Santa Monica Probate Litigation Lawyer

The probate process is used to administer and distribute an estate after someone dies. This process can get complex, and it can also be very emotional as the distribution of your loved one’s estate may directly affect your future. Coping with the loss of a loved one is always challenging, but probate disputes can make that time even more difficult.

The Santa Monica estate litigation lawyers at Albertson & Davidson, LLP has the experience you need on your side to help you through these complicated situations. Clients in Santa Monica, Culver City, Burbank, Torrance, and all the surrounding areas know they can count on us when they need trusted guidance to protect their rights and their loved one’s legacy.

Give us a call today at (858) 209-2309 to talk to a Santa Monica probate litigation lawyer and let us put our experience to work for you.

Why Choose Us?

If you are dealing with a complex probate dispute, you don’t need just any lawyer. You need a caring and compassionate team that will take the time to listen to your situation and circumstances. You also need a lawyer with extensive experience in California probate law who knows how to get results. Clients turn to Albertson & Davidson, LLP because:

We have recovered more than $300 million for our clients, reflecting our ability to deliver meaningful results for our clients
We will give you the personal attention you deserve and take the time to understand your needs
Our firm will craft a personalized representation strategy to help you get the outcome you desire
We take many of our cases on contingency fees

When you need a trusted advocate and partner in your corner to help you through a probate dispute, make the call to Albertson & Davidson, LLP. We are ready to answer all your questions and help you get a favorable outcome.

How Can a Probate Litigation Lawyer Help Me?

Probate litigation is never easy, but trying to go through the process alone could lead to unnecessary financial and emotional burdens. Your inheritance could be on the line, so make sure that you get the help you need from an experienced lawyer. A probate litigation lawyer can help you by:

Answering all your questions and advising you of your legal rights
Reviewing all probate documents, such as wills and trusts
Negotiating a fair settlement that helps you avoid costly litigation
Filing a lawsuit in probate court and representing you during litigation when necessary

If you are facing a probate dispute, talk to a probate litigation lawyer today who can help you through the process.

Common Causes of Probate Litigation in Santa Monica

Probate and trust matters often involve significant assets, which can lead to complex and emotionally charged disputes. Probate disputes can arise for a number of reasons, but some of the most common issues that lead to litigation are:

Disputes about the validity of a will
Issues with the administration or distribution of an estate
Trustee misconduct
Misuse of trust funds
Appointment of executor or successor

At Albertson & Davidson, LLP, we focus our practice on handling complex probate and estate matters. No matter what the reason for the dispute is, we will work diligently to help you come to a successful resolution.

What Is The Difference Between An Estate Lawyer And A Probate Lawyer?

Estate lawyers and probate lawyers provide different services at different times.

The job of an estate planning lawyer is to help you arrange for what happens after you pass away. Estate planning lawyers work with you to take control of your legacy by doing things like creating a trust and using tools that allow assets to be transferred without paying taxes.

The job of a probate lawyer, on the other hand, is to help those who have been left behind after a death. Albertson & Davidson, LLP provides comprehensive representation during the probate process to personal representatives or estate administrators as well as to heirs and beneficiaries. We help with things like filing court paperwork to initiate probate and fulfilling fiduciary requirements as an estate administrator.

Santa Monica probate litigation lawyers, like the attorneys at Albertson & Davidson, LLP, can also offer assistance when conflicts arise during probate. Our team helps with things like disputes over whether a will is valid. We help protect our clients’ right to an inheritance and help to ensure the wishes of those who have passed on are fulfilled.

How Much Are Probate Fees In California?

Probate is not free, and you need to be prepared for the costs associated with settling an estate. This can include court fees, which are typically $435 when you file with the court to get the probate process started and move your case forward.

You may have fees you have to pay to professionals during the probate process as well, such as paying a third-party appraiser to determine the specific value of the estate.

Lastly, there are attorney fees to pay. These are set by statute, and the amount depends on the value of the estate. According to California law, here’s what you’ll pay a Santa Monica probate lawyer:

4% of the first $100,000 in the estate’s value
3% of the next $100,000
2% of the next $800,000
1% of the next $9,000,000
0.5% of the next $15 million.

For amounts above $25,000,000, the court helps to set a reasonable fee. These statutory fees make it easy to understand how much you will pay for help during the probate process, so there are no surprises.

How Long Does Probate Usually Take In California?

The timeline for the probate process can vary depending on many factors, including whether any issues arise, such as conflicts over whether a will is valid. In general, though, most estates take nine to 18 months to be probated.

Albertson & Davidson, LLP will help you ensure your probate proceedings progress with as much speed as possible while protecting your rights. Our goal is to help ensure you receive the inheritance you deserve, while simplifying and streamlining the probate process so you can move on with your life after your loved one’s death.

Can Property Be Transferred Without Probate?

California allows for summary succession instead of probate for small estates. There are also other ways that property can pass outside of probate. For example, if the deceased had pay-on-death accounts, the money or assets will transfer outside of probate. Assets held in a trust also won’t transfer during the probate process.

Get Help From a Santa Monica Probate Litigation Lawyer Today

If you find yourself in a probate dispute, you need to act quickly. The sooner you get help, the more likely you are to reach an amicable resolution that saves you time and money. Call the experienced Santa Monica trust litigation lawyers at Albertson & Davidson, LLP today. While we are able to settle most probate disputes successfully, we are never afraid to litigate when necessary.