ABOUT OPELON LLP

How Does Opelon LLP Help California Families Avoid Probate?

Opelon LLP helps California families avoid probate through properly structured and fully funded revocable living trusts. Our attorneys guide clients through each step of the trust creation process, including the critical (and often overlooked) step of transferring assets into the trust. In our experience, the most common reason families end up in probate is not that they lacked a trust, but that their trust was never adequately funded. We address this head-on with every client we serve from our Carlsbad office.

For San Diego County families, avoiding probate means your loved ones can receive their inheritance in weeks rather than the 12 to 18 months that California probate typically requires. It also means keeping your estate private, since probate records become public in California.

Our approach combines thorough legal documentation with clear funding instructions so nothing falls through the cracks.

What Does Estate Planning Cost in California?

Opelon LLP offers transparent, flat-fee pricing for estate planning services. Unlike traditional law firms that bill by the hour (leaving clients uncertain about final costs), we quote a fixed price before work begins. This means no surprises and no anxiety about how much a phone call or email might cost.

For most California families, a comprehensive estate plan includes a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney for financial matters, an advance health care directive, and a HIPAA authorization. We discuss your specific needs during a free consultation and provide a written fee quote so you can make an informed decision. Our clients appreciate knowing exactly what they will pay from the start.

Can I Work with an Estate Planning Attorney Virtually?

Yes. Opelon LLP serves California residents through both in-person meetings at our Carlsbad office and secure virtual consultations. Our technology-enabled approach lets you complete your entire estate plan from home if that works better for your schedule. We use secure video conferencing, electronic document sharing, and (where permitted by California law) remote online notarization to make the process as convenient as possible.

This hybrid model has been especially valuable for clients throughout San Diego County who prefer flexibility. Whether you live in Oceanside, Encinitas, Escondido, Poway, or anywhere else in the region, you can access the same quality estate planning guidance without the hassle of travel and parking.

What Should I Look for When Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney?

When selecting an estate planning attorney in California, look for someone who focuses their practice specifically on trusts, estates, and probate. Specialization matters because California has unique laws (including community property rules) that general practitioners may not encounter regularly.

Verify that the attorney is in good standing with the State Bar of California and ask about their experience with situations similar to yours.

At Opelon LLP, our attorneys concentrate exclusively on estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration for California residents. Managing Partner T. Owen Rassman holds a J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law, an M.B.A. from Pepperdine, and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of San Diego. He was recognized by San Diego Super Lawyers in 2023, 2024, and 2025 and named to the San Diego Business Journal’s Top 100 Leaders in Law.

How Long Does California Trust Administration Take?

California trust administration process typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete, though complex estates may require additional time. As the successor trustee, you have a fiduciary duty to manage the trust properly, notify beneficiaries, inventory assets, pay valid debts, file required tax returns, and distribute assets according to the trust terms. Mistakes during this process can expose you to personal liability.

Opelon LLP guides successor trustees through every step of California trust administration. We help you understand your legal obligations, prepare required notices, work with financial institutions, and handle the many details that arise when settling a trust. Our goal is to help you fulfill your duties efficiently while protecting yourself from unnecessary risk.

How Does Opelon LLP Help Families Through San Diego Probate?

When probate is necessary, Opelon LLP provides comprehensive legal guidance for families navigating the San Diego County Superior Court probate process. We handle non-contested probate matters, helping executors and administrators fulfill their legal duties from the initial petition through final distribution.

Our team prepares all required court filings, coordinates with the court examiner’s office, and keeps you informed at every stage so you always know what to expect next.

San Diego probate involves specific local procedures and timelines that can catch families off guard. We know how the San Diego probate court operates, which forms the examiners expect, and how to avoid common delays that unnecessarily extend the process.

Whether you are dealing with real property in North County, financial accounts, or other assets, we work to move your case forward as efficiently as permitted by California law.

What Sets Opelon LLP Apart from Other Estate Planning Firms?

Several things distinguish Opelon LLP from other San Diego estate planning and probate law firms. First, we focus exclusively on estate planning, probate, and trust administration.

We do not dabble in other practice areas. This concentration means our attorneys handle these matters every day, stay current with California law changes, and continuously refine our processes.

Second, we built our firm around transparency and client convenience. Our flat-fee pricing eliminates the uncertainty of hourly billing, and our technology-enabled service model lets you work with us from anywhere in California. You will not have to wonder about the cost of your estate plan or whether you can fit an appointment into your busy schedule.

Third, we genuinely care about making estate planning accessible. Our Protecting Those Who Protect Project offers free estate planning services to military personnel, veterans, and first responders. This commitment reflects who we are as a firm: lawyers who believe everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes from having their affairs in order, regardless of their circumstances.

Finally, our team brings credentials and recognition that demonstrate our commitment to excellence. With multiple Super Lawyers designations, Best Lawyers recognition, and advanced degrees in taxation, our attorneys offer the depth of knowledge required for complex estate matters. But credentials only matter if they translate into tangible results for real families, and that is where we put our energy every day.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Opelon LLP offers free probate and estate planning consultations for individuals and families throughout California. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals, explain your options under California law, and answer your questions with no obligation. Contact our Carlsbad office at (760) 278-1116 or visit opelon.com to schedule a time that works for you.