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Probate Lawyer in Beverly Hills | Find & Compare Attorneys | FaceLaw

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Find a probate lawyer in Beverly Hills with FaceLaw. Compare attorneys for estate administration, wills, intestate estates, probate disputes, creditor claims, and inheritance matters.

Probate Lawyer in Beverly Hills

Finding the right probate lawyer in Beverly Hills can be important when a family needs to administer property after someone dies, transfer real estate, resolve debts, determine who should inherit, or handle a disagreement involving an estate.

California Courts defines probate as the legal process used to transfer or inherit property after someone dies. Formal probate can involve appointing a personal representative, identifying and valuing estate assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries.

Not every estate requires formal probate. Property held in a living trust, jointly owned property with survivorship rights, certain beneficiary-designated accounts, and qualifying small estates may be transferable through other procedures.

The right attorney therefore depends on the estate. A relatively straightforward probate involving a will and a single property may require different experience from an estate involving several Beverly Hills properties, businesses, contested wills, beneficiary disputes, creditor claims, or trust-related issues.

FaceLaw is a legal directory and discovery platform that helps users find, research, compare, evaluate, and connect with independent attorneys. FaceLaw is not a probate law firm and does not itself administer estates, prepare court filings, determine inheritance rights, or provide legal representation.

What Does a Probate Lawyer in Beverly Hills Do?

A probate attorney may assist the executor, administrator, beneficiary, heir, creditor, or another interested person depending on the circumstances.

Potential services may include:

• Starting a probate case
• Petitioning for appointment of an executor or administrator
• Reviewing a will
• Determining whether formal probate is necessary
• Identifying heirs and beneficiaries
• Preparing probate court filings
• Inventorying estate assets
• Addressing appraisals
• Handling creditor claims
• Assisting with estate debts and expenses
• Transferring real estate
• Preparing for final distribution
• Resolving beneficiary disputes
• Handling contested probate matters

Some attorneys primarily handle probate administration, while others also handle probate litigation.

If the estate has already become disputed, ask prospective lawyers specifically about litigation experience.

What Is Formal Probate in California?

California Courts describes formal probate as a process with three broad stages: opening the probate case, administering the estate, and closing the estate.

The person starting the case generally files a Petition for Probate, Form DE-111, in the appropriate Superior Court.

Notice must then be provided to qualifying family members and others who may have rights in the estate, and notice generally must also be published in a newspaper.

The court ultimately decides whom to appoint as the personal representative.

Once appointed, the representative administers the estate before asking the court to approve final distribution.

A probate lawyer may help the representative understand these procedural requirements and prepare the necessary filings.

Executor vs. Administrator

The person appointed by the court to manage the estate is generally called the personal representative.

California Courts explains that:

• An executor is generally a person named in a will and appointed by the court.
• An administrator is generally appointed by the court when someone dies without a will or when no named executor is able to serve.

Both are types of personal representatives.

If there is no usable executor named in a will, California law provides priorities for appointment. California Courts explains that a surviving spouse or domestic partner generally has high priority, followed by children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and others according to the applicable rules.

Disputes about who should serve can make probate more complicated.

What Does the Personal Representative Have to Do?

Being appointed executor or administrator can involve significant responsibilities.

California Courts identifies duties that commonly include:

• Gathering estate assets
• Preparing an Inventory and Appraisal
• Working with a probate referee to value certain noncash assets
• Giving formal notice to creditors
• Paying valid estate debts
• Addressing tax filings
• Reporting to the court
• Eventually distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs

The representative is managing property that belongs to the estate rather than treating estate assets as personal property.

For larger estates, legal assistance can be useful in keeping records, complying with court procedures, handling sales or transfers, and preparing for final distribution.

What Happens If Someone Dies With a Will?

Having a will does not automatically eliminate probate.

California Courts explains that an estate may still require probate even when the deceased person left a valid will. The will typically identifies beneficiaries and may nominate an executor, but property still must be transferred through the appropriate legal procedure.

The will may help establish:

• Who should receive estate property
• Who should serve as executor
• Certain other wishes of the deceased person

If the original will is located, California Courts states that it must be delivered, or “lodged,” with the court. A copy must also be sent to the named executor or, if the executor cannot be located, to a beneficiary named in the will.

A probate lawyer may review the will and determine what court procedure is appropriate.

What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will?

A person who dies without a valid will is considered intestate.

In that situation, California's intestate succession laws determine who inherits qualifying probate property.

California Courts defines intestate succession as the legal order determining inheritance when someone dies without a will.

The result depends on the person's surviving family relationships and the nature of the property.

The court may also need to appoint an administrator rather than an executor.

If several relatives believe they should control or inherit the estate, a probate attorney may help clarify appointment priorities and inheritance rights.

Does Every Estate Have to Go Through Probate?

No.

California Courts identifies several circumstances in which property may transfer without formal probate.

Examples include certain property:

• Held in joint tenancy
• With transfer-on-death provisions
• Passing by survivorship
• Held in a living trust
• Passing through beneficiary designations
• Qualifying for simplified small-estate procedures

The important question is not simply how much property the deceased person owned. The type of property and how title was held can be equally important.

A probate lawyer may review deeds, account ownership, trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate values before determining which procedures may apply.

Small Estate Procedures in California

California provides simplified transfer procedures for certain smaller estates.

For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025, California Courts currently lists $208,850 as the maximum estate value for certain personal-property transfer procedures under Probate Code sections 13100 and 13101.

The calculation does not necessarily include every asset the person owned. California Courts identifies several categories that may be excluded from the calculation, including certain trust property, jointly owned property, qualifying property passing directly to a surviving spouse, and certain beneficiary-designated assets.

Because the applicable limits depend on the date of death and the type of procedure, verify the current rule before relying on a particular threshold.

New California Procedure for a Primary Residence

California significantly changed one simplified procedure for real property in 2025.

For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025, California Courts currently lists a maximum value of $750,000 for a procedure allowing qualifying successors to petition for transfer of the deceased person's main California residence without going through full formal probate.

California Courts explains that the 2025 change both increased the limit and restricted this particular procedure to the decedent's primary residence in California.

That does not mean every California home under $750,000 automatically transfers without probate. The statutory requirements still must be satisfied.

A probate attorney may help determine whether this procedure or another transfer method applies.

Probate and Beverly Hills Real Estate

Real estate can be one of the most significant issues in Beverly Hills probate matters.

An estate may contain:

• A Beverly Hills residence
• Rental property
• Commercial property
• Vacation property
• Property held with other owners
• Property subject to mortgages or liens

The correct procedure may depend on how title is held.

For example, property held in a properly funded living trust may not require probate, while property held solely in the deceased person's name may need a probate or simplified succession procedure.

Real estate can also require appraisal, maintenance, insurance, sale, refinancing, or transfer while the estate is being administered.

Ask prospective attorneys about probate matters involving real property similar to the estate you are handling.

Probate for Business Owners

Probate can become significantly more complicated when the deceased person owned a business.

The estate may include:

• Corporation shares
• LLC membership interests
• Partnership interests
• Professional practices
• Family businesses

Questions may arise about:

• Who can manage the company
• Who inherits ownership
• Buy-sell agreements
• Operating agreements
• Business valuation
• Ongoing payroll or operations
• Sale of the company
• Disputes among heirs and business partners

A probate attorney may need to coordinate with business lawyers, accountants, valuation professionals, or tax advisers.

If a business is involved, look for counsel with experience handling estates containing privately held companies.

Creditor Claims Against an Estate

Probate is not only about transferring assets to beneficiaries.

Estate debts must also be addressed.

California Courts explains that the personal representative must provide formal notice to creditors and pay valid debts from estate funds when sufficient assets are available. Creditors may use a Creditor's Claim, Form DE-172, to assert qualifying claims against the estate.

Potential estate obligations may include:

• Credit cards
• Personal loans
• Medical expenses
• Business obligations
• Taxes
• Other valid debts

The representative should generally avoid distributing estate property prematurely when unresolved creditor issues remain.

Probate Disputes and Litigation

Some probate matters become contested.

Disputes may involve:

• Whether a will is valid
• Who should serve as executor or administrator
• Interpretation of a will
• Allegations of undue influence
• Questions about capacity
• Disputes among beneficiaries
• Accounting disputes
• Alleged misconduct by a personal representative
• Property ownership
• Creditor claims

Probate administration and probate litigation require overlapping but different experience.

If a disagreement has already developed—or a court petition challenging someone else's actions has been filed—look for an attorney who regularly handles contested probate proceedings.

Will Contests

A beneficiary or heir may sometimes challenge the validity of a will.

Possible disputes can involve allegations concerning:

• Undue influence
• Lack of testamentary capacity
• Fraud
• Improper execution
• Competing wills

The existence of family disagreement does not automatically make a will invalid.

A probate litigation attorney may need to examine the documents, witnesses, medical evidence, communications, and circumstances surrounding preparation and execution of the will.

If you expect a will contest, tell prospective attorneys early so they understand that the matter is not merely routine administration.

Probate vs. Trust Administration

Probate and trust administration are related but different.

Probate involves court-supervised administration of qualifying estate property.

A living trust generally allows property properly transferred into the trust to pass according to trust terms without the same formal probate process. California Courts notes that property held in a living trust can potentially transfer outside probate.

However, trust administration can still require substantial work.

A successor trustee may need to identify assets, communicate with beneficiaries, address debts and taxes, manage property, and distribute trust assets.

If a deceased person had both probate assets and trust assets, ask whether the attorney handles both estate and trust administration.

How Long Does Probate Take in California?

Probate is generally not an immediate process.

California Courts currently describes formal probate as typically taking approximately 9 to 18 months, although some estates take longer.

The timing can depend on:

• Estate complexity
• Real estate sales
• Creditor issues
• Tax matters
• Business interests
• Missing heirs
• Disputes
• Court scheduling

A contested estate can take substantially longer than a straightforward administration.

Ask prospective counsel what factors may affect the particular estate rather than relying on a generic estimate.

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer in Beverly Hills Cost?

California probate compensation is different from ordinary hourly legal billing in many matters.

California Courts explains that ordinary fees for the personal representative and the representative's probate attorney are generally established by law as percentages based on the estate's value. Attorney compensation may be higher when the case requires additional or unusually difficult work.

Probate also involves administrative expenses such as:

• Court filing fees
• Publication costs
• Probate referee or appraisal expenses
• Other estate-administration costs

California Courts notes that these administration expenses can exceed $1,000 and may be considerably higher in complex estates.

The exact attorney compensation and additional costs should be discussed directly with prospective counsel.

How Are Probate Expenses Paid?

Many probate expenses are ultimately payable from estate assets rather than personally by an individual beneficiary.

California Courts explains, however, that the personal representative may need to advance certain expenses initially and then seek reimbursement from the estate. Attorney and representative compensation is generally paid later in the probate process.

Ask the lawyer to explain:

• Which expenses must be paid initially
• Which expenses are reimbursable
• When attorney compensation is requested
• Whether extraordinary legal services could create additional fees

Understanding this distinction can prevent confusion about the cost of administering the estate.

Probate Cases in Los Angeles County

Beverly Hills is located within Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Division handles probate matters and provides probate forms, filing information, probate court rules, probate notes, self-help resources, and other court information.

The court also maintains an online case-search system that includes probate cases and is updated daily.

The appropriate filing location depends on the case and applicable Los Angeles Superior Court rules, so verify the current courthouse assignment rather than assuming a particular courthouse based only on the person's Beverly Hills address.

How Can I Verify a Probate Lawyer in Beverly Hills?

Before retaining an attorney, independently review professional information through the State Bar of California.

The State Bar's Attorney Search provides information concerning:

• License status
• Disciplinary history
• Administrative history

Then ask prospective attorneys about actual probate experience.

Useful questions include:

• How much of your practice involves probate?
• Do you handle uncontested estate administration?
• Do you handle contested probate?
• Do you represent executors and administrators?
• Do you represent beneficiaries?
• Do you handle estates involving real estate?
• Do you handle business interests?
• Do you handle trust administration as well?

A general trusts-and-estates description does not necessarily indicate extensive probate litigation experience.

Consider a Certified Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist

California recognizes Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law as an official certified legal specialty.

The State Bar explains that certified specialists must satisfy enhanced requirements including:

• At least five years of legal practice
• Substantial work in the specialty
• Passing a specialty examination
• Additional continuing legal education
• Favorable professional evaluations
• Broad experience in the specialty

Certification is not required to handle probate cases, and a certified specialist is not automatically the right lawyer for every estate.

However, it can be one additional qualification to consider, particularly for complicated estates, trusts, tax issues, or contested probate proceedings.

What Should I Ask During a Probate Lawyer Consultation?

Useful questions include:

• Does this estate actually require formal probate?
• Can any property transfer through a simplified procedure?
• Who should serve as personal representative?
• What happens if there is no will?
• What should be done with the deceased person's real estate?
• What creditor issues need attention?
• How should estate assets be inventoried?
• Are there business interests that require special handling?
• Is any dispute likely?
• How are probate attorney fees calculated?
• What expenses must be paid before reimbursement?
• Who will personally handle the probate case?

Bring available documents such as:

• Original will
• Trust documents
• Death certificate
• Property deeds
• Account statements
• Business documents
• Known creditor information

The attorney may need additional information before determining which probate process applies.

Why Use FaceLaw?

FaceLaw helps users discover, research, compare, evaluate, and connect with independent legal professionals.

For someone searching for a probate lawyer in Beverly Hills, FaceLaw can provide a starting point for reviewing available attorney profiles and comparing information related to:

• Probate practice
• Estate and trust experience
• Professional background
• Location
• Language information
• Other available attorney details

FaceLaw is a legal directory rather than a probate law firm.

Users should independently verify:

• California professional status
• Probate administration experience
• Probate litigation experience when relevant
• Real estate or business-estate experience
• Trust administration experience
• Consultation policies
• Attorney fees
• Current availability

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find a probate lawyer in Beverly Hills?

Use FaceLaw to browse available attorney profiles and compare probate experience, professional background, location, language information, and other available details. Then independently verify prospective lawyers.

2. What is probate in California?

Probate is the legal process used to transfer a deceased person's qualifying property, pay debts and obligations, and settle the person's financial affairs.

3. Does an estate have to go through probate if there is a will?

Possibly. Having a will does not automatically avoid probate. The required procedure depends on the assets, ownership structure, estate value, trusts, beneficiary designations, and other circumstances.

4. What happens if someone dies without a will?

The person is considered intestate, and California intestate succession rules determine who inherits qualifying estate property. The court may appoint an administrator to manage the probate estate.

5. What does an executor do?

An executor is a person named in a will and appointed by the court to manage the estate. Duties may include collecting assets, dealing with creditors, handling taxes, and distributing remaining property.

6. Can a small estate avoid formal probate?

Potentially. California offers simplified procedures for qualifying estates. For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, the current limit for certain personal-property small-estate procedures is $208,850.

7. Can a California home transfer without full probate?

In some circumstances. For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, California created a simplified procedure for a qualifying decedent's primary California residence valued up to $750,000. Additional requirements apply.

8. How long does probate usually take in California?

California Courts states that formal probate typically takes about 9 to 18 months, although complicated or disputed estates may take longer.

9. Who pays the deceased person's debts during probate?

The personal representative identifies and addresses valid creditor claims and generally pays qualifying estate debts from available estate assets before final distribution.

10. How are California probate attorney fees handled?

California Courts explains that ordinary probate attorney compensation is generally established by law based on the estate's value, while additional compensation may apply for more difficult or extraordinary work.

11. How can I verify a Beverly Hills probate lawyer?

Use the State Bar of California's Attorney Search to review license status and available disciplinary and administrative history. You can also consider whether the lawyer is a Certified Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist.

12. Does FaceLaw provide probate legal services?

No. FaceLaw is a legal directory and discovery platform. It helps users research and compare independent attorneys, while probate advice, court filings, estate administration, consultations, fees, and representation are provided directly by individual lawyers and law firms.

Conclusion

Finding the right probate lawyer in Beverly Hills begins with determining whether the estate actually requires formal probate.

California probate can involve appointment of an executor or administrator, notice to heirs and beneficiaries, inventory and appraisal of property, creditor claims, taxes, court reporting, and final distribution of remaining estate assets.

Formal probate may not be necessary for every asset. Property held in a living trust, jointly owned property with survivorship rights, beneficiary-designated assets, and qualifying smaller estates may transfer using other procedures.

California's simplified transfer rules also changed in 2025. For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025, the current maximum for certain small-estate personal-property procedures is $208,850, while a separate procedure may apply to a qualifying primary California residence valued up to $750,000.

For Beverly Hills estates involving valuable real estate, businesses, multiple beneficiaries, creditor issues, disputed wills, or disagreements over administration, relevant probate experience can be particularly important.

Before retaining counsel, independently verify professional information through the State Bar of California and ask directly whether the attorney handles routine probate administration, contested probate, trust administration, real estate, and business interests similar to those involved in the estate. California also certifies qualifying attorneys in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, which can be one additional credential to consider.

FaceLaw helps organize this search by allowing users to discover and compare available independent lawyer profiles. Review potentially relevant probate attorneys, verify their credentials and experience, discuss the estate directly with prospective lawyers, and choose an attorney whose experience, communication, fee structure, and approach fit the particular probate matter.