Estate Planning Attorney Pasadena CA

Securing Historic Legacies and High-Equity Assets for Pasadena Families Since 2000.

How long does probate take in California? Los Angeles County probate typically takes 18-24 months at Stanley Mosk Courthouse. With a properly funded Living Trust, your family can avoid this delay entirely.

California estates over $208,000 require formal probate unless protected by a trust. View all service areas →

What are the probate costs for Pasadena homeowners?

In Pasadena, CA, where median home values currently reach $1,350,000, statutory probate fees for a single-family residence can exceed $53,000. For deaths after April 1, 2025, any estate over $208,850 triggers mandatory court involvement. A Living Trust allows your heirs to bypass the Pasadena Superior Court entirely, keeping your private financial affairs off the public record. Pasadena is part of our full estate planning service area covering Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties.

Protecting Multi-Generational Wealth in Pasadena

Pasadena is unique. From the meticulously preserved Craftsman homes in Bungalow Heaven to the high-value estates of Oak Knoll and Madison Heights, our residents own some of the most valuable real estate in Southern California. Standard "internet forms" often fail these properties because they do not account for the tax complexities unique to high-equity homes.

As your experienced Pasadena estate lawyer, we specialize in comprehensive protection that includes not just a trust, but a full legal strategy to address California Proposition 19. We help long-time residents preserve their low property tax base for their children, preventing the "reassessment shock" that frequently forces families to sell their childhood homes after a parent passes.

Local Court Jurisdiction: Northeast District

Most Pasadena probate and conservatorship matters are filed at the Pasadena Courthouse located at 300 E. Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Currently, the Los Angeles County Superior Court system faces a significant backlog. A typical probate case can take 12 to 24 months. During this time, your home cannot be sold, and your assets are frozen. Our Living Trust packages are designed to bypass this delay entirely.

Strategic Planning for Caltech & JPL Professionals

We serve many families from Pasadena's scientific and academic sectors, including Caltech and JPL. We understand that your estate often includes specialized assets such as intellectual property, complex retirement portfolios (403b/401k), and multi-state real estate holdings. Our attorney-drafted plans provide the technical precision required to ensure these assets transition seamlessly to the next generation without the 40% federal estate tax taking an unnecessary bite out of your legacy.

Advanced Probate Avoidance: The Heggstad Petition

Did a family member pass away with a trust, but forgot to "fund" it by transferring their Pasadena home into the trust's name? Under California Probate Code § 850, we can often file a Heggstad Petition to move that asset into the trust without a full 18-month probate. This "rescue" maneuver is one of our firm's specialties for local residents.

Complete Pasadena Estate Planning Services

Our comprehensive estate planning packages include:

  • Revocable Living Trust - Avoid probate entirely
  • Pour-Over Will - Catch-all for assets outside the trust
  • Durable Power of Attorney - Financial management if incapacitated
  • Advance Healthcare Directive - Medical decisions
  • HIPAA Authorization - Access to medical records
  • Trust Transfer Deed - Transfer your Pasadena home into the trust
  • Proposition 19 Tax Strategy - Preserve property tax base for heirs

Expertise Across Pasadena Neighborhoods

Oak Knoll & Madison Heights

High-equity planning for Pasadena's premier estates. We focus on asset protection and federal estate tax minimization for properties valued at $3M+.

Bungalow Heaven & Historic Highlands

Protecting the character of historic homes. We help families preserve these landmarks while ensuring the "Step-up in Basis" provides maximum capital gains tax relief.

Hastings Ranch & Linda Vista

Comprehensive planning for retirees and growing families. We focus on guardian nominations for minor children and securing long-term healthcare directives.

What Pasadena Clients Are Saying

"After seeing a neighbor's home stuck in Pasadena probate for nearly two years, we knew we needed a trust. Ms. Gyene made the process incredibly simple and understood the importance of our historic property in Bungalow Heaven."

— Elizabeth S., Bungalow Heaven

★★★★★

"As Caltech employees with complex retirement accounts, we needed an attorney who understood our situation. Rozsa handled everything professionally and explained Prop 19 implications for our Oak Knoll home."

— David & Karen L., Oak Knoll

★★★★★

"Our family has owned our Madison Heights home since 1965. Ms. Gyene helped us preserve the property tax base for our children. Excellent service and very knowledgeable about Pasadena real estate."

— Margaret T., Madison Heights

★★★★★

Learn More About Estate Law

Our firm provides detailed educational resources on all aspects of California law. For technical definitions, please visit our Complete Guide to Living Trusts. If you are currently facing a death in the family, view our Probate Administration Guide to understand your next steps in the Los Angeles court system.

Rozsa Gyene, Esq.

Legal Review By

Rozsa Gyene, Esq.

California State Bar #208356 | Licensed Since 2000

25+ years estate planning experience in Southern California

Your Pasadena Property, Downtown LA Jurisdiction

Successor Trustees in Pasadena are often surprised to learn that while their property is in the Oak Knoll, San Rafael, 91101-91191 area, their legal filings must be processed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.

We bridge this geographic gap by handling all downtown court logistics for our Pasadena clients—from e-filing petitions to attending hearings on your behalf. You get local expertise with centralized court access.

Jurisdiction: Los Angeles County Superior Court, Probate Division

Courthouse: Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Your Local Office: 450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600, Glendale, CA 91203

Serving Pasadena Residents at Stanley Mosk Courthouse

While your property is in Pasadena, all Los Angeles County probate matters are handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown LA. We bridge this distance for you.

Our Glendale Office

Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene - 450 N Brand Blvd Suite 600, Glendale CA 91203

450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600
Glendale, CA 91203

Stanley Mosk Courthouse

111 N Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nearby Service Areas

We also serve these neighboring Los Angeles County communities

Arcadia Estate Planning Glendale Estate Planning Los Angeles Estate Planning

View all service locations →

Protect Your Pasadena Legacy

Don't let court fees and delays consume your family's equity. Consultations are free.

Call (818) 291-6217 Today

Located in Glendale, serving all of Pasadena and San Marino.