Los Angeles County Probate Attorney

When someone passes away in Los Angeles County, settling their estate often requires filing a probate petition with the Los Angeles Superior Court. The probate division handles thousands of cases annually, and the court process can be intimidating without proper legal guidance. Whether you’re filing at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown or handling your case through one of the regional courthouses, understanding LA County’s specific requirements is essential to avoid costly delays.

Los Angeles County probate cases are filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse located at 111 North Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles. This central probate court manages all formal probate proceedings for the county, including petitions to probate wills, appointments of administrators when someone dies without a will, trust contests, and conservatorships. The court requires strict adherence to filing procedures, document formatting, and notification requirements under California Probate Code.

Los Angeles County’s probate court doesn’t provide legal advice. Court clerks can tell you what forms to file but cannot help you complete them or advise you on legal strategy. Many executors attempt to navigate the process alone, only to find themselves overwhelmed by technical requirements, confused by court procedures, or facing objections from beneficiaries who question their decisions. Having an experienced probate attorney familiar with LA County’s local rules and courthouse procedures can prevent costly mistakes and keep your case moving forward efficiently.

What Makes LA County Probate Different

Los Angeles County’s probate court operates under specific local rules in addition to statewide California Probate Code requirements. These local rules dictate everything from how documents must be formatted to how hearings are scheduled. The court’s high volume means that even minor errors in your petition or supporting documents can result in continuances that delay your case by months. Many first-time executors discover too late that LA County expects precise compliance with notice requirements to heirs and creditors, proper valuations of estate assets, and timely filing of inventories and accountings.

The probate court calendar in Los Angeles moves quickly. Once you file your initial petition (form DE-111), the court typically schedules your first hearing within 45 days. At that hearing, the judge reviews your petition, verifies that all required parties received proper notice, and determines whether you’ve met the legal standards for appointment as executor or administrator. Missing documents, improper notice, or incomplete bond information can derail your appointment, forcing you to start portions of the process over again.

Common LA County Probate Court Filings

The most common filing in LA County probate court is the Petition for Probate (DE-111). This comprehensive document identifies the deceased person, lists their assets, names all heirs and beneficiaries, and requests the court to officially recognize the will and appoint you as executor. If there’s no will, you’ll file a similar petition requesting appointment as administrator. Both require attaching the original will (if one exists), a death certificate, and filing fees that currently run several hundred dollars depending on estate value.

After your appointment, LA County probate court requires ongoing filings throughout the administration process. The Inventory and Appraisal (DE-160) must be completed within four months, listing every asset the deceased owned and its date-of-death value. Creditor claims must be reviewed and either approved or rejected using specific court forms. When you’re ready to distribute assets and close the estate, you’ll file a Petition for Final Distribution and obtain court approval before making final payments to beneficiaries.

Executor Challenges in LA County

Serving as an executor in Los Angeles County carries significant responsibility. You’re personally liable for mistakes in administration, from paying the wrong creditors to distributing assets before the creditor claim period expires. LA County’s probate court takes executor misconduct seriously—beneficiaries can petition to remove you if they believe you’re not fulfilling your duties properly or if you fail to provide regular accountings. The court can also hold you personally responsible for estate losses caused by negligent management or unauthorized actions.

Real estate often complicates LA County probate cases. If the deceased owned property in Los Angeles County, you’ll need court approval before selling it, and you must obtain a formal appraisal from a court-appointed probate referee. The court scrutinizes real estate transactions carefully to ensure executors aren’t selling property below market value or engaging in self-dealing. You’ll also need to continue paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs while the property remains in the estate, which can strain estate funds if probate stretches on for many months.