CDM_Law-8

SCOTT N. CARTER

Scott has practiced exclusively in the trusts and estates field for more than thirty years.  Scott has worked with thousands of clients throughout the course of his career, including individuals, small business owners, farmers, entrepreneurs and executives.  Scott has extensive experience in all aspects of gift and estate planning, including analysis of estate and gift tax related issues.  Scott’s practice also encompasses all aspects of post-death administration and post-mortem planning, including complex probate and trust litigation and conservatorships.  Scott has worked with clients to develop estate plans ranging from simple wills and trusts to more sophisticated plans involving the creation of grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), charitable remainder trusts, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), intentionally defective irrevocable trusts, insurance trusts, dynasty trusts, foundations, and the transfer of family businesses.  Scott has represented clients in contested estate planning matters and conservatorships, both at the settlement level and through litigation.  Scott has also served as an expert witness in diverse trust litigation matters.

Scott has been certified as a specialist in Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  Scott is also an “AV” rated attorney with Martindale-Hubbell, which compiles and publishes information regarding the ethical and legal abilities of attorneys in the United States.  An “AV” rating is the highest ranking given by Martindale Hubbell, and is a testament to the fact a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.

Scott has extensive experience lecturing to numerous professional and business groups, at corporate offices, colleges, and at national financial planning groups on both simple and advanced estate planning topics.  Scott has also taught estate planning courses as part of the Certified Financial Planner program and has served as guest speaker at numerous corporate and college seminars.

Scott and his wife live in Almaden. Scott has two grown children. Scott is an avid golfer and enjoys spending his free time on the golf course.

Education:

  • J.D., M.B.A. Santa Clara University, 1980
  • B.A., San Diego State University, 1976

Bar Admissions:

  • State of California

Memberships:

  • Silicon Valley Bar Association
  • Santa Clara County Bar Association (Trusts & Estates Section)
  • State Bar of California (Trusts & Estates Section)