Estate Planning Attorney in California

Protect Your Wishes & Your Family

Planning for the future in California can feel complex, but it does not have to be confusing. A clear estate plan protects the people you care about, keeps your affairs organized, and reduces the chances of costly court battles later. You deserve guidance from an estate planning attorney California residents can turn to for careful, thoughtful planning.

Huber Fox is a Sacramento-based trust and estate law firm devoted to helping individuals, couples, trustees, executors, and beneficiaries across our state. We create customized estate plans and guide clients through trust administration and probate when a loved one has passed. Our team works to honor your goals and protect the people who rely on you.

Our practice is built on a deep respect for the elderly, the vulnerable, and the voiceless. We focus on both planning and, when necessary, resolving disputes, so your wishes are not only documented but also considered if they need to be defended.

If you are ready to talk about your plan or need help with an existing estate, contact us online or call at (916) 237-8781 to schedule a consultation with our estate planning lawyer in California.

Why Californians Turn To Our Firm

When you choose a firm to handle your planning or an estate matter, you are trusting that team with some of the most personal parts of your life. At Huber Fox, our work is focused on trust and estate law, and we handle matters throughout California from our Sacramento office. Clients come to us when they want one team to stay with them from the first planning conversation through administration or, if needed, litigation.

Our firm offers a full-service approach that includes estate planning, trust administration, probate, and estate-related disputes. This means you do not have to search for a new lawyer if a conflict arises or if questions about capacity, undue influence, or trustee conduct come up later. We draft planning documents with an eye on how they will function in real California courts, which helps reduce the chance of confusion or challenge.

We also bring the strength of a multi-attorney team. Our estate attorneys collaborate on complex or contested matters and are prepared to step in when a client or a vulnerable family member is not being treated fairly. Many people choose us because we are willing to take on difficult situations that other firms may avoid, particularly when the rights of elderly or dependent adults are at risk. If you are looking for an estate lawyer California families can rely on in both calm and conflict, our firm is ready to help.

Estate Planning In California Explained

Good estate planning is about more than signing a will. In our state, a thoughtful plan often includes a revocable living trust, a will, powers of attorney for finances, and advance health care directives. Together, these tools can direct who receives your property, who manages your affairs if you cannot, and who makes medical decisions for you.

California has its own probate code and community property rules. Documents pulled from another state or from generic online forms may not reflect how property is owned here or how our courts interpret key terms. For many families, a properly funded living trust can reduce the need for a full probate in the California probate courts, which can save time and stress for surviving relatives.

As an estate planning lawyer California residents work with to build clear, practical plans, we start by listening to your goals. We talk about your family, your assets, and any specific concerns, such as a child with special needs or a loved one who struggles with money. Then we recommend a structure that fits those realities, not a one-size-fits-all template. Our team prepares and reviews your documents carefully, so you understand what each one does and how they work together.

Help With Estates & Probate

Not everyone reaches us during the planning stage. Many people call when a loved one has passed away, and they are suddenly responsible for an estate. You may have been named executor under a will, appointed as administrator when there was no will, or serving as trustee of a living trust. Each role carries duties under California law and can feel overwhelming without guidance.

Probate is the court-supervised process used to settle many estates. In California, this often involves filing with the probate division of the Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived. Some estates qualify for simplified procedures, and some assets pass outside probate entirely. Trust administration, handled outside court in many cases, still requires careful notices, record keeping, and decision making.

Our estate attorneys in California help personal representatives and trustees understand their responsibilities, prepare the required court filings, and communicate with beneficiaries. We also assist beneficiaries who have concerns about how an executor, administrator, or trustee is handling an estate.

Practical first steps after a loved one passes include:

• Locating any existing will, trust, or other estate planning documents
• Securing key assets and important records, such as deeds and account statements
• Obtaining death certificates and noting upcoming deadlines from the court or institutions
• Speaking with an estate attorney California families trust to understand which process applies

You do not have to figure out California probate or trust administration alone. Our team walks you through each stage, helps you avoid common missteps, and works to keep the process as organized and efficient as possible.

Resolving Estate & Trust Disputes

Even with careful planning, conflict can arise. Siblings may disagree about what a parent intended, beneficiaries may suspect that a will or trust was changed under pressure, or a trustee may be accused of mismanaging funds. In other situations, someone may feel left out or believe that a vulnerable relative was influenced by a caregiver or new acquaintance.

When these issues surface, the risks are real. Disputes can delay distributions for months or years, increase legal costs for everyone involved, and take a toll on family relationships. In the most serious cases, an elderly or dependent adult may continue to be at risk of financial abuse until the problem is addressed. It is important to talk with counsel early so you understand your rights and options.

As an estate planning attorney California clients can turn to in contested matters, we review the documents, the history of changes, and the conduct of the people involved. Our attorneys bring actions involving will contests, questions about capacity or undue influence, and claims that a trustee or executor has breached their fiduciary duties. We also defend fiduciaries who are working in good faith but facing accusations. Because our firm handles both planning and litigation, we are attentive to how documents will hold up if challenged, and we work to see that our clients’ intentions are respected.

Our Process & Next Steps

Taking the first step with a law firm should feel manageable, not intimidating. When you contact Huber Fox, our team gathers basic information about your situation, whether you are planning ahead or dealing with a current estate. We then schedule time for you to talk with one of our attorneys, in person or remotely, depending on what works best for you.

During that meeting, we ask questions about your family, your assets, and your concerns, and we answer your questions in clear language. For planning clients, we outline recommended documents and explain how they work together under California law. For estate or dispute clients, we describe potential paths forward and what each would likely involve. Our goal is that you leave the conversation with a clearer picture of your options and how our firm can assist you.

If you decide to move forward, we keep you updated as your matter progresses and remain available for questions. We know that estate decisions are deeply personal, and we work to provide steady, informed support at every stage. To discuss your situation and learn how we can help, call us at (916) 237-8781.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all estates in California have to go through probate?

No, not all estates must go through full probate. The need depends on how assets were titled, their total value, and whether there is a properly funded trust. We review the specifics of your situation and explain which California procedures are available.

How can your team help if my family is already in conflict?

We can evaluate the documents, the history, and the conduct of those involved, then outline your legal options. Our estate planning lawyers in California handle will and trust disputes and work to protect your rights while keeping the process as focused and constructive as possible.

What if a loved one was pressured to change their will or trust?

If you suspect undue influence or lack of capacity, it is important to act promptly. We can review the circumstances, gather relevant information, and advise whether a contest or other action is appropriate under California law to protect your loved one’s true intentions.

Can you work with me if I live outside Sacramento?

Yes. We assist clients with California estate planning and estate matters regardless of where they live in the state, and we can often meet by phone or video. What matters most is where the person resides or where the estate is being handled, not where you live.

What should I bring to my first estate planning meeting?

It helps to bring a list of your assets, an outline of your family members, and any existing wills or trusts. You do not need everything perfectly organized. We guide you through the details and help you identify additional information as needed.

Contact us online or call (916) 237-8781 today to speak with our estate planning attorney in California today.