Committed Probate Attorney Counseling Residents of Huntington Beach & Orange County
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate California’s complex probate proceeding. With nearly three decades’ experience in probate and estate planning matters, no one understands this more than attorney Stephen Shepard. If you and your family are currently struggling with the loss of a loved one, regardless of whether he or she died with a will and/or trust, you may be in need of effective, reliable legal representation.
Common Reasons to Contest a Will
Stephen Shepard has dedicated his professional career to assisting Huntington Beach families with contested wills, including cases involving:
- Fraud
- Claims of undue influence
- Differences of opinion over guardianships
- Undisclosed details regarding debtors
- A beneficiary failing to do their fiduciary duty
- Failing to sign in accordance with applicable state laws
No Time to Waste
A probate court will not proceed with a case if it is filed beyond a specific time (i.e. the statute of limitation). Seeking legal representation as soon as possible is crucial when litigating wills and probate. We understand that this is a highly emotional time. We have the empathy and experience necessary to help you obtain the best possible outcome.
Fees & Costs
Probate matters are paid for by the estate of the deceased. The amount of attorney’s fees is set by the California Probate Code which uses a sliding scale based on the appraised value of the decedent’s estate.