About Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, Attorneys At Law

About Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli — Elder Law San Diego California

Elder law San Diego planning is the core focus at Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, a firm built around estate planning and Medi-Cal planning for aging families. The attorneys help San Diego County residents protect wealth before long-term care costs arrive. Because Medi-Cal eligibility rules are strict, early planning matters. The firm guides clients through trusts, asset protection, and benefit qualification. You can review related directory resources for attorneys in San Diego when comparing local options. In addition, the team explains how each tool fits a family’s specific goals.

The firm works with retirees, caregivers, and adult children planning ahead. Specifically, it addresses how to preserve a home while qualifying for care benefits. Consultations are available to map out a personalized strategy. The attorneys also coordinate estate and tax preparation needs under one roof.

Why Choose Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli

This firm pairs estate planning with Medi-Cal planning, a combination many general practices skip. As a result, clients facing nursing home costs get focused guidance. The team serves families across San Diego County from a local office. Its educational approach helps clients make informed choices about wills, trusts, and retirement assets.

Elder Law San Diego — Practice Areas & Services

Estate planning — wills and revocable living trusts tailored to San Diego County families.
Medi-Cal planning — qualifying for long-term care benefits while protecting assets.
Asset protection — strategies to preserve a home and savings from care costs.
Retirement and tax planning — coordinating estate goals with retirement accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medi-Cal planning and why does it matter in San Diego?

Medi-Cal planning helps a senior qualify for state long-term care coverage without losing key assets. In San Diego County, where care costs are high, early planning can protect a family home. An elder law attorney structures assets to meet eligibility rules.

How much does estate planning cost in San Diego?

Most San Diego elder law firms offer flat fees for basic trust and will packages. Complex Medi-Cal or asset protection work is priced separately. Many firms provide an initial consultation to outline scope and cost.

Where is probate handled in San Diego County?

Probate and conservatorship matters are filed at the San Diego Superior Court Central Courthouse at 1100 Union Street. A complete estate plan with a living trust can help families avoid this process. That keeps assets private and transfers faster.

Quick Facts: Elder Law in San Diego, California

Aging population: 16.5% of Californians were 65 or older in 2024, rising toward 22% by 2040 — Public Policy Institute of California
Probate timeline: California probate typically runs 9 to 18 months — California Courts Self-Help Guide
Probate court: San Diego cases are filed at the Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street — Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

What People Say About Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, Attorneys At Law

Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, Attorneys At Law, located in San Diego, California, is highly regarded for their expertise in estate planning and elder law, with clients praising their knowledgeable and compassionate approach. Many have expressed satisfaction with the firm’s ability to simplify complex legal processes, highlighting the professionalism and responsiveness of attorneys like Stephanie Lord and Michele Tutoli. Overall, clients recommend AFT for their trustworthy service and dedication to understanding and meeting family needs in estate planning.

Google Reviews for Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, Attorneys At Law

We have worked with Stephanie Lord and the team at AFT for several years now, and could not be happier to have found such a competent and caring team of attorneys to help us create and manage our trusts. Strongly recommend Stephanie and team!

I trusted them. I asked for a certified copy of my cousin’s will, he left a property for me. But instead, they forced me to sign a document, then said “sorry, we can’t serve you anymore”.

My grandparents first set up their trusts with Bob Armstrong, decades ago. Later, my mother worked with Michele Tutoli, and now we work with Stephanie Lord. Three generations working with Armstrong, Fisch and Tutoli! It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the firm over all these years. They are knowledgeable, responsive and kind. It may seem intimidating and overly complex to set up and/or administer a trust, but they explain it to you in simple terms and keep things as easy as possible.

We were referred to Michele Tutoli by a family member to update our Trust in 2002. When it was time to update our Trust again in 2024, we worked with Michele’s daughter Stephanie Lord. Stephanie is a knowledgable professional who guided us through the changes we requested, and some we we weren’t aware we needed to further protect our Trust. She is personable, easy to work with and took genuine interest in our family and its needs. We would highly recommend Stephanie and Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli

My family has trusted Armstrong, Fisch, & Tutoli for our estate planning needs since the 1990’s. They provide legal services with a clear sense of professionalism and compassionate understanding, as is much needed during the complicated decision-making process involved in such delicate matters.

The best professional and ethical lawyers!

My Grandparents setup their Trust here, and when I took over as Trustee when my grandmother passed, Stephanie worked with me to take on this task….which happened during the pandemic…..which made the whole process so much more fun.

Very helpful for estate planning and tax preparation. I have been using them for the past 20 years.

Stephanie Lord did a superb job handling both the creation of my family’s and mother’s estate plan. She was professional, empathetic, and responsive throughout our time working with her. I’d recommend the AFT law firm without reservation.

Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli, Attorneys At Law