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2024

Last updated:

Best Probate Lawyers in Oceanside

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Oceanside Probate Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

57

Reviewed

42

Curated

20

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
701 Palomar Airport Road Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Keehn Estate and Elder Law assists clients in the Oceanside metro and surrounding areas. It takes on probate litigation cases and represents clients contesting a will. It also guides the decedent's family in dealing with executors that are stealing estate assets and failing to pay estate debts. In addition, the firm handles nursing home and financial elder abuse cases. Its founding attorney, Carla Keehn, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

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.
5.3
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)
Facebook
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
5741 Palmer Way, Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Estate Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Arthur S. Brown, APLC, provides legal counsel and representation to clients in Oceanside. It helps individuals deal with probate matters through methods such as beneficiary designation, joint tenancy, and revocable living trusts. It also handles trust administration and assists in contacting the beneficiaries, gathering and managing assets, notifying creditors, paying taxes and final expenses, and distributing income and assets. Arthur S. Brown, the firm's principal attorney, received the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Estate Planning while at law school.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Arthur Brown - Principal38 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 (3)
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
2011 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Koza Law Group is a legal practice representing clients throughout the areas. Its probate attorney near Oceanside guides executors and administrators through their duties, including notifying creditors, locating assets, petitioning the court, and distributing assets. In addition, the firm helps individuals with estate planning, such as living wills, revocable living trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, life insurance trusts, and family limited partnerships and LLCs. Koza Law Group also handles business law matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Baback Kouretchian - Principal and Managing Attorney25 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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)

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
2173 Salk Avenue, #250, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Patricia L. Andel serves clients in Oceanside and the surrounding areas. Andel assists clients with their estate planning cases, including probate, conservatorships, trust administration, pre-marital agreements, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and powers of attorney. She also walks clients through the process of Medi-Cal planning to secure their end-of-life care. Andel has been certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law.

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)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Website
2540 Gateway Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Loftin Bedell PC is a multi-practice law firm. Clients seeking a probate attorney near Oceanside can call upon the firm's estate planning practice to assist in will drafting or in establishing a trust. Loft Bedell tailors living wills and advanced health care directives, drafts powers of attorney, and tabulates proceeds of property and assets according to the client's goals. The firm can also help resolve any disputes that may arise surrounding the estate.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
L. Loftin - Founding Partner44 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.
3.9
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (8)
Google
3.7 / 5 (3)

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
1015 Chestnut Avenue, Suite G2, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Cardin & Company has been providing legal services to clients residing in Oceanside and the neighboring communities since 1991. It gathers information about a client's family and assets in order to help them draft estate plans according to their specific goals. The company's team checks the details of each will to ensure that the estate plan is administered effectively and minimize the potential for conflict. The firm's legal team also guides clients through the estate and gift tax system.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Julie Cardin - Principal34 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
4.1 / 5 (9)
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

(+1 additional source)

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
228 Navajo Street, San Marcos, CA 92078
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Gubler Winn Trusts & Estates caters to individuals and families in Oceanside and the neighboring areas. Its primary attorney, Sarah Gubler, has been drafting estate plans since 2009. She helps families protect their assets through estate planning. Her services include drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Gubler also assists in planning advanced health care directives, helping clients find agents to make medical decisions if they are in no position to make it themselves.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Sarah Gubler - Principal14 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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (17)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

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
1902 Wright Place Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Andrew W. Gilliland, Attorney at Law, addresses the legal needs of clients in the Oceanside area. Gilliland has been providing estate planning and immigration representation since 2000. His estate planning services include probate administration, such as finding and assembling assets, locating beneficiaries, and paying creditors and claimants. He also preserves and liquidates the estate, close and open bank accounts, and transfer assets from the deceased to the estate. Gilliland also handles matters that involve family law.

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
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.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1902 Wright Pl., Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2019, Aisha Williams Law strives to assist people in building a lasting legacy through its estate planning services. Serving communities in and around Oceanside, the firm guides clients in creating estate plans that help avoid the public probate process and minimize estate taxes. It also helps parents set up protection plans for their minor children. Its legal services also extend to executors and beneficiaries involved in trust administration and probate proceedings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Aisha Williams - Principal12 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 (3)

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 Ave. Suite 250, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Sano & Associates, P.C., is a law firm serving Oceanside and nearby areas. Its probate lawyers offer legal representation in estate planning and trusts, as well as business formation and succession. Founder and managing attorney Ikuko Sano holds a Master of Law degree in International Commercial Litigation and a Bachelor of Law Degree in International Comparative Legal Culture with an emphasis on Japanese inheritance and family law. Sano also served as president of the Bar Association of Northern San Diego County.

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
Google
4.6 / 5 (11)

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
2534 State Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Wiggins & Ebert is a boutique law firm serving Oceanside and the surrounding metros. It provides legal representation to clients needing help with probate, estate planning, trust administration, and estate tax considerations. Founder Howard Wiggins has been practicing estate planning for almost 50 years. He is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Partner Jason Ebert joined in 2005 and was under Wiggins' tutelage, honing him in handling estate planning issues.

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
955 Boardwalk, Suite 303, San Marcos, CA 92078
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Darius Khayat offers legal representation to families and individuals in Oceanside. He has been in practice for more than 26 years, handling probate, entity formation, and business law matters. His probate services touch on the areas of guardianship and conservatorship. Khayat also takes on estate planning solutions, such as revocable living trusts, family limited partnerships, durable powers of attorney, and advanced health care directives. He maintains his involvement in the community as the president of the San Marcos Lions Club Foundation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Darius Khayat - Principal32 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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (9)

(+1 additional source)

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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
380 S. Melrose Drive Suite 349, Vista, CA 92081
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Family Roots Law, A.P.C, helps individuals, couples, and families in Oceanside craft trusts and wills to protect their legacy, which includes intellectual, financial, spiritual, and human assets. The firm's trust and estate services include trust and probate administration, estate planning, conservatorship, and beneficiary representation. Its legal team handles all aspects of opening probate and distributing and disbursing trust assets. They also assist clients secure inheritances and resolve conflicts or disagreements during the process by providing proper notification and representation.

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
4.9 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
550 W. Vista Way Ste 107, Vista, CA 92081
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Phyllis J. McGreevey, Esq., provides services to Oceanside residents. It represents and guides individuals and families in different areas of probate law. The firm helps clients distribute assets to their intended beneficiaries. It also offers solutions for small estate affidavits and spousal property petition disputes. Additionally, it takes on matters related to trust administration, durable power of attorney, and advanced healthcare directive. Founder Phyllis McGreevey passed the California bar exam in 2001.

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 (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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5256 Mission Rd, Bonsall, CA 92003
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Michael Perdue is an attorney who has been in the industry since 1982. He handles cases involving probate, trust and wills, estate planning, and business law. Perdue has spent his career assisting bereaved families with their probate requirements. He has also advised businesses and assisted clients in purchasing and selling real estate. In addition, Perdue is a litigator involved with high-profile cases, including the Erin Brockovich case. He serves clients in Oceanside and the surrounding regions.

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 (3)

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.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5927 Balfour Court, Ste. 104, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Staub Law handles probate-related cases in Oceanside and the surrounding areas. Its litigation services include disputing property wills and claims, removal of trustee or personal representative, filing petitions for accounting, and compelling the trustee to provide details and terms of the trust. The law firm also assists clients in transactional tax, estate planning, business succession planning, and small business law. Its principal attorney, Matthew J. Staub, actively contributes to the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program.

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)

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
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Since 2007, Geiger Law Office P.C. has served individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Oceanside metro. It offers legal representation to various practice areas, such as probate, business succession planning, retirement plan trusts, asset protection, business formation, and estate and tax planning. Its founder and managing attorney, Brenda Geiger, has been featured in Wealth Counsel Quarterly Magazine and Real Talk San Diego. The firm also hosts an annual estates and trusts symposium and sponsors a charity event to support the American Cancer Society.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Brenda Geiger - Founder and CEO20 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 (85)
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
19800 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
  • Trusts
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Albertson & Davidson LLP serves individuals in the community of Oceanside. Since 2008, the firm has been providing legal representation to various cases involving contesting trusts and wills, trust accounting, abused beneficiaries, wrongful death litigation, and elder financial abuse. It also handles personal injury and employment discrimination law. Its team of trial attorneys aggressively advocates for clients' rights throughout the process of litigation and helps them obtain compensation in complex estate litigation cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stewart Albertson - Founding Partner20 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)
Avvo
4.0 / 5 (7)

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.
3.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1901 Camino Vida Roble Suite 112, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

William C. Pultz, Attorney at Law, has been offering legal services to clients in the Oceanside metro since 1977. The attorney focuses on assisting clients on matters involving probate, trusts and estate planning, and wills. In addition, he also handles trust administration and gift and estate taxation. Pultz has more than 40 years of legal experience and is recognized by the California Bar as a Certified Specialist in the areas of estate planning, trust law, and probate.

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
3838 Camino Del Rio North Suite 155, San Diego, CA 92108
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

California Living Trusts is a family-owned and family-operated law firm that serves clients in Oceanside and other surrounding areas. The firm handles probate cases and assists clients through the entire process–from recording inventory and appraising property to court representations and distribution of assets. It also focuses on offering estate planning, living trusts, powers of attorney, and pour-over wills. David Fowley, one of the firm's attorneys, has been practicing law for more than 35 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Foley - Owner44 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
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (24)
Google
4.3 / 5 (16)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

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
––

Disclaimer:  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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    The Oceanside Police Department can be contacted for non-emergency matters at (760) 435-4900.

  • What are some strategies to bypass the probate process in Oceanside?

    There are multiple strategies to avoid probate in Oceanside. These include establishing a revocable living trust allowing assets to be managed and distributed posthumously without probate. Additionally, joint ownership, payable-on-death accounts, and transfer-on-death deeds allow the direct transfer of assets to named beneficiaries. Lastly, reducing one's estate through lifetime gifts is another effective method. Hiring a probate attorney can facilitate these processes and alleviate the complexities associated with probate.

  • What are some common hurdles encountered during the probate process in Oceanside?

    In Oceanside, significant estates often confront several challenges during probate. Selling real estate or handling business interests, especially in family-run or sole proprietorship businesses, can prove daunting. Moreover, varied asset portfolios, including real estate, investments, and commercial interests, intensify the complexity. Disputes among beneficiaries and pending tax obligations and debts are other issues frequently encountered, making the probate process taxing and convoluted.

  • What potential deductions could an estate face in Oceanside, and how might these impact the beneficiaries?

    In Oceanside, an estate's gross value may undergo multiple reductions due to statutory probate fees, which include 4% on the initial $100,000 and scale down to 0.5% on the next $15,000,000. The estate may also bear expenses for legal, accounting, appraisal services, and fees associated with creditor notices, court costs, and filings. These expenditures can significantly decrease the estate's value, affecting the total amount received by the heirs.

  • What is the threshold of estate value in Oceanside that necessitates the probate process, and what kinds of assets are included under this law?

    In Oceanside, the California Probate Code requires that any estate with a net worth surpassing $184,500 must go through probate. This comprehensive list of assets includes everything from real estate and personal items to bank savings, equities, life insurance payouts (if no beneficiary is designated), vehicles, art, jewelry, and rights associated with intellectual property. Estates worth $184,500 or less are exempt from probate, facilitating a quicker allocation of assets to heirs and recipients.

  • What are the time frames for probate proceedings in Oceanside?

    In Oceanside, the appointed executor has up to one year from their appointment to finish the probate process or up to 18 months if a federal estate tax return is filed. However, a petition for probate must be submitted within 30 days following the death. Should the process extend beyond the prescribed time frames, the executor must provide status reports to the court detailing the remaining tasks and expected time for completion.

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