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Best Probate Lawyers in San Jose, CA

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

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

219Reviewed

139Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

75 E Santa Clara St Ste 275, San Jose, CA 95113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (33)
Avvo
4.9 (17)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1978, Del Ponte & Hirz offers legal services to clients in San Jose and throughout its surrounding areas. It handles probate and estate administration on behalf of executors and beneficiaries, ensuring the entire process is completed quickly and efficiently and assisting with all issues that may arise throughout. The firm also provides other legal services, including counsel and representation in matters of family law, as well as estate planning.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher Hirz - PartnerActive18 yrs

5201 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.7 (29)
Google
5.0 (25)
Facebook
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

NortonBasu LLP provides legal assistance to clients with estate planning and probate needs in San Jose. It guides bereaved families through the probate process for simple and complex estates. Its team assists with trust and estate administration and conservatorships. In addition, it plans and crafts estates, including living trusts and powers of attorney. Its lawyers also provide court representation. Zakiya J. Norton, one of the partners, serves as a special liaison for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee of the California Lawyer’s Association.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Zakiya Norton - Founding Principal and PartnerActive11 yrs

2166 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Shea McIntyre PC serves clients in San Jose and its surrounding areas. The firm takes on testate and intestate probate cases and handles all aspects of the probate process on behalf of executors and beneficiaries. Additionally, its attorneys provide representation for beneficiaries or creditors in probate and estate disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty claims, and will contests. Shea McIntyre PC has been operating for more than 50 years and its attorneys are admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout California.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John McIntyre - PartnerActive30 yrs
Marc Shea - PartnerActive45 yrs

777 N 1st St Ste 350, San Jose, CA 95112

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (41)
Yelp
4.0 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Christopher W. Dull is a family and estate law firm that provides legal counsel and representation to clients in San Jose and throughout its surrounding areas. The firm handles probate cases, taking care of the entire probate process including details such as creditor notifications and asset distribution. Other estate services it provides include estate planning, power of attorney, and business succession planning. Christopher W. Dull is a member of the State Bar of California and the American Bar Association.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher Dull - PrincipalActive16 yrs

2542 S Bascom Ave Ste 200, Campbell, CA 95008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (13)
Avvo
4.4 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Sowards Law Firm provides probate administration and litigation services to clients in San Jose and throughout its surrounding areas. The firm has been in business for more than 25 years and assists its clients throughout the entire probate process, handling details such as creditor notification, asset appraisals, and distribution of assets to rightful heirs. It also offers legal counsel and representation in matters such as will contests and guardianship disputes.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Benjamin Sowards - PrincipalActive20 yrs
Benjamin Sowards - AttorneyActive20 yrs

16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
5.0 (114)
Avvo
5.0 (15)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2015, the Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl is a private practice firm that serves clients in the greater San Jose area. The firm handles all aspects of probate administration and litigation matters, including will contests and creditor claims. Attorney Thomas E. Rossmeissl who is in practice since 1990 also provides estate planning, wealth transfer, and trust modification services to his clients. He is admitted to practice in federal and state courts throughout California.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Rossmeissl - Owner and FounderActive34 yrs

1871 The Alameda Ste 400, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (81)
Yelp
4.5 (39)
Facebook
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Lonich, Patton, Ehrlich, Policastri is an estate and family law firm that handles probate cases on behalf of clients in the San Jose area. The firm's attorneys take care of all aspects of the probate process on behalf of its clients and have a high level of experience in handling special needs trusts on behalf of those with developmental disabilities. The team also handles probate litigation matters such as will and trust contests and heirship or asset ownership disputes.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Patton - PartnerActive36 yrs
Michael Lonich - Managing PartnerActive42 yrs
Gina Policastri - PartnerActive21 yrs
Mitchell Ehrlich - PartnerActive26 yrs

1101 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (30)
Yelp
3.5 (7)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Berge & Berge offers legal counsel to individuals and families in and around San Jose. It has been in the industry for the past 25 years, taking care of various aspects of the probate process to effectively handle and distribute assets on behalf of the deceased and smoothing out any dispute that may arise. Managing partner Jim Berge holds a Master’s degree in tax law and is a certified public accountant which gives insight into the financial aspect of the probate process.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Berge - Managing PartnerActive38 yrs
James Berge - Managing PartnerActive38 yrs

43480 Mission Boulevard Suite 270, Fremont, CA 94539

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (198)
Google
4.8 (180)
Facebook
4.9 (44)

Why choose this provider?

Since 2010, Singh Law Firm has been focusing on developing personalized estate plans for traditional families, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals in San Jose and its surrounding communities. The office helps clients protect and preserve their legacies through a variety of estate planning solutions, such as qualified personal residence trusts, pour-over wills, trust administration, advanced healthcare directives, and gifting strategies. Its team of lawyers assists clients throughout the probate process, as well as guides them in preparing their estate plans to avoid trust litigation.

  • Trusts
  • Wills

2061 Clarmar Way Suite B, San Jose, CA 95128

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Donald Ferguson serves clients throughout the Greater San Jose metro. It represents individuals in probate courts and handles trust administration matters. It also drafts estate planning documents such as wills and revocable living trusts and advises clients on how to avoid probate. The firm also conducts seminars for credit unions, banks, churches, retirement groups and municipal senior centers, and educational institutions. Founding attorney Donald Ferguson is a member of the California State Bar, Trusts and Estate Section.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

2033 Gateway Pl 5th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Steburg Law Firm handles probate administration matters in San Jose. It assists clients in various aspects of the probate process, including the collection and identification of the decedents' properties. The law firm also offers assistance in settling the estates' debts and taxes. It counsels executors and administrators in contacting heirs and transferring the properties to them. In addition, Steburg Law Firm provides legal services concerning trust administration and will contests. Founder Anita Steburg opened her first law office in 2009.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Anita Steburg - FounderActive18 yrs

1550 The Alameda Suite 206, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Lorna J. Drope J.D. L.L.L.M. offers its services to individuals in San Jose who have loved ones with special needs. It performs general and limited conservatorship assistance, probate administration upon death, and special needs planning. In addition, the law firm uses revocable living trust instruments to help estates minimize taxes and avoid probate. Lorna Drope has been practicing law since 1995 and founded the Bay Area Professionals Special Needs Network in 2011.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

1035 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (4)
Yelp
3.7 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of James A. Ward provides legal assistance from its locations in San Jose and Gilroy. Its legal team provides estate planning services, which entails a discussion on how clients wish to transfer their assets. Its attorneys also counsel clients regarding long-term proactive planning for nursing home and Medi-Cal eligibility. The firm is headed by James Ward, a Certified Senior Advisor, who has a background in finance and tax. His primary practice areas include probate administration and asset protection for seniors.

  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Ward - PrincipalActive13 yrs

2005 De La Cruz Blvd Suite 145, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (35)
Yelp
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Deborah Azar helps San Jose families resolve estate and family business problems. It represents clients in litigating complex probate cases that may be complicated by tax issues or will contests. Azar and her team assist in avoiding costly and lengthy probate proceedings through services such as estate planning and trust administration. In addition, the law firm provides business and succession planning services that are tailored to clients' needs as a part of an estate plan.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

210 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Leet Law is a civil litigation, corporate counsel, and probate litigation firm that serves San Jose and other communities in the Bay Area. One of its focuses is probate litigation, which deals with cases where the deceased family member was not able to leave a will or trust behind. The firm helps stakeholders make a fair decision on how to divide their assets. It also helps in drafting wills and trusts. The firm is owned by Carlos Leet, who has been practicing law since 1996.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Carlos Leet - FounderActive28 yrs

551 Stockton Ave Ste A, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Adam Diran, Attorney at Law, is an estate planning firm serving families and individuals in San Jose and the surrounding areas. Its primary attorney, Adam Diran, has been in practice since 1998. His estate planning services cover wills and trusts, minimizing estate taxes, avoiding probate, and planning revocable living trusts. He also assists in creating wills, special needs trusts, and health care and financial powers of attorney. Diran also holds a designation as a certified divorce financial analyst.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Adam Diran - PrincipalActive26 yrs

2021 The Alameda, Suite 225, San Jose, CA 952126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (4)
Google
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Serving San Jose and the nearby areas, the Law Offices of Jennifer E. Ramirez provides legal assistance for matters concerning trust administration, estate planning, and probate. The firm offers legal support and guidance to beneficiaries and executors to properly handle and distribute assets according to the decedent's wishes. Any conflicts that may arise between representatives and receivers of the decedent's assets are also managed by the firm's legal staff. Lawyer Jennifer E. Ramirez worked for two estate planning firms prior to opening her own practice.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Ramirez - PrincipalActive11 yrs

1625 The Alameda Ste 900, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Parr Law Group PLC provides legal representation and counsel to clients in the San Jose metropolitan area. The firm is focused on several areas of practice, including probate administration. Its attorneys provide counsel to executors and beneficiaries throughout the entire probate process, helping with aspects such as asset identification, liquidation of real property, creditor notices, and distribution of inheritance. Parr Law Group's managing attorney Shawn R. Parr is a member of the State Bar of California and the Santa Clara County Bar Association.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Shawn Parr - Owner/PrincipalActive24 yrs
Eric Sidebotham - PartnerActive24 yrs

45 East Julian Street 2nd Floor, San Jose, CA 95112

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Morgan Law Offices provide legal services for clients throughout San Jose and surrounding communities. Owned and operated by Robert H. Morgan, the firm helps clients navigate the complexities of estate planning, probate administration, and will and trust laws. As a locally-based attorney who has had an active law practice since 1978, Morgan has extensive experience in helping clients identify their needs and providing counsel on the best course of action to represent their interests and meet their goals.

  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Morgan - PrincipalActive46 yrs

Compare our Top Probate Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Christopher Duane Hirz
75 E Santa Clara St Ste 275, San Jose, CA 95113
NortonBasu LLP
5201 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Shea & McIntyre, P.C.
2166 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
Law Offices of Christopher W. Dull
777 N 1st St Ste 350, San Jose, CA 95112
Sowards Law Firm
2542 S Bascom Ave Ste 200, Campbell, CA 95008
Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl
16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri
1871 The Alameda Ste 400, San Jose, CA 95126
Law Offices of Berge & Berge
1101 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Singh Law Firm
43480 Mission Boulevard Suite 270, Fremont, CA 94539
Law Offices of Donald Ferguson
2061 Clarmar Way Suite B, San Jose, CA 95128
Steburg Law Firm
2033 Gateway Pl 5th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110
Law Office of Lorna J. Drope J.D. L.L.L.M.
1550 The Alameda Suite 206, San Jose, CA 95126
The Law Offices of James A. Ward
1035 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
The Law Offices of Deborah Azar
2005 De La Cruz Blvd Suite 145, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Leet Law
210 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Adam Diran Attorney at Law
551 Stockton Ave Ste A, San Jose, CA 95126
Law Offices of Jennifer E. Ramirez
2021 The Alameda, Suite 225, San Jose, CA 952126
Parr Law Group
1625 The Alameda Ste 900, San Jose, CA 95126
Morgan Law Offices
45 East Julian Street 2nd Floor, San Jose, CA 95112

Disclaimer:  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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

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

    Call 408-277-8900 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in San Jose.

  • Which assets are eligible for probate administration in San Jose?

    Assets that are eligible for probate administration in San Jose include residential and commercial real estate and vehicles such as cars, boats, and motorcycles. Collections of art, books, jewelry, home appliances, and furniture can also be divided among heirs. Additionally, bank accounts, business profits, and stocks and bonds are considered probate assets.

  • What is the process for handling probates in San Jose?

    The process for handling probates in San Jose involves filing a petition with the probate court, informing the heirs and creditors of the passing away and the assets, and appointing an administrator if there is no will. The administrator will then identify and assess the properties and settle debts and taxes. Once the documents and liabilities are resolved, the properties will be distributed among the rightful beneficiaries.

  • What are the advantages of permitting an administrator to handle probate administration in San Jose?

    One of the advantages of permitting a personal representative to handle probate administration in San Jose is that they can be replaced if they mismanage the assets. They also need court approval before they can distribute the properties and be compensated. Additionally, if any disagreements or conflicting interests arise regarding the will, the heirs have legal options to address them.

  • Are there deadlines in the probate process in San Jose?

    Yes, there are deadlines in the probate process in San Jose. To cancel a will, it is necessary to inform the court within 30 days. Administrators have four months to identify the properties and notify creditors about the deceased individual from the submission of the letter of intent to file probate. Additionally, if someone intends to challenge the probate, they have 120 days from the date the case was filed to take action. Seek legal advisable to be aware of other crucial deadlines that may apply.

  • Why do people avoid probate in San Jose?

    The reasons people often seek to avoid probate in San Jose are due to the time-consuming nature of the process and potential delays caused by heirs living in different locations, which can hinder decision-making and obtaining signatures. Disagreements and complications can arise, especially when there are multiple beneficiaries involved. Also, the tax implications of the estate and the complexities of the required documents pose challenges.

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