• Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Vk
Call Us At: (408) 553-0801
Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri
  • Home
  • About
    • Why LPEP
    • Our Attorneys
    • Locations
      • San Jose
      • Santa Cruz
      • San Francisco
    • Testimonials
  • LPEP Spotlight
  • Practice Areas
    • Family Law
      • Annulments
      • Certified Family Law Specialists
      • Child Custody and Visitation
      • Child Support
      • Divorce and Your Estate
      • Divorce Litigation
      • Divorce Planning
      • Domestic Partnerships
      • Domestic Violence
      • Enforcement and Modifications
      • Extramarital Affairs
      • Grandparents’ Rights
      • Harassment
      • Legal Separation
      • Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
      • Parental Relocations
      • Paternity
      • Postnuptial Agreements
      • Prenuptial Agreements
      • Property Division
      • Restraining Orders
      • Same Sex Divorce
      • Spousal Support and Alimony
    • Estate Planning
      • Business Succession Planning
      • Power of Attorney
      • Probate
      • Trust Administration
      • Trust and Probate Litigation
      • Trusts
      • Wills
    • Family Law Mediation
  • FAQ
    • Estate Planning FAQ
    • Family Law FAQ
  • Blog
  • Pay Now
  • Resources
    • Family Law Resources
    • Family Law Terms
    • Estate Planning Resources
  • Contact Us
    • Careers
  • Get a Free Consultation
  • Menu
Michael Lonich

About Michael Lonich

Specializing in Divorce and Estate Planning, I am San Jose Attorney, Michael E. Lonich; and I have been battling for client’s rights for nearly 40 years. When focusing on divorce, child custody, and related matters, I know all too well the emotional and financial toll divorce has on clients. Integrity, common sense, and a passion for what I do which guarantee the best possible results for my clients. Resolution of family law issues requires an attorney able to navigate the myriad legal and emotional issues presented in cases. Financial issues, child custody, domestic violence, valuation of property, analysis of RSUs, hidden assets, spousal and child support, all may require trial, mediation, or a collaborative effort with the parties. Regardless, each client gets the individualized attention they require. Every family law case is unique, we partner with you to develop a comprehensive approach to get the best results.

Entries by Michael Lonich

Estate Planning for Domestic Partnerships

November 26, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Committed relationships can take different forms. Whether it’s a marriage or a domestic partnership, the couple intends to spend their lives together.  However, the law sees relationships in terms of legal responsibilities and protections. There are key differences between marriage and domestic partnership that can affect your rights if one partner becomes incapacitated or passes […]

The Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Last Will and Testament

November 12, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Creating a last will and testament may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your assets. A will ensures that your wishes are carried out after you pass away, helping to avoid confusion, disputes, and unnecessary stress […]

The Role of Life Insurance Trusts in Estate Planning: Maximizing Your Benefits

October 29, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

You probably already know that estate planning is one of the best ways you can provide for your loved ones in the future, protect your assets, and assure your legacy continues. What you might not know is that a life insurance trust can be an effective tool to provide liquidity, reduce estate taxes, and preserve […]

Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Understanding Your Options

October 15, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

When people think about estate planning, they often picture married couples creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney together. But what about couples who aren’t married? In California, unmarried couples don’t have the same automatic rights and protections as married spouses.  That means estate planning is not just recommended, it’s essential. Without proper planning, state […]

The Importance of Prenuptial Agreements in Second Marriages: Safeguarding Personal Assets

October 8, 2025 in Family Law /by Michael Lonich

Prenuptial agreements often receive a bad rap, mainly due to misconceptions about them. They’re frequently portrayed in movies and television shows as a safeguard, protecting an older, wealthy person from a gold digger’s devious plans. In reality, prenuptial agreements are an effective legal tool. In marriages where one or both spouses have been previously married, […]

Does Moving to Another State Affect Your Estate Planning?

September 24, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Preparing to move almost requires a degree in logistics. It involves juggling numerous tasks, such as organizing and packing belongings, coordinating with movers, managing timelines, and ensuring that nothing gets lost or damaged in the process.  Various forms need to be updated, such as the USPS change of address, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter […]

Estate Planning Across Borders: Navigating International Family Dynamics

September 10, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

In an interconnected world, international families are becoming more common. Loved ones may stretch across multiple continents in their search for more diversity and opportunities. Estate planning can be daunting under normal circumstances. Factoring in family members living in another country takes estate planning to a whole new level.  How do you ensure your wishes […]

Coping with Estate Disputes: Strategies for Resolving Family Conflicts Amicably

August 27, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

When a loved one passes away, emotions run high, and when estates and inheritances are involved, unresolved tensions can quickly boil over. Estate disputes are sadly common, especially in cases where wills are unclear, outdated, or contested.  Families in California often find themselves navigating a maze of legal and emotional challenges, but with the right […]

How to Plan for a Pet Trust: Providing for Your Furry Friends’ Future

August 13, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

Do you have a plan for who will care for your pets after your death or if you become incapacitated and unable to care for them yourself? Many people assume that friends or family will volunteer to adopt their pets, but the reality is that many pets go unclaimed instead. Even if you’ve included instructions […]

Understanding Intestate Succession: What Happens When You Die Without a Will

July 24, 2025 in Estate Planning /by Michael Lonich

The best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death is to draft a will. However, many people put off writing a will and estate planning, especially if they are young and healthy or don’t have many assets. So, what happens if you die without a will?  When someone dies without […]

Page 1 of 22123›»
Learn more about estate planning with a free resource
Read all about family law and child custody
Learn more about family law matters such as private divorce counseling.

Categories

  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 2025
  • Business Law
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Law
  • Firm News
  • In the Community
  • News
  • Personal
  • Probate
  • Spotlight

Posts From The Past 12 Months

  • December 2025
  • November 2025
  • October 2025
  • September 2025
  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025

Explore Our Archives

Free 30-Minute Family Law or Estate Planning Consultation

3 + 5 = ?

Contact Us

LONICH PATTON EHRLICH POLICASTRI

1871 The Alameda, Suite 400, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: (408) 553-0801 | Fax: (408) 553-0807 | Email: contact@lpeplaw.com

LONICH PATTON EHRLICH POLICASTRI

Phone: (408) 553-0801
Fax: (408) 553-0807
Email: contact@lpeplaw.com

1871 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126

Located in San Jose, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri handles matters for clients in northern California, specifically San Jose and Silicon Valley. Our services are available to anyone within the following counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Francisco. For a full listing of areas where we practice, please click here.

MAKE A PAYMENT BY SCANNING THE QR CODE BELOW:

DISCLAIMER

This web site is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Nothing in the site is to be considered as either creating an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri or as rendering of legal advice for any specific matter. Readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. No client or other reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information contained in Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri Web site without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue.

About | Why LPEP | Contact | Blog

© 2024 Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

Scroll to top

LPEP COVID-19 Office Protocol