Estate planning in San Diego, California
This page is for people in San Diego County planning what happens to their property and decisions. It explains California's basic will and trust rules and links to licensed lawyers with trusts and estates on record.
A valid will[2]
In California, a typed will generally must be signed by the person making it and by two witnesses who were present at the same time and understand it is the person's will.
Living trusts[3][1]
A living trust holds property during the person's life and passes it at death without probate. In California, a trust can be revoked by the person who created it unless the trust document says it is irrevocable.
Why planning matters[1]
Property that is not in a trust, joint ownership or a beneficiary designation may need to go through probate, a court process that can take many months.
Steps to take[2][3]
- List what you own and how each item is titled.
- Decide who should receive property and who should manage it.
- Have the documents signed and witnessed as California law requires, and keep the originals safe.
Lawyers in San Diego, California
The directory lists 3,855 lawyers with an active California license and an office of record in San Diego, California; 252 of them have Trusts & Estates as a practice area on record (listed in the directory's source file; origin not confirmed, not a certification).
A license record shows a lawyer may practice. It does not show experience with a specific kind of case.
You can check any lawyer's license yourself with the State Bar of California lookup.
State Bar of California license lookup · Browse these lawyers in the directory
Questions
How many witnesses does a will need?[2]
Generally two, present at the same time, who understand that the document is the person's will.
Does a will avoid probate?[1]
No. A will says who gets property, but property passing under a will may still go through probate.
You choose which lawyer to contact and what to share. Nothing you type is sent to a lawyer without your say-so.
Sources
- Probate, Judicial Branch of California (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
- California Probate Code section 6110 (signing a will), California Legislature (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
- California Probate Code section 15400 (revoking a trust), California Legislature (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Laws change and every situation is different. Check the official sources linked here and talk to a licensed lawyer about your facts.
Reviewed and last updated 2026-10-31. To report an error, write to notices@esqcopilot.com.