Jonathan Forster designs and implements multi-generational estate planning strategies for high net worth families. His goal for each client is to achieve their personal, charitable and business objectives while minimizing estate taxes. Jonathan specializes in situations involving business transactions, particularly pre-liquidity event planning for sales of closely-held businesses and real estate, and business succession planning. As his client’s advocate, he works closely with their corporate counsel, investment bankers and financial planners to establish transactional structures that result in the greatest benefits for his clients.

Prior to joining Weinstock Manion in 2002, Jonathan was General Counsel of an international software company. In this role, he gained tremendous insight into the business management process, particularly the value of goal-setting and shareholder objectives. Jonathan effectively applies a similar process in advising his clients, first focusing on their business and personal objectives and then clarifying a process by which to achieve their goals.

In addition to guiding business owners through major events, Jonathan shares his knowledge as an instructor of Estate Planning at UCLA Extension. He also frequently presents to lawyers and other professionals on the topics of business succession planning and pre-liquidity event planning. Jonathan has found that his role as an educator has made him a skilled communicator, effectively breaking down complex topics into everyday language.

Jonathan has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in each year since 2015, Southern California Super Lawyers® in each year since 2011, and was selected a “Southern California Rising Star” by Super Lawyers® from 2005-2010. He is peer review rated “AV® Preeminent™ 5.0/5.0” on Martindale-Hubbell.

Education

  • J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California, 1995
  • B.A., Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, 1992

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of California, 1995
  • U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1995
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1998

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • American Bar Association: 1995 – Present
  • California Lawyers Association: 1995 – Present
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association: 1995 – Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association: 1995 – Present

Speaking & Teaching

Teaching Positions

  • Estate Planning, UCLA Extension, 2010 – Present

Notable Speaking Engagements

  • “Basis and Flexibility – Planning Considerations under Current Law,” Beverly Hills Estate Planning Council, March 4, 2019
  • “Tax Planning: Passing Your Real Property Without it Being Reassessed,” Comerica Wealth Management Group, October 1, 2014
  • “Pre-Liquidity Event Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning,” 2002 – Present
  • Planning in a Low Interest Rate Environment,” 2008-Present
  • Trustee Liability,” 2009 – Present

Media & Publications

Publications

  • “Estate and Income Tax Planning for Gay Couples,” co-authored with Yunna Barats, Pride and Equality Magazine, February 2007
  • “Medical Decision-Making and Other Legal Planning Issues for Patients,” Southern California Psychiatrist, September 2006

Media

Honors & Awards

Related News

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July 8, 2024

Jonathan Forster Quoted in People Magazine Article About Matthew Perry’s Assets and Estate

Jonathan Forster recently spoke to People Magazine about late actor Matthew Perry’s assets at the time of his death in October 2023, following an appraisal...

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April 5, 2024

Jon Forster speaks to MarketWatch About Property Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes After the Death of a Family Member

Jon Forster was recently featured in a MarketWatch column answering a reader question about the correct tax basis to claim when selling the house of...

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January 10, 2024

Twelve of the Firm’s Attorneys Selected to 2024 Southern California “Super Lawyers”

The firm is pleased to announce that twelve of its attorneys have been listed to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 Southern California “Super Lawyers.” Weinstock Manion attorneys...

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November 13, 2023

Jonathan Forster Speaks to People Magazine About Matthew Perry’s Estate

Jonathan Forster was recently sought out by People Magazine for insight into the estate of late actor Matthew Perry, who passed away in October of...

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September 22, 2023

Jonathan Forster and Robert Strauss Named By The Hollywood Reporter to 2023 List of “Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Who the Stars Call to Put Out Fires and Prevent Future Disasters”

Jonathan Forster and Robert Strauss were both selected by The Hollywood Reporter for inclusion in its list of “Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Who the Stars Call to...

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August 17, 2023

Ten Attorneys from Weinstock Manion Named to 2024 “Best Lawyers in America”; Six Named to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

Weinstock Manion is pleased to announce that Jessica Babrick, Gary Borofsky, Jonathan Forster, Jeffrey Geida, Martin Neumann, Diane Park, Blake Rummel, Sussan Shore, Neil Solarz,...

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February 17, 2023

Jonathan Forster Speaks to the Wall Street Journal on the Biggest Mistakes People Make with Their Wills

Jonathan Forster was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal article, “The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Their Wills,” which discussed the areas where people...

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January 10, 2023

Ten Weinstock Manion Attorneys Selected to 2023 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List

The firm is pleased to announce that ten of its attorneys have been named to Thomson Reuters‘ 2023 list of Southern California “Super Lawyers.” Robert...

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December 22, 2022

Jonathan Forster Speaks To TheHourGLASS Podcast On Estate Planning Amidst A Divorce

Jonathan Forster was recently a guest on TheHourGLASS, a podcast dedicated to exploring various stages of the divorce process. During the segment, Jonathan examined several...

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November 28, 2022

Jonathan Forster and Robert Strauss Named By The Hollywood Reporter to 2022 List of “Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Top 35 Lawyers for Death, Divorce and Other Disasters”

Jonathan Forster and Robert Strauss were both selected by The Hollywood Reporter for inclusion in its list of “Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Top 35 Lawyers for Death,...

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August 18, 2022

Ten Attorneys from Weinstock Manion Selected to 2023 “Best Lawyers in America”; Three Selected to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

Weinstock Manion is pleased to announce that Jessica Babrick, Gary Borofsky, Jonathan Forster, Jeffrey Geida, Martin Neumann, Diane Park, Blake Rummel, Sussan Shore, Neil Solarz,...

Read morearrow
January 20, 2022

Ten Weinstock Manion Attorneys Selected to 2022 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List

The firm is pleased to announce that ten of its attorneys have been named to Thomson Reuters‘ 2022 list of Southern California “Super Lawyers.” Robert...

Read morearrow

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