Jonathan S. Forster

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

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

• “Who Will Inherit Gene Hackman’s $80M Estate?” Wealth Management, March 21, 2025
• “What Happens to John Amos’ Estate After Elder Abuse Claims? Legal Experts Explain (Exclusive),” People, October 5, 2024
• “What Clients Can Learn from Warren Buffett’s Estate Plan,” Wealth Management, September 4, 2024
• “Shannen Doherty Died amid a Contentious Court Fight with Her Ex. How She Was Able to Divorce Him After Her Death (Exclusive),” People, July 19, 2024
• “Why Matthew Perry Only Had $1.5 Million in the Bank at the Time of His Death: A Legal Expert Explains,” People, July 3, 2024
• “Our father died, then our stepmother passed away. Will my siblings and I owe taxes when we sell their house?” MarketWatch, April 5, 2024
• “What Happens to Matthew Perry’s Estate, Including His Friends Residuals? Legal Experts Explain (Exclusive),” People, November 9, 2023
• “The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Their Wills,” The Wall Street Journal, February 16, 2023
• “Makeovers, Where to Live, What to Wear, How to Look… (S2E3),” TheHourGLASS, December 24, 2022
• “The Boar’s Head Family Beef,” Wealth Management, June 14, 2021
• “A Biden Presidency Could Complicate Your Estate Taxes and Planning. Start Preparing Now.” Barron’s, October 28, 2020
• “Estate Planning Tips Amid The Pandemic.” Forbes, August 4, 2020
• “What is Inheritance Tax?” U.S. News & World Report, October 8, 2019
• “Bernie Sanders’ Plan May Spur Types of Tax Dodges It Aims To Stop.” Bloomberg BNA, February 4, 2019
• “Use Trusts for Pass-Through Tax Break? Yes, You Still Can,” Bloomberg BNA, August 10, 2018
• “It’s a Great Time to Be a Wealthy Heir After Trump Tax Overhaul,” Bloomberg, May 15, 2018
• “Alan Thicke’s Widow Accuses Sons of Shady Business,” Wealth Management, May 14, 2018
• “Advisors Should Ask All Clients Estate Planning Questions,” Financial Advisor, October 26, 2017
• “How a Will Treating Children Differently Can Still Be Fair,” New York Times, July 29, 2016

Honors & Awards

• “Deaths! Divorces! DUIs! Here’s Who the Stars Call When They Really Need a Lawyer,” The Hollywood Reporter, 2024
• “Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Who the Stars Call to Put Out Fires and Prevent Future Disasters,” The Hollywood Reporter, 2023
• The Best Lawyers in America®,” Best Lawyers, 2015-Present
• “Hollywood’s Troubleshooters: Top 35 Lawyers for Death, Divorce and Other Disasters,” The Hollywood Reporter, 2022
• “Leaders in Their Field – Private Wealth,” Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2017-2019
• “Southern California Super Lawyers,” Super Lawyers, 2011-Present
• “Southern California Rising Stars,” Super Lawyers, 2005-2010
• “AV® Preeminent™ 5.0/5.0” Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell