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Wills

Dedicated Wills Lawyer Handling Matters for South San Francisco Clients

Our firm assists with will drafting and probate

The Law Offices of K.J. Petsas, PC has 40 years of experience in estate planning and probate matters in the South San Francisco Bay Area. Our lawyers can assist you with all aspects of the estate distribution process. We can help you create a will that reflects your future wishes. We also can help you carry out your probate duties if you are named executor or administrator of a will or trust.

We draft wills and end-of-life documents

Your will and end-of-life documents give you the opportunity to express your wishes when you become incapacitated or die. Our firm offers a package of documents in which you express your final wishes, which may include:

  • Living will — A living will allows you to express your desires for medical care should you become incapacitated. You can request that life-sustaining treatment be removed or continued under various circumstances. A living will offers relief to family members who would otherwise be forced to make these difficult decisions and who may not agree on what you would have wanted.
  • Last will and testament — A simple will is the appropriate document for directing how and to whom your assets should be distributed. A will is particularly important if you want to leave assets to beneficiaries outside of the intestate line, such as charitable organizations, alma maters or friends.
  • Conditional will — A conditional will is operative only upon the occurrence of a specified event. For example, you might create the will before undergoing a difficult surgery, travelling to a dangerous location or undertaking another risky activity.

Our attorneys fully assess what documents you need and discuss your estate planning options. Our goal is to ensure your wishes are carried out.

We assist you with your will probate duties

Probate occurs while you are grieving your loss. When the deceased has appointed an executor or administrator who has little experience with the tasks necessary to carry out complicated probate duties, the process can seem overwhelmingly complex.

But our attorneys can guide you through the steps of probating your loved one’s will in the California probate court, including:

  • Filing the will with the court
  • Paying debts and taxes
  • Notifying agencies of your loved one’s death
  • Paying or fighting creditor claims as appropriate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Valuing assets
  • Maintaining assets until distribution
  • Dispersing the estate assets
  • Closing the estate

Potential beneficiaries may choose to contest terms of the will that they believe do not reflect your loved one’s intentions. We work closely with you to fulfill your loved one’s wishes while preserving family relationships. Should the person or entity contesting the will not have a valid claim, we vigorously litigate to protect the interests of the estate and its intended beneficiaries.

Why you need a experienced probate attorney

Probate is a complicated process. A mistake can cost the estate its funds and beneficiaries their rightful inheritance. An ungrounded contest can be disruptive and difficult during this challenging time. You need an experienced attorney who knows the probate laws of California and the rules of the South San Francisco Bay Area courts. We protect your rights as an executor, administrator, heir or intended beneficiary to the estate.

Call us for guidance on estate planning and probate

For assistance with drafting or probating a will, call the Law Offices of K.J. Petsas, PC at 650-540-1170 or contact us online. Your first consultation is free. Our South San Francisco law firm helps trust and estate clients throughout the Bay Area.

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Our office
  • South San Francisco Office
    1475 Huntington Avenue
    Suite 205
    South San Francisco, California 94080
    Phone: 650-624-8181
    Fax: 650-737-7964
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