_edited.png)
Why This Work Exists:
A Family Story
This work was not born from theory.
It was born from experience.
When Angelo Pinto lost his grandmother, Georgia Mae Dingle, she had taken steps many families are told are sufficient. She created a will. She had it notarized. She believed her wishes were clear and protected.
They were not.
What followed was a long and painful probate process. Her will was challenged. Decisions were delayed. Her intentions were questioned. What she believed would bring peace instead became years of legal uncertainty for her family.
Watching this unfold changed Angelo’s understanding of estate planning forever.
He saw firsthand how easily a person’s final wishes can be undermined—even when they believe they did everything right. He also saw how families are often left unprepared to defend those wishes within a legal system that is complex, slow, and unforgiving.
That experience became the foundation of Angelo Pinto & Associates.
This firm exists so fewer families have to learn these lessons the hard way.
The Problem We See
What happened to Angelo’s family is not rare. It is a pattern—one that disproportionately affects Black and brown families across generations.
We consistently see families facing:
Wills that exist but are easily challenged
Property tied up in probate court for years
Homes lost due to lack of proper legal structures
Family conflict fueled by confusion and unclear planning
Assets drained by court costs and legal fees
Generational wealth disappearing after one passing
Understanding Estate Planning
Knowledge Is the First Layer of Protection
Estate planning is not only about preparing for death. It is about protecting your family while you are living and ensuring your wishes are honored when you cannot speak for yourself.
Below is foundational information to help you understand common estate planning tools and why guidance matters.
What Is A Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing and who will be responsible for carrying out those wishes.
A will can:
-
Identify beneficiaries
-
Appoint guardians for minor children
-
Name an executor
However, many families are surprised to learn that a will alone does not avoid probate. Even with a will, your family may still face court proceedings, delays, and potential challenges.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal structure that holds assets for the benefit of others and can be established during your lifetime.
A trust can:
-
Help avoid probate
-
Provide greater privacy
-
Reduce the likelihood of disputes
-
Offer more control over how and when assets are distributed
-
Support long-term generational planning
For many families, trusts are not about wealth—they are about clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
Will vs. Trust: Understanding the Difference
In simple terms:
-
A will states your wishes
-
A trust helps ensure those wishes are carried out with fewer obstacles
Many strong estate plans use both tools together, tailored to a family’s unique situation, goals, and values.
Additional Estate Planning Tools
Effective estate planning often includes more than a will or trust. Depending on your needs, planning may also involve:
-
Power of Attorney – allows someone to manage financial matters if you are unable
-
Healthcare Directives – ensures medical decisions align with your wishes
-
Beneficiary Designations – directs assets like life insurance and retirement accounts
-
Legacy Planning – preserves family values, stories, and long-term intentions
Estate planning is a system—not a single document.
From Information to Protection
This information is meant to educate—not replace personalized legal advice.
Every family’s situation is different. The right plan depends on your assets, your goals, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
When you are ready to move from information to action, Angelo Pinto & Associates is here to guide you with clarity, respect, and intention.
Our Commitment
Our Commitment to Families
At Angelo Pinto & Associates, our commitment goes beyond legal documents. We believe estate planning is about people, protection, and preserving what families have worked hard to build.
We are committed to:
-
Education before execution, so families understand what they are signing, why it matters, and how it protects them
-
Protection with intention, not one-size-fits-all planning
-
Cultural competence that respects family history, values, and lived experience
-
Generational thinking, not short-term solutions
We believe estate planning should bring peace—not confusion. Our role is to guide families through complex decisions with clarity, honesty, and care, so they can move forward confident that their wishes will be honored.
The 200 Families Initiative
As part of this commitment, Angelo Pinto has launched the 200 Families Initiative, a community-centered effort to educate 200 families on the fundamentals of estate planning and provide free estate planning consultations to families who may not otherwise have access to this information.
This initiative was born out of lived experience and a clear understanding of the gaps that exist in legal access. Too many families lose homes, savings, and generational opportunity not because they failed to plan—but because they were never given the knowledge or guidance needed to protect themselves fully.
Through the 200 Families Initiative, Angelo Pinto & Associates aims to:
Increase access to clear, culturally competent estate planning education
Help families understand wills, trusts, and legacy planning before making decisions
Reduce fear, confusion, and misinformation around estate planning
