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John Dudley Laughton

Estate planning Attorney at Monterey, CA

5.0   8 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 44 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1978
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About John

Learn John’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    40%
    We provide comprehensive, "state of the art" estate planning and counseling with experience and compassion that earns your trust.

    29 years

  2. Elder law
    20%
    Elder Law is an important part of my estate planning practice which includes advising clients on qualifying for Medi-Cal (Medicaid). I have been accredited by the VA to advise on such veteran's rights as "Aid & Attendance."

    24 years

  3. Probate
    10%
    We assist families with the court administration of their estates if they pass away without a will or with a will but not living trust.

    29 years

  4. Trusts
    10%
    Estate planning customarily involves preparation of a living trust, but may also include many other types of trusts such as Special Needs Trusts for disabled family members, Charitable Remainder Trusts to faciliatate charitable giving and tax savings, and Irrevocalbe Trusts which provide asset protection and tax savings.

    29 years

  5. Wills and living wills
    10%
    Wills are infrequently done, but are prepared when appropriate for the cilient's circumstances. Such planning includes preparation of financial powers of attorney, "living wills" as part of their Advanced Health Care Directives. More frequently clients choose to do complete estate plans which include a living trust as the primary planning document.

    29 years

  6. Business
    5%
    We handle business and real estate matters as a comprehensive part of our estate planning practice.

    45 years

  7. Real estate
    5%
    We handle real estate and business matters as a comprehensive part of our estate planning practice.

    45 years

“YOU GOTTA LIVE EVERY DAY LIKE IT’S YOUR LAST, BECAUSE ONE DAY YOU’LL BE RIGHT.” – FRANK SINATRA

Our Business is Your Trust.  Our estate planning and elder law firm helps families successfully plan and execute their wills, living trusts, elder law needs, Medi-Cal planning, VA Aid and Attendance benefits, probate, trust administration, powers of attorney, health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, special needs trusts, family limited partnerships, LLC's, family & business succession planning, estate & gift tax planning, and charitable gifts in Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas, and throughout Monterey County. We offer free confidential consultations and free educational seminars (please see our website for dates).

Photos and videos

The "A Team" Office Crew
Celebrating Life at an Office Birthday Party
Son, Nathan, & proud Dad

Contact John

Law Offices of John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation
215 West Franklin Street
Suite 411
Monterey, CA, 93940-2738

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  8 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
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Posted by Nancy | January 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Mr. Laughton is so friendly and helpful. He advised me on an estate in France and helped me do my will. He was affordable and even donated part of his fee to two families from Ukraine that I've been helping. So I'm recommending him to all my friends.
Posted by Carolyn | August 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Friendly, knowledgeable, professional legal services
My husband and I needed to redo our wills and Health Care Proxy documents since moving to California, and we are very pleased with the level of service and support we've received from John and his staff. John outlined two potential avenues for our needs and we decided to go with the more thorough, up front trust models to help our daughter more easily navigate the estate settlement process following our eventual deaths. We would recommend John highly.
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Posted by anonymous | February 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good experience
The lawyer explained everything very well, answered all of my questions and if I had any questions in the future he would be there to answer.
Posted by PETER | April 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
MY BEST LAWYER IN 80 YEARS!
I am 80 years old and apparently of sound mind; It took me this long to find a lawyer of Mr. Laughton' caliber and ability. He is exceptionally intelligent, knowledgeable and experienced. He readily anticipated my legal needs and questions and quickly solved all my concerns. In 80 years I have never dealt with a single lawyer who exhibited Mr. Laughton's professionalism, eagerness to help and pleasant demeanor. I entered his office with a long list of pressing problems and challenges and left his office completely satisfied and relaxed. Thanks to Mr. Laughton alone I am able to sleep at night knowing that the frightening legal questions which were keeping me awake have been solved. I cannot find adequate words to express my gratitude for the many services Mr. Laughton provided me. Thank God I found him --the right man at the right to relieve my many anxieties to allow me again to live a normal, uncomplicated life..
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Posted by Susan | December 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Trust
John and his staff did an excellent job setting up a trust for my father’s estate. The situation following my father’s death was complicated, volatile, and met with extreme malice; however, John contained the situation in a timely, professional, and compassionate manner. After my father passed away, John made sure that my required duties and obligations as the successor trustee could be administered without interference from difficult family members or unwanted, uninvited third party guests - without his help, it would have truly been nightmare! John's expertise provided me with the highest-level of representation from the beginning, to the end. “Thank you.”
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Posted by Teresa | December 26, 2014
Completely changed my view of lawyers
I recently had a Will, Living Trust and Pet Trust created by John D. Laughton and cannot say enough about what a positive and productive experience it has been. In previous encounters with other attorneys I found them to be abrupt, cold, indifferent and rushed. I was also billed by the partial minute, including being charged $90 for leaving voicemail messages. Rather than being treated with any positive regard, it was clear that I was just a means to a fee. With John Laughton’s office I had a completely opposite experience. The first meeting, before one dollar was charged, was leisurely, warm, extremely educational and productive. I felt like a valued client from the moment I walked in. All of my many questions were answered in understandable--not condescending--ways. John Laughton has completely changed my view of attorneys and the experience of procuring legal assistance. I went to our first meeting braced for being treated coolly and charged exorbitantly. Instead, I was treated as a valued client immediately and found the fees to be reasonable and acceptable. John Laughton imbues not only trust in his advice and expertise regarding wills and trusts, but is also a genuinely warm, kind human being. It is a great pleasure to do business with him and his staff. I will be referring him to many of my clients and friends.
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Posted by Jason | October 9, 2013
Trustworthy and Diligent
John's knowledge in estate planning is unparalleled. You can tell that he cares very much about you and is willing to leave no stone unturned in determining and preparing an estate plan that's catered to exactly what you need. Friendly customer service and a very professional office. It is a pleasure dealing with true professionals. Thank you John.
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Posted by Frank | June 22, 2012
John Laughton Outstanding Attorney
“John is an outstanding attorney. Our family and business have trusted John and his staff for the opening our business, wills, trusts, real estate transactions, and the sale of our business. John has an extensive knowledge of the law and is an outstanding person. In all matters of the law you will not find better man than John.”
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 125-425 per hour
  • Pro bono 5 %
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Principal
  • John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation
  • 2004 - Present
  • Principal
  • Davis & Schroeder PC Attorneys
  • 1984 - 2003
  • Associate
  • Davis & Schroeder PC Attorneys
  • 1978 - 1984

Education

  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1978
  • University of California Berkeley
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1971

Legal Cases

  • Estate of Kajioka
  • Approved
  • Medi-Cal Qualfication
  • Medi-Cal Notice of Action: Eligibility approved
  • Estate of Geraldine Coronado (MP20683)
  • Petition granted in full
View all legal cases

Associations

  • The Salvation Army - Monterey Peninsula Corps
  • Chairperson
  • 2016 - Present
  • The Salvation Army - Monterey Peninsula Corps
  • Advisory Board
  • 2005 - Present
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1978 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1978 - Present
  • Monterey County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1978 - Present
  • All Saints' Episcopal Day School
  • Board of Trustees
  • 2006 - 2012
  • Boy Scouts of America - Monterey Bay Area Council
  • Board of Directors
  • 1980 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Superb Rated Attorney 10/10
  • AVVO
  • 2018
  • AV-Preeminent
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • Superb Rated Attorney 10/10
  • AVVO
  • 2017
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2017
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2016
  • Superb Rated Attorney 10/10
  • AVVO
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Superb Rated Attorney 10/10
  • AVVO
  • 2015
  • Superb Rated Attorney 10/10
  • AVVO
  • 2014
  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Superb Rated Attorney 10/10
  • AVVO
  • 2013
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • VA Accredited attorney
  • Veteran's Administration
  • 2009
  • Distinction in General Scholarship
  • UC Berkeley
  • 1971
  • Eagle Scout
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • 1963
View all awards

Publications

  • The Montery County Herald
  • VA benefits
  • 2010

Speaking Engagements

  • Estate Planning & Charitable Giving Lunch & Learn
  • Estate planning
  • 2015
  • Pet Trusts Lunch & Learn
  • Estate Planning
  • 2015
  • Who Will Care for Your Pet When You Cannot?
  • Estate Planning
  • 2015
  • 23rd Annual Estate & Charitable Gift Planning Institute
  • Charitable Giving
  • 2015
  • Boats, Planes & Digital Assets - Funding Difficult Assets
  • Funding Difficult Assets to Your Client's Trust
  • 2012
  • Estate Planning Concepts for Bank Customers
  • Estate Planning Concepts for Bank Customers
  • 2012
  • Medi-Cal & VA "Aid & Attendance" Qualification
  • Medi-Cal & VA Planning
  • 2012
  • Boats, Planes & Patents - Funding Difficult Assets
  • Funding Difficult Assets to Your Client's Trust
  • 2011
  • Who Will Care for Your Pet When You Cannot?
  • Pet Trusts
  • 2011
  • Planning Your Estate
  • Estate Planning
  • 2005
  • Special Needs Trusts for Special Children
  • Special Needs Trusts
  • 2003
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (18)
Given (23)
Endorse John
Estate planning Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known John personally and professionally for almost 20 years, and am very happy to endorse him. I regard him as being honest, forthright, professional, skilled in estate planning, and having a high level of regard and respect for his clients. I have referred clients to John in the past and will continue to do so."
Trusts Attorney | Nov 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known John Laughton since 1984, when we both worked for the same law firm. I believe that he conducts his practice with the highest level of competence and adherence to the highest level of ethical standards. I have retained him to prepare my own family trust, and I have referred several of my clients to him when they have needed legal advice regarding trust and estate planning issues. I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known John through our affiliation with a national organization of estate planning attorneys that fosters professional excellence. John is a compassionate and knowledgeable estate planning attorney. He cares about his clients and makes complicated estate planning concepts easy to understand. I endorse him as an exceptional estate planning attorney."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Other
"John is a fellow member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys where we meet and discuss cases and study the best way to serve our clients. I would trust John with my personal estate planning."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known John personally and professionally for about 12 years, and am very happy to endorse him. I regard him as being honest, forthright, professional, skilled in estate planning, and having a high level of regard and respect for his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a nice person and talented attorney. He works hard to maintain his expertise for representing his clients. He is trustworthy and honest, all you want in your attorney."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Other
"John and I are members of the same Professional Association, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, and in that association I have met with him, consulted with him, and shared common issues involving the practice of estate planning. John is well trained and up to date on the issues involving estate planning, and works hard to provide the best legal guidance to his clients. Any estate planning work my clients need in the Monterey, California area gets referred to John Laughton. I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. John truly listens and uses his in-depth estate planning knowledge to provide the best solution for his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known him for several years and have observed his overriding concern to do what is best for his clients. The quality of his work is superb and thorough.."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a caring and dedicated professional. As a fellow member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, I would highly recommend him to any potential client."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Other
"John and I are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, a prestigious national network of estate planning and elder law attorneys. He has shown his commitment to clients through his involvement with that organization and his continuous effort to better himself and his law firm. I would recommend John to anyone in need of estate planning services."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Other
"John is a highly-skilled, experienced estate planning attorney who exhibits incredible dedication to his clients and his craft. As a 35 year veteran attorney and principal of the firm, he has substantial experience with all estate planning, elder law and Medi-Cal and VA Planning needs one may have. I am proud to endorse John as THE "go-to" resource for all of your estate planning needs in Northern California."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"John is an excellent lawyer and is best equipped to help you with your estate planning needs, including preparation of wills and trusts."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. They are an expert in the field of estate planning."
Probate Attorney | Sep 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know John through the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, an exclusive organization committed to excellence in estate planning. John not only has the legal expertise you would expect from someone with his years of experience, he truly cares about doing what is best for his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have know John for many years. He is dedicated and caring and thorough. We have been colleagues in the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. I would not hesitate to refer a client to John."
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