Probate Shortcuts
Applying the law to get through probate as quickly as possible
The probate system take a lot of criticism for being costly, time consuming, and confusing—and rightly so. But California law allows a variety of methods to “shortcut” the probate process when justified by the circumstances of a particular matter. The Law Office of Ravi Patel can help you apply California’s shortcut probate methods at flat, affordable, contingent rates.
Primary Residence Petition
Affidavit for Collection of Real Property (DE-305)
Amendments to the Probate Code adopted in 2025 allow a decedent’s primary residence to pass to their heirs without probate it the residence had a fair market value of less than $750,000 at the time of the decedent’s death. Law Office of Ravi Patel can file Primary Residence Petitions in all 58 California counties.
When a decedent leaves behind vacant land, the costs of a typical probate can be greater than the realizable value of the land itself. In this situation an affidavit for collection of real property of small value can be particularly useful. Because such affidavits do not require a hearing, they can be completed relatively quickly, and for minimal expense.
Let’s Talk About Your Probate Options.
Ravi Patel is an experienced trusts and estates attorney who has represented trustees, beneficiaries, executors, and heirs. Book time for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
Blog Posts
Can “Pay-on-Death” Designations Be Overcome by Evidence of the Owner’s Intent?
Explore whether California pay‑on‑death (POD) designations can be challenged by evidence of the account owner’s true intent, based on statutory history, case law, and Probate Code § 5302(b).
Challenging a California Trust: Proving Incapacity and Undue Influence
This article explains how to challenge a California trust by proving incapacity or undue influence, outlining the legal standards, evidentiary requirements, and key presumptions under the Probate Code.
Fixing Deeds and Claiming Houses in Trusts — A Guide to Heggstad Petitions
Heggstad Petitions help successor trustees claim property that was accidentally left out of a trust. Schedule a free consultation today to hear about our flat fee, contingency-based Heggstad Petition services.
Descriptions of property for Heggstad Petitions — What’s enough?
If a trust only identifies property by general references, a Heggstad Petition can still help a successor trustee avoid probate.
Where should a Heggstad Petition be filed? —Venue in Probate Code 850 petitions
Where should your Heggstad Petition be filed? You might assume that it has to be in the county where your deceased relative lived or in the county where the property is located. But, in most cases, neither of those details matter!
The Law Office of Ravi Patel provides Trust Litigation services in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, Napa County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Solano County, Sonoma County and throughout California.