Probate Attorney in Los Angeles
Are you facing a probate dispute in Los Angeles involving real estate?
At Schorr Law, we specialize in resolving probate disputes that center on real property. Our experienced Los Angeles probate attorneys represent clients in legal conflicts that arise when real estate becomes part of a contested estate. Whether you are disputing ownership, facing a will contest over property, or dealing with unclear title issues, we are here to protect your rights and your interest in valuable property assets.
What Is Probate Litigation Involving Real Property?
Probate is the legal process for settling a person’s estate after they pass away. It involves proving the validity of the will (if one exists), identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to heirs and beneficiaries. In California, probate is handled by the Superior Court in the county where the deceased person lived.
Many probates in California involve selling real property that was owned by the deceased person. When the deceased person dies there can be disputes that arise out of the administration of the estate, the terms of the trust or other matters that impact real property – that is where the attorneys at Schorr Law come in to help resolve the probate dispute involving real property.
Why Do You Need a Probate Attorney in Los Angeles?
Our team focuses exclusively on resolving real estate-related disputes. We help clients:
- Contest or defend the validity of a will affecting property
- Resolve conflicts over rightful heirs or property beneficiaries
- Challenge or defend property transfers made before death
- Clarify title and ownership issues tied to estates
- Represent parties in court during property-related probate disputes
What Probate Services Do We Offer?
At Schorr Law, we provide comprehensive probate services, including:
- Will contests involving real estate
- Partition actions between co-heirs or beneficiaries
- Trust litigation related to property holdings
- Disputes over property distribution or misuse by executors
- Title issues or real property fraud in a probate context
When is it Not Necessary to File for Probate?
If the decedent placed major assets into a revocable living trust, probate can usually be avoided; the court steps in only when a trust dispute erupts or when an asset was left outside the trust and can’t be transferred by simpler means.
In California—and especially in Los Angeles County—probate can also be skipped when:
- The estate qualifies for the “small-estate affidavit”
- Certain assets are automatically excluded—joint-tenancy real estate, life-insurance proceeds, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, and transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds, see our guide to properties not subject to probate.
- Assets transfer by contract or deed, such as pay-on-death bank accounts or community-property with right of survivorship.
- A surviving spouse files a Spousal Property Petition, a streamlined alternative that bypasses full estate administration.
In short, a well-funded trust and thoughtful beneficiary designations are the best insurance against probate—court involvement is triggered only when documents are missing, assets are left out, or a conflict arises over trust management.
What Probate Litigation Matters Do Our Los Angeles Probate Attorneys Handle?
The Los Angeles probate attorneys at Schorr Law concentrate on contested estates—situations where a routine administration turns into a lawsuit. Typical matters include:
- Will contests (undue influence, lack of capacity, fraud, or revoked/forged wills)
- Trust & will disputes over ambiguous terms, omitted assets, or competing amendments
- Fiduciary-duty claims —suspension or removal of an executor or trustee for mismanagement, self-dealing, or failure to account
- Probate Code §§ 850 & 859 petitions to claw back real property, bank accounts, or crypto wrongfully taken before death
- Partition actions under the 2023 Partition of Real Property Act when heirs disagree on selling inherited real estate
- Elder financial-abuse & conservatorship litigation to protect vulnerable beneficiaries
- Heirship and entitlement determinations (omitted spouse/child, half-sibling disputes)
- Creditor objections and asset-valuation challenges that threaten to drain the estate
These complex disputes often demand discovery, expert valuation, motion practice, and—when necessary—trial before the Los Angeles Superior Court. For simple, uncontested probates where all parties agree, we’ll gladly refer you to trusted counsel who specialise in routine estate administration. When stakes are high or relations are strained, Schorr Law is ready to litigate and protect your interest.
Probate Litigation FAQs
How does real estate complicate probate disputes?
Real estate often carries high value and emotional ties, making it a common point of conflict. Disputes can involve unclear ownership, contested inheritances, or disagreements among heirs about selling or keeping the property.
Can you force the sale of inherited property?
Yes, if multiple heirs or beneficiaries inherit property and cannot agree on its use or sale, a partition action may be filed to force a sale and divide proceeds. The partition action can be filed in probate court or even as a regular civil matter. These situations also give rise to analysis of California’s 2023 Partition of Real Property Act which expanded the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act.
What if the will is unclear about the property?
Ambiguous language in a will or trust can lead to legal challenges. Our attorneys can help interpret documents and represent your interests in court.
What’s the difference between probate administration and probate litigation?
Administration is the routine court process of collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing an estate. Litigation arises when heirs, creditors, or fiduciaries dispute a will, trust, or the executor’s conduct—turning a straightforward filing into a lawsuit.
Which assets can skip probate in California?
Property in a revocable living trust, joint-tenancy real estate, TOD-deeded houses, life-insurance payouts, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, and estates under $184,500 (small-estate affidavit) transfer outside probate.
How long does probate take in Los Angeles County?
An uncontested estate generally closes in 9–18 months once the petition is filed; will contests, real-estate sales, or tax audits can push the timeline beyond two years.
Get Help from Los Angeles Probate Dispute Attorneys
If you’re involved in a dispute over real property in probate, or any other form of probate litigation, will contest, trust dispute, or contested estate administration, contact Schorr Law today. We focus on probate and real estate litigation— and we have the experience to guide you through complex probate conflicts / Los Angeles estate disputes with skill and strategy.
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We provide free consultations for qualified probate matters. Call us at (866) 718-2892, text (833) 249-1634, or email us to schedule.