Juan Pelayo counsels individuals and families in achieving their wealth transfer, estate planning, tax planning, business planning, and charitable objectives with clarity and confidence. He advises on a broad range of matters related to wealth creation and preservation, as well as tax management at the federal, state, and local levels, including tax planning, compliance, and controversy.

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Juan’s tax practice spans income tax controversies for individuals and businesses, along with the preparation, review, and filing of income, gift, estate, fiduciary, partnership, and corporate tax returns. He regularly works with entrepreneurs and start-up companies, advising on qualified small business stock (QSBS) and related Sections 1202 and 1045 considerations.

In the area of wealth transfer planning, Juan has extensive experience designing and implementing sophisticated strategies using irrevocable trusts and entities such as grantor retained annuity trusts, charitable trusts, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations. He also assists clients with foundational estate planning, including revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives.

Juan provides estate planning guidance for clients with cross-border beneficiaries or assets, as well as for individuals entering or leaving the United States. He further advises on reporting requirements related to foreign trusts, financial accounts, and other international assets. Earlier in his career, Juan served as a judicial extern and court clerk in the Probate Department of the San Francisco Superior Court, experience that continues to inform his thoughtful and practical approach to client service.