Expertise.com

Best Probate Lawyers in Apple Valley

2023

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Website
15428 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Ritter & LeClere APC Attorneys at Law has over 30 years of experience serving the community of Apple Valley. As probate lawyers, the firm handles the administration of estates and the appointment of conservators. It addresses both formal and summary probate proceedings. The firm also assists clients with the process of establishing valid wills, legally designating guardianships, and drafting trusts. Ritter & LeClere's family law practice covers child custody and uncontested divorces.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Elizabeth Ritter - Principal39 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.8
Google
3.7 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
16191 Kamana Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

ArchAngel Estate Planning & Trust Services has provided financial services for more than 20 years. The firm's probate attorneys in Apple Valley assist clients with the process of determining the deceased's wishes. They pursue resolutions with contractual matters, such as deeds and disclaimers. The firm represents the best interests of their clients in guardianship cases. ArchAngel Estate Planning & Trust Services also offers estate and advanced planning services, including wills, living trusts, and health care directives.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Victoria Martin - Partner12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.7 / 5 (14)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)
Yelp
3.7 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
15423 Anacapa Rd, Victorville, CA 92392
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Lady Justice provides probate services to clients in Apple Valley and the surrounding areas. It assists individuals and families in managing the properties and affairs of their deceased loved ones through probate court. It also caters to clients needing to prepare estate plans to secure the future of their heirs by creating trusts, powers of attorney, and wills. The law office's attorney, Mona Patel, focuses on helping individuals with their bankruptcy and probate cases.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (13)
Google
4.0 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
300 East State Street, Redlands, CA 92373
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Horspool Law Group APC has provided financial counsel for more than 40 years. The firm's attorneys work in the best interests of their clients in matters involving probate law. They assist executors with managing the estate, paying debts, and distributing funds. Its team also offers legal support for family members required to petition the court when no will exists. Additionally, the Horspool Law Group advocates for family members who contest a will created under dubious circumstances.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
J. david Horspool - Managing Partner42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.1 / 5 (15)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
15476 West Sand Street, Victorville, CA 92392
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Caldwell, Kennedy, & Porter is a legal practice near Apple Valley that assists clients with probate matters. For over 20 years, the firm has represented clients as they execute the duties associated with probate, such as paying the decedent's debts and notifying creditors. The attorneys also address a variety of related legal concerns, such as guardianships for minors and conservatorships for incapacitated adults. The firm has experience handling cases that involve fraudulent wills.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Shelby Shelton - Associate6 yrs
Jeanne Kennedy - Managing Partner39 yrs
Terry Caldwell - Partner48 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.8
Google
3.9 / 5 (8)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Apple Valley, California?

    For non-emergency cases, you may contact the Apple Valley Police Department at 760-240-7400.

  • Can you avoid probate in Apple Valley by creating a living trust?

    Yes. A living trust in Apple Valley allows you to bypass probate for assets like real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles. To establish a living trust, you must create a trust document that resembles a will and designate a successor trustee. You should then transfer ownership of your property to yourself as the trustee, ensuring it follows the trust's provisions. Upon your death, the successor trustee can distribute assets to the trust beneficiaries without involving probate court.

  • What happens if someone dies without a will in Apple Valley?

    If someone dies without a will in Apple Valley, their assets will be distributed according to California's intestate succession laws. Under state law, if there is no surviving spouse or children, the estate passes to parents if they are alive. Otherwise, it is divided equally among surviving siblings. If there are no spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, or siblings, then the decedent’s aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews are next in line.

  • Are there homestead exemptions in Apple Valley during probate?

    Yes. The probate homestead exemption in California allows surviving family members to stay in the family home in Apple Valley. California courts can grant this exemption when requested by the surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, or minor children after the death of a decedent. However, the right to use the homestead ends when the surviving spouse passes away or, in the case of minor children, when they reach the legal age of adulthood.

  • Can a non-US resident be the executor of an estate in Apple Valley?

    Yes. California law allows naming a non-resident of the United States as an executor, who can be appointed by the court to fulfill executor duties in Apple Valley. This includes non-resident, non-citizens, and non-citizen residents. However, it is not recommended to choose a non-resident executor because if they relocate outside the country before the testator's death, it can pose challenges for family members to locate and inform about their responsibilities.

  • What happens if someone dies without any known heirs in Apple Valley?

    In the event that the probate court in Apple Valley is unable to locate any other living heirs or beneficiaries, the estate will be forfeited to the state of California. Although this occurrence is uncommon due to preventive laws, there are cases where individuals pass away without any living heirs or a valid will.