Real People. Clear Guidance. Trusted Estate Planning.
Our team
Certified Estate Planner
Mark Puritz, MBA, CEP
Mark works with North State families to organize, structure, and coordinate their estate plans with a focus on keeping homes out of probate and protecting family assets. Mark guides clients through the full planning process — gathering information, explaining options, preparing draft documents, and ensuring each plan reflects the client’s goals — before all legal documents are formally reviewed and finalized by an experienced attorney.
At Caring Wills and Trusts in Chico, Mark supports individuals and families across Chico, Paradise, Magalia, Oroville, Durham, Corning, and surrounding Butte County communities. He has helped hundreds of clients create well-organized, attorney-reviewed living trust–based estate plans that include pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives.
Mark’s background includes years of work alongside his father, personal injury attorney Lawrence A. Puritz, where he developed a practical understanding of court processes, documentation, and the common legal challenges families encounter. This experience shaped his commitment to designing estate planning workflows that reduce stress, prevent avoidable court involvement, and give families clarity.
Estate Planning Attorney, ESQ
Michael T. Shepherd, ESQ
Michael T. Shepherd is a Chico attorney with more than 50 years of legal experience. For most of his career, he focused on personal injury law, earning a reputation for sharp analysis, clear communication, and strong client advocacy.
In recent years, Michael has shifted his practice toward estate planning, where he provides legal review and attorney-level guidance to clients who want to protect their homes and avoid probate. His approach is practical, calm, and easy to understand, which is why families consistently trust him with important decisions.
Michael is known for explaining complex issues in plain English and making the legal side of estate planning feel straightforward instead of overwhelming.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.