and organized, overcoming the exact issues that keep most estate plans from actually working when they are needed most. We help you leave your family with a gift of love, and not a mess.
How our plans work.
One-and-done estate plans focused only on money are a recipe for a big mess. We help you throughout every stage of life and be there for the people you love, when you can’t be.
Contact Stephanie Kitzes
Complete the form below to reach out and schedule your 15-minute initial consultation.
