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Estate planning in San Diego, CA
California rules apply — but San Diego's military families bring federal estate planning complexity.
Why this matters in San Diego
The local angle
Standard California estate-planning rules apply, but San Diego's heavy military population brings VA benefits, SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan), and DIC into the planning conversation. Federal-tax-exempt military retirement also changes the basis math on inherited assets.
Local nuance
Active-duty service members can update beneficiary designations through DEERS at any base — but few realize that the SBP election is irrevocable after retirement. That's a high-stakes decision most families don't plan for.
Top concerns for San Diego families
- SBP / DIC for military families
- Veteran's estate exemptions
- California real estate basis + Prop 19
- Multi-state moves common with military service
California state law
At a glance
San Diego estate work is governed by California state law. Here's what every family should know.
Statutory fees: 4% of first $100K, 3% next $100K, 2% next $800K, 1% over $1M
Small-estate affidavit (Prob. Code §13100)
No inheritance tax
Spousal rights
Community property state — spouse owns 50% of community assets automatically
Common pitfalls
- CA probate is notoriously slow and expensive — statutory fees apply
- CA Prop 19 (2021) changed property tax transfer rules dramatically
- Heggstad petition can be used for property left out of trust
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Also serving
Other California cities
Los Angeles, CA
California Probate Court is statutory-fee — and inherited Prop-13-protected homes are the family-fight epicenter.
San Jose, CA
Tech equity, RSU vesting schedules, and $2M+ homes make Silicon Valley estate planning unusually complex.
San Francisco, CA
$1.5M+ median home prices + statutory probate fees + Prop 19 = revocable trusts are almost universal here.