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Estate planning questions rarely come at a convenient time. Whether you are preparing a
Estate planning questions rarely come at a convenient time. Whether you are preparing a revocable living trust, helping a family member navigate California probate, or simply trying to understand how these laws apply to your situation, this blog is built for you.
Opelon LLP publishes practical, California-specific articles on estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. Every post is written in plain English and reviewed for legal accuracy under current California law.
Browse posts by topic or scroll through our most recent updates below. If you have a question that is not covered, contact our Carlsbad office or leave a comment on any post.
The California probate sale process for realtors is unlike any other residential transaction you will handle, and the agents who understand the rules win the
Joint tenants vs tenants in common in California is one of the most common questions we hear from property owners building an estate plan. The
Adding a child to your bank account for estate planning purposes is one of the most common shortcuts California families take, and one of the
The new FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule 2026 changes how certain residential property transfers to trusts and LLCs are handled across California and the rest
Trust lawyers in San Diego do more than draft documents. They help you avoid a probate process that can take over a year, cost tens
Rule Against Perpetuities is one of the most misunderstood phrases in estate planning, and in California, it rarely works the way people think it does.
AI estate planning tools promise savings but can cost California families unnecessary expense and heartache for their loved ones if they fail. Learn the 5
The inventory and appraisal is one of the most important documents you will file as an executor, yet most families have never heard of it
Transferring a deceased person’s vehicle is one of the first practical tasks families face after losing a loved one. The good news? California allows most
Naming your revocable trust as IRA beneficiary could trigger costly Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) problems. Learn the 5 most common mistakes California families make and
A California small estate affidavit could save your family months of waiting and thousands of dollars in court costs. If your loved one’s estate is
Understanding probate vs non probate assets can save California families months of waiting and thousands in court costs. Learn which assets must go through probate
California intestate succession laws determine exactly who inherits your property if you die without a will, and the results may surprise you. Whether you are
California probate without a will happens more often than most families expect. When someone dies intestate, the court steps in to determine who inherits based
The trust administration process can seem daunting when you’ve just lost a loved one and suddenly find yourself responsible for managing their trust. The good
A California TOD deed avoids probate for your home. But it won’t help if you’re incapacitated, won’t protect your beneficiary’s inheritance, and vanishes if your
When OJ Simpson died in 2024, the drama didn’t end; it simply moved from the courtroom to the probate court. Overnight, his estate became a
Serving as an executor in California can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving and trying to make the right decisions for your family. This article
Your beneficiary designations can override your will, your trust, and your wishes. One outdated form could send your retirement savings to an ex-spouse instead of
Owen Rassman Named Superlawyer for the third year—recognized for exceptional estate planning and probate law in Carlsbad and San Diego.
Gain insights into Heggstad petitions in San Diego. This key guide explains the probate code § 850 and offers trustees and beneficiaries a streamlined way
Navigate estate planning for a beneficiary with addiction issues in California. Learn to protect their interests with spendthrift trusts and smart strategies.
California estate planning case study overview: Every California family faces unique challenges when it comes to protecting assets, reducing taxes, and planning for the unexpected.
Understanding the difference between Letters Testamentary vs Letters of Administration is crucial for anyone navigating California probate. These court-issued documents determine who has legal authority
The Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA) gives California executors and administrators a streamlined way to handle probate with fewer court approvals and reduced delays.
Selling a house in probate can be challenging. This expert guide outlines crucial steps when selling a house in San Diego probate, clarifying legal processes
Understanding the different types of probate in California is essential for families who are navigating the estate process after losing a loved one. Depending on
Have you ever wondered “Where should I store my estate planning documents?” If so, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into
Attorneys for Living Trust beat DIY kits. Discover 5 California-tested reasons—deeds, funding, and child protections—that help San Diego/Carlsbad families avoid probate and costly mistakes. Keep
San Diego, August 21, 2025 — Opelon LLP is pleased to announce that partner Matt Odgers lawyer has been included in the 2026 edition of
Understand the California Last Will and Testament and learn how it can ensure your wishes are honored with clarity and legality.
You may be wondering if this San Diego Estate Planning Guide guide is relevant to your specific situation. The truth is, estate planning is essential
Naming a beneficiary is more than a legal requirement—it’s a powerful way to ensure your assets reach the people or causes that matter most to
As the year comes to a close, there’s no better time to ensure your estate plan is up to date and aligned with your goals.
Take the first step toward creating a lasting legacy for your family this holiday season. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and let
Estate Planning for Families helps secure your family’s future. This California-focused guide breaks down everything you need to know about wills, trusts, and more. Protect
With approximately 16% of children in the U.S. growing up in blended families, creating a comprehensive estate plan ensures that assets are distributed fairly and
A California QTIP trust is a powerful estate planning tool designed to provide financial security for a surviving spouse while preserving assets for future beneficiaries.
Estate planning is an essential step for any couple, but with estate planning for LGBTQ+ families, the process can present unique challenges.
Estate planning for single parents is more than just creating a will; it’s about making sure your children are provided for, legally protected, and that
Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult experience that requires making important financial and legal decisions during a time of grief. This guide to estate
Estate planning for business owners is critical for those want to protect their companies, ensure financial stability, and preserve their legacy.
Estate Planning for New Parents: Protecting Your Child’s Future. As new parents, securing your child’s future is a top priority. Estate planning is a critical
While LLCs offer legitimate advantages in certain situations, placing your primary residence in a California LLC comes with significant downsides.
This article provides an essential guide for small business owners in California on complying with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). It covers everything from who
Understanding the history of estate planning, starting from the world’s first recorded set of laws, allows us to appreciate the long-standing human desire to protect
Everyone hopes to live a long life and slide gracefully into a peaceful old age.
Unfortunately, a sad end to someone’s life has been
With an estimated population of 72.24 million, Millennials emerged as the largest generational cohort in the United States in 2022.
Ever wonder what will happen to your hard earned airline miles if you die? Read on to find out.
A trustee holds the keys to your family’s financial future. When you create a California living trust, this person becomes responsible for managing everything you’ve
Proper estate planning for dentists is a crucial responsibility and, when done correctly, ensures your dental practice’s longevity. It preserves your legacy, safeguards your loved
If you are a holder of Bitcoin, this article will help you to understand how to fund a trust with Bitcoin as well as the
Simply put, a HIPAA Authorization is a document where a person allows a medical provider to share their health information with a 3rd party without
A California Revocable Living Trust helps protect your assets, avoid probate, and keep your estate private. Learn how it works under California law and how
Over and over, we read the stories of celebrities who died with an estate plan.
Whether it’s wills, trusts, or co-ownership agreements, you’d think that
California Probate is a Court process required to manage a Decedent’s estate and distribute his or her assets. Probate is statutorily driven, meaning that much
Big changes are here for estate planning in 2026. The federal estate tax exemption has increased to $15,000,000 for an individual and $30,000,000 for a
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is an irrevocable trust used to hold a life insurance policy in a way that provides liquidity to the
A California Health Care Power of Attorney is one of the most important documents you will ever sign, yet most people make critical errors that
California Durable Power of Attorney documents prevent one of the most expensive mistakes families make: assuming a spouse or adult child can automatically access bank
Our 21 Step Estate Planning Checklist will ensure that your health care and financial decisions will be carried out during incapacity and after death.
Will vs. trust: which one actually protects your California family from probate court?
If you own a home in San Diego County, this single decision
If you have minor children, you should strongly consider naming a guardian. Here are eight easy steps to guide you through the process of choosing
Estate planning for digital assets may be the most overlooked, yet financially devastating, gap in your family’s protection. With over 100 online accounts per person
A California real estate LLC separates your investment property from your personal assets, limiting your liability if something goes wrong with the rental. For San
Are you curious about how to fund a trust? Great, because we cannot overemphasize the importance of having a fully funded Revocable Living Trust.
Welcome to our California Trust and Estate Probate Blog – your essential guide to navigating the complexities of trust and estate law in California.
Key Takeaways This blog explains California-specific trust and estate planning in clear, practical terms, focusing on trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate. It serves individuals, professionals, and students by providing education, timely legal updates, and actionable guidance to help you plan effectively and navigate probate. Readers are encouraged to engage through questions and comments and follow regular posts that track developments in California law.
Summary This blog offers clear, practical guidance on California trust and estate law, covering trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate. It serves individuals, professionals, and students by educating, updating on legal changes, and encouraging engagement. Posts aim to empower readers to create effective estate plans, navigate probate, and stay current with California-specific developments. Explore regular updates and participate through questions and comments.
This blog aims to demystify the intricate world of estate planning, offering clear, reliable insights for professionals, students, and anyone with an interest in understanding these critical legal aspects.
Whether you’re planning for the future with a California revocable living trust, assisting a loved one with probate, or seeking to broaden your legal knowledge, our blog is the perfect starting point.
Each article focuses on one of the core areas Opelon LLP handles for San Diego County families:
If you are starting an estate plan, updating an existing one, or helping a loved one through probate, these articles give you a clear foundation. You do not need a legal background to benefit from this content.
Financial advisors, CPAs, and real estate professionals working with San Diego County clients will find current, California-specific legal context here. Posts are updated as laws change.
Articles cite specific California Probate Code sections and reflect current statutory thresholds and court procedures. This makes the blog a useful starting point for research on California trust and estate law.
Opelon LLP was founded on the belief that informed clients make better decisions. Estate planning is not intuitive, and the California Probate Code is not written for general audiences.
This blog closes that gap. Our goal is to give you accurate, readable information so that when you meet with an attorney, you already understand the landscape.
Posts cover three consistent goals:
Owen Rassman is the Managing Partner of Opelon LLP and the firm’s primary client-facing attorney. He advises individuals, families, and fiduciaries on estate planning, trust administration, and probate throughout San Diego County.
Owen holds a J.D., an LL.M. in Taxation, and an M.B.A., all of which inform his approach to complex estate and tax planning matters. He has been recognized as a San Diego Super Lawyers selectee multiple times based on peer evaluation and professional achievement. He is a member of the California State Bar.
Matt Odgers is a Founding Partner at Opelon LLP, where he leads the firm’s operations, marketing, and business development. A San Diego County native who grew up in Ramona, Matt holds a J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.
Matt has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, a peer-reviewed distinction highlighting emerging leaders in the legal profession. He is a member of the California State Bar (Bar No. 290722).
Legal Disclaimer
Educational Content Only
The articles, guides, and other content published on this blog are provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this blog constitutes legal advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for advice from a licensed California attorney regarding your specific situation. Reading this blog, commenting on a post, or contacting Opelon LLP through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Opelon LLP or any of its attorneys.
No Attorney-Client Relationship
An attorney-client relationship with Opelon LLP is established only through a signed engagement letter or fee agreement. Until that relationship is formally established, any information you share with us through this blog, a contact form, email, or telephone is not protected by attorney-client privilege. Do not send confidential or sensitive information through this website unless and until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established.
California Law Only
All content on this blog addresses California law only. Estate planning, trust administration, and probate laws vary significantly from state to state. If you own property in multiple states, reside outside of California, or have legal questions governed by the laws of another jurisdiction, you should consult an attorney licensed in the applicable state. Opelon LLP is authorized to practice law in California only.
Accuracy and Currency of Information
California estate planning and probate laws change frequently. Dollar thresholds, statutory fees, tax exemptions, and procedural requirements are subject to periodic adjustment by the Legislature, the courts, and regulatory agencies. While Opelon LLP makes reasonable efforts to keep blog content current and accurate, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or currency of any information published here. Always verify applicable thresholds, deadlines, and requirements with a licensed California attorney before taking action or relying on any figure cited in this blog.
If you have questions about your specific estate planning or probate situation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified California attorney.
