Probate and Guardianship in San Francisco: What You Need to Know

Navigating the legal process after the death or incapacity of a loved one can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming. At the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, we guide families in San Francisco and the Bay Area through the often-complex areas of probate and guardianship, offering compassionate support and trusted legal experience every step of the way.

Whether you are seeking to distribute a loved one’s estate or protect the rights and well-being of a minor or incapacitated adult, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. This involves validating the will (if one exists), paying off debts and taxes, and distributing assets to heirs.

In California, probate is overseen by the court and can become time-consuming, expensive, and public—especially if there are disputes or no estate plan in place. Our attorneys help clients efficiently manage the probate process, ensuring compliance with California law and minimizing unnecessary delays.

What Is Guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints someone to care for a minor or an incapacitated adult (referred to as a conservatorship in adult cases). This often comes into play when:

• A child’s parents are deceased or unable to care for them
• An adult is no longer able to manage their own personal or financial affairs
• There was no prior estate planning in place to name a guardian or establish powers of attorney

Establishing guardianship is a serious responsibility and must be approved by the court. Our firm assists clients with the legal filings, hearings, and ongoing obligations that come with acting as a guardian.

How Probate and Guardianship Intersect

Probate and guardianship often overlap, particularly in cases where:

• A parent passes away without naming a guardian for their minor children
• A will names a guardian, but the court must formally approve the appointment
• A minor inherits assets through an estate, and a guardian must be appointed to manage those assets until the child reaches adulthood
• An incapacitated adult’s finances or property must be handled through probate while a conservator manages their care

At Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, we provide comprehensive legal services that address both probate administration and guardianship matters—ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected and estates are managed properly. 

Need help with probate or guardianship in San Francisco? Call us today at 415-300-2144 for a consultation.

Our San Francisco Probate and Guardianship Services Include:

• Full probate administration and estate settlement
• Will validation and court filings
• Guardianship petitions for minors and incapacitated adults
• Legal guidance for appointed guardians and conservators
• Litigation in contested probate or guardianship cases
• Help with emergency temporary guardianships

Why Choose Us?

The Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden offers decades of experience helping Bay Area families with sensitive and complex legal matters. We take pride in our:

• Compassionate, family-focused approach
• In-depth knowledge of California probate and guardianship law
• Clear communication and transparency
• Dedication to protecting the rights of minors, seniors, and vulnerable adults

We know how difficult these situations can be—and we’re here to make them easier to manage. Whether you're facing probate after the loss of a loved one or need to establish guardianship for a child or adult, our firm is here to help. We work with families across San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, providing trusted legal guidance with compassion and skill.

Call the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden at 415-300-2144 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.