Best Carlsbad Estate Planning Attorney

Protection Through Planning

Secure Your Legacy with Expert Legal Guidance From an Experienced Carlsbad Estate Planning Lawyer

Summary

Opelon LLP is an estate planning law firm in Carlsbad, led by Attorney Owen Rassman. We create custom plans to protect your belongings, prevent probate, and ensure your legacy.

This page tells you when to hire a lawyer. It also gives tips on how to choose one. You will find Opelon’s simple steps for making wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Clients get fixed prices, help that fits their goals, and regular plan check-ups. Free consultations are available.

Our Carlsbad Estate Planning Services

Married Trust based Estate Plans

Secure your legacy and protect your loved ones with a married estate plan, offering probate avoidance and control over how your family's assets are managed at all stages of life.

Individual Trust Based Estate Plans

Estate Planning is not just for those who are married or have kids. We help individuals create a custom estate plan to control their assets and decisions at all stages of life.

Wills and Trusts

We Draft and update wills and trusts that clearly express your wishes regarding asset distribution and guardian appointments. This can be done indivually or as part of our estate planning packages.

Estate Planning For Health Care

We assist in designating trusted individuals to manage your financial and legal affairs in case of incapacity. In addition, we outline your preferences for medical treatment.

When to Hire a Carlsbad Estate Planning Lawyer?

You should talk to an estate planning lawyer if you have questions about how to protect and share your assets.

Opelon can help you make a plan that fits your needs. This plan will also protect your legacy for future generations.

All while avoiding probate!

About Us

Opelon LLP is a premier estate planning law firm based in Carlsbad, California. Our firm provides customized estate planning assistance to individuals and families in and around Carlsbad, California.

Attorney Owen Rassman leads our skilled estate-planning team in Carlsbad. At Opelon LLP, we understand that estate planning can be a complex and emotional process.

We work together with each client to understand their unique situation. Then, we create plans to meet their specific needs. We help our clients make a will, set up a revocable living trust, or navigate the probate process. We are dedicated to giving them the support they need for peace of mind.

We think estate planning is more than just keeping assets safe and handing out property. It is also about ensuring our clients’ legacies endure for many years.

That’s why we use a comprehensive estate planning approach. We help clients with their money needs and also consider their personal values and beliefs.

At Opelon LLP, we are proud to be a trusted and respected estate planning law firm in Carlsbad, California. We have helped many clients protect their assets, keep their legacies, and feel at ease. We are confident we can provide the same level of support to you.

Contact our office manager today to find out more about our services. We can help you with your estate planning needs.

Opelon's Team
Your Carlsbad Estate Planning Team at Opelon LLP

What Makes Us The Best Estate Planning Attorney in Carlsbad?

Reviews for Carlsbad Estate Planning Attorney
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I tried to contact several law offices in the area and was getting just answering machines without calls being returned. Then, I finally saw great reviews for Estate Planning attorney Mr. Owen Rassman and decided to call his office. My call was promptly answered by a very polite Mr. Russman assistant, Jennifer, and in a few minutes, she made my appointment with Mr. Rassman for the date and time most convenient for me. After speaking with Mr. Rassman in person at his office for the first time, I was very impressed by the depth of his knowledge, patience, and commitment to understanding the issues I presented. I felt reassured and supported by Mr. Rassman's attentiveness and willingness to address any concerns or questions I had. He patiently explained each step of the process, ensuring that I had a clear understanding of what was happening and what to expect. From the moment I reached out for assistance, Mr. Rassman exhibited unparalleled professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care. Then, Owen completed the entire process with remarkable efficiency. I write this review out of my gratitude, and I highly recommend attorney Mr. Owen Rassman to anyone in need of legal service in all areas of professional Estate Planning.
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Reached out to a number of local firms to have someone review my elderly parents' wills/estates/directives. Many firms did not respond or had no time for us. Opelon got back to us, was friendly and did not want to charge us an exorbitant amount for the work we were requesting. From our first meeting Jennifer and Owen were welcoming, friendly and highly professional. Owen reviewed the documents, and scheduled a second meeting to review all of his suggested changes. He carefully explained each item and when necessary explained it again. He gave us instructions for follow up and further recommendations. Overall a great experience. Would recommend for all estate and probate needs and would definitely use Opelon again.
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We wanted to update a trust created some years back, and chose to go with this firm. What a difference! It was an entirely different experience: So professional yet personable, organized and clearly outlining every facet of the process. Owen Rassman answered any and all questions, directed us through a number of "what if" scenarios, and we feel well protected with the results. We highly recommend him and his office.
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I had a great experience working with Owen and his team on my trust. His staff was incredibly helpful and responsive, making the entire onboarding process smooth and simple. Owen himself was personable, knowledgeable and easy to work with. He explained everything clearly, which made a complex process feel much more manageable. I really appreciate how straightforward they made something that could have felt overwhelming. Highly recommend!
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After putting off my decision to create a living trust, I finally got a recommendation for Owen. As you can imagine I had many concerns, any questions that came up were answered promptly and with respect. Satori and Owen made the process almost seamless; I am so glad to have these guys on my team.
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Owen helped me with a trust that was not set up correctly. He handled the communications with the third party to get a quick resolution and saved me time and money in the process. He was clear on communicating expectations and costs to me and took the least costly road to settle the matter. His follow up kept me up to date on what I needed to do to complete the process. I very highly recommend Owen for your legal needs.
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After I had a bad experience with a "low-cost estate planner", I interviewed four local estate planning attorneys. Owen Rassman clearly stood out as the best of them because he found out exactly what we needed by asking the right questions and leading us through the potential benefits and drawbacks of all our estate planning choices. Juli was the administrative lead who made sure all documents were in good order and kept the process of drafting and finalizing them moving quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend this Opelon team to anyone seeking estate planning services.
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I got my trust done by Opelon LLP and found Owen very easy to work with. I found him professional and he helped me understand what I needed to do. I now have peace of mind knowing that my trust is in place and there will be no guessing what needs to be done. Juli, Owens assistant, is prompt with answering phone calls and questions. I highly recommend this practice to anyone looking to get their trust in place.
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Jennifer and Own were an amazing duo who helped me establish my estate planning docs: living trust, will and all other related documents. Very responsive and knowledgeable. Even the notary noted how great a job they had done, which means a lot as I'm sure she's seen a bunch of estate planning docs over the years! 100% recommend
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We are incredibly grateful for Owen and his exceptional work in helping our family establish a trust. From the very beginning, he demonstrated deep knowledge of estate planning and took the time to truly understand our family's unique needs and goals. Owen explained the legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand and patiently answered all our questions. His professionalism and attention to detail gave us confidence that everything was handled correctly. The process was smooth and efficient, and we now have peace of mind knowing that our assets are protected, and our family's future is secure. We highly recommend Owen to anyone looking for a skilled, compassionate, and reliable estate planning attorney. Thank you for your outstanding service!

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Best Carlsbad Estate Planning Attorney

21 Frequently Asked Questions for Carlsbad Estate Planning

A Carlsbad estate planning attorney helps you create legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to manage your assets and protect your family’s future.

An experienced Carlsbad estate planning attorney can tailor your estate plan to California laws and your unique needs, which online templates often fail to do.

The cost of hiring a Carlsbad estate planning attorney varies, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the complexity of your estate. Click here to see Opelon’s flat fee estate planning price sheet.

You should consult a Carlsbad estate planning attorney when you acquire significant assets, get married, have children, or want to ensure your estate is protected.

Yes, a Carlsbad estate planning attorney can guide you through setting up a revocable or irrevocable trust to protect your assets and avoid probate.

Bring financial documents, a list of assets and liabilities, existing wills or trusts, and any questions about your estate planning goals.

Look for a Carlsbad estate planning attorney with positive reviews, relevant experience, and a personalized approach to your specific estate planning needs.

Absolutely. A skilled Carlsbad estate planning attorney can implement strategies like gifting, trusts, and charitable donations to reduce estate tax liabilities.

A will outlines asset distribution after death, while a trust can manage assets during your lifetime. A Carlsbad estate planning attorney can help with both.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. A Carlsbad estate planning attorney can help anyone protect their family, finances, and health care decisions.

Carlsbad’s estate planning often involves high-value real estate, family-owned businesses, and cross-generational property transfers. Local attorneys are familiar with regional property laws and county filing processes, ensuring your plan aligns with both California regulations and community-specific needs.

Absolutely. Estate planning is not just for retirees. Young families should name guardians, create healthcare directives, and establish trusts to protect children and assets. Early planning helps ensure your family’s stability and reduces uncertainty in the event of an unexpected event.

Typically, the answer is yes, most residents benefit from both. A will designates guardians and handles personal assets, while a trust manages property and avoids probate. Together, they create a strong foundation for comprehensive protection and efficient wealth transfer.

Learn more about comparing a will vs a trust here.

Strategic estate planning can minimize estate, income, and capital gains taxes through trusts, charitable giving, and asset structuring. Attorneys ensure compliance with both federal and California tax laws to maximize the value your beneficiaries receive.

See our California and federal estate tax exemption for 2026 post.

Common mistakes include not updating documents, failing to fund a trust, and neglecting to name contingent beneficiaries. Another frequent issue is overlooking digital assets. Regular legal reviews ensure your plan stays current and enforceable under California law.

Creating an estate plan in Carlsbad, California, involves six key steps: identifying your goals, taking inventory of your assets, choosing key decision-makers, drafting your estate planning documents, funding your trust, and reviewing your plan regularly. Working with a Carlsbad estate planning attorney like Opelon LLP ensures your plan complies with California law and protects your family’s future.

Yes. Opelon LLP offers affordable and comprehensive estate planning services in Carlsbad, California, and throughout San Diego County. Our attorneys provide customized estate plans that fit your needs and budget. 

From simple wills to complex living trusts. We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance to protect their family and assets. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can create a plan that’s both effective and affordable. See our flat fees for estate planning here.

As a Carlsbad resident, your California estate plan should include a revocable living trust, pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive.

These documents ensure your assets are managed properly and your medical wishes are respected. Depending on your situation, you may also need a guardianship designation or a business succession plan.

Opelon LLP’s local estate planning attorneys can help you customize each document to fit California law and your personal goals.

To manage your estate planning efficiently in Carlsbad, start by organizing your financial information and identifying key decision-makers. Then, meet with an experienced Carlsbad estate planning attorney to draft and execute your legal documents, including your trust, will, and powers of attorney. At Opelon LLP, we streamline every step of the process with clear communication and digital document management, making estate planning easier, faster, and stress-free.

You can find experienced trust administration attorneys near you in Carlsbad, California, by contacting Opelon LLP. Our legal team helps trustees and beneficiaries manage every aspect of the trust process.

From asset distribution to accounting and legal compliance under the California Probate Code. We guide you through each step with compassion and precision to ensure the trust is administered smoothly and correctly. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Yes. Opelon LLP provides personalized quotes for trust administration services in Carlsbad, California. Because each trust varies in complexity and asset type, we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your needs and provide an accurate estimate. Our goal is transparency; you’ll know what to expect before we begin. 

Picture of Owen Rassman

Owen Rassman

Founding Partner, Carlsbad Estate Planning Lawyer

Choosing the Right Carlsbad Estate Planning Attorney

It is vital to pick a good estate planning lawyer. They should have the skills and experience to help your plan succeed.

Consider the following factors when choosing the right attorney:

  1. Expertise: Find a lawyer who focuses on estate planning and has a good history of helping clients.
  2. Reputation: Seek a professional with a strong reputation in the Carlsbad community and positive client reviews.
  3. Communication: Ensure the attorney responds promptly. They should communicate clearly and be open to your concerns throughout the planning process.
  4. Estate Planning Costs in Carlsbad: It’s important to discuss fees in advance and choose a lawyer who offers transparent, fair pricing.

What Are the Steps to Create an Estate Plan in Carlsbad, California?  

Carlsbad Estate Planning Process:

Developing an estate plan is a crucial step to secure your family, assets, and peace of mind.

At Opelon LLP, our estate planning lawyers in Carlsbad help you every step of the way. We ensure the process is simple, quick, and aligned with your goals.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals and Priorities

We start by figuring out what is most important to you. This could mean keeping your children safe, reducing your taxes, or ensuring your assets are passed on easily.

This first conversation guides every aspect of your estate plan.

Step 2: Take Inventory of Your Assets

We help you understand all parts of your estate. This includes your home, retirement accounts, family heirlooms, and business interests.

Knowing what you own ensures nothing is overlooked when planning for the future.

Step 3: Choose Key Decision-Makers

You need to designate someone to handle your matters if you can’t. You also need to decide who will manage your property after you die.

This means choosing someone to manage your finances and health decisions. This person is called an executor or trustee

Step 4: Draft and Execute Your Estate Planning Documents

Our lawyers draft legal documents in accordance with California law.

This includes a revocable living trust, a will, a financial power of attorney, and an advance healthcare directive.

We ensure these documents show what you want.

Step 5: Fund Your Trust

To ensure your plan works, we help you transfer assets into your trust. This process is called funding your trust.

We also review who is named on accounts, such as life insurance and retirement plans. 

Step 6: Review and Update Regularly

Life changes, so should your estate plan.

We suggest checking your plan every few years or after significant life changes. These changes could include getting married, having a new child, or buying a home in San Diego County.

Cost to set up an Estate Plan in Carlsbad

We charge a flat rate for establishing an estate plan. Click the button below to see our current rates sheet.


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