At The Estate Lawyers, APC, our team brings more than 150 years of combined experience to guide families through probate and trust administration.
In Irvine, these cases often involve high-value estates, with property and assets frequently exceeding $1 million due to the city’s real estate market.
As one local client put it, “When things aren’t going well, these are the people to turn to. Very strong litigators, and solid advocates for your estate and probate controversies.”
Understanding Probate and Trust Administration in Irvine
Probate and trust administration confirm that a person’s estate is properly managed and distributed after death.
While probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and transferring remaining assets to heirs, trust administration allows assets held in a trust to pass to beneficiaries, often without the need for court involvement.
In Irvine, these procedures are governed by the California Probate Code and, for Irvine residents, typically handled through the Orange County Superior Court. The court oversees most probate filings for Irvine and surrounding communities and is fully ADA-accessible, making the process more accessible to families and representatives.
Because Irvine is home to some of Orange County’s most valuable real estate, in neighborhoods like Shady Canyon, Turtle Rock, and Orchard Hills, probate and trust matters here often involve significant assets, intricate portfolios, and tax considerations.
Working with an experienced attorney familiar with local court procedures can help simplify filings, protect estate value, and confirm compliance with California law.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Your Trusted Partners in Irvine
Founded in 2005, The Estate Lawyers, APC has grown into Southern California’s premier litigation firm dedicated exclusively to probate, trust, and elder law disputes. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys bring both depth of knowledge and proven courtroom skill to every case.
Unlike firms that split their attention across multiple practice areas, we focus solely on litigation. This means our team has handled hundreds of contested probates and trust dispute cases in courts across Orange County and beyond.
If your family is facing a contested will, trust dispute, or probate filing, our team combines courtroom strength with the empathy needed to handle sensitive family matters.
Our Probate and Trust Administrative Services in Irvine
- Probate Administration
- Trust Administration.
- Estate Settlement
- Beneficiary Representation
- Fiduciary Guidance
- Tax and Compliance
- Estate and Trust Litigation
- Consevatorship Representation
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsWhy Irvine Families Choose Us
Irvine families come to us for:
- Exclusive Craft – We handle probate, trust, and elder law disputes every day. It’s not a side practice. It’s our entire focus.
- Strong Local Reputation – Judges and colleagues across Orange County know us as precise, prepared litigators who fight with tenacity and integrity.
- Innovative Approach – By integrating technology into our practice, we deliver more responsive and cost-effective service without sacrificing personal attention.
- Direct Representation – No junior associates. Every client works directly with seasoned attorneys who see the case through from start to finish.
- Community Commitment – From protecting vulnerable seniors to giving back locally, our values are reflected not only in how we litigate but in how we serve Irvine families outside the courtroom.
Our Probate & Trust Administration Process in Irvine
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we guide clients through each stage with careful preparation and courtroom strength.
- Filing the Petition – We prepare and file the petition, making sure all documents comply with the California Probate Code.
- Notices and Hearings – Hearings are scheduled. Our team handles appearances and addresses any challenges raised in court.
- Inventory and Appraisal – Estate assets are catalogued and valued. In Irvine, this frequently includes high-value real estate in communities such as University Hills, Northpark, and Turtle Rock.
- Debt Settlement and Taxes – Valid debts and required taxes are resolved to avoid future claims.
- Distribution of Assets – Once approved, heirs receive their share of the estate according to the will or intestacy laws.
Do All Estates Go Through Probate in California?
Not every estate in California is required to go through probate. The need for probate depends on how assets were titled, their total value, and whether the deceased had a valid trust or other estate planning tools in place.
California law allows for simplified procedures when an estate’s total value falls below a certain threshold, currently $184,500 under the California Probate Code. In those cases, heirs can often use a small estate affidavit instead of a full probate proceeding.
Assets that are held in a living trust, owned jointly with right of survivorship, or designated with named beneficiaries, such as life insurance or retirement accounts, typically bypass probate altogether.
However, if the estate includes solely owned real property or significant untitled assets, probate is usually required for Irvine residents. Consulting a probate attorney helps determine whether court involvement is necessary and makes sure assets are transferred legally and efficiently.
Local Courts & Resources We Work With In Irvine
Probate and trust matters in Irvine are almost always tied to local courts and institutions. Our team appears regularly at
- Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center
The primary courthouse for Irvine probate and trust cases. Fully ADA-accessible with nearby parking at Civic Center Drive and Flower Street. - Irvine Civic Center
Located on Alton Parkway, a resource for public records and local administration. - UC Irvine (UCI)
Often tied to disputes involving charitable gifts, endowments, or real estate near the University Hills community. - Jeffrey Open Space Trail and Woodbridge Village
Communities where family homes are commonly at the center of inheritance or trust distribution disputes.
Call Our Irvine Lawyers Today
If you are facing probate or trust administration in Irvine, you don’t have to handle the process alone. Our attorneys appear regularly at the Orange County Superior Court and know what it takes to protect families and legacies in Irvine.
Call us today or use our secure online contact form to schedule a consultation.
The Estate Lawyers, APC. Here to Guide. Here to Fight. Here for You.