Law Offices of Keith Codron
Keith Codron is an Orange County attorney with more than 40 years of experience in the field of trusts and estates. He has been certified as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. Mr. Codron's practice is focused on asset and lifestyle protection, advanced estate planning and litigating disputes involving trusts and estates.
Of the many thousands of licensed attorneys in Orange County, California, fewer than 100 have earned the designation, “Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law,” by the California State Bar. Whether your situation is simple or complex, consider hiring an attorney who is a certified specialist – an attorney who is committed to maintaining proficiency through focused practice and continuing education.
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A properly drafted will should clearly identify all beneficiaries and leave no ambiguity surrounding the intentions of the Testator. Unfortunately, estate planning documents, whether wills or trusts, do not always reflect the intentions of the testator. We have many years of experience in litigating disputes involving wills, trusts, powers of attorney and other estate planning documents, and have successfully represented trustees, executors, beneficiaries and principals in such matters, specifically including the following: compelling a trustee to report information and account to beneficiaries; determining the validity of certain trust provisions and determining to whom property shall pass; modifying or terminating a trust; instructing the trustee; determining whether a breach of fiduciary duty has occurred; and elder abuse matters
When someone with standing objects to a will or a trust, the estate might have to be litigated. This is sometimes referred to as a “will contest.” These disputes can be complex and should be navigated by attorneys with expertise in such matters, including an intimate knowledge of probate court rules and procedures.
Typically, if a will is involved, a probate court will determine whether or not it is valid and should be executed. If the will is found to be valid, the court will oversee the allocation of assets and will ensure that the named executor carries out the wishes of the decedent in a lawful and timely manner. The court also oversees the distribution of assets if the testator, or deceased person, died intestate, without a valid will.
Administration
When a loved one passes away, his or her estate often goes through a court-managed process called probate or estate administration where the assets of the deceased are managed and distributed. If your loved-one owned his or her assets through a well drafted and properly funded living trust, it is likely that no court-managed administration is necessary, though the successor trustee needs to administer the distribution of the deceased. The length of time needed to complete the probate of an estate depends on the size and complexity of the estate and the local rules and schedule of the probate court.
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More and more people are using the legal system to deprive others of their life’s work. Over 19 million new lawsuits are filed in the United States every year, many of which are frivolous or settled for sums greater than the actual liability.
Business owners, professionals such as doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants, and property owners in particular should be aware of the risk associated with conducting their business, practicing in their respective fields, and taking responsibility for others.
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Law Offices of Keith Codron
949.622.5450
19200 Von Karman Ave Suite 600 Irvine, CA
I have known Keith Codron for more than 20 years. Keith is an excellent attorney and tax specialist. He is a man of high integrity and operates with great efficiency. His expertise and stellar client service are his hallmark. If you need well researched, precise information, including the best possible legal advice, you found the right tax lawyer in Keith.
Law Offices of Keith Codron
949.622.5450
19200 Von Karman Ave Suite 600 Irvine, CA
Keith helped us set up a family trust to better protect our dependents. He was very knowledgeable and skilled, and explained each step along the way. He is a very professional individual and can keep a confidence. I would happily recommend his services.
Law Offices of Keith Codron
949.622.5450
19200 Von Karman Ave Suite 600 Irvine, CA
Keith has done an outstanding job of managing our family's portfolio. He is always looking for opportunities to enhance earnings and minimize risk. He has been extremely helpful in navigating our way through a myriad of legal issues ensuring that inheritance issues have been successfully resolved.
While nobody wants to think about death or disability, establishing an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Proper estate planning not only puts you in charge of your finances, it can also spare your loved ones of the expense, delay and frustration associated with managing your affairs when you pass away or become disabled.
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Please contact our Orange County, CA Estate Planning and Asset Protection Law Firm with your questions, comments or concerns. We would be happy to schedule an appointment for your consultation.
Orange County, CA
19200 Von Karman Ave Suite 600
Irvine,
CA
92612
Phone: Call our office 949.622.5450
Fax: 949.622.5452