Probate Lawyer Serving the S.F. Bay Area
Is it time for the final disposition of an estate, and do you need an attorney to help with the often time-consuming and complex probate process? At the Law Office of Andrew Kern, we understand the stakes at hand and how much emotion is typically involved when families have probate cases, and we are here to handle these complexities and ensure successful outcomes. The Law Office of Andrew Kern is led by the five-star-rated bay area probate attorney Andrew Kern. We are a trusted source for probate representation in Petaluma, serving you in Santa Rosa, Windsor and Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties in the Bay Area.
Schedule your free consultation today, and let us offer the help you need on probate matters.
Probate & Estate Attorney Andrew Kern
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What Is the Probate Process?
Probate is a court-managed procedure that governs how assets are managed and distributed to the rightful beneficiaries/heirs upon the original owner's death in the absence of a funded living trust. A probate process can be initiated whether there is a valid will or estate plan, as anyone with a valid claim to the deceased assets can contest a will or file a petition with a probate court.
The primary purpose of going through a probate process is to prevent fraud and ensure that all beneficiaries or descendants get a rightful share of their inheritance.
Can my Family Avoid Undergoing Probate?
Yes, creating wills, estate plans, and living trusts before the settlor's death is the only way to avoid probate issues. This is why we highly encourage families in Bay Area to have their affairs in order by seeking our legal guidance and advice on their estate planning needs.
However, you must bear in mind that even when estates are structured in wills or trusts, certain debts must be paid before dividing property. In turn, after a loved one passes away, you still need a probate and estate planning lawyer to assist in determining which debts need to be paid out of the estate and how to handle any creditors (people or businesses the decedant owed money) rushing to assert their claims.
Having a probate lawyer will also give you the upper hand when dealing with any legal issue that might arise when dividing the property as per the will. So, make the smart choice and contact us today for professional assistance and legal guidance on estate planning and probate cases.
Why Choose Us
30+ Years of Experience
For more than 3 decades, we have been in the trenches, serving Bay Area by helping one descendant/heir after the other to acquire their rightful inheritance without throwing their family into shambles.
Knowledgeable and Compassionate Team
Our care and compassion, complemented by our in-depth knowledge of probate law, have always enabled us to provide our clients with the best representation that guarantees peace of mind.
Free Consultation
Would you like a one-on-one session to determine if we are the best probate lawyers for your legal issues? We offer a free consultation to all our first-time clients, which can be done via phone, email, or a visit to our law offices.
Fully Tailored Legal Advice & Solutions
We have built a reputation for helping families successfully go through one of the most challenging moments, thanks to our insistence always to provide fully tailored and client-oriented solutions.
Timely Communication & Flexible Scheduling
Our team will always inform you about every action or strategy we plan to implement. As an extra plus, we offer flexible scheduling options, so you can easily meet with us whenever it best suits you.
How We Can Help You During The Probate Process
At the law office of Andrew Kern, we can help you with all aspects of a probate proceeding, from handling all the paperwork to the administration and eventual closing of the estate. We are ever available to offer professional legal guidance and take up a probate case whenever you want us to.
Over the years, we have helped our clients with:
Executor Administration
If you have been appointed to execute a will or personal representative of a deceased estate, you have very serious responsibilities that include, among others:
i. Gathering all the deceased assets
ii. Compiling and appraising estate inventory
iii. Setting up a filing system
iv. Paying expenses and liabilities of the deceased
v. Distributing assets to the rightful heirs
Since the role of an executor is quite demanding, you can always call on our probate attorney in the Bay area to help you take on this role and ensure every action is done in accordance with the law.
Probate Administration
The probate procedure takes time, as many legal issues and considerations must be presented, discussed, and settled. During this period, you need a probate administrator to offer legal guidance, ensure all assets are properly managed, and that final transfers are done per the law.
In the Bay area, you have our probate attorney as a trusted partner who can take up and execute this role effectively.
Probate Litigation
Is there an interested party who has made a claim or raised a dispute during the probate process? If so, we can provide you with top-notch representation and legal guidance to help make the probate litigation less complex and time-consuming.
Beneficiary Representation
Are you a beneficiary of an estate or descendant in need of probate representation? At the law office of Andrew Kent, you have in us experienced probate attorneys in the Bay Area who will ensure all estate affairs are resolved promptly and efficiently.
Trust Administration
If the deceased had the estate held in trust, a trustee has to manage and distribute the assets while avoiding legal pitfalls or making any mistakes. This process is never as easy as it seems and requires the guidance of an expert with in-depth knowledge of trust laws.
Luckily for you, in the Bay Area, our probate lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to handle all aspects of trust administration.
Trust Litigation
Has your trustee breached their duties or acted in disregard to the trust agreement? We can still help protect your interests through trust litigation, focusing on ensuring the trust administration process is done according to plan and in accordance with the law.
Our probate lawyers and trust litigation attorneys are only a phone call away from addressing your legal needs and helping solve your probate issues.
About Us
Here at the law office of Andrew Kern, we are focused on providing you with well-thought-out legal counsel and developing case-specific strategies that suit your needs. By choosing our law firm, you are choosing a legal team with a clear vision, mission, and commitment to you. Most importantly, you will be working with a specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law certified by the state bar of California.
Our Mission
To provide strategic advice for every case that comes through our door, regardless of its size or complexity, so that you can be sure your rights will always be protected.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to providing client-oriented solutions that factor in your needs and the unique circumstances at hand. To achieve this, we provide a comfortable and confidential environment where you can freely express yourself and make your concerns known before we develop an approach that best suits your circumstances.
Protect Your Family’s Legacy With the Right Probate Lawyers in Bay Area
There is always so much at stake whenever a family undergoes probate. As such, it is crucial to have the backing of a probate attorney to ensure no mistakes, oversights, or misrepresentations cause turmoil and problems to you and your loved ones. In the Bay Area, our probate lawyer is one of the most qualified professionals who can ensure this process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Contact us today for a Free Consultation, and let us help protect your family’s legacy.