ESTATE PLANNING

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST.

We help San Diego families create clear, personalized estate plans—

so your wishes are honored and your loved ones are taken care of.

Planning for the future doesn't have to be overwhelming

At Family Advocates, we help individuals and families in San Diego create clear, personalized estate plans that protect what matters most—your loved ones, your assets, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re just getting started or updating an existing plan, we guide you every step of the way with clarity and care. An estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored and your family is supported—no matter what happens. Without a plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary stress, delays, and legal complications.

We’re here to help you create a plan that gives you confidence today and security for tomorrow.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or later in life—it’s essential for anyone who wants to protect their family and make important decisions ahead of time. This is especially true for the LGBTQ+ community. While same-sex marriage has been legally recognized since 2015, many individuals and couples still face unique estate planning challenges.

A thoughtful estate plan can ensure your chosen family is protected, prevent unwanted interference from biological relatives, and provide legal clarity for unmarried partners or non-biological parents. It also ensures that medical and financial decisions are made by someone you trust—rather than default next-of-kin—especially in situations where legal relationships may not fully reflect your family structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate?

Your estate is everything you have accumulated during your lifetime. It comprises not only of your physical property, such as homes, vehicles, and personal property, but also financial assets such as bank accounts, investments, life insurance, and business interests. Your estate also includes any outstanding debts.

What is an estate plan?

Your estate plan is a written declaration of how you want your money and property to be distributed when you pass away. An estate plan also details your wishes for what should happen if you become too ill or incapacitated to make personal and financial decisions.

Why do I need an estate plan?

Without an estate plan, the state has a plan for you – it’s called intestate succession. However, intestate success laws do not take into account the realities, lived experiences, and make-up of LGBTQ+ couples and families. Additionally, having an estate plan enables you to avoid probate, a lengthy and sometimes costly court process that involves taking inventory of your accounts and property, paying off your debts, and distributing the remaining money and property to your named beneficiaries.

Estate planning documents that everyone should have:

Wills:

A will details how your property and money are to be distributed following your death and who should be in charge of the distribution process. It also names a guardian for your minor children if the other parent dies before or at the same time as you.

Trusts:

A trust is a legal instrument that allows another person to hold and manage your accounts and property for the benefit of another (e.g., your beneficiaries). Setting up a trust enables you to manage your affairs with greater privacy, and avoid probate and, in some instances, estate taxes.

Advanced healthcare directives:

A legal document that outlines your medical preferences, including regarding end-of-life care, and designates who can make healthcare-related decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

Powers of attorney:

A power of attorney authorizes another person to make legal decisions on your behalf. In a healthcare power of attorney, you can designate somebody to make medical decisions for you if you become too ill or incapacitated. Similarly, a financial power of attorney lets someone else manage your finances when illness or injury prevents you from doing so.

Beneficiary forms:

Beneficiary forms allow you to specify who should collect the money from your insurance policy or retirement accounts when you die. Beneficiary forms can override your will, so they should reflect your current intent. Otherwise, a former partner or spouse whom you previously named on a beneficiary form could cash in on your 401(k), IRA, or life insurance policy.

Take the first step toward protecting your family and your future.

No matter your background, family structure, or life situation, having an estate plan is essential. It gives you control over what happens if you become ill or unable to make decisions—and ensures your wishes are honored when you pass.

At Family Advocates, we’re committed to creating a plan that is tailored to your unique needs, so you and your loved ones are protected every step of the way.