Estate Planning Basics Seminar

Are You Protecting the People You Love and the Things You Care About?

Learn how to get your affairs in order, safeguard your assets, and protect everyone you love.

Learn easy ways to take control of your financial future; keep the government out of your affairs; and best protect your assets, your wishes, and the people you love if the unexpected happens to you.

Tuesday, September 22

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Larkspur Landing

40 Ranch Drive

Milpitas, CA 95035

Thursday, September 24

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Residence Inn

6111 San Ignacio Avenue

South San Jose, CA 95119

Saturday, September 26

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Maple Tree Inn

711 E. El Camino Real

Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Ready for the Unexpected?

Let’s Turn “What Ifs” Into “We’ve Got This.”

What if an unexpected illness left you unable to speak for yourself?

What if you weren’t around anymore?

These thoughts can feel heavy, but they’re part of life. And while we can’t predict the future, we can create a plan to make things easier for the people we love most.

A solid estate plan is more than a set of documents; it’s peace of mind—knowing your wishes will be honored and your family won’t be left guessing or tangled up in extra stress. Yet many adults still leave their planning until it’s too late.

Why Join Our Free Educational Seminar?

Think of this event as your roadmap for protecting what matters.

In a relaxed, pressure-free setting, Attorney Gary Brainin will offer straightforward guidance on:

The government’s default “plan” for your estate—and why relying on just a will could leave your family vulnerable

How to protect your assets from major losses, including “death taxes,” divorce, remarriage, and refinancing risks

The critical conversations your family needs to have—and why your plan must evolve with life changes and new laws

Why many estate plans (including living trusts and one-size-fits-all documents) fail when they’re needed most

How to ensure your children’s inheritance stays protected and actually reaches future generations

Smart strategies to maintain control of your medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated—and to provide long-term care for loved ones, including those with special needs

What You’ll Learn

We’ll have a candid conversation about estate planning that cuts through the jargon.

You’ll discover:

Wills vs. Living Trusts

When each makes sense and how they can work together to protect your family.

Critical Legal Tools for Every Adult

Discover the documents you need so your health care and financial wishes are honored if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

How Trusts Can Help You “Skip” the Probate Process

Whether it’s privacy concerns, saving time and money, or providing clear instructions, a trust might be a smart move.

Caring for Kids in Complex Situations

For blended families, multiple marriages, or vulnerable beneficiaries, find out how to ensure the right people are cared for and included.

Essential Documents for Aging Parents

Learn how powers of attorney, health directives, and other key documents can help you confidently navigate your loved ones’ care.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I be asked to sign up for legal services?

No, this seminar is strictly educational. You will learn easy-to-understand and straightforward strategies to protect your family’s wealth and the people you love the most. If during the event you determine that your current plan is out of date, or you are not properly protected if the unthinkable happens, we will offer you the opportunity meet with us for a Legacy Planning Session ($825 value) at no charge. There is no obligation to attend this session and nothing will be sold at the event.

Can I invite a friend?

Yes! The seminar is open to the public and we encourage you to share the link to this page with family members or friends—especially those you may be responsible to look after in an emergency (aging parents, close relatives, etc.).

Should I attend if I already have an estate plan?

Absolutely. Many people who attend are surprised to learn that their existing documents have gaps or are out of date. Tax laws change, families grow and shift, and assets move around. If it has been more than three years since you reviewed your plan, this seminar is a great opportunity to make sure everything still reflects your wishes and protects the people you love.

How long is the seminar?

Plan for about two hours, including time for Q&A at the end. Gary keeps things moving and focuses on what's most relevant to Bay Area families, so it's a practical two hours rather than a lecture.

Is this only for people with a lot of money or a complicated estate?

Not at all. Estate planning is for anyone who has people they love or things they care about. Whether you own a home, have young children, or simply want to make sure your wishes are honored if something happens, this seminar has something valuable for you.

Do I need to bring anything?

No preparation required. Just bring yourself (and a spouse or partner if you'd like). You are welcome to take notes, but everything covered will make sense without any legal background.

Can my spouse or partner attend with me?

Yes, and we encourage it. Estate planning decisions affect the whole family, and it's much easier to get on the same page when you hear the information together.

Meet Your Presenter

Attorney Gary Brainin

Gary Brainin helps individuals, families, and business owners throughout the Bay Area protect what matters most. His practice focuses on estate planning, real estate, and business law, with an emphasis on helping clients safeguard their assets, family, wishes, independence, and livelihood.

Known for his supportive and approachable style, Gary creates a comfortable environment where clients can ask questions and feel confident throughout the legal process. He also is an educator, and in addition to his educational seminars throughout the Bay Area, Gary also builds education throughout his process with clients to help people make informed decisions about their future.

PraCtiCe AREAS:

Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Business Law

Education:

Brandeis University with a Summa Cum Laude Latin honor
J.D., Stanford Law School
Executive Editor, Stanford Law Review

Gary founded Brainin Law Office in 2013. Originally from New York, he moved to the Bay Area for law school and made it home. Today, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Sandy, and their dogs, Luci and Penelope.

Professional Memberships:

American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

Silicon Valley
Bar Association

Santa Clara County Estate Planning Council

California
Bar Association

Is This Workshop for You?

Yes! If...

You have a plan, but it’s been years since you last looked it over
You have minor children, and want to make sure they’re safe if something happens to you
You own a home in California
You’ve experienced probate and know you want to leave a plan for your family
You are or have been a caregiver and want to make sure you have a plan for your own care
You have a plan, but you no longer keep in touch with your attorney

You have no children and want to make sure you can decide who will get everything if you pass.
You have a special needs loved one you want to include in your wishes, but also want to ensure they don’t loose their benefits.
You have a plan, but can’t feel like you can depend on the office that you created it with.
You’ve heard the word estate planning around, but don’t really what it means.
You made a plan 10-20 years ago, and now all your beneficiaries are all grown up.

Family situations change, laws change, and life is full of surprises.

Staying up to date can save your loved ones confusion (and headaches) down the line.

Best of all? There’s zero pressure here.

You’ll walk away with practical, real-world steps you can take immediately to make things easier for yourself and your family.