Under California law, a probate of an estate is generally necessary when an individual passes away leaving assets in excess of $150,000 that do not pass via beneficiary designation, joint tenancy, or if such assets were not held in trust. A probate of an estate would most likely be necessary under the following events:

• Decedent died with bank and brokerages account held solely in their name with a total combined value in excess of $150,000
• Decedent owned real property held solely in their name
• Decedent owned a life insurance policy with a death benefit over $150,000 in which no beneficiary was named or where the named beneficiary predeceased the decedent
• Decedent owned an IRA (or other retirement related account) with a value in excess of $150,000 in which no beneficiary was named or where the named beneficiary predeceased the decedent

Bohm Wildish & Matsen, LLP has the ability to administer probates in every County in California. We have handled the administration of hundreds of estates for over 40 years and have the knowledge, experience and network of professionals necessary to guide our clients through the complex probate process. Our attorneys represent beneficiaries, administrators, executors, trustees, estates and other parties in complex estate matters. We help our clients protect their rights and interests in trust and probate cases involving:

We are known as aggressive trial attorneys. We are called upon to help resolve difficult and complex cases because of our extensive courtroom experience. The firm staff also has a professional and experienced process for handling all types of probate, estate and trust administration matters. This area requires attention to detail and an understanding of the complex rules and regulations imposed by the probate courts and the Internal Revenue Service. The firm has the necessary background and techniques to solve problems and reach the right result in this very difficult area.

Our Services

• Estate Planning
  • Being prepared by keeping plans updated on a regular basis with current laws and changes to the lives of clients
  • The removal of trustees who failed to follow the terms of a trust or who were otherwise negligent
  • Misappropriation and mismanagement of trust assets that may be negligent or fraudulent in nature
  • Breach of fiduciary duty that results in loss
  • Business succession problems related to insufficient estate planning
  • Beneficiary rights
  • Conservatorship of persons and estates
• Litigation
• Probate Administration
• Wills
  • preparing simple wills to distribute assets and to designate guardians and executors
  • contests involving undue influence, lack of capacity and fraud