Heggstad Petition Services in Stockton, CA

The total cost for a Heggstad petition in Stockton can vary based on the complexity of the estate and attorney involvement. Court filing fees in San Joaquin County are typically around $465. If you work with a legal document preparation service like Laguna Legal Help, your total cost will generally be much lower than hiring a probate attorney, which can run $2,500 or more depending on the circumstances. We offer a more affordable, flat-fee alternative for eligible clients.

Once a Heggstad petition is filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court, the timeline to resolution is typically 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the court’s schedule, whether there are objections, and how quickly the proper notice is served. In uncontested cases, the petition can be granted without a hearing. If a hearing is required, the timeline may be extended based on the court calendar and any legal complications.

You must notify all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties of the petition. This includes providing formal written notice at least 15 days before the court hearing. The notice must comply with California Probate Code and local San Joaquin County rules. Laguna Legal Help ensures that notice is handled correctly and that all required parties are served in a timely manner.

There is no fixed statute of limitations specifically for filing a Heggstad petition, but it should be filed as soon as the issue is discovered—typically during the trust administration process. Delay can lead to complications or even legal disputes from other beneficiaries or interested parties. Acting promptly protects the estate and ensures smoother administration.

The process begins with gathering evidence that the decedent intended to include the omitted asset in their trust (such as a signed trust schedule or trust amendment). Laguna Legal prepares the necessary court forms, including the Petition to Confirm Trust Assets (Heggstad Petition), along with supporting declarations and exhibits. We file your petition with the San Joaquin County Superior Court, serve notice to all required parties, and monitor the status until the court renders a decision. In many cases, the petition can be approved without a formal hearing.