Debra DeCarli, an estate planning attorney based in Pleasanton and Mendocino, California, has been practicing law since 1994. She earned her J.D. and Master of Public Affairs degrees from the University of Texas, balancing her studies as a single mother of three. Debra’s personal experiences shaped her dedication to estate and business planning, particularly for diverse families and businesses. After law school, Debra partnered with and later married her classmate, Bob DeCarli. Together, they welcomed a child shortly after Debra became a grandmother, giving her firsthand insight into the complexities of estate planning for blended families, young children, and grandparents. This inspired her to dedicate her focus to these areas and expand her practice to include business planning.
Debra began her legal career in Austin, Texas, practicing for a decade before relocating to California with her husband. Initially, she handled complex litigation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Drawn to the natural beauty and community of the Mendocino coast, the DeCarli family moved there in 2010 to raise their child. Debra later established her estate and business planning practice, combining her legal acumen with her passion for helping families navigate life’s transitions.
