Dess A. Benedetto
Estate Attorney

In 1990, Ms. Benedetto graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  After working for six years in various business positions in large corporations, Ms. Benedetto was admitted at the University of San Diego School of Law.  During law school, Ms. Benedetto wrote a legal article which was published in the Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues, and she clerked with both the San Diego District Attorney’s Office as well as the U.S. Attorney General’s Office.  

In 2000, after graduating at the top of her class, Ms. Benedetto opened her own estate planning firm, drawing from her experience in business, finance and psychology, then put her law degree to work counseling clients on their legal options for their estates.

Since 2000, Ms. Benedetto has assisted individuals and families with the creation of their Wills, Living Trusts and other estate planning documents.  When clients pass, she assists trustees with basic and complex trust administration, making the process of handling post-death matters as easy as possible.  She represents executors and administrators in probate estate petitions and other probate matters.  

Professional Organizations and Legal Memberships

• Contra Costa County Bar Association, including membership in the Probate and Estate Planning section.
• Trusts and Estates section of the California State Bar.
• Riverside County Bar Association.  
• Licensed California Notary Public.

Ms. Benedetto’s previous legal affiliations include:  being a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, a member of specialized attorney groups including the Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley, Solo and Small Firm Section, Women’s Section, Riverside County Bar Association, West County Riverside Bar Association.  She was also a  Court-Appointed Attorney for Conservatees through the Contra Costa Superior Court for many years and she ran the Free Wills Clinic for two years through Contra Costa County Senior Legal Services.

For fun, Ms. Benedetto enjoys swimming, daily walks and playtime with her Goldendoodle, and spending time with her family and friends.  She writes creatively, including finishing a novel.  She was actively involved in her son’s Scouting troop for many years, holding leadership positions and going camping and on high adventure trips.  She has traveled extensively around the world and is studying Spanish, Italian and Portuguese languages.  She is actively involved and passionate about Rotary, joining the Rotary Club of Walnut Creek in 2007 and then the Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club in 2025.  She has held various leadership roles in Rotary including Membership Chair, Club President, Board Director, Foundation Chair, and various roles with the Districts and District Governors.