Crista Hermance - Attorney

As both a mom of two and an estate planning attorney, I know just how overwhelming it can feel to think about the “what ifs.” But I also know how important it is to have a plan in place—not just for peace of mind, but to make sure your children and loved ones are legally protected if something unexpected happens.

That’s exactly why I founded The Heritance Lawyers (formerly Hermance Law)—to help other parents and families put simple, effective estate plans in place that reflect their wishes and protect the people who matter most. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for every parent who wants to have a say in what happens to their family, rather than leaving it up to the state.

I was born and raised in Ventura, California, and after majoring in Business Management at San Diego State University, I spent several years working as a project manager for Citigroup, including time abroad in the Philippines. That international experience shaped my drive, but becoming a parent is what inspired me to shift careers and focus on estate planning. I began by volunteering with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Coalition to End Family Violence, then went to law school while working as a law clerk at a firm in Westlake Village. After passing the California bar, I became an associate attorney and eventually opened my own firm—focused entirely on estate planning for families like mine.

At The Heritance Lawyers (formerly Hermance Law), we’ve grown with our clients. While we’re best known for proactive estate planning, we also serve families during the most difficult times through crisis planning and probate services. Whether it’s helping parents name guardians, creating a trust, or stepping in after the loss of a loved one, our team is here for every stage of life.

I’m incredibly proud of the growth and impact our firm has had. We’ve recently been:

• Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Trusts and Estates

• Named one of the fastest-growing law firms of the year by Law Firm 500

• Honored as the Mid-Size Business of the Year by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at the 27th Annual Poinsettia Awards

Family dynamics change, and your estate plan should grow with you. My goal is to build lifelong relationships with our clients, so you always have someone to turn to when it comes to protecting your family’s future.

Crista is very passionate about helping children and is involved in the following charities:

• The BumbleBee Foundation Board of Directors

On a personal note

Favorite hobbies Scuba diving, golf, and photography
In another life what would your job be? Travel journalist
Best concert you’ve ever been to? Bon Jovi
If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be? Cups of coffee consumed in a 24 hour period.
What’s the most random thing in your purse/wallet? A waffle (I had a toddler at the time I found it in my purse)