How do I probate a high-value estate in Beverly Hills, CA?
Settling a Beverly Hills estate in 2025 requires managing complex triggers: the $13.99M Federal Estate Tax threshold, the valuation of entertainment residuals, and the centralized filing requirements of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Whether the property is in Trousdale Estates or The Flats, all petitions (DE-111) are filed downtown. We utilize Full IAEA Authority to sell luxury real estate without court confirmation, bypassing months of delay. Our firm advances all court fees, publication costs, and appraisals, ensuring the probate begins immediately without out-of-pocket expense for the heirs. Beverly Hills is part of our full probate service area covering Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties.
Advanced Probate Strategy for 90210 Portfolios
Beverly Hills estates represent some of the most complex wealth in the world. As your Beverly Hills probate lawyer, we don't just handle real estate; we manage diverse portfolios including private equity, studio royalties, and digital assets. With federal estate tax exemptions at $13.99 million in 2025, post-mortem tax planning during probate is essential to avoid a 40% tax hit on family wealth.
In California, probate fees are based on the gross value of assets. For a $5M Beverly Hills residence, the combined mandatory fees for the attorney and executor are $126,000. We ensure these high stakes are managed with fiduciary precision, securing a 100% Step-up in Basis to eliminate future capital gains and coordinating with the LA County Probate Referee for accurate luxury appraisals.
Entertainment Assets: Probating Residuals & Royalties
Beverly Hills is the epicenter of the global entertainment industry. If the decedent was a member of the guilds (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA), their estate often includes residual income streams from major studios like Warner Bros, Disney, or Netflix. These are intangible assets that must be identified and valued for the probate inventory. We specialize in coordinating with guild administrators and talent agencies to ensure these income streams are properly transferred to heirs and protected from administrative freezes.
Stanley Mosk: The Hub for Westside Probate Filings
All Beverly Hills probate petitions—including Heggstad Petitions to rescue assets left out of a trust—are heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse (111 N. Hill St, Los Angeles). Navigating this division requires expert e-filing capability and a deep understanding of local "Probate Notes." We handle all downtown logistics, saving Beverly Hills families from the burden of the Civic Center court calendar.
Stanley Mosk Courthouse - Where all Beverly Hills probate matters are centralized
Prop 19 Defense for Ultra-High-Equity Real Estate
For estates in The Flats or Mulholland Estates, Proposition 19 remains a primary financial threat. In 2025, the inflation-adjusted exclusion cap is $1,044,586 over the taxable base. If an executor fails to coordinate the heir's residency and the Assessor's filing within one year, a luxury property tax bill could jump from $15,000 to over $100,000 annually. We manage these filings with the LA County Assessor concurrently with the probate to ensure generational wealth preservation.
2025 Beverly Hills Probate Statutory Fee Schedule
| Estate Gross Value | Mandatory Attorney Fee | Mandatory Executor Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $2,500,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| $5,000,000 | $63,000 | $63,000 |
| $10,000,000 | $113,000 | $113,000 |
| $15,000,000 | $163,000 | $163,000 |
Eliminating Executor Liability in High-Stakes Probates
In the litigious environment of Beverly Hills, executors are frequently targeted by sophisticated beneficiaries. If you mismanage the probate process—such as failing to pay property taxes or incorrectly valuing business interests—you can be held personally liable (surcharged) for the loss. Our firm acts as your legal shield, providing attorney-verified accountings and fiduciary oversight to protect your personal assets.
