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Best Probate Lawyers in Santa Barbara, CA

Our Recommended Top 17

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

35Reviewed

27Curated

17Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

2000 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (12)
Yelp
5.0 (11)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of John J. Thyne III provide legal counsel and representation from estate planning and probate lawyers in Santa Barbara. They are experts in customizing trust estate plans and handling related issues involving last will and testament, living trust, powers of attorney, advanced health care directive, and organ donation. The law firm's diverse practice areas are also focused on real estate law, civil litigation, business law, and bankruptcy.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lacy Taylor - Attorney / PartnerActive9 yrs
Jerry Howard - Attorney / PartnerActive24 yrs
Justin Fox - Attorney / PartnerActive11 yrs
John Thyne - Attorney / PartnerActive23 yrs

1035 Santa Barbara Street, Suite 7, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Marla A. Pleyte is a solo legal practice that was founded in 2007. With offices in Santa Barbara and Hollister, the firm helps families in these communities resolve various legal disputes. Its attorney provides representation to clients seeking assistance with probate matters. It also creates estate plans for couples and individuals, including wills, living trusts, advance healthcare directives, and powers of attorney. Company founder Marla A. Pleyte was a partner at Polaris Law Group before forming her law office.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Marla Pleyte - PrincipalActive18 yrs

1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (34)
Google
5.0 (21)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Felix and Kellin Attorneys at Law has probate attorneys in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. Clients can consult and seek help from lawyers in drafting estate plans that suit different family dynamics. Felix and Kellin Attorneys at Law prepares estate plan documents such as trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. The firm provides legal counsel to balance financial goals and other interests in succession plans and helps implement distribution wishes after death. The firm also handles probate administration.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Daniella Felix - PartnerActive9 yrs

924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1-T, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Laborde & Daugherty, Attorneys at Law, has been providing legal representation in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas since 2001. The firm assists executors and trustees in the different aspects of estate administration, which include the valuation, collection, liquidation, and distribution of assets. It works with property managers, accountants, financial advisors, and real estate agents during the probate process. Laborde & Daugherty also prepares estate planning tools, like wills, durable powers of attorney, revocable living trusts, and advanced healthcare directives.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

125 E Victoria Street, Suite F, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Miles T. Goldrick represents individuals in Santa Barbara who need probate law services. The practice litigates matters related to wills and trusts. It resolves issues like allegations of fraud in the creation of testamentary dispositions and the use of undue influence on the testator. The office also takes on family law issues like preparing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements between couples. Miles Goldrick began his general civil practice in 1974 and has a clientele that includes the grandchildren of his original clients.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

3463 State Street #507, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.0 (4)
Yelp
5.0 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Gregory R. Lowe, Attorney at Law, provides legal services to individuals, families, and businesses in the Santa Barbara metro and the surrounding areas. It assists clients with probate-related needs, handling matters like the arrangement of decedents' estates, conservatorships, and estate planning. The firm also practices in the areas of bankruptcy, civil, and family law. Gregory R. Lowe has been working as a sole practitioner for more than 16 years. He has mediated disputes in over 200 cases.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

222 East Carrillo Street, Suite 207, Santa Barbara, CA 93120

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of James F. Cote offers probate assistance for individuals in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas. Its attorneys assist clients in fulfilling different tasks such as obtaining asset appraisals and resolving claims, whether they are undergoing a private trust administration or formal probate proceeding. They also help with filing real property tax assessment claims, coordinating with accountants, and communicating with creditors. Firm namesake James F. Cote is an estate planning specialist who has been in practice since 1979.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

1035 Santa Barbara Street, Suite 7, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (6)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kuldeep Kaur Attorney at Law works with individuals and families in Santa Barbara who need assistance with probate matters. It also assists in the creation of trust, wills, and finance and healthcare powers of attorney. It also practices business law. Founding lawyer Kuldeep Kaur handles the court paperwork and facilitates the transfer of the decedent's estate to the beneficiaries. She also manages the financial obligations of the deceased. The attorney also speaks Punjabi and Hindi.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

1126 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (7)
Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Hollister & Brace is a firm based in Santa Barbara. Included in its services is estate planning, which covers documents such as special needs trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. Susan McCollum, the law office's estate planning attorney, also assists clients with non-probate transfers, guardianships, conservatorships, and death tax returns. She obtained her Juris Doctor in 1982 and joined the firm a year later. She is a founding member of the Santa Barbara Women Lawyers and past president of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Peter Candy - PartnerActive34 yrs

820 State Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Fauver Large Archbald Spray Attorneys at Law is a local firm that represents individuals and families in and around Santa Barbara. With over 50 years of experience, the law office helps clients protect their personal and financial assets and avoid the probate process in the event of death or incapacity by drafting estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, advanced health care directives, and powers of attorney. Partner Dana F. Longo is an estate and trust attorney who has been practicing law since 1998.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

1505 East Valley Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Miller & Berryhill, LLP, is a legal firm that has been representing clients in Santa Barbara and nearby areas since 1980. The office helps individuals in families in the administration of their deceased loved one's assets through probate proceedings. It also assists in trust and will preparation, estate planning, conservatorship, and veteran benefit proceedings. One of Miller & Berryhill's founding partners is Mary Jane Miller, who is also licensed to practice in the United States Tax Court.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

7 W. Figueroa Street, Suites 200 & 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (3)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Tax Law Office of David Warren Klasing handles probate cases in Santa Barbara. It provides financial tax planning services to help individuals protect their loved ones and estates from estate tax liability. It also guides businesses with their transactions by assessing capital investments and liquidating unsold assets or stocks. The law firm's founding attorney, David W. Klasing, focuses on practicing business, taxation, and estate planning. In addition to being an attorney, Klasing is a certified public accountant.

  • Estate Planning

840 County Square Dr, Ventura, CA 93003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Lynn A. Smiley in Ventura offers estate planning, probate, and trust administration services to residents of Santa Barbara. Lynn A. Smiley guides clients in creating complete estate plans that minimize tax, probate, and other legal expenses. She drafts wills, powers of attorney, and different kinds of trusts. In the area of estate settlement, Smiley handles summary administration when an estate is small and files spousal property petitions on behalf of surviving partners.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lynn Smiley - PrincipalActive18 yrs

132 East Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (11)
Google
5.0 (4)
Yelp
1.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Cristi Michelon Vasquez is a boutique law firm that offers the expertise of a probate attorney in Santa Barbara. Its two-person team, composed of founding attorney Cristi Michelon Vasquez and paralegal Risa Marie Gaddis, is dedicated to helping clients navigate legal processes. The firm's practice areas include probate administration and litigation, trust administration and litigation, conservatorships, and real estate transactions. Client-focused and personalized solutions are the firm's approach to resolving legal matters.

  • Trusts
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Cristi Michelon Vasquez - PrincipalActive23 yrs
Cristi Michelon Vasquez - PrincipalActive23 yrs

317 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Allen & Kimbell, LLP, offers legal services to the people of Santa Barbara and the surrounding metros. It has attorneys practicing in various areas of the law, including probate. They represent individuals in will contests and trust litigation, as well as help clients with estate planning and administration. Those in need of legal assistance with tax planning and representation, real estate law, and land use may also avail themselves of the services of the firm. Allen & Kimbell, LLP, was founded by partners George Allen and Charles Kimbell in 1980.

  • Estate Planning

1514 Anacapa Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (47)
Facebook
5.0 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law is a multi-practice firm that serves clients in Santa Barbara. It provides assistance to clients who are going through the probate process by locating and filing the decedent's will, appraising the value of assets, and making payments to creditors. The firm's clients include the sandwich generation, older people, young families, and remarried and blended families. Founding attorney Julianna M. Malis focuses her practice on Medi-Cal Planning. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Julianna Malis - Founder and Managing AttorneyActive27 yrs

213 West Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Collins & Associates is a Santa Barbara-based law firm that caters to clients who are navigating probate administration processes. Its founder, Lani Meanley Collins, mitigates probate-related conflicts between a decedent's family members by assisting them in valuing, managing, and distributing estates and assets. She and her team also utilize relevant resources and informative opinions from property managers and financial advisors to help executors fulfill their fiduciary duties. She is involved with different legal and civic groups, including the State Bar of California's Nonprofit Organizations Committee.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Compare our Top Probate Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Thyne Taylor Fox Howard, LLP. 
2000 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Law Offices of Marla A. Pleyte
1035 Santa Barbara Street, Suite 7, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Felix & Killen
1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Laborde & Daugherty Attorneys at Law
924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1-T, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Miles T. Goldrick
125 E Victoria Street, Suite F, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Gregory R. Lowe Attorney at Law
3463 State Street #507, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
The Law Offices of James F. Cote
222 East Carrillo Street, Suite 207, Santa Barbara, CA 93120
Law Office of Kuldeep Kaur Attorney at Law
1035 Santa Barbara Street, Suite 7, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hollister & Brace
1126 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Fauver Large Archbald Spray Attorneys at Law
820 State Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Miller & Berryhill LLP
1505 East Valley Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Tax Law Office of David Warren Klasing
7 W. Figueroa Street, Suites 200 & 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Law Office of Lynn A. Smiley
840 County Square Dr, Ventura, CA 93003
Law Office of Cristi Michelon Vasquez
132 East Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Allen & Kimbell, LLP
317 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law
1514 Anacapa Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Collins & Associates
213 West Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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 Santa Barbara, California?

    (805) 683-2724 is the non-emergency dispatch line of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

  • How does the probate process work in Santa Barbara?

    The probate process in Santa Barbara involves tasks such as filing documents, inventorying assets, settling debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets. It can be time-consuming and complex, especially while grieving. Seeking assistance from local probate lawyers is recommended to navigate the process, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and alleviate the burden of paperwork and probate documents.

  • Where can a petition for probate be filed in Santa Barbara?

    To initiate the probate process in Santa Barbara, California, you should direct your petition to the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, located at 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93121. For inquiries, contact the court via the following phone numbers: (805) 882-4511 for South County and (805) 614-6414 for North County.

  • How much does probate cost in Santa Barbara?

    According to a statutory fee schedule in Santa Barbara, the probate charge starts at 4% for the first $100,000 of property value. Except for exempt assets like retirement accounts and life insurance, the costs apply to assets whose administration is subject to probate. For estate values greater than $25,000,000, the court determines the probate charge. Additional costs for extraordinary services might be allowed by the court.

  • What if someone dies without a will and their minor children inherit their property in Santa Barbara?

    When an individual passes away without a will and their minor children become inheritors of their property, the court will take the necessary step of appointing a property guardian for each child. The role of the property guardian is to oversee and manage the inherited property until the children turn 18. This ensures that the assets are utilized for the benefit of the minors during their period of guardianship in Santa Barbara.

  • Which assets in Santa Barbara are subject to probate?

    Any assets or property wholly owned by the deceased at the time of their death must pass through Santa Barbara's probate court, according to California law. This includes material possessions like real estate, automobiles, boats, antiques, and works of art. Also subject to probate are intangible assets like bank accounts, life insurance payouts, stocks, bonds, business interests, and intellectual property rights.

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