Sherman Oaks Probate Attorney
Losing someone you love is painful enough without a confusing court process on top of it. If you are searching for a probate attorney in Sherman Oaks, help is close to home. The Law Office of Rodney Gould serves families right here in the community.
Our founding attorney, Rodney Gould, has guided people through probate since 1991, and we bring that experience to every family we serve. We explain each step in plain language, so you always know what is happening.
If you are settling a loved one's estate, we are here to listen. Call 818-981-1760 today to schedule a free consultation, with no pressure and no obligation.
What Does a Sherman Oaks Probate Attorney Do?
A probate attorney helps you transfer a loved one's assets through the court after they pass away. Probate is the legal process a court uses to confirm a will, pay remaining debts, and pass what is left to the right people.
When you work with our Sherman Oaks probate attorney, we take on the paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances, so you can focus on family. Here is what that typically includes:
Filing the petition to open probate and getting the estate's representative appointed, whether an executor named in the will or a court-appointed administrator
Identifying, valuing, and protecting the estate's assets
Notifying creditors and paying valid debts and taxes
Working through disagreements among heirs or beneficiaries
Distributing the remaining property and formally closing the estate
Every estate is different, so we tailor our help to what your family needs.
How Long Does Probate Take in Los Angeles County?
Formal probate in Los Angeles County generally takes many months, and complicated estates can run well beyond a year. The timeline depends on the estate's size, whether anyone contests the will, and how busy the court is.
Cases in our area move through the Los Angeles County Superior Court's probate division, which carries a heavy caseload. Because that path is detailed and court-supervised, many families benefit from working with a Los Angeles probate lawyer who knows the local court's expectations, and we keep you updated at every stage.
Do You Always Need Probate in California?
No, not every estate has to go through full probate in California. Smaller estates and assets held in a trust often pass to loved ones through simpler steps.
For example, if the personal property in an estate falls under a set dollar limit, a successor may use a small estate affidavit under California Probate Code § 13100, without opening a formal probate case.
That limit is $208,850 for deaths on or after April 1, 2025, and it is adjusted periodically, so the correct figure depends on the date of death. The successor also has to wait at least 40 days after the death first.
California's courts outline several of these simplified options in their probate self-help guide. We review your situation and tell you honestly whether probate is necessary, so you do not spend time or money you do not have to.
Probate and Estate Planning Work Together
One of the surest ways to spare your own family a long probate is to plan ahead. A clear estate plan, with an up-to-date will and often a living trust, can help your loved ones avoid court entirely. Our estate planning attorney in Los Angeles can help you put the right documents in place today.
Why Choose Our Sherman Oaks Probate Attorney
Choosing the right probate attorney in Sherman Oaks comes down to experience, attention, and trust. Rodney Gould has practiced law since 1991 and has run his own firm since 2008, nearly three decades guiding clients through the courts.
Trusted experience: We have litigated many probate cases in California's Superior Courts, plus successful appeals in the Courts of Appeal.
Attentive support: You work directly with an experienced attorney and get answers in plain language, not legal jargon.
Reliable counsel: Mr. Gould's background includes federal litigation and years serving major national companies, so few situations are unfamiliar to us.
Local roots: Our Ventura Boulevard office keeps us close to the families we serve across Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, and greater Los Angeles.
Deciding who will stand beside you is personal. Our guide to choosing a probate attorney in Los Angeles walks through the questions worth asking. When you are ready, call 818-981-1760 for a free consultation.
FAQs Answered by Our Probate Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
Here are answers to questions families in Sherman Oaks ask us most often about probate.
How much does probate cost in California?
Probate costs in California include court filing fees plus attorney fees, which are set by state law based on the estate's value. We are upfront about costs during your free consultation, so there are no surprises later.
Do I have to go to court for probate?
In most cases, we handle the filings and court appearances for you, so many clients rarely set foot in a courtroom. If a hearing does need you there, we prepare you fully ahead of time.
What happens if my loved one died without a will?
When someone dies without a will, California's intestate succession laws decide who inherits, and the court appoints an administrator. We help families understand where they stand and guide the estate forward.
Can a living trust help my family avoid probate?
Yes, assets held in a properly funded living trust generally pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate. Setting one up now can save your loved ones time and stress later.
How soon should I contact a probate attorney after a death?
It helps to reach out early, even though some steps, such as the small estate affidavit, require a 40-day wait. Getting advice sooner lets us protect the estate's assets and meet key deadlines.
Do you handle probate cases outside Sherman Oaks?
Yes, while our office is in Sherman Oaks, we serve families throughout Los Angeles County and also handle matters in Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Los Angeles County remains the heart of our practice.
Talk With a Sherman Oaks Probate Attorney Today
When you are ready for guidance you can trust, the Law Office of Rodney Gould is here for you. Call 818-981-1760 or visit us at 15233 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 1020, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 to schedule your free consultation.
Let our experienced Sherman Oaks probate attorney help your family take the next step with confidence.