Since 1998, Philip Flanigan has practiced exclusively in estate planning, wills and trusts, Medi-Cal planning, and probate, a narrow focus maintained continuously for more than 25 years. Before that date, he held a California law license since December 1986 and worked in other areas of law. The decision to specialize exclusively in this field is a meaningful one: it means every inquiry the firm receives falls within the same body of law its attorney has worked in for over two decades. The firm is located at 4082 North Cedar Avenue, Suite 104, Fresno, California 93726, and can be reached at (559) 282-0232.
Attorney Credentials
Philip M. Flanigan earned a B.S. from California State University, Fresno, where he also played baseball, and a J.D. cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law. He has been admitted to the California State Bar since December 1986. His federal court admissions include the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and all four California federal district courts: the Eastern, Central, Northern, and Southern Districts.
He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award in 2025. His professional memberships include:
- Trusts and Estates Section of the State Bar of California
- Fresno County Bar Association
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
- WealthCounsel, LLC
- ElderCounsel, LLC
He is a frequent public speaker on estate planning and Medi-Cal planning, presenting seminars for public audiences and private groups throughout the Fresno area.
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
The firm handles plans ranging from basic wills to complex multi-asset strategies. Documents include wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The appropriate structure depends on the client’s asset mix, family situation, and objectives. Mr. Flanigan evaluates each situation individually and builds plans accordingly.
Elder Law
Elder law addresses the legal challenges specific to aging, including planning for incapacity, coordinating healthcare decisions, protecting assets from long-term care costs, and ensuring that legal documents are in place before a crisis occurs. The firm works with seniors and their families to build legal plans that reflect the realities of aging.
Medi-Cal Planning
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, and it is a key funding source for long-term care costs including nursing home stays. Nursing home care in California can cost well over $100,000 per year, making Medi-Cal planning a financial priority for families who cannot absorb those costs without assistance.
The complexity of Medi-Cal planning lies in its rules: applying too early can disqualify a client; applying too late can exhaust family resources. The firm identifies the proper time to apply, prepares the required documentation, negotiates with the local Medi-Cal office where necessary, and works to protect family assets throughout the process.
Probate and Estate Administration
When a person dies without a trust-based plan, or when assets are not properly held in trust, probate court proceedings may be required to transfer property. The firm handles California probate proceedings from initial filing through final distribution. For clients with trust-based plans, the firm assists with trust administration outside the court system.
VIP Membership Program
Clients who complete an estate plan can enroll in the firm’s VIP Membership Program, which provides annual reviews of their plan by the firm with amendments made as needed. Laws change; family circumstances change; assets change. A plan that was appropriate at drafting may require updates over time. The membership program is designed to maintain plan currency without requiring clients to return on an ad hoc basis.
Service Area and Hours
The firm serves clients in Fresno and the broader Central Valley of California. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A free initial consultation is available. The firm can be reached at (559) 282-0232 or through its website at www.pmflaw.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medi-Cal, and why does it require specialized legal planning?
Medi-Cal is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. It provides health coverage including long-term care coverage for individuals who qualify based on financial need. Long-term care costs in California can exceed $100,000 per year, making Medi-Cal an essential resource for many families. However, qualification involves asset and income limits, and missteps in the application process can result in denial or delayed approval. The firm specializes in navigating these requirements while legally protecting family assets.
What does “exclusive focus” on estate planning since 1998 mean in practice?
It means the firm handles only estate planning, elder law, Medi-Cal planning, and probate. Philip Flanigan does not take personal injury cases, employment matters, or criminal cases. Every case the firm accepts falls within the same area of law the attorney has practiced continuously since 1998. For clients selecting a specialist, this exclusivity has practical significance.
What is the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys?
NAELA is a professional organization for attorneys who specialize in elder law and special needs planning. Membership involves a commitment to continuing education and professional development in the elder law field. Philip Flanigan’s NAELA membership, combined with his membership in both WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel, reflects active involvement in elder law professional communities.
What communities in the Central Valley does the firm serve?
The firm serves clients in Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley region, including clients throughout the broader Fresno County area. Philip Flanigan’s office at 4082 North Cedar Avenue in Fresno is the base for all client meetings, though outreach through public seminars has extended his presence across the region.
What is the VIP Membership Program, and who should consider it?
The VIP Membership Program is a post-plan enrollment option that provides annual reviews of an existing estate plan and amendments when circumstances or law changes require it. It is most relevant for clients whose financial situations, family structures, or beneficiaries are likely to change over time. Flanigan markets it as a way to ensure documents remain current rather than becoming outdated after the initial drafting appointment.