Trusts and Estates Attorney
At Rod of Iron Trusts and Estates Counsel, we guide families through life’s most difficult transitions with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Rod of Iron Trusts & Estates Counsel
More Than Trusts & Estates, We Safeguard Generations
Whatever brings you here, you’ll find an attorney with a genuine commitment to protecting what matters most to you. Life’s most important moments, building a legacy, caring for a vulnerable loved one, or navigating loss, deserve more than a transactional attorney. At Rod of Iron Trusts and Estates Counsel, we offer comprehensive guidance across estate planning, probate and trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, inheritance investigations, and litigation.
These matters rarely stay in one lane. Probate and trust administration alone can touch on family law, taxes, real estate, and business interests, and missteps can mean foreclosure, costly delays, strained relationships, or personal financial exposure. Conservatorships and guardianships carry their own emotional and legal weight, requiring someone who understands both the law and the human stakes involved. We bring both to every case.
When disputes arise, whether over a will, a trustee’s conduct, or an executor who is being unfair, failed to account for assets, or let property fall into disrepair, we step in with purpose. Our litigation practice is built to hold people accountable, protect your rights, and ensure that estates and trusts are administered the way they were intended.
Wherever you are in the process, we’re here to guide you through it, smoothly, lawfully, and with your family’s future in mind.
Bryan Thompson, Esq.
Attorney • Veteran • Police Academy Instructor
A trusted advisor in Bay Area trusts and estates law, Bryan brings legal acumen and creative problem-solving to his practice. Whether drafting tailored comprehensive estate plans, navigating contested proceedings, or untangling complex questions of succession, he crafts legal strategies that protect what matters most. When disputes arise, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table, Bryan draws on his calm demeanor, command of the process, and litigation readiness to guide families through life's most difficult transitions. Committed to safeguarding people, assets, and relationships, he helps clients move forward through even the most contested matters with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
- Straightforward guidance
- Dedicated to protecting assets while preserving family relationships whenever possible
- Proven ability to resolve conflicts through effective litigation when needed
- Clear, direct, and consistent communication
"It was a pleasure to work with Bryan. He was extremely patient, careful and fair as he helped me with my mother's estate. "
- Christy C.
San Francisco
"I was in need of setting up a Living Trust and was recommended by a friend to call Attorney Bryan Thompson, aka Rod of Iron Estate Planning. I could not have made a better choice."
- Marion B.
Oakland
"As successor trustee, it was helpful that Bryan explained things in easy to understand terms. We just completed distributing the assets and I plan on working with him on my estate plan."
- Jessica G.
Oakland
"This was a very difficult time for me and Bryan made it very easy and understanding and very supportive, explaining to me every step of the way"
- Sonya V.
Oakland
"He struck the perfect balance of genuine compassion and sharp professionalism, ensuring my parents felt completely comfortable and informed."
- Josette
Google Review
"Bryan is a straight-forward, honest guy and really took the time to listen to my needs. He did a great job with getting all my documents created at a fair price and was always easy to contact when I had questions."
- Ari The Lion
Google Review
"They made sure she felt respected and supported throughout the entire process and took the time to explain everything clearly. We are extremely grateful for their compassion and attention to detail."
- Santiago Sullivan
Google Review
"Bryan is great. He helped me and my family every step of the way with our probate case. Very responsive and informative."
- Lance Wilson
Google Review
"Our family have dealt with Rod of Iron, Bryan Thompson in fulfilling all of our families’ estate, trust and legal needs for over 10 years."
- April Calvin
Google Review
"He explained each step in plain language, kept things moving, and treated us with real kindness. We never felt rushed or left in the dark."
- Fortefamily!
Google Review
"He has a calm and practical way of breaking down complex legal matters and making them easy to understand."
- IBEZIM JAMES
Google Review
"They bring a rare combination of sharp legal acumen, absolute transparency, and genuine integrity to the table. They made the complex process of setting up our trust completely seamless."
- Jonathan Irabor
Google Review
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Planning, probate, and litigation can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help. We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions.
#1: Does every estate have to go through probate?
Not always. Some assets will transfer directly to heirs without court involvement.
#2: How long does probate take?
Even the most straightforward probate takes a year to a year and a half. Contested estates, missing heirs, or complex assets can extend that timeline significantly.
#3: Isn't a will enough?
Yes. A handwritten will on a napkin is perfectly fine. That alone can avoid unanticipated results. However, a comprehensive plan drafted by an attorney gives you far more control and places your family in a place of peace and empowerment when you are sick or pass away. A revocable living trust may be best if you want a bit more control with distributions and more streamlined administration.
#4: When is the right time to do estate planning?
The sooner the better. Start with the baseline decisions and documents, and update the plan as your life evolves. Marriage, children, a new business, and buying a home are all common triggers for revisiting it, but you do not need a major life event to begin. That is also why having a good relationship with your estate planning attorney matters. When the plan is already established updates are quick and natural rather than starting from scratch every few years. The right time is before you need it.
#5: Do I have to be a blood relative to become a guardian?
No. Courts care about the best interest of the child, not bloodlines. A neighbor, family friend, or anyone with a meaningful relationship and a genuine commitment to the child’s wellbeing can be appointed guardian.
#6: What happens if a parent wants the child back after a guardianship is granted?
A parent can ask the court to terminate the guardianship, but it is not automatic. The court will evaluate whether returning the child serves their best interest, and we can help you prepare for and respond to that process.
#7: My parent's incapacity might only last a short time, is a durable POA enough?
For situations of shorter duration, a durable POA is frequently sufficient; so long as it is being honored by institutions. That said, the longer and more complex the situation, the more likely something eventually breaks down whether that be an institution refuses to honor the document, a placement decision gets contested, or family members disagree and that’s typically when conservatorship becomes necessary.
