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Our Estate Litigators Can Help You

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.

Let Us Resolve Your Probate Dispute

Built on Experience Driven by Compassion

More than 20 years ago, Amy L. Gostanian founded The Estate Lawyers with a commitment to helping families navigate complex trust and estate matters with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

After witnessing firsthand the emotional and financial toll that family disputes can create, Amy dedicated her practice to helping clients protect what matters most. Today, that mission continues through a team of experienced attorneys and professionals who understand that every case is personal.

When the stakes are high, experience matters. The Estate Lawyers combines deep legal knowledge with strategic advocacy to help clients achieve the best possible outcome and move forward with peace of mind.

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Trusted Litigators Resolving Legal Disputes
Throughout Southern California Since 2005

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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 

Our Locations

Irvine Law Office
3 Park Plaza, Suite 1400,
Irvine, CA 92614
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San Diego Law Office
4350 Executive Dr Unit 310,
San Diego, CA 92121
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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.

Meet the Attorneys

Larissa L. Abruscato

Larissa L. Abruscato

Senior Litigation Attorney
Michelle C. Bartolic

Michelle C. Bartolic

Managing Partner - Legal Production
Evan A. Basakis

Evan A. Basakis

Senior Litigation Attorney
Brooke Buchanan The Estate Lawyers

Brooke A. Buchanan

Litigation Attorney
Nicole J. D'Ambrogi

Nicole J. D’Ambrogi

Managing Attorney - San Diego
Meghan M. Glaspy

Meghan M. Glaspy

Managing Attorney - Irvine
Michael Godbe The Estate Lawyers

Michael E. Godbe

Senior Litigation Attorney
Amy L. Gostanian

Amy L. Gostanian

Managing Partner
Ryan B. Kalashian

Ryan B. Kalashian

Senior Litigation Attorney

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.

Debra Tancil

a month ago

It was the best thing, meeting with Natalie Ortiz for a strategy session. Her quiet calm ability to find the bare core essence of the matter and help me see the simple truth is a beautiful gift she has.

I appreciated her help very much. It gave me the understanding and clarity I needed and has eased my path forward. This is such a relief off my shoulders and psyche.

In addition, the visit was made very comfortable by the welcoming hospitality of the lovely Priscilla.

Alexandra Heath

a month ago

I really appreciated Garrett’s approach from the very beginning. He made me feel heard and taken seriously, and I never felt rushed or like just another intake call. He asked thoughtful questions, helped me make sense of my options, and connected me with someone who was actually suited to my situation. That level of care made a stressful experience feel a lot less overwhelming.

Emily Y

a month ago

I had a wonderful experience with this firm! Everyone I interacted with was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Lauryn in particular was extremely helpful, attentive, and a pleasure to work with – I appreciated her responsiveness and willingness to help. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for knowledgeable, compassionate, and responsive legal professionals for trust or probate matters.

Maria McGowen

a month ago

Mackenzie has been exceptional throughout the entire process. Probate matters can be complicated and stressful, but she has consistently made me feel informed, supported, and confident that my case is being handled with great care. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, thorough, and responsive, and she has an excellent ability to explain complicated legal issues in a way that is clear and easy to understand. I would highly recommend her!

Jessica Tran

a month ago

I had the pleasure of working with Stephanie, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, she was incredibly helpful, attentive, and supportive. She always kept me updated, was quick to respond whenever I had questions, and made sure I understood what was happening every step of the way.

There were definitely moments when the process felt overwhelming, but Stephanie made everything feel so much more manageable. I really appreciated how detail-oriented and proactive she was, and it was clear that she genuinely cared about helping me and making sure everything went smoothly.

Stephanie is professional, reliable, responsive, and truly goes above and beyond for her clients. I’m so grateful for all of her help and would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for someone they can trust.

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!

David Nye

5 months ago

I can’t express how valuable and supportive Carl and Cara was for us! Carl was not only supportive, but also helpful when it came to navigating through the ins and out of our case. Carl never steered us in any way, but was more supportive in advising us as to where we were at all times in our case and helpful when it came to times on making a decision to make on the case itself. I would highly recommend them to any friend or family that are in need of an attorney.

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

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.

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Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes

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