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I am a lawyer from a legal family with deep roots in the Sacramento/California area. My family first came to California in the mid 1800's and were prominent ranchers. In the past century my family turned to the law profession, and has now produced a total of five (5) lawyers over three generations, practicing from California to Australia. I worked with my father Francis W. "Bud" Zilaff from 1977 until his death in 1997. He taught me to always treat clients with the same care and respect I would my own family and to always return phone calls. I have practiced in two main areas over my 37 year legal career: Bankruptcy and Probate. I find that no matter how carefully people have planned their financial affairs life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs such as divorce, loss of a spouse or partner, illness, loss of a job, or disability. All of these situations can lead to enormously difficult financial woes such as foreclosures of houses, creditor harassment, judgments and levies or garnishments. I have helped a huge number of clients by stopping these terribly hurtful legal actions so that they can catch their breath. Clients tell me that they can sleep peacefully for the first time in years after receiving my help. The above takes a lot of careful and compassionate listening, as does my other legal emphasis: Wills, Trusts and Probate. I am happy to discuss and help my clients with any of their legal needs.
It might also be of interest to potential clients that I am actively involved with the cultural and social life of Sacramento. I am involved in local charities and social organizations which round out my life. I am a linguist and teach Hawaiian language at a local cultural center, and try to keep in good shape by working out daily at my health club.
I graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1969, received my Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Santa Clara University in 1973, and received by Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge Law School of Law. I went into practice with my father and continued until his death in 1997. Since that time I have practiced in my own law firm, The Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff. You can reach me at, or through e-mail at I will share with you an hour consultation at no charge or obligation.
3
Practice Areas
49 years
49 years
49 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1977
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1545 River Park Drive, Suite #201, Sacramento, CA, 95815
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kristen | August 6, 2015
Gary Zilaff filed my case quickly and was very professional. He stopped my wages from being garnished, protecting my earnings and giving me peace of mind. He is very nice and puts you at ease, because being in debt can be very stressful. He helped me through a difficult time and I am glad I chose him...
Posted by anonymous | May 22, 2015
Mr. Gary Zilaff assisted me at a time when I needed him the most. I had lost my job in 2008 when the economy was in very bad shape. I was transitioning careers and financially times were tough. Mr. Zilaff helped me though my bankruptcy which was embarrassing and emotional for me. He worked with me on...
Posted by Steven | May 21, 2015
I have worked with Mr. Zilaff on a number of cases and I can personally attest to his professionalism and knowledge of the law. Gary is an experienced practitioner who treats his clients with the utmost respect and diligently works on their cases to reach desired outcomes. I would recommend Gary for...
Posted by David | May 20, 2015
Mr. Zilaff is a highly competent, extremely dedicated, and very ethical attorney. In view of his considerable experience in bankruptcy law, I have referred many clients to Gary. I have always found him to be approachable and available. He is an excellent resource for law practitioners on matters p...
Thank you Dave!
Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2015
My entire world was turned upside down when my husband passed away intestate. Gary helped to me figure out everything and give me back something I had lost when I lost my husband - financial stability. Previous attorneys had ran up thousands of dollars in legal fees and Gary put an end to everythin...
"I have known Gary for some years now and you would be hard pressed to find a more ethical lawyer or a sharper human being. Probably the most astute and educated bankruptcy specialist in the area."
"I worked for Mr. Zilaff as a young attorney. He taught me everything I need to know about Chapter 7 and the Bankruptcy Code. I still rely on his opinions and expertise regularly when I encounter unusual or novel issues in a particular case. He has a wealth of knowledge and has always been willing to share it with me."
Business lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
2015
Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine
2015
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Peer Rating (4.4 out of 5), Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Peer Review Rated 4.4, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Peer Review Rated 4.4, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Peer Review Rated 4.4, Martindale-Hubbell
1985 - 2011
Commissioner Pro Tem, Sacramento County Small Claims Court
1978 - 2015
Managing Partner/ Owner, The Law Offices of Gary F. Zilaff
1972 - 1972
Legislative Intern, California State Legislature
2000 - Present
Sovereign Military Order of Malta (International Charitable Organization)Knight of Magistral Grace
1977 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1976 - Present
Phi Delta Phi International Legal FraternityMember
1977
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
1973
BS - Bachelor of Science
2008
Bankruptcy and Foreclosures
1990
Bankruptcy Paralegal Classes
1977
English
Spanish
French
Russian