Frequently asked questions

I collaborate exclusively with California-licensed attorneys and law firms, including:

• Boutique trusts & estates practices needing specialized expertise

• Solo and mid-sized firms with fluctuating caseloads

• Firms of any size seeking overflow support during peak demand

No. I contract only with California attorneys and law firms as a 1099 paralegal consultant.
All work is performed under attorney direction and review, ensuring compliance with UPL rules and preserving attorney–client privilege.

Pacific Trusts & Estates Consulting (trade name of SHP Consulting LLC) is a California Limited Liability Company providing specialized trusts & estates paralegal consulting services.

All engagements are structured on a 1099 independent contractor basis, and all services are rendered under attorney supervision in compliance with California Business & Professions Code §6450.

I also maintain professional (E&O) liability insurance for added peace of mind.

Hourly: $125–$200 (based on complexity)

Flat fees: Available for trust administration, estate planning, and trust funding projects

Retainers: Bundled rates for 20+ hours/month for ongoing support

My services are designed to increase firm efficiency and preserve profitability. See the Services page for more details.

Click the “Book Now” button (top right) to schedule a consultation.

• Complimentary: One free 20-minute consultation for new prospective clients

• Existing clients: Consultations for new or ongoing matters are billed per engagement terms

After booking, you’ll receive an email to confirm your preferred meeting format (phone or video) and finalize logistics.

I integrate seamlessly with existing teams to expand capacity and protect firm margins.

How I add value:

• Experience: 50+ Forms 706, $50M+ estates, complex GST/portability issues

• Collaboration: I handle advanced paralegal trust and tax work so attorneys and CPAs can focus on higher-value strategy

• Profitability: All work remains under attorney oversight and billable as paralegal time

• Overflow relief: Extra capacity during busy periods

• Complex matter support: 706 prep, subtrust allocations, portability filings

• Organized deliverables: Clean, review-ready schedules and documentation

• Full Form 706 preparation with all schedules, calculations, elections, and supporting documents

• Coordination with the firm on valuations (bundled upon request)

• Attorney-ready deliverables for efficient review and timely filing

• Revisions based on attorney/CPA feedback

Rates:

• Hourly: $175-$200

• Flat fees or retainers available upon request

Yes. I can coordinate appraisals for real property, business interests, fractional interests, brokerage accounts, retirement assets, and life insurance as part of trust administration projects.

Once all required information is provided:

• Portability filings: 4–6 weeks

• Taxable estates: 6–10+ weeks

• Rush projects: Case-by-case basis. Priority engagement rate will apply.

Yes. I collaborate with attorneys and firms statewide via secure, encrypted file transfer.

In-person meetings are available in Monterey County, and Zoom/Google Meet are used for statewide engagements.