WM. Lanier Thomas, Attorney at Law - Fresno, CA
WM. Lanier Thomas is a seasoned Fresno estate planning attorney with over forty years of experience, guiding families and business owners through trusts, probate administration, and tax-efficient wealth transfer.
Strategic Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer in Fresno, California
Preserving family wealth, protecting agricultural assets, and minimizing tax liabilities demand exceptional foresight. For over four decades, WM. Lanier Thomas has served as a trusted advisor in the Central Valley, offering tailored counsel to individuals, families, and business proprietors. Based at Fennemore in Fresno, he brings extensive legal acumen to every client relationship. Whether you need to hire an attorney to construct an enduring legacy plan or need skilled guidance during probate, his practice delivers dependable, comprehensive solutions.
Core Estate Planning and Probate Services
Estate planning is an integrated approach to protecting family security, providing for incapacity, and transferring property without court conflict. As an accomplished estate planning lawyer, WM. Lanier Thomas designs custom plans tailored to each client's unique financial landscape.
Living Trusts and Last Wills
Foundational planning safeguards assets and preserves privacy. Revocable living trusts allow families to transfer property outside of probate court, minimizing administrative delay. When you look to find a lawyer to draft customized wills and living trusts, Lanier Thomas prepares instruments that clearly reflect your intentions, designate responsible fiduciaries, and protect beneficiaries from unnecessary taxation.
Advanced Wealth Transfer and Tax Minimization
For high-net-worth clients, business owners, and Central Valley farmers, advanced planning shields assets from excessive federal estate taxes. Lanier Thomas utilizes sophisticated tools, including irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and charitable gifting strategies, helping families preserve capital across multiple generations.
Probate and Trust Administration
Settling an estate after the death of a family member requires careful legal coordination. Lanier Thomas advises executors and trustees through every phase of probate and private trust administration, ensuring accurate inventorying, statutory compliance, tax filings, and proper distribution to heirs.
Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives
Planning for incapacity protects your welfare during critical moments. The firm drafts durable powers of attorney for financial management and advance healthcare directives, giving designated decision-makers authority to manage personal affairs without costly court conservatorships.
Decades of Distinction in California Estate Law
Lanier Thomas earned his law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law and was admitted to the California Bar in 1979. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and honored by Best Lawyers in America, he is also a founding member of WealthCounsel and an active member of the Fresno Estate Planning Council.
Fresno Office Location and Appointments
Located at 8081 N Palm Ave, Suite 300, Fresno, CA 93711, the firm serves clients across the San Joaquin Valley. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you need an attorney to draft a trust or navigate probate, call +1 559-432-4500 to arrange your consultation.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the affluent Woodward Park or Bullard neighborhood of North Fresno, near the corner of N Palm Ave and W Nees Ave.
Building Location
This office is located in the prestigious River Bluff I professional office building, a modern 3-story Class-A commercial property that overlooks the scenic San Joaquin River.
Parking Details
A large private parking area is available on-site, featuring both surface parking spaces and covered parking stalls for clients and visitors.
Public Transit
Served by Fresno Area Express (FAX) Route 26 (Northbound/Southbound); nearest stop is at SW Ingram / Nees.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the main lobby of the building and use the elevator or stairs to reach the third floor. The office is located in Suite 300.