About Debra
Debra DeCarli is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in both California and Texas. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2005. Her license is currently in active status. Ms. DeCarli is the founder and principal attorney at DeCarli Law, a firm specializing in estate and business planning. The firm has offices in Pleasanton and Mendocino, California, serving clients throughout the state. Ms. DeCarli's practice focuses on creating customized estate plans tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Ms. DeCarli earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Public Affairs degrees from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994. Prior to attending law school, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. During her time at the University of Texas, she balanced her academic pursuits with raising three children as a single mother, demonstrating her commitment and resilience.
Ms. DeCarli's practice areas include estate planning, with a particular emphasis on revocable living trusts, charitable remainder trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship designations, and wills. She is dedicated to assisting families in navigating the complexities of estate planning, especially those with young children, non-traditional or blended families, and individuals interested in charitable giving. Her approach is client-centered, ensuring that each estate plan aligns with the client's specific goals and circumstances.
With over 30 years of experience, Ms. DeCarli began her legal career in Austin, Texas, practicing law for a decade before relocating to California. In California, she initially handled complex litigation in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2010, she and her husband moved to Mendocino, where she established her estate and business planning practice. Ms. DeCarli is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in addition to the U.S. Supreme Court. She is also admitted to practice in California.
Ms. DeCarli is an active member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of California. She holds memberships in ElderCounsel and WealthCounsel, organizations dedicated to providing resources and education for estate planning professionals. Ms. DeCarli is committed to continuous professional development and community involvement, ensuring that she remains informed about the latest developments in estate planning law to best serve her clients.
