Dennis M. Sandoval

Dennis M. Sandoval is a dedicated attorney with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the disabled and senior communities in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. In 1992, Dennis experienced a life-altering car accident that left him with a broken neck and back, resulting in paralysis. Through his personal journey, he has gained invaluable insights into the physical and emotional aspects of living with a disability and navigating the intricacies of the care system.

Dennis is a trailblazer in the legal field, holding certifications in three critical areas: estate planning, elder law, and taxation. He achieved the prestigious Certified Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Specialist designation from the California Bar Board of Legal Specialization in 1998 and became a Certified Taxation Law Specialist in 2000. Additionally, in 2004, he earned the esteemed Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) and the American Bar Association. His expertise extends further with the Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP) designation from the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils.

Dennis’ educational journey includes a Master of Tax Law Degree (LL.M.), a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance.

Before entering the legal profession, Dennis owned a thriving tax planning and financial planning firm in Orange, California. During this period, he acquired valuable credentials as an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service and as a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) and Registered Financial Consultant® (RFC). Although he no longer practices as a financial planner, this background continues to benefit his clients in estate planning, elder law, and tax matters, especially when working alongside their financial advisors.

Dennis has been a driving force in various legal organizations, serving for seventeen years as the Director of Education for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA), an association of attorneys specializing in estate planning nationwide. Additionally, he played active roles on the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (NAELA) and the National Elder Law Foundation.

Throughout his career, Dennis has been deeply committed to serving the needs of special needs individuals and those with disabilities. As one of only six California members of the Special Needs Alliance, a national organization focused on proper planning for special needs persons, he has been actively involved in numerous related organizations, including ARC, NAMI, TACA, the Autism Society, and the Special Olympics. He is also a member of The Academy of Special Needs Planners, dedicated to assisting persons with disabilities.

Dennis is widely respected in the legal community, holding significant roles in the Riverside County Bar Association, the San Bernardino County Bar Association, the Riverside County Estate Planning Council, and the San Bernardino County Estate Planning Council. His law firm is a charter member of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association (LCPLFA), a nationwide organization employing social workers and geriatric care managers to provide comprehensive care to elders and disabled individuals.

Not only is Dennis a highly accomplished attorney, but he also shares his expertise through teaching, having served as an adjunct professor at various law schools and universities, including Stetson University College of Law, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law, University of California, and University of Redlands.

Outside of his legal endeavors, Dennis remains deeply connected to his community and personal interests. He spent his formative years in Riverside, attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help grade school and Notre Dame High School. An avid sports enthusiast, he lettered in football and wrestling during high school and college. Presently, he finds joy in building and maintaining marine aquariums and photography. Before his accident, he was an assistant scuba diving instructor in Orange. Dennis resides in Norco, California, with his loving wife, three daughters, and an assortment of pets. He cherishes spending quality time with his two grandsons and granddaughter.