Pasadena Probate Estate Litigation Attorneys
The Pasadena probate estate litigation lawyers at RMO are among the best and brightest in the industry, and we’re honored to be seen by our peers and community as some of the best attorneys in Southern California. With decades of experience representing executors, administrators, heirs, beneficiaries, spouses, and creditors in probate litigation, we’ll help you pursue the best possible outcome in your case so you can move on with life sooner.
What is Probate Litigation?
Our Pasadena Probate Litigation Team is recognized for providing strategic, compassionate representation in some of the most challenging and emotionally complex estate disputes. While we are focused on securing favorable results in probate court, we are equally committed to offering meaningful support to our clients and the broader Pasadena community. Whether handling contested wills, addressing executor misconduct, or resolving disputes among beneficiaries, we approach every matter with professionalism, care, and a strong sense of duty to those we serve.
Our Pasadena Office
With attorneys conveniently placed throughout California, RMO Lawyers offers easy access to our Pasadena-based team through our nearby office and various contact methods.
Attorney Spotlight
Mathew Wrenshall
Mathew on Practicing Probate Litigation in Pasadena
“Pasadena has a rich history and a close-knit community, which makes practicing probate litigation here especially rewarding. I value the opportunity to work with families who have longstanding ties to the area, as well as those who are navigating estate matters for the first time. Whether the estate involves multiple generations or was recently established, I’m honored to help clients protect their loved ones’ legacies and guide them through challenging family dynamics with clarity, compassion, and purpose.”
Probate Estate Litigation Services We Offer in Pasadena
Our Awards
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Litigation in Pasadena
How long does probate estate litigation take in Pasadena?
The length of probate litigation can vary depending on the complexity of the estate, the number of people involved, and whether the dispute goes to trial. Some matters in the Pasadena and greater San Gabriel Valley area may be resolved in a few months, while others, especially those involving contested wills or allegations of fiduciary misconduct, can take a year or more. At RMO Lawyers, we always aim to resolve matters as efficiently as possible without compromising your interests.
What does probate estate litigation cost in Pasadena?
Costs are driven by factors such as the complexity of the dispute, the number of court filings, and whether the case is settled or proceeds to trial. We provide transparent guidance on fees so you can make informed decisions from the outset.
Are estate disputes common in multi-generational Pasadena families?
Yes. In areas like San Marino, South Pasadena, and Altadena, many estates involve long-standing family trusts that span several generations. These trusts often contain legacy real estate, family businesses, or charitable components, and disputes may arise among siblings, cousins, or trustees regarding distribution, interpretation, or alleged mismanagement. We are experienced in litigating and resolving these complex, sensitive issues while preserving family legacy and legal rights.
Does RMO Lawyers offer mediation or alternative dispute resolution for probate cases in Pasadena?
Yes. Our team frequently uses mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help resolve probate matters without the need for a lengthy trial. These methods can save time, reduce stress, and still produce favorable outcomes for all parties involved.
Is there a fee for an initial consultation with RMO Lawyers in Pasadena?
No. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation for probate estate litigation matters. During this meeting, we’ll listen to the details of your case, evaluate your options, discuss potential fees, and help you determine next steps based on your goals.
What types of probate estate disputes does RMO Lawyers handle in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley?
We represent clients throughout Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, and across the San Gabriel Valley in a wide range of probate disputes. These include contested wills, undue influence claims, breach of fiduciary duty, conflicts involving executors or administrators, and elder financial abuse. Whether you’re asserting your rights or defending against a claim, we are here to guide and protect you.
What happens if a will was destroyed in a wildfire in Altadena?
If a loved one’s will was destroyed in a wildfire, it does not necessarily mean their wishes cannot be honored, but it can make the probate process more challenging. Under California law, if the original will is lost or destroyed and no copy is available, the court may presume the will was intentionally revoked unless there is clear evidence showing otherwise. However, if a copy of the will exists and there is credible testimony that the original was valid and not revoked, the court may allow probate to proceed using the copy.
Why Hire a Probate Litigation Lawyer in Pasadena
Probate disputes in Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley require more than legal knowledge. They require an understanding of the local nuances, family dynamics, and the sensitivities that often come with estate disputes. Our Pasadena-based attorneys are highly experienced in California probate law and bring the skill, care, and professionalism needed to resolve even the most difficult cases with confidence and clarity.
Pasadena Community Involvement
RMO Lawyers is committed to serving our community. We are affiliated with the Pasadena Bar Association (PBA), which supports a myriad of legal professionals in Pasadena through various programs and services aimed at educating and guiding local attorneys.
Ready to Get Started? We're Here to Help.
Get trusted guidance and resolution in your probate litigation case – contact our Pasadena probate lawyers today for a free consultation.
Client Testimonials
Check out the positive experiences of other clients who have worked with our Pasadena probate litigation attorneys.
Pasadena Trust Litigation Case Wins
Our Pasadena probate and estate litigation law firm has a proven track record of protecting people and defending legacies.
Who Do We Represent?
Probate estate litigation cases are complex and can have wide impacts that affect multiple parties. RMO offers support at every angle, representing all the following clients across Pasadena and Southern California to help them understand their legal rights and achieve a fair resolution in their case.
Executors & Administrators
If you are an estate executor whose appointment or administration efforts are being challenged, the Pasadena probate estate litigation attorneys at RMO LLP can help. We will thoroughly investigate and litigate or resolve your dispute in facing challenges such as competing probate petitions or objections, a will contest, breach of fiduciary duty claims, petitions for instructions, or petitions for removal.
Beneficiaries & Heirs
With a direct stake in any action against an estate, beneficiaries and heirs are frequently targeted in disputes over wills and inheritances. Our probate estate litigation lawyers work diligently to protect the rights of beneficiaries and heirs and safeguard their interests by offering representation in disputes, contesting will amendments, and safeguarding their interests to ensure the rightful distribution of assets.
Spouses
The surviving spouse of a decedent has unique rights in probate estate litigation and estate administration. Our estate litigation attorneys assist spouses in understanding these rights and offer representation during disputes so they can secure the distribution of assets they are rightfully entitled. We provide counsel for spousal claims, offer representation in litigation, and more.
Creditors
Creditors with outstanding debts from an estate must follow strict procedures so they can assert a claim to recover their debts. If you are a creditor whose debts have gone unresolved, our Pasadena estate litigation lawyers can offer dedicated legal guidance to help you pursue what’s rightfully yours through litigation or dispute resolution methods.
Pasadena Probate Courts
Probate litigation matters arising in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. There is no separate Pasadena Probate Court. Instead, probate cases are centralized within specific probate departments located at designated courthouses in Los Angeles County.
The court system handles a wide range of probate issues, including:
- Validating wills and overseeing estate administration
- Determining heirs when there is no will
- Appointing and supervising conservators and guardians
- Resolving disputes involving executors, administrators, and beneficiaries
- Litigating claims such as breach of fiduciary duty, undue influence, or elder financial abuse
Probate Courts Serving Pasadena and Surrounding Areas
Probate cases from Pasadena and much of Los Angeles County are heard at the following courthouses:
Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Downtown Los Angeles)
The Stanley Mosk Courthouse serves as the primary venue for probate litigation in Los Angeles County. Most contested probate, trust, and conservatorship matters, including those from Pasadena, are handled here.
111 N. Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 830-0850
Stanley Mosk Courthouse Probate Division
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse (Lancaster)
The Antelope Valley Courthouse handles probate cases from the northern parts of Los Angeles County such as Lancaster, Palmdale, and nearby communities. Cases are assigned here based on the decedent’s residence or where estate assets are located.
42011 4th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 974-7200
Why Hire RMO Lawyers
Our Pasadena probate estate litigation law firm is committed to putting people first. With decades of firsthand experience in the complexities of probate disputes, we help our clients achieve peace of mind in the pursuit of better results. We always strive to maintain a high level of character and integrity through fierce advocacy for our clients in the courtroom and service to our community outside of it.
All of our actions are guided by our core values:
- Lead with Integrity
- Precision-Driven Results
- Stronger Together
For our Pasadena clients, these values mean that we take the time to listen with compassion and understanding. We center your voice to gather an understanding of all the facts and unique family dynamics surrounding your case. Then, we’ll create a winning strategy for your case to help you achieve the best possible outcome in as little time as possible.
As Seen On
Free Consultation
A member of the RMO Client Relations team will reach out to gather additional information concerning the parties to your case and schedule your consultation.
Communication Disclaimer
Please note that communications by you to RMO LLP or any of its lawyers through this website do not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send any privileged or confidential information to the firm through this website or otherwise until instructed in writing from us to do so.