California Maritime Attorney & Yacht Brokerage Lawyer – Escrow, Charter Law, Asset Protection, Litigation, Transactions & Tax-Efficient Ownership

Trusted legal counsel for yacht owners, brokers, charter operators, and maritime investors throughout California’s coast.

Expert Guidance in a Niche Industry

Whether you’re closing a yacht transaction, forming a bareboat charter operation, or dealing with a maritime lien, you need a maritime attorney who understands the intricacies of both vessel ownership and California law. I’m Christopher M. Brainard, Esq. — a maritime law attorney, licensed yacht broker, and experienced litigator. I represent clients throughout California’s premier boating communities, offering integrated solutions for yacht law, tax structuring, and dispute resolution.  I am also a seasoned complex litigation expert regarding maritime liens and all manner of yacht brokerage disputes.

Legal Services Offered Statewide

• ✔ Vessel Purchase & Sale Agreements
• ✔ Maritime Escrow & Title Transfer (USCG & CA DMV)
• ✔ LLC & Living Trust Ownership Structuring
• ✔ Tax-Free Transfers for Trust-Owned LLCs
• ✔ Maritime Lien Enforcement & Defense
• ✔ Charter Agreements (Bareboat & Time Charter)
• ✔ Vessel Arrests, Disputes, & Litigation
• ✔ Sales Tax & Use Tax Planning
• ✔ Trust & Estate Integration for High-Value Maritime Assets

Serving Every California Port & Marina

From Newport Beach to San Francisco Bay, I advise and represent clients across the coast including:

• ⚓ Newport Beach
• ⚓ Marina del Rey
• ⚓ San Diego
• ⚓ Long Beach
• ⚓ Dana Point
• ⚓ Santa Barbara
• ⚓ Morro Bay
• ⚓ Tiburon / Sausalito / San Francisco
• ⚓ Monterey / Santa Cruz

Integrated Legal & Maritime Expertise

• Licensed Yacht Broker + Attorney: I understand your deals from both a transactional and litigation legal perspective.
• Over 27 Years of Experience: I’ve represented clients in complex maritime matters since 1998.
• Brokerage + Litigation: From clean closings to aggressive lien defense, I’ve done it all.
• Tax-Smart Planning: LLC structuring and trust integration to avoid unnecessary taxes on transfers and sales.

Ready to Navigate With Confidence?

If you’re involved in a vessel deal, facing a dispute, or want to structure your assets the right way, I can help.

📞 Call or Text: (310) 266–4115
🌐 Website: www.LawBrainard.com
📝 Start Online: Complete Our Maritime Intake Form

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“Chris helped us structure the yacht sale through a trust-owned LLC and avoid unnecessary taxes. Total pro.”
— Yacht Brokerage Client, Newport Beach

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*This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. An attorney-client relationship is only formed through a signed agreement.*