Endorsements | Debra Watanuki | Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Nonprofit/Business Law in Fremont, California

“Debra Watanuki created an estate plan for me that covered all the legal matters that would normally occur in the event of my death. She also prepared a Power of Attorney document, so people I trust could be empowered to act in my stead, if the need arose. In crafting these documents, Debra worked closely with me and my financial planner to make sure all necessary items were addressed. She listened carefully and clearly explained the nuances of what needed to be done. Throughout the process I was comfortable sharing all relevant details of my life, and I was comfortable believing she would protect my privacy. The documents were prepared in a timely manner at a reasonable price, and I am thoroughly satisfied with her service.”
— Ed S.

“Debra is the third lawyer my husband and I hired to create/update our living trust. She is the best; she does the work required without providing unnecessary services (we realized working with her the others had). She has modified our trust several times and is now helping me administer my husband’s trust. She is the consummate professional. I whole heartedly recommend her to my friends and associates.”
— Susan N.

“Debbie volunteered her time to help us with setting up a non-profit organization back in 2015. We had no idea what to do and where to start, and Debbie patiently walked us through all the legal procedures, explained legal terms, helped us write our By-Laws and other necessary documents. She also helped filing all the legal documents with the right places and we were able to get a non-profit exempt status without any issues.

Recently she also helped us apply for a license so that we can host raffles for fundraising. She is knowledgeable, efficient and very responsive. Thank you so much Debbie!”
— Corinna F., President Hopkins Band and Orchestra Boosters

“Like many people my husband and I meant to prepare a family trust and all the proper paperwork associated with estate planning, but just didn’t get around to it. Our girls were in grammar school when my husband was diagnosed with cancer and needed surgery within three days. Debra came to the rescue with some temporary documentation to get us through. After my husband recovered, she sat down with us and we prepared the trust and other estate planning documents. Debra is very knowledgeable and explains things well. She took the time to understand our needs and was very patient and answered all our questions. She makes the process easy and stress-free.”
— Lori and Phil S.

“Debbie helped me sort out my priorities in a family dispute. Her measured and sympathetic approach helped to articulate the important issues.”
— Carolyn B.

“We have been putting our estate planning off for several years because it seemed like a daunting and complicated task, and we really did not know where to start. It was quite overwhelming!

Our financial planner referred us to Ms. Watanuki. She sent us some questionnaires that we should each fill up and a glossary of terms that we should review prior to our first meeting. This would help Ms. Watanuki plan and craft the documents she would be preparing for our estate planning. She came to our home to meet us, explain the process, go over our responses and answer our questions. We immediately felt we could trust her and that she will do a thorough job. We had a few back and forths mainly due to our request for her to explain some legal text or the differences between the several trusts and how and when those trusts would be in effect. We were surprised when she gave us the original estate planning documents – it was on a sturdy labelled binder and it had a list of the different sections. She also provided a copy that should be kept separate from the originals. Being a notary public, we did all the signing, fingerprinting and recording with her in the comfort of our home.

What once seemed an impossible and difficult task is now completed! We are at peace knowing that should something happen to us, there is a plan in place for our Advanced Healthcare Directive, our Durable (and alternate) Power of Attorneys, our minor children’s primary and alternate guardians, living expenses for the children, the amount of assets that will go into the different trusts for our heirs and when these will be distributed.

Thanks to Ms. Watanuki, we were able to complete our estate planning! We highly recommend Ms. Watanuki for your estate planning needs!”
— Cynthia and Raymund M.

“We hired Debra because we needed to create a living trust for our family. My husband and I wanted to secure our assets for our three sons in our passing. I didn’t have any background in legal entities, so I was intimidated by the whole process. My husband left it to me to figure out what to do. I trusted Debra’s knowledge and professionalism. She presented her process, our options, and the consequences of each option. Her questionnaires helped me sort through the confusion. She took the time to explain and simplify the legal process. She delivered a beautiful hard bound binder with all our trust documents inside. Now we can rest assured that our family is protected financially and legally thanks to Debra.

I recommend Debra Watanuki for your Estate Planning needs!”
— Esther and Victor G.