Your Trusted Advocate

Navigating legal matters with peace of mind: Expert guidance. Timely resolution

Your Trusted Advocate

Partnering with an Experienced Probate Attorney

Navigating legal matters with peace of mind: Expert guidance. Timely resolution

Probate Law in California

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. If someone dies without a living trust—or with only a will—their estate must generally go through probate before assets can be distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. The probate court appoints an executor (or administrator if there is no will), oversees the collection and inventory of assets, pays debts and taxes, and ultimately approves distributions to heirs. While probate serves an important legal function, it is widely regarded as one of the least desirable ways to transfer property at death.

The Downsides of Probate

Many families are surprised by the burdens of probate. Some of the key disadvantages include:

Loss of Control

Once probate begins, the court takes charge. A judge—not the family— has the final say on nearly every aspect of the process.

Judicial Oversight

The executor or administrator must file detailed reports, accountings, and petitions, all subject to court approval. Even simple tasks can require formal permission.

Public Record

Probate filings are open to the public, meaning anyone can access sensitive information about your assets, debts, and heirs.

Time-Consuming

In California, probate typically takes 12–18 months, and more complicated estates can take years to close. During this time, beneficiaries often wait for access to assets.

Expensive

California law sets statutory fees for both the attorney and the executor. These fees are based on the gross value of the estate, not the net value—meaning debts and mortgages are not deducted when calculating fees.

California Statutory Probate Fees

Under California Probate Code §§ 10810 both the attorney and the executor/administrator are each entitled to the following statutory fees:

Cost Breakdown

4% of the first $100,000 of the gross estate value
3% of the next $100,000
2% of the next $800,000
1% of the next $9 million
0.5% of the next $15 million
For estates above $25 million, a reasonable amount determined by the court

Example of Fees

Estate valued at $1,000,000

Attorney

$23,000

Estate valued at $1,000,000

$23,000

Total

$46,000

(plus additional expenses, such as court filing fees, probate referee fees, publication fees, etc.).

And remember: fees are calculated on the gross value of the estate. If a home is worth $1 million with a $700,000 mortgage, fees are still calculated on the full $1 million—not the $300,000 of equity.

How Our Law Firm Helps Families Through Probate, Guiding You Every Step of the Way

Guiding You Every Step of the Way

Probate can be confusing, overwhelming, and full of strict legal requirements. Most executors have never gone through the process before, yet the court expects everything to be done correctly and on time. That’s where we come in. Our firm guides you step by step, handling the legal and procedural details so you can focus on your family, not on court paperwork.

Our Consultation Is Always Free

Why You Shouldn’t Do Probate Alone

Many executors and families start probate thinking they can handle it themselves, only to quickly realize:

Common Challenges

The paperwork is extensive and must be filed in a precise legal format.
Missing a deadline or filing incorrectly can delay the case for months
Executors can be held personally liable for mistakes, even unintentional ones.
Family disputes or creditor claims can quickly complicate matters.
Trying to “go it alone” can create costly mistakes and unnecessary stress at an already difficult time.

Benefits of Hiring Our Firm

When you work with us, you get more than just an attorney—you get a trusted partner who will help you navigate probate efficiently and with confidence.

Here’s how we make a difference

Efficiency & Accuracy

We know the probate rules, deadlines, and procedures. We get things done right the first time, minimizing delays.

Efficiency & Accuracy

We prepare and file all court documents, attend hearings, communicate with the court, and guide you on your duties.

Protecting You from Liability

Executors can be personally responsible for errors. We make sure you comply with the law and protect you from unnecessary risk.

Reducing Stress

We take the burden of paperwork, court filings, and creditor negotiations off your
shoulders.

Resolving Disputes

If conflicts arise between heirs, creditors, or family members, we step in to resolve them quickly and legally.

Compassionate Guidance

We understand this is not a legal process—it’s an emotional time. We handle your case with compassion, keeping your family’s best interests at heart.

Why Choose Us

Probate Is Complex
But You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

We always highly recommend scheduling a meeting or call with any potential attorney so you can check you feel comfortable and happy on a personal level. Finding someone who puts you at ease with simple explanations and clear roadmaps for complex legal issues is essential. If you would like to hear how we can help, we would be only too happy to guide you through our full range of relevant services at your convenience.

Your Trusted California
Probate Attorney

Passionate advocate for families facing probate challenge. Deep expertise in California probate law, trust disputes, and estate administration.

What People Say

    
 
 
         
   Hamlet Tanahan 
 
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Marianna Nersesyan to set up our family trust was an absolute game-changer. She was incredibly professional, patient, and made a complex process feel so smooth. Her attention to detail and clear explanations gave us total peace of mind. I’m beyond grateful for her expertise and can’t recommend her highly enough!
  
 
        
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of working with Marianna Nersesyan for my estate planning needs, and I couldn’t be more grateful. My situation came up last minute, and she handled everything with such professionalism and care. What really stood out was how thoroughly Marianna explained each step of the process — making something that could feel overwhelming so clear and manageable. I felt completely supported, informed, and confident in my decisions. I highly recommend Marianna and her office to anyone looking for an attorney who is not only knowledgeable, but also patient, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to their clients.
  
 
        
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Marianna on our estate plan was an exceptional experience. From the beginning, she took the time to really understand our family's unique situation and priorities. During our first meeting, she spent over an hour walking us through the entire process, answering all of our questions with patience and clarity. If you’re looking for someone who truly has your family’s best interests at heart, we couldn’t recommend Marianna and her team more highly.
  
 
        
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful experience working with Marianna on our estate planning. From our very first meeting, it was clear that she genuinely cared about understanding our family's needs and goals. She created a space where we felt heard, informed, and completely at ease throughout the entire process.

What really stood out was Marianna’s patience and ability to explain complex topics in a way that was easy to understand. We never felt rushed, and every question no matter how small was met with thoughtful, thorough guidance.

If you're looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly committed to helping families plan for the future, we wholeheartedly recommend Marianna and her team.
  
 
        
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m very satisfied with the exceptional  service Nersesyan Law firm has provided to me.
  
 
        
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience working with Marianna Nersesyan to set up my trust. She is very professional, patient, and made the entire process easy to understand. I felt confident every step of the way and truly appreciated her attention to detail. Highly recommend for anyone needing estate planning help.

Your Trusted Advocate

Your Trusted Advocate

Partnering with an Experienced Probate Attorney

Probate Law in California

Probate Law in California

The Downsides of Probate

Loss of Control

Judicial Oversight

Public Record

Time-Consuming

Expensive