Your Estate Planners For Life

BIG FIRM BACKGROUND. SMALL FIRM CARE.

Attorneys Zakiya Norton and Somita Basu know that quality estate planning and probate service requires listening to their clients’ needs and goals before anything else.

Get To Know Zakya And Somita

Proudly Serving Los Gatos, San Jose, Santa Clara, Oakland, and Los Angeles Estate Planning and Probate Needs

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We Guide Families Through The Legal Process After Death Or Disability

Comprehensive estate planning cannot provide emotional relief after an unexpected death or disability, but it can prevent loved ones from having to go through an extended probate process and make sure that they get the care they need. We are adept at creating solutions that proactively consider the obstacles and integrate your goals into a plan that fits your needs.

Somita Basu

Partner

Zakiya J. Norton, Esq., California estate planning, probate and trust litigation attorney at Norton Basu LLP

Zakiya Norton

Partner

Our Services

Estate Planning

A comprehensive estate plan can help your loved ones avoid probate, take care of you in case of capacity, and protect your legacy.

Probate Lawyers

Probate is a legal process where the court oversees the gathering of your assets, payments of your debts, and distribution of your estate to your heirs.

Trust Administration

When a Trustor passes away, trust administration is the process where the Successor Trustee complete

Our Guiding Philosophy

You may think that you don’t own an “estate” and, therefore, don’t need an estate plan. But everyone needs some form of estate planning. Estate planning is about leaving what you have to whomever you want. If you don’t have an estate plan, the state has one for you, but chances are you won’t like it. An estate plan can help you avoid probate, plan for estate tax complications and make the transfer of your assets a smooth process for your loved ones at a difficult time.

Compassionate Assistance During The Probate Process

It can be overwhelming to grapple with the loss of a loved one while also being responsible for administering their estate. We can step in to assist you, making sure that all the legal requirements are met while completing the process as quickly and smoothly as possible.

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Our Testimonials

“Norton and Basu rendered outstanding professional services to my parents in reviewing, preparing and updating their estate plan and living trust. They paid meticulous attention to details and were very responsive and prompt in answering all questions. They guided my parents through difficult decisions with a high degree of empathy and professionalism. We are very pleased with their expertise and highly recommend them to anyone with estate planning needs.”
- Benita Jones
“One of the best decisions I ever made (and I’ve made a lot of them over the course to 19 years as a judge), was to retain Norton Basu LLP to prepare my will and trust. In a word, the work that they did for me was TERRIFIC! I presided over the Probate Court in Santa Clara County for two years and during that time, I had the opportunity to see good and bad lawyering. In my view, the Norton Basu LLP is the best of the best. I give to them my highest recommendation. And, if you do not yet have a will or are in need of estate planning, stop procrastinating. Call or email Norton Basu LLP. It will be one of the best decisions you will ever make.”
- Ret. Judge LaDoris Cordell
Superior Court of California
“I went to Norton Basu after I found out that I needed to have a trust in addition to our will. Somita and Zakiya were so personable, it was a breath of fresh air coming from lawyers. They were very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions on the spot. We had no clue of all the planning we needed to have in place. They gave us recommendations and even met with us to sign the final papers in a location that was more convenient for us. I would not hesitate to refer these ladies to anyone in need of Estate Planning. If you want to get real results with real people, call them up. They can even help if you are out of state!”
- Jenny Williams
“I had the pleasure of working with Somita and Zakiya when doing estate planning. They were very helpful and patient with me (I had a lot of questions). The best part of this experience was the fact that they handle all of the fine details that I do know or have the time to take care of. Overall great experience.”
- Jason Williams
“Estate planning is something that we all need to do and it is so great to have Somita to work with. She has the knowledge and expertise to really run with your specific plans. I barely knew some of the specific laws and ways that she recommended for my family. She made it easy for us!”
- R. Chang