Cerritos Probate and Trust Administration Lawyer

Guiding Southern California Families Through Life’s Most Difficult Transitions

Losing a loved one is never easy. In addition to the emotional loss, there are often complex legal and financial matters that must be addressed. Property has to be transferred, debts must be paid, and someone must ensure that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out properly.

Georgia N. Kezios helps families navigate the legal process that follows the death of a loved one, whether that means going through probate, managing trust administration, or using a probate alternative such as a Small Estate Affidavit.

We understand how overwhelming this process can feel, especially when you’re already grieving. Our goal is to make it as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible. We’ll guide you through every step, handle the legal details, and help you make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.

Probate in California

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. It ensures that debts are paid, taxes are settled, and remaining property is distributed to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.

If your loved one died with a will, the person named as executor is responsible for carrying out those instructions under court supervision. If there was no will, the court will appoint someone—usually a close relative—to serve as the personal representative. In either case, the process must follow California’s probate laws and timelines.

The general steps in a California probate case include:

Filing a Petition with the Probate Court. The court appoints the personal representative and issues “Letters Testamentary” or “Letters of Administration,” which give that person authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Notifying Heirs and Creditors. The representative must provide formal notice to heirs, beneficiaries, and potential creditors.
Inventorying and Appraising Assets. The estate’s property, including real estate, financial accounts, and personal items, must be identified, valued, and reported to the court.
Paying Debts and Taxes. The representative must ensure that all valid debts, expenses, and taxes are paid before any property is distributed.
Distributing the Estate. Once the court approves the accounting, the remaining assets are distributed according to the will or, if there is no will, according to California’s intestacy laws.

Probate can take anywhere from several months to more than a year to complete, depending on the complexity of the estate, the number of beneficiaries, and whether any disputes arise. Having an experienced attorney ensures the process is completed correctly, efficiently, and with minimal conflict.

Legal and Practical Issues That Can Arise in Probate

Even straightforward estates can encounter complications during probate. Common issues include:

Disputes among heirs over the validity of a will or the interpretation of its terms
Delays caused by missing documents, creditor claims, or unclear asset titles
Disagreements about how to value or distribute certain property
Executors or administrators unsure of their legal responsibilities

We handle these issues every day and know how to resolve them before they become costly or contentious. We’ll make sure deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly, and the estate is administered according to California law and the decedent’s wishes.

What Is Trust Administration?

When a person creates a revocable living trust, most or all of their property is titled in the name of the trust. After their death, the successor trustee—the person they appointed to manage the trust—must carry out the trust’s terms and distribute the assets to the beneficiaries.

Unlike probate, trust administration is not a court-supervised process. It’s typically faster, more private, and less expensive. However, it still requires careful attention to legal requirements and fiduciary duties.

The successor trustee must:

Notify beneficiaries and certain heirs of the decedent’s death and their rights under the trust
Identify and gather all trust assets
Obtain appraisals and determine fair market values
Pay final debts, taxes, and expenses
Manage or liquidate assets as needed
Distribute the remaining property according to the trust’s terms

Even though trust administration avoids court involvement, the trustee still carries serious legal responsibilities. Mistakes, such as failing to provide notices, mismanaging funds, or distributing assets too early, can lead to disputes and personal liability for the trustee.

We assist trustees with every step of the process, from interpreting the trust and sending the proper notices to managing assets and preparing accountings. We also help beneficiaries understand their rights and ensure they receive what the trust entitles them to.

Probate Alternatives: The Small Estate Affidavit

Not every estate requires a full probate proceeding. In California, if the total value of the decedent’s property does not exceed the small estate threshold (currently $184,500), heirs may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit to collect assets without going to court.

This procedure can be used to claim property such as bank accounts, personal belongings, and sometimes even vehicles. It cannot be used if there is real estate that needs to be transferred unless a separate simplified petition process applies.

To use a Small Estate Affidavit, the following conditions generally must be met:

At least 40 days have passed since the person’s death
The total value of the estate, excluding certain exempt assets, is within the legal limit
There is no pending probate proceeding for the same estate

The process involves preparing an affidavit stating your legal right to the property, attaching a certified death certificate, and presenting it to the bank or institution holding the asset. While this is a simpler process than probate, it must still be done correctly to avoid rejection or disputes.

We help clients prepare and submit Small Estate Affidavits to ensure the paperwork meets California’s legal standards and that assets are transferred quickly and properly.

How We Help With Probate and Trust Administration in Long Beach and Southeast Los Angeles

Whether an estate requires full probate, trust administration, or a simplified procedure, we provide hands-on support every step of the way. We help executors, administrators, trustees, and family members understand their duties and complete them efficiently and correctly.

Our services include:

Preparing and filing all necessary court documents
Advising executors and trustees on their legal responsibilities
Communicating with beneficiaries and creditors
Handling real estate transfers and asset valuations
Resolving disputes and ensuring compliance with California law

We understand that most people handling an estate have never done it before. We’ll take the time to explain each step in plain English and keep you informed throughout the process. Our goal is to reduce your stress, prevent mistakes, and bring the matter to a smooth and timely conclusion.

Compassionate Guidance When You Need It Most

Georgia N. Kezios combines legal knowledge with compassion and understanding. We know that estate administration happens during a time of loss, and we approach every case with care and respect for the people involved.

You don’t have to face this process alone. Whether you’re a spouse, child, trustee, or executor, we’ll make sure you have the support and guidance you need to fulfill your responsibilities and honor your loved one’s wishes.

Get Help With Probate or Trust Administration in Southern California

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here to help. We’ll explain your options, review any wills or trusts, and help you determine whether the estate qualifies for a simplified process.

Contact Georgia N. Kezios today to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through probate, trust administration, or any other estate procedure with the experience, care, and personal attention your family deserves.