JILL N. ROBBINS
Certified Specialist in Trusts & Estates
Law Office of
Estate Planning
Preparing for the end of life is a priceless gift to your family. Let me help design a plan that fits your needs and the size of your estate. There are very specific legal methods to help keep your estate out of probate court after you pass away. An improperly prepared Trust or Will can wreak havoc on your family and cost thousands of dollars to your beneficiaries after you die. Hiring an attorney with experience whose practice is focused on estate planning is crucial. Whether you need Powers of Attorney for Financial Matters or Healthcare decisions, a Will, a Trust, or other beneficiary designation planning, I am here to assist you.
Trust Administration
When a loved one passes away with a Trust, then court proceedings are generally not required. However, the advice of an experienced attorney is essential to guide the trustee as assets are transferred from the Trust to the beneficiaries. All trustees have specific fiduciary duties to the Trust beneficiaries and the safest way to make sure you do not breach those duties is to consult with an experienced Trust attorney. From the initial notifications required by law to the final accounting and distribution, I will walk you through each step required to finalize the trust administration process.
Probate
Probate is the legal process of transferring a person's assets after they pass away, whether they left a valid Will or no Will at all. In California, if the estate's gross value exceeds $208,850, a court supervised probate is generally required. For estates valued under that threshold, or for a primary residence, several simplified procedures may be available. Our firm can help you to determine the right approach for your situation and guide you through every step of the process- from filing the initial petition to closing the estate- so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Probate & Trust Litigation
Unfortunately, sometimes families cannot agree on how assets should be distributed or managed and court involvement is absolutely necessary to resolve these issues. In times like these, you want someone who understands the intricacies of the Probate Code and is going to use that knowledge to fight for your rights. You can count on me to provide you with sage legal advice and to be a zealous advocate for you throughout court proceedings.
Practice Areas
Conservatorships &
Guardianships
At times, court assistance is needed to obtain legal rights to help make personal and financial decisions for another person. An elderly parent, a child with no parent, or an adult with mental disabilities all can benefit from a court appointed guardian or conservator. The requirements for filing this type of petition can be cumbersome and confusing. Let us help you navigate this process so you can have legal authority to make decisions on behalf of another.