Estate Planning Attorneys of San Marcos

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Compassionate Estate Planning Lawyers Dedicated to Your Family’s Best Legal Interests in the Local San Marcos Area.

For many years, Southern California has been able to count on Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP for all their Estate Planning Attorney Legal Services. In addition to our San Marcos Law Firm’s Officeour Estate Planning Legal Services Team Represents many Service Area Clients throughout the local San Diego CountyCalifornia region.

Estate Planning Law Attorneys with Years of Experience

Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP provides over 57 Years of Combined Family Law Counsel Experience dedicated to Your Family’s Legal Concerns throughout the Legal Process.

Although taking the time to draft or modify a will may seem unnecessary at this point in your life, it is essential to ensuring that your estate is handled according to your wishes after your demise.

Unfortunately, disagreements regarding wills and the administration of estates are common, potentially causing contention between family members and friends.

The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure that your will is properly created with thorough attention to detail.

Beyond the immediate planning of a will, there are various issues that can arise following the death of a loved one which can leave legal and financial matters unsettled or contested.

Thus, taking action now to plan for your future is a wise financial move in any situation, as the security of your legacy requires having legal documents in place well ahead of time as to how your estate will be managed in the event of your passing.

To avoid probate issues and ensure that your wishes will be properly carried out, you should turn to the assistance of a skilled legal professional.

The management of an estate after the death of a loved one can be a complicated affair, and without adequate advance planning the challenges become even greater for the family of the deceased.

In some situations it may be necessary to take immediate action to resolve outstanding debts, and in others the proper division of the assets in an estate may be unclear and require careful attention.

At Fischer and Van Thiel, LLP, our legal team has years of experience in estate planning that can be put to good use helping resolve any disputes or complications that may arise for you and your family.

We can also offer our expertise in putting plans in place regarding your estate so that you alleviate any possible complications for your loved ones in the future.

To learn more about how an estate planning attorney can help you plan for the future, call us today at (760) 757-6854.

Wills and Probate Practice Areas

Wills and probate law is a much broader field than many people realize, and it is important to have an attorney who understands the full extent of estate planning as well as one who can effectively manage any disputes involving the estate of a deceased loved one.

Our legal team has years of experience handling all manner of probate and will cases and can assist you in any of the following areas:

  • Will drafting
  • Will modification
  • Contested wills
  • Living wills
  • Probate litigation

With the assistance of a well-qualified lawyer, you can be sure that your estate is in good hands as we seek to protect your rights and interests as well as those of your family.

Areas of Estate Planning

Even with moderate estates it is important to have measures in place to manage your estate after your passing, as such advance planning can prevent significant disputes and the possible misappropriation of your assets.

Our attorneys have ample experience and skill in all of the following areas pertinent to estate planning:

  • Drafting and modification of wills
  • Retirement Advice
  • Estate administration
  • Tax planning
  • Establishment of trusts
  • Probate litigation
  • Drafting and modification of living wills

By taking steps now to establish your intent for your estate, you can protect your legacy and ensure your dependents are provided for in the future.

Areas of Service

Estate planning is much more than simply drafting a will. Although we can ensure that everything is well-planned and properly executed upon your demise, we also have experience handling a variety of other estate planning needs, including the following:

  • Will drafting and modification
  • Living will drafting and modification
  • Trust establishment
  • Retirement advice
  • Tax planning
  • Probate litigation
  • Administration of estates

Whether you require assistance with setting up a will, contesting a will, or other estate planning issues, our legal professionals are prepared to help.

We provide legal advice and assistance in all types of estate planning and probate cases and can provide the personalized representation that you need. No estate planning issue is insignificant when your life and the future of your estate are concerned.

Ensuring that your estate is taken care of and provisions are in place for certain contingencies can give you peace of mind when it comes to making sure you and your family are protected, no matter what happens.

Importance of Preparing a Will

A living will may be one of the most important documents you will produce in your lifetime.

It will not only explain how you want your estate to be divided following your death; it will also record your wishes in the event that you become incapacitated and protect your assets if you are ever staying in a nursing home or hospital.

When a person passes away or becomes incapacitated before completing a will, the legal and financial complications can become a real burden on the person’s family.

If you do not have a will, or if you have not updated your will in some time, you may want to contact an Oceanside estate planning attorney to explore your legal options.

Preparing a Will

Planning a proper will is one of the most important steps you can take to provide for the people you love after you pass away.

Every year, thousands of Americans die before they can get their estates in order, causing their property to be tied up in the courts for months or even years, and leaving their families without the money they need.

It is understandable that so many people put off preparing their wills; the process can be complicated and difficult, and the topic is unpleasant.

Nonetheless, estate planning and living wills are a very important part of planning for the future. Without them, your family will have no way of knowing how you want them to divide your assets or how you want your healthcare handled in an emergency.

Carlsbad family lawyers Fischer & Van Thiel help clients prepare wills and settle related legal matters with efficiency and a minimum of stress.

If you are unsure about the details of Carlsbad probate law and how it relates to your circumstances, they can offer you valuable advice and guide you towards the best ways to protect your health and your family’s finances.

They have also advised and represented beneficiaries and other involved parties.

Our Legal Services

The family law matters that our firm can assist with include but are not limited to:

  • Designating a health care proxy
  • Tax preparation
  • Protecting assets while entering a nursing home
  • Trust funds and trustees
  • Disputed wills

How We Can Help

The Oceanside family attorneys at Fischer & Van Thiel have the experience needed to help you with a variety of legal matters, including:

  • Preparation of wills, living wills, and health care proxies
  • Creating trust funds
  • Tax planning
  • Advice for business owners planning for their futures
  • Legal advocacy for people who have been overlooked in wills

The Importance of a Will

Every year many thousands of people pass away without having made adequate provisions for the disposal of their estate. Without a will in place, family members may be left to struggle with many issues that could have been easily avoided.

Without a will, the courts will divide you assets as they see appropriate. The only way to protect you wishes is to legally document them.

Although intestacy laws vary from by state, it is a general standard that the assets will be shared between the surviving spouse and children. If one is single and does not have offspring, the estate will be inherited by blood relatives.

Wills are extremely important for parents to make as they can specify who will take over guardianship of the children if the parents were to pass. By having the designation predetermined and documented, the transition for the children will be much easier as long court cases regarding custodianship will be avoided.

Adjustments can be made to a will at any time. The document is not set in stone. It is beneficial to review your will periodically to provide for any modifications which might need to be made in accordance to a new development in your life.

Assess the beneficiary designations as your IRA, 401(k), pension, and life insurance policy will all be transferred automatically to the named beneficiaries upon your passing.

Even if you have a trust, you should have a will as well. The trust will only provide for specified assets such as property. It neglects the total sum.

A revocable living trust is best when in conjunction with pour-over will. The pour-over will places assets into the trust even if they are not re-titled. Without the protection of a will, the assets not titled will be divided by the state.

When no plans are in place for a person’s estate after his or her passing, the individual’s family and loved ones may be left with a number of frustrations and difficulties with administering the assets and other property.

Fortunately, a knowledgeable legal team can help you address any estate planning needs you may have, making sure that all your properties and assets are in place and that you and your loved ones are well-protected from probate battles.

With the support of the San Marcos estate planning lawyers at Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, you can rest assured that your estate will be handled effectively and skillfully.

Our team knows the many legal intricacies that affect estate planning, and we can put that knowledge to work for you so that your estate is properly cared for upon your passing. 

California Family Law Practice Area Services

One of the most important aspects to consider when hiring an Estate Planning Law Attorney is how proactive they are when it comes to representing your case.

Your personally dedicated San Marcos Estate Planning Lawyer will take preemptive measures to understand your legal situation and all the unique circumstances into consideration to reach the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Rest assured, that we are prepared whether your case includes other family law situations like an annulmentlegal separationdivorceguardianship, a child custody battle, or pursuing child support, we are prepared and have the time tested experience to assist you with these conflicts, as well.

Our team of Family Law Legal Professionals consistently obtain favorable solutions for our clients developing effective legal arbitration, mediation, and litigation strategies who are struggling with personal and/or marital disputes.

Our aggressive family case law litigation tactics have proven to be successful year after year through Mediation and in the courtroom resulting in many beneficial resolutions and settlements for our clients. 

Call us at (760) 757-6854 to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our team.

Family Law Legal Cases We Routinely Handle Involving:

Divorce Law: Including Annulments, Contested, and Uncontested Divorces
Military Divorce Attorney: Experienced with uniques situations of Military Relationships
Mediation: Mediation encourages divorcing spouses to cooperate and avoid trial costs
Child Custody: Including Visitation, Negotiations, Modifications & Enforcement Actions
Child Support: Including Monitary Negotiations, Modifications & Enforcement Actions
Legal Guardianship: Application Preparation, Fitness Assessment, Legal Representation
Adoption: Including Step-Parent, Agency, Private, and International Adoptions
Prenuptial Agreement: We can help you draft and enforce favorable agreements
Paternity: Actions for those seeking custody rights and support payments
Legal Separation Agreement: Traditional and Same-Sex Marriages
Spousal Support (Alimony): Agreements for Spousal Support or Maintenance
Domestic Violence: Including representation for Abuse and those Accused of Abuse
Civil Harassment: We can help you seek a Civil Restraining & Enforcement Orders
Juvenile Court: Including guardianship, juvenile delinquency, and dependency matters
Marital Property Division: Representation as you divide property during divorce
Estate Planning: Including wills and probate

Providing Up-To-Date Legal Advice on Estate Planning Law

Our firm focuses exclusively on matters that relate to Estate Planning law. Concentrating on this practice area allows us to remain current on California’s Estate Planning Legal Codes. As a result, we are able to provide cutting-edge legal advice for a range of unique personal legal concerns.

Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP has the Best Divorce & Family Law Attorneys in the Local San Marcos Area who only provide Best Practice Estate Planning Law Services with affordable fees.

Our “Family First” Focused Lawyers provide proactive legal solutions that safeguard your current legal situation helping ensure we mitigate future legal issues proactively for you.

We believe it is always best to try to mediate conflicts to help you to avoid courtroom litigation and the fees that accompany this form of dispute resolution, if possible.

Fischer & Van Thiel, PC Family Law Firm Customer Reviews:

Child Custody Legal Services Review

"Thank you, Michael Fischer, you really are great at what you do."


"Going through a very stressful time Michael Fischer really helped me through it all. He helped me fight my case and took a lot of weight off my shoulders in order to get full custody of my son. He reported back to me all the updates with my case and ended up winning my case!

- Former Client, San Marcos California

Child Custody Legal Services

"Thanks, Thomas!"


"He was there every step of the way. Helped make this custody situation a little more bearable. Thank you, Tom and Linda."- Maria, San Marcos, CA

Divorce Legal Services

"They're very dependable, knowledgeable, and experienced."


"The Fischer & Van Thiel Firm is a great firm. They're very dependable, knowledgeable, and experienced. I definitely recommend them."

- Elizabeth G., San Marcos, CA

Family Law Legal Services

"This office is really good, thanks for everything."


- Patti A., San Marcos, CA

Divorce & Ongoing Family Law Services

"Friendly and knowledgeable — I highly recommend Fischer & Van Thiel, PC!"


- Allison O., San Marcos, CA

Family Law Legal Services

"Fischer & Van Thiel is a very knowledgeable office and great to work with!"


- Chelsey G., San Marcos, CA

Why Choose Fischer & Van Thiel, PC

Experienced Family Lawyers Who Care


  • Over 57 Years of Combined Legal Practice Experience

  • Available 24/7 By Appointment, Phone & Video Consult

  • Complimentary 30 Minute Family Law Consultations

  • Committed to Protecting Your Rights & Privacy

  • Always Serving You & Your Children’s Best Interests

  • Affordable & Friendly Family Law Divorce Lawyers

Contact Us Today! or Call Us at (760) 757-6854


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Looking for the Best Family Law Attorneys in San Marcos? Lawyers You Can Trust with Your Family's Best Interests?  Perfect! You Found Us.

San Marcos Law Office
Fischer & Van Thiel, CP
100 E San Marcos Blvd Ste. 400
San Marcos, CA 92069
Map & Directions [+]
Ph:   (760) 757-6854
Business Hours:

Mon-Fri:   8am - 5pm
Sat & Sun:   Closed