Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Trust & Estate Attorneys in San Diego
Brierton Jones & Jones has provided San Diego families with expert legal guidance, compassionate representation, and unwavering integrity for over 30 years. As one of the few firms in the region exclusively dedicated to trusts, estates, and probate matters, we bring decades of specialized experience to every case. Our attorneys are consistently recognized among the top legal professionals nationally, including AV Preeminent ratings and selection as U.S. News & World Report's Best Law Firm for Trust and Estate Law.We combine this distinguished reputation with creative problem-solving and a deep commitment to our clients' needs, handling complex issues like trust litigation, conservatorships, and estate tax planning with equal expertise. Our multigenerational client relationships and community involvement reflect our philosophy that legal excellence must be paired with accessibility and ethical responsibility.
Services
Trust Litigation
Trust Administration
Estate Planning
Probate
Conservatorship
Guardianship
Special Needs Trusts
Estate Tax Returns
Property Transfers
Probate Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 30+ years exclusively focused on trust and estate law in San Diego County
- Award-winning attorneys consistently ranked among national legal professionals
- One of few firms specializing exclusively in trust and estate matters
- Creative problem-solving for complex probate and litigation challenges
- Generational client relationships built on trust and professional excellence
Associations and certifications
- AV Preeminent
- U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firm
What people say
Blessing in critical time
Knowledgeable and compassionate
Professional and friendly
Outstanding experience
Fiercely defend clients
Services
Estate Planning
Creating comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and healthcare directives tailored to individual circumstances. Our attorneys address tax implications, asset protection, and family dynamics while ensuring legal validity across California jurisdictions. Clients receive clear guidance through document preparation and implementation processes.
Probate Administration
Guiding executors through court-supervised estate administration for decedents' assets exceeding $166,250 in California. We handle asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and property distribution while addressing potential disputes among heirs and beneficiaries throughout the process.
Trust Administration
Managing trust assets according to grantor instructions while fulfilling fiduciary obligations. Our attorneys assist trustees with asset transfer, tax reporting, and dispute resolution, ensuring compliance with California trust regulations and preventing potential legal complications during administration.
Conservatorship
Establishing legal protections for incapacitated adults through court-appointed conservatorships. We help families navigate complex procedures to obtain authority over financial and personal care decisions while maintaining the conservatee's best interests throughout the process.
Trust Litigation
Resolving conflicts related to trust interpretation, administration, and validity through negotiation or courtroom representation. Our attorneys advocate for clients' interests in contested trust matters, addressing issues like fiduciary breaches, beneficiary rights, and contested amendments while minimizing family discord.
People
Gregory J. Borawski
Managing Partner
With over 25 years of trust and estate law experience, Mr. Borawski specializes in complex probate matters and trust administration. He consistently receives client praise for responsiveness and strategic thinking in high-stakes legal situations.
Hilary J. Vrem
Partner
Ms. Vrem focuses on estate planning and probate litigation, known for making complex legal processes accessible to clients. She has helped numerous families navigate difficult probate cases with compassionate yet effective representation.
Courtney L. Bravo
Attorney
Recognized for expertise in emergency conservatorships, Ms. Bravo assists families in urgent legal situations. Clients praise her ability to explain complex procedures clearly while maintaining compassionate support during challenging times.
Gary D. Jander
Partner
Mr. Jander brings decades of experience in trust litigation and estate tax planning. His strategic approach to complex trust disputes has earned recognition from peers and satisfied clients seeking resolution to challenging legal matters.
Ashley E. Rathbun
Partner
Specializing in special needs trusts and guardianship proceedings, Ms. Rathbun combines legal expertise with personalized client service. Her focus on proactive estate planning helps families protect vulnerable loved ones through effective legal structures.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential for California residents?
Every California resident should have a comprehensive estate plan including a will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Our attorneys tailor these documents to your specific needs while addressing state-specific regulations.
How does probate work in San Diego County?
San Diego probate involves court-supervised estate administration for assets exceeding $166,250. Our experienced attorneys guide executors through asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution processes to ensure legal compliance.
What distinguishes trust administration from probate?
Trust administration manages assets held in trusts without court oversight, often completing faster and maintaining privacy. Probate is a public court process for transferring assets not held in trusts, typically taking longer to finalize.
When should I consider establishing conservatorship?
Conservatorship becomes necessary when someone becomes incapacitated and cannot manage their financial or personal affairs. Our attorneys help families establish these legal protections while navigating court requirements.
How do you handle complex trust litigation cases?
Our team combines deep knowledge of California trust law with proven courtroom experience to resolve disputes through negotiation or litigation, focusing on preserving client interests and minimizing family conflicts.
