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OUR PROCESS
So, I do need help... what's next?
Call or Message Us Today
Call our office or fill out the online form to tell us about your loved one's estate or your issue with the DMV. You'll speak directly with Attorney Rodney Gould about your probate case, not a call center.
We Review Your Case Personally
Rodney personally reviews the estate, the will (or lack of one), and the assets involved, drawing on decades of probate experience, to map out the fastest path through the court process.
We Handle the Process
From filing the initial petition to closing the estate, we manage the deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances so you can focus on your family, not the legal details.
Call or Message Us Today
Call our office or fill out the online form to tell us about your loved one's estate or your issue with the DMV. You'll speak directly with Attorney Rodney Gould about your probate case, not a call center.
We Review Your Case Personally
Rodney personally reviews the estate, the will (or lack of one), and the assets involved, drawing on decades of probate experience, to map out the fastest path through the court process.
We Handle the Process
From filing the initial petition to closing the estate, we manage the deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances so you can focus on your family, not the legal details.
Don’t wait to prepare for the future. Let us help you, today. SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
FAQs
What even is a Probate?
...and other common questions.
What even is probate?
Probate is the court process used to distribute someone's assets after they pass away, whether or not they left a will. A judge oversees paying off any debts, then makes sure what's left gets to the right people.
Do I have to go through probate if there was a will?
Usually, yes — a will still typically needs to go through probate for the court to recognize it. But if the estate qualifies as a "small estate" (currently $208,850 or less in personal property, for deaths on or after April 1, 2025), you may be able to skip it with a small estate affidavit instead.
How long does probate take in California?
Most straightforward Los Angeles County estates take about 9 to 18 months from start to finish. More complex cases — a home sale, disputes among heirs, slow-moving creditors — can take longer.
How much does probate cost?
California sets statutory fees for the attorney and executor based on a percentage of the estate's value, so costs are fairly predictable.
Can I avoid probate altogether?
In many cases, yes. A revocable living trust, joint property ownership, or naming beneficiaries directly on accounts can let those assets pass to your family without going through probate court at all.
Do I need to hire a probate lawyer?
California doesn't require one, but an experienced probate attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes with deadlines, creditor claims, and court paperwork — especially if the estate is contested or complicated.
