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Michael John Wittick

Estate planning Attorney at Irvine, CA

5.0   11 reviews
  • Licensed for 43 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1980
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    60%
    Many think “Estate Planning” is about planning for property after death, or about avoiding taxes - but it is much more than that. It is about people: spouses, children, favorite family members, and close friends; their security and prosperity without you. It is about your values.

    28 years, 500 cases

  2. Trusts
    20%
    Basic Estate Planning including customized revocable trusts. Advanced tax planning and asset protection planning are a substantial part of Mr. Wittick's business. The number of different trusts to provide these benefits are too large to discuss fully here but include many types of irrevocable trusts, including defective grantor trusts, charitable trusts, life insurance trusts and domestic asset protection trusts

    28 years

  3. Business
    10%
    Business entity formation for income tax reasons, estate tax discounts, and asset protection are some of the objectives in business planning. Incentives to key employees. Deferred compensation plans. stay bonuses. Employee Ownership Agreements or Buy Back Agreements. Buy Sell Agreements. Business Exit Planning. Asset Protection

    25 years, 50 cases

  4. Litigation
    5%
    Mr. Wittick was a partner in a litigation firm where he worked for 10 years in the 1980s, and handled many complex and substantial exposure tort litigation cases involving personal injury, product liability, construction defect, insurance coverage, public entity and insurance company defense. Since then, he has continued to handle litigation matters but for the last 18 years, he has only litigated in estate planning, trust and probate law.

    42 years, 500 cases

  5. Probate
    5%
    Probate is the usually very expensive and time-consuming court supervised transfer of assets from the decedent to the new lawful owners, after payment of debts and taxes. Wills guarantee probate. An unfunded trust also usually results in probate.

    28 years, 50 cases

Mike’s practice of 40 + years is exclusively devoted to estate planning, values-based planning, estate and trust administration, estate and trust litigation, planning for affluent families, business entity and succession planning, and asset protection and probate law. He was a partner in a litigation firm in the 1980s and early 90s before choosing the above areas of law for his own practice in 1994 due to his enjoyment of working with families and business owners and his observation that there was an incredible need for expertise in these areas. He is now Certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization.

He is a strong believer in the team approach to planning which coordinates the cooperation and expertise of the client’s advisors to achieve the best possible result. As such, most of his teaching of estate planning has been to the professional advisor community.

He is first and foremost a family man who lives in south Orange County, California, is married to Lynn, with three children, two of which were division one athletes and one of which is a graduate of the Air Force Academy. He is active in his church, enjoys sports, and has various investments with his own fee-based financial planner and in a real estate resort business.

Contact Michael

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Law Offices of Michael J. Wittick, a P.L.C.
7700 Irvine Center Drive.
Suite 800
Irvine, CA, 92618

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Sankar P.Iyer & Usha P Iyer | February 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dr S.P.Iyer and Dr.Usha P Iyer
We went to Mike to update our trusts which was updated in 2009. Mike did a thorough job and was able explain to all of our questions and concerns. He answered all of question and responded in a timely manner. He worked well with our financial planner also. Overall, it was a very good experience. We will be happy to recommend him to anyone. And, we have done so.
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Posted by Jay | February 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Trust
I was referred to Michael for assistance with my family trust. Michael was extremely patient and professional throughout the whole process. Because English is not my first language, it was difficult understanding some of his points at first. However, Michael took the time to make sure we fully understood everything, and I am grateful for his help.
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Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planning
I know Michael for about 20+ years he did my Estate planning, he is knowledgeable he did a excellent job to set up my state planning
Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Concerned Parents
Very knowledgeable on the law and on Trusts. He is also very willing to go the extra mile for his clients. Very personable.
Posted by Judith | November 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trust
Michael is very thorough and specific. He asks questions which you may not have thought of when preparing a trust. He also poses scenarios so that you can think it through. He worked with us as a blended family in a compassionate and thoughtful manner. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Mike is the consummate professional. He did a great job making my wife and I feel very comfortable in his ability to meet our needs. I have recommended Mike to family and friends, and I will continue to do so.
Posted by Bailey | October 18, 2013
Michael John Wittick
We have been going to Michael Wittick for a number of years regarding our estate planning. He is approachable, does a good job explaining the options, prepares us for the future, and helps us make sure our assets will be properly distributed in the future. His review sessions help us understand the ramifications of our decisions.
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Posted by Kurt | October 16, 2013
Covered ALL the bases w/ our Trust
We met Michael thru a friend/referral and was VERY pleased w/ his services. He was very professional, informative, knowledgeable and always made sure you understood what he was talking about. Very well prepared and professional w/ us and his experience showed with our needs. We left feeling very comfortable with what Michael did with our plans and to make sure our loved ones will be taken care of when the time comes. My husband really liked the fact that Michael was ALWAYS on time and easy to schedule with.
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Posted by Joni | October 15, 2013
So happy to have found Mike Wittick
After the recent sudden loss of my husband, I was lost as you can imagine. We had no prior planning. I met with Mike Wittick and felt a level of confidence and trust immediately. He helped to settle my husbands business quickly and very efficiently. We then proceeded to plan for my future estate planning needs. We decided on a trust and again, that was handled with the expertise and care that you would expect. He made it as easy as possible. Mike has made an extremely trying time better. I would surely advise everyone to think about your future planning before there is a need! Don't put it off! A weight has been lifted now that my estate planning has been taken care of. It is the best thing I could ever have done for my family.
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Posted by J & S | October 8, 2013
I highly recommend Mr. Wittick as Estate Planning Attorney
Mr. Wittick impressed us as having significant in-depth knowledge of Estate Planning & trust law. He is friendly and explains hard to understand legal concepts in simple terms. We would recommend Mike without hesitation.
Posted by Nancy | September 26, 2013
Recomendation for Michael J. Wittick
I had Michael review my trust that I had had done previously. Explaining estate tax planning and the laws is very complicated to me but Michael made sure I understood his recommendations and what the benefits to my estate would be. His ability to relate the intricate details and explain the "whys" gave me confidence in him and my decisions. As an example I now have a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust. His continued availability to answer questions and keep me informed of possible estate law changes over the years shows his work ethics in maintaining his client's best interest and as a stand-out in his profession.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President
  • Law Offices of Michael J. Wittick, a P.L.C.
  • 1995 - Present
  • associate
  • Mercer & Zinder, PLLC
  • 1991 - 1994
  • Partner
  • Portigal, Hammerton and Allen
  • 1980 - 1991

Education

  • Western State University, School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1979
  • California St Univ Fullerton
  • undergraduate
  • 1974

Associations

  • Provisors
  • member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Advisors Forum
  • member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Financial Planning Association
  • member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • member of Trusts and Estates Section
  • 1995 - Present
  • WealthCounsel
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • South County Senior Services
  • Board Member and Planned Giving Committee
  • 2000 - 2007
  • National Associaation of Insurance and Finacncial Advisors
  • member
  • 2000 - 2009
  • South Orange County Estate Planning Councel
  • member
  • 1999 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2021
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2013
  • Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
  • State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2007
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Yearly to Lifetime Maintenance Clients
  • Trustee Training Workshop
  • 2013
  • Califronia Society of CPAs Meeting
  • Post Mortem Estate Planning
  • 2009
  • Financial Planning Association
  • Retirement Plan Trusts
  • 2008
  • National Association of Insurance and Financial Ad
  • Business Exit Planning
  • 2007
  • Califronia Society of CPAs Meeting
  • Reasons to Consider an IRA Trust
  • 2007
  • South Orange County Esate Planning Council Meeting
  • Special Tax Savings Trusts for Spouses
  • 2006
  • National Association of Insurance and Financial Ad
  • Process and Benefits of Financial Advisor Relationship with Estate Planning Attorney
  • 2005
  • Financial Planning Association
  • The Truth About Estate Planning
  • 2003
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (23)
Endorse Michael
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. The Strazzeri Mancini LLP family has known Mike for years. He is a California State Bar Certified Specialist and he combines his decades of experience and knowledge with an ability to relate to clients and explain complex concepts in easy to understand language."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael is a very experienced attorney who pays a great attention to detail. I frequently see him at educational events which gives me confidence that his planning is compliant with current laws."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer! I have known Mike Wittick for at least a decade, in fact he was the one who prodded me to join WealthCounsel (nation's leading network of estate planning attorneys). WealthCounsel brings out the best of us as professionals in estate planning, and Mike certainly shows it! I also happen to have attended the same small church as Mike and can attest to his fine character."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Mike on several matters, both in connection with litigation, real estate and estate planning. He is knowledgeable, efficient and extremely ethical. And, a great guy to work with."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"As an estate planning attorney and a Certified Public Accountant in Florida with over 35 years of practice designing plans to help clients organize their estates to protect them from creditors and avoid probate and various taxes, one needs a specialist to assist them. Laws can vary dramatically from state to state and when it comes to planning you need to be on top of the local law – especially in California. Mike is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, which sets him apart from others in his field. Most importantly, Mike has a unique way of explaining technical concepts in a manner that makes them understandable not only to other skilled professionals in our field, but also to clients who lack the knowledge about the issues that are involved. His practical experience and his ability to size things up are exceptional. If you are in need of advice with respect to your estate plan, I would highly recommend you seek Mike's counsel."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mike Wittick for over 18 years as colleagues in two top national estate planning organizations: WealthCounsel and National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys. We worked collaboratively together within those organizations, and I came to know Mike as a very serious and intelligent attorney who thoroughly researches all legal issues before proceeding on a given strategy. I also worked with him together on client cases, and Mike was always sensitive to client's needs and working to achieve the best solution for the client, their family, their loved ones, and their goals and desires to bless the community as well with legacies to charitable organizations. Mike works very hard to keep up with the latest techniques and strategies in estate planning in order to provide the best advice to his clients. Mike is thoroughly ethical and straightforward, and expects all his clients and colleagues to be ethical and straightforward as well."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Mike Wittick, Esq. for several years and am very impressed with his skill and knowledge in the area of estate planning. Also, Mike brings a unique perspective to his practice being a former trial attorney. In essence, Mike understands the importance of avoiding future litigation and protecting his clients’ heirs from the perils of Probate Court. Further, Mike has great relationships with his clients, and past referrals I have made have been very impressed with Mike. Accordingly, I endorse Mike without reservation."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael Wittick's reputation is superb for a many reasons. He is not only very detail-oriented, but also a very caring and conscientious lawyer. I have personally referred clients to Michael, and they have reported back to me that he is insightful and thinks outside the box in order to fulfill their estate planning needs. The positive feedback I receive makes me confident that Michael is providing outstanding estate planning services to his clients. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike has a great reputation for delivering excellent and competent service to all of his estate planning clients. We've known each other for almost five years, and all of our mutual colleagues and associates have nothing but the highest level of respect for his high quality work as an estate planning attorney and as a person."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is an experienced and outstanding estate planning attorney, and I recommend him to anyone who needs a will or trust prepared, modified or interpreted."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wittick is an A+ estate planning attorney with a litigation background, so he is well rounded and extremely well versed."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike is a great estate planning attorney who speaks plain English. He is detail oriented and works with the entire family to understand and plan for all of their concerns. I highly recommend him."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer as he is a very meticulous lawyer that cares about his clients and is known for follow through."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is very knowledgeable, thorough, and careful. These are traits that most folks seek in a lawyer."
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Estate planning
Estate planning
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Estate planning
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Estate planning
Estate planning
Litigation
Personal injury
Business
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Irvine Estate planning Lawyer Michael John Wittick
Michael John Wittick
Estate planning Attorney
Irvine, CA
Licensed for 43 years