JKZ LLP
JKZ LLP

Call 415-693-0550

To Consult With An Experienced Attorney

Serving The Bay Area And All Of California For More Than A Decade

Photo of the reception room of JKZ LLP

Probate And Trust Attorneys Ready To Handle Your Estate Administration Needs

Last updated on April 7, 2026

How an estate is administered after someone’s death depends on several factors. Did the deceased leave behind an estate plan? If so, did they include a trust? How extensive and complex are the deceased’s assets and debts?

JKZ LLP represents executors, heirs and beneficiaries in probate and trust administration. Whatever your role in the probate process is, we will give you advice. Our attorneys will work closely with you throughout the process to help deliver results that are right for you.

Estate Administration

Many people use the terms “estate administration” and “probate” synonymously. However, they are two separate processes with different meanings. Estate administration refers to the process of managing a decedent’s estate, distributing their assets and formally closing the estate with the court. It is the overarching term for what personal representatives do to close a deceased person’s estate. It may or may not involve probate. Some of the tasks involved in estate administration include:

  • Lodging or filing the will with the court
  • Notifying creditors and repaying debts
  • Filing taxes
  • Taking inventory of assets
  • Appraising the value of assets
  • Contacting beneficiaries
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries

In cases where the decedent had a trust, the assets held in that trust do not have to pass through probate. Sometimes, a spousal petition or a small estate set aside will avoid a full, lengthy probate. If the decedent owned property in a state other than where they lived, an ancillary probate may be necessary. This is often necessary for estates with extensive real estate holdings. Our firm is skilled in assisting executors to handle estates with interstate and even international assets.

Probate Overview

Probate is a court-supervised process that transfers legal title to someone’s assets after that person dies. The probate process involves transferring property and assets, paying the debts of the estate, and notifying beneficiaries. Many steps and technical rules are involved in probating an estate, and sometimes, multiple court appearances are required. In California, estates do not have to go through probate if:

  • The value of assets is less than $208,850.
  • Property is in a trust, has a beneficiary designation or has a second owner.

Probate court is also the forum through which will contests, trust contests or fiduciary challenges regarding a trust or estate are settled. Attorney fees and other probate fees are set by statute. JKZ LLP represents executors of estates in the probate process, as well as clients involved in probate and trust litigation.

Trust Administration

The administration of a trust operates outside of probate court, which can speed up the process of settling the deceased’s estate. Depending on the terms of the trust, the trustee may distribute the assets to the beneficiaries immediately or continue to administer them in the beneficiaries’ best interests, possibly with regular disbursements to the beneficiaries.

Our firm handles probate proceedings and trust contests anywhere in California. Are you a beneficiary of a trust or an estate? You may have questions or require assistance in determining your rights as a beneficiary of a trust or will, or as a legal heir to an estate. Getting proper legal advice at the onset can often expedite the process, as well as mitigate issues and offer necessary support.

Who Is In Charge Of Administering An Estate In California?

The person responsible for overseeing the administration of a deceased individual’s estate in California is known as the personal representative. This umbrella term includes both executors and administrators, depending on the circumstances of the estate. Understanding their distinctions can help beneficiaries and family members navigate the process more effectively.

An executor is named in a valid will and is tasked with carrying out the decedent’s wishes as outlined in their will. Examples include managing the estate’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries.

By contrast, an administrator is appointed by the probate court when there is no will or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. While administrator duties mirror those of an executor, they must follow California’s intestate succession laws when distributing assets.

The term “personal representative” refers to either an executor or an administrator. It is used in probate proceedings to describe the individual legally authorized to act on behalf of the estate. Regardless of title, the personal representative must adhere to strict fiduciary duties and comply with California Probate Code requirements.

Beneficiaries play an important role in estate administration, even though they do not manage the process directly. Their rights include receiving timely notice of probate, reviewing the inventory of estate assets and objecting to actions they believe are improper or contrary to the decedent’s intent. They may also petition the court to remove a personal representative who fails to perform their duties or breaches their fiduciary obligations.

Some of the key responsibilities and rights of beneficiaries during estate administration can include:

  • Reviewing court filings and accountings
  • Communicating concerns to the personal representative
  • Attending probate hearings when necessary
  • Filing objections or petitions if disputes arise

While beneficiaries do not control the administration, their involvement can help promote transparency and accountability. A skilled probate attorney can help beneficiaries and personal representatives understand their rights and protect their interests throughout the probate process.

Get Real Information About California Probate And Trust Administration

Call us at 415-693-0550 to schedule a consultation at our San Francisco office. Our lawyers and staff are multilingual, making it easier for you to speak to us in your preferred language.