Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
10 Client Reviews
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Tara Helene Cheever
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About Tara
Biography
Tara Cheever is an experienced estate-planning attorney committed to more than documents—she’s dedicated to preserving family legacies and creating peace of mind. As a Personal Family Lawyer®, she takes a relational approach, listening closely to her clients’ priorities and concerns in order to design Life and Legacy plans that safeguard assets and provide for loved ones when it matters most.
Graduating Cum Laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Tara earned numerous academic honors, completed a Fellowship with the Center for Law, Technology, and Communications, and served as a certified law clerk at the California Department of Justice, where she argued before all divisions of the Fourth District Court of Appeal. She went on to serve nearly three years as Deputy City Attorney for Escondido before founding Cheever Law, APC in 2009, where she works directly with families and business owners. Tara is a member of WealthCounsel, a graduate of Elder Law College, and an active volunteer with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. Originally from the Chicago area, she earned her B.S. with High Honors from the University of Illinois. Outside of her practice, Tara enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, yoga, and beach days with her rescued Bichon Maltese and loved ones.
Whether you're starting your estate planning journey, updating an existing plan, or need guidance with trust and estate administration, I'm here to help!
Do you have a business or are you starting a business? Cheever law, APC is here to help you!
Estate planning is more than death and taxes. Let me explain how important a complete portfolio is.
A properly drafted trust will include incapacity planning and is customized for you! I can help!
In the event you can't speak for yourself, it is important to have the proper documents in place.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
35%
19 years | 297 cases
Trusts
20%
19 years
Wills and Living Wills
20%
19 years
Business
15%
19 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Check
Licenses
Licensed in California for 19 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Cheever Law, APC
(858) 432-3537
Mobile
5938 Priestly Drive, Suite 103, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
estateplanninglawyersandiego.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find Tara online.
Tara Helene Cheever's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Cecilia | November 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional, Supportive, and Thorough!
We already had a trust in place, but we needed to update it. Tara walked us through each step in a way that was clear and reassuring. I had been really worried about our situation, but after meeting with her I felt so much better and truly at ease. We’re grateful for her guidance and highly recommend...
Posted by Guy | November 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommend - Clear, Professional, and Truly Helpful
Tara made starting my business simple, organized, and easy to understand. She was responsive, thorough, and always took the time to answer my questions. I highly recommend her for anyone needing business setup or legal guidance.
Posted by Robin | November 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I highly recommend Tara Cheever!
Tara is fantastic. She's extremely knowledgeable and very easy to work with. Even though the subject of estate planning can be an uncomfortable thing to discuss, Tara puts you at ease and made the whole process much more palatable than I expected. She was always available when I needed her and exp...
Posted by Twinkle | October 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Service and a Truly Smooth Experience
I had a very delightful experience working with Attorney Tara Cheever. The entire process was smooth from beginning to end, and all of my questions were answered thoroughly. She was professional yet friendly, making it easy to feel comfortable and confident throughout. Tara was also very detailed in ...
Posted by Mavis Hill | May 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My Experience with Cheever Law...
was first referred to Tara Cheever when my wife and I were looking for an Attorney who could educate and assist us in crafting a Living Trust. It was super important to us as an Aunt and Uncle to ensure that we effectively handed off, to the next generation of our family, the businesses and propert...
Tara Helene Cheever's Lawyer Endorsements
"I sent a long-time client to Ms. Cheever recently and she handled his issues with great care. It was a complicated matter as the client owned a substantial portion of a company that was going to be listed on the NYSE and the client had various needs that he didn't even realize he had. I would heartily recommend anyone to contact Ms. Cheever for their trust needs."
"Tara is a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney whom I fully endorse."
"I endorse this lawyer both for business and estate planning."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tara is a kind, caring and compassionate person who dedicates herself to her clients. She's someone who helps give lawyers a good name."
"I endorse this lawyer.Tara is hard working, professional, articulate and a consumate professional."
"Tara is a wonderful attorney who is knowledgeable in her areas of practice and dedicated to serving her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tara is hard-working and professional and goes the extra mile to ensure she is meeting or exceeding her clients needs. I endorse this lawyer."
"Tara is hardworking, intelligent and dedicated. I recommend her for anyone who is starting a business."
"Tara is responsible, hardworking and prompt - she is a great attorney. I endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have visited with Tara on a number of occasions and know that she is relentlessly dedicated to helping clients protect and pass on their wealth. Tara is an excellent choice for your estate planning needs."
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Experience
Honors
2025
The Best of North County, Coast News Group
2006
Academic Scholarship 3rd Year, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2005
American Jurisprudence Award in Community Property, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2004
Academic Scholarship 2nd Year, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2003
Academic Scholarship 1st Year, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2003
American Jurisprudence Award in Legal Writing I, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Managing Attorney, Cheever Law. APC
2007 - 2009
Deputy City Attorney, City of Escondido, City Attorney's office
2006 - 2006
Post-Bar law clerk, California Department of Justice, Attorney General's office
2005 - 2006
Certified Law Clerk, Office of the California Attorney General
Associations
2012 - Present
Enright Inns of CourtAssociate
2012 - Present
Strategic Trusted Advisors Roundtable (STAR-San Diego)Member
2012 - Present
WealthCounselMember
2012 - Present
ProVisorsMember
2010 - Present
Consumer Attorneys of San DiegoMember
2010 - Present
San Diego Regional Chamber of CommerceMember
2006 - Present
Lawyers Club of San DiegoMember
2006 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2012
National Assocation of Women Business OwnersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Watkinson v. Ralphs Store, Kroger Co., et al. Case No. 37-2009-00102043-CU-PO-CTL
We were happy with the ultimate resolution and reward recovered from Kroger.
People v. Eric Lynn Brown, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, Case No. E037574
We were successful on appeal and all convictions were upheld.
Estate Planning
Favorable
Education
2006
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Illinois, Chicago
Bachelor of Science with honors and high distinction
Speaking Engagements
2013
Living Legacy Shooting
What is a Gun Trust
2008
How to Write a Government Contract
Government Contracts
Languages
English