One Form at a Time.
I prepare the documents, so you don't have to.
Making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
I don’t just guide you through probate, I actually do the work. I get your court documents ready to go, fully prepared, ready to sign and file. I help you stay on top of deadlines, avoid mistakes, and move through the process with confidence. Whether you're just getting started or trying to fix a costly mess, I offer reliable, affordable support. Fast, clear, and done right.
I help people like you navigate the probate process without an expensive attorney. I can handle all the paperwork, from preparing and helping file court forms to guiding you step-by-step, so you can move forward with confidence. See what I offer below.
I assist in preparing all the necessary probate documents, organizing paperwork, tracking deadlines, and helping you respond to court requests, so you don’t have to deal with the stress. You can focus on your family and the loss of your loved one while I’m behind the scenes making sure everything is handled properly, thoroughly, and on time. You can move forward knowing the paperwork is taken care of by someone who knows the process inside and out.
I’ll complete the required forms for the estates assets, and ensure everything is ready for submission to the court and the probate referee. No guesswork, just accurate, compliant paperwork.
Need help wrapping up the estate? I prepare the final reports and accounting documents required by the court, making sure everything is clear, correct, and ready for approval.
From applying for a probate bond to preparing the forms needed for bond release, I handle the paperwork and make sure the bond process doesn’t become a roadblock. When everything’s done, I take care of the paperwork for the final filings to officially close the case, freeing up any remaining bond and giving you peace of mind that everything is wrapped up properly.
I can help you with court filings, electronically or in person. You don’t have to wait in line, figure out confusing portals, pay for expensive parking or risk missing a deadline. I make sure your paperwork gets where it needs to go, fast and filed correctly.
I’m Renee Harris, and no, I’m not an attorney. I don’t give legal advice, and I don’t hold any licenses. What I do have is years of hands-on experience assisting attorneys, executors, and families with the one thing most people dread: the paperwork.
For years, I worked directly with attorneys behind the scenes, preparing probate forms, organizing filings, and helping keep cases on track. I was the one they relied on to get the paperwork right. Later, through my work in real estate, especially with probate property, I became even more familiar with the court process, timelines, and required documentation.
I don’t pretend to be anything I’m not. I’m simply someone who knows the paperwork, understands how the probate system works, and is here to help you get it done accurately, affordably, and without the overwhelm.
If you're navigating probate without an attorney or just need help handling the forms, I’m here to support you.
Renee was an absolute lifesaver. Seriously. I had hired a paralegal who had me chasing down relatives I’d never even met. Then Renee stepped in and showed me I didn’t need to do any of that, my original attorney had already resolved it. I would’ve ended up giving money away to people I didn’t even know. Probate is complicated, and you need someone who truly knows what they’re doing. I can’t recommend Renee highly enough.
I had been in probate since 2018 and made a lot of mistakes along the way. I closed an account I shouldn’t have, transferred property into my name too early, and made other errors—not out of malice, just misunderstanding. The court was not happy. I even hired someone who said they were a paralegal, but all their paperwork was rejected. A friend referred me to Renee, and within one week she fixed everything, got the case closed, and had my bond released. I can’t thank her enough.
I’d been stuck in probate since 2021 with nearly 40 court appointments and no real progress. Nothing was getting resolved. My niece told me about Renee, and she stepped in and cleared everything up—before my next court date, which was less than three weeks away. My case was complicated, with eight siblings and a long list of heirs, but Renee handled it with ease. I’m forever grateful and happy to have it over with.
FAQs
Answers to Your Key Probate Questions, Simplified.
Do I need a lawyer to file probate in Los Angeles?
Not always. Many probate cases can be handled without an attorney, especially if there’s no dispute among heirs. I provide affordable support with paperwork and court filings to help you navigate the process confidently.
What does a probate assistant like you do?
I help people complete and file probate forms, understand court procedures, and stay organized through the process. While I’m not a lawyer or paralegal, I’ve worked alongside attorneys and in real estate for years, and I’m experienced in the paperwork side of probate.
How much do you charge for Probate help?
Fees typically range from $250 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of your case and how much help you need.
In California, attorney fees are based on a percentage of the estate’s gross value, as set by law. For example, if the estate includes a house and other assets totaling $900,000, an attorney could receive $21,000—and that’s if everything goes smoothly.
With me, you get knowledgeable support at a much more reasonable cost, without giving up a big chunk of your inheritance.
What areas do you serve?
I specialize in helping families in Los Angeles County, but I can support clients throughout all of California via email, phone, and Zoom. Call me to discuss if you are not in Los Angeles County. (213) 248-2405
What if the court rejected my probate forms?
It happens more than you’d think. I can help you review the court notes, fix the mistakes, so the documents are ready to be refiled correctly, saving you time, money, and stress.
How does payment work?
You can pay upfront to keep costs lower, or choose a payment plan with a slightly higher total. For example, a $1,500 service may cost $1,650 if paid in installments. We’ll agree on a plan that works for you.
In many cases, you get reimbursed by the estate at the end of the probate process with court approval. I handle that paperwork too!
🏛️ California Courts & County Probate Resources
California Courts Self‑Help Guide – Wills, Estates & Probate
Statewide overview, forms, and step-by-step guides for probate, wills, and estates. (Opelon Law Firm, Self-Help Guide to the Courts)
Los Angeles Superior Court – Probate Division
LA County probate division portal with access to resources, forms, and court info. (Los Angeles Superior Court)
Los Angeles Superior Court – Self‑Help Resource Center
Information and fillable forms for self-represented litigants in probate. (Los Angeles Superior Court)
Find Your Self‑Help Center – California Courts
Directory for locating in-person, phone, or online self-help services statewide. (Self-Help Guide to the Courts)
Orange County Superior Court – Probate Resources
Quick links to forms, examiners, ADR, videos, and clinic info. (Orange County Superior Court, Los Angeles Superior Court)
San Joaquin County Superior Court – Probate Division
Information on estate administration, conservatorship, and case management. (San Joaquin Superior Court)
San Joaquin Wills, Trusts & Estates
Probate examiner notes, tentatives, case inquiry, e‑filing, and fees. (San Joaquin Superior Court)
🧭 Law Libraries & Self‑Help Centers
LA Law Library – Self‑Help Resources
Access to Judicial Council forms and legal guides for civil matters including probate. (LA Law Library)
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) Self‑Help
Hotline and in-person support centers—including probate assistance sites. (LAFLA, The Grossman Law Firm APC)
Self‑Help Legal Access Centers (SHLAC)
Administered across LA County offering legal clinics and information for self-represented litigants. (LA County Consumer Affairs)
Sacramento County Public Law Library
A resource for accessing probate materials, conservatorship help, and legal research. (Wikipedia)
⚖️ Legal Aid & Pro Bono Organizations
Public Counsel (Los Angeles)
Largest pro bono legal services provider in LA, offering guardianship and probate starter support. (Wikipedia)
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Free or low-cost support for seniors, guardianship, estate planning, and probate assistance. (Wikipedia)
📚 General Probate & Estate Tools
Uniform Probate Code (UPC)
The national model code covering wills, trusts, probate administration, and intestacy rules. (Wikipedia)
Opelon LLP – 50+ California Probate Resources
A large compiled list of probate resources for counties statewide. (Opelon Law Firm)
📑 LA‑Area Probate Notes & Tools
LA Superior Court – Probate Notes (Calendar)
View notes from probate examiners prior to hearings for smoother filings. (Los Angeles County Superior Court)
📘 Legal Research & How‑To Guides
UCLA LibGuides – Free Online Legal Research
Guide to self-help and public-facing legal resources, including probate. (UCLA Law LibGuides)
LAFLA How‑To Guides
Step-by-step directions for filling court forms, available online or at self-help centers. (LAFLA)
🌍 Regional Probate Court Resources
The Grossman Law Firm – California Probate Resources
Aggregates probate docs, referrals, county pages, and statute links. (The Grossman Law Firm APC)
San Bernardino County Probate Court
Helpful for estate administration in San Bernardino County courts. (The Grossman Law Firm APC)
Riverside County Probate Court
Resource directory covering probate forms, timelines, and court locations. (The Grossman Law Firm APC)
San Diego County Probate Court
Probate info for coastal and inland San Diego regions. (The Grossman Law Firm APC)
📺 Multimedia & Clinics
Orange County Probate Videos & Resources
Instructional videos, clinics, and step-by-step probate tutorials. (Orange County Superior Court)
🧬 Genealogy & Heir Research
California Genealogical Society
Helps with locating heirs, family trees, and vital records relevant in probate cases. (Wikipedia)
💡 Additional Helpful Resources
25. LawHelpCA.org – Free legal information for Californians including probate categories.
26. California State Bar – Self‑Help Info – Pamphlets and guides on probate law.
27. California Probate Code (official statute) – Text of probate laws governing estates in CA.
28. California Council of County Law Libraries – Portal to 58 county law libraries.
29. California Ask‑Now Librarian Chat – Live library chat service for legal questions.
30. LA County Bar Association – Trusts & Estates section – Forms and notices for probate matters.
31. Nolo Probate Resources – Layperson’s guides to probate and estate issues in CA.
32. LegalZoom California Probate Overview – Explanation of steps and forms (informational only).
33. Rocket Lawyer Probate California – DIY probate guidance (not competitors but tools).
34. MoneyTip$ Estate Planning – Articles on wills, trusts, and avoiding probate.
35. USC Law Libraries – Self‑Help Guides – University legal library resource pages.
36. Pepperdine University Estate Planning Guides – Educational legal insight for California probate.
37. Golden State Probate Referee Information – Info on appraiser and referee roles in probate.
38. California Probate Referee Assignment List – Directory of county-approved referees.
39. California Elder Law & Probate Blog (CA DOJ) – Updates and elder-specific probate info.
40. California Judicial Branch – Probate ADR program – Alternative dispute resolution for probate cases.
Don't worry, I can help!