Mihell Law, A.P.C. - Santa Monica, CA
Mihell Law, A.P.C. delivers comprehensive estate planning, probate administration, and trust litigation services in Santa Monica, California, guided by attorney Monica Mihell with more than three decades of legal practice and court mediation experience.
Comprehensive Estate Planning and Probate Services in Santa Monica
Planning for the future of your estate or navigating the legal aftermath of losing a family member requires steady legal guidance rooted in empathy and deep legal experience. Mihell Law, A.P.C. provides attentive, high-caliber estate planning, probate administration, and trust management for individuals and families throughout Santa Monica and West Los Angeles. Founded and led by veteran attorney Monica Mihell, the firm brings more than thirty years of courtroom experience to every estate matter. When families seek to hire an estate planning lawyer who understands how to protect personal legacies and streamline intricate legal processes, this boutique practice provides clear answers and tailored solutions.
Living Trusts and Comprehensive Will Drafting
An effective estate plan ensures that your assets transition smoothly to your heirs while avoiding the delays and public nature of California probate proceedings. As seasoned estate planning lawyers, trusts lawyers, and wills lawyers, the firm designs customized revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, testamentary trusts, and property transfer documents. Every plan is tailored to the individual financial goals and family dynamics of the client, providing clear instructions for asset distribution, minimizing estate tax burdens, and preventing painful disputes among surviving relatives.
California Probate Administration and Estate Settlement
Settling a decedent estate in California involves complex statutory timelines, court filings, and creditor notifications. Acting as dependable probate lawyers, Mihell Law, A.P.C. assists executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through every stage of probate administration in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The firm prepares and files required probate petitions, conducts thorough asset inventories, manages tax obligations, satisfies valid creditor claims, and oversees the final distribution of property according to the decedent wishes.
Conservatorships, Guardianships, and Elder Law Advocacy
When an elderly loved one or incapacitated adult can no longer make safe medical or financial decisions, formal legal intervention becomes necessary. The firm provides compassionate legal support in establishing conservatorships of the person and estate, securing court authorization to safeguard the individual well-being and protect assets from financial exploitation. The office also assists families in creating legal guardianships for minor children and handling complex elder law issues with sensitivity.
Powers of Attorney and Incapacity Planning
Comprehensive estate preparation must address unexpected illness or cognitive decline before crises happen. Practicing as skilled power of attorney lawyers, attorney Monica Mihell drafts durable financial powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. These crucial legal instruments empower designated agents to manage finances, pay bills, and make vital medical decisions without the need for expensive and contentious court intervention.
Respected Legal Experience and Dispute Resolution
Attorney Monica Ariel Mihell has been admitted to practice across all California state courts and federal district courts for over three decades. In addition to private legal representation, she has served as a mediator, arbitrator, voluntary settlement officer for the court, and Court Appointed Special Advocate for children. Her extensive trial and dispute resolution background enables her to effectively handle contested probate and trust litigation when conflicts arise. Clients looking to find a probate attorney who combines trial skill with authentic personal compassion can schedule a free initial consultation by phone.
Practice Concentrations
- Customized revocable living trusts, legacy planning, and wealth preservation
- Last will and testament creation and pour-over will drafting
- California probate administration, court representation, and estate closure
- Probate and trust litigation, breach of fiduciary duty, and will disputes
- Durable powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives
- Conservatorships of the person and estate, guardianships, and elder law
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the lively and upscale Downtown Santa Monica commercial district, situated just two blocks from the famous Third Street Promenade.
Building Location
The office is situated inside 401 Wilshire, a newly renovated, 12-story Class A professional office building with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains.
Parking Details
Paid parking is available in the building's underground subterranean parking garage, or clients can utilize Public Parking Structure 9 directly across the street on 4th Street, which offers the first 90 minutes of parking for free.
Public Transit
Served by Big Blue Bus Route 2 (Westwood / UCLA); nearest stop is at Wilshire & 6th.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the building's elegant ground-floor lobby and take the passenger elevators up to the 12th Floor, where the office is located.