John D. Laughton

John D. Laughton is an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney with more than 40 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. Throughout his career, Mr. Laughton has built his practice on a foundation of personal commitment — to his clients' peace of mind, to thoughtful problem-solving, and to delivering timely, high-quality legal counsel. He is also a passionate community educator, regularly presenting estate planning and elder law seminars to the public and to private groups seeking guidance on these vital issues.

Mr. Laughton began his legal career in 1978 when he joined the firm of Davis & Schroeder, becoming a principal in 1984. That firm has since evolved into The Law Offices of John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation.

Practice Areas

Mr. Laughton's primary focus is estate planning and elder law, encompassing the preparation of Wills and Trusts, Medi-Cal planning, Probate, and Trust Administration. He also brings decades of business and real estate experience to bear for clients whose planning needs extend into those areas — including the formation and ongoing counsel of corporations, sole proprietorships, general and family limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. His transactional work has covered business acquisitions and sales, commercial leasing, and the purchase, sale, and tax-deferred exchange of residential and commercial real estate.

Education & Professional Credentials

Mr. Laughton earned his undergraduate degree with Distinction in General Scholarship from the University of California, Berkeley, and his law degree from the University of California College of Law, San Francisco. He is a member of the California State Bar and the American Bar Association's Sections on Real Property, Estates and Trusts. He also holds membership in the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Mr. Laughton is admitted to practice before all California courts, including the California Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Federal Court, Northern District.

Community & Service

Mr. Laughton's commitment to service extends well beyond his practice. He is a past chair and current member of the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps, and a Founding Director of the Monterey International Blues Festival. He served on the Boy Scouts of America Monterey Bay Area Council Board of Directors for 26 years — as an Eagle Scout, Cubmaster of Pack 38, and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 2. He has served on the boards of Chartwell School and All Saints Episcopal Day School, and was appointed to the City of Del Rey Oaks Planning Commission from 1985 to 1992. He is active in community affairs and enjoys pro bono work for nonprofit organizations. He serviced in Vietnam for the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1972.

At the heart of everything Mr. Laughton does is a simple truth: his greatest motivation is knowing that his work makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of his clients and their families.

Areas Of Practice

Admitted To Practice

• California, 1978

Education

• University of California, Hastings College of the Law
• Juris Doctor, 1978
• University of California Berkeley
• BA - Bachelor of Arts, 1971

Professional Memberships

• The Salvation Army - Monterey Peninsula Corps
• Chairperson, 2016 - Present
• The Salvation Army - Monterey Peninsula Corps
• Advisory Board, 2005 - Present
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Member, 2001 - Present
• American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
• Member, 1999 - Present
• State Bar of California
• Member, 1978 - Present
• American Bar Association
• Member, 1978 - Present
• Monterey County Bar Association
• Member, 1978 - Present
• All Saints' Episcopal Day School
• Board of Trustees, 2006 - 2012
• Boy Scouts of America - Monterey Bay Area Council
• Board of Directors, 1980 - 2010