Most estate planning attorneys ask about your assets. We ask about your family.
OC Elder Law brings a unique combination of legal expertise, healthcare experience, and personal understanding to estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning. Founded by Marty Burbank in 2003, our practice is built on the belief that great planning isn't just legally sound—it preserves family harmony and improves lives.
We Ask Different Questions
While other attorneys focus on listing your bank accounts, we spend time understanding your family dynamics: Which child is financially responsible? Who has the maturity to serve as trustee? What are your real fears about the future? These conversations lead to more thoughtful plans that address not just who gets your assets, but how—and who should be in charge.
Healthcare Background That Makes a Difference
Marty spent 12 years in healthcare before law school and served 6 years on the board of Alzheimer's Orange County. He understands what families face when dealing with dementia or disability—the stress, the workload, the emotional toll. This isn't theoretical; it's lived experience that shapes every plan we create.
He also has specialized skills in communicating with dementia clients, ensuring productive meetings and better outcomes even in challenging situations.
Real-World Implementation Experience
Most estate planning attorneys never see how their plans actually work. Marty's wife, Dr. Seon Chun-Burbank, runs a professional fiduciary service. Her experience administering trusts provides constant feedback about what works and what doesn't, allowing us to design plans that are easier to implement and more effective in practice.
Tax Expertise That Protects Your Family
With an LLM in Tax Law, Marty understands the tax nuances that can turn good intentions into unexpected tax burdens. For example, a $1 million IRA is not the same as a $1 million house after taxes—decisions about who gets what require careful tax planning.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
Our practice integrates estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning under one roof, ensuring harmony across all your documents. We also connect clients with geriatric care managers and life care managers, addressing not just legal and tax efficiency but the full spectrum of care needs.
Family Meetings That Preserve Harmony
We conduct family meetings with grantors, beneficiaries, and fiduciaries to explain how plans work and address concerns while everyone can still discuss them together. These meetings aren't always comfortable, but they prevent conflicts later.
A Team With Deep Experience
Our two paralegals have a combined 20 years with the firm. Both speak Spanish and both have personal caregiving experience with aging parents and grandparents. They understand what you're going through.
Community Roots and Connections
After 20+ years in Fullerton and Orange County, including Rotary Club leadership and service on boards like St. Jude Hospital Foundation, we know the community. If you need help beyond legal planning, we likely know who to call.
Giving Back
We provide free estate planning for active duty military personnel—our way of honoring those who serve.
Ongoing Support
We offer free plan reviews every three years and encourage clients to contact us anytime they have questions. We're not just here to deliver documents—we're here for the long term.
