Ruth A. Phelps received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics
from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She received her JD
degree and her LL.M. (taxation) from Loyola Law School.
Mrs. Phelps is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and a Certified Estate
Planning, Trust and Probate Specialist. She has been named a
Southern California Super Lawyer for 2005 to 2016. She is the past-President of the National
Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a national organization of over 4,300 lawyers practicing in
the field of elder law. She is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Trust and Estates
Section of the State Bar of California, past President of the Southern California Chapter of the
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate
Counsel, and a member of the Board of Overseers of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California.
Mrs. Phelps is a 2007 Spirit of CEB recipient, and is the author and co-author of several chapters
for California Continuing Education of the Bar, publications, including:
• California Guardianship Practice – “Introduction to Duties and Powers of the Guardian
of the Estate” and “Compensation”
• California Trust Administration – “Court Proceedings”
• California Powers of Attorney – “Health Care Directive: Complete Forms and Related
Documents”
• California Will Drafting – “Special Needs Trusts”
• California Decedent Estate Practice – “Statutory Protections for Family Members”
• Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting and Administration – “Special Needs Trusts
and Appropriate Distributions”
• California Estate Planning – “Special Needs Trusts”
• Drafting California Irrevocable Trusts – “Special Needs Trusts”
She was an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School, teaching Elder Law, from 2005 to 2014.
She has two sons, both of whom are Eagle Scouts.