OVERVIEW

Trust, estates and tax attorney Robert C. Eroen represents clients with all aspects of estate planning and with the administration of trusts and estates to ensure the efficient transfer of wealth during life and on death.

He also litigates and resolves disputes that may arise in the management and transfer of property. Robert advises clients on tax issues related to their estate planning and business interests. Certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization with the elite designation of specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law, Robert works with individuals, families, and their business interests.

Robert assists clients as they build wealth and families, including with the preparation of “core” estate planning documents such as revocable trusts, wills and powers of attorney. He also develops strategies to safeguard and preserve the financial legacy of high-net worth clients, and to ensure that the transfer of their property, whether during life or at death, faithfully adheres to their estate planning objectives. Robert’s strategies may include the use of more sophisticated estate and tax planning options, such as:

• Lifetime gifting strategies, including irrevocable trusts
• Use of entities to effectively manage closely held businesses, minimize death taxes and implement business succession
• Charitable gifting, including charitable trusts, private foundations and public charities
• Multi-generational planning, including GST trusts

Trust and estate administration is complex, and Robert navigates clients through the requirements and complexities, including the preparation of estate tax returns and handling tax audits. He has decades of experience as a trust and estate litigator, and currently supervises all types of trust and estate litigation, including trust and will contests; fiduciary accountings and fiduciary breach and removal actions; and the increasingly important area of financial elder abuse.

Prior to his certification as an expert in trust, estate and probate law, Robert was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in California, with his current CPA status as retired. He has received ongoing recognition from Southern California Super Lawyers, including in 2024.

Robert is frequently retained as an expert witness and testifies in court regarding the standard of care for fiduciaries and accountants, including several matters on behalf of the State Bar of California. In addition, he has acted as a court-appointed trustee, special administrator, guardian ad litem, and counsel.