Trusts and Probate

Trust and Probate Administration

We also serve clients in administration or litigation involving Trusts and Estates. These are disputes or other matters which may be mandated to go to the Probate Department of the Courts:

• Probate Administration
• Trust Administration
• Trust and Probate Litigation
• Conservatorships
• Guardianships

More About Trust and Probate Administration

Trust and Probate Administration involves all the steps that are necessary to administer a trust or an estate or both. Many trusts can be administered without court intervention, though sometimes a court is needed by law to provide appropriate orders or settle a dispute. Probate is a Court process in estates which is administered by the court and governed by its procedures.

When a trust is not court-supervised, we advise and guide clients through the entire process from trust formation through the final distribution of assets and closure of the trust.  Court-supervised trusts require petitions and approvals for each of the steps.  Both are required to have accountings performed and provided to beneficiaries, unless waived.  We have the knowledge and expertise to assist clients in all facets of trust administration.  We also partner with accounting professionals for formal accountings and tax filings when needed.

Probate administration requires court filings and procedures.  We represent our clients in court including contested and uncontested hearings. The probate process begins with petitions and continues until all matters for administration have been concluded through final distribution of the estate—we will be there every step of the way. We also utilize limited and alternative procedures where available and advantageous.

Who We Represent

We represent trustees, decedent estates, executors, personal representatives, administrators, guardians, conservators, beneficiaries, claimants, and creditors in all manner of trust and probate administration matters. We also represent these same parties in cases in controversy or litigation when it arises.

Trust and Probate Services We Offer

• Filing of Creditors’ Claims
• Acceptance and Rejection of Creditors’ Claims
• Petitions for Accounting
• Notice of Proposed Action
• Petitions for Sale of Property
• Petitions for Distribution
• Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petitions
• Representation of Heirs and Beneficiaries
• Entitlement Procedures
• Trust Administration
• Notifications By Trustee
• Affidavits of Death of Trustee
• Establishing Tax Identification Numbers
• Procedures for Waivers of Accountings
• Presentation and Petitions for Approval of Accountings
• Petitions for Appointment of Trustees
• Probate Administration
• Probate Ancillary Administration
• Notices to Creditors

Compensation for the standard services of an estate representative is set by statute in Probate Code Section 10810. In all other cases are services are provided hourly, on a contingency (a percentage basis, tiered or untiered), or for a set rate for specific tasks.  Trust administration is generally provided on an hourly basis.

You May Also Be Interested In

Cirrus Law is a full service law firm with attorneys practicing in many disciplines. Practice areas and services we provide that are closely related to Trust and Probate Administration include:

• Estate Planning
• Revocable Living Trusts
• Conservatorships
• Guardianships
• Real Property Transfers
• Probate Litigation
• Trust Litigation

Discuss Your Administration Needs Today

Whether you are a trustee, personal representative, or seeking to become one; a beneficiary, heir or believe you should be; or a creditor, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of trusts and estates. A conversation about the services we provide is always free and as are the answers to simple general questions. If we determine that representation is appropriate, we will provide you with an outline of the process and what you might expect. We look forward to helping you.

Schedule a Consultation Today

We believe that establishing a firm attorney-client relationship is a collaborative process that requires us to listen as well as speak. To get started, reach out to our firm today. We will gladly begin a partnership with you, so we can discuss your goals and potential options together.