Free Probate Consultation
Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. Qualified clients receive a 45-minute follow-up meeting at no charge, held in person at our Dublin or Berkeley office, or virtually if preferred. Transparent pricing. Serving Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Stanislaus Counties.
Serving Dublin, Berkeley, CA & Surrounding Areas.
With Attorney Grant A. Toeppen
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About Us
Fast, Reliable, and Stress-Free Assistance
We are a California law firm focused exclusively on uncontested probate, including Heggstad Petitions and Spousal Property Petitions. Our practice is designed to make the probate process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for families and fiduciaries.
We primarily serve clients in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Stanislaus counties, with offices conveniently located in Dublin and Berkeley. Our law firm's founder, attorney Grant A. Toeppen, has practiced law in our region since 2012, and during that time, our law office has become the trusted source for quality, personalized representation and support to those who have legal needs involving uncontested probate of decedents' estates.
When he is not guiding families through the probate process, Grant enjoys going on hikes, travelling to Japan, homebrewing beer, and spending time with his wife and his French Bulldog.
California Law License
New York Law License
Mediation Certification
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LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Why Choose us
Plan Ahead with Confidence, Rely on Experience.
At Advance Planning, we make it easier to understand your legal options, connect with a qualified attorney, and move through probate with confidence.
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Focused on Probate
We focus on California probate law delivering expert legal guidance tailored to your family’s needs.
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Led by an Experienced Attorney
Attorney Grant A. Toeppen is licensed in California and New York, bringing years of legal experience and mediation skills to every case.
Serving Multiple California Counties
We assist clients across the Bay Area and Central Valley, with a focus on:
Alameda County: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City, Ashland, Castlewood, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Happy Valley, Hillcrest Knolls, San Lorenzo, and Sunol
Contra Costa County: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Danville, and Moraga
Also serving: Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Stanislaus counties
Testimonial
Hear from those who’ve Experienced Our Services.
Check out our glowing reviews on Social Media!
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer (California):
Testimonials reflect the personal opinions and experiences of past clients or professional colleagues. Individual circumstances vary, and these testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of any legal matter. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
How much does probate cost in California?
California sets probate attorney fees by statute (Probate Code Section 10810): 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate's gross value, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% of the next $9 million. The executor is entitled to the same amount, so a $500,000 estate can generate $13,000 in attorney fees plus $13,000 in executor fees, before court costs. We publish our fees and offer a free calculator.
How long does probate take in Alameda or Contra Costa County?
A typical uncontested California probate runs about 9 to 18 months from filing the petition to final distribution. Court calendars, creditor claim periods, and property sales are the main drivers. Simplified procedures like a spousal property petition or Heggstad petition can finish in roughly 2 to 3 months.
Do we need full probate for my parent's house?
Maybe not. Under AB 2016 (effective April 1, 2025), a primary residence valued at $750,000 or less may pass through a streamlined Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property instead of full probate. Other assets may qualify for the small estate affidavit if the estate is under $208,850.
What is the small estate limit in California?
For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, estates with probate assets under $208,850 can often be collected with a small estate affidavit, with no court case required. Real property interests under $69,625 qualify for a separate simplified affidavit procedure.
What happens in the free consultation?
You start with a free 15-minute phone call where we identify the fastest lawful path for your situation. Qualified clients then receive a free 45-minute follow-up meeting at our Dublin or Berkeley office, or virtually.
Can you handle a California probate if I live out of state?
Yes. A large part of our practice is representing out-of-state and international executors and heirs. Nearly everything in an uncontested California probate can be handled remotely, and we appear in court so you don't have to fly in.
Contact Us
Advance Planning, A Law Corporation Probate Law Firm
Dublin & Berkeley: