About Tara Cheever

Tara Cheever is a seasoned estate‐planning attorney devoted to more than paperwork—she’s committed to preserving legacies and delivering peace of mind. As a Personal Family Lawyer®, her approach is relational, not transactional: by listening closely to each client’s goals and concerns, she crafts Life and Legacy plans that protect assets and ensure loved ones are cared for when it matters most.

A Cum Laude graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Tara earned multiple academic honors, secured a prestigious Fellowship with the Center for Law, Technology, and Communications, and served as a certified law clerk at the California Department of Justice, where she presented oral arguments before all divisions of the Fourth District Court of Appeal. After nearly three years as Deputy City Attorney for Escondido, she launched Cheever Law, APC in 2009 to work directly with families and business owners. Tara is a member of WealthCounsel, a graduate of Elder Law College, and gives back through the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. Originally from the Chicago area, she holds a B.S. with High Honors from the University of Illinois. When she’s not practicing law, you’ll find her paddle boarding, hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying beach days with her rescued Bichon Maltese and loved ones.

 

Awards

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Estate Planning
Posted by Lauren
November 05, 2025
Hired Attorney Tara Cheever

From our very first meeting, years of stress and anxiety about getting our estate plans in order just melted away. Tara is incredibly thorough, thinks of everything, and handles even the most difficult questions with such grace and expertise. What I had dreaded for so long turned out to be almost painless (almost--lol). Her professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care bring such peace of mind. A special shout-out to her assistant, Mia, who is an absolute gem--kind, organized, and always one step ahead. Together, they make a dream team. I would recommend them to anyone looking for someone they can truly trust with something so important.

 
Estate Planning
Posted by Mary
November 05, 2025
Hired Attorney Tara Cheever

Cheever Law was recommended to me by a trusted colleague and I've had a great experience working with Tara Cheever for developing my Estate Plan. Her structured approach is exactly what I needed to set up my initial plan. Her approach is comprised of clear process steps and she clearly communicates at each stage where we are in the overall process. Tara is very knowledgeable and skilled in explaining legal concepts in plain language. I feel that she genuinely cares that I understand the legal requirements so that I can make good decisions. I highly recommend Tara Cheever and her team as an estate planning firm.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Trusts and Estates 1
    • Estate Planning
  • Business Law 1
    • Business Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Other 9
    • Wills and Trusts
    • Advanced Estate Planning
    • Planning for Parents of Minor Children
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Estate Administration
    • Trust Administration
    • Probate
    • Entity Formation and Maintenance
    • Business Succession Planning

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed fees available
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Founder
    Firm Name
    Cheever Law, APC
  • Pro Bono Services

    I do things differently when it comes to Life & Legacy Planning. Estate planning isn’t just about drafting documents—it’s about ensuring that your family is protected, your wishes are honored, and your legacy is preserved in a way that truly works for your loved ones. I take a holistic and relational approach to estate planning, helping families and business owners navigate the often confusing and emotional legal decisions necessary to safeguard their future. I listen to my clients’ concerns, understand their unique goals, and create comprehensive, customized estate plans designed to keep their families out of court and conflict in the event of incapacity or death. My clients feel supported, understood, and empowered, knowing their estate plan will actually work when it’s needed the most. We serve individuals, families, and business owners virtually throughout California by: ✅ Creating estate plans that work in real life—not just a set of documents ✅ Educating clients on what would happen under their current plan (or lack thereof) ✅ Helping families avoid probate, reduce tax exposure, and ease the burden on loved ones ✅ Guiding executors and trustees through estate and trust administration ✅ Supporting business owners with legal strategies for protection and succession planning I earned a Bachelor of Science with High Honors from the University of Illinois and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma for ranking in the top 10% of the College of Business Administration. I then earned my Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where I received multiple academic awards and served as a law clerk for the California Department of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, writing appellate briefs and arguing before the Fourth District Court of Appeal. After passing the California Bar Exam, I served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Escondido, handling municipal law before transitioning into private practice. Becoming a Personal Family Lawyer in 2017 allowed me to focus on what I love—helping families and businesses proactively plan for the future. I enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle and spending time outdoors. If I'm not working, you can find me at the beach, paddleboarding, practicing yoga, hiking, gardening, or enjoying quality time with friends, family, and my rescued dog. 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.

  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2006, California
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Thomas Jefferson School of Law
    Class of 2006
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Class of 2002
    Bachelor of Science with honors and high distinction

Contact Tara Cheever

Founder at Cheever Law, APC
5.0
10 reviews

5938 Priestly Drive, Suite 103Carlsbad, CA 92008U.S.A.

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Fax: 858-228-1777
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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Tara Cheever was admitted in 2006 to the State of California.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Tara Cheever attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law.