San Diego Probate Attorney
Peace of Mind When It Matters Most
Losing someone you love is hard enough. Let a probate attorney certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization handle the process so you can focus on your family.
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Focused Exclusively on California Probate
When a spouse, parent, or close family member passes away, the last thing you need is confusion about what comes next. Whether your loved one left a will or didn’t, settling their estate involves court filings, strict deadlines, and legal procedures that can feel heavy during an already difficult time.
Harbor Probate is a probate only law firm based here in San Diego County, and Tomer Gutman is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law. About 150 attorneys in San Diego County hold that certification.
Because probate is all we do, the accountants, real estate professionals and fiduciaries we work with move alongside your attorney rather than behind him, so valuations, tax filings and property sales don’t stall the case.
We’ve helped more than 500 families across California settle estates of all sizes, distributing over $20 million in assets along the way. From the moment you call, you’ll get straightforward answers, honest timelines, and the personal attention your family’s situation deserves.
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How We Help You Move Forward
From the first court filing to the final distribution, here’s what working with our probate team looks like.
Every Filing, Handled for You
We prepare and submit every court document so nothing falls on your shoulders.
Every Deadline, Met on Time
Late filings cost families money. We track each deadline and keep your case on schedule.
Compassionate, Patient Support
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. We guide you with kindness at every stage of the process.
Plain-Language Guidance
No legal jargon. We explain each step in simple terms so you always know what’s happening.
Protection from Costly Mistakes
Personal liability and family disputes are real risks. Proper legal guidance helps you avoid both.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
You’ll understand the fee structure before we begin. No hidden costs, no billing surprises.
Every family’s situation is different. Our San Diego Probate team tailors its approach to match the specific needs of your case, whether the estate is straightforward or more complex.
Families Across California Trust Harbor Probate
Hear directly from the families we’ve helped.
Rated 5.0 stars from 20+ Google reviews Schedule Free Call
Christina Taylor
Rick White
James Brewer
Jenna Fasack
Kerri Haven
Kenneth Jenkins
Ryan Jacobs
John Hoffman
How Probate Works in San Diego County
The local rules and deadlines that shape every San Diego County case.
One Courthouse for the Whole County
Every San Diego County probate is filed and heard at the Central Courthouse downtown, wherever in the county your parent lived.
No Deadline to Open the Case
California sets no deadline to file the probate petition. Until the court appoints a personal representative, though, no one can sell estate property or act for the estate.
The Will Goes to Court Within 30 Days
Whoever holds the original will must deliver it to the court clerk within 30 days of learning of the death, under Probate Code section 8200.
Inventory Due Four Months After Letters
Once letters issue, the inventory and appraisal is due within four months, under Probate Code section 8800.
Creditor Claims Close on a Schedule
A creditor must file by the later of four months after letters issue or 60 days after notice of administration is mailed or delivered to it, under Probate Code section 9100.
A Home Up to $750,000 May Avoid Probate
For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, a primary residence worth up to $750,000 can pass by a succession petition under Probate Code section 13151 instead of full probate.
Not sure which of these applies to your family? A short call will tell you, and it costs nothing.
FAQs
Common Questions About San Diego Probate
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most from families starting the probate process.
Q: What is probate, and does my parent’s estate need it?
Probate is the court process for transferring a deceased person’s assets. For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, it is usually needed when the assets in the decedent’s own name, not counting trust assets, joint tenancy property or accounts with a named beneficiary, are worth more than $208,850. A primary residence worth up to $750,000 can often pass by a shorter succession petition instead.
Q: How long does probate take in San Diego County?
Most probate cases in California take between nine and eighteen months, though complex estates or disputes can extend that timeline.
Q: What if my parent died without a will?
California’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits. The court appoints an administrator, and the process follows a similar path to a standard probate case.
Q: Can I keep living in my parent’s house during probate?
Possibly. The answer depends on factors like whether you’re a co-owner, whether the estate has debts, and what the will states. A probate attorney can clarify your rights.
Q: How much does a San Diego probate attorney cost?
California law sets statutory attorney fees for probate based on the estate’s value. During a free consultation, we can give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Each of these questions can have layers depending on your family’s circumstances. A quick conversation with a probate attorney is often the fastest way to get answers that apply to your specific situation.
Schedule Your Free Probate Consultation Today
If you’ve recently lost a parent and aren’t sure what to do about their home, bank accounts, or other assets, Harbor Probate is here to help. Call us for a free consultation, and we’ll listen to your story, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear roadmap so you can take the next steps with confidence.