California Living Trust Attorney — Flat Fee Estate Planning From $575

Living Trusts & Estate Planning

Our living trust packages start at just $575 for individuals and $675 for married couples. Every package includes a revocable living trust, pour-over will, durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, HIPAA authorization, and trust transfer deed for your home. We also prepare irrevocable trusts for asset protection, Medi-Cal planning, and estate tax reduction — services that online providers like LegalZoom simply cannot offer.

Probate Administration

When a loved one passes without a trust, California requires formal probate for estates exceeding $208,000. We handle the entire process at Stanley Mosk Courthouse and courts throughout Southern California — from filing the initial petition to final distribution. We advance all probate costs so families face no upfront financial burden. Probate fees are set by California statute, but our guidance saves families time, stress, and costly mistakes.

Trust Administration

If you've been named successor trustee, you have legal obligations that begin immediately. California Probate Code §16061.7 requires notification to all beneficiaries within 60 days of the grantor's death. Our trust administration services guide successor trustees through every step — from securing assets and obtaining death certificates to filing trust tax returns, managing Proposition 19 property tax implications, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Trust administration typically costs $3,000-$15,000, a fraction of probate.

Trust & Probate Litigation

When trust or estate disputes arise, our firm provides aggressive representation in trust contests, trustee removal actions, breach of fiduciary duty claims, undue influence cases, and elder financial abuse litigation. We handle all litigation at Stanley Mosk Courthouse and throughout Southern California. Whether you're a beneficiary seeking accountability or a trustee defending your administration, we protect your interests from initial petition through trial.

Conservatorship & Guardianship

When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, a conservatorship or guardianship provides legal authority to manage their affairs and ensure their wellbeing. We handle both limited and general conservatorships, including conservatorships of the person, estate, or both. For families with special needs dependents, we also prepare special needs trusts starting at $900 to protect government benefits while providing supplemental support.

Additional Services

Beyond our core services, we assist with powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, trust amendments and restatements, spousal property petitions, small estate affidavits, Heggstad petitions for unfunded trust assets, and offshore asset protection planning. Whatever your estate planning need, we have the experience to help.

Licensed since 2000 (California State Bar #208356), attorney Rozsa Gyene has guided thousands of families through estate planning, probate, and trust administration across Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties.

No hourly billing surprises. Our transparent flat-fee pricing includes everything — legal consultation, all documents, deed transfers, and ongoing support. Married couples pay just $675. No hidden fees, ever.

We advance all probate costs so grieving families don't face financial burden during an already difficult time. No retainers, no upfront payments — we're invested in your case from day one.

"Ms. Gyene made the entire estate planning process simple and stress-free. She took the time to understand our family's needs and created a comprehensive trust that gives us complete peace of mind. Her $575 flat fee was the best value we found anywhere in LA."

— Sarah M., Glendale

"When my father passed, Ms. Gyene guided us through probate with compassion and expertise. She handled everything at Stanley Mosk Courthouse professionally and kept us informed every step of the way. I can't recommend her enough."

— Michael R., Burbank

"As a successor trustee, I was overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. Rozsa walked me through the entire trust administration process, handled the tax filings, and made sure everything was done correctly. Worth every penny."

— Jennifer L., Pasadena

Los Angeles County

Glendale · Burbank · Pasadena · Los Angeles · Arcadia · Beverly Hills · Santa Monica · Encino · Sherman Oaks · Woodland Hills · Calabasas · Northridge · Tarzana · Santa Clarita

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara · Montecito · Goleta · Carpinteria · Hope Ranch · Santa Ynez Valley

Additional Counties

Ventura County · Orange County · Riverside County · San Bernardino County

How do I find a good California estate planning attorney?

Look for an attorney who specializes exclusively in estate planning and probate law, has 10+ years of experience, offers transparent flat-fee pricing, and is willing to provide a free initial consultation. Check their California State Bar record, read online reviews, and ask about their experience with your specific situation. At the Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene, we've focused exclusively on estate planning and probate for over 25 years (State Bar #208356), offer flat fees starting at $575, and maintain a 5.0 Google rating.

How much does an estate planning attorney cost in California?

California estate planning attorney fees vary widely — from $500 to $5,000+ depending on complexity, location, and the attorney's experience. Simple living trusts range from $575-$2,500. Complex estates with business interests, multiple properties, or tax planning needs can cost $3,000-$10,000+. Our firm offers some of the most competitive flat-fee pricing in Southern California: $575 for individuals and $675 for married couples, with no hidden fees.

Do I need a living trust if I own a home in California?

Yes. If you own a home in California — and virtually all homes exceed the $208,000 small estate threshold — a living trust is essential to avoid probate. Without a trust, your family faces 18-24 months of court proceedings and statutory fees of 4-7% of the gross estate value. For a $1 million home, that's approximately $46,000 in combined executor and attorney fees. A living trust starting at $575 prevents all of this.

What is the difference between a probate lawyer and an estate planning attorney?

An estate planning attorney helps you create documents (trusts, wills, powers of attorney) to protect your assets and plan for the future — this is proactive planning done while you're alive. A probate lawyer helps your family navigate the court process after someone dies, when assets need to pass through formal probate. Many attorneys, including our firm, handle both. We help families plan ahead with living trusts AND guide executors and administrators through the California probate process when needed.

Can I do my own estate planning without a lawyer in California?

Technically yes, but it's risky — especially for California homeowners. DIY trusts from services like LegalZoom cost $299-$599 but most are never properly funded, meaning they don't actually avoid probate. California has specific requirements for trust funding, deed transfers, community property classification, and Proposition 19 compliance that generic templates miss. An attorney-prepared trust from $575 costs about the same as a premium DIY option but includes everything needed to actually protect your family.