Expertise.com
Get Listed

Best Probate Lawyers in Vista

2023

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls
Probate Lawyers FAQs 〉

Last updated:

Website
5741 Palmer Way Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Arthur S. Brown, APLC., is a private practice that serves the probate and estate planning needs of individuals and families in and around Vista. It handles the planning and administration of various sizes of estates, from small estates to multi-million dollar assets. Following the probate process, the firm also aids executors and the beneficiaries of the estate in effectively handling and distributing assets on behalf of the deceased. The law office has been serving the community since 1986.

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
2701 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

With a dedication to helping clients protect their assets, The Estate Planning & Legacy Law Center serves clients around Vista and Carlsbad. The firm provides assistance in estate planning matters such as revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, trust administration, and probate. Its team of attorneys pays thorough attention to the client's best interests to determine a comprehensive legal solution that suits their needs. Clients can expect this law firm to provide guidance in every step of the process.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephanie Caballero - Principal20 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 (2)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)
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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
––

Website
3142 Tiger Run Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

North County Legal APC is a law firm offering estate planning services to clients that need to set up legal directives for their assets and heirs for once their lives have ended. The firm advises clients on the best ways to deal with impending estate taxes, organizes assets so that heirs can receive as much property as possible, and resolves any legal conflicts involved due to spouses or ex-spouses or asset-related issues. North County Legal APC regularly records new will and trust documents for clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ryan Alexeev - Managing Attorney15 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.
4.7
Google
5.0 / 5 (15)
Facebook
0.0 / 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
1902 Wright Place Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Andrew W. Gilliland, Attorney at Law, has been serving the estate planning and probate needs of individuals and families in and around Vista. Serving the community since 2000, the firm assists clients with probate and estate administration, trusts, wills, and estate planning. Any conflicts that may arise between representatives and receivers of the decedents' assets are also managed by the firm's legal staff. Additionally, it helps appoint guardians and conservators for individuals who are unable to take care of themselves.

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 (5)
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
2385 Camino Vida Roble, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Estate Preservation Group serves clients in the Vista metro area and provides comprehensive estate planning services. Its attorneys consult clients to understand their circumstances and advise them on the best ways to set up documents that allocate assets following their deaths. It can also advise clients on preparing for final tax debts and organizing finances. Estate Preservation Group Typically works to protect its clients' assets and minimize legal conflicts or difficulties once wills and trusts are being administrated.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Amy Peters - 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.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (16)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (5)
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
550 W. Vista Way Ste 107, Vista, CA 92081
  • Trusts
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Phyllis J. McGreevey, Esq. Law Office provides legal assistance to heirs and trustees left with a deceased loved one's will and estate. Serving individuals and families in and around Vista, the firm works with executors and beneficiaries of the estate to handle and distribute the decedent's assets properly. Its legal staff also handles conflicts or disputes such as will contests, third-party claims, and heirship issues. Additionally, the firm assists in preparing and executing estate planning documents like powers of attorney and health care directives.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Phyllis Mcgreevey - Principal22 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 (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
16776 Bernardo Center Dr. Ste. 203, San Diego, CA 92128
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Smykowski Law Offices has been providing the Vista metro legal guidance and representation in matters of probate law for over 30 years. The firm assists its clients in locating and holding the decedent's assets, taking care of outstanding bills, contacting creditors, and filing the decedent's income tax returns. It also handles other matters such as conservatorship and guardianship, trust administration, powers of attorney, and living trusts. This family-operated firm comprises attorneys with over 40 years of combined legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Smykowski - Partner41 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
4.9 / 5 (59)
Yelp
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
720 N. Broadway, 107,, Escondido, CA 92025
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Escondido Probate Law provides representation to clients in probate proceedings in the Vista metro. Its probate services include identifying and estimating the value of the decedent’s assets, paying final bills and taxes, and administering the remainder of the estate to intended beneficiaries. The law firm also assists in estate planning and establishing wills and living trusts. Lead attorney Steven F. Bliss has been in the private practice since 1991. He won several American Jurisprudence and Miller Tax awards while he was in law school.

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
7777 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

With four office locations, Albence & Associates, APC serves clients in three main areas: estates, trusts, and probate law. The firm has dedicated probate attorneys in Vista who handle intestate concerns and represent administrators and executors. The legal team assists in the creation of custom estate plans by preparing documents such as wills and various trusts, and planning for wealth and business interest transfers between generations. In addition to obtaining conservatorships, the firm deals with lost wills and omitted spouse cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Christopher Albence - Founding Member30 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.
4.7
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (14)
Yelp
1.0 / 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
630 Alta Vista Drive Suite 203 - A, Vista, CA 92084
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Family Roots Law A.P.C. is a Vista-based firm that exclusively practices in estate planning and probate law. Its lead attorney, Mindy Galindo, takes a holistic approach when consulting with clients regarding their objectives for estate planning, helping them determine their financial, intellectual, and human goals and discussing available legal devices that meet these criteria. She also assists in the estate administration and probate process, from the distribution of assets to the resolution of probate disputes. Galindo has been practicing law since 2019.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mindy Galindo - Principal4 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
4.9 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
205 W. Alvarado St., Fallbrook, CA 92028
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Roberta P. Clark, Attorney at Law, is a Fallbrook office that caters to residents of Vista and neighboring counties. It focuses on estate planning and administration cases, including probate with and without wills. The firm guides executors in fulfilling all their fiduciary responsibilities, such as notifying creditors and distributing assets. It also authenticates a will in court or petitions for the appointment of a personal representative. Its principal attorney, Roberta P. Clark, worked as a legal secretary and assistant before she started practicing in 1997.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Roberta Clark - Principal26 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.
4.7
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)
Google
4.0 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
145 South Fig Street, Escondido, CA 92025
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Power of Attorneys

Why choose this provider?

Anderson Estate Law, Inc., is a law firm that advises and represents clients in Vista. It offers probate and estate planning services, helping clients draw up wills. The firm also assists with special needs planning and guardianship proceedings. Mark Anderson, the attorney, has been in the legal community since 1981. He focuses on wills, trusts, and tax law. Anderson has over three decades of estate planning experience and worked as Chairman of the Elder Board at Ridgeview Church in Valley Center.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mark Anderson - Principal42 yrs
Mark Anderson - Principal42 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 (64)
Yelp
4.4 / 5 (9)
Facebook
4.7 / 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
5440 Morehouse Dr. Suite 3700, San Diego, CA 92121
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Ronald R. Webb, A.P.C., represents clients in Vista and the surrounding areas. It is led by Ronald R. Webb, who has been practicing law since 1994 and had previously worked as a financial analyst and group controller for a research and development company. Services offered by the company include probate, assisting clients with validating their wills and distributing their assets. The firm also offers estate planning services, as well as help with setting up living trusts.

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 (30)
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, Suite 250, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Clear Sky Law Group represents clients in Vista and the surrounding areas. It was established in 1994 by Eric D. Morton and is now made up of the three-person team of Eric D. Morton, Kellie M. Delaney, and Caron A. Calabrese. Practice areas covered by the firm include probate litigation, estate planning, and trust administration. The firm can also assist on cases involving nonprofit formation and governance, employment law, corporate transactions, and brand development and protection.

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 (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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1902 Wright Pl, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Aisha Williams Law assists clients in Vista in their probate estate matters. It provides education and representation throughout the legal procedures. It counsels surviving families on what administrative and legal steps to take to settle the decedents' affairs. The firm helps determine which assets require court-supervised probate and informs individuals about asset distribution when the decedent left no will. It also provides assistance in estate planning, estate tax protection, and trust administration. Firm lawyer Aisha Williams can provide services in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

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.
4.5
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)
Facebook
0.0 / 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
19800 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

For over a decade, the law firm Albertson & Davidson, LLP, has represented clients in the Vista area. It deals with cases involving probate law and helps on issues related to trust administration. The firm assists clients in contesting wills and trusts. It also works to obtain compensation for victims of medical malpractice, defective products, and traffic accidents to cover costs like lost wages. Stewart Albertson, the firm's managing partner, serves as a professor at Chapman University, teaching trust litigation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stewart Albertson - Founding Partner19 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.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (13)
Avvo
4.0 / 5 (7)
Google
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.
3.0
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.

Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    The non-emergency phone number of the Vista Sheriff’s Department is 858-565-5200.

  • How long does the probate process take in Vista?

    In Vista, the probate process takes at least a year to complete. There are various factors that can affect the duration of probate, such as the types of assets or estates to be probated, any contests from interested parties, or the presence of a decedent's will. On average, the probate process takes 12 to 18 months, but it is not uncommon for the duration to stretch to several years.

  • Can you put back a property removed from a trust to avoid probate in Vista?

    In some cases, to avoid probate, assets or property that has been inadvertently omitted from a trust in Vista can be put back in the trust upon application to the court. This could be done even after the death of the individual who created the trust. To find out if you are eligible for this type of relief, consult an experienced probate attorney who can analyze the estate.

  • How do you initiate the probate process in Vista?

    San Diego County, where Vista is located, has two courthouses that hear probate matters. To begin the probate process, you can file a petition at the North County Courthouse in Vista or the Central Courthouse of San Diego. Keep in mind that you have to file in the county where the deceased person is considered a resident at the time of their passing.

  • Is probate necessary if the deceased person does not have real property?

    Going through the probate process may not be necessary if the decedent left personal property that is valued at less than $150,000. If the estate does not include real property, the assets may be distributed to the new owners after 40 days by the probate attorney through the use of an affidavit, provided that all persons who are beneficiaries of the assets sign the affidavit.

  • Can a non-resident of the U.S. act as a personal representative in Vista?

    It depends. A non-resident of the U.S. can only be appointed by the court as a personal representative in a probate proceeding in Vista if that person was named executor in the will of the decedent. If there is no will, it is not possible for a non-resident of the U.S. to apply as an administrator.

Back to top