Probate & Trust Administration for California Families

Probate and trust administration can feel overwhelming. At McIntosh Law Corporation, we guide executors, trustees, and families through every stage of the process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

  • Focused on California probate, trust administration, and estate litigation
  • Clear explanations of timelines, filings, and fiduciary duties
  • Experience resolving will contests, trust disputes, and complex estates
Schedule Your Free Consultation Learn How Probate Works in California

Serving families across Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area from our Aliso Viejo office.

Talk to a Probate & Trust Attorney

Share a few details and our team will review your situation. Many executors, trustees, and beneficiaries can avoid costly delays and disputes by getting legal guidance early.

Or call (562) 216-2608 to speak with McIntosh Law Corporation.

What Probate and Trust Administration Mean in California

Probate and trust administration make sure a person’s assets are collected, managed, and distributed according to their estate plan or, when no plan exists, in line with California law. These processes often involve detailed court filings, strict timelines, and coordination among heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and financial institutions.

At McIntosh Law Corporation, our attorneys help executors, administrators, and trustees understand exactly what is required of them. Whether you need to open a probate, interpret a trust, or resolve a dispute among beneficiaries, our firm combines legal precision with compassionate guidance to protect your interests and the decedent’s intent.

Common Probate and Trust Challenges We See

Every estate is different, but many clients come to us with similar concerns:

  • “I was just named executor or successor trustee. What exactly am I supposed to do?”
  • “There is no will, or the will is unclear. Who inherits what?”
  • “Some family members disagree about how the estate or trust should be handled.”
  • “I’m worried about personal liability if something is done wrong.”

Without guidance, these issues can lead to disputes, delays, and avoidable expense. Our probate and trust attorneys help you navigate these responsibilities step by step so you can move the process forward with confidence.

How McIntosh Law Corporation Supports You

From the first call, our focus is on clarity and follow-through. We explain where you are in the process, what the court and beneficiaries will expect, and what our team will handle for you. Typical services include:

  • Determining whether probate is required and what type of California proceeding applies
  • Preparing and filing petitions, notices, and other required court documents
  • Guiding executors and trustees on their fiduciary duties and decision-making
  • Helping identify, inventory, and value estate and trust assets
  • Managing creditor claims, taxes, and distributions to beneficiaries
  • Handling will contests, trust disputes, and estate litigation when conflicts arise

You do not have to become an expert in California probate and trust law overnight. You get a legal team that has been doing this work for years and knows how to keep your matter moving while protecting your rights and responsibilities.

Why Families Choose McIntosh Law

  • Decades of experience in probate, trust, and estate litigation
  • Compassionate, step-by-step guidance for families across Orange County
  • Detail-oriented handling of filings, notices, and accountings
  • Reputation for responsiveness and clear communication

“Guiding families with compassion, protecting legacies with precision.”

— McIntosh Law Corporation

Not Sure if You Need Probate?

Not every estate requires a full probate, and some assets may pass through a trust or by beneficiary designation. A short conversation with our team can help you understand your options and next steps.

Ask a Probate & Trust Question

What Working With McIntosh Law Looks Like

Our process is designed to make each stage of probate or trust administration predictable and manageable, while honoring your loved one’s wishes and complying with California law.

  1. Initial consultation. We review your situation, any will or trust documents, and the structure of the estate to determine what the court will require.
  2. Plan and timeline. We outline the major steps, estimated time frames, and who will handle what, so you know what to expect.
  3. File and notify. Our team prepares and files the petitions, notices, and related documents and ensures that required parties receive notice.
  4. Administer the estate or trust. We help manage assets, address creditors and taxes, and guide distributions to beneficiaries in compliance with fiduciary duties.
  5. Close the matter. We assist with final accountings, reporting, and court approvals so the estate or trust can be closed correctly.

At every stage, you receive updates, clear explanations, and a legal team that is committed to moving your case forward efficiently and respectfully.

Who We Help Most Often

  • Executors and personal representatives handling California probate
  • Successor trustees administering revocable and irrevocable trusts
  • Spouses, adult children, and other beneficiaries seeking clarity and fairness
  • Families facing will contests, trust disputes, or questions about inherited property

If you are unsure whether your situation fits any of these, that is exactly when a consultation with our probate and trust team can help.

Frequently Asked Probate & Trust Questions

The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, court scheduling, and whether any disputes arise. Some matters can be completed in under a year, while more complex or contested cases may take longer. From the start, we set realistic expectations and work to keep your case moving efficiently.

No. Some estates are administered primarily through a trust or through assets that pass outside of probate, such as accounts with beneficiary designations or jointly held property. During your consultation, we review the estate structure and explain which assets require probate and which may not.

Disputes may involve questions about capacity, undue influence, unclear language, or how a fiduciary is handling the estate or trust. McIntosh Law Corporation has significant experience in probate, trust, and estate litigation. We work to resolve disputes through negotiation when possible and are prepared to advocate for you in court when necessary.

Fees depend on the complexity of the matter, whether litigation is involved, and how the estate or trust is structured. During your free initial consultation, we explain the fee structure, anticipated costs, and how fees are typically paid from the estate or trust, so you have a clear understanding before moving forward.

Get Answers for Your Situation

Every estate and trust is unique. The fastest way to get clarity is to talk with an attorney who focuses on probate, trust administration, and estate litigation in California.

Request a Probate & Trust Case Review

Take the Next Step Toward Resolving the Estate

Whether you are just starting the probate or trust process, or you are already in the middle of it and facing questions or conflict, McIntosh Law Corporation is here to help. Our goal is to make the process efficient, transparent, and fair for everyone involved.

Call (562) 216-2608 or use the form above to schedule your free consultation. We will review your situation, explain your options, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

McIntosh Law Corporation • 15 Enterprise, Suite 250, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 • emac@themcintoshlaw.com

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If you reach us after hours, leave a message or send an email and our team will follow up promptly.