Los Angeles County Probate Judges: What to Expect at Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Quick Answer
Los Angeles County probate cases are heard at Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown LA. Probate judges handle everything from routine estate administration to contested will disputes. Cases are assigned randomly to one of several probate departments. Having an experienced probate attorney who knows the local court system can make a significant difference in how smoothly your case proceeds.
If you're facing probate in Los Angeles County, you're probably wondering what to expect. Who are the probate judges? What's the courthouse like? How long will it take?
As a probate attorney with over 25 years of experience at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, I've appeared before Los Angeles probate judges hundreds of times. In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about the LA County probate court system.
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Where Are Los Angeles County Probate Cases Heard?
All Los Angeles County probate cases are heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles. This is the central courthouse for the entire county, regardless of where the deceased person lived.
Whether the person lived in Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Monica, or anywhere else in LA County, probate will be handled at Stanley Mosk. This can be inconvenient for families in outlying areas, which is one reason many people hire local probate attorneys who can make court appearances on their behalf.
Stanley Mosk Courthouse Details
- Address: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Probate Departments: Departments 2, 5, 9, 11, 29, 67, and 79
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
- Parking: Limited and expensive; public transit or nearby paid lots recommended
How Are Probate Cases Assigned to Judges?
When you file a probate petition, your case is randomly assigned to one of several probate departments. You don't get to choose your judge, and the assignment is essentially luck of the draw.
Each probate department has its own judicial officer (judge or commissioner) and court staff. While all judges apply the same California Probate Code, each department may have slightly different procedures, preferences for how documents should be formatted, and expectations for hearings.
Why Local Experience Matters
This is where having an experienced local probate attorney matters. An attorney who regularly appears at Stanley Mosk knows each department's preferences and can avoid the delays and complications that come from not following local customs.
What Do Los Angeles Probate Judges Handle?
Los Angeles County probate judges handle a wide variety of matters related to estates, trusts, and conservatorships:
Estate Administration
- Petitions for Probate (with or without a will)
- Appointment of executors and administrators
- Approval of estate inventories and accountings
- Authorization to sell real property
- Final distribution of estate assets
Contested Matters
- Will contests
- Disputes over executor actions
- Beneficiary disputes
- Claims against the estate
- Breach of fiduciary duty claims
Trust Matters
- Petitions to confirm trustees
- Trust modification or termination
- Trust accountings
- Trustee removal
Conservatorships
- Appointment of conservators for incapacitated adults
- Oversight of conservatorship administration
- Limited conservatorships for adults with developmental disabilities
What to Expect at a Los Angeles Probate Hearing
If you've never been to probate court, here's what typically happens:
Before the Hearing
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security screening and finding the right courtroom. Stanley Mosk is a large, busy courthouse. Bring your petition, any supporting documents, and identification. Dress professionally — business casual at minimum.
The Calendar Call
Most probate departments begin with a calendar call, where the clerk calls each case and parties (or their attorneys) announce their presence. If you're represented by an attorney, you typically don't need to speak — your attorney handles everything.
Routine vs. Contested Matters
Routine matters — like uncontested petitions for probate or approval of accountings — usually take just a few minutes. The judge reviews the paperwork, asks a few questions, and grants the petition. Contested matters are different. If someone objects to a petition, the judge may set a trial date or require additional hearings.
The Tentative Ruling System
Los Angeles County probate departments use a tentative ruling system. Before the hearing, the court issues a tentative ruling (usually posted online the day before) indicating how the judge intends to rule. If all parties accept the tentative, the matter may be taken off calendar without requiring an appearance. This system saves time for everyone.
How Long Does Probate Take in Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County probate typically takes 12-18 months for a straightforward estate. Here's a general timeline:
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Filing to First Hearing | 6-8 weeks |
| Creditor Claim Period | 4 months |
| Inventory Filing | 4 months from appointment |
| Administration | 6-12 months |
| Final Distribution | 1-2 months after petition approved |
Contested Estates Take Longer
Contested estates or estates with complications (tax issues, real estate sales, creditor disputes) can take significantly longer — sometimes 2-3 years or more.
Probate vs. Living Trust: The Numbers
Why You Need a Los Angeles Probate Attorney
While you can technically represent yourself in probate court, it's not advisable. Here's why:
- Complex procedures: California probate involves numerous filings, strict deadlines, and specific procedural requirements. Miss a deadline or file the wrong form, and your case gets delayed.
- Local rules: Los Angeles County has local rules that supplement the California Probate Code. An experienced local attorney knows these rules.
- Court appearances: Multiple hearings at Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown LA can be inconvenient and time-consuming. An attorney can appear on your behalf.
- Fiduciary liability: Executors and administrators have legal duties to the estate and beneficiaries. Mistakes can result in personal liability. An attorney protects you.
Better Yet: Avoid Probate Altogether
The best way to deal with Los Angeles County probate court? Don't go there at all. A properly funded living trust allows your estate to pass to your beneficiaries without any court involvement — saving your family 12-18 months and tens of thousands of dollars.
Need Help With Los Angeles County Probate?
I've been appearing before Los Angeles County probate judges for over 25 years. I know the courthouse, I know the procedures, and I know how to move your case through the system efficiently.
Schedule Your Free Probate Consultation
Rozsa Gyene, Esq. — California State Bar #208356
25+ Years Experience at Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Phone: (818) 291-6217
Office: 450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600, Glendale, CA 91203
Serving: All of Los Angeles County
Don't let your family face probate court
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Start Your Trust OnlineKey Takeaways: Los Angeles County Probate
- All LA County probate goes to Stanley Mosk — 111 North Hill Street, downtown Los Angeles
- Cases are randomly assigned to Departments 2, 5, 9, 11, 29, 67, or 79
- Probate takes 12-18 months for routine cases, longer for contested matters
- LA County uses tentative rulings — check online the day before your hearing
- Local experience matters — each department has its own preferences
- A living trust avoids probate entirely — no court appearances, no fees, no delays
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is probate court in Los Angeles County?
All Los Angeles County probate cases are heard at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles, regardless of where in LA County the deceased person lived.
How are probate cases assigned to judges in LA County?
Probate cases are randomly assigned to one of several probate departments (Departments 2, 5, 9, 11, 29, 67, and 79). You don't get to choose your judge.
How long does probate take in Los Angeles County?
Typical probate in Los Angeles County takes 12-18 months for straightforward estates. Contested estates or those with complications can take 2-3 years or more.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Los Angeles?
While California law allows self-representation, it's not recommended. Los Angeles probate involves complex procedures, strict deadlines, and local court rules. An experienced attorney familiar with Stanley Mosk Courthouse can navigate the process efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
Can I avoid probate court in Los Angeles County?
Yes. A properly funded living trust allows your estate to pass to beneficiaries without any court involvement, saving your family 12-18 months and tens of thousands of dollars in probate fees.
Legal Review By
Rozsa Gyene, Esq.
California State Bar #208356 | Licensed Since 2000
25+ years estate planning experience in California