William D Cutler, Estate Planning Attorney in Santa Rosa, California
Over 62 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Trusts · 4.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatDermott Cutler & McLaughlin
Santa Rosa, CA
Practicing estate planning in Santa Rosa since 1964.
- 62+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you William D Cutler?
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Quick answer
William D Cutler is a member based in Santa Rosa, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Trusts. William has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dermott Cutler & McLaughlin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Experience
- over 62 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Family Law · Trusts
- Handles Estate Planning, Family Law, and Trusts matters from Santa Rosa, CA.
- Over 62 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William D Cutler: William D Cutler is a member based in Santa Rosa, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Trusts. William has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dermott Cutler & McLaughlin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on estate planning, family law, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Family Law
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Trusts
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Wills
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Estate Planning cases in Santa Rosa, California
William takes estate planning matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Santa Rosa, California
William takes family law matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Santa Rosa, California
William takes trusts matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in Santa Rosa, California
William takes wills matters in Santa Rosa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William D Cutler — estate planning lawyer in Santa Rosa
William D Cutler is a member based in Santa Rosa, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Trusts. William has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dermott Cutler & McLaughlin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
William D Cutler is a lawyer practicing wills, trust law, estate planning and 3 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of San Francisco in 1960, and has been licensed for 62 years. William practices at Dermott Cutler & McLaughlin in Santa Rosa, CA.
William's approach to estate planning cases
William D Cutler is a lawyer practicing wills, trust law, estate planning and 3 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of San Francisco in 1960, and has been licensed for 62 years. William practices at Dermott Cutler & McLaughlin in Santa Rosa, CA.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, family law, and trusts matters in Santa Rosa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of San Francisco
LL.B. · 1963
University of San Francisco
B.A. · 1960
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
California
1964 · ACTIVE
William studied at LL.B. in University of San Francisco and B.A. in University of San Francisco.
Law school and academic background
William completed LL.B. in University of San Francisco and B.A. in University of San Francisco. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
William D Cutler's office in Santa Rosa
William's primary office is at 3510 Unocal Pl., Ste. 200, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403-0918. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dermott Cutler & McLaughlin
3510 Unocal Pl., Ste. 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-0918
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William D Cutler — 4.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Santa Rosa.
4.3
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William D Cutler claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William D Cutler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Santa Rosa, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William D Cutler
How much does it cost to hire William for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in California typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Santa Rosa?
William is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new estate planning clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Santa Rosa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
William handles estate planning matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
- Santa Rosa1,482 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Santa Rosa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




