Estate Planning Attorney in Laguna Hills, CA | Confidential Consultations

Probate Attorney in Santa Ana California

Compassionate legal guidance to help Santa Ana families navigate probate with clarity and confidence during one of life’s most stressful moments.

Downtown Santa Ana water tower view

Introduction

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and the probate process in California often adds additional stress. From strict court deadlines to detailed legal paperwork, probate can feel difficult to manage alone. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Santa Ana, estates often include real estate, retirement accounts, and long held family assets that require careful administration through the local probate court.

At Pevney Estate Planning, we guide Santa Ana families through every step of probate with patience, clarity, and hands on attorney support. We prepare and file court documents, manage required notices and hearings, assist with estate inventory, and ensure that all legal requirements are properly followed. Our goal is to simplify the process, reduce delays, and protect your loved one’s legacy with professionalism and care.

Why Probate Is Important in California

Probate is the legal process of settling a loved one’s estate after they pass away. In California, it often involves validating a will, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to heirs. Without proper guidance, families may face delays, high costs, and unnecessary stress.

Is Probate Required for Your Loved One’s Estate?

Probate isn’t always required but certain situations make it unavoidable. We help you determine what steps are necessary and how to move forward.

Probate Attorney in Orange County

Assets exceed California’s small estate threshold

""

There is no living trust in place

""

Multiple heirs or family disputes exist

""

The estate includes real estate in California

How Our Probate Process Works

We guide families through probate with a proven process that simplifies each step, reduces confusion, and keeps everything organized.

Light Bulb Icon

Free Consultation

Understand your unique situation and next steps.

Search Icon with Paper

Case Review & Filing

Prepare and file documents with Orange County Probate Court.

Probate Icon

Asset & Debt Management

Identify assets, settle debts, and communicate with creditors.

Trust Icon

Court Appearances

Represent you in required hearings with professionalism.

User Icons

Final Distribution

Transfer property and assets to rightful heirs.

Curious About Probate Costs in California?

Use our Probate Fees Calculator to estimate court-regulated fees based on your loved one’s estate value.

Why Santa Ana Families Choose Us

Local Expertise. Compassionate Support. Clear Legal Guidance.

""

Local access

We understand Santa Ana neighborhoods, property values, and probate court procedures.

""

Clear Communication

We keep the process easy to understand with simple, stress reducing explanations.

""

Attorney-Led Support

You work directly with an experienced probate attorney who guides every step.

""

Flexible Meetings

Meet in office, by video, or by phone at your convenience.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Trusted by Families Across Orange County

With over 18 years of legal experience in Orange County, Michael Pevney dedicates his practice exclusively to estate planning. Families in Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Irvine, and throughout Orange County rely on his guidance for living trusts, probate, and personalized legacy planning, built on proven results and trust.

What our customers are saying

Probate Considerations Unique to Santa Ana California

Santa Ana is one of the most established and diverse cities in Orange County, with a wide range of family structures, multigenerational households, and long held family homes. Many properties in neighborhoods like Floral Park, West Floral Park, Park Santiago, Morrison Park, and Wilshire Square have appreciated significantly, often exceeding the probate threshold. This makes proper probate representation essential for local families.

Additionally, Santa Ana residents commonly hold retirement accounts, life insurance, investment portfolios, and inherited family properties that require accurate documentation and careful management during probate. Families may also face unique challenges such as multiple heirs, blended families, or cross state assets. We help Santa Ana families navigate these complexities with clarity and supportive legal guidance.

Serving Santa Ana and Surrounding Central Orange County Communities

We proudly support families across Santa Ana, including Floral Park, West Floral Park, Park Santiago, Morrison Park, South Coast, Riverview, and Wilshire Square. We also serve nearby areas such as Tustin, Orange, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, and North Tustin.

Related Services for Santa Ana Families

Explore related services that help protect your family’s future and provide long term security.

Blue circle with check mark

Living Trust Attorney in Santa Ana, CA​

Blue circle with check mark

Estate Planning Attorney in Santa Ana, CA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Probate Questions for Santa Ana Families

Do I need an attorney to handle probate in Santa Ana?

While not required by law, probate is a detailed legal process, and an attorney helps avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Most probate cases take nine to eighteen months depending on the size of the estate and court scheduling.

California probate fees are set by statute and based on the gross value of the estate.

Not all, but most estates without a properly funded living trust will require probate.

CONTACT US

Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?

Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

25201 Paseo De Alicia Suite 140, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Call (949) 377-2996

[email protected] 


SECURE YOUR LEGACY

Start Planning for Your Family’s Future Today

With over 18 years of legal experience in Orange County, Michael Pevney focuses on estate planning to help families protect assets, avoid probate, and secure their legacy with confidence.