Attorney in Orange County, California
An Overview of Our Practice
At the office of Arnie Blakely, Attorney at Law, in Costa Mesa, we have represented individuals and businesses throughout Orange County, California, for over 30 years. A former judge pro tem, attorney Blakely understands how courts operate and is familiar with the different ways legal disputes can be resolved. We will listen carefully to your concerns and help you identify solutions that are tailored to your individualized needs. Contact our office or call us at 714-881-2579 x2122 for an appointment.
Probate/Trust Administration and Estate Planning
We work with trustees of private trusts, preparing trust documents and providing guidance regarding the management and distribution of assets in a trust, including post-death administration. We advise executors, administrators and personal representatives in estate administration matters, helping you successfully complete the requirements to settle an estate through the probate process. We also handle any litigation related to trust or estate administration.
We counsel individuals who seek to establish and implement plans for the distribution of assets or the care of minor children in the event of death. We prepare all the necessary documents to put an estate plan in place, including wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, powers of attorney and advanced health care powers of attorney.
To learn more, see our page on probate and estate planning.
Business and Corporate Law
We handle a wide range of legal issues for businesses, from formation to dissolution, whether you are establishing a general or limited partnership, a limited liability company or partnership, or a corporation. We negotiate, review and prepare business contracts, handle mergers and acquisitions, as well as loan agreements and documentation. For additional information, see our page on business and corporate law.
Civil Litigation
We represent individuals and businesses in civil litigation, including probate and trust disputes, residential and commercial real estate litigation, and tax controversies. We have the experience to help you resolve civil matters through alternative means of dispute resolution, including mediation or arbitration, but will always be ready to protect your interests before a judge, if necessary. See our page on civil litigation to learn more.
Tax Issues
We provide general tax advice to individuals and businesses, including partnerships, LLCs, corporations and tax-exempt organizations, handling a wide range of issues, from federal and state tax compliance to audits and negotiations with tax authorities or the preparation of offers in compromise. We also handle tax litigation and appeals, including disputes involving income taxes, payroll taxes, estate taxes and property taxes. To learn more, go to our tax page.
Defense of Professionals in Malpractice or Other Legal Matters
We represent professionals, from attorneys and doctors to accountants and architects, as well as psychologists and psychiatrists, teachers and ministers, handling litigation involving allegations of professional malpractice.
Copyrights and Trademarks
We help individuals and business protect their creative efforts through the filing of copyright, trademark or service mark applications.
Do-It-Yourself Legal Documents
With the proliferation of online legal forms, you may believe it is easier and more cost-effective to handle most of your legal matters by yourself, including wills and advanced health care powers of attorney. Often, however, the forms don't tell you everything you need to know to fully protect yourself. You can save yourself a lot of money and legal difficulty by having us review any documents you have prepared on your own.
To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced lawyer, contact us or call us at 714-881-2579 x2122. We have a voice mail service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our office is located just off the Bristol exit on the 405 freeway, near the South Coast Plaza shopping center.