Contra Costa County Probate & Trust Attorney

Contra Costa County has a large population of older residents, from established neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, and Danville to retirement communities across the county. That makes it a place where probate, trust administration, conservatorships, and elder financial abuse often overlap. An aging parent may need protection before an estate ever exists, and a trust may need careful administration afterward.

Lamash Legacy Law is based in Malibu. I represent executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, and families in probate, trust, and conservatorship matters before the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, appearing remotely where the court allows and in person when the matter requires it. I handle every case personally, in English.

The Contra Costa Probate Court

Probate matters in Contra Costa County are heard in Department 30 of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez. Ex parte matters are first reviewed by the probate examiners at 725 Court Street, Room 210, Martinez. Under the court’s published procedure, ex parte applications are received from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. after sign-in from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., and they are generally decided on the papers without a hearing.

Calendar Notes: a short window

Contra Costa’s probate examiners post Calendar Notes on the court’s Public Portal, typically six to eight days before the hearing. The window is short. If a note lists something as “NEEDED,” it must be addressed before the hearing, and the court’s guidance asks that responsive pleadings be filed at least five days before. With only a few days between posting and the filing target, any gap in the paperwork needs fast attention.

I prepare petitions to avoid notes in the first place: complete notice, correct proofs of service, required declarations, and accurate inventory and bond information. When notes do appear, I respond right away.

Remote appearances in Department 30

Department 30 encourages parties to appear remotely by Zoom, though in-person appearances are also permitted. The court’s Zoom rules are specific: participants must display their full first and last name, and video is required. I regularly appear remotely, which helps keep costs down for clients when the court allows it.

Contra Costa Estate Issues

Conservatorships and elder protection

When a parent can no longer manage finances or personal care, a conservatorship may be necessary, unless a durable power of attorney and trust already cover the situation. Where a caregiver, new acquaintance, or family member has taken advantage of an older adult, California’s elder abuse law allows recovery of property, and for adults 65 and older, attorney’s fees can be awarded in appropriate cases. See Financial Elder Abuse.

Family homes and Proposition 19

Many Contra Costa homes were bought decades ago. Proposition 19 lets a child inherit the parent’s lower tax base only by moving into the home as a principal residence, and only up to an indexed cap; rental property is reassessed. A trustee deciding whether to sell or distribute the home should understand these rules first.

Trustees and beneficiaries

Most families in the county use living trusts. Trustees must send notice within 60 days after a trust becomes irrevocable, keep beneficiaries reasonably informed, and account. Beneficiaries who are kept in the dark have the right to request information and to petition the court. See Beneficiary Rights.

Selling the family home

With full authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act, an executor can usually sell real property without a court confirmation hearing by giving beneficiaries a Notice of Proposed Action. Without full authority, or if a beneficiary objects, the sale must be confirmed by the court, where overbids are possible.

How I Help

• Probate Administration: full court process.
• Trust Administration: trustee guidance through distribution.
• Trust & Will Contests: challenging or defending documents.
• Conservatorships and Financial Elder Abuse.

I work with clients in Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, San Ramon, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, Antioch, and Brentwood. Nearby: Alameda County and San Francisco. Statewide: California Probate Attorney.

Contra Costa Probate FAQ

Where are probate hearings held in Contra Costa County? In Department 30 of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez.

When are Calendar Notes posted? Typically six to eight days before the hearing, on the court’s Public Portal.

Can I attend by Zoom? Department 30 encourages remote appearances. Video is required, and your full first and last name must be displayed.

How are ex parte requests handled? They go to the probate examiners at 725 Court Street, Room 210, and are generally decided on the papers.

Is a conservatorship always necessary? No. A valid power of attorney and trust may make it unnecessary. I review the documents first.

Talk With a Probate Attorney About Your Contra Costa County Matter

Call me at (424) 355-5565 or send a message. I will review your situation personally and explain your options.

Lamash Legacy Law’s office is located at 23465 Civic Center Way, #116, Malibu, CA 90265. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting Lamash Legacy Law does not create an attorney-client relationship.