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Brenda Louise Godfrey Geiger

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Avvo Rating9.7
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • Licensed for 16 years
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About Brenda

Brenda is a Trusts & Estates Planning Attorney with her office located in Carlsbad. Brenda is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law where she served as an Editor on the San Diego International Law Journal and published a scholarly article in the Law Journal. 

Brenda is involved in a variety of professional and community organizations such as the San Diego North County Bar Association, Inns of Court, North County Estate Planning Council, and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. She is admitted to practice in the United States Federal Court for the Ninth District and all California Courts and is a frequent speaker at educational events for other planning professionals.

 

Brenda is also a published author of many articles and 6 books on estate planning. The most recent book was released in March of 2017 and is called “Safeguarding the Nest, Fourth Edition”. Her passion is to help with asset protection for families to protect their children and heirs by keeping those families out of the court process at incapacity and death.


On a more personal note, Brenda is married to Len, the CEO of a technology company, has two children, Lenny and Taylor and two loveable German Shepards named Tiberius and Yara. She enjoys running, travel, writing and spending time with her family.

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Practice areas

OtherProbateEstate planningTrustsBusiness
  1. Business: 20%

    We help our business owner clients with their corporate governance (maintaining their corporations in good standing) and we help them start up new ventures.

    17 years

  2. Trusts: 20%

    Types of trusts: revocable, irrevocable, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, A/B Trusts, Disclaimer Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, GST Trusts, Gifting Trusts, Domestic Asset Protection Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts

  3. Estate planning: 20%

    Most of the cases I work on are trust-centered plans, but I also provide trust administration and probate services to my clients. I focus much of my attention on parents of minor children. Nearly 70% of parents with minor children have NO estate plan whatsoever. This means that if something happens to them, their children could be raised by someone they would never have wanted and what ever assets are left after probate delivered to their children at the tender age of 18!

    17 years

  4. Probate: 20%

  1. Elder law: 20%

    We help senior plan for their long term care. By planning ahead we help our clients ensure that their

    17 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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140596 1279950056

140596 1281728934

140596 1282015986

140596 1631899594

Contact

Geiger Law Office, P.C.

1917 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 160
Carlsbad, CA, 92008

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200408/01/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers2
Legal guides8
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
2008 North County Bar Association Writers AwardNorth County San Diego Bar Association2009
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerGeiger Law Office, P.C.2005 - Present
Of CounselFrank & Burke2005 - 2006
Of CounselGriswold Law Group2005 - 2006
Senior Law ClerkInnercool Therapies, Inc.1999 - 2005
Patent Prosecution ParalegalFish & Richardson P.C.1996 - 1999
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Elder Law AttorneysMember2012 - Present
ElderCounselMember2011 - Present
San Diego North County Bar AssociationMember2011 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember2009 - Present
North County Estate Planning CouncilMember2009 - Present
WealthCounselMember2007 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember2004 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Word Association PressProtecting Your Children's Inheritance from Divorcing Spouse's, Unjust Lawsuits and Bankruptcy2015
North County Lawyer MagazineHow to Protect a Beneficiary from Losing the IRA they Inherit to Creditors, Predators and Divorcing Spouses2015
Word Association PressEstate Planning Secrets of the Affluent2015
Word Association PublishersSecrets of Great Estate Planning2014
www.geigerlawoffice.netAsset Protecting Your Child's Inheritance2013
Word Association PressProtecting You and Your Business, A California Business Planning Guide2013
Word Association PressHow to Avoid the Catastrophic Costs and Effects of Long Term Care: a Calilfornia Elder Law Guide2013
www.geigerlawoffice.netWhat to Look For When Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney?2012
North County Lawyer MagazineAsset Protecting Your Child's Inheritance2012
BookSafeguarding The Nest, 2nd Edition2011
North County Lawyer MagazineEstate Tax Repealed in 20102010
San Diego International Law JournalAuthorization to Kill Terrorist Leaders2003
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Oxford University, Magdalen College, EnglandSemester Abroad, Law School2004
Univ of San Diego SOLJD - Juris Doctor2004
Univ of San DiegoBA - Bachelor of Arts1995
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
2015 Trusts & Estates SymposiumRetirement Plan Trusts2015
The Crossings in CarlsbadHot Topics in Estate Planning2015
KPBS Midday EditionEstate Planning2014
2014 Trusts & Estates SymposiumIrrevocable Gifting Trusts2014
Planning for the GenerationsClient Care Programs2012
Safeguarding the Nest WorkshopProtecting Your Children with a Revocable Trust2011
2011 Trusts & Estates SymposiumAdvanced Estate Planning Concepts2011
2011 Trusts & Estates SymposiumBeneficiary Defective Inheritors Trust, Domestic and Offshore Asset Protection Trusts and Education Trusts2011
2009 Trusts & Estates SymposiumIRA Trusts, Family Cabin Trusts and Avoiding Mistakes in Working with Other Advisors2009
North Coast Church Mothers of Preschool Age Children GroupThe Top 3 Strategies to Legally Protect Your Children2009
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Estate of Dorothy Monteverde-PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF ACT OF SPECIAL ADMINISTRATORSuccessful entry to safety deposit box of decedent

Reviews

(25)
5 Star
92%
4 Star
4%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
4%
Review Brenda Geiger

Establishing a Family Trust

Posted by

The team at Geiger Law Office was highly professional and great to work with. They were very informative and thorough, giving us confidence in our resulting family Trust.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Trust Review and Update

Posted by

My husband and I had our first trust completed by Brenda and her helpful staff years ago. We needed a complete review and update to our trust and were very happy once again with their service. All details and options were clearly explained to us as and we were given time to discuss and consider each option. All our questions were answered with no surprises at the end. We highly recommend Brenda Geiger and her staff for any estate planning/trust needs.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Estate Planning

Posted by

The best thing we did in 2017 was establish our trust. My husband and I were procrastinating because it seemed so overwhelming to us. The Geiger team’s professionalism, organization, and patience made the entire process seem so simple. They helped address everything needed to protect our estate (including property, finances, medical directives, etc.). I highly recommend them to everyone!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great experience to redo my living trust

Posted by

I used this law group to update my living trust, wills, and powers of attorney. My experience with them with positive from beginning to end. The attorney that worked with me and all of the staff were wonderful to deal with and everyone is very organized and knowledgeable. I can't recommend them highly enough! We contacted Mrs. Geiger's office at the suggestion from our CFP, to get our old trust updated. Not only is her office and staff very pleasant and professional, but we found our attorney Brenda, to be extremely knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. She took the time to ask about all of the changes in our life and made sure to setup our trust to meet our future goals as well. A great burden has been lifted and we couldn't be happier.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Trust update

Posted by

After discussing it for a couple of years my wife and I finally decided to update our trust and other documents. On a friends recommendation we met with Brenda and her associates. From the initial consultation to the final documents, all our questions were answered and everyone was professional and courteous. Would recommend highly.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

An overall great experience!

Posted by

Brenda and her team handled my will and trust with efficiency and made it very simple for me (since I knew little about the process}. I have since referred Brenda to multiple friends and family members and have posted about my happiness with the process on Facebook, I am big on referrals, and like to get referrals as well as give them.... so I would totally recommend Geiger Law Offices anytime.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Always there when you need them!

Posted by

I have been with Geiger Law for over 12 years. They are "very" professional and know there stuff! Recently when my Mom's Cancer returned I needed a Power of Attorney fast. They took care of it right away. I know I can always count on there professional help! Thank you, Thank you!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Estate Planning

Posted by

Brenda and here team were great - Responsive, concise and very knowledgeable about how to set up protection for a family trust with a growing asset base. I'd highly recommend her to anyone looking to get started or review their estate planning needs.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Our Estate Planning development and yearly update

Posted by

When we had to change our estate planning attorney from A Northern California one to Southern California the transition was handled efficiently and easily.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

As good as it can be!

Posted by

Thorough explanations, great communication, and amazing service. Definitely will keep recommending Geiger Law to anyone looking for a great family law firm.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(20)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Laura Meier, Estate planning Attorney on May 31, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brenda is an exceptional attorney, and well respected in the estate planning community. She is an expert on estate planning topics. I highly recommend Brenda Geiger.

Charles Roulet, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brenda is a terrific lawyer. I recommend her to my clients who are moving or for their friends and family looking for assistance with their wills, trusts, and estate planning in California.

Judd Nemiro

This attorney exceeds expectations. I endorse this lawyer.

Benjamin Glass, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've known Brenda for a couple of years and watched her firm grow! She's a superstar - passionate about doing what's right for her clients. Finding the right lawyer for your family's financial future can be tough - they all look the same! Give Brenda and her team a call and for sure please visit her website for a ton of info BEFORE you visit ANY lawyer. You and your family will be thankful that you did!

Marty Oblasser, Estate planning Attorney on Jul 8, 2014
Relationship: Other

I am proud to endorse Brenda, because she tailors her practice to her client's goals. Brenda is not only someone I refer business to but also an excellent mentor to fellow attorneys as she is an expert in her field.

James Dicks, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

This attorney works very hard for the clients and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney.

Andrew Flusche, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I know Brenda through some professional associations, and I have had the privilege to collaborate with her on law firm management projects. She is highly intelligent, motivated, and dedicated to her clients.

Kimberley Schaefer

Outstanding attorney. I would trust her with my own business and trust affairs without hesitation.

David Flaherty, Wills and living wills Attorney on Sep 20, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Attorney Geiger is an excellent attorney who I would endorse without hesitation.

Patrick Donovan, Trusts Attorney on Mar 2, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Attorney Geiger is an outstanding lawyer. Her knowledge of wills and trusts law is second to none. I would not hesitate for a monent to endorse Brenda Geiger.

Thomas Wallin, Trusts Attorney on Feb 11, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Ms. Geiger is a dedicated attorney. She works hard to provide her clients the best representation available and retains lifelong relationships with her clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing trust, estate or business planning.

Chadwick Snow, Business Attorney on Feb 7, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I highly endorse Brenda for any business or estate planning matters. We worked together on a couple of issues and I came away very impressed by her both as a person and the depth of her knowledge as an attorney. As an attorney myself, I would feel comfortable using her for any business, trust, or estate planning matter.

Gregory Yaghmai, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 5, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Brenda's speciality allows her provide the best possible representation. She helps those with significant assets and children peace of mind for the future.

James Falcone, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 4, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

With Ms. Geiger you can be certain that you have retained an intelligent, thorough, and well-respected lawyer to counsel you on your estate planning matters.. She has the patience and experience to guide you through this sometimes difficult process.

Charles Walker, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 29, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer's work. For three years, I have worked with Brenda on a dozen matters where she represents my Arizona clients for their California property or with a family member who has California estate issues. She is very knowledgeable, accurate and it is with the highest of confidence I refer clients to her.

Natalia Kabbe, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 26, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brenda uniquely combines top-notch legal skills with something so rare among attorneys - she is warm, genuinely caring, has a great heart and the highest integrity. She empowers families who are fortunate enough to have found her - by giving them easy-to-understand education, enjoyable! experience, "extras" that they would not find anywhere else, creating environment where families feel relaxed and comfortable during the entire engagement, speaking the language that everyone can easily understand. Every law firm should strive for what Brenda created for her client family.

Jeffrey Matsen, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 19, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer's work. Brenda and I have worked together on several estate planning and asset protection cases and I find her to be bright, knowledgeable and perceptive. She is an excellent attorney who knows how to get the job done. She is especially good at dealing with people and I admire the way she follows through on the concerns of her clients.

George Constant, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 17, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I enthusiastically endorse Brenda's work. Too many estate planners are so concerned about about numbers and documents that they miss the bigger picture. Brenda's focus is on people and their values. Her approach is counselling oriented and client-centered, and the ultimate result is that she truly helps people protect their families and their assets.

Eden Brown, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 13, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I highly recommend Brenda, and I don't give that endorsement lightly. She's caring, compassionate and intelligent. The perfect - and elusive - mix for a top notch estate planner. Brenda is an outstanding estate planning attorney whom I have known for a number of years. She is a creative problem solver and cares deeply for her clients' well-being. She excels in collaborative, values-based estate planning, is a thought-leader in her community, and is also a lifelong learner, always aiming to learn and innovate the best practices in order to better serve her clients and their families. Her expertise in compassionate, protective planning for families with minor children is particularly notable.

Peter Lennington, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 6, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have had the pleasure of working with Brenda on several estate planning matters. Her work ethic, attention to detail, and compassion for her clients is commendable. I have reviewed Brenda's trust drafting, and it is excellent. Most impressive was Brenda's work in developing and hosting The 2009 Trusts & Estates Symposium at the University of San Diego. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering estate planning in Southern California.