Igniting Solutions To Probate Issues
That Tear Families Apart

At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we focus within the probate court space. We bring a wealth of trial experience and a strong reputation for success in court to every client we represent.

Meet Our Founder

A Firm Built on Experience.
Driven by Compassion.

More than two decades ago, Amy L. Gostanian founded The Estate Lawyers with a simple goal: help families navigate some of life’s most important legal decisions with confidence and clarity.

What began as a trust and estate planning practice evolved into something more. After witnessing firsthand the emotional and financial toll that trust and estate disputes can have on families, Amy dedicated her career to helping clients protect their rights, preserve their legacies, and find practical solutions during difficult times.

Today, The Estate Lawyers is built on the same principles that inspired its founding: expertise, strategic advocacy, and genuine care for the people we serve. Led by a team of experienced attorneys and professionals who are passionate about helping families, we understand that every case represents more than a legal dispute—it represents real people, real relationships, and real futures.

While no attorney can promise miracles, experience matters. Our team brings decades of trust, estate, probate, conservatorship, and elder law litigation experience to every matter, helping clients pursue the best possible outcome as efficiently and effectively as possible.

When the stakes are high, you deserve a team that knows the law, understands the courts, and is committed to standing by your side every step of the way.

Trusted Litigators Resolving Legal Disputes
Throughout Southern California Since 2005

A Responsive Firm
Resolving Legal Disputes With An Innovative Edge

We have integrated advanced technologies, including AI, in our firm’s operations to ensure efficiency and responsiveness. This means estate planning firms seeking our services in probate disputes will never have to endure the long waits associated with our competitors. With us, you are guaranteed prompt replies, ensuring you are always informed and supported. Taking this approach ensures our clients receive the attentive support they need and deserve without the excessive costs.

In addition to our experienced lawyers, our support staff, from paralegals to administrative professionals, are meticulously selected for their profound capabilities, matching the high standards of our attorneys. This harmonious blend of skill and technology makes The Estate Lawyers, APC, a modern choice for discerning clients seeking effective legal solutions

Matters We Handle

trust litigation

Estate litigation

trust contests & will contests

conservatorship

Financial Elder abuse

Probate & estate Administration

Breach of fiduciary duty

Our Locations

18400 Von Karman Ave Suite 550, Irvine, CA 92612

Map and Directions
(949) 785-2009 Learn More

4350 Executive Dr UNIT 310, San Diego, CA 92121

Map and Directions
(858) 358-5501 Learn More

WE are the litigation department For
Estate Planning Attorneys

At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we work with estate planning attorneys that need us to litigate legal disputes involving elder abuse, trust administration, will and trust contests, trust litigation, probate and estate administration, and conservatorships.

You stay as counsel of record the entire time—so when the dispute is resolved, the matter transitions back to you seamlessly and you complete the administration while we step out.

As tenacious litigators, we thrive in the courtroom and in probate situations. Our skilled attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to each legal challenge. Attorneys Amy L. Gostanian, Kimberly R. Mcghee, and Bradley R. Kirk are board certified in Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California. They have represented firms in over 100 trials and use their extensive expertise in collaborating with each member of our legal team to ensure that each case is given the attention it deserves.

Our Litigation Team

Meet the Attorneys

Larissa L. Abruscato

Senior Litigation Attorney

Michelle C. Bartolic

Managing Partner - Legal Production

Evan A. Basakis

Senior Litigation Attorney

Amy L. Gostanian

Managing Partner

Carl L. Jones

Partner

Ryan B. Kalashian

Senior Litigation Attorney

Kaden J. Kennedy

Partner

Justin M. Kincheloe

Partner

Bradley R. Kirk

Managing Partner - Litigation

Michael McDonald

Partner

Testimonials

Client Success Stories

Craig Robinson

a year ago

Amy, Michelle and their team are the best of the best. When it comes their field, they are the most qualified, diligent, responsive, empathetic as it gets for a law firm. I would not hesitate to send a family member or any person needing their services, and I could not be more confident in their team!

ICECHIPS5000

a year ago

I don’t trust 90 percent of attorneys forever. I trust Ryan. My issue has been going on for nine years. I finally have traction and intend to prevail. After a court action in the New Year I will hire Ryan for the new actions.

Kady Kley

a week ago

Brittany Guest is the best litigation paralegal in the business! I have had the pleasure of working with her on many cases. She is willing to bend over backwards for her firm and their clients!

Karsyn Construction

a week ago

I had the pleasure of working with Brittney Guest as she helped guide me through my unique and complicated situation. She was extremely thorough and was very quick to respond. I would highly recommend her.

ben ogo

5 months ago

One of the best decisions I made when it comes to my estate portfolio was hiring The Estate Law. The did an amazing and outstanding job, I am still amazed at the results and outcome of their diligence and outstanding deal! Great Job Amy and Michelle, I really appreciate your hardwork and effort!

Brian Robinson

3 months ago

When things aren’t going well, these are the people to turn to. Very strong litigators, and solid advocates for your estate and or probate matter controversies.

Sergio Men

2 years ago

Amy and her team are excellent. They formed the Special needs trust form my daughter and helped us with the administration of it during my daughter’s life. The law firm who we were dealing with the claim of the accident and who we are very grateful with, because of their humbleness and experience in accidents, they did what others firms didn’t even consider trying. After the accident case was settled, we needed a trust to receive the funds on behalf of my daughter and they try to set it up, but after a few hearing with the courthouse they just said, go see Amy, We did, and oh my goodness, they were able to set and get it approved in just one hearing. This is amazing for what I saw in the court room. Some cases NOT HANDLED by Amy, that I was able to hear during the several times we were in the court room with the accident attorney, some cases were already into 2 years and not resolved. When Amy took our case in her hands. Her staff was so professional that in the first try, the trust was approved by the court. In addition, they were very caring and supportive to us during the time of our relationship as client and attorney, and even though our relationship has ended after the passing of our daughter, I know that if in any case I need someone who I can fully trust blindly this is Amy and her team. If you are looking for fast, reliable and a accurate results look no more, Amy and associates is who you are looking for.

Sincerely

Sergio Mendoza

Janet Taylor

2 years ago

I am writing to commend Lauren for the excellent customer service she provided to me. The self-initiative she showed and the prompt, considerate follow-up communications through-out the process were greatly appreciated. She represents an asset to your team and deserves recognition for her professionalism.

Daniel Rodriguez

10 months ago

This is a firm with top-notch litigators. I have personally met Amy Gostanian and Michelle Bartolic. Amy and Michelle are some of the best legal minds I have worked with. Aside from being excellent attorneys, Amy and Michelle are some of the most caring and compassionate people you will meet.

Kylee Modoc

5 years ago

Joe Patton has been a terrific estate planning resource. He’s very knowledgeable and well-versed. He’s a higher-end attorney but he helped us understand the complexities of setting up a revocable trust and took the time to answer all of our questions candidly (and make suggestions surrounding those hypothetical circumstances). My husband and I feel very fortunate to know him and to know now that our affairs are in order should the unthinkable occur. We’d both highly recommend his counsel as we know him to be very hard-working and honest. He’s a good guy!