Matthew O'Donnell

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About Matthew O'Donnell — Owner, O'Donnell & Associates in Menlo Park, California

Matthew O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell & Associates, a law firm with offices throughout the Bay Area. With 27 years of experience, Mr. O'Donnell has focused his practice on estate planning, assisting more than 3,000 families in managing their estates. His firm limits its practice to clients seeking help with asset preservation, probate avoidance, estate tax minimization, and long-term care benefits. Matthew O'Donnell transitioned from a litigation background to estate planning, inspired by his charitable work with senior organizations. He now exclusively helps individuals, spouses, partners, and families navigate complex and personal estate planning issues, emphasizing “life planning” to prevent Court intrusion in the event of incapacity and to protect estates from creditors and conflict. He also assists special needs, disabled, and elderly clients with public benefits planning. He is a member emeritas of the Board of Directors for California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and a core instructor for CANHR’s state-wide attorney elder law conferences. Matthew O'Donnell has lectured for various organizations and teaches at several junior colleges, and he is a contract attorney for the Family Caregivers Alliance. He is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, and frequently lectures and teaches seminars on estate planning and elder law to fellow attorneys, professionals, and the general public.

Location & Contact

Menlo Park, California

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Matthew O'Donnell located?

Matthew O'Donnell's firm, O'Donnell & Associates, has offices throughout the Bay Area, including Menlo Park, California.

What areas of law does Matthew O'Donnell practice?

Matthew O'Donnell practices exclusively in estate planning. This includes:

Asset preservation
Probate avoidance
Estate tax minimization
Long-term care benefits
Public benefits planning for special needs, disabled, and elderly clients

Is Matthew O'Donnell part of a law firm?

Yes, Matthew O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell & Associates, an independent practice with offices across the Bay Area.

How can I schedule a consultation with Matthew O'Donnell?

To schedule a consultation with Matthew O'Donnell, please refer to the contact options available on this page.

More about Matthew O'Donnell

Practice Areas

Estate Planning
Estate planning involves preparing for the management and distribution of a person's assets during their life and after their death, as well as planning for potential incapacity. For individuals and families in Menlo Park, California, this can include drafting wills, establishing trusts, and designating powers of attorney to ensure that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are provided for. A dedicated estate planning attorney Menlo Park can help you understand the intricacies of California law, guiding you through decisions about asset protection, minimizing estate taxes, and avoiding the often lengthy and public probate process. Common situations include planning for beneficiaries, guardianship for minor children, charitable giving, and structuring assets to protect them from future creditors or marital disputes. Engaging an attorney in Menlo Park, California for estate planning is crucial to create a legally sound and comprehensive plan tailored to your specific circumstances, offering peace of mind that your legacy is secure.
Probate Avoidance
Probate avoidance is a key component of effective estate planning, particularly for residents of Menlo Park, California. Probate is the legal process through which a will is proven valid and the deceased's assets are distributed under court supervision. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and public, often causing additional stress for grieving families. A skilled estate planning lawyer Menlo Park California can implement strategies designed to keep your assets out of probate court. This often involves establishing various types of trusts, such as living trusts, which allow for the private and efficient transfer of assets to your chosen beneficiaries without court intervention. Other tools might include proper beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts, or joint tenancy ownership of property. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you choose the most appropriate methods to protect your family from the burdens of probate, ensuring a smoother transition of your estate.
Long-Term Care Benefits Planning
Planning for long-term care benefits is an essential aspect of estate planning, especially for older adults and their families in Menlo Park, California. The costs of nursing home care, assisted living facilities, or in-home care can be substantial and can quickly deplete an estate if not properly planned for. An attorney focusing on estate planning and elder law can help navigate the complex rules surrounding public benefits like Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) to cover these costs, while simultaneously protecting your assets for your spouse or heirs. This involves understanding eligibility requirements, asset limits, and look-back periods, and implementing strategies such as gifting, creating specific types of trusts, or converting countable assets into exempt ones. For families facing the prospect of long-term care, seeking counsel from an attorney in Menlo Park, California is vital to develop a strategic plan that preserves your financial security and ensures access to necessary care without exhausting your life savings.
Serving Menlo Park and Surrounding Areas

O'Donnell & Associates is proud to serve clients throughout Menlo Park, California, and the broader Bay Area. Matthew O'Donnell provides dedicated legal guidance to individuals, couples, and families seeking assistance with complex estate planning matters. Whether you reside directly in Menlo Park or in a neighboring community, our commitment is to provide accessible and comprehensive legal support for your estate planning needs.
Schedule a Consultation

If you are seeking an attorney to assist with estate planning, asset preservation, probate avoidance, estate tax minimization, or long-term care benefits, we invite you to reach out. Matthew O'Donnell and O'Donnell & Associates are ready to discuss your unique situation and help you develop a tailored plan. Please use the contact options on this page to schedule a consultation.

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