Trust & Estate Attorney in San Luis Obispo Who Knows What Holds Up in Court
Most everyone needs a trust. We have argued poorly drafted estate plans in court, and that experience shapes every document we create. Central Coast natives serving SLO County families for over 30 years.
- Free consultations, no pressure
- Flat-fee estate plans with transparent pricing
- Litigators who draft contracts that hold up in court
- Central Coast natives with 30+ years combined experience
- Payment plans available
Get Your Free Consultation
No pressure. No jargon. Just honest answers.
Free consultations Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm. Same-week appointments often available.
CA State Bar
CLA Member
SLO Chamber
BBB Accredited
Avvo RatedWhat Every SLO County Property Owner Should Know About Trusts
Home values across San Luis Obispo County have climbed steadily for more than a decade. A home near downtown SLO, in Paso Robles wine country, or along the Morro Bay coastline can easily reach $900,000 to $1.5 million or more. Without a properly funded living trust, that property goes through California probate at your death. Probate is public, takes 12 to 18 months, and carries statutory fees calculated on the gross value of your estate, not your equity.
Under California Probate Code sections 10810 through 10814, combined attorney and executor fees on a $1 million estate exceed $46,000 before court costs, appraisal fees, and publication expenses. A properly funded living trust sidesteps every bit of that, and the assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries without any court involvement.
At Tardiff and Saldo, we have drafted estate plans and we have argued them in court when disputes arise. That experience directly shapes every document we create. We include deed preparation and recording as part of every trust plan because a trust that has never had property moved into it provides no probate protection for that property!
For a closer look at trust structures, funding, and the documents involved, see our trust and estate planning services page.
Estate Planning Services for SLO County Families
Living Trusts & Wills
A revocable living trust keeps your estate out of probate, out of public record, and in your control. We handle the deed transfer and full asset funding as part of every plan. No incomplete paperwork.
Living Trusts & Wills →
Probate & Estate Administration
When a family member passes without a trust, probate is required. Our office is two blocks from the SLO County Superior Court. We handle the entire process from initial petition through final distribution.
Probate Law →
Elder Law & Elder Abuse
SLO County has one of the highest concentrations of residents over 65 in California. We handle elder financial abuse claims, conservatorship, Medi-Cal planning, and estate planning for aging adults.
Elder Law →
Special Needs Trusts
If a family member receives Medi-Cal or SSI, a direct inheritance can disqualify them from benefits. A properly drafted special needs trust protects an inheritance without putting eligibility at risk.
Special Needs Planning →We Also Handle Business Law and Civil Litigation
Tardiff and Saldo is a full-service firm. The same litigation background that informs our estate planning work also supports a complete business law and civil litigation practice. Our contracts and business agreements are drafted by attorneys who have argued them in court, which means we know exactly how to structure provisions that hold up under adversarial review. Our civil litigation team handles personal injury, auto accidents, wrongful death, and appellate work throughout SLO County on a contingency basis.
A Different Kind of Law Firm
We bring litigation experience to transactional work, local knowledge to every case, and plain-spoken counsel to every client.
Litigators Who Draft Transactional Docs
Our contracts, trusts, and business agreements are written by attorneys who have argued these documents in court. That perspective eliminates the loopholes that create litigation later.
Central Coast Natives
We grew up here, practice here, and understand the specific legal landscape of San Luis Obispo County, including local courts, local judges, and local business dynamics.
Transparent Pricing & Payment Plans
Flat-fee estate planning packages so you know exactly what you're paying upfront. Payment plans available. No surprise invoices.
Full-Service Under One Roof
Estate planning, probate, elder law, business, and civil litigation, all from one firm. When your legal situation crosses practice areas, you don't need to find a second attorney.
From Your First Call to a Signed, Funded Plan
Most clients complete a full estate plan in two meetings. Here's what that actually looks like.
Flat-Fee Estate Plans, No Surprises
We quote a flat fee before any work begins. No hourly billing, no clock running while you ask a question.
Most complete estate plans for SLO County families, living trust, pour-over will, durable power of attorney, healthcare directive, and deed transfer for your home, fall in a defined flat-fee range that we confirm during your free consultation, before you commit to anything. Payment plans are available. Follow-up questions after your plan is signed don't generate a new bill.
Ask About Pricing →Real Results for Real Families
"Tyler and Dustin took our estate planning seriously. They explained everything in plain English, set up our trust quickly, and the pricing was completely transparent."
"After our car accident, we had no idea where to start. Tardiff & Saldo walked us through everything and got us a settlement we couldn't have gotten alone."
"I needed a business attorney who actually knew California law. These guys have tried cases locally. Their contracts reflect that experience."
"Tardiff & Saldo know their stuff. After a relative passed away, their house, pension, and bank accounts were a mess due to a poorly planned estate by a different attorney. We should have gone to Tyler. Tyler sat down with us and patiently sorted through the documents, and provided us with a path forward. I definitely recommend talking to Tardiff & Saldo about estate planning BEFORE someone passes away."
Attorneys You Can Talk To
Our team is led by Central Coast natives with deep roots in the community and over 30 years of combined experience.
Tyler Saldo
Founding Attorney
Dustin Tardiff
Founding Attorney
Serving All of SLO County
Our office is at 1235 Palm St in downtown San Luis Obispo, two blocks from the SLO County Courthouse. We serve clients throughout SLO County and into Santa Barbara County. Initial consultations available by phone, video, or in person. Same-week appointments often available.
Trust and Estate Planning FAQs
Answers to the questions SLO County families ask most before their first consultation.
Ready to Protect Your Family and Your Property?
Free consultations on trusts, estate planning, probate, elder law, business law, and civil litigation. No jargon, no pressure. Central Coast attorneys with 30+ years of combined experience.
Tardiff & Saldo Law Offices
1235 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Two blocks from the SLO County Courthouse.
Phone: (888) 461-2215
Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm
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