Welcome to affordable and accessible estate planning
Hello!
My name is Lynn, and I’m the managing attorney at Lynn Girvin Law, P.C. I’ve been practicing law for over twenty-five years, and I truly love what I do. My practice is focused exclusively on estate planning, with a personalized approach tailored to your unique family dynamics and financial situation. One size does not fit all, and as your trust attorney, I take the time to understand your goals, pay close attention to detail, and create a plan designed just for you.
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I know firsthand the challenges that growing families face, and I understand that many people are hesitant to deal with attorneys - or the financial side of estate planning. I also understand the emotional strain that can come with losing a loved one, which is why planning ahead is so important. My goal is to offer a welcoming, secure, and judgment-free experience. I work on a flat fee basis to eliminate surprises, and you’re always welcome to reach out with questions - without worrying about unexpected charges.
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I understand that this process is new to most people so I am here to provide guidance and understanding so you are confident that you've made the best plans for yourself and your family as I have for so many other happy clients ...
Don't take my word for it -
see what our happy clients have to say!
Not Sure Where to Start? We’re Here to Help
Every family has a personality of its own. We take the time
to understand your situation and design the right plan for you.
Take Three Simple Steps for Peace of Mind
1. Information Gathering.
Once we schedule your first appointment, I’ll send you a short worksheet to help you think through your goals and gather some basic info. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I'm here to make things easy. Just bring the completed form to our first meeting. I’m looking forward to getting started!
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2. Let's Meet!
In our first meeting (about an hour), we’ll talk through your goals and any concerns you have. I’ll explain everything clearly—no legal jargon. Whether you prefer a big-picture overview or want to dive into the details, this is your time to ask questions and get clarity. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
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3. Plan Completion.
After our first meeting, I’ll put together your custom plan - this usually takes about two weeks. I'll send you the draft and am happy to review it with you. Once you’re happy with everything, we’ll meet to sign and notarize the documents (about an hour). I’ll walk you through each step and help with the funding process too. After that, your plan is in place and your family’s protected. It’s that simple
What's the Big Deal About Probate?
Probate in California can get expensive, especially for larger or more complex estates. Costs include court filing fees, attorney and executor fees, appraisal costs, and document certifications. Keep in mind, probate fees are based on the gross value of the estate - not accounting for debts like mortgages.
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Court Filing Fee
To start a probate case, there’s a $435 court filing fee (as of 2024). This fee is mandatory, though fee waivers may be available for those who qualify based on financial hardship. Additional court and administrative costs often bring the total well over $1,000.
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Attorney & Executor Fees
These are usually calculated as a percentage of the estate’s gross value, and they scale up with larger estates.
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Appraisal Fees
Probate referees charge around 0.1% of the appraised value of the assets.
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Extraordinary Fees
If the case involves unusual work—like lawsuits, running a business, or resolving tax issues—the court may approve extra fees for attorneys or executors. These aren’t guaranteed and must be approved by the judge.
See For Yourself!​
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Calculate how much probate would cost your estate using the California
Estate Value Probate Fee
First $100,000 4%
Next $100,000 3%
Next $800,000 2%
Next $9 million 1%
Next $15 million 0.5%
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For example, an estate valued at $3,000,000 would incur probate fees in the range of $210,000!