San Pedro Probate Lawyer

Experienced San Pedro Probate Attorney

If you have recently lost a loved one, you may already know how difficult it can be to try to settle an estate—especially if you are grieving at the same time. When your loved one’s estate must go through the process of probate, an experienced attorney can help you every step of the way. Contact a seasoned San Pedro probate lawyer for the support you need.

About Meinzer Law Firm, PC – San Pedro Estate Planning Lawyers

At Meinzer Law Firm, PC, we are well-equipped to handle a wide variety of estate legal matters, including probate cases. Our attorney, Andrew M. Meinzer, brings more than two decades of experience advocating for clients who are dealing with a loved one’s assets after their death. While we can be available by email or phone, we often meet our clients at our Torrance office, conveniently located just up the 110 at 3878 West Carson Street.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the process of settling a deceased person’s estate. In most cases, an estate must go through probate regardless of whether there is a will in place, although a will can simplify things by naming an executor of the estate and giving directions for the deceased person’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets.

During probate, the deceased person’s assets are all brought together. This can be a considerable task, especially in cases wherein the deceased had a wide variety of assets in different forms and in different locations.

Assets are usually appraised to determine true value for the estate. After assets have been collected, creditors and anyone else with an interest in the deceased’s estate should be notified of the open probate case.

These creditors or others who may have a claim to part of the estate may then put forward such claims, which are then evaluated to determine their validity. Any claimants who should be paid must be paid from the value of the estate. After any relevant creditors have been paid, the remainder of the estate’s assets can be distributed according to the deceased person’s will. If there is no will, the assets are distributed according to California’s intestate succession laws.

Probate can be a long and tedious process, which is one of the reasons why some people employ estate planning strategies such as trusts, which have the potential to hold some assets out of probate. Unfortunately, only about one-third of adults in America have a will, much less a comprehensive estate plan.

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?

A probate lawyer’s job is to guide the executor of a deceased person’s estate through the process of probate. The attorney can help by gathering appropriate documentation, making sure the client files necessary forms on time, and even handling communication between the client and the deceased person’s creditors, if applicable.

Probate attorneys can also handle the administrative tasks of paying creditors, vetting creditor claims, locating assets, determining liabilities, and more. In addition to the paperwork and tedious tasks associated with executing an estate and dealing with probate, a lawyer can help an executor understand where they are in the legal process and discourage any actions that might delay probate’s conclusion or cause complications in the case.

There are many mistakes a person can make when going through the process of probate. For example, sometimes executors of an estate try to distribute assets before all liabilities have been taken care of. This can lead to confusion as well as liabilities for the estate or the executor. Another common mistake is missing filing deadlines, which can also cause delays in a probate case.

When Should You Hire a Probate Lawyer?

In San Pedro, if you have a recently deceased loved one and you are the executor of their estate, you should hire a probate lawyer as soon as you are able to do so. The sooner you begin the process of preparing for probate, the more confident you can be going forward. Even if you have not yet opened a probate case, it is still beneficial to go ahead and enlist legal assistance. Your lawyer can open the case for you.

FAQs

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?

Hourly rates for probate lawyers vary, as most attorneys set their own rates and fee structures. Overall cost for a probate lawyer may depend on several factors, including the length of time it takes to resolve the case and the complexity of the estate, among other factors. Keep in mind when choosing an attorney that their experience can make all the difference in how probate goes for you.

What if a Person Dies Without a Will?

If a person dies without a will, their estate is still automatically put through probate. If there is no executor of the estate from the deceased person’s family, the court can appoint one. After the process of probate is complete, the remainder of the deceased person’s estate is distributed to the deceased’s next of kin according to California’s intestate succession laws.

What Are Some Common Probate Mistakes?

There are many potential mistakes that can slow down the probate process. Some of the most common include failure to notify creditors or other interested parties about the probate case, missing deadlines to file paperwork, premature distribution of assets, mixing estate money with personal money, record-keeping mistakes, and others. Hiring a probate lawyer can help you avoid many of these common pitfalls.

Are All Estates Required to Go Through Probate?

Generally, yes. Some estates, if they are of low enough value, may be eligible for probate that does not involve full administration. As of 2025, if an estate is worth less than $208,850, it could be eligible for such proceedings. If you believe your deceased loved one’s estate value falls below this threshold, your attorney should be able to help you make that determination and lead you through your next steps.

Hire a Probate Lawyer Today: Contact Meinzer Law Firm, PC

If you find yourself facing the probate process for a deceased loved one’s estate, an experienced probate attorney can assist you through it. Contact Meinzer Law Firm, PC, to discuss your needs and find out how we can help.