Opelon LLP- a Trust, Estate & Probate Law Firm

10/07/2026

Carlsbad neighbors: on Thursday, the California Coastal Commission will consider the future of 11 acres at Ponto in South Carlsbad.

The proposal would allow up to 120 residential units. People for Ponto, a local grassroots group, wants a community park instead. Opelon LLP supports the park.

Two ways to help:

1. Sign the petition: https://peopleforponto.com/
2. Sign up to speak, in person, by Zoom, or by phone. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7. Choose agenda item Th8A: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/request-testimony/thursday/

People for Ponto has step-by-step instructions in its Ponto Park Facebook group.

About this post: Opelon LLP is sharing its view as a Carlsbad business and neighbor. This is not legal advice. The firm does not represent People for Ponto or any other party in this matter. The spouse of one of our partners volunteers with People for Ponto. Hearing details are current as of October 6, 2026 and can change, so check the Coastal Commission's agenda before you go.

Opelon LLP | 1901 Camino Vida Roble STE 112, Carlsbad, CA 92008

10/05/2026

Are you a Realtor looking to understand California probate sales? Lunch is on us.

Join Owen Rassman of Opelon LLP for a Realtor Lunch and Learn on trust sales, probate sales, and the conversations that win you referrals. Sponsored by our friends at All Set Escrow.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
All Set Escrow, 5927 Priestly Drive #111, Carlsbad
Lunch provided

What we'll cover:
1. Two families, same house, very different outcomes
2. The probate sale process, step by step
3. Proposition 19: the property tax angle
4. When to bring in an attorney

RSVP to [email protected]. Bring your questions.

T. Owen Rassman, Esq., State Bar No. 236974, Opelon LLP. For informational purposes only; not legal advice.

06/23/2026

Did a loved one set up a living trust but never move their house or accounts into it?

It happens more often than people think. In California, a Heggstad petition can sometimes confirm an asset belongs in the trust.

The key is written proof, such as trust documents or a signed assignment, showing that was the intent.

That may let your family avoid full probate for that asset.

For uncontested matters in San Diego County, it generally moves faster than full probate.

See how it works: https://opelon.com/heggstad-petition-in-san-diego-probate-code-850/

06/19/2026

If you are handling an estate property in San Diego County, the probate sale can work two very different ways.

When the personal representative has full IAEA authority, the sale moves much like a normal home sale. When the court must confirm the sale, the rules tighten, including a 90% minimum price floor and the chance of a courtroom overbid.

Our new guide breaks down both tracks step by step. See how it works:

The California probate sale process for realtors requires specialized knowledge most agents lack. Learn IAEA authority rules, overbid procedures, and the 7 listing mistakes to avoid.

06/18/2026

Most California families are surprised to learn that probate fees are set by state law, not negotiated.

On a $1,000,000 estate, the combined statutory attorney and personal representative fees come to roughly $46,000, before any court costs. And the fee is calculated on the full property value, so a mortgage does not reduce it.

Our free calculator estimates the statutory fees on any California estate value in seconds. See how it works: https://opelon.com/california-probate-fee-calculator/

04/23/2026

Today the Opelon LLP team was out in Oceanside at the El Corazon Senior Center connecting with San Diego seniors and their families at the Senior Expo USA ( . Satori and Gabi represented the firm beautifully, sharing how estate planning, probate, and trust administration can protect the people you love most.
If you stopped by our booth today – or if you’ve been putting off getting your plan in place – we’d love to connect. Free consultations are always available at Opelon.com or by calling (760) 278-1116.
Protecting families across San Diego County, one plan at a time.
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