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Compassionate, knowledgeable guidance for trustees, executors, and families managing the affairs of a loved one. We make complex processes clear, compliant, and manageable.
Administering a trust or managing an estate can be overwhelming during a time of loss. At Gallagher Al-Najjar LLP, we help clients across Sonoma and Napa Counties navigate the legal and administrative steps of trust administration and probate with confidence and care.
Whether you’re a successor trustee, executor, or beneficiary, our attorneys provide clear direction, ensure legal compliance, and help minimize the stress and confusion that often accompany these responsibilities.
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible — so you can focus on honoring your loved one’s wishes
Understand your duties and act in the best interests of all beneficiaries.
Identify, organize, and manage trust assets with legal and financial accuracy.
Ensure assets are distributed according to the trust’s terms and timelines.
Address disputes and maintain harmony among beneficiaries when challenges arise.
Meet all state, federal, and trust-specific legal requirements.
When someone passes away without a trust, or with assets that weren’t transferred into a trust, their estate typically goes through probate — a court-supervised process to pay debts and distribute assets to heirs. In California, probate is required for estates valued over $184,500.
The process generally includes:
Probate in California can take 12 to 18 months or longer. Having an experienced probate attorney in your corner helps the process move as smoothly as possible.
When a loved one passes away without a trust, the estate may need to go through probate — a court-supervised process for distributing assets and settling debts.
Our firm provides experienced representation for executors and families throughout Sonoma and Napa Counties, ensuring all steps are completed properly and efficiently.
Preparing and filing court documents
Asset inventory and appraisal.
Managing debts and expenses.
Coordinating final distribution to heirs and beneficiaries
We’ll handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters — your family and peace of mind.
Many people aren’t sure whether they need legal help or whether they can handle the process themselves. Here are situations where working with a probate attorney makes a real difference:
If any of these apply, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If your loved one had a trust in place, you may still need legal guidance to administer it correctly. As successor trustee, you have fiduciary duties that carry real legal responsibility. Our attorneys help trustees at every stage — from inventorying assets to making final distributions — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Most California probate cases take 12 to 18 months, though complex estates or contested wills can take longer. Estates with a valid trust in place typically avoid probate entirely, which is one reason estate planning is so valuable.
A trustee manages assets held in a trust, while an executor (also called a personal representative) is appointed by the court to administer a probate estate. In some cases, the same person serves both roles.
No. Assets held in a trust, jointly owned assets, and accounts with named beneficiaries (such as life insurance or retirement accounts) typically pass outside of probate. California also has a simplified process for smaller estates under $184,500.
A successor trustee steps in to manage and distribute trust assets after the original trustee passes away or becomes incapacitated. This includes inventorying assets, notifying beneficiaries, paying debts, and making distributions — all while meeting fiduciary duties under California law.
Technically yes, but California’s probate process involves strict court deadlines, required filings, and creditor notice rules. Mistakes can cause costly delays or personal liability for the executor. Most families find it well worth having an attorney guide the process.
With over 60 years of combined experience, Gallagher Al-Najjar LLP provides the knowledge, compassion, and personal attention needed to manage trusts and estates with care. As a women-owned firm, we value integrity, accessibility, and long-term relationships built on trust.
Ready to move forward with confidence? Contact us to discuss your trust administration or probate needs.