Barbara Bergstein

Barbara Bergstein, Esq., is a California attorney whose practice focuses on estate planning, special needs planning, trust administration, probate, estate and gift tax planning, powers of attorney, and related trusts and estates matters. As a sole practitioner, she provides focused guidance to individuals and families preparing for important financial and legal decisions.

Barbara earned her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law in 1993 and holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, completed in 1969. Her legal education supports a career centered on careful planning, tax awareness, and practical solutions for families, fiduciaries, and individuals with specialized estate concerns. Her work includes drafting estate plans, advising on trust administration, and helping clients understand probate responsibilities. She is also frequently consulted on special needs trusts, including planning for families with disabled children and trusts connected to personal injury settlements involving disabled minors or adults who require long-term financial protection.

Barbara has contributed to professional education through published writing on special needs trusts and estate planning for individuals with special needs. Her articles have appeared in respected legal and tax publications, reflecting her experience with irrevocable trusts, gift and estate tax planning, and legal strategies for vulnerable beneficiaries. Her professional background includes frequent lectures for legal, accounting, and continuing education organizations, including programs connected with California legal and CPA groups. These presentations have allowed her to share practical insight with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals who advise families on estate, trust, tax, and incapacity planning.

Barbara Bergstein has also served in leadership and committee roles with probate, trust, estate, and tax-related professional organizations. Her past involvement includes service on the executive board and in subcommittees, demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving professional understanding of estate planning, trust administration, incapacity issues, and tax-sensitive planning for California clients. Through her practice, she helps clients protect assets, plan for loved ones, preserve public benefit eligibility where appropriate, and manage fiduciary duties with confidence. Her work combines technical knowledge with practical guidance, helping families and representatives address sensitive legal issues with preparation, clarity, and responsible long-term planning.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Barbara Bergstein
• Member, California State Bar, Probate & Trust Section
• Member, San Fernando Valley Bar, Probate & Trust Section
• Past Member, Los Angeles County Bar, Trusts and Estates Section, Executive Board
• Past Member, State of California, Incapacity Subcommittee, Trusts and Estates Section
• Past member, Beverly Hills Bar, Probate & Trust Section
• Past member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Past Member, Los Angeles County Probate Volunteer Panel

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Southwestern University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California at Los Angeles
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges