Richard De Stefano – Attorney

Real Estate Development, Transactions and Litigation | Estate and Probate | Business Formation & Dissolution |

Taos, New Mexico

REAL PROPERTY, PROBATE & TRUST Attorney in Taos, NM

His extensive experience allows him to handle both transactional matters and complex litigation with equal depth and precision. DeStefano has his Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California School of Law in 1975 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Dickinson College. He has been admitted to the California Bar since 1975 and the New Mexico Bar since 1994.

Mr. De Stefano began his career in Beverly Hills, California, where he practiced for nearly two decades and became a partner in a prominent law firm. In 1995, he established his practice in Taos, New Mexico, where he has since served as both a solo practitioner and founding partner of a local firm. Over the course of his career, he has formed numerous development entities, advised on complex real estate projects, and guided clients through sophisticated estate planning and litigation matters.
He has also lectured and authored educational materials for the National Business Institute on business entity formation and structuring.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, TRANSACTIONS & LITIGATION

Mr. De Stefano has spent decades advising clients in all aspects of real estate law, including residential, commercial, and investment property transactions. His work includes acquisitions, sales, leasing, financing, land use, and development projects throughout Taos and Northern New Mexico. He regularly assists with condominium formation, subdivision planning, and the creation of development entities and owners’ associations.

Mr. De Stefano represents clients in civil litigation involving real estate disputes, estate and trust conflicts, and business-related matters. He handles complex cases in court, including will contests, contract disputes, and fiduciary litigation. He also assists clients in mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes efficiently when possible.

ESTATE PLANNING, AND PROBATE

A significant portion of Mr. De Stefano’s practice is dedicated to estate planning and administration. He prepares wills, living trusts, and specialized trusts, and advises on asset protection, planned giving, and family wealth planning strategies. He also guides clients through probate and non-probate administration, ensuring estates are handled efficiently and in accordance with New Mexico law.

Mr. De Stefano advises clients on estate planning matters, including the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. He helps individuals and families develop comprehensive estate plans designed to preserve assets, minimize potential disputes, and ensure the orderly transfer of wealth. In addition, he represents clients in estate and trust litigation, including will contests, fiduciary disputes, and contested probate proceedings, and assists in resolving conflicts through mediation and arbitration when appropriate.

BUSINESS FORMATION & DISSOLUTION FOR REAL PROPERTY

With extensive experience forming hundreds of business entities, Mr. De Stefano assists clients in selecting and structuring LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and specialized entities for real estate and estate planning purposes. He also provides guidance on business dissolution, helping clients navigate asset distribution, liability issues, and regulatory compliance.

Personal

Mr. De Stefano is an active member and former president of the Taos County Bar Association, where he has also served as vice president and treasurer. He has been deeply involved in the Taos community, serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Taos Center for the Arts, Habitat for Humanity of Taos, and Youth Alliance. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors of Artsoul, Inc. and acts as corporate counsel to various nonprofit organizations. Outside of his legal practice, Mr. De Stefano is an accomplished musician who performs, writes, and records music in northern New Mexico. He also enjoys skiing and cycling.