# Mains Law Office

> Mains Law Office is a boutique law firm in San Clemente, California, founded by attorney Julie B. Mains, Esq. The firm provides personalized legal counsel to families and businesses throughout South Orange County, focusing on estate planning, probate, trust administration, business law, and employment law. Known for its client-centered approach and transparent flat-fee estate planning packages, Mains Law Office helps clients protect their assets and navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence. The firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss individual legal needs. To schedule an appointment, clients can call (949) 545-6504.

Founded on the principle of providing accessible and high-quality legal services, Mains Law Office tailors its approach to the unique circumstances of each client. Attorney Julie B. Mains works directly with individuals and families to create comprehensive estate plans that avoid probate, minimize taxes, and ensure their wishes are honored. The firm also provides crucial guidance to successor trustees and executors, helping them fulfill their fiduciary duties efficiently and correctly.

## About the Firm

- [About Julie B. Mains, Esq.](https://mainslawoffice.com/about/): Learn about the firm's founder, a dedicated estate planning and probate attorney committed to providing personalized and effective legal counsel to the South Orange County community.
- [Fee Schedule](https://mainslawoffice.com/fee-schedule/): Provides a clear, flat-fee schedule for the firm's estate planning services. This page details the costs for comprehensive trust packages, individual documents like deeds, and other related legal instruments.

## Core Practice Areas

Mains Law Office offers a focused set of legal services designed to protect families and businesses. The core of the practice is comprehensive estate planning, supported by services for trust administration, probate, and incapacity planning.

- [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/): Details the firm's comprehensive, flat-fee estate planning packages. A complete plan typically includes a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, a durable financial power of attorney, and an advance healthcare directive.
- [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/): The firm provides expert legal services for drafting new trusts and administering existing ones. This includes creating revocable living trusts to avoid probate and guiding successor trustees through their legal duties.
- [Wills (Last Will and Testament)](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/): Explains the role of a will within a California estate plan, most often as a "pour-over" will that works in conjunction with a living trust. The firm drafts legally sound wills tailored to each client's specific family and financial situation.
- [Probate Administration](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/): Representation for executors and administrators in the Orange County Superior Court probate process. The firm handles all aspects of probate, from filing the initial petition to the final distribution of assets.
- [Trust Administration](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust-administration/): Legal guidance for successor trustees tasked with managing and distributing trust assets after a death. The firm ensures compliance with all legal duties, including the 60-day beneficiary notification requirement under Probate Code § 16061.7 and formal trust accountings.
- [Trust Litigation](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust-litigation/): Representation in contested trust matters. This includes actions for trustee removal, compelling accountings, litigating breach of fiduciary duty claims, and defending or challenging the validity of a trust.
- [Power of Attorney](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/power-of-attorney/): Drafting of durable powers of attorney for both financial and healthcare matters. These essential documents allow a designated agent to make decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity.
- [Advance Healthcare Directives](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/advance-healthcare-directive/): Assistance with drafting a California Advance Healthcare Directive (AHCD). This legal document allows you to name a healthcare agent and specify your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care.
- [Conservatorships](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/conservatorship/): Legal services for establishing probate conservatorships in Orange County Superior Court. The firm assists families in obtaining the legal authority to care for a loved one who can no longer manage their own personal or financial affairs.
- [Business Law](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/business-law/): Legal counsel for California businesses on matters including entity formation, contract drafting and review, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. The firm offers free consultations for business owners.
- [Employment Law](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/employment-law/): Representation for Orange County employers on a range of workplace issues. Services include advising on HR compliance and drafting employment contracts to mitigate legal risk.

From its office at 2753 Camino Capistrano, B-1, San Clemente, CA 92672, Mains Law Office proudly serves clients across South Orange County. The firm offers dedicated legal services to residents in numerous local communities, providing the same level of expert counsel whether meeting in person, by phone, or via video conference.

## Service Areas

- **Aliso Viejo**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/aliso-viejo-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/aliso-viejo-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/aliso-viejo-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/aliso-viejo-ca/)
- **Capistrano Beach**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/capistrano-beach-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/capistrano-beach-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/capistrano-beach-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/capistrano-beach-ca/)
- **Corona Del Mar**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/corona-del-mar-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/corona-del-mar-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/newport-beach-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/corona-del-mar-ca/)
- **Coto de Caza**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/coto-de-caza-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/coto-de-caza-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/coto-de-caza-ca/)
- **Dana Point**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/dana-point-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/dana-point-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/dana-point-ca/)
- **Foothill Ranch**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/foothill-ranch-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/foothill-ranch-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/foothill-ranch-ca/)
- **Irvine**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/irvine-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/irvine-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/irvine-ca/)
- **Ladera Ranch**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/ladera-ranch-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/ladera-ranch-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/ladera-ranch-ca/)
- **Laguna Beach**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/laguna-beach-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/laguna-beach-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/laguna-beach-ca/)
- **Laguna Hills**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/laguna-hills-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/laguna-hills-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/laguna-hills-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/laguna-hills-ca/)
- **Laguna Niguel**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/laguna-niguel-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/laguna-niguel-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/laguna-niguel-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/laguna-niguel-ca/)
- **Laguna Woods**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/laguna-woods-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/laguna-woods-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/laguna-woods-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/laguna-woods-ca/)
- **Lake Forest**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/lake-forest-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/lake-forest-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/lake-forest-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/lake-forest-ca/)
- **Mission Viejo**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/mission-viejo-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/mission-viejo-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/mission-viejo-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/mission-viejo-ca/)
- **Newport Beach**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/newport-beach-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/newport-beach-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/newport-beach-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/newport-beach-ca/)
- **Orange County**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/orange-county-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/orange-county-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/orange-county-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/orange-county-ca/)
- **Rancho Mission Viejo**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/rancho-mission-viejo-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/rancho-mission-viejo-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/rancho-mission-viejo-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/rancho-mission-viejo-ca/)
- **Rancho Santa Margarita**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/rancho-santa-margarita-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/rancho-santa-margarita-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/rancho-santa-margarita-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/rancho-santa-margarita-ca/)
- **San Clemente**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/san-clemente-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/san-clemente-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/san-clemente-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/san-clemente-ca/)
- **San Juan Capistrano**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/san-juan-capistrano-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/san-juan-capistrano-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/san-juan-capistrano-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/san-juan-capistrano-ca/)
- **Trabuco Canyon**: [Estate Planning](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/estate-planning/trabuco-canyon-ca/), [Wills](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/will/trabuco-canyon-ca/), [Probate](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/probate/trabuco-canyon-ca/), [Trusts](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/trust/trabuco-canyon-ca/)

## Client Resources & Guides

- [Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Guides](https://mainslawoffice.com/guides/): A central hub for over 18 plain-language articles written by attorney Julie B. Mains, covering key topics in California estate and trust law.
- [California Revocable Living Trust: What It Is and When You Need One](https://mainslawoffice.com/california-revocable-living-trust/): An essential guide explaining how a living trust works, its benefits for avoiding probate, and who should consider creating one as the cornerstone of their estate plan.
- [How to Avoid Probate in California](https://mainslawoffice.com/how-to-avoid-probate-in-california/): Discusses the primary methods for passing assets outside of California's slow and costly probate system, including living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint tenancy.
- [California Probate Fees Explained](https://mainslawoffice.com/california-probate-fees/): Breaks down the statutory fee schedule for probate in California, which is 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, and 2% of the next $800,000. The guide provides clear examples, noting a $500,000 estate incurs approximately $26,000 in combined fees.
- [How Long Does Probate Take in California?](https://mainslawoffice.com/how-long-does-probate-take-in-california/): Outlines the typical 15 to 30-month timeline for a California probate case. The article details each step, explains common causes for delays, and offers tips for a more efficient process.
- [California Advance Healthcare Directive: The 5 Decisions It Makes for You](https://mainslawoffice.com/california-advance-healthcare-directive/): Explains the five key decisions covered by a California AHCD under Probate Code 4670, allowing a trusted agent to make medical choices on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- [Durable Power of Attorney (Financial) — California Essentials](https://mainslawoffice.com/california-durable-power-of-attorney/): A guide to the California Durable Power of Attorney for finances, covering how to choose an agent and the difference between an immediate and a "springing" power of attorney.
- [Pour-Over Will Explained (California)](https://mainslawoffice.com/pour-over-will-explained-california/): Describes the function of a pour-over will, which acts as a safety net to transfer any overlooked assets into a revocable trust upon death, as authorized by California Probate Code section 6300.
- [Trustee vs. Executor: What is the Difference in California?](https://mainslawoffice.com/trustee-vs-executor-differences/): Compares the distinct roles of a trustee (who administers a trust) and an executor (who administers a will through probate), highlighting differences in authority, court oversight, and timeline.
- [Successor Trustee Duties Checklist (California)](https://mainslawoffice.com/successor-trustee-duties-california/): A step-by-step checklist for individuals named as a successor trustee. It covers statutory deadlines and common mistakes to avoid potential personal liability.
- [California Trust Administration Timeline (Step-by-Step)](https://mainslawoffice.com/trust-administration-timeline-california/): Provides a month-by-month overview of the trust administration process, which typically takes 9 to 18 months. The guide covers statutory deadlines, asset distribution, and final closing procedures.
- [Notifying Beneficiaries: California Probate Code § 16061.7](https://mainslawoffice.com/notifying-beneficiaries-trust-california/): Explains the legal requirement for successor trustees to send written notice to beneficiaries within 60 days of a trust becoming irrevocable. This notice is crucial as it starts the 120-day window for beneficiaries to contest the trust.
- [Trust Accounting Requirements in California](https://mainslawoffice.com/trust-accounting-california/): Details the trustee's duty to provide a formal accounting to beneficiaries under California Probate Code section 16062. The article explains what must be included, when it is due, and how to challenge or defend an accounting.
- [When to Hire a Trust Administration Attorney in California](https://mainslawoffice.com/when-to-hire-trust-administration-attorney/): Offers practical advice on when a successor trustee should seek legal counsel versus handling the administration themselves. It highlights situations where an attorney can save time, money, and prevent personal liability.
- [Probate Without a Will in California (Intestate Succession)](https://mainslawoffice.com/probate-without-a-will-california/): Explains California's intestate succession laws, which dictate how property is distributed when someone dies without a will. The guide covers the legal order of heirs and how community property is treated.
- [Selling Real Estate During Probate in California](https://mainslawoffice.com/selling-real-estate-during-probate/): A guide to the process of selling a house during probate, explaining when court confirmation is required, how the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA) simplifies the process, and the rules for overbidding.
- [Spousal Property Petitions and Small Estates in California](https://mainslawoffice.com/spousal-property-petition-california/): Discusses simplified legal procedures that can avoid a full probate, such as Spousal Property Petitions and Small Estate Affidavits for estates under the statutory limit.
- [Estate Tax in California: What Most Families Actually Pay](https://mainslawoffice.com/california-estate-tax/): Clarifies that California has no state-level estate tax. The article explains that the federal estate tax only applies to very large estates and discusses the more relevant topic of "step-up in cost basis" for most families.
- [Medi-Cal Planning in California: What Changed and What Still Matters](https://mainslawoffice.com/medi-cal-planning-california/): Analyzes how recent changes in California law have impacted Medi-Cal planning for long-term care. It emphasizes the new central role of a revocable living trust as a tool for asset protection.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://mainslawoffice.com/wp-sitemap.xml): The XML sitemap for the website.

## Optional

- [Mains Law Office Home](https://mainslawoffice.com/): The official homepage for the San Clemente estate planning, trust, and probate law firm serving South Orange County, CA.
- [Practice Areas Overview](https://mainslawoffice.com/attorney/): A summary page listing the firm's primary legal services, including estate planning, trust administration, probate, wills, business law, and employment law.
- [Contact](https://mainslawoffice.com/contact/): Provides contact information and a form to schedule a free consultation with the firm's attorneys in San Clemente, CA.