San Diego County, CA Consumer Law

Free Tools and Information for San Diego County, CA Consumers

California Inheritance Law & Probate Procedure

• California PROBATE COURT FINDER:
  
  • Probate Court for San Diego County: Key information about your local probate court (Probate Court in California) for San Diego County.
• How Probate Works in California: How to handle the probate of an inheritance at San Diego County's probate court.
  • Here are links to:
    • California Probate Forms and the
    • California State Probate Court Website.
• Small Estates Procedures in California: Learn how to use California's Small Estate procedures that can save you time and money.

  • In Minnesota, you can use an Affidavit if the entire probate estate is less than $75,000, including the contents of any safe deposit box, less liens and encumbrances. (This excludes the value of all joint tenancy property and other assets that pass by beneficiary designation, such as life insurance and transfer on death accounts.) There is a 30-day waiting period.

    Minn. Stat. 5243-1201.

    The court can order an estate closed without further proceedings if it determines that no property is subject to creditor's claims (because it has already been set aside as exempt or for the spouse and children).

    Minn. Stat. 5243-1203.

     

• California Estate Taxes:

  • The state of Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on property owned in Massachusetts. If you are inheriting property from the state of Massachusetts, it may be subject to estate tax if the overall value of the estate is more than $3,000,000.

• Avoiding Probate in California. Find out what property bypasses probate death and goes directly to beneficiaries. such as:
  • Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs)

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California Wage & Hour Law

• California Minimum Wage:  

  • The minimum wage in Minnesota is $10.85 an hour; for employers with annual sales volume of less than $500,000, the state minimum wage is $8.85 an hour. Because both of these rates are higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25, employees in Minnesota must be paid at least $10.85 or $8.85 an hour, depending on their employer's sales. 

    San Diego County Minimum Wage

    The minimum wage in San Diego County is $10.85 an hour, the state minimum wage. However, cities and counties in California are free to adopt their own higher minimum wage, and dozens of cities and counties across the country have done so. To find out whether San Diego County has passed its own minimum wage law since we last updated, visit https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/.

    Oceanside Minimum Wage

    The minimum wage in Oceanside is currently $10.85 an hour, the state minimum wage. However, cities in California are free to adopt their own higher minimum wage, and dozens of cities across the country have done so. To find out whether Oceanside has passed its own minimum wage law since we last updated, visit the city’s website at https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/. 

• Overtime Pay: Every state has rules about weekly maximum hours and overtime. Learn about the overtime laws in California and whether they apply to you.
• Wage Claims: If you're being unlawfully underpaid, you need to learn how to file a "Wage Claim" in California. 
• Tips : Every state has special pay rates for tipped workers. Find out the rules for tipped workers in California.

  • The tipped minimum wage in Minnesota is the same as the regular minimum wage: $10.85 an hour. Tips don't count against the employer's obligation to pay the minimum wage. 

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Bankruptcy & Debt

• MEANS TEST CALCULATOR
  • for San Diego County, California (applies the state and county income and expense standards into your means test calculation. Updated with the latest median income and expense standards for April 1, 2024)
• California BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTION FINDER: Search detailed listings of bankruptcy exemptions under California law and Federal law, for use in filing out Schedule C, when you file for bankruptcy. 
  • Federal Exemptions available in California?:  

    • Yes. Federal exemptions are available.

  • California Homestead Exemption

    • Home and land on which it is situated to $480,000; if homestead is used for agricultural purposes, $1,120,000; cannot exceed 1/2 acre in city, 160 acres elsewhere (husband & wife may not double)

  • California Vehicle Exemption

    • $5,200 (up to $52,000 if vehicle has been modified for disability) (adjusted for inflation July 1, 2022)

• California BANKRUPTCY COURT ESSENTIAL INFO: Get information about using your local bankruptcy court.
• FREE BANKRUPTCY FORMS:
  We'll tell you which bankruptcy forms you need and where to find them.

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California Unemployment Benefits

• Benefit Amounts in California: Learn how unemployment works, how much you'll get, and for how long.
  • Minimum: 
    • $31 per week
  • Maximum: 
    • $820 per week
  • Duration: 

    • In California, you can receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks under state law. 

• Eligibility: >Whether you qualify for unemployment.
• How to Apply: How to apply for unemployment in California.
  • Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Unemployment Insurance Program 
    • 877-898-9090
• Unemployment Office Near Me? How to find your local unemployment office.
• COVID-19 Benefits: We tracked the rise and fall of COVID-19 unemployment benefit payments.

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Democracy In California, San Diego County, Oceanside 

• Elected Representatives: Find out the websites and phone numbers of those representing you at the Federal, State, County, and City levels of government.
• How to Vote: Learn how to register and where and when to vote in San Diego County, CA.
  • Key Links:
    • Check Your California Voter Registration Status: https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/voterstatuscheck/index
• Gerrymandering in California: Has your state been gerrymandered? Find out how to end gerrymandering and have voters pick politicians, not vice versa.
• Tracking Issues: Organizations that track legislation you care about 
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Find a Lawyer in San Diego County, CA

• Our Lawyers by Zipcode section allows users to find a local lawyer using the best online resources, including on topics we don't cover.
• DUI, Criminal Defense
• Auto Accidents & Personal Injury
• Immigration
• Legal Aid
  • LawHelpMN.org 

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