Law Office of James L. Leestma

Call A Probate Attorney Who Cares About Helping You Through Change

With new laws being passed on a regular basis, the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles County Probate Lawyer is critical in ensuring efficient probate administration and, if necessary, effective litigation. Proper administration ensures that a family member's legacy is not wasted, and that loved ones are cared for according to his or her wishes. Avoiding probate costs, expensive court proceedings and unnecessary taxes are important elements in preserving the integrity of an estate.

Knowledge, Integrity and Communication
Having practiced probate law for nearly a decade and having reviewed and managed more than 4,000 probate estates, I have extensive knowledge of how to help clients secure the inheritances that loved ones meant for them to have and enjoy. As a skilled Los Angeles County Probate Lawyer, I provide solid legal representation in the following practice areas:

• Probate
• Probating Estates
• Wills
• Will Contest Litigation
• Estate Litigation
• Trusts
• Debt Collections against Probate/Trust Estates

In the fields of estate planning, probate administration and estate litigation, there is a wide range of tools that an experienced attorney can use to ensure that legacies are properly preserved and distributed, including:

• Probate/Estate Administration services provide steady legal guidance after a family member has passed away. I handle probate and administration proceedings, estate taxes and estate accountings. When probate is contested, I can handle the resulting litigation as well. I will make sure that your rights are represented in probate court to the maximum extent.
• Wills, sometimes called a Last Will and Testament, to transfer property you hold in your name to the person(s) and/or organization(s) you want to receive it. A Will also typically names someone you select to be your Personal Representative (Executor) to carry out your instructions and names a Guardian if you have minor children. A Will only becomes effective upon your death, and after it is admitted to probate.
• Living Trust can be used to hold legal title to and provide a mechanism to manage your property. You can select a person or persons – often even yourself – as the Trustee(s) to carry out the instructions in the Trust and name one or more Successor Trustees. Unlike a Will, a Trust usually becomes effective immediately, continues in force during your lifetime even in the event of your incapacity, and continues after your death. Most Trusts are revocable which allows the person who creates the Trust to make future changes, modifications and even to terminate it.  

Sometimes a procedural shortcut can save a client time and thousands of dollars. But I will not comprise my integrity or my client by taking unnecessary chances in the procedurally onerous probate arena. 

A crucial component of my practice is client communication. If clients have questions about substantive probate issues, strategies, or otherwise, I pride myself on promptly answering their phone calls and e-mails.

If you or someone you know in Southern California needs the assistance of an experienced Los Angeles County Probate Lawyer, call Attorney James Leestma today at 818-732-8262, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.