Los Angeles Trust and Estate Attorneys
Sirkin Law Group, PC represents trustees, beneficiaries, executors, administrators, heirs, families and fiduciaries in Los Angeles trust, estate and probate matters.
Our attorneys assist with trust administration, estate administration, probate, trust litigation, fiduciary disputes, accountings, distributions, estate planning and related proceedings throughout Los Angeles County.
Call 818-340-4479 Contact the FirmTrust and Estate Representation in Los Angeles
Trust and estate law can involve planning before death, administration following death, fiduciary responsibilities, beneficiary rights and disputes requiring court intervention. A Los Angeles trust and estate attorney may become involved at many different stages of an estate or trust.
Sirkin Law Group, PC assists clients in both uncontested and contested matters involving California trusts, probate estates and fiduciaries. Representation may include advising a trustee or executor, assisting a beneficiary, preparing or reviewing an accounting, pursuing or defending objections, resolving distribution issues, and representing clients in probate court proceedings.
Los Angeles Trust and Estate Practice Areas
Trust Administration
Representation concerning trustee duties, trust notices, collection and management of trust property, beneficiary communications, accountings and distributions.
Trust Litigation
Contested trust matters involving trustee conduct, beneficiary rights, interpretation of trust provisions, disputed distributions, removal, surcharge and alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
Probate Administration
Probate petitions, appointment of executors or administrators, creditor issues, inventories, appraisals, accountings, distributions and estate closing.
Probate & Estate Litigation
Disputes involving estate administration, heirs, beneficiaries, fiduciary conduct, accountings, property, petitions, distributions and court orders.
Estate Planning
Wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, health-care directives, asset-transfer planning and planning for the administration of an estate or trust.
Trust & Estate Accountings
Preparation, review and litigation of fiduciary accountings, including receipts, disbursements, assets on hand, distributions and supporting financial records.
Trustee Representation
Advice concerning administration, investments, recordkeeping, beneficiary requests, distributions, fiduciary obligations and contested proceedings.
Beneficiary Representation
Representation concerning beneficiary rights, trust information, distributions, accountings, alleged fiduciary misconduct and trust administration disputes.
Fiduciary Disputes
Matters involving trustees, executors, administrators and other fiduciaries, including objections, removal proceedings, surcharge claims and recovery of property.
Los Angeles Trust Attorneys for Trustees and Beneficiaries
Administration of a California trust may begin immediately following the incapacity or death of a settlor. Trustees may be required to identify and protect trust assets, provide statutory notices, communicate with beneficiaries, maintain appropriate financial records, address tax and creditor issues, prepare accountings and make distributions.
Beneficiaries may also have questions concerning the terms of a trust, the timing of distributions, trustee expenses, investments, accountings or the trustee's administration.
When disagreements cannot be resolved informally, a trust dispute may result in a petition in the Probate Division of the California Superior Court.
Los Angeles Estate and Probate Attorneys
When property must pass through probate, the court may appoint an executor or administrator to manage the decedent's estate.
Probate administration may involve:
- Petitions for probate
- Appointment of an executor or administrator
- Notice to heirs and beneficiaries
- Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Sale or transfer of estate property
- Probate accountings
- Petitions for final distribution
- Contested probate proceedings
Our attorneys assist personal representatives, beneficiaries, heirs and other interested persons in Los Angeles County probate matters.
Experienced Los Angeles Trust and Estate Counsel
Mina N. Sirkin
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
Mina N. Sirkin represents clients in probate, trusts, conservatorships, fiduciary matters, estate planning, accountings, contested matters, special needs planning and mediation.
Evan R. Sirkin
Probate, Trust & Estate Planning Attorney
Evan R. Sirkin assists clients with probate, trust administration, estate planning, conservatorship and mediation-related matters, including administration and resolution of estate and trust issues.
Trust and Estate Attorneys Serving Los Angeles County
Sirkin Law Group, PC is located in Woodland Hills and represents clients in trust, estate, probate and fiduciary matters throughout Los Angeles County.
Court venue, the location of trust or estate property and the circumstances of the parties may affect where a particular trust or estate proceeding is handled.
Los Angeles Trust and Estate Attorney FAQs
What does a Los Angeles trust and estate attorney do?
A trust and estate attorney may assist with trust administration, probate administration, estate planning, trustee and executor duties, beneficiary rights, accountings, distributions, contested trusts, probate disputes and other fiduciary matters.
When should a trustee contact a trust attorney?
A trustee may wish to obtain legal advice after assuming responsibility for a trust and whenever questions arise concerning notices, trust assets, beneficiary requests, accountings, distributions, interpretation of the trust or potential disputes.
Do trust beneficiaries have rights in California?
Depending upon the circumstances, beneficiaries may have rights concerning trust information, trust documents, accountings, distributions and proper administration of the trust. Disputes may require court proceedings.
What is the difference between probate and trust administration?
Probate generally involves court-supervised administration of a decedent's estate. Trust administration generally involves property already held in a trust, although a trust dispute or administration issue may also require probate court involvement.
Can a trustee be removed?
California law provides procedures through which an interested person may seek removal of a trustee under appropriate circumstances. Whether removal is available depends on the facts, trust provisions and applicable law.
Can a beneficiary object to a trustee's accounting?
A beneficiary or other interested person may be able to object to particular items in an accounting or to other aspects of a trustee's administration. The applicable procedure depends upon the type of accounting and the posture of the matter.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
No. Whether probate is necessary depends upon factors such as how assets are titled, their value, beneficiary designations, trust ownership and available California transfer procedures.
Does Sirkin Law Group handle contested trust and estate matters?
Yes. The firm represents clients in contested probate, trust, accounting, fiduciary and distribution matters as well as administration and planning matters.
Common Los Angeles Trust and Estate Issues
A Parent or Family Member Has Died
Determine whether probate, trust administration or another transfer procedure may be required.
You Have Been Named Trustee
Understand your fiduciary responsibilities, required notices, accounting obligations and distribution duties.
You Are a Beneficiary
Obtain advice concerning trust information, administration, accountings and distributions.
A Trustee Is Not Distributing Assets
Evaluate the trust provisions, status of administration and available procedures for addressing delayed or disputed distributions.
You Received a Probate Petition
Understand what has been filed, applicable deadlines, hearing issues and whether a response or objection may be appropriate.
An Accounting Is Disputed
Review receipts, expenses, distributions, fiduciary compensation, assets on hand and other accounting issues.
Speak With a Los Angeles Trust and Estate Attorney
Contact Sirkin Law Group, PC regarding a trust, estate, probate, accounting, fiduciary or related Los Angeles County matter.
Call 818-340-4479 Email the FirmSirkin Law Group, PC
21550 Oxnard Street, Suite 300
Woodland Hills, California 91367
Phone: 818-340-4479
Email: Info@SirkinLaw.com