Merrianne Dean, Esq., CEO and principal attorney of Bellator Law Group, has been a pillar of the legal community in San Diego for nearly 30 years. Her practice encompasses estate planning, trust and probate administration, conservatorships, and disputes in probate court. She also serves as an independent mediator for trust and estate cases. “When I began practicing trust and estate law, I discovered that I really enjoyed probate court, and it quickly became all I wanted to do,” she says.

When someone is living with diminished capacity or dies, it’s common for bad actors to take advantage of the confused or defenseless to unjustly enrich themselves. Probate also has a lot of rules and legal requirements, so people stepping into positions of responsibility can be unaware of all that is required and quickly get into trouble. Either way, Bellator steps in to help educate, empower, and protect its clients. Dean and her team thrive on complex legal matters involving disputes over wills, trusts, conservatorships, and financial elder abuse, and is one of the only probate firms in San Diego that will take a case all the way to trial. Bellator recently finished a case that received a full trial defense verdict for a client wrongfully accused of fraud, financial and emotional elder abuse, and undue influence involving an estate valued in the multimillions.

“We know most people are not in a lawyer’s office voluntarily,” says Dean, who holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and is a California State Bar Certified Legal Specialist in the area of estate planning, trust, and probate law. “Clients come to us because they are experiencing a difficult legal issue and really need expert assistance. We are here for them and help them navigate their way through to a successful resolution.”

‍Protecting the Community Bellator is dedicated to protecting families. “Older adults are vulnerable and can be susceptible to abuse,” says Dean. “The most rewarding part of our practice is providing assistance and protection for people and their family members who are at risk.”Elder abuse is often overlooked, and older adults are reluctant to report abuse because they are protective of their independence and autonomy. As Dean explains, “The sooner you take positive action, the more you can mitigate potential damage and better protect your personal estate and loved ones by putting a stop to ongoing abuse. Having a comprehensive estate plan in place before you need the protection is the best proactive solution.

”Well-versed in the legal issues in her area of law, Dean educates attorneys at the firm and within the legal community to spread awareness and help others. She routinely participates in mentoring programs through local legal organizations and bar associations and is a proponent of all forms of continuing legal education.

“A rising tide floats all boats, and everyone is better for it when younger lawyers can pick the brains of their predecessors,” Dean concludes. “I want to be thought of as someone who gave back to younger attorneys and clients as much as the people who came before me.”
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