At present time, nearly all California probate courts require that court documents be filed electronically using the eFiling system. Effective June 5, 2017, the Los Angeles Superior Court has mandated eFiling of probate cases.
There are a few exceptions to the mandatory eFiling of probate cases. If you need help determining whether your situation applies, speak to one of our Los Angeles probate lawyers. These exemptions include:
The requirement of eFiling comes on the heels of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s replacement of its antiquated case management system for probate cases with a new, state of the art system. The new technology has made proceedings much more efficient and improved the ability of the probate court to maintain and access probate records.
In the face of recent budget cuts, the Los Angeles Superior Court closed all probate courtrooms except the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse in Lancaster, after the majority of probate operations were relocated to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
The probate process officially begins with the filing of a petition in a California Superior Court in the county where the deceased was living at the time of his or her death. A hearing will be set by the court approximately thirty (30) days after the filing of the petition.
Once the executor or administrator has been appointed and access the funds of the estate has been obtained, creditors will be paid first. This includes all bills, as well as funeral expenses. Creditors who claim to have valid debts payable by the estate will submit a claim form to the administrator or credit.
California Probate and Trust Administration, National Business Institute (NBI), Topics: "California Probate Process and Overview," "Assets, Creditor Claims and Debt Considerations," and "Distributions, Final Accounting, and Closing the Estate", June 28, 2021
Obtained long overdue accountings from executors, administrators and trustees on behalf of numerous heirs and beneficiaries
On January 8, 2019, Yasha Bronshteyn, Ginzburg & Bronshteyn, APC partner and litigator attended the SFVBA Probate & Estate Planning Section: Hot Topics in Bad Faith Objections presented by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association.
Firm partner, Yasha Bronshteyn, litigating Conservatorship, Trust Matters, and Accounting Matters attended the Los Angeles County Bar Association Presentation on September 13, 2018, at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Attorney Yasha Bronshteyn of Ginzburg & Bronshteyn, LLP successfully completed a conservatorship trial in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Central Branch. Judge William Barry presided over the trial. Dr. David Trader, a geriatric psychiatry specialist provided key testimony.
On April 26, 2018, firm Conservatorship and Trust Litigation Partner, Yasha Bronshteyn, was fortunate to attend the Ventura County Bar Association – Probate and Estate Planning Section annual program with Ventura County Presiding Probate Judge Glen M.
On March 20, 2018, Judges of the Probate Court for Los Angeles County discussed the current state of the Probate Court and addressed issues and concerns affecting the Court, the courtroom transitions, modernizing the system to benefit litigants, and other questions submitted by Beverly Hills Bar Association Member from the Trust and Estates Section members.
Firm partner, Yasha Bronshteyn, litigating Conservatorship and Trust Matters, is looking forward to the Los Angeles County Bar Association Presentation on March 16, 2018, by Judge Klein and Judge Johnson of the Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Department. Judge Klein presides in Department 9 and Judge Johnson presides in Department 11.
Alexander R.