Melissa Yoest

Areas of Focus: Life and Legacy Planning

Licensed States: California

What to expect from Melissa Yoest

A 15- minute introductory call to understand your goals and needs.
2-Hour Working Life & Legacy Planning Session: A comprehensive look at your current family dynamics and your assets, including a comprehensive inventory of everything you have so none of it is ever lost.
Education on how the law impacts your family and assets, focused specifically on your County, State and Country of residence.
A transparent discussion of your options to care for what matters most to you, no matter what happens. Planning options that work for you and the people you love. Relational, compassionate counsel to help you make "eyes wide open" choices for yourself and the people you love.
A clear plan (not just documents) for how your assets and those you love will be taken care of, throughout every stage of life, and in the event of your incapacity or death.

About Melissa Yoest

My estate planning practice is centered on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. I excel in guiding my clients through the often confusing maze of financial and legal decisions to create plans that ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. My experience in business formation and planning provides me with the perfect foundation to aid business owners. My considerable legal expertise includes family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning, as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples and divorced individuals. Whether you are married or single, own a business and have substantial assets, I will help you craft a plan that achieves your goals for your loved ones today and for years to come.

As a seasoned professional excelling in both the legal and real estate domains, I bring a unique blend of expertise to my clients. With a successful track record in law and a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market, I offer a holistic approach to address clients' diverse needs. Whether navigating complex legal matters or guiding individuals through property transactions, I leverage a wealth of knowledge and a client-centric approach to deliver exceptional results. With a passion for both law and real estate, I seamlessly combine these skill sets to provide comprehensive and unparalleled service to my clientele.

As an accomplished attorney with a diverse background, my journey started with a Juris Doctorate from Lincoln Law School, Sacramento, and I have continued to expand my knowledge and skills. I hold a Master's in Business Administration with a focus in Accountancy from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, demonstrating my commitment to bridging the gap between law and finance.

My legal career began at Mullen & Fillipi, specializing in Workers' Compensation cases. Advocating for injured workers to secure fair compensation has been a rewarding challenge, and I excelled in negotiations, research, and strategic counsel. My goal has always been to protect the rights of clients and achieve the best possible outcomes in workers' compensation cases.

I have also contributed my legal expertise to Porter Scott Attorneys, where I have honed my skills as a Civil Litigation Attorney. I am proud of my track record in successfully representing clients in a wide range of civil matters, from case inception through trial. My strong foundation in civil procedure, legal strategy, and effective advocacy has allowed me to navigate the complexities of litigation.

In addition to my legal career, I have a unique financial background, having served as a Comptroller. My financial responsibilities included overseeing various aspects, from accounting operations to budgetary planning. I have been instrumental in streamlining financial processes and providing valuable guidance for the company's financial success. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with other companies as an Accountant, where I managed a diverse client portfolio across different industries.

My journey is defined by dedication, a commitment to achieving optimal results, and a unique blend of legal and financial expertise. I am passionate about aligning financial goals with overall business objectives and delivering sound legal solutions. My journey has been a testament to my drive for excellence, both in the courtroom and in financial management.

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THE PERSONAL FAMILY LAWYER PROMISE

What makes PFL lawyers different?

How you hire us.

We begin with a comprehensive inventory of everything you own, and everyone you love, and consider it all in a working meeting, called a Family Wealth Planning Session, to guide you to clarify your financial life and legacy goals before we draft a single document.
How we plan.

We work with you throughout every life stage to map out the most likely scenarios for you and the people you love, planning for each as your life, the law, and your assets change over time.
What we protect.

Our Life & Legacy Planning process ensures everything that matters most -- from your financial assets to your values, insights, stories and experience -- are captured and documented during your life and cared for over the generations to come.
What you see.

Transparency in our process, and our fees … all of which are flat fees, agreed to in advance, based on your choices and with no surprises, ensuring we stay on the same side of the table - supporting you to make a lifetime of great decisions - every step of the way.
How we deliver.

Our systems help you get clear and organized, overcoming the exact issues that keep most estate plans from actually working when they are needed most. We help you leave your family with a gift of love, and not a mess.
How our plans work.

One-and-done estate plans focused only on money are a recipe for a big mess. We help you throughout every stage of life and be there for the people you love, when you can’t be.