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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Escondido, CA

Our Recommended Top 17

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

49Reviewed

36Curated

17Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

662 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA 92024

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (54)
Yelp
5.0 (43)
Google
5.0 (20)

Why choose this provider?

Katzner Law Group PC attends to the legal needs of families in need of an estate planning attorney near Escondido. Founding attorney Gabriel Katzner has over 17 years of experience helping families file petitions, collect assets, pay creditors, and distribute property and other assets according to the will or state law. He also assists with resolving probate conflicts, including contested wills. Attorney Katzner is licensed to practice law throughout California.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Gabriel Katzner - Founding PartnerActive7 yrs

341 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Tresp Law APC is a law firm led by an experienced team of probate lawyers near Escondido who help clients with their estate planning goals. Its probate services include administering the decedent's estate, distributing any remaining assets to the beneficiaries, and litigating will disputes. The firm represents beneficiaries, trustees, and charitable organizations in trust disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and undue influence claims. Tresp Law also drafts living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, guardianship, and conservatorship documents.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Elizabeth Tresp - PrincipalActive11 yrs
Michele Fischbein - Associate AttorneyActive24 yrs
Alexander Nunez - Associate Litigation AttorneyActive19 yrs
Abraham Ames - Associate AttorneyActive8 yrs
Elizabeth Tresp - Principal AttorneyActive11 yrs

11440 West Bernardo Court, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92127

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Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (32)

Why choose this provider?

Fletcher Law advocates for the rights of individuals and families in Escondido and nearby metros. It guides clients in navigating the trust administration process, helping them prepare the needed documents for asset and estate distribution. The practice notifies heirs and beneficiaries regarding the death of the grantor and determines whether an estate tax is due at the federal or state level on the decedent’s estate. Founder and principal attorney Kylie Fletcher is a member of the Lawyers Club of San Diego.

  • Estate Planning

6540 Lusk Blvd. Suite C176, San Diego, CA 92121

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Review Sources

Yelp
4.8 (17)
Facebook
4.7 (16)
Google
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

KR Hess Law, P.C., counsels individuals, families, and businesses throughout Escondido and its neighboring communities. Its services include assistance with estate planning, special needs planning, guardianship, legacy building, small business planning, and probate. Prior to establishing the firm in 2009, Kristina Hess had gained over 20 years of legal experience working for prestigious San Francisco law firms, such as Shearman & Sterling and Pillsbury Winthrop. Hess is also a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law by the California State Bar.

  • Estate Planning

1766 S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Miller & Miller Attorneys at Law is an Escondido law firm that offers services in the scope of estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. The firm was established in 1973 by Kenneth H. Miller, who was then joined by his son, Michael I. Miller, in 2014. The duo takes on probate and estate planning cases and offers services such as asset collection, debt and tax payment, distribution of assets, dispute resolution, and will administration.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

16935 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127

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Review Sources

Google
4.8 (16)

Why choose this provider?

For over 30 years, Littorno Law Group has been assisting Escondido individuals and families who are dealing with issues regarding the estates of their loved ones who have passed away. The firm provides probate administration services, including giving notice to beneficiaries, appointing executors, and distributing assets. It also works on elder law matters and offers estate planning and Medi-Cal planning assistance. Richard A. Littorno, the founder, is a member of ElderCounsel and the Academy of VA Pension Planners.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

4275 Executive Square Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Review Sources

Yelp
4.8 (21)
Google
5.0 (9)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Pacific Coast Trust is a law firm that caters to individuals, couples, and families in Escondido and its surrounding metros. It provides personalized legal services such as trust reinstatements as well as will and POA finance or health. In addition, the practice handles living trusts like guardianship and durable power of attorney for finances and health care. Its senior partner, Frank Kallmeyer, has three decades’ worth of experience in the estate planning and insurance industries.

  • Trusts
  • Estate Taxes

144 East Washington Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Black & McGhee serves Escondido and nearby areas. It helps clients with estate planning and assists families in overseeing the administration of wills in probate courts. It addresses the unique needs of the elderly and guides them in navigating laws that pertain to their civil rights and well-being. The firm's partner, Kimberly R. McGhee, is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law. She is also a certified elder law attorney.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

10251 Vista Sorrento Parkway, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.3 (13)
Google
4.6 (9)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Firm of Strazzeri Mancini LLP caters to high-asset families and business owners in Escondido and the surrounding areas. It provides legal guidance for probate, including matters related to trusts and settlement of estates. Through its Care to Know model, the firm also informs clients of the various opportunities and challenges involved in tax and estate planning, business succession, and family governance. Partner Stephen J. Mancini is a Board Certified Specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Probate.

  • Estate Planning

3990 Old Town Avenue, C-303, San Diego, CA 92110

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Bellator, a female-owned and founded practice, has been assisting individuals and families in and around Escondido since 1997. The firm aims to empower clients by protecting their future through a full range of estate planning, administration, and litigation services. These include handling matters such as wills and trusts, probate administration, conservatorships, will contests, dispute mediation, and elder law concerns. CEO and principal attorney Merrianne E. Dean is certified by the California State Bar as an estate planning, trust, and probate law specialist.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

341 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Tresp, Day, & Associates Inc. is a civil practice law firm working with the residents of Escondido and the nearby cities. The firm has been in operation since 1992, and its lawyers work with families and individuals to administrate the wills and estates of the deceased. The lawyers also offer their assistance with the estate planning process in order to help clients avoid probate. Partner Elizabeth Tresp is a member of the Probate Attorneys of San Diego.

  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Elizabeth Tresp - PrincipalActive11 yrs

1901 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 112, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (41)
Yelp
4.9 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Rassman Law is a firm that helps Escondido clients with probate, estate planning, trust administration, and business law. After the death of a loved one, it represents surviving family members and walks them through the complex steps involved in probate. The firm handles trust administration, financial and health care powers of attorney, and wills and trusts. Its founder and namesake, T. Owen Rassman, bridges the gap between estate and business law as an attorney with an MBA degree.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Rassman - PrincipalActive19 yrs

7880 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (32)
Facebook
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

San Diego Elder Law Center assists clients with disabilities, elderly people, and those with special needs, as well as caregivers and families in Escondido. Its attorneys handle probate and estate administration matters, helping clients in the probate process including formal probate. They also assist clients with public benefits planning, trusts, family asset preservation, power of attorney, and Medi-Cal and life care planning. Principal Philip P. Lindsley is a certified elder law attorney. The firm has been serving legal needs since 1997.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

145 South Fig Street, Escondido, CA 92025

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Based in Escondido, Anderson Estate Law, Inc., assists clients with the administrative side of probate proceedings. With over 25 years of experience, Anderson Estate Law focuses on a team approach to deliver a more responsive and organized management of estates, which involves educating and outlining the probate or planning processes to families. It handles responsibilities such as identifying and paying creditors, determining beneficiaries, and collecting and distributing assets. Its other services include trusts, wills, powers of attorney, guardianship, charitable planning, and special needs planning.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Anderson - PrincipalActive43 yrs
Mark Anderson - PrincipalActive43 yrs

720 N. Broadway, #107,, Escondido, CA 92025

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (17)

Why choose this provider?

For more than 30 years, Escondido Probate Law has been serving clients in the metro and the surrounding areas. It provides probate-related services that include determining the value of the decedents’ assets, settling taxes and bills, and transferring assets to beneficiaries. Founding attorney Steven F. Bliss also guides clients in chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases. Bliss uses his knowledge and experience in estate planning and his California probate law training to help clients mitigate the impact of the probate process.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steven Bliss - PrincipalActive34 yrs

401 B Street, Suite 2400, San Diego, CA 92101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Since 1952, Hughes & Pizzuto has been guiding individuals and entities in Escondido through the technical and emotional issues surrounding trust and probate. Its attorneys take on matters involving complicated trust accountings, will and trust contests, ambiguous documents, and allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. The multi-practice law firm also assists families in creating estate plans, distributing assets of deceased loved ones, establishing private family foundations, and arranging guardianships for minor children. In addition, it helps with real estate law matters.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

345 W. Ninth Avenue Suite 102, Escondido, CA 92025

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Silas I. Harrington Law Attorney & Counselor has assisted clients in Escondido since 2009. The office provides legal representation and counsel to succeeding trustees and educates them on their statutory obligations to avoid protracted administration delays that would subject them to personal liability. Lawyer Silas Harrington offers legal solutions to individuals whose decedents did not leave any estate planning documents. In addition, he handles matters such as retirement asset compliance, dental, tax controversy, and veterinary legal services.

  • Estate Planning

Compare our Top Probate Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Katzner Law Group, P.C.
662 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA 92024
Tresp Law, APC
341 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Fletcher Law
11440 West Bernardo Court, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92127
KR Hess Law, P.C.
6540 Lusk Blvd. Suite C176, San Diego, CA 92121
Miller & Miller Attorneys at Law
1766 S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025
Littorno Law Group
16935 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
Pacific Coast Trust
4275 Executive Square Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037
Black & McGhee
144 East Washington Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
The Law Firm of Strazzeri Mancini LLP
10251 Vista Sorrento Parkway, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121
Bellator
3990 Old Town Avenue, C-303, San Diego, CA 92110
Tresp, Day & Associates, Inc
341 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Rassman Law
1901 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 112, Carlsbad, CA 92008
San Diego Elder Law Center
7880 Golfcrest Dr, San Diego, CA 92119
Anderson Estate Law Inc.
145 South Fig Street, Escondido, CA 92025
Escondido Probate Law
720 N. Broadway, #107,, Escondido, CA 92025
Hughes & Pizzuto
401 B Street, Suite 2400, San Diego, CA 92101
Silas I. Harrington Law Attorney & Counselor
345 W. Ninth Avenue Suite 102, Escondido, CA 92025

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

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

    You may call 760-839-4722 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Escondido.

  • What are the necessary steps for probate once someone passes away in Escondido?

    After someone dies in Escondido, the individual who has the decedent's will must give the document to the probate clerk within 30 days and provide a copy to the executor. If the executor is non-existent or cannot be found, the copy must be given to one of the beneficiaries. Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in legal consequences, including liability for any resulting damages.

  • What should be done if someone passes away in Escondido without leaving a will?

    If someone passes away in Escondido without leaving a will, a family member can volunteer as a property administrator by filing a Petition for Letters of Administration with the court. If no one volunteers for the role, the court will appoint someone. The spouse, domestic partner, sibling, or child is usually chosen to fulfill this position.

  • Who can inherit the properties if a person passes away in Escondido without any family members and a will?

    If a person passes away in Escondido without any family members and a will, the state will publish a notice in newspapers to inform the public about the decedent's passing. If no relatives come forward to claim the inheritance, these assets will be transferred to the state. Individuals who respond to the notice must provide evidence of their blood relation to the deceased.

  • Can undocumented immigrants in Escondido inherit property in the area?

    Yes, undocumented immigrants in Escondido can inherit property in the area. However, signing papers to transfer the property to their name does not guarantee they will not face deportation. Applying for a green card and establishing a qualified domestic trust is advisable. This way, the property can be placed within the trust, and the non-U.S. citizen can become the beneficiary. Seeking legal guidance is highly recommended to protect interests.

  • What happens if the beneficiary of an Escondido property cannot be located?

    If the beneficiary in an Escondido property cannot be located, the executor may declare them deceased if they cannot be found for a minimum of five years. However, if the missing person has not been gone for the required time, the executor may transfer that person's share of the property to San Diego County.

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