Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Elder Law Partner in San Diego
San Diego Elder Law Center has been dedicated to serving the legal needs of San Diego County's elders, individuals with disabilities, and special needs families since 1997. Founded by attorney Philip P. Lindsley, who brings over 41 years of specialized experience in elder law, our firm focuses on Medi-Cal planning, conservatorships, trust and estate planning, special needs trusts, and probate. We are committed to preserving clients' financial security, legal rights, and dignity through personalized legal strategies tailored to each family's unique circumstances.Our team includes certified professionals recognized for their expertise in elder law and estate planning, ensuring clients receive comprehensive guidance on navigating complex legal frameworks. We maintain strong ethical standards while providing compassionate support to families facing challenges related to aging, incapacity, or disability.
Services
Medi-Cal Planning
Probate Services
Special Needs Trusts
Conservatorships
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized elder law experience with certified attorneys.
- Our team includes California State Bar Certified Specialists in Estate Planning.
- We provide personalized legal strategies tailored to each family's unique needs.
- Our attorneys are accredited by the National Elder Law Foundation (CELA).
- We combine legal expertise with compassionate support for vulnerable families.
Associations and certifications
- National Elder Law Foundation (CELA)
What people say
Exemplary service
Professional and kind
Compassionate support
Knowledgeable staff
Prompt responses
Services
Medi-Cal Planning
Our Medi-Cal planning services help clients qualify for nursing home coverage while preserving assets and minimizing financial burden. We navigate complex eligibility requirements to protect clients' estates and avoid state recovery actions. Our team ensures compliance with changing regulations while maintaining access to critical healthcare services.
Special Needs Trusts
We create customized special needs trusts that protect government benefits while providing supplemental care resources. Our attorneys structure first-party, third-party, and litigation trusts with flexibility for evolving needs. We ensure trust provisions comply with federal and state disability benefit regulations.
Probate Services
Our probate services facilitate prompt asset distribution while minimizing court involvement. We handle probate avoidance strategies and summary proceedings for efficient estate resolution. With over 40 years of experience, we guide executors through complex legal requirements and creditor claims.
Conservatorships
We establish conservatorships for adults requiring decision-making support while exploring less restrictive alternatives. Our process includes court petition preparation, capacity evaluations, and ongoing compliance management. We prioritize clients' autonomy while ensuring legal protections.
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate plans integrate trusts, wills, and powers of attorney tailored to family needs. We design documents to maximize benefit eligibility while protecting assets from long-term care costs. Plans include healthcare directives and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
People
Philip P. Lindsley
Founder & Certified Elder Law Attorney
With 41 years of experience, Philip Lindsley specializes in elder law and Medi-Cal planning. As a National Elder Law Foundation-certified attorney, he focuses on asset protection and long-term care planning for San Diego families.
Scott F. Templeton
Partner
Scott Templeton provides expert guidance in estate planning and probate matters. His practice emphasizes practical solutions for families navigating complex elder law issues while maintaining compassionate client relationships.
Joseph Park
Associate Attorney
Joseph Park assists clients with trust administration and special needs planning. He focuses on creating tailored legal solutions that protect clients' assets while maintaining eligibility for essential government benefits.
Makyla Vigil
Associate Attorney
Makyla Vigil specializes in Medi-Cal applications and long-term care planning. She helps families navigate complex healthcare financing systems while preserving their financial security and dignity.
Liz Lockwood
Paralegal
Liz Lockwood supports clients with estate planning document preparation and probate filings. Her 15 years of experience ensure accurate execution of legal documents and smooth administrative processes for clients.
Questions
What elder law services do you specialize in?
We specialize in Medi-Cal planning, special needs trusts, probate, conservatorships, and comprehensive estate planning tailored to elder care needs.
How can you help with nursing home costs?
Our Medi-Cal planning strategies help qualify for coverage while protecting assets and minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for long-term care.
Do you handle special needs planning?
Yes, we create customized special needs trusts that maintain benefit eligibility while providing supplemental financial resources for care.
What experience do your attorneys have?
Our team includes certified elder law specialists with over 40 years of combined experience in estate planning and disability law.
How do you handle probate matters?
We streamline probate processes through summary proceedings and executor guidance, ensuring efficient asset distribution with minimal court involvement.
Are consultations available?
Yes, we offer initial consultations to assess your specific needs and develop personalized legal strategies for elder care planning.
