How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in San Luis Obispo County, California?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving San Luis Obispo County.
We found 5 estate law firms serving San Luis Obispo County. San Luis Obispo County is part of the San Luis Obispo region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court - Civil & Family Law Branch.
California uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in San Luis Obispo County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in California are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every San Luis Obispo County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Superior Court - Civil & Family Law Branch and responsiveness are.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior Court - Civil & Family Law Branch, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
San Luis Obispo Firms
O'Neill & Woolpert
FirmSan Luis Obispo Central Coast firm handling probate, trust administration, and estate planning for more than 35 years, serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Estate practice covers living trusts, probate administration, special needs trusts, and conservatorships.
Location
1014 Palm StreetSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone
(805) 543-7695
Established
1988
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateConservatorshipElder Law
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Toews Bio & Abram, Inc.
FirmSan Luis Obispo firm handling probate, estate settlements, and trust administration across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Counties. The partners are Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California. Also handles will contests.
Location
1212 Marsh St, Suite 3San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone
(805) 781-3645
Established
1978
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planning
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Firms from Neighboring Regions
These firms are based in other regions but serve San Luis Obispo County.
Botti & Morison
FirmServes Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Kern counties from Santa Barbara, with additional Central Coast offices. Handles probate administration, trust and estate administration, and elder law alongside estate planning. Chris Botti is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate Law; the first consultation is free.
Location
351 Paseo Nuevo, 2nd FloorSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Phone
(805) 585-1885
Established
1966
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
McCormick Barstow LLP
FirmFresno firm established in 1949 serving the central San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast, with a second office in San Luis Obispo. Its estate group handles trust and estate litigation, administration, and conservatorships. Herbert A. Stroh is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law.
Location
7647 N. Fresno StreetFresno, CA 93720
Phone
(559) 433-1300
Established
1949
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateTrust LitigationConservatorshipTax Planning
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Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP
FirmSanta Barbara firm serving the Central Coast and Los Angeles area since 1973, representing individuals, families, and fiduciaries in trust and estate administration and probate across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. Over 160 years of combined trust and estate experience.
Location
427 East Carrillo StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Phone
(805) 963-9721
Established
1973
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTax LawCivil Litigation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The California self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
California sets probate attorney fees by statute. San Luis Obispo County attorneys charge the same schedule as the rest of the state — there is no county-level variation. Use the probate cost calculator to see the dollar amount for your estate size.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: June 2026.
Superior Court - Civil & Family Law Branch
San Luis Obispo County
1050 Monterey Street, Room 220
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Phone:
805-706-3600Hours:
Phone: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM; Counter: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM (no counter Fridays)
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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