Erin Norcia Kolko

I am a partner at Temmerman, Cilley & Kohlmann, LLP with almost 10 years experience in trusts and estates litigation.  My two main goals as a litigator are to maintain a strong relationship with my client and obtain solid results. 

My litigation practice includes will and trust contests, fiduciary breach of trust actions, accounting disputes, and title disputes.  I represent trustees, executors, and agents to prevent any exposure they may have to liability.  I also have substantial experience representing beneficiaries and other interested persons in enforcing their entitlement to information and assets.  I assist clients in resolving matters through trial and appeal, as well as through all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and early neutral evaluation.  Using this multi-faceted litigation approach, I have secured millions of dollars in verdicts, judgments, and settlements for my clients.

Litigation is inherently contentious and this area of the law often involves lawsuits between family members.  Knowing how difficult these situations can be, I tailor my aggressiveness to a level with which you as the client are comfortable, while always advising you of what is necessary in your matter to protect and secure your rights.   

The most rewarding cases I take in are financial elder abuse actions.   The growing population of seniors is unfortunately highly susceptible to financial abuse from a variety of potential sources, including family members, care providers, fiduciaries, friends, neighbors, and strangers.  To specifically target this pervasive problem, the Legislature developed the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act which is designed to encourage victims and their advocates to pursue actions against perpetrators of elder abuse.  The Act makes it easier to bring financial elder abuse actions and provides heightened remedies to redress past abuse and deter future abuse.  I seek to bring awareness to this issue by publishing articles, giving speeches, and successfully representing elders and their advocates.  

My practice also centers around establishing, monitoring, and opposing conservatorships.  I represent conservatees, conservators, and other interested persons in contested and non-contested matters.  I have served as court-appointed counsel in Santa Clara County in several conservatorship matters.

I also draft comprehensive estate plans which include living trusts, wills, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, nomination of guardians, and related documents.

My husband serves as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County.  We are rooted to the East Bay and stay involved in community activities.  We enjoy golfing, watching movies, playing with our dogs, and spending time with our growing families.