Welcome to affordable and accessible estate planning
Hello!
My name is Lynn, and I am the managing attorney at Lynn Girvin Law, P.C. With over twenty-five years of experience exclusively in estate planning, I do what I do because I genuinely love it, and because it matters.
I believe that no two families are alike, and your estate plan should reflect that. I take the time to understand your unique goals and circumstances so that the plan we create together is truly yours.
I know this process can feel overwhelming, and I know that life does not always go as planned. My office is a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can ask questions freely. I work on a flat fee basis so there are never any surprises - and you can always reach out without worrying about unexpected charges.
My goal is simple: to make sure you leave feeling confident and at peace knowing your family is protected. Let me take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy what truly matters.
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!
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.
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
The Real Impact of Probate on Families
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.
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.
Attorney & Executor Fees
These are usually calculated as a percentage of the estate’s gross value, and they scale up with larger estates.
Appraisal Fees
Probate referees charge around 0.1% of the appraised value of the assets.
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!
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%
For example, an estate valued at $3,000,000 would incur probate fees in the range of $210,000!