Estate Planning in Woodland Hills

Woodland Hills is one of the largest, most established communities in the San Fernando Valley, with roughly 70,000 people and home values that now sit around $1.15 million. A lot of those homes have been in the same family for decades. That is exactly the situation where a house passes through probate instead of straight to the kids, and where the right plan keeps it in the family instead of tying it up in court.

I’m Eric Ridley, an estate planning attorney since 2010. I work with Woodland Hills area families on flat-fee plans, in person and by video, with clear advice and no upselling.

Probate in the Woodland Hills area

Woodland Hills is part of the City of Los Angeles, so an estate here goes through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Probate is public, and it usually runs well over a year before the family can settle things. The statutory attorney and executor fees are calculated on the full value of the home, not the equity, so a mortgage does not shrink the bill. On a Woodland Hills house, that runs into real money. A properly funded living trust avoids probate entirely.

What your plan should cover

For most Woodland Hills families, the core plan is a living trust with the home and other major assets funded into it, a pour-over will as a backstop, a durable power of attorney for finances, and an advance health care directive. If you have minor children, the will is where you name their guardian. And if you want the house to pass to your kids without a reassessment surprise, we build in Prop 19 planning while the options are still open.

Woodland Hills Estate Planning FAQs

Which county handles probate for Woodland Hills?

Woodland Hills is a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles, so probate is handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It is a busy court, which is part of why the process takes so long and why avoiding it with a funded trust is worth doing.

Do I need a living trust if I own a home in Woodland Hills?

If you own a home here, a living trust is usually the right call. With values around $1.15 million, a home by itself is more than enough to force your family into Los Angeles County probate. A funded trust keeps the house out of court and passes it privately.

How does Prop 19 affect the home I leave my kids?

Under Prop 19, a child who inherits your home generally keeps your low property-tax basis only if they move in and make it their primary residence, and even then there are limits. If they plan to keep it as a second home or a rental, the property is typically reassessed. Planning ahead lets us weigh the choices before they are locked in.

Can we handle this without multiple office visits?

Yes. I handle most Woodland Hills plans by video, with one signing visit if that is easier for you. Flat fee, quoted up front, so you know the full cost before we start.

Related

See also Living Trusts, Wills, Calabasas, Encino, and Prop 19 Planning.

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Written by Eric D. Ridley: Estate Planning Attorney, Ridley Law. Serving Ventura County since 2010. Learn more about Eric →