How to Win a Heggstad Petition in Los Angeles County
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A Heggstad Petition allows a successor trustee to claim property that was intended to be part of a trust but was never formally transferred. In Los Angeles County, where the probate system is large and complex, understanding local procedures is key to success.
Is Los Angeles County the Right Venue?
A Heggstad Petition should be filed in the county where the principal administration of the trust occurs—usually where the trustee resides. In L.A. County, this means:
If the trustee lives in Los Angeles County, file here.
If the trustee lives out of state, venue may depend on where the property is located.
The decedent’s place of death is not the determining factor.
Important: All initial filings must be accompanied by Form PRO-010, a mandatory court form that confirms proper venue for the case. Failing to include this form can delay or prevent your petition from being processed.
Where Should You File in Los Angeles County?
All probate matters in L.A. County are handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at:
111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Probate filings must be submitted electronically through an approved e-filing service provider. Hearings are typically held in person, but remote appearances are allowed via LACourtConnect—no reservation is required.
How Long Does a Heggstad Petition Take in L.A. County?
A standard Heggstad Petition in Los Angeles County typically takes 2–4 months from filing to final order. After the hearing, it may take an additional 2–3 weeks for the court to process and return signed orders.
Note: In L.A. County, proposed orders are generally submitted after the hearing, once the judge has ruled. The exception is for Ex Parte Petitions, where proposed orders must be submitted at the time of filing.
What Is the Hearing Process Like?
Probate hearings in L.A. County usually begin at 8:30 AM. The court will:
Call the calendar and confirm appearances
Announce pre-approved matters
Hear any objections or clarifications
Issue rulings or set further hearings if needed
If your petition is complete and uncontested, it may be approved without oral argument.
What Evidence Should You Include?
To win a Heggstad Petition in L.A. County, include:
A complete copy of the trust and all amendments
A trust schedule listing the omitted asset
Deeds, account statements, or other ownership records
A declaration explaining the decedent’s intent
Proof of notice to all interested parties (or their signed waivers)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing in the wrong county
Failing to include a full trust document
Submitting unclear or incomplete evidence
Not addressing why the asset was left out of the trust
Overlooking required notice to heirs and beneficiaries
Forgetting to include Form PRO-010 with initial filings
Submitting proposed orders too early (except for Ex Parte cases)
Need Help Filing a Heggstad Petition in Los Angeles County?
If you're dealing with a trust-related issue and want to avoid probate delays, working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference. The Law Office of Ravi Patel has successfully filed and won numerous Heggstad Petitions in Los Angeles County, including both standard and Ex Parte cases.
We understand the local court procedures, filing requirements, and what judges expect—and we offer flat-rate, no-upfront-fee services to make the process as smooth and affordable as possible.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you secure trust property quickly and efficiently.
