J. Melissa Schmitt

Practice Areas: Estate & Trust Litigation, Elder Law, Estate Planning & Probate

Providing top-tier estate planning services to San Jose, California families is Attorney J. Melissa Schmitt’s expertise. Ever since obtaining her California license to practice law in 2016, she has remained a dedicated senior attorney at Temmerman, Cilley & Kohlmann, LLP.

Ms. Schmitt recognizes the challenges of addressing wills and estate planning, acknowledging the discomfort it brings to most individuals. Thus, she takes a thorough and deeply involved approach to tailor solutions for each unique situation. Her support spans estate planning, probate and trust litigation, health care directives, long-term care strategizing, conservatorship cases both contested and uncontested, elder abuse legal action, fiduciary surcharge matters, and accounting concerns.

Backed by her peers, opponents, and past clients, Ms. Schmitt boasts commendable litigation skills. She frequently receives appointments as counsel in guardianship and conservatorship hearings in Contra Costa County and Santa Clara County courts. Beyond her legal practice, she has contributed to Santa Clara University School of Law – La Raza Law Student Association, imparting legal concepts and fostering interest in the field among students.

Graduating with honors from Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, Ms. Schmitt pursued a major in political science and government, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012. In 2015, she achieved her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. She gained valuable experience through legal internships at the County of San Mateo District Attorney’s Office and the Santa Clara Public Defender’s Office. Additionally, she secured a scholarship from Saint Mary’s College of California for an art and history program in France and Italy.

Proficient in both English and Spanish, Ms. Schmitt has contributed articles to esteemed publications. Actively engaged in the legal community, she holds membership in the Contra Costa County Bar Association and the Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association.