Shekhar Chikhalikar, Esq.
Attorney · REALTOR · Insurance Agent

The Coordinated Advantage

One advisor who sees legal, real estate, and insurance as a connected whole.

Why LA Vakil exists

I started LA Vakil because I kept seeing the same problem: families who had worked hard their whole lives — saved, bought a home, built something — and then found out too late that their estate plan was a one-page will from LegalZoom, their property wasn't actually in the trust, and their homeowners policy didn't cover trust-owned property. Three separate professionals, three siloed conversations, and gaps between all of them that could cost a family hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As a licensed attorney, REALTOR, and insurance agent — one person, one conversation — I can see all three sides simultaneously. When I draft your living trust, I also prepare the deed to transfer your home into it. When the home goes into the trust, I flag the insurance review that needs to happen. That coordination is something most families have never experienced before — and it makes a real difference.

What I believe about estate planning

Estate planning is fundamentally about love — love for your family and for the peace you want them to have after you're gone. It's not a morbid exercise. It's one of the most loving things you can do for the people who matter most to you.

I do not use form kits or templates. Every plan is customized to your actual family, your actual assets, and your actual wishes. A blended family with a special needs child needs something completely different from a first-time homebuying couple. Cookie-cutter estate plans are a disservice to the families who receive them.

I'm also transparent about pricing — published openly on this website. No surprises. Just clear pricing for clear work.

How I work with clients

I don't charge for phone calls. If you're a client and you have a question during the drafting process, call me. The point of the relationship is for you to end up with a plan you actually understand — not just a stack of documents in a binder you'll never open again.

I review original documents — your actual deeds, account statements, existing estate planning documents, insurance policies — before drafting anything. I ask detailed questions. I want to understand your family, not just fill in a form. Every piece of information you share is confidential.

Languages

I serve clients in English, Hindi, and Marathi. For South Asian families throughout the San Fernando Valley — Chatsworth, Northridge, Porter Ranch, and surrounding communities — your estate plan can be discussed and explained in the language that feels most natural to you and your parents.

Serving the San Fernando Valley

Chatsworth, Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Simi Valley, Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Winnetka, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hills, Arleta, Pacoima, Sylmar, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Studio City, Calabasas, and greater Los Angeles. Virtual consultations available throughout California.