Point Loma's Estate Planning, Probate & Property Tax Attorney
San Diego families deserve an attorney who handles their matter personally — not a firm that takes your call and hands you off. I'm Rosser Pettit — licensed since 2009, practicing estate planning, probate, and property tax law from Point Loma since 2012.
• 14+ Years in Practice • Free No-Obligation Consultation • Every Matter Handled Personally • Annual Check-Ins for Existing Clients • Point Loma Community Member
• 14+ Years in Practice • Free No-Obligation Consultation • Every Matter Handled Personally • Annual Check-Ins for Existing Clients • Point Loma Community Member
Whether you need a living trust, guidance through probate, or help claiming a Prop 19 property tax exclusion, you get one attorney — start to finish. No associates, no paralegals running the file, no uncertainty about who's actually working on your case.
I'm one of the few attorneys in San Diego who combines estate planning with dedicated property tax and Prop 19 representation. If you've recently inherited a home or you're planning ahead to keep your family's tax base intact, that combination matters.
Estate Planning, Probate & Property Tax — Built Around What San Diego Families Actually Face
Most people come to me at a crossroads: a parent has passed, a home is being inherited, or they've realized their family has nothing in place if something happens to them. These aren't abstract legal problems — they're urgent, personal, and often time-sensitive.
I handle three interconnected areas of law that most attorneys keep separate.
Estate Planning
A well-drafted estate plan keeps your assets out of probate court, puts the right people in charge if you become incapacitated, and ensures your wishes are carried out without ambiguity. I prepare living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and more — tailored to your family's specific situation.
Probate
When a loved one dies without a trust — or with a trust that wasn't properly funded — the estate typically goes through California probate. I guide families through the full administration process, help executors and successor trustees understand their obligations, and pursue alternatives like small-estate procedures where the law allows.
Property Tax & Prop 19
California's Prop 19 changed the rules for inheriting property — and the consequences of missing a deadline or filing incorrectly can mean tens of thousands of dollars in reassessed taxes. I help families claim the parent-child exclusion, transfer a base year value under the over-55 rules, and appeal assessments when a property has been overvalued.
Serving Point Loma and the Surrounding San Diego Neighborhoods
My office is on Voltaire Street in Point Loma, and I work with clients across San Diego — including families in La Jolla, Coronado, Mission Hills, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Chula Vista.
If you're looking for an estate planning attorney in Point Loma or a probate lawyer who knows San Diego's neighborhoods, I'd welcome the conversation.
What San Diego Families Are Saying
Real reviews from real clients — read what families across Point Loma and San Diego have to say about working directly with Rosser.
I'm so glad that I came here for help. He has such a pleasant and approachable demeanor while still being professional. Thanks for all your help!!
Ayola R.
Z P.
I hired Ross to assist me in obtaining a settlement from a car insurance company who refused to negotiate further on a property damage claim. From my initial meeting with Ross in his Point Loma office, I found him to be very professional and responsive, in person, by phone and email. His work included a demand letter to the insurance company and negotiating the settlement amount I eventually agreed to. While handling my case, Ross always asked me what I wanted to do, provided me with his professional opinion, and let me know of the potential pros and cons of my decision(s).
Overall, I would evaluate my experience with Ross to be very positive and I feel confident that if a legal situation presented itself in the future, I would not hesitate to call upon his legal expertise again.
Drew S.
I consulted Ross for his assistance with a very complicated international estate situation. He was extremely knowledgable about the intricacies related and was able to communicate my options to me in a language I was able to understand. As a result of his professional and courteous service I have avoided a potentially very expensive situation with the IRS. I can recommend Ross without hesitation and will most certainly use him again if the need arises. Thanks Ross!
I am so glad that I brought my ex-boyfriend's elderly mother to Mr. Pettit to correct a Living Trust and a Will that did not represent her last wishes. He was patience, guided her through her legal options and explained everything to her in the most simplest of terms. She learned a lot from him and she was extremely pleased with outcome.
Leticia B.
My experience with Mr. Pettit has only been positive. He is patient and doesn't make us feel uncomfortable that we are asking 'dumb' questions.
He seems extremely knowledgeable in the area of Trusts and Wills and is current on any changes.
I feel he truly does care about his clients concerns. And, would not hesitate referring anyone that needs guidance with their Trust or Will.
Thank you again, Ross.
Richard S.
Serge L
Having an expert to go to makes all the difference! I have consulted with Ross several times now for my family's estate planning needs and for legal counsel. Over the course of the last couple months he has been a big asset since he has demonstrated a deep legal knowledge of how to handle Trusts for me in San Diego and my moms estate needs out of the area. She was being pitched hard by a sales guy wanting her to do a reverse mortgage and I had bad feeling about her situation. After reaching out to Ross he walked me through the legal ramifications to the rest of her financial situation if she goes through with a reverse mortgage. He walked me through scenarios that had never even crossed my mind! The decisions that she will be making now will have a massive effect on her taxes. Disaster avoided!
His advice and counsel has been very helpful! He is a true professional, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. His number is going on speed dial!
Why Families in Point Loma Choose to Work With Me
I've practiced estate planning and probate law in California since 2009 — over 17 years of experience, including more than a decade running my own Point Loma practice since 2012.
Every client works directly with me. I don't delegate your file to staff or share your matter with other attorneys.
The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation — you leave with a clear picture of your options before committing to anything.
I offer annual no-charge check-ins to existing clients, because a plan that made sense five years ago may not reflect your life today.
My practice combines estate planning with property tax law, including Prop 19 — a combination that's rare in San Diego and directly relevant to families inheriting real property.
Common Questions About Estate Planning and Probate in San Diego
Do I need a living trust if I already have a will?
A will does not avoid probate in California — it simply instructs the court how to distribute your estate after probate is complete. A living trust, when properly funded, allows your assets to transfer to your beneficiaries without court involvement. For most San Diego homeowners, a trust is the more practical and cost-effective choice.
How much does probate cost in California?
California sets statutory attorney and executor fees by the gross value of the estate. Under Probate Code §§ 10800 and 10810, the combined fee is 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% of the next $9 million. On a $900,000 San Diego home, that's roughly $46,000 in combined statutory fees — before court costs and other expenses. Avoiding probate through a living trust is often significantly less expensive.
What is Prop 19 and how does it affect inherited property in California?
Prop 19, which took effect in February 2021, significantly narrowed the property tax exclusion available when a parent transfers real property to a child. Under current rules, the inherited home must become the child's primary residence within one year of transfer, and the exclusion only applies up to a capped amount above the property's assessed base year value. Missing the deadline or failing to file the correct paperwork can result in a full reassessment at current market value — a costly outcome in San Diego's real estate market.
What is the small-estate threshold in California?
As of April 1, 2025, California raised the personal-property small-estate affidavit threshold to $208,850 for deaths occurring between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. A separate petition process now covers inherited primary residences valued up to $750,000. These thresholds allow some estates to bypass formal probate — but eligibility depends on the specific assets and circumstances involved.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a free, no-obligation consultation to every prospective client. You'll have the opportunity to describe your situation, ask questions, and understand your options before making any decisions about moving forward.
Ready to Put a Plan in Place?
Most people wait too long — and the families left behind pay the price in probate costs, tax reassessments, and legal uncertainty. A single conversation can clarify exactly where you stand and what needs to happen next.
