DON’T GO THROUGH ESTATE & PROBATE BUREAUCRACY ALONE
Get Rodney Gould
ZERO OUT-OF-POCKET PROBATE EXPENSES OR FEES
EVERY-STEP-OF-THE-WAY PERSONALIZED PLANNING
DMV DEFENSE AND ADVOCACY
35+ YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Serving BROADER LA, California
Let me handle the nitty-gritty of establishing wills, trusts, and powers of attorney so you can live your life.
No one wants to think about dying, but establishing an estate plan beforehand can save you and your loved ones time, money, and avoid probate as your estate goes through probate.
I will create a strategy that puts you and your family in the best position possible so you can be at ease.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY…
About Rodney Gould
Rodney and his team are excellent! They walk you through the entire process step by step, and answer all your questions in terms that the average person can and will understand. The best part about my experience is that they're gay friendly. Check them out for yourself.
~ M. C.
Rodney and his firm have provided legal services for our family for years. He's provided estate planning, preparing and executing our will and family trust as well as consulting on real estate transactions and most recently settling a contract dispute. We highly recommend his services. You can completely trust Rodney's...
~ K. and B. C.
Rodney Gould has represented many friends of mine, and all of us value his insight, efficiency, moral judgement, compassion and, of course, his legal knowledge. He has just handled a trust which named me Executor and he guided me through the process.
~ I. D.
An absolutely fabulous experience working with Rodney Gould! His professionalism and timely advice were very much appreciated. Both my adult daughter and I needed to create/update our wills and other health care documents. Rodney worked closely with our financial advisor and made the entire process very streamlined. Rodney is a...
~ A. L.
I lost my partner after 43 years together, and we were friendly with Rodney and his partner for years... but it was only after Bill's death did I REALLY NEED RODNEY... not only for a good friend, but needed him to advise me in all sorts of ways... to take...
~ G. B.
My ex-husband needed an estate plan. I suggested he speak with Rodney. My ex had put off estate planning, and he was very noncommittal about the whole thing. Rodney patiently worked with him to put together his estate plan. After my ex-husband's death, the estate plan devised by Rodney worked...
~ J. K.
Rodney was extremely organized, professional and personable. I would highly recommend him! He has a way of making some difficult decisions seem easy.
~ A. L.
When my best friend died with only a holographic will, I didn't know who to turn to. A friend recommended Rodney, and he guided me through LA County's probate process. Rodney was very supportive and caring throughout the case. He kept me informed and updated on a regular basis. Rodney...
~ T. I.
I contacted Rodney a while back regarding getting a will/trust done and called a fair few times with questions. Rodney was always available to either take my call or call me back/respond to an email. I was never made to feel like I was bothering him. Due to personal circumstances,...
~ D. B.
I highly recommend Mr. Gould; he is the best. He was really quick to get everything back on track. He knows how to deal with DMV and Driver Safety. He is so helpful and knowledgeable. Because of him, our issue resolved within 3 days. We got our life back on...
~ S. D.
I needed to finally complete a Living Trust with some unusual conditions. I posted for an attorney who was animal-friendly, and Rodney responded quickly, answered all my questions, and completed the Trust within my budget. This was the best experience I have had with an attorney!
~ C. B.
An attorney who is great at what he does and knows the law. I endorse this lawyer.
~ J.
I know I am the one in charge of my Last Will and Testament, and it was time to get it done. The day came, and I decided to search for attorneys in my area and called and left messages. Attorney Rodney Gould had on his website a Contact space...
~ R. B.
Rodney has been my attorney for a few years, and I cannot say enough good things about him. He has helped my business tremendously, and I recommend him if you need a good lawyer in the field. I was referred to Rodney through a mutual friend, and I cannot explain...
~ M. S.
practicing law since 1991
Meet Rodney Gould
Though he started as a civil litigator working in Washington, D.C., Rodney Gould’s career has developed over the years to include litigation experience in federal courts across the United States. He served as special assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia with the Department of Justice, and after leaving the government sector, provided legal services to some of the nation’s largest companies such as Starbucks, MCI, USAA and Bank of America.
As an accomplished litigator. Mr. Gould holds the distinction of having litigated numerous probate cases in Superior Courts all over California. Get experience on your side.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
KNOWLEDGE. INSIGHTS. RESULTS.
Overcoming legal issues can feel daunting. My job is to make it easy so you feel confident.
I have over three decades of experience helping people through their estate planning and probate cases. My office, based in Los Angeles, California, has given numerous people a new sense of security when planning their future.
With an adequate estate plan in place, your loved ones can avoid legal complications and focus on what matters most.
LEARN MORE Supporting Los Angeles or any of the surrounding communities.
OUR PROCESS
So, I do need help... what's next?
Whether you're facing a DMV hearing or planning for your family's future, reaching out is the first step. Here's what happens when you contact the Law Office of Rodney Gould.
Call or Message Us Today
Call our office or fill out the online form to tell us about your loved one's estate or your issue with the DMV. You'll speak directly with Attorney Rodney Gould about your probate case, not a call center.
We Review Your Case Personally
Rodney personally reviews the estate, the will (or lack of one), and the assets involved, drawing on decades of probate experience, to map out the fastest path through the court process.
We Handle the Process
From filing the initial petition to closing the estate, we manage the deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances so you can focus on your family, not the legal details.
Call or Message Us Today
Call our office or fill out the online form to tell us about your loved one's estate or your issue with the DMV. You'll speak directly with Attorney Rodney Gould about your probate case, not a call center.
We Review Your Case Personally
Rodney personally reviews the estate, the will (or lack of one), and the assets involved, drawing on decades of probate experience, to map out the fastest path through the court process.
We Handle the Process
From filing the initial petition to closing the estate, we manage the deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances so you can focus on your family, not the legal details.
Don’t wait to prepare for the future. Let us help you, today. SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
FAQs
What even is a Probate?
...and other common questions.
What even is DMV representation?
DMV representation means having an attorney advocate for you when the California DMV is trying to suspend or revoke your driver’s license. It most often comes up after a DUI arrest, but it also covers point-related suspensions, medical reviews, and commercial license issues.
Is a DMV hearing the same thing as my criminal case?
No. The DMV hearing is a separate administrative proceeding that only decides what happens to your driving privilege. Your DUI case still moves forward on its own in criminal court, and the outcome of one doesn’t automatically decide the other.
What happens to my license after a DUI arrest in California?
In most cases, the officer takes your license and gives you a temporary one that’s good for 30 days. Unless you request a DMV hearing, your license is automatically suspended when that window runs out, even if you haven’t been convicted of anything.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?
Just 10 days from the date of your arrest. If you miss that deadline, you generally lose the chance to fight the suspension, so it’s one of the first things an attorney will take care of.
How long will my license be suspended if I lose?
For a first-time DUI with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the administrative suspension is generally four months. Refusing a chemical test or having prior DUIs means a longer suspension, often a year or more, though many drivers qualify for a restricted license, usually with an ignition interlock device.
Do I need a lawyer for a DMV hearing?
California doesn’t require one, and you’re allowed to represent yourself. But an attorney who regularly handles DMV hearings knows how to request the evidence, challenge the officer’s report, and spot procedural errors that could make the difference in keeping your license.
What even is probate?
Probate is the court process used to distribute someone's assets after they pass away, whether or not they left a will. A judge oversees paying off any debts, then makes sure what's left gets to the right people.
Do I have to go through probate if there was a will?
Usually, yes — a will still typically needs to go through probate for the court to recognize it. But if the estate qualifies as a "small estate" (currently $208,850 or less in personal property, for deaths on or after April 1, 2025), you may be able to skip it with a small estate affidavit instead.
How long does probate take in California?
Most straightforward Los Angeles County estates take about 9 to 18 months from start to finish. More complex cases — a home sale, disputes among heirs, slow-moving creditors — can take longer.
How much does probate cost?
California sets statutory fees for the attorney and executor based on a percentage of the estate's value, so costs are fairly predictable.
Can I avoid probate altogether?
In many cases, yes. A revocable living trust, joint property ownership, or naming beneficiaries directly on accounts can let those assets pass to your family without going through probate court at all.
Do I need to hire a probate lawyer?
California doesn't require one, but an experienced probate attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes with deadlines, creditor claims, and court paperwork — especially if the estate is contested or complicated.
What even is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of deciding ahead of time what happens to your assets, your health care, and your children if you pass away or can’t make decisions for yourself. It usually includes documents like a will, a living trust, a power of attorney, and an advance health care directive.
Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have a lot of money?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Even a modest estate benefits from clear instructions, and a plan also lets you name a guardian for your minor children and choose who can make medical and financial decisions on your behalf.
What’s the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will spells out who gets your property and who you want as guardian for your kids, but it generally has to go through probate. A revocable living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and lets them pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate court at all.
What happens if I die without a will in California?
California’s intestate succession laws decide who inherits your property, usually your spouse, children, or closest relatives, in an order set by the state. That may not match what you would have wanted, and the court, not you, chooses who manages your estate and who cares for your minor children.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It’s a good idea to review your plan every few years and any time your life changes in a big way, such as a marriage, divorce, new child, move, or major change in assets. An outdated plan can leave property to the wrong person or name someone who can no longer serve.
Do I need to hire an estate planning lawyer?
California doesn’t require one, and the state even offers a basic statutory will form. But an experienced estate planning attorney can make sure your documents are valid, your trust is properly funded, and your plan actually does what you intend, especially if you have children, real estate, or a blended family.
What even is a trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where one person, the trustee, holds and manages assets for the benefit of others, the beneficiaries. You set the rules for how and when those assets are used or distributed, and the trustee is legally required to follow them.
What’s the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can be changed or canceled at any time during your lifetime, and you usually stay in full control of the assets as your own trustee. An irrevocable trust generally can’t be changed once it’s signed.
Does a living trust really avoid probate?
Yes, but only for assets that are actually transferred into the trust, which is called “funding” it. Property left in your individual name, like a house you never retitled, may still have to go through probate, so it’s important to fund the trust properly after it’s signed.
Who should I name as my trustee?
Most people serve as their own trustee and name a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend as successor trustee to take over later. The right choice is someone organized, financially responsible, and able to stay neutral with your beneficiaries. A professional trustee is also an option for larger or more complicated estates.
Will a trust lower my taxes or protect my assets?
A revocable living trust doesn’t shield assets from creditors or reduce your income taxes, since you still control everything in it. If lowering taxes or protecting assets is one of your goals, it’s worth discussing your options with an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer to set up a trust?
California doesn’t require one, and online templates are available. But an experienced trust attorney can make sure the trust is drafted correctly, properly funded, and tailored to your family, which helps avoid costly disputes or probate down the road.
What even is DMV representation?
DMV representation means having an attorney advocate for you when the California DMV is trying to suspend or revoke your driver’s license. It most often comes up after a DUI arrest, but it also covers point-related suspensions, medical reviews, and commercial license issues.
Is a DMV hearing the same thing as my criminal case?
No. The DMV hearing is a separate administrative proceeding that only decides what happens to your driving privilege. Your DUI case still moves forward on its own in criminal court, and the outcome of one doesn’t automatically decide the other.
What happens to my license after a DUI arrest in California?
In most cases, the officer takes your license and gives you a temporary one that’s good for 30 days. Unless you request a DMV hearing, your license is automatically suspended when that window runs out, even if you haven’t been convicted of anything.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?
Just 10 days from the date of your arrest. If you miss that deadline, you generally lose the chance to fight the suspension, so it’s one of the first things an attorney will take care of.
How long will my license be suspended if I lose?
For a first-time DUI with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the administrative suspension is generally four months. Refusing a chemical test or having prior DUIs means a longer suspension, often a year or more, though many drivers qualify for a restricted license, usually with an ignition interlock device.
Do I need a lawyer for a DMV hearing?
California doesn’t require one, and you’re allowed to represent yourself. But an attorney who regularly handles DMV hearings knows how to request the evidence, challenge the officer’s report, and spot procedural errors that could make the difference in keeping your license.
What even is probate?
Probate is the court process used to distribute someone's assets after they pass away, whether or not they left a will. A judge oversees paying off any debts, then makes sure what's left gets to the right people.
Do I have to go through probate if there was a will?
Usually, yes — a will still typically needs to go through probate for the court to recognize it. But if the estate qualifies as a "small estate" (currently $208,850 or less in personal property, for deaths on or after April 1, 2025), you may be able to skip it with a small estate affidavit instead.
How long does probate take in California?
Most straightforward Los Angeles County estates take about 9 to 18 months from start to finish. More complex cases — a home sale, disputes among heirs, slow-moving creditors — can take longer.
How much does probate cost?
California sets statutory fees for the attorney and executor based on a percentage of the estate's value, so costs are fairly predictable.
Can I avoid probate altogether?
In many cases, yes. A revocable living trust, joint property ownership, or naming beneficiaries directly on accounts can let those assets pass to your family without going through probate court at all.
Do I need to hire a probate lawyer?
California doesn't require one, but an experienced probate attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes with deadlines, creditor claims, and court paperwork — especially if the estate is contested or complicated.
What even is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of deciding ahead of time what happens to your assets, your health care, and your children if you pass away or can’t make decisions for yourself. It usually includes documents like a will, a living trust, a power of attorney, and an advance health care directive.
Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have a lot of money?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Even a modest estate benefits from clear instructions, and a plan also lets you name a guardian for your minor children and choose who can make medical and financial decisions on your behalf.
What’s the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will spells out who gets your property and who you want as guardian for your kids, but it generally has to go through probate. A revocable living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and lets them pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate court at all.
What happens if I die without a will in California?
California’s intestate succession laws decide who inherits your property, usually your spouse, children, or closest relatives, in an order set by the state. That may not match what you would have wanted, and the court, not you, chooses who manages your estate and who cares for your minor children.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It’s a good idea to review your plan every few years and any time your life changes in a big way, such as a marriage, divorce, new child, move, or major change in assets. An outdated plan can leave property to the wrong person or name someone who can no longer serve.
Do I need to hire an estate planning lawyer?
California doesn’t require one, and the state even offers a basic statutory will form. But an experienced estate planning attorney can make sure your documents are valid, your trust is properly funded, and your plan actually does what you intend, especially if you have children, real estate, or a blended family.
What even is a trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where one person, the trustee, holds and manages assets for the benefit of others, the beneficiaries. You set the rules for how and when those assets are used or distributed, and the trustee is legally required to follow them.
What’s the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can be changed or canceled at any time during your lifetime, and you usually stay in full control of the assets as your own trustee. An irrevocable trust generally can’t be changed once it’s signed.
Does a living trust really avoid probate?
Yes, but only for assets that are actually transferred into the trust, which is called “funding” it. Property left in your individual name, like a house you never retitled, may still have to go through probate, so it’s important to fund the trust properly after it’s signed.
Who should I name as my trustee?
Most people serve as their own trustee and name a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend as successor trustee to take over later. The right choice is someone organized, financially responsible, and able to stay neutral with your beneficiaries. A professional trustee is also an option for larger or more complicated estates.
Will a trust lower my taxes or protect my assets?
A revocable living trust doesn’t shield assets from creditors or reduce your income taxes, since you still control everything in it. If lowering taxes or protecting assets is one of your goals, it’s worth discussing your options with an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer to set up a trust?
California doesn’t require one, and online templates are available. But an experienced trust attorney can make sure the trust is drafted correctly, properly funded, and tailored to your family, which helps avoid costly disputes or probate down the road.