Heggstad Petition Attorney – Orange County

Recover Trust Property in Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, and Fullerton

If your loved one's home or bank account was left out of their trust, a Heggstad petition can help you claim that property and avoid probate. The Law Office of Ravi Patel files Heggstad petitions in Orange County on a flat-fee, contingent basis—you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees until you have a signed court order.

Call (510) 443-0443 for a free consultation, or book online.

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About Ravi

Ravi is a probate attorney with experience representing families, businesses, and public agencies. Ravi’s practice focus on trust litigation and Heggstad Petitions. Ravi files Heggstad Petitions for successor trustees in all 58 California counties. Ravi also represents beneficiaries and trustees in trust litigation matters.

After graduating from Duke University School of Law, Ravi practiced general commercial litigation and water law at a law firm in Bakersfield, CA. He also spent time as a tax and governance attorney with City of Oakland. Ravi has practiced exclusively as a probate attorney since 2021. He files probate matters throughout California.

Education

Juris Doctor, Duke University School of Law, Class of 2014

Bachelors Degree, University of California, Berkeley, Class of 2010

What Is a Heggstad Petition?

A Heggstad petition is a California probate court filing that allows a successor trustee to claim property that was meant to be in a trust but was never formally transferred. Common situations include:

  • A house listed in the trust's Schedule A but never deeded to the trust

  • Real property removed from the trust during a refinance and never transferred back

  • Bank or investment accounts referenced in the trust but titled in the decedent's individual name

If the decedent clearly intended the property to be part of their trust, a Heggstad petition can confirm that intent and transfer the property without a full probate proceeding.

Filing a Heggstad Petition in Orange County

Local Practice Tips for Orange County

  • Timeline: Uncontested Heggstad petitions are generally scheduled for hearing 5-7 months from initial filing. Orange County’s probate department is one of the most budget impacted departments in the state and hearing times are generally much longer than other counties. Expedited hearings can be requested on an ex parte basis when particular urgency is demonstrated. An experienced Heggstad petition attorney can help ensure that your petition is approved at its first hearing.

  • Remote Hearings: Orange County’s local rules include a preference for parties to appear remotely, when possible.

  • Probate notes: Approximately 4-6 weeks before the hearing, the probate examiner will post notes indicating any procedural questions with the petition. Notes should be cleared well in advance of the hearing date to avoid significant delay.

  • Orders: After a petition is granted, the Court may take an additional 2-3 weeks to issue a final written order. If an order is needed more urgently, a request can be submitted in person at the probate department's clerks office at the Costa Mesa Courthouse.

Ex Parte Procedures

If you have an urgent situation—such as a pending sale or foreclosure—you may be able to obtain a Heggstad order on an expedited basis through an ex parte petition.

In Orange County, ex parte matters are generally heard within 2 business days of filing. Unlike regular Heggstad petitions, ex parte matters are decided on the papers without an in-person hearing. However, you must demonstrate genuine urgency to qualify for ex parte relief. Courts will not grant ex parte requests simply to speed up a routine matter. Typical urgency justifications include a pending foreclosure, escrow, or immediate and pressing needs of named beneficiaries.

The Law Office of Ravi Patel has experience with ex parte Heggstad petitions in Orange County and throughout California.

Recent Orange County Heggstad Matters

The Law Office of Ravi Patel has successfully handled Heggstad petitions throughout Orange County, including:

  • Heggstad petition granted on a ex parte basis for a property facing foreclosure;

  • Heggstad petition granted for an account despite disinheritance of sibling

  • Heggstad petition granted for accounts not retitled after trust creation

Why Avoid Probate?

A full probate proceeding in California typically takes 12–18 months and can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees—often calculated as a percentage of the estate. A Heggstad petition, by contrast, can be resolved in a few months for a flat fee starting at $3,500.

If your loved one had a trust, you shouldn't have to go through probate just because one asset wasn't properly titled. A Heggstad petition is the faster, less expensive path.

Flat-Fee, Contingent Pricing

The Law Office of Ravi Patel handles Heggstad petitions on a contingent, flat-fee basis:

  • No upfront cost—you pay nothing until the court grants your petition

  • Flat fees starting at $3,500 for one property or up to two accounts

  • Statewide service—we file Heggstad petitions in all 58 California counties

Serving All of Orange County

We represent successor trustees and beneficiaries throughout the Bay Area, including:

Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, and Fullerton.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you're a successor trustee with property left out of a trust, contact the Law Office of Ravi Patel today to discuss your options.

Phone: (510) 443-0443
Office: 1999 Harrison St., Suite 1800, Oakland, CA 94612

[Book a Free Consultation]