Estate planning

Estate planning across San Diego County

A complete estate plan covers more than a single document. Most San Diego County residents need a living trust, pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and advance health directive working together to protect their assets, name decision-makers for incapacity, and transfer property to heirs without probate. We match you with vetted, licensed estate-planning attorneys who coordinate the full document set in one engagement.

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Estate-planning attorney reviewing a full estate plan with a San Diego County couple including living trust and power of attorney documents

What's included in this service?

Conduct an initial review of your assets, family situation, and goals to determine the right document set
Draft a revocable living trust naming a successor trustee to manage assets at incapacity or death
Prepare a pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and advance health directive as a coordinated package
Transfer real property into the trust by recording a grant deed so the property avoids probate
Review and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance to coordinate with the trust
Identify planning gaps, such as assets held in individual names outside the trust, and advise on correcting them

When do you need this service?

You own real property in California and have not yet set up a trust or updated your estate plan
You recently married, divorced, had a child, or lost a spouse and your current documents are outdated
You are retired or approaching retirement and want to confirm your assets will transfer cleanly to heirs
You have a blended family, a child with special needs, or other circumstances that a basic will does not address
You have never done any estate planning and want to know which documents you actually need for your situation

What do homeowners ask about Estate planning?

What documents are included in a complete estate plan?

A complete California estate plan typically includes a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney for financial matters, and an advance health care directive (healthcare power of attorney plus living will). Depending on your situation, it may also include a special needs trust, beneficiary designation updates, or a certificate of trust for financial institutions.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Most estate-planning attorneys recommend a review every 3-5 years and after any major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child or grandchild, death of a named trustee or beneficiary, a significant change in assets, or a move to a different state. California law changes occasionally affect estate planning documents as well. The attorney we match you with advises on when an update is needed.

Do I need an estate plan if my estate is not very large?

Yes. California's probate threshold means that even a modest estate with a home triggers probate unless assets are in a trust or pass by beneficiary designation. Beyond probate avoidance, an estate plan names who manages your finances and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated, which matters at any asset level. A basic estate plan also ensures your assets go to the people you choose, not whoever California intestate law designates.

What is the California probate threshold?

California requires probate for estates with gross assets over $184,500 (2024 threshold). The threshold applies to gross value, not equity, so a home with a mortgage still counts at its full value toward the total. Most San Diego homeowners exceed this threshold, which is why a living trust is a standard recommendation for California residents who own real property.

Are the attorneys you match licensed California estate-planning attorneys?

The estate-planning attorneys we match are licensed members of the State Bar of California. You can verify any California attorney at calbar.ca.gov before signing a fee agreement. Trust Law SD is a referral service and is not a law firm.