Patricia E. De Fonte

I am an estate planning attorney and the founder of De Fonte Law PC. I started this firm to offer what I think of as estate planning with heart. I wanted to create a better experience for my clients to preserve family harmony, empower their heirs, and thoughtfully reflect their values. My dedication to estate planning and my clients has led me to receive the honor of being selected to the 2021 San Francisco Super Lawyers list, and I recently won the 2021 BBB Torch Award for Ethics in the San Francisco Bay Area. When obtaining my LL.M. in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration from Golden Gate University, the federal exclusion rate (the amount of money you can have before federal taxes apply) jumped to $23 Million. Not many people have anywhere close to that amount of money. My professors quickly changed the conversation from TAX TAX TAX to help the client in every way possible – by reviewing their insurance, by making sure they have terrific financial advisors and CPA’s, and by helping them create plans that let their personalities and goals for their loved ones shine through. Golden Gate University has social justice as a core mission, and at my firm it is a core value. Estate planning is intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying. I love what I do!

When I am not working at the firm, you will most likely find me reading the New Yorker in my backyard under my lemon tree, on vacation, watching zombie shows, or spending time with family and friends. Clients and friends have told me that I’m naturally warm and relatable. I will treat you as one of my own until Cards Against Humanity comes out, then all bets are off.