I am named in a will. What should I ask first?

Ask whether probate is needed and what authority is required to act. Bring the will and asset information rather than relying on the title of executor alone.

What if I cannot find a will?

Tell counsel what documents are available and what efforts have been made to locate one. Bring family and property information for a discussion of the next steps.

Can you review a disagreement about the estate?

Gather the documents and correspondence related to the concern. Explain your role and what has happened so the potential scope of legal help can be discussed.

Should I gather tax records?

Bring existing returns, tax notices, and information about estate income and assets. Ask which issues need legal review and which require tax professional coordination.

How do I prepare for the initial conversation?

Make an asset list, identify known debts, and collect court papers or notices. A brief timeline of the matter helps focus the review.

Truckee, California — Truckee & Donner Summit

Probate and estate settlement · Truckee

Probate Guidance in Truckee, CA

Steady legal support for the responsibilities that follow the loss of a loved one.

Free consultation (530) 550-8736

County: Nevada County
Probate venue: Superior Court of California, County of Nevada
Our office: In town · 10270 Donner Pass Road
Region: Truckee & Donner Summit

Understand the process before the next decision

The Andrews Law Firm helps Truckee executors and administrators work through probate with clear explanations and organized support. We review the estate documents, property, debts, tax questions, and distribution issues, while recognizing the personal strain that often accompanies estate administration. A focused consultation can help establish the next priorities.

The probate path in Nevada County

Six stages, one court.

1Petition filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada
2Hearing; letters issued to the executor or administrator
3Notice to creditors; four-month claim period
4Inventory and appraisal by a probate referee
5Petition for final distribution
6Distribution and discharge

Statutory compensation

Estate value	Executor	Attorney	Combined
$500,000	$13,000	$13,000	$26,000
$1,000,000	$23,000	$23,000	$46,000
$2,000,000	$33,000	$33,000	$66,000

Probate Code §10800 and §10810. Calculated on the estate’s gross value, without subtracting mortgages; extraordinary services can be requested separately.

With a will or without one

The documents and family circumstances shape the questions that need to be answered. We assist with will review and administration, and help clients understand California succession rules when there is no will governing probate property.

Organized folders, a calendar and a pen on a desk in a Truckee home — Truckee Nevada County, California

Keep the estate work coordinated

Inventory, valuation, financial obligations, and court requirements require careful attention. We help organize the process and address disputes, including concerns about a will or disagreements between interested parties, as the estate moves toward settlement.

California rules that apply in Nevada County

The same state law, applied to Truckee property.

Truckee households often combine full-time residents with owners of second homes in neighborhoods such as Tahoe Donner. Truckee is in Nevada County, so a probate or conservatorship for a Truckee resident is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Nevada.

Read the full probate guide

County of residenceWhere it is filed
Probate is opened in the Superior Court of the county where the decedent was domiciled at death (Probate Code §7051).
4 monthsCreditor claims
Claims are due within four months after letters issue, or 60 days after notice is mailed to a creditor, whichever is later (Probate Code §9100).
4% · 3% · 2% · 1%Statutory fees
Executor and attorney compensation are each set by statute on the estate value: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000 and 1% of the next $9 million (Probate Code §10800, §10810).

Worth settling early in Truckee.

Executor and administrator guidance: Understand your role, the records involved, and the legal questions that need attention at each stage.
Estate records and assets: Review property information and valuation needs to build an accurate picture of the estate.
Tax and dispute questions: Identify tax matters requiring further advice and discuss concerns that may affect administration or the distribution of property.

More for Truckee families.

Estate PlanningWills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives drafted to work together. Living TrustsRevocable trusts that keep funded assets out of probate and under your control. Trust AdministrationTrustee guidance through notices, inventory, taxes, accountings and distribution. Small Estate AdministrationSimplified California procedures for estates under the statutory limit. Conservatorship & GuardianshipCourt-supervised protection for adults and minors, and the alternatives to consider first. Asset ProtectionLawful structures that reduce avoidable exposure for personal and business assets. Tax PlanningGifts, sales and basis decisions coordinated with your estate plan. Estate Tax PlanningFederal estate tax, portability and transfer planning for larger estates. Business SuccessionOwnership and leadership transitions written into your estate plan. All practice areasEstate planning, trusts, probate, tax and protective proceedings.

Probate in other communities: Tahoe City Kings Beach Homewood Sierraville See all areas served

Our office

10270 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161

Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM

Directions

In clients’ own words.

All client reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ronald Schmader 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As grieving parents of our deceased son, we were in need of guidance with regard to what do we do next.  Our son was without a will and, we had no experience with how to proceed. Luckily, we contacted Elane at the Andrews Law Firm Truckee who immediately understood our situation and was able to provide the information we needed and the necessary legal paperwork to resolve our problem. Our problem was magnified by the fact that we live in Milwaukee and involved my son's car for which we could not find the title. Rather than have to return to Truckee after 40 days to request a new title, Elane assisted us in creating a power attorney for a friend in Truckee which negated our having to return to Truckee from Milwaukee to simply apply for a new title. We are very appreciative with the help we found at The Andres Law Firm Truckee. Thank you, Elaine!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David VanderJagt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We really appreciate all the excellent work the Andrew’s Law Firm has done with updating our Trust. Her attention to detail is very appreciated and guiding us through our Trust planning has been exemplary . David and Linda VanderJagt
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   I “Sue” S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and efficient handling of my new Trust.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stephanie (Lady Lebala) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were referred to Elaine Andrew's law firm through a friend and I'm very happy we went and sat down with her.   She quickly recognized a few mistakes in our previous trust and worked to correct them and ensure that our trust followed all legal requirements.  We now feel confident that we have a very solid trust for the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy Ann Homer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Elaine was very supportive and professional.  She sincerely listened to my concerns and questions.  She advised me of California Laws and guided me through the process of what steps would be the best for preparing my will.   Kenneth reviewed page by page of my will with me (before signing) and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend The Andrews Law Firm they made my dreaded will preparation bearable.  Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Linda Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Process was quick and easy. Appreciated all the help they provided.

This testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Frequently asked questions

Questions from Truckee families.

I am named in a will. What should I ask first?: Ask whether probate is needed and what authority is required to act. Bring the will and asset information rather than relying on the title of executor alone.
What if I cannot find a will?: Tell counsel what documents are available and what efforts have been made to locate one. Bring family and property information for a discussion of the next steps.
Can you review a disagreement about the estate?: Gather the documents and correspondence related to the concern. Explain your role and what has happened so the potential scope of legal help can be discussed.
Should I gather tax records?: Bring existing returns, tax notices, and information about estate income and assets. Ask which issues need legal review and which require tax professional coordination.
How do I prepare for the initial conversation?: Make an asset list, identify known debts, and collect court papers or notices. A brief timeline of the matter helps focus the review.

Right here in Truckee.

Our office is at 10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161. Ask about meeting arrangements if getting to the office is difficult.

Book a free consultation Call (530) 550-8736