At The Estate Lawyers, APC, our team brings over 150 collective years of litigation experience to the region, helping families go through contested trusts, estate and probate disputes, conservatorships, financial elder abuse, and more.
Our San Diego office is located near the San Diego Central Courthouse (1100 Union Street), where probate matters are processed. We leverage local court processes, self-help resources, and long-standing community connections to support you throughout your case.
With The Estate Lawyers, APC, you’re teaming with advocates who treat your family’s challenges as our priority. We litigate with resolve, care, and unwavering integrity, because your family’s future matters.
About The Estate Lawyers, APC in San Diego
With decades of focused litigation experience and a singular mission to protect families during times of loss, betrayal, or uncertainty, The Estate Lawyers, APC is proud to serve San Diego and surrounding Southern California communities from our local office.
Founded in 2005, our firm handles the most emotionally complicated disputes in probate and trust law, focusing exclusively on matters like inheritance disagreements, fiduciary misconduct, contested wills and trusts, conservatorships, and financial elder abuse.
Our San Diego litigation team includes seasoned trial attorneys committed to one goal: defending the wishes of the departed and the rights of the living. We provide clear counsel and strategic power every step of the way.
Clients trust us for our balance of professionalism, empathy, and tenacity. As one client shared, “Amy and her staff have exhibited a very high level of professionalism… They follow up in a timely and appropriate manner.” That’s the standard we bring to every San Diego case: meticulous attention to detail, and legal action that gets results.
Your family deserves to be heard, respected, and protected. Let us help you make that happen.
Probate & Trust Litigation Services We Offer in San Diego
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we focus on resolving high-stakes estate conflicts with clarity, urgency, and care.
Here’s how we help:
- Trust Litigation
- Probate Estate Litigation
- Conservatorships
- Trust Contests
- Trustee Breach of Fiduciary
- Trust Petitions
- Removal of Fiduciary
- Inheritance Disputes
- Will Contests
- Financial Elder Abuse
- Probate and Trust Administration
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsWhy San Diego Families Choose The Estate Lawyers, APC
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we’re known throughout San Diego not just for our courtroom experience, but for how we treat the people we serve. We lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and fight relentlessly to protect our clients’ rights.
Our San Diego clients rely on us for:
- Personalized Attention: We listen closely, explain thoroughly, and respond promptly.
- Litigation Focus: We don’t handle estate planning. Our practice is dedicated exclusively to trust, probate, and estate litigation.
- Clear Strategy & Support: From your first call to courtroom resolution, you’ll know where your case stands and how we’re working to win it.
- Integrity & Accountability: We hold fiduciaries to their legal duties and fight for justice with precision and honesty.
When you choose The Estate Lawyers, APC you’re choosing a legal team that shows up, follows through, and never loses sight of the people behind the paperwork.
How Does Probate Litigation Work in San Diego?
Probate litigation in San Diego begins when a dispute arises over the administration of a deceased person’s estate. This often involves a contested will, inheritance disagreement, breach of fiduciary duty, or suspected elder financial abuse.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Filing a Petition or Objection
One party files a petition to challenge or clarify the distribution of estate assets, executor actions, or the validity of a will or trust. - Court Notification & Response
All interested parties, like heirs, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, are notified and given the opportunity to respond or contest. - Investigation & Discovery
Your attorney conducts a thorough review of estate documents, financial records, and communications to uncover evidence, often involving depositions or witness testimony. - Mediation or Court Hearings
Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. If no agreement is reached, the matter proceeds to hearings where a judge determines the outcome. - Resolution & Enforcement
Once a decision is made, your attorney makes sure that the outcome is properly implemented, whether that means recovering assets, removing a trustee, or updating estate administration.
Serving San Diego & Surrounding Communities
San Diego neighborhoods we serve:
- La Jolla
- Pacific Beach
- Mission Beach
- Ocean Beach
- Point Loma
- Downtown San Diego
- North Park
- South Park
- Hillcrest
- University Heights
- Mission Valley
- Clairemont
- Kearny Mesa
- Mira Mesa
- Scripps Ranch
- Carmel Valley
- Torrey Pines
- UTC (University City)
- Rancho Peñasquitos
- Del Cerro
- College Area
- City Heights
- Tierrasanta
- San Ysidro
- Otay Mesa
What to Expect When You Contact Our San Diego Office
We know that reaching out to a litigation attorney often comes at a stressful time. That’s why our process is built around clarity, compassion, and immediate support.
Start with a Private Consultation
Your journey begins with a confidential meeting, by phone, video, or in person, where we’ll listen closely, assess your concerns, and let you know whether litigation is appropriate for your situation.
We Review and Strategize
Our attorneys will conduct a detailed legal review and develop a case strategy tailored to your goals and timeline.
Transparent Onboarding
Once retained, we’ll guide you through the paperwork, court deadlines, and communication expectations so you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.
Focused Legal Action
From there, we act swiftly, filing petitions, gathering evidence, and engaging with the court or opposing parties as needed. Whether your case involves the San Diego Superior Court Probate Division or cross-county matters, we move with precision and purpose.
Constant Communication
You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case. We keep you updated regularly, explain every move in plain language, and make ourselves available to answer your questions throughout the process.
Local San Diego Resources We Often Coordinate With
Handling probate or trust litigation often requires coordination with key local institutions. From probate courts to funeral and memorial providers, we regularly work alongside these trusted San Diego resources to help streamline the process and support families during difficult times.
- San Diego Superior Court Probate Division
- San Diego Probate Self-Help Services
- El Camino Memorial
- Greenwood Memorial Park
- Featheringill Mortuary
FAQs
Where are probate matters handled in San Diego?
Probate cases are filed and heard at the San Diego Central Courthouse, located at 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101. This courthouse handles estate administration, conservatorships, elder abuse restraining orders, and guardianships.
How do I know if I have a valid case to contest a will or trust in San Diego?
If you believe your loved one was pressured, lacked mental capacity, or there’s evidence of fraud, you may have grounds for a contest. We’ll review your situation and provide honest feedback during your consultation.
What makes San Diego’s probate process unique?
San Diego courts are known for being detail-oriented and strict with deadlines and formatting. Having a legal team that knows the local court’s preferences, procedures, and personnel, like ours, can prevent delays and protect your interests.
Can you help if I live in San Diego but the estate is in another county?
Yes. While we’re based in San Diego, our firm handles cases throughout Southern California. We regularly represent clients managing or contesting estates located in Orange, Riverside, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Kern, and Santa Barbara counties.
Speak with a San Diego Probate Litigation Attorney Today
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we combine decades of courtroom-tested probate and trust litigation experience with a deep understanding of the emotional challenges families face. From our San Diego office, we provide clear guidance, responsive communication, and fierce advocacy for clients across the region.
To speak with one of our attorneys, call us or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll take the time to listen, explain your options, and walk with you through every step of the legal process, because protecting your family’s legacy is our mission.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Here to guide. Here to fight. Here for you.