Experienced counsel through the California probate process.
When formal probate is needed, we represent executors and administrators and handle the case from the initial petition through final distribution. Our first step is to understand the estate and determine whether a simpler transfer procedure may be available.
When someone you love has passed
Losing someone close to you is hard enough without unfamiliar court proceedings. Whether you have been named executor or a family member needs to be appointed to settle the estate, you do not have to navigate probate on your own. Before selling, transferring or distributing anything, please speak with us first.
A court process with real obligations
Probate is a formal, court-supervised process with filings, notices, hearings, deadlines and approvals. An executor or administrator owes duties to the heirs, beneficiaries and creditors of the estate and can be held personally responsible for mistakes. Early decisions about the home and other property can be difficult to undo.
Transparency protects everyone
Even close families can find that grief, money and long-held feelings collide. We handle each probate with full transparency and in keeping with what California law requires, so heirs and beneficiaries stay informed and you are supported in fulfilling your role.
We handle the probate from petition to final distribution
Our office prepares and manages each part of the case for you, keeping you informed and involved in the decisions that are yours to make.
- Reviewing the estate and whether a simpler procedure may apply
- Preparing and filing the petition, and appearing at hearings
- Required notices to heirs, beneficiaries and creditors
- Inventory, appraisal and creditor claims
- Court approval for the sale or transfer of the home
- Working with your CPA, or helping you engage one, on the estate’s accounting and tax returns
- Court approval of the final accounting and distribution
- Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties
- All surrounding Bay Area counties
- Matters elsewhere in California, including Southern California
Our probate services are provided as a complete engagement, with the scope and fees, including the fees set by California law, explained before we begin. We prepare every petition, notice and court filing ourselves, so we can stand behind each one.
“She was very knowledgeable, addressed all our concerns, clarified our questions, pointed out limitations in our existing documents, and recommended the best options to fit our needs… Highly recommended!”
Testimonials describe individual experiences. Results depend on the facts and law applicable to each matter and will differ when those facts differ.
What happens to my house if I die without a trust?
The answer depends on how the home is titled and the transfer procedures available to your family. Formal probate may be necessary, but other options can apply. We review the ownership and your circumstances before recommending a course. A properly funded living trust is one established way to avoid formal probate for the home.
How long does probate take?
Probate is court-supervised, and even straightforward estates commonly take a year or more. After reviewing the estate, we give you a realistic sense of what to expect.
Do I have to live in California to be executor?
An executor who lives outside California can often serve. We handle the court work and meet with you by Zoom, so distance is rarely an obstacle.
Talk with us before you take the next step.
Meetings are by appointment, weekdays 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, by Zoom or at our offices. Call 888.380.2288 or 415.693.8882, or request a time online. Consultations in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.