Estate Planning and Probate in Orange County, CA

Codi M. Dada Law Office P.C. helps Orange County residents plan for their families and navigate estate and trust administration. Consultations can begin remotely; the firm’s office is in Novato.

Separate planning for your family from administering an existing estate

For an Orange County resident, the first question is whether you are planning ahead or handling a death that has already occurred. Planning starts with your choices about decision makers and beneficiaries. Administration starts with existing documents, ownership records and the authority to act. Combining those two tasks too early can create confusion. Tell the firm which situation applies so the first meeting can focus on the right records and decisions.

When you are handling an estate or trust

Orange County Superior Court offers a wills-and-trusts resource describing court-supervised estates and the appointment of a personal representative. A person named in a will should not assume that the nomination alone supplies court authority. If relatives are discussing a sale or distribution, gather the will, trust if any, death certificate and current title records before taking action. The firm can evaluate the appropriate transfer procedure.

Questions to bring to a consultation

• Are we planning ahead or administering an estate?
• Has a representative already been appointed?
• Is property located outside California as well?

Choose the service that fits your situation

Estate planning covers preparing and coordinating your documents. Trust administration addresses carrying out an existing trust. Probate administration concerns court-supervised estates. The first discussion can help identify which service is appropriate.

Official local resource

Orange County Superior Court probate resources provide current procedural information. Requirements depend on the particular matter; verify the instructions for your case before filing.