Probate, Trust & Litigation

Orange County Probate Attorney

Work With A Skilled Irvine Probate Lawyer At Our Firm

Are you facing the daunting legal process of probate? If so, you can’t afford to wait when it comes to hiring an Orange County probate lawyer from Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC. We understand how overwhelming the probate process can be for our clients, and we strive to guide them through the process with as little stress and difficulty as possible.

Probate is one of the most complex areas of law, so do not hesitate to get help through the probate process from a lawyer who truly cares about the outcome of your case. We handle each case on a one on one basis and work with you by going through all of the possible options ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and consideration for your needs.

Why you should enlist the help of our probate attorneys:

We have 50 years’ shared experience to pour into your case
Our firm comes highly recommended by past clients
We are committed to client-focused advocacy
You can benefit from the insights of a CA Board Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law

We are well-versed in California probate law, and we can clear up the legalese for you, helping you understand your rights and legal options. We can ensure that the legal and financial wishes of your late loved one are followed, and we can also tenaciously litigate on your behalf to ensure that you are not wrongfully overlooked during the distribution process. Discover how we can help in your unique situation.

Don’t hesitate to discover how our top-rated legal team can help you. We encourage you to speak to an Orange County probate lawyer at your earliest convenience. Schedule a consult.

Understanding Probate in California

Probate is the process by which a deceased person's estate is managed to pay off creditors and taxes before being distributed to beneficiaries. In California, this can take anywhere between nine months and two years.

If the deceased person had a will in which they named an executor, this person will be appointed to oversee the estate. Otherwise, interested family members can petition the court to become an administrator, and the court will appointment a personal representative. Executors have immense responsibility, and are highly at risk for liability, so it is important to reach out to an Irvine probate attorney as soon as possible if you are named an executor for an estate.

Does an Estate Always Have to be Probated?

There are several situations where probate may not be necessary. For example, if the assets of the deceased are in joint tenancy with someone else, survivorship property, or a living trust, those assets do not require probate. Assets can also be transferred to domestic partners through Spousal Property Petitions. If the total value of an estate that cannot be transferred to inheritors is smaller than $166,250, the estate does not have to be probated.

Avoiding Probate with Estate Planning

Probate can be a lengthy and costly process, often causing unnecessary stress and delays for your loved ones. However, with proper estate planning, you can potentially avoid the probate process altogether. At Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC, our experienced Irvine probate lawyers can guide you through the estate planning process to help you create a comprehensive plan that minimizes the need for probate.

Benefits of estate planning to avoid probate include:

Privacy: Probate is a public process, meaning anyone can access the details of your estate. With proper estate planning, you can maintain the privacy of your personal and financial affairs.
Time and Cost Savings: Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process. By avoiding probate, you can save your loved ones from the burden of court fees, attorney fees, and other expenses associated with the probate process.
Control: Through estate planning, you have the opportunity to specify how your assets should be distributed after your passing. This allows you to maintain control over your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out.
Asset Protection: Estate planning can also help protect your assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and other claims, ensuring that your loved ones receive the inheritance you intended for them.

Our skilled Irvine probate lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and create a customized plan that suits your unique needs and goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards avoiding probate.

How Long Does The Probate Process Take?

The duration of the probate process in California can vary depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the estate, potential disputes, and the efficiency of the court system. Generally, the probate process takes around 9 to 18 months or longer. However, it's important to note that this timeframe is an estimate, and certain factors can extend or expedite the process. Complex estates with substantial assets, unresolved debts or claims, or disagreements among beneficiaries may require additional time for resolution.

Having the guidance of an experienced Irvine probate lawyer can help streamline the process and ensure compliance with California probate laws. At Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC, we offer over 50 years of combined experience in probate matters. Our team knows the intricacies of the probate system and can guide you through the process efficiently. By leveraging our expertise and knowledge, we aim to minimize delays and navigate any challenges that may arise during the probate process.

How Our Orange County Probate Lawyers Can Help You

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is understandably a very difficult time for family and friends. In addition to dealing with the loss emotionally, one must often deal with the legal aspects of the loss by attempting to figure out how to transfer the property of the person who passed. Unfortunately, a person's money, property, and other assets cannot be immediately distributed to their family and loved ones after their death.

Probate is the process of determining the rights and obligations of a person's legal matters and finances after they die, including debt resolution and the clearing of titles. This must all be accomplished before a single relative or heir can receive any part of the decedent's property.

Our professional corporation has more than five decades of combined experience in the area of probate. We can handle anything from paying the outstanding debts of an estate to litigation for the fair distribution of a decedent’s property. Our probate attorneys have the insight, passion, and integrity to protect your rights at every step of the probate process.

Contact an OC Probate Attorney at Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC

No one should ever face such a complex process without comprehensive counsel and advice from a knowledgeable attorney who truly cares for your benefit. Don’t settle for less than the highest quality legal counsel. When it comes to probate law, you deserve phenomenal representation.

With five decades of combined legal experience, our probate lawyers can inform you and guide you through each stage of the probate process. We can also provide aggressive litigation for disputes that arise.

Learn More About Probate in California Through Our Blog

We're here to help. Contact us here or call (714) 384-6053 to speak with an Orange County probate lawyer. We offer a case evaluation for clients so that they can make an educated decision about their attorney. Our lawyers are detail-oriented and approach each case with an open mind to find the best possible solution.

Client Testimonials

See How We've Helped Our Past Clients

We are in the business of helping families just like yours plan for the future in the most sensible and beneficial ways possible, and we are proud to have been successful in that effort. Read the testimonials of our previous clients to understand what it's like to work with our Orange County estate planning attorneys.

“I want to thank you both very much for all that you did.”
- Tony L.
“I was happy with her research, in fact my meetings were a point of learning.”
- Dorothy C.
“Tamsen is nothing short of amazing.”
- Regina S.

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With 50 years of combined experience, we've handled cases of all types and can confidently help you.
We strive for excellence. Our knowledgeable and courteous staff work hard so that you don't have to.
We handle each case on a one-on-one basis and explore all possible options with you.