Goralka Law Firm, PC
1 The Best Lawyers in America® award
Visit Best Law Firms profile for Goralka Law Firm, PC Visit Website We work with successful families & business owners to minimize income and estate tax, better protect assets and to transition legacies and family values to the next generation.
We help our client families transfer their estate or legacy to the right people, at the right time & keep the wrong people out.
Our firm is committed to providing unique solutions to the complex needs of our clients and helping them reach their personal or financial goals. So, whether you want to create an estate plan or learn more about the best way to reduce your tax liability, we’ll evaluate your options to help you make the decision that's right for you.
What to Expect When You Work with Our Firm
- Uncommon knowledge. Attorney John Goralka is certified by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization in two key areas: Taxation Law & Estate Planning, Trust, & Probate Law. Of the 266,000 lawyers in California, only a handful of approximately 100 lawyers within California have earned these dual certifications.
- Communication. We put people first & treat our clients like family. In fact, we have many clients who have been represented by our firm for over 20 years & across the first, second, & third generations. When you work with us, you'll get the personalized attention you deserve.
- Trust. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals—even when others have said that a problem can't be solved. You can count on us to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges you're facing & the steps you'll need to take to turn your dreams into a reality.
None of us can predict what the future will hold, but our firm will provide the support you need to make informed decisions about the best way to reach your goals. Whether you're seeking to lower taxes on lottery winnings, create a trust to leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones, or expand a family-owned business, we can help.
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
The Business Climate in California is Golden
by John M. Goralka
California's robust economy and infrastructure support thriving businesses and legal communities, bolstering massive strides in innovation and technology.
Taming the Sunset – Are You Ready for a Reduction in the Estate Tax Exclusion?
We discuss the impending loss of approximately one-half (1/2) of the existing $13.61 million estate tax deduction.
John M.
Goralka
Would You Benefit From a Split Interest Income Trust?
If you have a high income, are selling appreciated assets or won the lottery, a split interest income trust could be a boon to you and a designated charity
John M.
Goralka
A Tax Planning Cautionary Tale: Timing and Formalities Are Critical
A business owner learned the hard way (and at great cost) not to dawdle or cut corners when it comes to tax plans involving the sale of a business.
John M.
Goralka
Why Small Business Owners Should Review Their Buy-Sell Agreements
A recent tax case has highlighted the need for businesses using a similar succession planning arrangement to look at theirs.
John M.
Goralka
Why Are the Notes Found in Aretha Franklin’s Couch a Valid Will?
The late Queen of Soul’s discovered notes had to meet certain Michigan requirements to be considered a valid will. The outcome might have been different in other states.
John M.
Goralka
Lessons to Be Learned from Kevin Costner’s Premarital Agreement
What’s a premarital agreement, how does it work, and what does Costner’s wife, Christine Baumgartner, stand to lose if she challenges theirs?
John M.
Goralka
Comparing Estate Planning: ‘Leave It to Beaver’ vs. ‘Modern Family’
The modern blended family has far more needs when it comes to estate planning than a traditional family. Here are some challenges, tips and solutions.
John M.
Goralka
Five Estate Planning Lessons We Can Learn From Elvis’ Mistakes
Elvis’ estate planning failures certainly adversely affected the life of his daughter, Lisa Marie, and have carried over into issues with her estate.
John M.
Goralka
Prepare for 2026 Estate Planning With SPATs, SLATs and DAPTs
he estate tax exemption is set to drop significantly in 2026, but these alternative tongue-twisting tax-savvy trusts could help.
John M.
Goralka
How to Use the Legal Cloak of Invisibility to Protect Your Assets
In an increasingly public world where very little info is private, you can protect yourself by employing an anonymous trust or anonymous LLC.
John M.
Goralka
How to Use Your Estate Plan to Save on Taxes While You’re Still Alive!
Upstream basis planning is a trust strategy that can save wealthy people on their capital gains taxes and income taxes associated with highly appreciated assets.
John M.
Goralka
Don’t Throw Away a $12.06M Estate Tax Exemption by Accident
Many married couples fall into the “portability trap.” They fail to file an IRS form after one spouse dies and accidentally forfeit a massive federal estate tax exemption.
John M.
Goralka
Family Owned and Operated
by David W. Holaday and John M. Goralka
In the era of sweeping tax reform, family businesses, particularly agricultural business, face many environmental and governmental risks. Outlined below are strategies to ensure family business survival in the face of these threats.
This Valentine’s Day – Think … Trust Income Tax Savings!
This Valentine’s Day – Think … Trust Income Tax Savings!
John M.
Goralka
What a Beneficiary Controlled Trust Can Do to Protect Your Legacy After You Are Gone
What a Beneficiary Controlled Trust Can Do to Protect Your Legacy After You Are Gone
John M.
Goralka
On National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, a Lesson in Life from Mrs. Fields
On National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, a Lesson in Life from Mrs. Fields
John M.
Goralka
Britney Spears’ Sad Song … Warning: This Could Happen to You
Britney Spears’ Sad Song … Warning: This Could Happen to You
John M.
Goralka
Coronavirus Crisis Brings Estate Tax Opportunity
Coronavirus Crisis Brings Estate Tax Opportunity
John M.
Goralka
How to Get Your Estate Plan Done While Under Coronavirus Quarantine
How to Get Your Estate Plan Done While Under Coronavirus Quarantine
John M.
Goralka
Is Your Company Ready for the New Partnership Tax Audit Rules?
Is Your Company Ready for the New Partnership Tax Audit Rules?
John M.
Goralka
How You Can Reduce Capital Gains Taxes with a Two-Year Sale Strategy
How You Can Reduce Capital Gains Taxes with a Two-Year Sale Strategy
John M.
Goralka
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s $12 Million Estate Planning Mistake
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s $12 Million Estate Planning Mistake
John M.
Goralka
Digital Assets Need to Be a Part of Your Estate Plan
Digital Assets Need to Be a Part of Your Estate Plan
John M.
Goralka
Estate Tax Repeal? Perhaps Not in California!
Estate Tax Repeal? Perhaps Not in California!
John M.
Goralka
How Trump's Presidency Could Affect Your Estate Plan
How Trump's Presidency Could Affect Your Estate Plan
John M.
Goralka
A Tale of Two Celebrity Marriages and One Prenuptial Agreement
A Tale of Two Celebrity Marriages and One Prenuptial Agreement
John M.
Goralka
6 Estate Planning Tips for Those Approaching Death
6 Estate Planning Tips for Those Approaching Death
John M.
Goralka
3 Key Takeaways from Prince's Estate-Planning Mistakes
3 Key Takeaways from Prince's Estate-Planning Mistakes
John M.
Goralka
Don’t Throw Away a $12.06M Estate Tax Exemption by Accident
Don’t Throw Away a $12.06M Estate Tax Exemption by Accident
John M.
Goralka
What If Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Had a Premarital Agreement?
Oh, the gritty details we’re learning from the latest court battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. This unfortunate airing of dirty laundry may have been avoided with a prenup. Should you think about getting one yourself?
John M.
Goralka
What If Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Had a Premarital Agreement?
by John M. Goralka
Oh, the gritty details we’re learning from the latest court battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. This unfortunate airing of dirty laundry may have been avoided with a prenup. Should you think about getting one yourself?
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