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Amy Yiting Hsiao
also known as Amy Hsiao
About Amy
Biography
FIRM STORY
I began my career doing business litigation in an international law firm in San Diego. However, I was unhappy because there was a huge disconnect between what I had dreamed about when I went to law school and the reality of being a lawyer. I went to law school hoping to help people around me and make a difference in people’s lives, but in reality, practice in a law firm was a lot of paper shuffling, billable hours and bureaucracy.
One day, a Chinese friend of mine came up to me and asked me to update her living trust that another attorney had drafted for her more than 10 years ago. I immediately noticed how the trust was poorly drafted with numerous clauses missing. The attorney never explained to her what was in the trust. Worst of all, her assets were not titled in the name of the trust, which meant even though she had spent a few thousand dollars on an estate plan to make things as easy as possible for her loved ones, they would still be stuck dealing with the probate court after her death.
At the time, I thought for sure, this must be malpractice. But after talking with many lawyers, I found out this is not malpractice at all -- it's common practice.
That's when I decided to start my own firm.
It seems my friend met with their attorney, exchanged some information, the attorney prepared some documents, my friend signed the documents, and then stuck them in an envelope and never looked at them again.
I opened this firm with the idea of bringing back a long-term trust relationship. So, here are some of the things we do differently based on my experience with the traditional model of estate planning.
New Model
At the time, I thought for sure, this must be malpractice. But after talking with many lawyers, I found out this is not malpractice at all -- it's common practice.
That's when I decided to start my own firm.
It seems my friend met with their attorney, exchanged some information, the attorney prepared some documents, my friend signed the documents, and then stuck them in an envelope and never looked at them again.
I opened this firm with the idea of bringing back a long-term trust relationship. So, here are some of the things we do differently based on my experience with the traditional model of estate planning.
1. Flat Fee
Nothing we do is billed on an hourly basis. Everything we do is billed flat fee, agreed to in advance, so there are no surprises. Our clients really like it and we do too. It doesn’t feel good to keep track of time in 6-minute increments.
Also, we respond to our clients' questions within 48 hours. You don't have to be left hanging for hours or days. You'll get your questions answered right away.
2. Proper Ownership of Your Assets
We do not leave the ownership of your assets to chance. We work with you to ensure your assets are properly titled in the name of the trust. We take responsibility to supervise the funding. We also have an established process in place to ensure that your assets remain titled correctly, and newly acquired assets are titled properly. With client assistance, we utilize a sophisticated software program that allows us to fund your living trust, track the funding process to completion and verify to you that it is done.
3. Creation of Long-Term Relationships
We see planning as just the beginning of the relationship whereas in the past the plan was viewed as a one time transactional event. Once you sign your planning documents, that is when the relationship really begins. At no additional charge, we review your plan at least every three years. And, we have two levels of membership programs that almost all of our clients participate in – either the gold program which provides you with a yearly plan review and unlimited changes to your plan or the gold plus program that includes an annual meeting with your attorney, CPA and financial advisor, plus ongoing legal guidance throughout the year.
Finally, we service our clients in English, Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. Estate planning involves a lot of personal and private information. Speaking with an attorney who understands your language and culture will help you tremendously to grasp the nuances in the law, make better decisions and have greater control over the planning process.
On a personal level, I'm a proud mom to a miniature pinscher and a happy wife. I grew up in Taiwan and immigrated to San Diego at the age of 29. My families and relatives are spread out around the world.
And, you know, what I really bring to this is the realization and the awareness that the planning that what we’re doing here isn’t really about you. It’s really about creating a plan that’s going to take care of the people that you love the most.
You won’t feel a lot of what we do today yourselves because you won’t be here when this plan is needed. But it’s the people you love the most, domestic or abroad, that are going to be very aware of what you’ve done, and so that’s what my family bring to this.
Nothing we do is billed on an hourly basis. Everything we do is billed flat fee, agreed to in advance, so there are no surprises. Our clients really like it and we do too. It doesn’t feel good to keep track of time in 6-minute increments.
Also, we respond to our clients' questions within 48 hours. You don't have to be left hanging for hours or days. You'll get your questions answered right away.
2. Proper Ownership of Your Assets
We do not leave the ownership of your assets to chance. We work with you to ensure your assets are properly titled in the name of the trust. We take responsibility to supervise the funding. We also have an established process in place to ensure that your assets remain titled correctly, and newly acquired assets are titled properly. With client assistance, we utilize a sophisticated software program that allows us to fund your living trust, track the funding process to completion and verify to you that it is done.
3. Creation of Long-Term Relationships
We see planning as just the beginning of the relationship whereas in the past the plan was viewed as a one time transactional event. Once you sign your planning documents, that is when the relationship really begins. At no additional charge, we review your plan at least every three years. And, we have two levels of membership programs that almost all of our clients participate in – either the gold program which provides you with a yearly plan review and unlimited changes to your plan or the gold plus program that includes an annual meeting with your attorney, CPA and financial advisor, plus ongoing legal guidance throughout the year.
Finally, we service our clients in English, Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. Estate planning involves a lot of personal and private information. Speaking with an attorney who understands your language and culture will help you tremendously to grasp the nuances in the law, make better decisions and have greater control over the planning process.
On a personal level, I'm a proud mom to a miniature pinscher and a happy wife. I grew up in Taiwan and immigrated to San Diego at the age of 29. My families and relatives are spread out around the world.
And, you know, what I really bring to this is the realization and the awareness that the planning that what we’re doing here isn’t really about you. It’s really about creating a plan that’s going to take care of the people that you love the most.
You won’t feel a lot of what we do today yourselves because you won’t be here when this plan is needed. But it’s the people you love the most, domestic or abroad, that are going to be very aware of what you’ve done, and so that’s what my family bring to this.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 12 years
State: California
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
HSIAO LAW, PC
4225 Executive Square, Unit 600, La Jolla, CA, 92037
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Amy Yiting Hsiao's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Melanie | May 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Estate Planning Service
I was referred to Hsiao law for my estate planning and after researching other family planning businesses, I decided to go with Hsiao Law. Attorney Amy was very professional, explained the entire process from start to finish, and provided a step-by-step schedule for us to follow and stay on track. ...
Posted by Shu | April 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Service and Very Professional
Amy Hsiao explained everything in very organized detail and provided us abundant information about living trust. She guided us step by step through each process.
Posted by George | September 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Service and Professionalism
I used Amy Hsiao to make changes to my existing family trust and to create a kid protection plan for my children. I only wish I would have used her for our original family trust. She was professional and knowledgeable. She explained in detail how the trust worked. She provided excellent customer serv...
Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review of Att. Amy Hsiao
When our attorney, Amy Hsiao, was doing our family trust, she explained to us in a wide range of legal details with clarity and understandable terms. She was precise, complete, and on time in preparing our trust documents. We enjoyed working with her.
Posted by Junqiao | January 26, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Amy is an excellent estate planning lawyer
My husband and I are both Amy's friend, she teaches us a plenty of information and knowledge of estate planing. I highly recommend others to book a free consultation with her because you will learn more knowledge of estate planning.
Amy Yiting Hsiao's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms. Hsiao is a very knowledgeable estate planning attorney, do not hesitate to contact her for your estate planning needs. I endorse this lawyer."
"Amy Hsiao is a world class attorney. She is detail-oriented, well-organized, and incredibly knowledgeable with a proven record of delivering great results for her clients. Anyone having her as his or her lawyer should feel lucky. She has my highest endorsement and recommendation to anyone seeking an attorney."
"Amy is an amazing attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients. She is thorough in her work to ensure clients have an estate plan that will work when the time comes. Not only is she a wonderful attorney, but she is a pleasure to work with."
"Amy is a very knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney. I truly recommend her to anyone seeking counsel for estate planning!"
"Amy Hsiao is a very knowledgeable attorney in the estate planning and business field. She is very active in the San Diego community and has dedicated a lot of her time to helping the asian community here in San Diego. I definitely endorse her."
"Amy is a great estate planning attorney and is one of only a few in the area that commits to giving her clients more than just a set of legal documents. She's a great advisor."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Amy is an excellent estate planning attorney, smart, diligent, caring, and knowledgeable. She is also an active member in the local Chinese community, serving as the President of the San Diego Chinese Attorney Association and Board Member of the Pan-Asian Lawyers of San Diego."
"Ms. Hsiao is an excellent attorney who genuinely cares about her clients and is highly respected in the legal community. She is smart, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and passionate about what she does."
"I’ve known Amy for many years and often refer clients to her. She cares, she’s conscientious, and she keeps abreast of current developments in her field. Any client is lucky to have her. I strongly endorse Amy Hsiao!"
"I have come to know Ms. Hsiao as an outstanding attorney who will provide thorough, professional, and personalized legal counsel. Any client would be lucky to have her. I strongly endorse her!"
"Amy is a wonderful person and even a better attorney. She truly cares about her clients and will work with them to get the best available options. As a fellow lawyer in the community, I can attest to the fact that she encourages education of the community and diversity among her peers. I endorse this lawyer."
"I know Amy through our affiliation with a local legal group. Our group holds monthly meetings, and Amy is always present to keep current with legal issues. I endorse Amy because she is a sophisticated business attorney who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top Family Business Lawyer, Family Wealth Planning Institute
2014
Top Young Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2011
Pro Bono Honors Award, Pro Bono Honors Award
2010
Immigration Justice Award, American Bar Association Immigration Justice Project
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Founding Attorney, HSIAO LAW
2013 - 2015
Attorney, Foley & Lardner, LLP
Associations
2015 - Present
Lawyers Club of San DiegoCo-chair
2015 - Present
Pan Asian Lawyers of San DiegoBoard Member
2010 - Present
Taiwanese American ProfessionalsMember
2015 - 2016
San Diego Chinese Attorneys AssociationPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
What to do if you were incapacitated and your families are in another country?
Success. Client's wife was able to take care of client's assets in a fairly quick and simple proceeding, without having to go through the burdensome process of conservatorship (i.e., living probate).
Education
N/A
California Western SOL
Speaking Engagements
2016
Wine & Cheese: Grow and Protect Your Wealth for Women Entrepreneurs: Legal, Financial & Insurance Strategies
Wine & Cheese: Grow and Protect Your Wealth for Women Entrepreneurs: Legal, Financial & Insurance Strategies
2016
What Every Financial Advisor Needs to Know About Estate Planning & Mortgage Loans
What Every Financial Advisor Needs to Know About Estate Planning & Mortgage Loans
2016
Presentation to Homeowners
Presentation to Homeowners
2016
Lunch & Learn: Grow & Protect Your Assets for Women Entrepreneurs
Lunch & Learn: Grow & Protect Your Assets for Women Entrepreneurs
2016
LIFT Seminar
LIFT Seminar
2016
Kids Protection Plan Webinar
Kids Protection Plan Webinar
2016
Kids Protection Plan Seminar
Kids Protection Plan Seminar
2016
Kids Protection Plan Seminar
Kids Protection Plan Seminar
2016
International Legal Risks Forum
International Legal Risks Forum
2016
Advance Healthcare Directive & Power of Attorney
Advance Healthcare Directive & Power of Attorney
2015
The Straight Scoop on the Law for Busy Moms
The Straight Scoop on the Law for Busy Moms
2015
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive
2015
Advance Healthcare Directive Workshop
Advance Healthcare Directive Workshop
Publications
2015
WeChinese
6 Common Mistakes that Parents Make When Naming Guardians
2015
Languages
Chinese, Min Nan
Mandarin
Spanish
Taiwanese
English
Activity
Legal Answers