California Estate Planning: 7 Top Attorneys From San Diego to San Francisco!

In California, families face unique estate planning challenges, from complex tax laws to multi-generational wealth planning. That’s why finding the right attorney matters.

To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of seven of the best estate planning attorneys in California. Each one has a 4.6 Google Reviews rating or above, and serves a distinct region of the state, bringing proven expertise, compassion, and a tailored approach to their clients.

And for an added bonus, each attorney offers a free initial consultation via EP Attorneys.

San Diego, CA

San Diego families look for attorneys who combine legal skill with empathy and adaptability. The attorneys here have earned reputations for keeping clients out of conflict and helping them plan with confidence.

Alanna Pearl

Alanna Pearl blends business sense with a heart for families. She started in business litigation and shifted to proactive planning so clients could protect what matters before problems arise.

A top 10% graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law (2007), Alanna is known for turning complex issues into doable steps: how to title the house, who to trust with decisions, how to align the plan with cash flow and long-term goals. 

Alanna launched her firm in 2018 and spends much of her time educating clients on legal, insurance, finance, and tax considerations, so that their plans are both protective and practical. The end result is simple: documents that reflect your values and a roadmap you can actually follow.

If you’d like to talk to Alanna Pearl, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

Amy Hsiao

Amy Hsiao built her San Diego practice after witnessing how an “updated” plan can still let a family down. Her response was to create a process that grows with life: clear guidance up front, ongoing check-ins, and plans that actually work when you need them.

Amy helps clients put real decisions on paper, such as guardianship wishes, who makes health and financial calls, and how assets move, so there’s less worry and no courtroom surprises. She explains everything in plain language and makes sure the details are easy to follow. Families choose Amy because they leave feeling lighter, prepared, and confident that the people they love are protected.

If you’d like to talk to Amy Hsiao, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

San Diego North County, CA

The North County region of San Diego offers a unique lifestyle, and its families need estate plans that reflect their values, assets, and long-term vision.

Tara Cheever

To Tara, planning is personal. She starts by listening about your family, your business, your worries, and then builds a plan that fits your life now and adapts as it changes.

Tara graduated Cum Laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, earned a Fellowship with the Center for Law, Technology & Communications, and, as a certified law clerk with the California Department of Justice, even delivered oral arguments at the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

After nearly three years as a Deputy City Attorney in Escondido, she opened her firm in 2009 to work closely with families and owners. A graduate of Elder Law College, Tara pairs technical precision with warmth, and also gives back through pro bono work, including the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. Clients know she’ll be there long after signing day.

If you’d like to talk to Tara Cheever, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

Orange County South-Central

In the heart of Orange County, families often face the dual challenge of managing wealth while planning for loved ones’ long-term well-being.

Beatrice Phan

With 15+ years of experience and a U.C. Hastings law degree, Beatrice Phan brings empathy and clarity to conversations many families find hard. As a daughter, spouse, and mom, she understands the real questions: Who will help my parents? How do we make this simple for our kids? And Beatrice answers them with a calm, step-by-step plan.

Born in Vietnam, raised in France, and having lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years, Beatrice is fluent in Vietnamese, French, and English and skilled at explaining how U.S. laws work in everyday language. She focuses on tailored trusts, guardianship choices, and the practical “how-to” steps so your plan works when it matters. Families trust her patient guidance and cross-cultural perspective—and they leave feeling protected and understood.

If you’d like to talk to Beatrice Phan, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

Long Beach & North OC Coastal

This coastal region is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant communities. Estate planning here often involves multigenerational families with diverse needs, making compassion and foresight essential.

Ariane Sims

Ariane Sims is an estate planning attorney who brings heart and purpose to her law practice and, as a mother, she considers estate planning to be so much more than legal paperwork. She sees it as an act of love.

With a warm, thoughtful approach, Ariane guides her clients through important decisions about protecting their children’s future, their healthcare preferences, and their financial security. She also believes that a person’s legacy should be part of their plan, and so Ariane offers recorded interviews to help her clients preserve their stories and memories for their loved ones.

Ariane holds a B.A. in English from Stanford University and a J.D. from Duke University. Born and raised in New York City, she lives in Long Beach, California with her partner, Milos, and their son, Mateo. She loves hiking, camping, paddle boarding, art, dancing, and all flavors of ethnic cuisine.

Ariane also proudly supports non-profits working to protect our planet and safeguard human and indigenous rights.

If you’d like to talk to Ariane Sims, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

Southwest San Jose, CA

Southwest San Jose is home to families and professionals who need estate plans that fit both their assets and their values. One attorney stands out for her dedication to proactive planning and community service.

Jeannette Marsala

Jeannette R. Marsala chose estate planning so families could avoid the courtroom stress that she saw during her time in litigation. A San Jose native, she earned her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law (2007) with a Litigation specialization (with distinction), then completed a Master of Laws in Estate Planning (2018).

Today, Jeannette focuses on proactive, easy-to-follow planning: clear wills and trusts, straightforward instructions, and education that helps clients stay out of court. Her service mindset extends beyond her firm: she mentors foster youth with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley and has helped launch Little Free Libraries in East San Jose. Jeannette has also contributed to city efforts aimed at improving parks and playgrounds. 

Clients describe Jeannette as organized, caring, and steady—someone who turns a daunting task into real peace of mind for Southwest San Jose families.

If you’d like to talk to Jeannette Marsala, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

Silicon Valley & San Francisco, CA

In the heart of California’s innovation hub, estate planning often involves cross-border issues, business succession strategies, and high-value assets. Here is one of the most trusted attorneys serving Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

Snehal Patil

Snehal Patil makes complex planning feel simple and personal. With 20+ years of experience and licenses in both the U.S. and India, he’s a steady guide for families with cross-border assets, businesses, or properties in multiple states. 

Snehal designs the full range of plans—revocable and irrevocable trusts, kids’ protection provisions, special needs planning, asset protection, estate and gift tax strategies, and trust administration—and he often helps entrepreneurs with rental LLCs, multi-state structures, and business succession.

Before launching his firm, Snehal served in India’s Civil Services and practiced at top U.S. and India firms, including DSK Legal, Thelen, Perkins Coie, and Sheppard Mullin, eventually chairing an India practice at a national firm. He’s fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, and he brings that global, solutions-first perspective to every conversation. Clients appreciate his calm style, clear steps, and focus on keeping loved ones out of conflict while passing wealth the way they intend to.

If you’d like to talk to Snehal Patil, complete this form to arrange an initial free consultation.

Conclusion

Estate planning is one of the most important investments you can make for your family’s future. The attorneys featured here, spread across San Diego, San Jose, Silicon Valley, Long Beach, and Orange County, represent the very best of California’s legal community. Each lawyer brings not only exceptional skill but also a deep commitment to protecting what matters most.

No matter where you are, reaching out to one of these top estate planning attorneys in California can give you the confidence and clarity you need to secure your family’s future and preserve your legacy.

And, if you’re not yet ready to start on your estate planning journey, bookmark our estate planning attorneys in California page, and act as soon as possible to gain real peace of mind.

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