Botz Cody Law - Santa Rosa, CA

Transparent and Sustainable Estate Planning in Sonoma County

Planning for the future should be straightforward, empowering, and free from hidden financial surprises. Situated at 275 Talbot Avenue in Santa Rosa, California, Botz Cody Law provides exceptional estate planning, trust administration, and probate services to individuals, families, and family businesses throughout Sonoma County and the greater North Bay. Founded in 2011 by attorneys Theodore J. Cody and Sarah Botz, the firm operates on a foundational mission: delivering elite, personalized legal work at clear, predictable rates.

Both partners bring exceptional academic and professional credentials to their Sonoma County practice. Managing attorney Ted Cody graduated from UC Berkeley with honors before earning his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where he served as an editor of the Stanford Journal of Law and Technology. Drawing on nearly three decades of legal practice, including corporate tax and municipal finance work at top California firms, Mr. Cody offers sophisticated wealth preservation strategies. Those looking to hire an attorney who offers deep tax proficiency alongside a modern, environmentally conscious approach will find a perfect match at Botz Cody Law.

Comprehensive Living Trusts and Essential Estate Planning

A well-drafted estate plan safeguards family harmony and keeps private financial matters out of public probate courts. As leading estate planning lawyers in Santa Rosa, Botz Cody Law designs complete estate planning portfolios on a predictable flat-fee basis:

• Revocable living trusts crafted to transfer homes, investments, and personal assets directly to beneficiaries without court delay.
• Wills lawyers representation drafting pour-over wills, designating trusted guardians for minor children, and outlining personal legacy gifts.
• Trusts lawyers solutions designing special needs trusts to protect disabled loved ones while maintaining vital government benefit eligibility.
• Drafting life insurance trusts, educational trusts, and charitable remainder trusts to optimize federal estate and gift tax outcomes.
• Power of attorney lawyers counseling preparing durable financial powers of attorney to manage family finances during unexpected incapacity.
• Advance health care directives naming healthcare surrogates and detailing end-of-life medical preferences.

Compassionate Trust Administration and California Probate

Administering an estate after the loss of a family member involves strict fiduciary obligations, asset valuations, and statutory notifications. The practice assists families through every procedural phase:

• Trust administration guidance for newly appointed successor trustees, including accounting, asset transfers, and beneficiary notices.
• Probate lawyers representation navigating California court-supervised probate pursuant to California statutory fee guidelines.
• Advising family-owned businesses on succession planning, family limited partnerships, and structured management transitions.
• Resolving creditor claims, real estate sales within probate, and tax filings for Sonoma County estates.

A Modern Approach: Solar-Powered, Paperless, and Accessible

Botz Cody Law takes pride in running an eco-friendly practice. Operating from a solar-powered office featuring native drought-tolerant rain gardens, the firm utilizes digital document workflows to minimize paper waste and overhead expenses. These reduced operating costs translate directly into competitive flat fees for clients. For families with limited mobility, the attorneys offer home visits, virtual meetings, and weekend appointments. Anyone who needs to find a lawyer dedicated to thoughtful estate planning can take advantage of a free initial consultation to protect their loved ones with confidence.