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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Ventura

Our Recommended Top 18

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Ventura Probate Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

39Reviewed

30Curated

18Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

567 West Channel Islands Boulevard, Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (78)
Avvo
5.0 (47)
Yelp
4.5 (41)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Eric Ridley provides services of probate lawyers near Ventura. Founding attorney Eric Ridley is passionate about helping clients make their lives better. Aside from probate, he is experienced in many estate-related matters such as estate planning, wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. Ridley hopes to become the personal lifetime lawyer of his clients, committed to assisting them in various stages of their lives.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Eric Ridley - Founding PartnerActive14 yrs

840 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA 93003
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Ventura, the Law Office of Lynn A. Smiley deals with clients across the area. The firm advises individuals facing probate proceedings and addresses their concerns regarding the management of taxes and the distribution of estate assets. It has experience in handling cases involving small estates. It also sets up a revocable living trust for clients looking to avoid the probate process. Lynn Smiley, its principal practitioner, volunteers at the Camarillo Health Care District as a lawyer.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

310 N. Westlake Blvd, Suite 100, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (21)
Facebook
5.0 (10)
Yelp
4.8 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Acorn Law works with individuals in Ventura who have concerns arising from probate law. The office handles issues connected to petitions for probate and the administration of a testator's estate. It tackles disputes connected to the inventory of inheritable properties and the distribution of shares to beneficiaries and heirs following the payment of outstanding private and tax credits. The firm's clients include families with children from multiple marriages or relationships. Counsel Marc Mackenzie is a certified specialist in estate planning.

  • Estate Planning

5700 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA 93003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (32)
Yelp
3.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Grennier Law, PC of Ventura, is a law office in Ventura. The four probate attorneys at this firm understand that many individuals shy away from the topic of death, so they offer their legal services for matters related to end-of-life planning. Grennier Law, PC of Ventura can help clients prepare living trusts and wills, establish an advanced healthcare directive, and avoid probate court. Its lawyers also represent individuals involved in cases involving family law, personal injury, and bankruptcy.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Justine Avtjoglou - Associate AttorneyActive17 yrs

14 W. Valerio Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (50)
Facebook
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law assists Ventura families in navigating court-managed asset distribution and retitling proceedings. The firm guides clients in locating the decedent's will, filing required probate papers, locating personal assets and accounts, and appraising estate values. In addition, it handles matters regarding creditor payments, insurance death benefits, tax return filings, and tax releases. Founder Julianna Malis has been practicing law for over 20 years and dedicates her practice to estate planning and elder law.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

199 Figueroa Street, 3rd Floor, Ventura, CA 93001
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Vivian K. Christiansen serves clients in Ventura. Christiansen and her team handle a wide range of probate matters, including will validation, estate property inventory, asset appraisal, estate tax payments, and property distribution. They also advise clients on estate planning, trust administration, guardianships, and conservatorship cases. Christiansen has been focusing on probate and estate planning for over 20 years. She previously worked as a paralegal, where she honed her leadership, effective communication, and organizational skills, allowing her to better serve her clients.

  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

1135 Eugenia Place, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Korling Law offers estate planning services for the counseling needs of clients in Ventura and neighboring areas. By deploying probate-avoidance tools, Maya Korling assists clients in planning their estates. She drafts proper deeds and tax forms to help real estate properties bypass probate. The lawyer helps set up and assign properties to living trusts. Korling is a member of the Israeli Bar and also practices immigration and real estate law. She previously worked as a public defender.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

144 Davis Street, ​Santa Paula, CA 93060
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (13)
Avvo
5.0 (3)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

ADK Heritage Law safeguards what Ventura clients have fought hard to achieve by offering estate planning, probate, and estate and trust administration and litigation services. It drafts funding trusts and wills and handles disputes in probate court. Principal attorney Amy Dilbeck Kiesewetter is a childhood cancer survivor, an experience that gave her strength and empathy for her clients. She gives back to the community by actively participating in the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation fundraising activities.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Amy Kiesewetter - PrincipalActive14 yrs

1056 E. Meta Street #103, Ventura, CA 93001
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.7 (15)
Google
4.6 (10)
Yelp
1.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Michie Law Firm represents individuals in Ventura and its surrounding cities. It offers legal counsel and assistance in matters concerning estate planning, wills and trusts, and trust administration. The practice also deals with cases that involve trust and will contests, asset protection trusts, real estate law, and civil litigation. Doug Michie, the principal attorney of the firm, holds Certified Commercial Investment Member and Certified Financial Planner designations. He founded his own law practice in 1988.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

20335 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 203, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)
Yelp
4.5 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Hornstein Law Offices caters to clients in Ventura and the surrounding areas. It deals with various probate cases, such as missing legal papers or no wills at all. Its attorneys assist estate executors or representatives in carrying out their responsibilities, including acquiring assets, paying outgoing debts, and distributing remaining properties. They also handle litigation when there are disputes regarding the division of wealth. The firm's principal attorney, Steve Hornstein, is a CPA and CFP professional with an LL.M. in taxation.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steve Hornstein - PrincipalActive28 yrs

2497 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Bryan Clifton Law has been offering legal representation for matters involving estate planning and probate in Ventura and the surrounding areas since 2010. The firm's attorney, Bryan J. Clifton, understands the complexity of the probate and estate planning process. The second-generation lawyer helps clients create living trusts and wills. He is also available to handle family law matters, including divorce proceedings and custody disputes. Moreover, Clifton also assists clients in personal injury cases.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Phillip Viramontes - AssociateActive7 yrs

5700 Ralston Street Suite 211, Ventura, CA 93003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of R. Benjamin Vojtik handles estate planning concerns for clients throughout the Ventura metro. Vojtik advises families on the creation of documents such as trusts, wills, and business succession plans, as well as financial, durable, and medical powers of attorney. He communicates with designated beneficiaries and administrators in comprehensive consultations regarding their financial and domestic needs, along with their delegated fiduciary duties. His practice includes the creation of guardianships, medical plans for disabled children, and life insurance policies for parents.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Vojtik - PrincipalActive6 yrs

674 County Square Drive Suite 305, Ventura, CA 93003

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Since 2000, The Law Office of Robert I. Long has been assisting Ventura residents through the estate planning process. Principal attorney Robert I. Long helps clients determine the plan that suits their circumstances. He drafts advance health care directives, powers of attorney, and wills. He also prepares revocable living trusts to help beneficiaries whose needs require special attention. He has served as a court-appointed receiver and referee. Prior to establishing his own practice, Long had worked as an associate and partner for different firms.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

840 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA 93003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (14)
Yelp
4.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Gonzales provides legal services and solutions in Ventura County. The company helps clients understand their rights and options throughout the probate process. In addition, Cynthia L. Gonzales works with clients in preparing durable powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, and trusts. The lawyer also handles issues concerning adoption and guardianship. Gonzales has been a local of Ventura County for more than 30 years.

  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Cynthia Gonzalez - OwnerActive15 yrs
Cynthia Gonzalez - OwnerActive15 yrs

400 Mobil Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Annette Dawson-Davis, Attorney at Law is a Camarillo-based estate planning and probate attorney serving individuals and families in the Ventura area. She helps clients prepare estate plans that clearly outline the people and charities they want to pass on their assets to, then drafts all the pertinent legal instruments. In addition to setting up special needs trusts, Dawson-Davis assists in probate proceedings and handles the administration of intestate estates where the decedent did not leave a will.

  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Annette Dawson-davis - PrincipalActive34 yrs

25 West Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jeffrey T. Gillingham handles estate planning, tax preparation, probate, and trust administration in the Ventura area. No matter the size of their estates, Jeffrey T. Gillingham guides clients in creating estate plans that avoid probate and minimize estate, income, and gift taxes. Besides preparing wills, trusts, and health care directives, he helps clients establish charities, private foundations, and limited liability companies. Gillingham works from his Thousand Oaks office and is also a Certified Public Accountant.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jeffrey Gillingham - PrincipalActive9 yrs

920 Hampshire Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (57)
Facebook
5.0 (19)
Yelp
4.5 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Pederson Law Offices has over four decades of legal experience providing services to clients in the Thousand Oaks, LA< and Ventura counties. The main areas of practice of this boutique law firm include trust administration, estate planning, business planning, and probate administration. Its team of legal professionals comes from different backgrounds, including insurance services, accounting, engineering, and mortgage banking. The law firm also guides clients who need healthcare planning assistance, including veterans and the elderly.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Grant Pederson - President/ PartnerActive17 yrs

674 County Square Dr., Suite 307, Ventura, CA 93003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Legacy Law Office offers advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and non-profits in Ventura. It assists people in the probate process and guides them in estate planning and trust administration. It handles living revocable trusts, advance health care directives, and certifications of trusts. The firm also helps companies with business planning. Legacy Law Office was founded in 1997 by SusAnne Lee Chung, who is also admitted to practice in Virginia. She is also a licensed real estate and business broker.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

FAQs

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

    To report non-emergency situations in Ventura, call its Police Department at 805-650-8010.

  • What are the disadvantages of probate in Ventura?

    Probating a will in Ventura requires time and money. Usually, a probate case takes two years to complete, and individuals need to pay fees set by the California statute that can be extremely costly. Other people can know your assets, debts, and even the identities of heirs and beneficiaries because probate records are open to the public.

  • How can you avoid probate in Ventura?

    Many people want to avoid going through probate due to costly fees and privacy matters. Ventura individuals can avoid probate by establishing payable-on-death bank accounts, transfer-on-death bonds, brokerage accounts, and stocks. Additionally, they can create and fund a living trust and designate beneficiaries for their life insurance and retirement accounts.

  • How much time do you have to contest a will in Ventura?

    Under California law, Ventura residents have 120 days to contest a will. The time frame starts from the day that probate was opened. If you received a notice that another party has filed a petition claiming that the testator died without a will, you need to file a probate petition as soon as possible.

  • What are the roles of trustees in a probate case in Ventura?

    Trustees in Ventura need to safeguard and secure the deceased's possessions until they can be distributed to the beneficiaries. They also settle legal obligations and outstanding financial debts and regularly communicate with beneficiaries about the status of the administration. Additionally, they should distribute the possessions based on the deceased's instructions in the trust document.

  • Does a child who is excluded or disinherited have a right to contest a will in Ventura?

    Yes. An excluded or disinherited child can contest a will in Ventura. A decedent's child can work with an attorney to help them prove that the reason for exclusion is based on a factual mistake or due to influence, incapacity, or fraud. If the child successfully contests a disinheriting will, he or she will receive substantial inheritances.