Darcie A.F. Colihan is a trusted estate planning and business law attorney with more than 20 years of experience guiding professionals, business owners and families through estate planning, trust administration, probate and succession planning.
Senior counsel in Duckor Metzger & Wynne’s Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate practice, Darcie is known for her thoughtful and approachable style. She helps clients avoid costly legal pitfalls by crafting comprehensive estate plans tailored to their goals. She also provides strategic counsel on business formation and operations, ensuring clients are supported throughout every stage of life and business.
In this DMW Spotlight Q&A, Darcie shares more about her practice and her approach to helping people and businesses.
1. What do you enjoy most about your area of practice?
I find it deeply rewarding to help clients navigate the emotional and often overwhelming period following the loss of a loved one. During these moments, people are grieving while also facing complex legal and financial responsibilities, often for the first time. Knowing I can bring a sense of clarity, comfort and peace of mind during such a difficult time is what I value most about my work.
2. What inspired you to practice law/this area of law?
I wanted to be able to help families maintain their legacy and feel comforted that their hard work pays off.
3. What’s one piece of advice you often give to clients about planning for the future?
You can plan, but things change overnight, so you must always think about what you have in place and if it is still appropriate for you.
4. How do you ensure clients feel confident and informed throughout the planning process?
I believe clear communication and accessibility are key to building trust. I make a point to explain each step of the planning process in straightforward, relatable terms while avoiding legal jargon whenever possible, so clients can truly understand their options and feel empowered to make informed decisions. I also ensure they know I’m always available to answer questions, whether big or small, and I encourage open dialogue throughout our work together. My goal is for clients to leave each conversation feeling more confident, supported and reassured.
5. What sets your approach apart when it comes to guiding families through the probate process?
I approach every matter with empathy and a focus on clear, compassionate communication. I prioritize being approachable and relatable — someone clients can talk to without feeling intimidated or confused. Rather than overwhelming people with legalese, I break down the process into manageable steps and explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.
6. What’s one common misconception clients have about this area of law, and how do you address it?
That having a will allows your heirs to avoid probate and the court’s involvement in administering your estate. In reality, a will still needs to go through the probate process, which involves court oversight and can be time-consuming and costly. I take the time to explain the difference between a will and other planning tools, like trusts, which can help bypass probate if set up correctly. By clarifying this early in the process, I help clients make informed decisions about the best way to protect their assets and ease the burden on their families later.
7. If you weren’t practicing law, what would you be doing instead?
If I had to work, I would be in marketing or event planning because I enjoy interacting and communicating with people, and these seem like professions that would allow me to do that while still providing a helpful service. Otherwise, I would be a stay-at-home mom.
8. Are you involved in any professional or community organizations?
I’m a member of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California. I enjoy working with professional fiduciaries in trust and estate administration because aligning high standards and ethics with this area of law is essential. Fiduciaries are often called upon to serve as professional administrators or trustees, so I take pride in being able to support them.