The Law Office of Peter Cianchetta is here to help you with all of your Estate needs.  We represent administrators, executors, trustees, conservators, guardians and beneficiaries in the probate of estates, in the administration of trusts and in will and trust contests.

Probate – An estate must be probated if the value is greater than $100,000 in California.  If the value is less than $100,000 there are summary procedures to be followed for distribution of assets.  We assist clients in both probating an estate and summary distribution of estates.  Probate is a complex process that involves Court approval of distributing an estate after gathering all of the assets, notifying creditors, paying final expenses and claims, paying taxes and finally distributing the estate.  The attorney fees for probating an estate are established by statute.  California Probate Code Section 10810.  The Attorney fees and Administrator fees are the same amount.  The State does not take any property, however the Probate Referee that values the estate must be paid and the bill is 0.1% of what they value plus some incidental expenses.

Trust Administration – Like Probate, administering a Trust involves the same steps without the Court’s approval.  Trust Administration is usually faster than Probate, however it can be as complex. There are mandatory laws and notifications to follow, therefore it is advisable to obtain competent legal advice to assist in the administration of a Trust.

Estate Planning – Deciding who will receive what property of yours when you pass is your right.  Reducing the expenses associated with administering your estate is also your right.  Both can be accomplished with proper Estate Planning.  No Estate Plan fits everyone.  Just like we all are unique individuals, our Estate Plans should be just as individual.  We have prepared many estate plans and each time we work with clients one on one and individualize the Estate Plan for each person.