

Providing customized legal services in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and more.


Estate Planning & Trust Lawyers for santa cruz & bEYOND
Founding attorney Emily J. Buchbinder is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Emily holds a Masters of Law in Taxation (LL.M.). She has served as the Chairperson of the Santa Cruz County Bar Association Estate Planning Section since 2015.
You have worked hard your entire life to provide for your family and loved ones. Caring for them should not end once you are gone. While no one likes to think about their death, planning for the inevitable can give you some control and peace of mind.
Santa Cruz Probate, Trust, and Estate Planning Lawyers
The Law Office of Emily J. Buchbinder is a boutique law firm that provides attentive and skilled legal services in the areas of estate planning, trust administration, probate, taxation, conservatorships, guardianships, and adoptions. Our attorneys can help you plan your estate to minimize or eliminate taxes on death and avoid conflicts among your heirs. We also work with trustees, executors, conservators, and guardians to perform their duties in accordance with California law.
We are conveniently located in Capitola, between Gayle’s and Capitola Village. There is free parking behind our building at 525 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010. Call (831) 400-3496 to schedule a consultation.

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“simple and very fast”
- Robert H. -
“help we can relate to”
- Stan L. -
“extremely helpful in answering all our questions”
- Joseph B. -
“Emily and her legal team were outstanding”
- Randy V. -
“We were very impressed by how professionally Emily's office completed our Trust. Best of the best. Thank you!”
- Paul & Christina G.
Types of Cases We Handle
Experience You Can Rely On
Law Office of Emily J. Buchbinder
Attorney Amy Henderson previously served as the Probate Research Attorney at the Santa Cruz Superior Court for ten years. There, she reviewed and researched all court petitions involving probate, trust matters, conservatorship, and guardianships and provided her legal opinion to the presiding judge on how to rule.
Reach Out to Our Legal Team Today
The attorneys at the Law Office of Emily J. Buchbinder provide robust and wide-ranging legal services. We practice informed law with experience, integrity, and compassion.
Call (831) 400-3496 to or complete our online form to schedule a consultation with us.
About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a population of approximately 62,956 people, making it the largest city in California’s county of the same name. The city is also the county seat.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, whose mascot is the banana slug, is the city’s largest employer, with 8,266 employees as of 2020. The presence of the university campus makes Santa Cruz a “college town,” contributing to the success of many local businesses and the proliferation of arts and culture. Santa Cruz is also a tourist destination, with attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
The name “Santa Cruz” is Spanish for “Holy Cross.” The city also has the nickname of “Surf City, USA.” Santa Cruz’s claim of the nickname spurred some controversy when Huntington Beach moved to officially adopt and trademark it. The two California towns reached a settlement on the matter in 2008.

Our Dedicated Team
Our team of professionals is standing by to assist you with your estate planning and other legal needs. Experience the difference that working with exceptional attorneys can make. Our exceptionally qualified attorneys and staff provide attentive legal services and find creative solutions to each client’s unique situation. Learn more about us by clicking our photos below.
What Sets Us APART?
The Law Office of Emily J. Buchbinder Difference-
Certified Legal SpecialistEmily Buchbinder, our founding attorney, is a certified legal specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law. We have the tools, knowledge, and resources to help with your legal needs.
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Attentive & Skilled RepresentationWe understand that this is a difficult topic to think of, so our team of dedicated legal advocates compassionately works with you and your family in order to ensure you are in control of your future.
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Customized Legal StrategiesJust like no two individuals are the same, our team believes that no two cases are the same. We work with you to ensure your legal strategy is crafted to address your unique circumstances.
We Are Here to Help
Our compassionate and experienced team of professionals is standing by to assist you with your needs. Contact us today!