High-Wealth Probate Administration

Probate Administration Lawyer for High-Wealth Estates

In the aftermath of a loved one’s passing, administration of the estate of the deceased person (decedent) becomes a priority. The unfamiliar probate administration process can be a challenge for grieving families under any circumstances. When an estate contains extensive or complex assets, the process becomes further complicated.

Most people with estates valued at $1 million or more have created an estate plan to ensure that their loved ones are protected and their wishes are carried out. Having that guidance is invaluable to surviving family members; even so, carrying out the decedent’s intentions can be complicated. An experienced high-wealth probate administration lawyer can help your family navigate the process with as little stress and conflict as possible. To learn more, or to get help, contact Fox Law to schedule a consultation.

Understanding California Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling an estate according to the terms of a valid will or California law if there is no will. The person charged with administering an estate is called an executor if there is a will, or an administrator if there is not.

The umbrella term that refers to both executors and administrators is “personal representative of the estate.” The court grants the personal representative authority under what are called Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration that authorize them to manage estate business. The personal representative’s duties include:

• Identifying, safeguarding, and valuing estate assets
• Notifying all interested parties of the probate administration process, including heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
• Managing estate property
• Paying all legitimate debts of the estate
• Filing and paying income taxes of the estate, and, if applicable, federal estate tax
• Distributing remaining assets according to the will, or according to California law if there is no will.

The services of the personal representative of the estate are considered a benefit to the estate, as are the services of a probate administration attorney. Both are paid a statutory fee according to the gross estate value.

Why High-Wealth Probate Is Different

Large estates aren’t different simply because of their size, but because of their complexity. The assets they contain are different not just in amount, but often in nature. Errors in administration are often costly, not only in terms of finances, but because they can lead to conflict and risks between beneficiaries. Some issues common to high-wealth estates include:

• Complex asset valuation issues: High-wealth estates often include unique assets like artwork, closely held business interests, investments, collectibles, and other assets that are difficult to value.
• Federal estate tax exposure: As of 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per individual ($30 million per married couple). Estates above this threshold face filing and payment deadlines.
• Multi-jurisdictional property: Large estates often have real property and assets in multiple states or countries, making one or more ancillary probate processes necessary in addition to the primary probate process.
• Greater likelihood of disputes: The amount of assets, along with the fact that some of those assets are difficult to value accurately, means that conflict among family members is more likely, as well as more costly.
• Multi-layered estate plans: High-wealth estates often involve complicated estate plans that can include not only a last will and testament but multiple revocable and irrevocable trusts, limited liability companies and family partnerships, and other planning tools. The probate process must be coordinated with all of these structures that pass assets outside probate.
• Higher potential exposure for fiduciaries: Personal representatives of California probate estates may be personally liable for even unintentional mistakes in carrying out their duties. Not only are high-wealth estates more complicated, they are more likely to be scrutinized by beneficiaries, creditors, and the court.

Probate administration of a high-wealth estate can take two years, or perhaps longer, especially if there are disputes and probate litigation that must be resolved. A knowledgeable probate administration attorney can help the personal representative keep the process on track and avoid needless missteps that can lead to costly delays. An attorney with extensive probate litigation experience can also represent personal representatives or other parties in court in the event of a dispute.

How Fox Law Helps in High-Wealth Probate Administration

Probate administration, even when it involves a significant estate, isn’t primarily about assets. It’s about honoring the wishes of the decedent and creating fairness and peace of mind for the people left behind. These cases are complex financially, legally, and emotionally. The attorneys of Fox Law approach high-wealth probate administration with both skill and sensitivity.

As estate and trust litigation attorneys, our team understands where things can go wrong in the probate process and the issues that can result. Our priority is reaching a resolution that carries out the decedent’s final wishes while preventing conflict. However, we are at home in the courtroom, and comfortable advocating for our clients in litigation if that becomes necessary.