Estate Planning Attorney

Our attorneys draft a set of documents to address your unique needs and expectations. Our firm also advises on co-ownership property rights, transfer-on-death accounts, and beneficiary designation.

• Last Will and Testament

  This is a document in which you name an “executor,” who has legal authority to administer the transfer of your property per your designated intentions. The executor closes your estate.

• Trusts

  Trusts are a fiduciary arrangement that allow a third party, “trustee,” to hold assets on your behalf and beneficiaries. Trusts specify how and when your assets pass to your beneficiaries.

• Durable Power of Attorney

  Durable power of attorney establishes responsibility and identifies guidelines if you become incapacitated. It directs an individual of your choosing to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf.

• Health Care Directive

  Our attorneys will help protect your medical and health information. A HIPAA compliant document guides your family members and health care providers when determining medical decisions on your behalf.

• Business Succession Planning

  Business succession planning helps owners of family-owned or closely held businesses protect the business and assets in the event of their incapacitation or death. It is a series of logistical and financial decisions.

• Beneficiary Designation

  Our attorneys will make certain your assets transfer to the people/entities designated as beneficiaries on specific contracts/accounts. Such assets include life insurance policies, IRAs, and 401(k) plans.

• Probate Litigation

  There is already enough to process with the loss of a loved one, let alone going into probate. Probate is the legal process of authenticating a decedent’s will, taking inventory and appraising the estate, and distributing the assets according to the decedent’s last wishes. If there is no will, the process for probate remains the same. In this case, probate is still required to pay any outstanding bills and distribute the assets to the designated beneficiaries.

  Probate should be avoided as much as possible. Planning with an estate attorney in advance can save you the headache of probate court, potential relationship strains, and financial stress. One advantage of probate is having the court settle disputes between heirs. But you also run the risk of higher costs and a drawn out process that could take anywhere from a few months to several years. For a costly and complicated process, entrust your probate disputes and estate-related cases to a reliable probate and estate planning lawyer.

Our experienced San Diego estate planning attorneys will advise you on the best estate plan for you and your family based on your unique circumstances and goals. Estate plans must meet state guidelines. We fully understand how current state and federal laws impact your estate and will draft all of the pertinent documents. More importantly, we help ensure your wishes are carried out while avoiding potential hassles and needless expenses.