Probate Lawyer in Marin County, CA

Trusted Probate Lawyer in Marin County, CA

When a loved one passes away in Marin County, the paperwork often feels heavier than the loss itself. Codi M. Dada helps executors, trustees, and grieving families move through Marin County Superior Court without the confusion that usually slows probate down.

Reserve a Free 15-Minute Case Review

A short call can tell you more than hours of searching online. Bring your questions about a pending Marin County probate filing, a trust you need to fund, or an estate you’re unsure how to start settling, and leave the call with a real next step.

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Steady Legal Support for Marin County Families

Marin County runs its probate matters through the Civic Center courthouse on Thursdays, and the calendar there fills quickly. Missing a filing window or submitting incomplete paperwork can push a case back weeks, which is the last thing a grieving family needs.
Our office keeps track of these local timelines so clients don’t have to. Whether you’re an executor named in a will for the first time or a trustee managing property across Marin, we translate the legal process into decisions you can actually make with confidence.

Recognized for Excellence in Estate Planning

One Point of Contact From Filing to Closing

Probate cases rarely move in a straight line. Creditor claims surface, property needs appraisal, and beneficiaries sometimes disagree on next steps. Rather than shuffling you between paralegals, Codi Dada personally oversees each Marin County case from the initial petition through final distribution.

That continuity matters most when questions come up outside business hours or when a hearing date shifts. You’ll always know exactly who to call and what stage your case has reached.

What Happens Inside Marin County Superior Court

Probate matters at Marin County Superior Court are heard in Courtroom C, and the court’s probate window sits in Room 113 at the Civic Center. Understanding this process ahead of time removes most of the anxiety families feel walking in.

Probate Administration

We prepare and file your petition, calendar every Marin County hearing date, and represent the estate directly with the probate clerk so paperwork never sits idle.

Probate Services

From locating and valuing estate assets to resolving creditor claims within California’s statutory deadlines, we manage the details that typically slow first-time executors down.

Estate Planning

We draft trusts, wills, and advance directives designed around Marin County’s high property values, keeping your family’s real estate and assets out of the probate system altogether.

Trust Administration

When a trust needs to be settled rather than a will probated, we guide trustees through notifications, accountings, and distributions while limiting personal liability exposure.

Codi M. Dada, Esq. — A Steady Hand for Marin County Estates

Codi Dada built his practice around a simple observation: most people who need a probate lawyer have never dealt with one before. That’s why he explains each filing in plain language before it goes to Marin County Superior Court, not after.

Clients across Marin County work directly with him rather than being routed through a call center. Every case gets a lawyer who already knows the local courthouse, its clerks, and its calendar.

How We Work With Marin County Clients

Discovery Consultation

We start with a free 15-minute call to understand the estate, the family situation, and whether you're facing a probate filing, a trust that needs administration, or planning ahead for your own estate.

Strategy & Transparent Pricing

You receive a flat-fee quote before we file anything with Marin County Superior Court. No hourly surprises, no vague estimates, just a number you can plan around.

Execution & Peace of Mind

We handle every filing, hearing, and notice on your behalf, keeping you updated at each stage until the estate closes and assets reach the people who were meant to receive them.

2026 Top 3 Rated Legal Excellence Award

BusinessRate’s independent review, cross-checked against verified Google reviews, named the Law Office of Codi M. Dada among the top three-rated legal service providers serving Marin County this year. The recognition reflects a track record of transparent billing and consistent client communication throughout the probate process.

Flat Fees, No Surprise Invoices

Marin County’s statutory probate fees are already public and predictable, so there’s no reason your legal bill shouldn’t be too. We quote a flat fee upfront based on the estate’s value and confirm it in writing before any work begins.

If your case grows more complex than expected, we discuss it with you first. You’ll never open an invoice and find charges you didn’t agree to.

Local Knowledge That Speeds Up Your Case

Marin County Superior Court sits inside the Civic Center, a building recognized nationally for its architecture and known locally for how strictly it enforces its filing procedures. Probate hearings run on Thursdays in Courtroom C, and documents filed even slightly out of format can bounce back from the clerk’s office.

Because we file in this courthouse regularly, we know what the probate division expects on each form before it’s submitted. That familiarity often means the difference between a case that moves in months and one that stalls for a year.

No Hidden Fees, Just Honest Legal Work

The traditional law firm model relies on unpredictable hourly billing. At Novato Lawyers, we believe Santa Rosa families deserve better. We offer flat-fee pricing for our estate planning packages.

You will know exactly what your investment is before we ever begin working. For probate cases, fees are strictly regulated by the California Probate Code, and we walk you through every statutory cost upfront.

Deep Understanding of Sonoma County Law

Santa Rosa is a vibrant community, and we are proud to serve its residents—from Rincon Valley to Bennett Valley, Fountaingrove, and Roseland.  
Because probate matters for Santa Rosa residents are processed through the Sonoma County Superior Court, having an attorney who understands local court rules, filing procedures, and local probate referees is crucial to avoiding administrative delays.

What Our Clients Are Saying

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 98 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Nancy Hybarger 
 April 6, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Codi Dada is everything I needed . Very thorough , his staff were also excellent . I highly recommend him . Thank-you .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Rose 
 March 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, calm, efficient, competent are the words to describe Lukas. He didn’t miss a beat with my transaction. I would recommend him to anyone.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Victoria St john 
 March 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Codi was amazing if I could give him 10 stars I would!  He helped me with my trust and was very patient, informative and very kind. He made the process easy. I highly recommend him!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dave Bohler 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm extremely happy with the trust documents Lukas prepared for me. He was very professional,  friendly and patiently explained the documents in detail for me. He answered all of my questions to my toral satisfaction. The entire process was accomplished very quickly and throughly.  The cost of the package was, in my opinion, very fair. It was actually a real pleasure meeting and working with Lukas and Daniel to do the final signing to finish off the package.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laniea McCarthy 
 March 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I met with Lucas today and finalized my Living Trust and Health directive. I was glad to go thru the many pages and clarify all of the documents with Lucas. It made it easier to understand it. Lucas was really patient and also met with the notary which was Daniel Dada. He arrived on time and we got everything signed. I would definitely recommend Codi and Lucas to anyone in the future. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gabriel Stern 
 March 11, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lucas and Codi first provided clear advice and then proceeded to create a new Grant Deed to replace an existing one that had an error.  Done efficiently and quickly.  Thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Edgar Vega 
 February 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am currently working with Codi M. Dada to handle my late father’s estate. Probate is a long and confusing process, but Codi has been very helpful in getting the paperwork started so I can be named as the administrator of the estate. He is professional, explains the statutory fees under the California Probate Code clearly , and has made a difficult time much easier to navigate. I highly recommend him if you are just starting this process!
  
 
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   Chad Castilla 
 February 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t recommend a better attorney for the probate process. Codi genuinely has the heart of a teacher and makes sure you understand every step from start to finish. He takes the time to walk through everything in plain, easy-to-understand terms, never rushes you, and answers questions thoroughly. His pricing is very reasonable, and the clarity and support he provides throughout the process made a stressful situation feel manageable.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe 
 January 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. These guys kicked ass. The upmost professionalism and courtesy. I highly recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina Croco 
 January 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Codi was wonderful in helping to prepare a family trust. He is kind, patient, trustworthy, and most importantly, skilled and knowledgeable in all things trust related. He felt more like a friend than a hired professional. I highly recommend reaching out if you are in need of his services.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Where is probate handled for Marin County estates?

All Marin County probate matters are filed and heard at the Civic Center courthouse at 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael, with probate hearings currently scheduled on Thursdays.

How long does probate take in Marin County?

A straightforward, uncontested case typically closes within nine to fourteen months. Estates with real property, out-of-state assets, or disputes among beneficiaries often take longer.

Is probate required if the estate includes a home in Marin County?

Real property held solely in the deceased person’s name usually requires probate, given Marin County’s high average home values. Property held in a trust or joint tenancy generally bypasses the process.

What does an executor actually have to do in Marin County?

An executor files the petition, notifies heirs and creditors, inventories assets, pays valid debts, and eventually petitions the court for final distribution. Missing any step can delay closing the estate.

Can probate be avoided for a Marin County estate?

Yes, primarily through a properly funded revocable living trust. Given local property values, many families use trusts specifically to keep real estate out of the probate court process.

Do all Marin County probate hearings require an in-person appearance?

Not always. Many routine matters can proceed on the court’s written record, though contested issues or specific judicial requests may still call for an appearance in the courtroom.

What happens if a Marin County resident dies without a will?

The estate is distributed according to California’s intestate succession laws, which follow a fixed order of relatives regardless of what the deceased may have intended informally.

What is a Pour-Over Will and why does it matter with a trust?

A Pour-Over Will catches any assets accidentally left outside your trust and directs them into it after death, acting as a backstop for an otherwise complete estate plan.

Let's Get Your Marin County Estate Matter Moving

Whether you’re staring at a probate deadline or want to make sure your own estate never sees a courtroom, a short call is the fastest way to find out where you stand. Reach out today for a free consultation.