team-member

Stefanie West

Walnut Creek, CA

Licensed for 17 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Estate Planning

Language

English

About

I am an estate planning attorney in the East Bay. I live with my husband, Jim, my son Benjamin, and two dogs, Penny and Biggie.I received both my B.A., summa cum laude, and my law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. I spent my last year of law school studying at Harvard Law School, and graduated at the top of my class.Prior to entering the private practice of law, I was the first Planned Giving Officer at U.C. Berkeley’s Law School. In this position, I helped the school’s most prestigious donors with their bequests and other estate gifts to the University.My current practice is exclusively estate planning, including Wills, Trusts, Probate and Medi-Cal planning. I have helped hundreds of Bay Area families with their estates and trusts. I also regularly assists clients without long term care insurance who need skilled nursing care to become qualified for Medi-Cal.I am a Board Member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association Elder Law Committee.  I served as the Chair of the City of Lafayette's Senior Services Commission. As Chair, I worked to prevent elder fraud and abuse and to bring services to seniors in my community. I also served on the Contra Costa Advisory Council on Aging.I believe that young children should be taught strong money skills and how to save for a “rainy day.” I volunteered with Junior Achievement to teach financial literacy to elementary and middle school students. I am also a frequent speaker at parent groups, where we discusses ways parents can teach their children the basics about money. 

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Language

English

Contact

Stefanie West, Esq.165 Lennon Lane, Ste 101Walnut Creek, CA, 94598165 Lennon Lane, Ste 101Walnut Creek, CA, 94598

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!

Zack
February 4, 2016

I am going to try and restrain myself and not be overly effusive about Stefanie and her practice, but I am also not making any promises. Stefanie is an amazing resource as an estate planning attorney because she mixes no-nonsense practicality with a warm, friendly heart. Of course, approaching end-of-life plans and documents can be unpleasant or awkward, but you'll never feel that way with Stefanie or her staff. She's exceptionally bright, points out contingencies or avenues that I hadn't thought of, and builds a solid estate with a personal touch. I highly recommend Stefanie West's services for anyone in need of estate planning.

Dawn
January 13, 2016

Stefanie West is the best! When I was getting ready to travel abroad and knew I needed an estate plan set up, I had Stefanie do the deed (so to speak, there were several deeds in fact). Stefanie could charge significantly more for her services, but she keeps her rates reasonable and the result is an excellent product at a great price! I have known Stef since law school some 17 years ago and even then I knew she was brilliant and destined to do a wonderful job for her clients. Of course, anyone who gets her education from Berkeley and Harvard is going to be smart. But, Stef adds a component that most lawyers are lacking, a wonderful personality! Dealing with our own mortality is not an easy thing to do, but Stef will answer every question with patience and caring and you leave feeling secure that your estate is in order. You can't do better than the best, and that is West!