Our Estate Planning Process in San Diego
A Clear, Attorney-Led Estate Planning Process Designed to Adapt to Your Life
At Peaceful Warrior Law, we guide you through a clear, attorney-led estate planning process designed to adapt to your life, your assets, and your long-term goals, not a one-size-fits-all system.
Our San Diego estate planning process focuses on clarity, education, and thoughtful guidance so you can make confident decisions about protecting your family, your assets, and your legacy.
Our Three-Step Estate Planning Process
A simple structure. A thoughtful experience. Real guidance from start to finish.
Step 1: Discovery & Planning Session
Your first step is a comprehensive planning conversation, the heart of our process.
In this session, you’ll discuss your family, assets, and goals with an experienced San Diego estate planning attorney. We’ll organize your financial picture, clarify what matters most, and outline the planning strategies that fit your situation under California law.
This step is not about selling, it’s about understanding your options and giving you clarity.
What Happens Here
- Goals and priorities discussion
- Asset and family review
- Preliminary planning strategy
- Questions answered
Step 2: Plan Design & Document Drafting
We turn your goals into a customized estate plan.
After your planning session, we build your legal documents (from trusts to powers of attorney) based on the strategy we discussed. You’ll receive draft documents to review, with explanations so you understand how each piece functions for you and your family.
This phase is collaborative and attorney-led, ensuring your plan works as intended under California law.
What Happens Here
- Document drafting
- Detailed review and adjustments
- Transparent explanation of your plan
Step 3: Signing, Execution & Next Steps
Seamless implementation so your plan is ready when it matters.
Once your documents are finalized, we walk you through signing and execution. We’ll review how to fund your trust and implement your plan so it functions when needed, whether that’s today, later, or decades from now. This step ensures your plan isn’t just completed, it’s actionable.
What Happens Here
- Signing session (in person or virtual)
- Funding guidance
- Instructions for executor and loved ones
A Process That Scales With Your Needs
Not everyone needs the same level of planning, and that’s intentional.
Some clients want efficient trust planning with minimal customization.
Others want guided strategy, asset protection, and deeper attorney involvement.
Your experience within each step may look different depending on the planning level you choose. Most clients begin with a planning conversation, and we help confirm the right level together.
Why Our Process Works
Our approach combines:
- Attorney-led guidance
- Clear education (not overwhelm)
- Thoughtful customization
- Transparent expectations
- Long-term relationship focus
We don’t rush you. We don’t pressure you.
We meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
Transparent Planning Options Built Around You
Clarity around planning options is an essential part of building trust. Our firm offers a straightforward, step-by-step approach that helps you understand your choices before you commit to anything.
Comprehensive Estate
Planning Session
A focused, attorney-led session designed to organize your finances, evaluate your current situation, and map out the best planning strategies for your goals. If you complete your homework and submit it one week in advance, this session is complimentary. Brittany Cohen personally leads each session so you receive clear explanations, thoughtful guidance, and practical next steps.
Estate Plan Review
and Check-Up
Ideal for individuals and families who already have an estate plan and want a professional review by an experienced San Diego estate planning attorney. Brittany reviews your documents in detail and provides specific recommendations to strengthen, update, or restructure your plan based on your current life, assets, and wishes.
Custom Estate Plan Packages
Following your planning session, we help you select a trust-based planning package that aligns with your goals and level of complexity. Packages are structured around your assets, family dynamics, and desired level of protection. Every package includes attorney-guided design, professionally drafted documents, and support after signing to help ensure your plan works as intended.
We are not here to offer the cheapest plan. We focus on creating
strong, lasting legal foundations that protect your family, preserve your assets, and provide clarity for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Estate Planning Process
How long does the estate planning process take?
Most plans are completed within several weeks, depending on complexity and responsiveness.
Do I need to have everything figured out before my planning session?
No. The planning session is where we help organize your thoughts and options.
Will I work directly with an attorney?
Yes. Your planning is attorney-led from start to finish.
What if I already have an estate plan?
We review existing documents and recommend updates when appropriate.
Does the process include trust funding?
Guidance is included. Some packages include hands-on funding assistance.
Start Your Estate Planning Journey Today
If you’re ready to protect your family, your assets, and your future, the next step is simple.