Advance Planning, A Law Corporation - Berkeley, CA
Advance Planning, A Law Corporation, is an elite East Bay probate law firm specializing exclusively in uncontested probate, Heggstad Petitions, and spousal property petitions. Founded in 2012 by attorney Grant A. Toeppen, the firm provides seamless, stress-free representation for local families as well as out-of-state and international clients settling California estates.
Seamless and Stress-Free Probate Representation in Berkeley
Losing a loved one is one of life's most challenging experiences, and navigating the complex probate process during a time of grief can feel completely overwhelming. At Advance Planning, A Law Corporation, we specialize in removing the legal burdens from your shoulders. Operating from our welcoming office in Berkeley, California, we focus our practice exclusively on uncontested probate and trust administration. Our primary goal is to guide you through the California probate court system with efficiency, transparency, and minimal stress. Whether you need to find a probate attorney to settle a local estate or are looking to hire an estate lawyer to handle an out-of-state or international probate case, our dedicated legal team is here to provide reliable and seasoned counsel.
Focused Exclusively on Uncontested Probate Services
By dedicating our practice solely to uncontested probate matters, we maintain an intimate, up-to-date understanding of local court procedures and guidelines in Alameda County and across California. We provide targeted legal services in these vital areas:
- Formal Probate Administration: We handle the complete court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person's assets, from filing the initial petition to the final distribution of property.
- Heggstad Petitions: If a loved one intended to put a piece of real estate or asset into their living trust but passed away before officially transfering the title, we file a Heggstad Petition (Probate Code 850) to transfer the asset into the trust without going through full probate.
- Spousal Property Petitions: When a spouse passes away, we utilize faster, simplified court petitions to legally transfer assets and property directly to the surviving spouse.
- Out-of-State and Ancillary Probate: We routinely help families living in other states (such as Texas or New York) or abroad (including Japan, the UK, and Europe) settle California estates smoothly without requiring them to travel to the Berkeley courthouse.
We analyze every case to check for the fastest, most cost-effective legal exit paths first. If your situation allows for a simplified small estate transfer, we will recommend it.
Why Partner with Attorney Grant A. Toeppen"
Successfully resolving a probate case requires a lawyer who understands the meticulous details required by probate examiners and judges. Here is what sets our law firm apart:
- Over a Decade of Specialized Experience: Founded in 2012, our firm is led by Grant A. Toeppen, who is licensed to practice in both California and New York, bringing a rare bi-coastal perspective to cross-state probate matters.
- Top-Rated Client Service: We are incredibly proud of our 100+ five-star Google reviews across our Berkeley and Dublin offices, reflecting our deep commitment to clear communication and client comfort.
- Predictable Flat Fees and Consultations: We provide structured statutory or flat fees quoted before we begin any work, ensuring there are no hidden financial surprises.
Our office is designed to make the entire legal process completely hands-off for your family, meaning you will almost never need to step foot inside a courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Probate
What is the purpose of a Heggstad Petition"
A Heggstad Petition is a highly specialized court petition used to declare that an asset is part of a trust even though it was not formally deeded to the trust. This saves families the significant time and cost of a full probate administration.
Do I have to live in California to act as an executor"
No. We regularly represent out-of-state executors and administrators. We handle all local court filings and attorney appearances, allowing you to manage your executor duties entirely from your home state.
Contact Advance Planning, A Law Corporation Today
Do not let the fear of complex court filings delay the distribution of your loved one's estate. Contact our Berkeley office today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We will evaluate your case, calculate potential statutory fees, and chart the fastest, most stress-free path forward for your family.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the heart of the Downtown Berkeley Arts District, a culturally rich area with theaters, cafés, and transit options.
Building Location
The office is situated on the ground level of Addison Arts Apartments, a modern six-story contemporary Mediterranean mixed-use development built in 2018. It is located near the Berkeley Historical Society museum and MY Coffee Roastery.
Parking Details
Convenient underground public parking is available nearby at The Promenade Garage or the UC Golden Bear Garage.
Public Transit
Served by Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Route 51B (University/College); nearest stop is at University Avenue & Martin Luther King Junior Way.
Accessibility / Suite Access
The building is modern and accessible. Enter through the main ground-floor entrance of Addison Arts Apartments or the co-working space lobby and proceed directly to Suite 113.