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A Skilled California Probate and Trust Administration Law Firm

Experienced California trust and estates attorney helps guide you through the process
Probate occurs after what is, typically, a painful emotional loss. Attorney Collins has more than 30 years of experience in probate law and know how to ease the stress of probate by guiding executors and beneficiaries through the complex process.

The process of probate
Most executors have rarely, if ever, probated a will. They know little about the process. Collins & Associates can guide you through all aspects of probate, including:

  • Filing the will with the California probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate

Valuing and managing the estate
We assist executors with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. Collins & Associates has a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate probate. When appropriate, the firm calls upon accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles, and other collectables for accurate valuation, management, and possible sale.

Probate disputes
Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between beneficiaries. Our professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally charged process of probating a challenged will or a disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interests of our client to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating these disputes. When necessary, we assertively defend our client’s beneficiary rights within the California probate court.

Contact a thorough estate planning lawyer today

We serve clients in Santa Barbara and throughout California. To schedule an appointment today, call us at 805.730.1333 or contact us online.