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Best Probate Lawyers in Bakersfield

2023

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Website
4500 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Melvin J. Thompson is a Bakersfield law practice that handles probate issues. Practicing since 1976, Thompson helps clients with legal issues surrounding probate administration, including guardianships, conservatorships, and contested wills. He seeks to prevent or reduce disputes during probate through estate planning and preparation of living trusts, wills, durable powers of attorney, and health care directives. Thompson also handles cases involving personal injury claims, real estate, and family law matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Melvin Thompson - Principal47 yrs
Ernest Krause - Principal50 yrs
Peter Weinman - Principal22 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.
5.0

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
1810 Westwind Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield serves Bakersfield area residents with probate legal services. The firm files all necessary paperwork for decedent's estates with the courts, pays the estate's debts, and distributes leftover estate assets to its heirs. It also oversees all of the legal aspects of inherited trusts. Attorney Brumfield has more than 35 years of legal experience. He is a member of the Kern County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Brumfield - Owner39 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.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)

Website
1901 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2000, the Law Offices of Young & Nichols handles probate matters in the Bakersfield area. The firm draws on its insight into family issues while seeking to respect decedents' wishes through its probate administration. It handles issues relating to contested wills, valuation and dispersion of assets, and distribution of insurance funds. Young & Nichols also provides legal representation in cases involving personal injury claims, sexual harassment, and employment law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Steve Nichols - Partner43 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.
4.1
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (12)
Yelp
2.5 / 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

Website
5601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Bynum & Wells LLP is a small law firm serving residents of the Bakersfield area. It represents the beneficiaries or creditors of decedents with contractual obligations. The firm's respected estate planning attorneys in Bakersfield handle cases involving estates containing real property or bank accounts, allocating assets to pay off debts or distributing items to family members. Bynum & Wells also deals with matters of intestate succession. Other areas of practice include trust administration and divorce mediation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Bynum - Partner15 yrs
Anna Wells - 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.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
5500 Ming Ave Ste 254, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Van Sciver Law is a Bakersfield-based firm that serves clients throughout the area. It advises clients on probate estate administration and helps resolve issues like asset distribution and heir identification. The firm has experience handling cases involving trust and will litigation. It also guides families through the process of filing for a conservatorship petition. The firm's sole attorney, Kurt Van Sciver, has been practicing law for over a decade. He serves as the Probate Section president of the Kern County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kurt Van sciver - Principal14 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.
5.0
Google
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
4900 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation
  • Estate Settlement

Why choose this provider?

Fennemore is a full-service law firm serving the people of Bakersfield that has a history going back over 100 years. The firm's primary areas of focus include probate and estate litigation, and its attorneys are available to represent individuals and groups who are challenging wills or estates. They also offer estate planning services to help clients avoid the probate process in the future. Additional practice areas include real estate, tax, and construction law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Aaron - Chairman44 yrs
Leigh Burnside - Director / Office Managing Partner26 yrs
James Goodnow - President / CEO17 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.
5.0

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
1626 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Darling & Wilson PC is a team of civil litigation and probate lawyers in Bakersfield that has been in operation for over 15 years. The firm has experience with the probate process, and its team is responsible for assessing the estate of the decedent and properly distributing it amongst the heirs and beneficiaries. The team also handles estate planning and trust administration. Additional practice areas include real estate, business, and appellate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joshua Wilson - Principal Shareholder and President24 yrs
Joshua Wilson - Principal Shareholder and President24 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.
5.0

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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1400 Chester Ave., Suite, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Joseph S. Pearl LLM is a probate law firm in Bakersfield. The solo probate attorney in Bakersfield handles estate and trust administration matters, including trust and estate contests, and accounting and surcharge actions. It also offers executor, trustee, or administrator removal legal services, when necessary. Pearl, who has more than 10 years of legal experience, also offers legal services regarding powers of attorney, wills, revocable living trusts, and health care advance directives.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joseph Pearl - Principal16 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
4.5 / 5 (25)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (15)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (7)

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
1601 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Wall, Wall & Peake is a small law firm that has served Bakersfield clients for over 60 years. The dedicated probate attorneys in Bakersfield represent family members in probate matters, including asset distribution. The firm also handles trust administration to ensure that property is assigned according to the decedent's wishes. Partner John Wall also discusses estate planning with clients to determine whether probate is required.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Wall - Partner45 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.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
4550 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

With three offices in the state, Klein, DeNatale, Goldner is a civil litigation law firm in Bakersfield that has been in operation for over 60 years. The firm handles the process of probate and estate administration on behalf of those who have been chosen as executors. Its team works to validate the will, notify the heirs, and process the decedent's estate. Partner Barry Goldner has been honored as a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Barry Goldner - Partner41 yrs
Anthony Klein - Partner59 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.
4.3
Google
4.6 / 5 (9)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

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
1800 Westwind Dr. Suite #401, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Wright Law Office provides services to individuals and families in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. It represents clients in probate proceedings and handles other estate planning matters, such as trust administration, special needs trusts, durable powers of attorney, and advanced health care directives. In addition, the law firm covers Medi-Cal planning, including eligibility assistance, preservation of assets, and court petitions. Lead attorney ​​Larry L. Wright has been advocating for clients since 1991. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

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.
4.0
Google
4.3 / 5 (13)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (4)

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
309 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2009 and based in Bakersfield, The Gorski Firm offers probate legal services. Founder Vincent A. Gorski helps individuals and families manage the transfer of ownership of assets, including funds, property, and businesses, working to ensure the probate court process is followed correctly in the event of disputes. Gorski, who is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Law, also provides bankruptcy, estate planning, and family law services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Vincent Gorski - Founder and Principal14 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.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (27)

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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
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Detail
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Website
5558 California Ave, Suite 120,, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Adult Guardianship

Why choose this provider?

Serving Bakersfield and the nearby areas, the Law Office of Jim R. Canaday handles probate cases in relation to guardianship and conservatorship. The firm helps with the appointment of guardians and conservators for individuals who are unable to take care of themselves in accordance with the California Probate Code. The guardianship procedure includes disability and incapacitation hearings for minor children incapacitated adults. Established in 2008, the Law Office of Jim R. Canaday also handles family law and divorce cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jim Canaday - Principal15 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
4.2 / 5 (42)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (12)
Avvo
4.6 / 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
3434 Truxtun Ave Suite 250, Bakersfield, CA 93312
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Divorced by Design is a law firm serving customers throughout Bakersfield. It helps individuals preserve their wealth for their families in the event of their passing by assisting them in preparing estate planning documents such as last will and testaments, trusts, and living wills. It also assists clients with their legal matters involving divorce, child support, child custody, and domestic violence. Garrett Rice, the firm's principal attorney, is a member of the Air Force and was an extern at the Orange County District Attorney's office.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Garrett Rice - Principal12 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.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

    661-327-7111 is the non-emergency contact number for the Bakersfield Police Department.

  • What are the responsibilities of a Bakersfield court-appointed administrator in the probate process?

    A court-appointed estate administrator helps Bakersfield beneficiaries navigate the probate process. He is responsible for opening the state in a Kern County probate court. In addition, he locates and notifies heirs, pays creditors, and file estate taxes. An estate administrator also distributes estates to beneficiaries and does final counting and reporting.

  • How long does the probate process in Bakersfield take on average?

    On average, the probate process in Bakersfield takes about a year. Probate attorneys petition the court to admit a will to probate. If there is no will, the legal team opens the estate and appoints an administrator to represent the state. A beneficiary or another member of the family can serve as an administrator. Accounting is the largest task in probate, and the court needs to receive an accounting of any and all assets and debts within the estate.

  • Do trusts go through the probate process in Bakersfield?

    Trusts do not go through the probate process because a Bakersfield resident’s trusts are separate from his or her estate. Attorneys who are familiar with estate planning are well-versed in the creation of various types of trusts. This particular knowledge enables them to advise trust administrators, assist with managing investments, and close down the trust once funds are depleted.

  • Do Bakersfield courts have discretion as to the amount of probate fees to be paid?

    Bakersfield courts do not determine legal fees for probate attorneys and personal representatives because probate fees in the city and throughout California are statutory. The size of the estate or the complexity of the administration does not affect probate fees. Even though such fees are statutory, they may not be deducted from the state without a court order and approval. Relevant statutes on probate fees include Probate Code Section 10800, 10801, and 10810.

  • How does a Bakersfield beneficiary determine whether a probate process is necessary?

    Bakersfield heirs and beneficiaries can determine the importance of probate for settling an estate by examining the validity of the last will and testament. The lack of a trust document can also indicate the need for probate administration. California law excludes estates from probate proceedings as long as they meet the small estate threshold. Under California’s Probate Code Section 13100, the maximum value of a small estate must not exceed $184,500.

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