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Estate Administration & Probate
Guiding executors and administrators through probate proceedings in Orange County. From the initial petition to the final distribution, we make the process as efficient and cost-effective as possible while protecting you from personal liability.
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Probate doesn't have to be overwhelming — but it does require experienced guidance.
When a loved one passes away without a trust, or when trust assets were never properly funded, probate may be the only path forward. The California probate process involves court supervision, mandatory timelines, creditor notifications, and detailed accountings — each carrying potential personal liability for the executor or administrator.
We represent personal representatives in Orange County Probate Court, handling everything from the initial petition through the final order of distribution. Our goal is to navigate the process efficiently, minimize costs, and protect our clients from the personal liability that comes with managing a decedent's estate.
Our Estate Administration Services
Guidance through every phase of probate and estate settlement
Probate Administration
When probate is required, the process begins with filing a petition and obtaining court appointment. We handle every procedural step — from the initial filing through Letters Testamentary to the final order of distribution — so executors and administrators can focus on their families.
- Petition for probate filing
- Executor and administrator appointments
- Creditor claims management
- Asset inventory and appraisal
- Court accounting preparation
Estate Settlement
Settling an estate involves coordinating debts, taxes, and distributions across multiple parties and deadlines. We ensure every obligation is met in the correct order — protecting personal representatives from liability while maximizing the value passed to beneficiaries.
- Debt and tax payment coordination
- Asset distribution planning
- Real property transfers
- Final accounting and petition for distribution
- Executor discharge and release
Contested Matters
Estate disputes can arise from will contests, executor challenges, or disagreements among heirs. We defend personal representatives against removal petitions, surcharge claims, and beneficiary disputes — bringing the same trial-tested advocacy we apply in trust litigation.
- Will contest defense
- Executor removal defense
- Creditor claim disputes
- Heir and beneficiary disputes
- Spousal property petitions
Small Estate Procedures
Not every estate requires full probate. California provides simplified procedures for smaller estates, including affidavits for real and personal property. We evaluate whether your situation qualifies and handle the streamlined process from start to finish.
- Small estate affidavits (Prob. Code §13100)
- Real property affidavits (Prob. Code §13200)
- Spousal property petitions
- Summary probate procedures
- Successor trustee transfers for unfunded assets
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