Michael Amichai - Estate Planning Attorney in San Diego:
Protecting Your Legacy with Personalized Attention
Crafting a thoughtful estate plan is one of the most important gifts you can leave your loved ones.
As a San Diego estate planning attorney, I take the time to understand each client’s family dynamics, financial picture, and long-term goals.
The result is a tailor-made plan that minimizes court involvement, maximizes tax efficiency, and—most importantly—reflects exactly what you want to happen to your assets, your health-care decisions, and your legacy.
Below is an overview of how I guide San Diego families through the process and the key issues we’ll cover together.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhat Happens If You Don't Have an Estate Plan in California?
Without a proper estate plan, your family may face unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses during an already difficult time. In San Diego and the rest of California, this often means:
- Your estate may go through probate, which can take 12–24 months.
- Legal fees and court costs can significantly reduce what your family receives.
- The court, not you, decides how your assets are distributed.
- A judge may determine who cares for your minor children.
- Your loved ones may face confusion, conflict, or legal disputes.
Who Does Amichai Law, APC Help?
- Young families who want to ensure their children are protected.
- Married couples planning for the future.
- Individuals who want to maintain control over how their assets are distributed.
- Parents of minor children who need to nominate guardians.
Client Process For Creating A San Diego Estate Plan With Amichai Law
Our Estate Planning Process
We guide you through a clear, step-by-step process:
1. Free Consultation
Meet with an attorney (online or in person) to discuss your goals—no cost, no pressure.
2. Intake Form
Complete a simple questionnaire about your assets, beneficiaries, and wishes.
3. Review Meeting
Go over your draft plan with a lawyer and request any changes.
4. Sign & Finalize
Sign your finalized documents with confidence.
5. Ongoing Reviews
Update your plan as your life changes, with check-ins available.
Expert Estate Planning Advice
Wills vs. Trusts: Choosing the Right Vehicle
Every estate plan should include a will, but not every plan needs a trust.
A Revocable Living Trust is flexible—you can amend or revoke it anytime while you’re alive and competent.
An irrevocable trust can deliver powerful tax savings and asset protection but is difficult to change once signed.
Even when a trust exists, we always pair it with a pour-over will to catch assets inadvertently left outside the trust and to nominate guardians for minor children.
Get A Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQs to better understand the estate planning and probate process — and how Amichai Law is here to support you every step of the way.
Get A Free ConsultationWhat happens if I don’t create an estate plan?
Without an estate plan, California law decides what happens to your assets, who cares for your minor children, and who makes medical decisions for you. Your estate may go through probate, which can take 12–24 months and significantly reduce what your family receives.
Can I put conditions on my beneficiaries receiving assets from my trust?
Yes. You can condition distributions on specific milestones, such as reaching a certain age or graduating from college. Certain conditions are prohibited by law, and we'll make sure your trust complies with California requirements.
Do I have to leave everything to my family?
No. You can leave your assets to anyone you choose — friends, a partner, or a charitable organization. As long as the conditions are legally permissible, you have full control over who receives your estate.
Can I leave part of my trust to a charity or a different kind of organization?
Yes. You can designate a charity, nonprofit, or other organization as a full or partial beneficiary of your trust. We'll make sure the gift is structured properly to carry out your wishes.
Does my estate plan include a will or a trust?
It depends on your situation. Every plan includes a will, but not everyone needs a trust. We'll evaluate your assets, family dynamics, and goals to recommend the right combination for you.
Do I have to tell my attorney every time I want to change my trust?
Not for all updates such as a change in assets only. However, it's always a good idea to work with an attorney when making changes to ensure they're properly drafted, signed, and legally valid.
What documents does an estate plan include?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, a revocable living trust, a durable power of attorney, and an advance health care directive. Additional documents may be recommended based on your specific needs..
Does my trust need to get registered anywhere? If so, who do I register my trust with?
In California, trusts do not need to be registered with any government agency. However, real estate and other assets should be properly transferred into the trust to ensure it functions as intended.
What is the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can be changed or cancelled at any time while you're alive. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed once signed, but offers stronger asset protection and potential tax benefits.
Who manages my trust while I am alive?
You do. As the trust creator, you typically serve as your own trustee while you're alive and competent, maintaining full control over your assets. A successor trustee steps in only if you become incapacitated or pass away.
Why Work With Amichai Law?
1. Affordable Estate Planning in San Diego
Working with a trusted San Diego estate planning attorney doesn’t have to break the bank. At Amichai Law, we offer affordable estate planning services with competitive flat fees, ensuring you get a comprehensive estate plan tailored to California law without high costs.
2. Weekend Availability for Estate Planning in San Diego
Busy parents and working professionals often find it difficult to schedule estate planning sessions during the week. That’s why we offer Sunday estate planning appointments in San Diego, so you can create your estate plan at a time that fits your busy schedule without taking time off work.
3. Convenient Online Estate Planning Meetings in San Diego
Finding time for estate planning is challenging, especially when balancing work and family commitments. That’s why Amichai Law conducts online meetings for estate planning, trust administration, and probate discussions, allowing you to meet with us from home or your office, saving you time and travel. You’re always welcome to meet in person if you prefer!
4. Free Initial Consultation on Estate Planning & Trusts
At Amichai Law, we believe in transparency and making estate planning accessible. That’s why we offer a free 30-minute initial consultation in San Diego—no payment required unless you decide to move forward. During this meeting, we review your family’s specific needs and discuss your options for estate planning, trusts, and estate administration.
5. Flat-Fee Estate Planning Services in San Diego
Worried about hourly attorney fees? With Amichai Law, you won’t have to check the clock during your estate planning or trust administration meetings. We offer flat-fee estate planning services in San Diego, so you can contact us by phone or email without concern about unexpected costs, giving you peace of mind.