Merrianne E. Dean, Esq.

Merrianne E. Dean has more than 25 years of courtroom experience litigating probate and trust disputes, financial elder abuse matters, conservatorships and business disputes. She also serves as a court-appointed attorney representing developmentally disabled and elderly individuals who are the subject of conservatorships before the probate court.  Ms. Dean is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law and has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbel.  Ms. Dean also provides mediation services in Trusts & Estates disputes.

Ms. Dean works with people who find themselves in a difficult situation and need help understanding and navigating their legal options.  She recognizes that no one comes to a lawyer’s office voluntarily.  Her focus is to help her clients understand the legal process, discover their options, gain control, and reach a resolution as quickly and efficiently as possible.  

Ms. Dean has been active in the San Diego legal community for her entire career.  She has served as a Co-Chair for the Probate Section of the San Diego County Bar Association,  is a co-founder and Director for Probate Attorneys of San Diego Bar Association, a member of Lawyers Club and a member of the Tom Homann Law Association.  

Awards

Recognized by the San Diego Probate Court for her service as a Settlement Conference Officer, former Pro Tem Judge, Court Appointed Attorney and as a Member of the Probate Bench-Bar Committee.  Ms. Dean continues to serve to present day.

2019 recipient of the Fay Stender Award, an annual recognition awarded by the California Women Lawyers Bar Association to one individual who has shown commitment to the representation of women, disadvantaged groups and unpopular causes, and whose courage, zest for life and demonstrated ability to effect change as a single individual makes her a role model for women attorneys.

2023 San Diego Business Journal's Women of Influence: 50 over 50 Honoree which recognizes women of accomplishment within their field and their contributions to the San Diego community.

2023 Community Pioneer Award granted by the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association for community members, leaders and/or judicial officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and trailblazing within the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, innovation, and community engagement.