Philip J. Kavesh is a nationally recognized attorney, authority, speaker, educator and technical innovator in estate planning.
Phil has earned significant recognition and accolades during his over 35 years of practice as an estate planning attorney. Phil holds a Master Degree (LL.M.) in Tax Law and is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. He also has been awarded the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant designations. Phil has served his fellow estate planning and financial professionals by teaching in the Golden Gate University Graduate Tax Degree and Certified Financial Planner programs. Phil was also selected by his peers and served on their behalf as the California Legislative Liaison for the International Association of Financial Planners and has represented the estate planning attorney community in testifying before State legislative committees seeking to regulate the estate and financial planning professions and to eliminate “Trust mills”. In fact, several of the practice forms and client disclosure pieces created by Phil have been incorporated into new legislation and regulations. Furthermore, Phil was one of three attorney co-founders of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. He has also been an honorary member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys and is currently a member of WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel.
Phil has been recognized and quoted as an estate and tax planning authority in numerous national, prestigious publications, including Money Magazine, Investors Daily, Personal Finance Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Business Journal, Consumer Reports Magazine, Ed Slott’s IRA Newsletter, Investment Advisor Magazine, Life Insurance Selling, and PacQuarterly. He has appeared on several television and radio programs and his weekly TV show, “Preserve Your Estate”, was broadcast on local Los Angeles TV for over six years.
Phil has created or co-created numerous technical advances in estate planning, including the Personal Asset TrustSM and the IRA Inheritance Trust®. He has also authored or co-authored several outstanding consumer publications including “The Ten Biggest Mistakes People Make When Setting Up a Living Trust”, “The Top Ten Estate Planning Mistakes Wealthy People Make”, “21st Century Wealth”, and “The Questions You Should Ask When Choosing Your Estate Planner”.
Even more impressive are Phil’s accomplishments as a speaker and educator of the public and his professional peers. Phil has personally presented over 2,000 seminars on estate, tax and financial planning to the general public, to various major corporations and their employees, and to CPAs, financial planners and attorneys. His renowned seminars have been duplicated and sold to thousands of estate planning professionals and financial advisors in the U.S. and Canada. Phil has devoted substantial efforts to improving the standards in the estate planning and financial planning industries by personally training over 4,000 attorneys and financial planners. He co-wrote and co-presented the “Marketing Boot Camp for Estate Planning Attorneys”, which was the precursor of the American Academy. He also co-wrote and co-presented the “Million Dollar Producer Boot Camp” for financial planners, with Tom Gau. Most recently, Phil has trained and helped numerous estate planning attorneys and financial planners throughout the country through his company, The Ultimate Estate Planner, Inc.
In summary, Phil Kavesh’s commitment and contribution to the welfare of his clients, the consumer public, and his profession are truly unique.
Practice areas
40 years, 12,000 cases
We specialize in the drafting and design of Living Trusts, including the innovative advances of our Personal Asset Trust and the IRA Inheritance Trust®.
40 years, 12,000 cases
We are able to assist clients with the assistance of numerous advanced planning specialists in the area of income and estate tax planning.
40 years, 2,000 cases
We help people who have either not done any estate planning or who do not properly do their estate plan and with an estate that ends up in probate.
40 years, 500 cases
With the assistance of an of-counsel attorney, we help several clients with various Elder Law, Medi-Cal and Special Needs planning.
40 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English, Mandarin, Spanish
Kavesh, Minor & Otis, Inc.
990 West 190th
Suite 500
Torrance, CA, 90502
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1980 | 02/07/2022 |
PA | Retired | 1979 | 03/15/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law | State Bar of California | 1992 |
ChFC, Financial & Insurance Planning | The American College | 1986 |
CFP, Financial Planning | College for Financial Planning | 1982 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President | The Ultimate Estate Planner | 2004 - Present |
Principal | Kavesh, Minor & Otis, Inc. | 1981 - Present |
Associate Attorney | Bruck Kranz & Perry | 1981 - 1982 |
Associate Attorney | Karno & Schwartz | 1980 - 1981 |
Associate Attorney | Kavesh & Basile | 1978 - 1978 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
ElderCounsel | Member | 2015 - Present |
WealthCounsel | Member | 2000 - Present |
State Bar of California | Member | 1980 - Present |
Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member | 1980 - Present |
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys | Founding Member | N/A |
WealthAdvisors | Founding Member | 2006 - 2008 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Wall Street Journal | Does Your Trust Need a Tune-Up? | 2011 |
The Wall Street Journal | The $5 Million Tax Break | 2011 |
Official California Apartment Journal | 2010 Tax Act Opportunities for Apartment Owners (If You Take Advantage of Them!) | 2011 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Sell Property Tax Without An Exchange | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Have You Planned Properly “Keep It All in the Family”? | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) Mistakes - - to Avoid! Part 2 | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) Mistakes - - to Avoid! Part 1 | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | What Are Obama & Congress Up To? (And What Should You Be Doing Right Now?) | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Help Protect Your Home with a Personal Residence Trust | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Should You Make Year End Gifts Of Real Estate? (Can You Afford Not To?) | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Have You Planned Your Family “Dynasty”? | 2010 |
Official California Apartment Journal | Why Would an Apartment Owner Invest in Life Insurance? | 2010 |
Taxes - The Tax Magazine | Ensuring the Stretchout | 2007 |
Investment Advisor Magazine | The Home Stretch: A New IRA Beneficiary Trust Maximizes the Income Tax Stretchout While Protecting the Beneficiaries | 2005 |
Tax Hotline | The IRA Inheritance Trust: A Brand New Strategy to Protect Your Family | 2005 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Haverford College | Undergraduate | N/A |
Dickinson SOL | JD - Juris Doctor | N/A |
University of Miami School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | N/A |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Seminar - Apartment Owners Association, California Southern Cities | Is Your Living Trust A Ticking Time Bomb? | 2011 |
Seminar - Apartment Owners Association, California Southern Cities | How Will The New Income & Estate Tax Laws Impact You? | 2011 |
The Gathering for the Laureate Center for Wealth Advisors | How to Thrive in an Under $5 Million Market | 2011 |
Basic and Advanced Estate Tax & Asset Protection Planning in 2011 | The 2011 Ultimate Estate Planning Super Teleconference Series | 2011 |
Secured Financial Solutions, LLC - Power Producer Conference | The Top 22 Overlooked Uses of Life Insurance | 2011 |
Living Trust Seminar | Living Trust | 2011 |
UEP Teleconference | The Final Resolution of the 2010 Estate Tax | 2010 |
UEP Teleconference | The Learn It Now 10-Part IRA eCourse (Self Study) | 2010 |
UEP Teleconference | An Update of the 2010 Roth IRA Conversion Rules and Strategies | 2010 |
UEP Teleconference | Paying IRAs to Trusts: The Lessons of PLR201021038 | 2010 |
UEP Teleconference | Overview of the 3.8% Investment Tax Under the Health Care Bill | 2010 |
Investor’s Capital Corp National Conference | A Secret to Increasing Rep Production in Tough Times | 2009 |
LPL Financial Focus National Conference | Keys to Developing a Successful Estate Planning Attorney Relationship | 2009 |
Grubb & Ellis Annual Due Diligence Meeting | Developing Effective Attorney & Advisor Referral Relationships | 2009 |
The Ultimate Roth IRA Training Teleconference Series | The “Basics” of Roth Conversion Planning | 2009 |
The Ultimate Roth IRA Training Teleconference Series | Advanced Roth IRA Planning | 2009 |
The Ultimate Roth IRA Training Teleconference Series | Special Estate Planning for Roth IRA | 2009 |
Sidney Kess’ Ultimate Estate, Retirement and Financial Planning Conference | The Top 10 IRA Planning Mistakes Clients (And Their Advisors) Make! and Over 24 Commonly Overlooked Life Insurance Trust (and Tax Compliance) Opportunities | 2008 |
Advisors Excel IRA College Level I and Level II Programs | IRA Inheritance Trust® and Referral Relationships Between Financial Advisors & Estate Planning Attorneys | 2008 |
American Bar Association (ABA) teleconference | Avoiding Retirement Plan Disasters: Trusts as Beneficiaries and Creditor Protection for IRAs | 2008 |
PESI, LLC Continuing Education Webinar | IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2008 |
Million Dollar Round Table (“MDRT”) Annual Meeting | IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2007 |
Advanced Planning Legal Network (“APLN”) Teleconference Trainings | IRA Inheritance Trust® and Watch Out for Your State Bar Ethics Rules & Be Careful With Your Marketing! | 2007 |
Dennis Tubbergen’s Financial Advising Conference | IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2007 |
American Bar Association (ABA) Teleconference | How to Avoid the Top 10 Retirement Distribution Disasters | 2007 |
LIMRA Advanced Sales Forum | IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2006 |
Society of Financial Service Professionals | IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2006 |
WealthCounsel’s 9th Annual National Conference | Planning After PLR 200537044: Understanding One of the Most Significant Rulings of 2005 | 2006 |
John Hancock Annuities 3rd Annual Premier Partner Symposium | The Hottest, Breakthrough IRA Strategy (And Huge Marketing Opportunity!): The IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2006 |
PESI, LLC Teleconference | The Newest Breakthrough IRA Strategy (and Client Marketing Opportunity) | 2006 |
First Financial Resource Fall Meeting | The Hottest Breakthrough IRA Strategy: IRA Inheritance Trust® | 2005 |
Mike Massey, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 22, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Phil on several occasions. I have learned from his experience as he teaches other lawyers how to be better lawyers. I trust his judgment and due diligence. He's an experienced attorney and he's a very likable person.
Andrew Byers, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 20, 2016
Relationship: Other
Residents of southern California are fortunate to be near one of the top estate planning law firms, in the country, Kavesh, Minor & Otis. As an estate planning attorney, I have personally benefited from Phil Kavesh’s continuing education materials for attorneys and give him and the other attorneys in his firm the highest endorsement.
Mike Massey, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 22, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Phil on several occasions. I have learned from his experience as he teaches other lawyers how to be better lawyers. I trust his judgment and due diligence. He's an experienced attorney and he's a very likable person.
Andrew Byers, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 20, 2016
Relationship: Other
Residents of southern California are fortunate to be near one of the top estate planning law firms, in the country, Kavesh, Minor & Otis. As an estate planning attorney, I have personally benefited from Phil Kavesh’s continuing education materials for attorneys and give him and the other attorneys in his firm the highest endorsement.
Zachary Setzer, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
A true leader in the trusts and estate planning field. I've benefited greatly from his insights and training programs.
Marty Burbank, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Kavesh is well known in the estate planning community. Not only as an attorney but also as a coach and a mentor to other attorneys. I strongly endorse Mr. Kavesh.
C Welty, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Phil Kavesh, one of the "deans" of the estate planning bar who has in addition to his own practice has trained hundreds of young trusts & estates attorneys.
Michael Potter, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
As a fellow Estate Planning attorney, I'm happy to endorse Philip Kavesh. Over the years, he has distinguished himself as one of the very best. His down-to-earth style along with his polished professional skills and ethics have consistently proven to be key factors in his success as an attorney and as a service provider to thousands. You won't find a more ethical or service-oriented professional than Phil Kavesh.
F. Boyd, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 9, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Phil Kavesh is a brilliant estate planning attorney. The techniques he applies to estate planning are incredibly effective for protecting clients from probate & taxes and his clients' heirs from divorce, creditors, Medi-cal and multiple generations of estate taxes. He is a leader in the national estate planning community, sharing his knowledge and expertise with lawyers, accountants, financial planners and insurance professionals from across the country. I strongly endorse Mr. Kavesh and will continue to refer my California based clients to him.
Eden Brown, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 26, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Phil is a vastly respected thought leader, innovator and teacher in the national estate and tax planning world. His wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise combined with his integrity and diligence, make for a truly special package. Phil is my "go-to guy" whenever I need advice with high level estate planning or cutting edge planning techniques. He never stops trying to improve the services and strategies he provides to his clients and colleagues, and is open to learn from others as well as to graciously share his knowledge. Phil is a man of integrity and honor and one of the sharpest minds I know. We've been colleagues for over a decade, and I endorse Phil without hesitation.
Steven Oshins, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 25, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Phil is a skilled veteran estate planning attorney. He has a great reputation nationally and has earned the trust of thousands of his clients. He runs a top notch law firm. I have referred him clients, given his name out many times and feel 100% comfortable in endorsing him.
Bruce Givner, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 25, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Phil Kavesh is both a thorough and fine craftsman AND a visionary pioneer of new tax law designs, the IRA Inheritance Trust being only one such example. The care with which his firm attends to clients is matched by the care and detail of their documents. I have been privileged to know and work with him now for three decades.
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