Areas served: San Diego, CA and surrounding San Diego County
San Diego's estate planning landscape reflects the region's diverse demographics, from military families at local bases to retirees in coastal communities and tech professionals in UTC and Sorrento Valley. The complexity of California's probate system and the state's unique community property laws make choosing the right estate planning attorney particularly important. This directory provides verified information on estate planning practitioners throughout San Diego County, from downtown firms to practices in North County communities.
Garmo & Garmo, LLP is a full-service law firm in La Mesa serving San Diego County with over 100 years of combined legal experience. Led by attorneys Freddy Garmo, Robert Garmo, and a team of experienced lawyers, the firm handles personal injury, family law, business/corporate law, estate planning, real estate, immigration, and criminal defense. With a 4.9-star rating from 75+ Google reviews and thousands of clients represented, they're known for responsive service (typically within the hour) and successfully securing settlements including $1M+ in personal injury cases.
“If I can give 10 stars to Garmo & Garmo, I definitely would! My family and I needed to find a lawyer to guide us through the probate process for our late mother's estate. Garmo & Garmo came highly recommended by our dear friend and real estate representative, she had done business with Garmo in the past and had nothing but wonderful things to say about their Team. Joseph Matuk was assigned to help my family with our probate and he was not only tremendously knowledgeable, but also so easy-going and relatable. He was always available if we had any questions or concerns. Joseph and the entire Garmo & Garmo team are so friendly and make you feel so welcomed as soon as you step into their office. They really care about their clients.”
— Maria Logrecco, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 75 reviewsOath is a San Diego estate planning and investment law firm led by attorneys who specialize in integrated wealth protection strategies. They provide comprehensive estate planning, trust administration, business succession planning, and fiduciary investment counsel, serving families and business owners throughout San Diego County. With a 4.9-star rating from 67 reviews, Oath is known for their holistic approach that coordinates legal and financial planning to protect multi-generational wealth.
“I attended an estate planning seminar given by Seth Geist of Oath Law. The importance of having a Living Trust was explained and the opportunity to hire Oath Law to prepare a Trust was accepted. Seth was very courteous and made us fully aware of each step as we progressed. The Dennette Rudd Trust was completed and we are competent that as we progress through life, things will well be taken care of.”
— Dennis Rudd, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 67 reviewsSan Diego Probate Law is led by Steven F. Bliss, Esq., a California attorney with 35+ years specializing in estate planning, probate administration, and trust law. The firm focuses on helping families avoid probate through living trusts, navigating court-supervised estate settlement, and handling complex trust administration across San Diego and Riverside Counties. With a 5.0-star rating from 218+ Google reviews and over 4,500 estates protected, the practice is known for property tax reassessment protection, creditor shielding, and ensuring fiduciary compliance under California law.
“Mr. Steven Bliss and his staff, especially Laura, provided exceptional, professional service in setting up my revocable living trust and handling the quitclaim deed for my property. I researched many lawyers beforehand, and several warned that the title change could trigger a property tax reassessment in California. Mr. Bliss deeply understands the relevant laws (including the 'original transferor' rules) and was confidently able to structure everything so my quitclaim deed would not trigger reassessment—he even modified the change of ownership report accordingly. The entire process was efficient, thorough, and truly professional, with clear explanations every step of the way. Laura was also very responsive, helpful, and professional in assisting with the details. There were no hidden fees or surprises at all. I highly recommend Mr. Bliss and his team to anyone in San Diego needing reliable estate planning—they gave me complete peace of mind!”
— Lan Huynh, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 218 reviewsMark Ignacio Law, APC is a San Diego estate planning and probate law firm led by attorney Mark Ignacio, who has served clients since 2012 with a faith-based approach rooted in Christian stewardship principles. The firm specializes in customized estate plans, living trusts, probate administration, and trust administration throughout California, with a focus on preventing family conflict and avoiding probate chaos. Mark's empathetic, anticipatory approach—consistently praised in 180+ five-star Google reviews—ensures clients receive comprehensive guidance that coordinates legal, financial, and tax planning to preserve assets and protect loved ones in La Mesa and across San Diego County.
“We worked with Mark and his team to create a trust for our family, and the experience was excellent from start to finish. Mark was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough in explaining every step of the process. He made what could have been a complicated and stressful task feel clear and manageable. He took the time to understand our family’s specific needs, answered all our questions patiently, and ensured everything was structured correctly for both the present and the future. The communication was prompt, and we always felt confident that we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a law firm you can trust to handle estate planning with care, precision, and genuine attention to detail, I highly recommend Mark and his team.”
— Carlos Martinezvidal, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 180 reviewsShaw Legal Office, APC is a San Diego estate planning and probate law firm located in Bay Park, specializing in trusts, wills, and probate administration. Known for their upfront pricing, straightforward process, and 5-star Google rating from 149+ reviews, they serve families throughout San Diego County seeking efficient, comprehensive estate services without the complexity. Their Bay Park office is conveniently located off I-5 at the Sea World Drive exit.
“Shaw Legal was recommended to us by a local realtor friend. We are a military family serving overseas but needed CA based legal services. Shaw Legal was so responsive, professional, knowledgeable, and kind. The way they organized our documents blew us away and prompted some good-hearted jealousy from colleagues who saw the binder they sent. 5/5 stars, would recommend!”
— Heather Fay, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 148 reviewsMcGovern Law Group is a La Mesa estate planning law firm led by Sam McGovern, a former law enforcement officer and longtime community leader. The practice specializes in California living trusts, wills, probate administration, trust administration, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives for individuals, families, business owners, and retirees across East County San Diego. With offices in La Mesa, Alpine, and Chula Vista, McGovern Law Group serves the local community with bilingual services and a relationship-driven approach focused on multi-generational wealth protection.
“We recently got our revocable trust done by estate planning attorney Sophia Gallardo of the McGovern Law Group. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sophia and the entire team at McGovern Law firm for outstanding work they did in handling our Estate plan. Sophia’s professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail were evident at every step. We had tons of questions during the process and Sophia took the time to explain everything clearly, not to mention that she is fluent in can speak both English and Spanish. The Living trust created will ensure our real estate assets are transferred seamlessly according to our wishes. The whole process was completed in person. Thank you Sophia and the McGovern Law Group for your exceptional Legal service. I highly recommend you to anyone seeking trustworthy and compassionate legal support.”
— ROBERTO KAY, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 101 reviewsMilda Goeriz is a San Diego trust and estate planning attorney who has been practicing since 2003. She specializes in revocable living trusts, asset protection planning, probate avoidance, and tax planning for families and multigenerational wealth. Known for her flat-fee billing, efficient process, and meticulous documentation, Milda serves clients throughout San Diego County from her Carmel Valley and Murphy Canyon offices.
“I recently worked with Milda to update my estate plan, including a living trust, will, and advance healthcare directive. I am extremely pleased with how everything went. What I liked most was how consultative Milda was throughout the whole process. She didn’t just hand me documents to sign. She took the time to walk me through all the options available and helped me understand what made sense for my situation. That made a big difference to since it had been over 10 years since I created my first estate plan. Milda worked fast and was very communicative. Every time I had a question, I had a response back in under four hours. That kind of responsiveness is rare and I really appreciated it. If you’re looking for an estate planning attorney who is knowledgeable, thorough, and easy to work with, I highly recommend Milda. She made what can feel like an overwhelming process feel very manageable.”
— Ray Elkins, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 87 reviewsPreston Estate Planning is a San Diego law firm led by attorneys with nearly 40 years of exclusive estate planning experience. Unlike typical estate plans that only focus on avoiding probate, Preston's proprietary 'Life Plan' addresses tax reduction, asset protection, disability planning, and inheritance protection across generations. The firm has reviewed over 11,000 trusts from other California attorneys and developed specialized features like Inheritance Trusts, Capital Gains Elections, and Disability Panels to protect clients' assets from divorce, lawsuits, creditors, and unnecessary taxation. They serve clients throughout California with a 4.9-star rating from 970+ reviews.
“My husband and I were originally introduced to Preston Estate Planning by being invited to one of their webinars which we saw on Facebook. The webinar was so informative that we knew we needed to take a look at our own trust and see where there might be holes in how it was written or places not current with legislation despite being created previously years ago by a very excellent lawyer. We contracted with Preston Estate Planning to work with us on a complete rewrite of our current trust-no small job. We are so glad we did too. Jennifer Knight was excellent, working with us at every turn to make sure we completed what we needed to and that we understood what we were developing and signing. We had numerous conversations by email and telephone conversations in order to ensure we understood what we were doing, out thinking behind our decisions and our next steps. Jennifer Knight and the team including Jessica Wilcox, our personal concierge and Dawn, the triage for the phone calls, were all stellar. Each and everyone got back to us in a very timely manner with responses. We were totally impressed with Preston Estate's efficiency and organization, subsequently receiving a large Life Plan Notebook that captured anything and everything one would need to know about as it related to our trust and estate. We will participate in their yearly program as well to stay up-to-date with new changes in the law, many which were not in our previous trust come to find out. We will also take advantage of the webinars and newsletters they provide as well. We have recommended them to our friends as well. All of this speaks to us feeling that we were in good hands with Preston Estates and in particular Jennifer Knight who is not only smart and knowledgeable, but great to work with. We felt confident throughout the entire process that we were getting the right information and we were in good hands.”
— Caryl Label, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 969 reviewsVanguard Legal Group, PC specializes in California estate planning, serving families across the state with revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and trust administration. With over 30 years of experience and 27,000+ California households served, their team of experienced attorneys offers flat-fee pricing, lifetime support, and complimentary trust reviews. Based in San Diego with a 4.9-star rating from 380+ reviews, they provide personalized legal guidance backed by a perfect record—zero properly funded Vanguard trusts have gone through probate.
MJ Trust Law is a Chula Vista estate planning firm led by attorney Maribel Jimenez, who specializes in comprehensive estate planning for families. The practice focuses on creating customized trusts, wills, and guardianship arrangements that ensure your children are cared for by the right people and your assets are protected for future generations. Known for a relationship-focused approach and transparent guidance, MJ Trust Law serves San Diego County families seeking peace of mind through proper estate planning.
“I picked Maribel to help my mom with her estate planning because of her postitive reviews and bilingual abilities. My mom was extremely pleased with her service and how Maribel walked her through all the aspects of creating a trust. My mom strongly recommends Maribel for anyone who is looking into estate planning.”
— Yufay Chow, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 49 reviewsSmykowski Law Offices is a San Diego estate planning firm led by attorney David Smykowski, serving clients for over 40 years. They specialize in living trusts, wills, probate, and powers of attorney with a flat-fee pricing model starting at $1,295 for complete estate plans. Known for fast turnaround times and personalized service, they've helped tens of thousands of clients in the San Diego area complete legal documents without the typical stress or excessive costs of traditional law firms.
“Highly recommend the Smykowski law office! David helped us update our long-standing family trust (originally created by his father in 1990). He is knowledgeable, friendly, and gave us honest advice. If you need estate planning, this is the place to go!”
— Nga Anamosa, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 170 reviewsProbate and Trust Help is a specialized real estate team led by Kim Ward, a broker with over 20 years of experience guiding executors, administrators, and trustees through estate property sales in San Diego County. The team focuses exclusively on probate and trust real estate, handling everything from property preparation and cleanouts to marketing and closing. Based in La Mesa, they serve families throughout the San Diego area with a compassionate, hands-on approach that minimizes stress during difficult transitions.
“Selling our mom's home after her passing was one of the most emotional and daunting experiences my sister and I have faced, but working with Kim and the Horizon Real Estate team made all the difference. We first discovered their YouTube channel, which was an invaluable resource and gave us the confidence to reach out. From our first conversation, the team showed a deep understanding of how personal this process was for us. It was important that our mom’s legacy was honored, and they supported us with empathy and guidance every step of the way. One of the biggest standouts was how seamlessly everything came together. From their trusted list of local vendors to their project management and market strategy, it truly felt like a one-stop shop. Their experience and connections helped prepare the home beautifully, and we were able to achieve a strong result in a challenging San Diego market. We are so grateful for everything they did and would absolutely recommend Horizon Real Estate.”
— Heather Alldredge, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 48 reviewsSan Diego Probate Attorneys, founded by Daniel Weiner, specializes in probate administration, probate litigation, trust administration, and trust litigation. The firm guides families through estate planning, asset protection, and legacy building with a personalized three-step process that includes deep-dive planning, document signing, and asset transfer verification. They focus on minimizing estate taxes, protecting assets from creditors, and ensuring heirs inherit according to clients' wishes.
East County Estate Planning, PC is a boutique estate planning law firm serving clients throughout California and Washington state, with offices in La Mesa, CA and Kirkland, WA. The firm specializes in drafting custom wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate plans tailored to each client's unique needs. They offer complimentary in-person or virtual consultations and competitive flat-fee pricing with expedited services available.
“Working with Andrew Sexton and the staff at East County Estate Planning was a pleasure. Andrew is very prompt in answering calls and messages and we felt very comfortable with his easy going nature. He did a great job on our family trust. We definitely felt valued as a client and will recommend them to others.”
— Andrea Norby, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 38 reviewsLaw Office of Suzanne P. Nicholl, PC is a San Diego probate and estate planning law firm led by attorney Suzanne P. Nicholl, who brings decades of experience navigating California probate court and trust administration. The firm specializes in estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, and estate litigation, serving families throughout San Diego County with personalized, client-focused legal counsel. Known for compassionate guidance during difficult family transitions, the practice helps clients avoid probate pitfalls and resolve complex estate disputes efficiently.
“I have been a client of Suzanne's for many years. Her support in navigating the requirements for trust administration and estate planning, and any changes/updates needed over time, has been invaluable and much appreciated. She addresses all issues and questions with confidence, professionalism, and knowledge. I am always impressed by her warmth and empathy. It's a relief and comfort to have Suzanne as a trusted and valued resource.”
— Therese T, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 30 reviewsBrierton, Jones & Jones, LLP is a San Diego estate planning law firm with over 30 years of experience, focusing exclusively on trust and estate matters. Led by managing partner Gregory J. Borawski and partners Julie A. Jones, Hilary J. Vrem, Ashley E. Rathbun, and Ricsie M. Hernandez, the firm is recognized as an AV Preeminent® rated practice and ranked Best Law Firm 2022 by U.S. News & World Report for Trust and Estate Law. The firm handles everything from estate planning and trust administration to complex trust litigation, probate, conservatorships, and special needs trusts, serving families across San Diego County with compassionate, skilled legal counsel.
“This is the best legal team in San Diego. Gregory Borawski is an outstanding attorney. His legal team is amazing including Attorney Courtney Bravo. They are all very smart, excellent communicators and on top of everything. Attorneys that know what they are doing and communicate well is such an important thing when dealing with life changing events. Since 2004 to 2025 our legal needs were very complex, from needing a Special Needs Trust, court accountings, closing of an Estate, Probate proceedings etc. Gregory Borawski had our best interest at heart, he made sure we were protected and his legal guidance was exceptional. I can't write this review without mentioning Attorney Jamie Brierton, I believe the day we met him back in 2004, was an extremely lucky day for our family. We were so blessed to have had so many years of an outstanding professional relationship with Gregory Borawski and his legal team. They were there until the end, when we needed them the most. Thank you, thank you.”
— C Mora, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 27 reviewsArmstrong, Fisch & Tutoli is a San Diego estate planning and elder law firm serving families in Clairemont and throughout San Diego County. The attorneys specialize in wills, trusts, probate, Medicaid planning, and estate administration, offering personalized counsel to help clients protect their assets and plan for the future. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 20+ Google reviews, they're known for making complex legal matters understandable and accessible.
The Law Office of Norell S. Manning is an estate planning practice run by Norell S. Manning, a Super Lawyers-rated attorney serving San Diego and Southern California. The firm specializes in affordable, personalized estate planning documents including living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney for individuals and families at all life stages. With a 5-star rating on Google and a client-focused approach, Manning helps clients protect their assets and loved ones without the high costs typically associated with estate planning.
“I had a very positive experience with Norell. She made estate planning feel simple and stress-free, explaining everything clearly and guiding me through each step with patience and professionalism. I felt confident and well taken care of the entire time. Highly recommend!”
— Kara Brem, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 19 reviewsYour Home Legal, APC is an estate planning and family law firm led by attorney Rebecca Secord, serving the San Diego area. The firm specializes in comprehensive estate planning, including wills, trusts, probate administration, and family law matters. Rebecca Secord brings personalized attention to each client, offering straightforward guidance on protecting assets and planning for the future.
Point Loma Estate Planning Law, APC is a dedicated estate planning law firm serving San Diego with comprehensive legal services for wills, trusts, probate, power of attorney, and elder law matters. The firm specializes in helping families and individuals protect their assets, plan for incapacity, and ensure their wishes are carried out efficiently. Their experienced attorneys focus exclusively on estate planning and related legal issues to provide personalized guidance tailored to each client's unique situation.
San Diego Legacy Law, PC specializes in estate planning, trust creation, probate administration, and elder law services for San Diego families. The firm helps clients protect their assets, plan for incapacity, and ensure their wishes are carried out through comprehensive legal strategies tailored to individual circumstances.
Wedeking Law is an independent law firm in Santee specializing in estate planning, probate, and elder law services. The firm helps families protect their assets, plan for the future, and navigate complex legal matters with personalized attention and expert guidance.
Lawyer In Blue Jeans Group is an estate planning and probate law firm serving San Diego and surrounding areas. They specialize in wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and probate administration, helping families protect their assets and plan for the future. Known for their approachable style and personalized service, they guide clients through complex estate matters with clarity and care.
Fyfe Law Firm is an estate planning law practice in San Diego specializing in revocable living trusts, wills, prenuptial agreements, and probate services. The firm helps clients protect their assets, plan for end-of-life matters, and avoid probate through comprehensive estate planning strategies tailored to individual and family circumstances.
Wiggins and Ebert, APC is a San Diego-based law firm specializing in estate planning, trust administration, and related legal services. With decades of combined experience, the firm helps clients protect their assets, plan for the future, and navigate complex family and financial matters with personalized guidance and strategic counsel.
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is a San Diego-based organization dedicated to helping individuals and families protect their assets and plan for the future through comprehensive estate planning services. They specialize in will preparation, trust creation, probate administration, and estate tax planning, working with experienced attorneys to ensure clients' wishes are properly documented and legally sound. The firm focuses on making estate planning accessible and understandable for families at all wealth levels.
Milda Goeriz, Attorney at Law, is an independent estate planning and trust law firm serving San Diego. Attorney Milda Goeriz specializes in trust creation, will preparation, estate tax planning, and probate services for families and individuals. The firm helps clients protect their assets, plan for incapacity, and ensure their wishes are carried out efficiently.
California Living Trusts - Foley Law Offices specializes in estate planning services, helping San Diego residents establish living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and probate solutions. Founded on the principle of making estate planning accessible and straightforward, they guide clients through the process of protecting their assets and ensuring their wishes are carried out. Their experienced team focuses on personalized planning to meet each client's unique family and financial situation.
Legacy, APC is a San Diego-based estate planning law firm specializing in trusts, wills, and comprehensive wealth transfer strategies. Led by experienced attorneys, the firm helps families and business owners protect their assets, minimize taxes, and ensure their wishes are carried out smoothly. They focus on creating personalized estate plans that address each client's unique financial and family situation.
Law Office of Scott C. Soady, APC is an independent legal practice serving San Diego with expertise in estate planning, probate, and related matters. Attorney Scott C. Soady provides personalized legal guidance to help clients protect their assets, plan for the future, and navigate estate administration. The firm focuses on clear communication and practical solutions tailored to each client's unique situation.
Estate Planning Legal Center, APC is a San Diego-based law firm specializing in comprehensive estate planning services. They help individuals and families create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential documents to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. Their experienced attorneys work with clients to develop customized estate plans tailored to their specific financial situations and family goals.
San Diego Probate Law, led by Steven F. Bliss, Esq., is the top-ranked provider with a Lantern Score of 85.31/100 and 5★ rating from 218 reviews. With over 35 years of experience, the firm specializes in probate avoidance, estate plan updates, trust administration, and veteran or elder care transitions.
Mark Ignacio Law, APC (Lantern Score: 85.19/100) specifically serves parents of young children seeking wills and trusts, while Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP (Lantern Score: 81.80/100) specializes in comprehensive wealth transfer planning for families with minor children. Both firms are 5★-rated and offer tailored solutions for protecting your children's inheritance.
Probate and Trust Help (Lantern Score: 83.42/100) is a specialized real estate team in La Mesa with over two decades of experience helping executors, administrators, and trustees navigate probate and trust property sales. They're specifically designed for out-of-state heirs and families settling complex estates.
Oath - San Diego Estate Planning & Investment Attorneys (Lantern Score: 82.45/100, 4.9★) specializes in estate planning and tax-efficient wealth management strategies for high-net-worth families, while Vanguard Legal Group, PC (Lantern Score: 83.83/100, 4.9★) focuses on tax-efficient wealth transfer for affluent clients. Both firms are experienced with complex asset protection for business owners and retirees.
Milda Goeriz, Trust and Estate Planning Attorney (Lantern Score: 84.47/100, 5★) offers flat-fee pricing and has specialized in estate planning since 2003. East County Estate Planning, PC (Lantern Score: 82.85/100, 5★) also provides flat-fee pricing options and serves clients throughout California and Washington state.
McGovern Law Group (Lantern Score: 84.66/100, 5★) in La Mesa specializes in comprehensive estate planning and succession planning for business owners, while Oath (Lantern Score: 82.45/100, 4.9★) serves business owners with tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies. Both are experienced in protecting multi-generational family wealth.