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Best Probate Lawyers in Carlsbad

2023

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Website
662 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Katzner Law Group serves individuals and families in Carlsbad and neighboring communities who want to preserve their assets. Its managing attorney, Gabriel Katzner, has more than 17 years of experience providing probate services that involve gathering and valuing of assets, settling estate taxes and debts, distribution of assets, and defending the validity of the will in case of contests. His expertise also includes wealth preservation, family protection, values-based planning for couples, and planning strategies for divorced and unmarried couples.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (55)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (39)
Google
5.0 / 5 (26)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
5741 Palmer Way Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Estate Taxes

Why choose this provider?

Arthur S. Brown of the Law Offices of Arthur S. Brown is a probate attorney in Carlsbad who offers trust and probate administration and estate planning services. Attorney Brown works with clients to create estate plans to help executors avoid probate whenever legally possible. In the event that probate is necessary, the firm provides guidance to fiduciaries throughout the process. Estate planning services attorney Brown provides include creating joint tenancy with rights of survivorship contracts, designating beneficiaries, and drafting revocable living trusts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Arthur Brown - Principal37 yrs
Arthur Brown - Principal Attorney37 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2173 Salk Avenue, #250, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Located in Carlsbad, the Law Office of Patricia L. Andel is a professional attorney firm with a focus on wills, trusts, estate planning, and probate law. Founding attorney Patricia L. Andel provides legal guidance to personal representatives when estates are required to go through probate, and she assists with creating estate plans that include living trusts, powers of attorney, health directives, and wills. Whenever necessary, Ms. Andel travels to homes and hospitals to assist with urgent estate and probate matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Patricia Andel - Principal37 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (5)
Google
3.0 / 5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Website
701 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Keehn Law is a firm in Carlsbad serving individuals and families seeking the assistance of a probate attorney. Its founder, Carla Keehn, has been a member of the State Bar of California for more than two decades. Keehn and her team of professionals can provide legal counsel for clients dealing with will contests, executor misconduct, and undue influence. They can also guide executors and trustees through the process of distributing assets, ensuring that tasks are carried out according to probate laws.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Carla Keehn - Founder35 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
416 Second Street, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Susan Stricklin Wilson helps families deal with the probate process of a deceased loved ones' estate in Carlsbad. Probate proceedings include collecting assets, transferring assets from the decedent to the estate, and locating beneficiaries. Wilson's law office employs the assistance of financial advisors and real estate agents in liquidating estate assets. She has been working hand in hand with Barbara K. Meserve since 1988. Their partnership shares 50 years of combined experience in handling probate matters and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Susan Wilson - Principal40 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.0 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (8)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5900 La Place Ct. Suite 105, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Legacy Legal Inc. represents and counsels individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs in Carlsbad and the nearby cities. It assists clients in submitting petitions for several sorts of probate requests, including wills and letters testamentary as well as letters of administration with wills annexed. The firm also offers strategic tax planning, IRS representation, corporate entity formation, and personal estate planning solutions. Rich Gaines established the firm in 2011. He has published various resources, including a book titled "The Magic of Money."

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (15)
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
12555 High Bluff Drive Suite 305, San Diego, CA 92130
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Douglas R. Irwin & Associates Attorneys at Law has been serving the residents of Carlsbad and the surrounding areas for more than 27 years. It provides legal counsel and representation for matters concerning probate administration and litigation. Other services it offers include estate planning and asset protection. Founding attorney Douglas R. Irwin is a member of the State Bar of California, Trust and Probate Law Section. He is the director of The Foundation for Personal Financial Education.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Douglas Irwin - Founder30 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
580 Beech Avenue, Suite C, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Schlehuber & McCarthy, Attorneys at Law, is an estate planning law firm headquartered in downtown Carlsbad. Its legal team creates wills, powers of attorney for finances, healthcare directives, and family and individual living trusts that are unique to each client. It also helps clients navigate privately administered trust administrations and court-supervised probate proceedings. By submitting both full and limited conservatorships, they assist customers with providing care for the elderly or people with disabilities. Managing attorney Michael McCarthy is also a certified public accountant.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5017 Avenida De La Lata, Oceanside, CA 92057
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Jay W. Brandenburg is a lawyer that offers boutique services to the Carlsbad community. He and his team design solutions in estate distribution that mitigate probate court involvement in the decedent's financial and family affairs. They assist in creating wills and trusts specifically designed to the needs of each client and their families. Brandenburg has been practicing law since 1980. He previously worked for 31 years for Northrop Grumman Corporation in areas involving contracts, engineering, and finance.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2385 Camino Vida Roble Ste 203, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Estate Preservation Group is a Carlsbad-based law practice serving customers in the surrounding areas. The firm assists individuals with writing wills, drafting powers of attorney, and preparing estate administration and advance medical directives. Following the client's passing, it supports heirs in carrying out the decedent's wishes and, if necessary, leads them through guardianship and probate proceedings. Amy Fike Peters, the firm's founder, has been practicing law for over three decades. Her areas of expertise also include elder law and small business formation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (16)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
701 Palomar Airport Road Third Floor, Suite 30030, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Paul E. Pierce, Jr. Attorney at Law, offers services that are tailored to the legal needs and budgets of clients in Carlsbad. Pierce assists in handling the probate process, which includes asset collection, debt and tax payment, and asset distribution. He also helps the representatives of small estates with managing the settlement process and guides them in administering trusts, including probate determination or summary administration. Pierce has been practicing law in state and federal courts since 1982.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
100 East San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Estate and Trust Law, A Professional Law Corporation assists individuals in Carlsbad with the management of the assets of their deceased or incapacitated loved ones. To help preserve a client's estate, it drafts wills, trusts, advance health care directives, durable powers of attorney, and community property agreements. Its attorney, Jacqueline Skay, is a board-certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1990. For a decade, Skay served as judge pro tem for the North County Judicial District.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jacqueline Skay - Specialist/Owner32 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
720 N. Broadway, #107, Escondido, CA 92025
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Escondido Probate Law is a boutique firm that helps people in Carlsbad and its nearby cities deal with estate planning, probate, wills, and trusts. Its founding attorney, Steve Bliss, has been in private practice since 1991. Bliss assists clients in managing the financial and legal risks that the probate law and trust law in California entails. In addition, he guides individuals in creating a plan regarding the distribution of their assets and their wishes for personal care in case of an emergency.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Steven Bliss - Principal33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2236 Encinitas Blvd. Suite A, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Richard Cornell, Attorney at Law, provides legal services for estate planning and probate clients in Carlsbad and the surrounding areas. Richard Cornell has 25 years of legal experience in estate planning, including preparations of trusts, wills, beneficiary identification, and designating conservators and guardians. He also helps in business succession planning to ensure the transfer of properties to loved ones, and to minimize taxes and probate fees in the event of death. The firm also guides its clients through probate proceedings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Cornell - Owner33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (5)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
38975 Sky Canyon Drive Suite 104, Murrieta, CA 92563
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Probate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Serving individual and business clients in Carlsbad, Fabozzi & Miller, Attorneys at Law APC has been in operation since 2001. The firm practices in the areas of estate planning, creditors' rights, real estate, business, employment law, and civil litigation. It handles probate administration, durable powers of attorney, revocable trusts, wills, healthcare directives, and provides clients with advice regarding estate and trust administration. To develop a complete estate plan, the firm works with accountants, advisors, and investment planners.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Edward Miller - Managing Partner17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.3 / 5 (4)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
100 South Ola Vista, Suite A, San Clemente, CA 92672
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

San Clemente Estate Law is a local law firm that offers legal counsel and representation to individuals and families in Carlsbad. Attorney Jennifer Elliott has exclusively practiced law in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration since 2005. She deals with probate litigation, disputes, and administration as well as drafting estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and deeds. Any conflicts that may arise between representatives and receivers of the decedent's assets are also managed by the firm's legal staff.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jennifer Elliott - Principal21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (43)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (18)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1917 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 160, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Estate Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Trust Administration
  • Power of Attorneys

Why choose this provider?

Geiger Law Office P.C., is a firm that has been serving Carlsbad since 2007. It conducts case consultations to assist individuals in probate processes which involve reporting the debts and assets of decedents to the court. Its team also offers a wide range of legal services for wills, trusts, and estate plans, including asset protection, trust administration, and business succession planning. The firm's founder, Brenda Geiger, has been featured in different publications such as Wealth Counsel Quarterly Magazine and the San Diego International Law Journal.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Brenda Geiger - Founder and CEO19 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
5.0 / 5 (83)
Yelp
4.9 / 5 (67)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (25)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1901 Camino Vida Roble Suite 121, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

William C. Pultz Attorney at Law is a legal practice that serves Carlsbad residents. The firm was founded by William C. Pultz, a board-certified specialist in probate, estate planning, and trust law. He focuses solely on these areas, leveraging more than four decades of legal expertise for his clients. His academic background also includes an LLM in taxation. In addition, Pultz has been included in San Diego Magazine's list of top estate planning lawyers since 2014.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Pultz - Principal47 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
12636 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Copenbarger & Copenbarger LLP is an estate litigation firm based in the Carlsbad metro area that represents parties in estate administration proceedings. The firm's attorneys assist with both probate and non-probate estate matters, and they provide guidance to trustees throughout the process to ensure all duties are met such as filing the appropriate paperwork and distributing assets. In addition to probate matters, the firm's attorneys assist with the preparation of last wills, living wills, and powers of attorney agreements.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Lloyd Copenbarger - Senior Partner/ Founder44 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (55)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (39)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (27)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Carlsbad, California?

    The non-emergency police line in Carlsbad is 760-931-2197.

  • What are the key objectives of the probate process in Carlsbad?

    The probate process in Carlsbad has four key goals, the first of which is to catalog the assets belonging to the deceased and set a value to the estate. If a will was left behind, the second goal is to test it for validity and to iron out which provisions among multiple wills to follow. Any liabilities remaining when the decedent passed must be paid. Then, once the debts are resolved, the beneficiaries get their shares.

  • In Carlsbad, what is the difference between an ordinary and a durable power of attorney?

    In Carlsbad, an ordinary power of attorney empowers an agent to act on behalf of a principal as long as the latter has legal capacity or life. The agreement loses effectiveness upon death. A durable power of attorney remains in force even if the principal dies or loses the ability to consent to contracts, making it a popular estate planning and probate law measure.

  • What are the benefits of hiring an attorney in Carlsbad instead of administering an estate solo?

    Hiring a lawyer in Carlsbad is advantageous to administering an estate solo because inheritance matters are emotionally stressful events. The administrator may be clouded by conflicting emotions like nostalgia and sadness while trying to pay off debts or satisfy inheritance shares. Succession is also hard on interpersonal and family relationships, with open conflict being possible.

  • Can a decedent who died without a will in Carlsbad pass on property to the parents if there are surviving children?

    No, a decedent who left no will in Carlsbad cannot pass on property to parents as long as there are surviving children. The rules of intestate succession pursue the policy that the departed prefers to pass on assets to descendants instead of descendants. The parents will inherit if the deceased has no descendants.

  • Can a foster child receive anything by way of inheritance from a foster parent in Carlsbad?

    Yes, there are two situations in Carlsbad when a foster child can receive an inheritance from a foster parent. The first is when a will is left behind and it institutes the kid as an heir with a corresponding share. The second is when there is no will but the decedent formally adopted the foster child, raising the latter to the same status as a biological offspring.

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