Member Since January 2024
About
As the founder of the Goralka Law Firm, I help successful families, business owners and real estate owners minimize income and estate tax, better protect assets and to transition their legacy and family values to the next generation. I'm one of the few attorneys certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in both taxation and estate planning, trust and probate. I have an AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for both ethical standards and legal ability. I am recognized as one of the best tax attorneys in the county by U.S. News & World Report and Premier Tax Attorneys. When I started my firm, I was a single dad with two small children, motivated by my dual desires to do meaningful work with my clients and to spend more time with my family. My background as an income tax auditor and hearing officer provided me with invaluable experience that has helped me structure transactions more beneficially for my clients. Outside of work, I was primarily focused on my kids while they were growing up, coaching their sports teams and scuba diving together. Now that they are grown and pursuing their own adventures, I enjoy cooking, traveling, collecting wine and spending time with my wife.
John Goralka
Published content
expert panel
Consider this expert advice before you make the leap into property management. Many people are drawn to the world of real estate investing and the dream of making passive income through rental properties. It’s an attractive prospect, as there’s certainly plenty of money to be made if purchased with considerable thought. However, other potential investors are equally nervous about the idea of owning real estate, as the amount of work and knowledge required can seem daunting or out of reach. Influencers and reality TV shows make it seem easy — but is real estate investing right for you? As leaders in the financial space, the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective are familiar with what it takes to succeed in real estate, and here, they share their expertise by outlining eight signs that investing in real estate may be a good fit or the right next step for you.
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Few trusts provide this level of multigenerational asset protection.
expert panel
There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when it comes to your finances. Personal finance is often just that: personal. Not only is it meant to adapt to your own needs, goals and wants, but it also can often be done on your own, with no outside help needed to succeed. However, finance can sometimes get complicated, especially as you start exploring more in depth with topics like investing, planning for retirement and estate planning. While you may be tempted to take on these complex areas on your own, it can sometimes be wise to bring professional help on board. As financial experts themselves, the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective have helped countless people navigate the complexities of the financial world. Here, they discuss 10 important instances when you may want to consult a professional and why doing so will save you a lot of hassle — and money — in the long run.
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Can your children or loved ones be trusted to have unfettered control over substantial assets and cash?
expert panel
In the financial world, it’s not just about knowing your numbers. Many think of finances as purely a numbers business, but in reality, it’s a people business too. Financial advisers work closely with their clients, often getting to know them on a deeper level than others might due to the sensitive nature of the work they do together. Discussing and receiving advice about one’s financial goals and personal money habits can be very vulnerable, and so working with a financial adviser who puts focus on their “soft skills” can be a much more comfortable and rewarding experience. Below, the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective touch on nine other reasons why financial advisers and other financial professionals should sharpen their soft skills, and address why doing so can make for much better client-adviser relationships.
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Tax planning is a multifaceted process that requires a personalized approach, especially for high-income individuals and families.
Company details
The Goralka Law Firm
Company bio
Founded in 1996, the Goralka Law Firm has grown over the decades into a dedicated, talented team of lawyers and support staff. We are recognized, since 2020, as one of the top law firms in the United States for taxation and estate planning by Best Lawyers. This recognition is based entirely on peer reviews from other lawyers. Our practice focuses primarily on advanced income tax planning, estate planning, business planning and transactions. We are honored to assist multiple generations of our extended client family, many of whom have been with us for over 20 years. We help successful families, business owners and real estate owners minimize income and estate tax, better protect assets and transition their legacy to the next generation, including their family values.