Barry W. Finkelstein

MY MISSION

My mission is to simplify the process of dealing with incapacity and death by providing well thought, well drafted and fully executed estate planning documents that clearly express my client’s wishes so that their agents can carry out those wishes as easily as possible.

As a private professional fiduciary I facilitate smooth estate administration during lifetime, upon incapacity and after death because I am objective, accountable and transparent.

ABOUT ME

I am a second-generation Californian who I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and moved to Bay Area in 1998 for ‘Quality of Life’ reasons: the weather is better, the people are nicer and there is less traffic.

I started my practice in Alameda and became active in the community.  I was a chamber ambassador, a past president of the Kiwanis Club and I donate a lot of time to many non-profit organizations.  I come to Estate Planning from a property and casualty insurance adjuster background after practicing Personal Injury and Family Law for several years.  I switched my practice exclusively to Estate Planning because I found collaborating with other professionals and helping people to be much more enjoyable then fighting with them.

PROFESSIONAL

I have been practicing law since 1995 and I belong to one of the preeminent Estate Planning practice groups in the country, Wealth Counsel, which gives me access to best drafting software and the top legal, financial, insurance and accounting advisors in the country to help me handle all my clients’ domestic and international planning needs.

I also belong to the Professional Fiduciary Association of California so when issues I am expert on come up I have colleagues I can collaborate with to ensure my client’s have any resource they need. I am also accredited by the California Department of Insurance and the Certified Financial Planning Board to teach Continuing Education courses to CPAs, Financial Advisors and Insurance agents.

JUDICAL APPOINTMENT

I have served as a Judge Pro-Tem for the Alameda County courts for several years.

EDUCATION

I received my Juris Doctor degree from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California and my Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the California State University, Northridge.